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At least 271 records · Page 15

Flying Qualities Analysis and Piloted Simulation Testing of a Lift+Cruise Vehicle with Propulsion Failures in Hover and Low-Speed Conditions

The recent emergence of electric-Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) vehicles for Urban Air Mobility (UAM) applications has resulted in a wide variety of configurations with unique stability and control characteristics. NASA is currently conducting research to develop conceptual design tools to accelerate public acceptance of these vehicles which includes requirements for safety during failure scenarios. This paper summarizes progress toward a toolbox for predicting flying qualities of eVTOL vehicles during critical propulsion failures that could impact the allowable design of the vehicle geometry or control system. Key topics include unique vulnerabilities of eVTOL/multirotor vehicles to propulsion failures, relevant flying qualities design metrics, and simulation modeling requirements for assessing flying qualities degradation due to failures. Results of a piloted simulation study conducted in the NASA Ames Vertical Motion Simulator (VMS) are presented. The VMS experiment was designed to assess and validate key handling qualities and safety design metrics for propulsion failures. These results show the correlation between control system design requirements and the degradation in handling qualities for various propulsion failures.

George Altamirano↗

Autonomous formation flying sensor for the Star Light Mission

The StarLight Mission, an element of NASA's Origins Program, was designed for first-time demonstration of two technologies: formation flying optical interferometry between spacecraft and autonomous precise formation flying of an array of spacecraft to support optical interferometry. The design overview and results of the technology effort are presented in this paper.

AFF sensor AFF formationf flying sensor autonomous↗

Relative Sensor with 4(pi) Coverage for Formation Flying Missions

The Terrestrial Planet Finder (TPF) pre-project, an element of NASA's Origins program, is currently developing two architectures for a mission to search for earth-like planets around nearby stars. One of the architectures being developed is the Formation Flying Interferometer (FFI). The FFI is envisioned to consist of up to seven spacecraft (as many as six 'collectors' with IR telescopes, and a 'combiner') flying in precise formation within f 1 cm of pre-determined trajectories for synchronized observations. The spacecraft-to-spacecraft separations are variable between 20 m and 100 m or more during observations to support various configurations of the interferometer in the planet-finding mode. The challenges involved with TPF autonomous operations, ranging from formation acquisition and formation maneuvering to high precision formation control during science observations, are unprecedented. In this paper we discuss the development of the formation acquisition sensor, which uses novel modulation and duplexing schemes to enable fast signal acquisition, multiple-spacecraft operation, and mitigation of inherent jamming conditions, while providing precise formation sensing and integrated radar capability. This approach performs delay synthesis and carrier cycle ambiguity resolution to improve range measurement, and uses differential carrier cycle ambiguity resolution to make precise bearing angle measurements without calibration maneuvers.

formation flying sensors↗

Computational screening of fly ash zeolite sorbents for boric acid removal

In the United States, many impoundments at coal-fired power plants contain elevated contaminants like arsenic, boron, barium, and selenium. Zeolites synthesized from fly ash show promise as sorbents for these contaminants. However, optimizing sorption capacity is challenging due to numerous possible topologies, silicon to aluminum (Si/Al) ratios, and cation types. In this study, molecular simulations are used to design cationic zeolites for boric acid adsorption. Force field models based on quantum mechanical calculations (PBE + D2) for Na-, Ca-, Mn-, and Fe-exchanged chabazite and LTA are presented. The new D2FF force fields reproduce DFT energies with about half the error of UFF. Zeolite performance depends on Si/Al ratio and cation type, with low Si/Al ratio chabazite (CHA) and phillipsite (PHI) zeolite frameworks exchanged with Ca 2+ or Na + /Ca 2+ mixtures showing the highest adsorption. In conclusion, these findings suggest tailored fly ash-derived zeolites could provide effective boron removal from leachate ponds.

CCR impoundment↗

Analysis of Changes in Thermomechanical Properties and Structure of Polyamide Modified with Fly Ash from Biomass Combustion

Study of performance of polyamide with fly ash addition with different contents of filler was carried out. In this article studies were performed: dynamical mechanical properties, thermal properties and structure research. The profiles of changes in the value of storage modulus E′ and tangent of mechanical loss angle tgδ depend on the temperature and frequency of vibrations. The crystallinity degree was examined using DSC methodology whereas the structure was analysed by means of the optical microscope. The increase in the value of storage modulus versus temperature and vibration frequency for the samples with addition of filler and the increase in the crystallinity degree and polymer matrix with reduced addition of fly ash were observed. A reduction in size of the structural components was also found, particularly for the composites with filler content. Graphical Abstract: .

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

Influence of the composition of cement kiln dust on its interaction with fly ash and slag

Cement kiln dust (CKD), a by-product of the cement industry, contains significant amounts of alkali, free lime, chloride and sulfate. Wide variation reported in the chemical composition of CKDs limits their potential application as a sustainable binder component in concrete. In the current study, the performance of two different CKDs as components in a novel binder is evaluated. Several binders are developed by blending CKDs with fly ash or slag. Binders with 70% CKD were prepared at a water-to-binder ratio of 0.4, and heat-cured at 75 °C to accelerate the strength development. The hydration progress was monitored using X-ray diffraction, and morphological examination was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Ettringite and calcium aluminosilicate hydrate (C-A-S-H) were identified as the main hydration products in the hardened binder system. Strength development of CKD-based binder was found to be significantly influenced by its free lime and sulfate contents. -- Highlights: •Interaction of cement kiln dust with fly ash and slag was explored. •CKD with higher free lime and sulfate content increased the strength of binder. •C-S-H like reaction gel with fibrillar morphology is observed in CKD-based binders.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Utilisation of steel furnace slag coarse aggregate in a low calcium fly ash geopolymer concrete

This paper evaluates the performance of steel furnace slag (SFS) coarse aggregate in blended slag and low calcium fly ash geopolymer concrete (GPC). The geopolymer binder is composed of 90% of low calcium fly ash and 10% of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS). Mechanical and physical properties, shrinkage, and detailed microstructure analysis were carried out. The results showed that geopolymer concrete with SFS aggregate offered higher compressive strength, surface resistivity and pulse velocity than that of GPC with traditional aggregate. The shrinkage results showed no expansion or swelling due to delayed calcium oxide (CaO) hydration after 320 days. No traditional porous interfacial transition zone (ITZ) was detected using scanning electron microscopy, indicating a better bond between SFS aggregate and geopolymer matrix. Energy dispersive spectroscopy results further revealed calcium (Ca) diffusion at the vicinity of ITZ. Raman spectroscopy results showed no new crystalline phase formed due to Ca diffusion. X-ray fluorescence result showed Mg diffusion from SFS aggregate towards geopolymer matrix. The incorporation of Ca and Mg into the geopolymer structure and better bond between SFS aggregate and geopolymer matrix are the most likely reasons for the higher compressive strength observed in GPC with SFS aggregate.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

The mechanism of limited inhibition by fly ash on expansion due to alkali–silica reaction at the pessimum proportion

The inhibitory role of fly ash (FA) on alkali–silica reaction (ASR) expansion is drastically reduced at the pessimum proportion relative to its role at full proportion. The main contribution of FA to inhibiting ASR expansion is to reduce the alkalinity of the pore solution and it is dependent on the thermodynamic equilibrium between the pore solution and the calcium-silicate-hydrate (C-S-H) gel. C-S-H gel with low Ca/Si ratio can bind a large amount of alkalis. However, when the concentration is higher than the threshold concentration for reaction, C-S-H gel plays a role in buffering the alkali concentration in the pore solution by supplying alkali. Thus, the inhibitory role of FA on ASR expansion decreases at the pessimum proportion because the aggregate can react with alkali even at low alkali concentrations. Therefore, replacing cement with a larger amount of fly ash is essential to reaching the threshold for reaction.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Pozzolanic reaction of fly ash modified by fluidized bed reactor-vapor deposition

This study aimed to introduce fluidized bed reactor-vapor deposition (FBR-VD) into the modification of fly ash (FA) using the activators of NaOH, Na{sub 2}SO{sub 4}, and NaCl. The compressive strength, non-evaporable water and the hydration degree fly ash (HDFA) were investigated. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) Rietveld analysis were also conducted. The results demonstrate that FBR-VD can benefit the compressive strength when the dosage rates of NaOH, Na{sub 2}SO{sub 4} and NaCl are 0.1%, 0.5%, and 0.5%, respectively. The non-evaporable water and HDFA also increased at certain activator dosage rates. A modification layer consisting of nanometer-scale crystals forms on the surface of the FA beads, with NaOH or Na{sub 2}SO{sub 4} applied. NaOH can react with FA and promote its pozzolanic activity. Na{sub 2}SO{sub 4} and NaCl can benefit the HDFA by remaining undissolved, to increase their concentration around FA. The enhanced HDFA is also proved by the consumption of Ca(OH){sub 2}.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Isothermal calorimetry and in-situ XRD study of the NaOH activated fly ash, metakaolin and slag

Much is unknown about the reaction processes responsible for the formation and polycondensation of geopolymers and other alkali activated materials. In this work, isothermal calorimeter and in-situ XRD were adopted to study the heat and mineral evolution of NaOH activated fly ash, metakaolin and ground granulated blast furnace slag. Both activator concentration and temperature have profound influences on duration of exothermal geopolymerization peaks. NaOH activated fly ash is more temperature dependable, with much higher activation energy than metakaolin and slag. The dissolution of source precursor is rapid and the formation of new phases can be detected by the end of the initial dissolution period. The in-situ XRD measurement together with the PONKCS analysis method promotes quantitative estimation of amorphous evolution during alkali activation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Performance of fly ash concrete with ferronickel slag fine aggregate against alkali-silica reaction and chloride diffusion

Ferronickel slag (FNS) is an industrial by-product of ferronickel alloy production at a high temperature which can be a promising potential to be used as fine aggregate to produce more sustainable concrete. In this study, the performance of concrete containing ferronickel slag sand and fly ash relating to alkali-silica reaction (ASR) and chloride contamination was investigated. ASR-induced expansion, chloride diffusion resistance, and chloride binding capacity of FNS concrete were determined through concrete prism tests (CPT), accelerated diffusion test, and bulk diffusion test. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was conducted to measure the amount of Portlandite and Friedel's salt in concrete. Concrete with 50 wt% FNS sand as fine natural aggregate replacement and 25 wt% of cement replacement by fly ash showed a remarkable potential to be used not only as a low-carbon concrete with comparable mechanical properties to conventional concrete but also with a better performance against ASR and chloride contamination.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Development of a high-temperature inorganic synthetic foam with recycled fly-ash cenospheres for thermal insulation brick manufacturing

In this study, a novel inorganic synthetic solid foam composed of recycled fly-ash cenospheres (FACs) is developed with low-density, good thermal insulation performance, and reasonable mechanical strength. The manufacturing process utilizes low-fraction clay binder materials diluted in water, enabling a self-assembling mechanism assisted by natural capillary effect to form minimal contacts among the FACs. The microstructure and minimal contact formation were confirmed by optical and electron microscope imaging. Both thermal and mechanical properties of the fly-ash cenosphere synthetic solid foam (FAC-SSF) materials were experimentally studied as functions of key material parameters including cenosphere particle size and clay content. A numerical model was developed to predict the effective thermal conductivity of FAC-SSF using a three-step homogenization method which takes into account different thermal percolation paths within the material. The inorganic synthetic foam developed has the potential for thermal insulation applications taking advantage of their relatively simple, low-cost, and scalable manufacturing process, minimal use of binder materials, and relatively high mechanical strength and highly tailorable properties.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Multi-faceted framework for extrapolating early age flexural strength to facilitate rapid lifting/handling of high-volume fly ash precast members

Maintaining adequate early-age structural performance for precast concrete components has grown in importance as more sustainable mix designs become more widespread. Achieving high-early flexural strength is particularly crucial to facilitate rapid removal of hardened concrete components from formwork, often within 24 h after fresh concrete placement. Limited research has assessed the effectiveness of traditional design methods in correlating flexural strength with compressive strength for next-generation mix designs, or demonstrated extrapolation of such material performance to larger-scale structural tests. This paper presents a multi-faceted framework to reassess early-age flexural strength for concretes made with relatively high proportions of fly ash from both fresh and harvested sources. Here, the framework provides several pathways, from which the user can select based upon available resources and the specific application, to improve accuracy of early-age cracking moment calculations. Furthermore, the scope includes evaluation of strength performance under curing conditions emulative of those in a precast facility, recommending modulus of rupture equations which are more performance-driven than current design provisions, and experimental tests on prefabricated concrete beams to validate the proposed methodologies. Correlations of early-age strength with both concrete age and maturity measurements compare the effectiveness of utilizing in-situ data to further enhance the prediction methods. Ultimately, the proposed framework helped reduce errors when calculating cracking moment capacity at early ages by tailoring calculations to reflect mix-dependent behavior. Furthermore, most estimates of cracking moment were within 25 % of their corresponding experimental test results, thus promoting confidence for using these strategies with high-volume fly ash precast structures.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Electrochemical study of Aluminum-Fly Ash composites obtained by powder metallurgy

In this paper, two different ASTM C 618 Class C fly ashes (FA) were used for the production of aluminum metal matrix composites (MMCs) using powder metallurgy (PM) technology. Calcareous FAs were sampled from the electrostatic precipitators of two different lignite-fired power stations: from Megalopolis, Southern Greece (MFA) and from Kardia, Northen Greece (KFA), under maximum electricity load. FAs were milled in order to reduce the mean particle diameter and Aluminum-FA composites containing 10% and 20% of FA were then prepared and compacted. The green products were sintered for 2 h at 600 Degree-Sign C. Sintered Al-FA MMCs showed increased hardness and wear resistance suggesting their possible use in industrial applications for example in covers, casings, brake rotors or engine blocks. As most possible industrial applications of MMCs not only require wear resistance, but also corrosion resistance in different mild aggressive medias, this paper aims to study the electrochemical behavior of FA MMCs in order to evaluate their corrosion resistance. The morphology and chemical composition of the phases in the Aluminum-FA composite samples were investigated using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDXS). Moreover, topographic and Volta potential maps were acquired by Scanning Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy (SKP-FM). Volta potential maps provide information about the electrochemical behavior of the different phases in absence of electrolyte. The electrochemical behavior was investigated by Open Circuit Potential measurements and potentiodynamic polarization, while the corrosion mechanisms were studied by SEM observations after different times of immersion in a mild corrosive medium. In all cases it could be stated that the addition of the FA particles into the Al matrix might cause an increase of the hardness and mechanical properties of the pure aluminum but deteriorates the corrosion resistance. The degradation phenomena occurring on the FA containing samples might be related to the following mechanisms: 1) Partial detachment or dissolution of the FA soluble phases, in particular based on Si, Fe and Ca; 2) dissolution of the Al matrix surrounding the FA particles due to crevice corrosion; 3) Al localized dissolution due to galvanic coupling between the Fe-rich intermetallics and the matrix. - Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Aluminum metal matrix composites containing two types of fly ashes have been characterized. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The microstructure and the electrochemical behavior have been studied using different techniques. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The addition of FA deteriorates the corrosion resistance of the aluminum. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Degradation mechanisms: galvanic coupling, crevice corrosion, detachment of FA particles.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Biosynthesis of titanium dioxide nanoparticles using a probiotic from coal fly ash effluent

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Metal resistant probiotic species was isolated from coal fly ash effluent site. • Uniform sized anatase form of TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles were synthesized using Propionibacterium jensenii. • Diffraction patterns confirmed the anatase – TiO{sub 2} NPs with average size <80 nm. • TiO{sub 2} nanoparticle incorporated wound dressing exhibits better wound healing. - Abstract: The synthesis of titanium dioxide nanoparticle (TiO{sub 2} NP) has gained importance in the recent years owing to its wide range of potential biological applications. The present study demonstrates the synthesis of TiO{sub 2} NPs by a metal resistant bacterium isolated from the coal fly ash effluent. This bacterial strain was identified on the basis of morphology and 16s rDNA gene sequence [KC545833]. The physico-chemical characterization of the synthesized nanoparticles is completely elucidated by energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and transmission and scanning electron microscopy (TEM, SEM). The crystalline nature of the nanoparticles was confirmed by X-RD pattern. Further, cell viability and haemolytic assays confirmed the biocompatible and non toxic nature of the NPs. The TiO{sub 2} NPs was found to enhance the collagen stabilization and thereby enabling the preparation of collagen based biological wound dressing. The paper essentially provides scope for an easy bioprocess for the synthesis of TiO{sub 2} NPs from the metal oxide enriched effluent sample for future biological applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

A mechanistic study on the synthesis of β-Sialon whiskers from coal fly ash

Graphical abstract: The appearance of bead-like whiskers indicated that the growth mechanism of the β-Sialon whiskers was different from the conventional one, in which a chain of droplets were formed and then consumed to participate in the formation of the whiskers. - Highlights: • β-Sialon whiskers were synthesized using waste fly ash by carbothemal reduction reaction under nitrogen atmosphere. • Rod-like β-Sialon whiskers with a diameter of 100–500 nm were formed. • Bead-like whiskers as intermediate morphology of the growing β-Sialon whiskers were found with increasing sintering time. • The growth mechanism of β-Sialon whiskers was different from the conventional VLS mechanism. • A chain of droplets were formed and participated in the formation of the whiskers. - Abstract: β-Sialon whiskers were produced at 1420 °C through carbothemal reduction reaction under nitrogen atmosphere using fly ash from coal-fired power plants. The effects of sintering time on the phase formation and morphology of the products were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) techniques. Rod-like β-Sialon whiskers with the diameter of 100–500 nm were successfully formed. With increasing sintering time, bead-like morphology during the growth process of the whiskers was found, and growth mechanism of β-Sialon whiskers was also discussed in detail. The growth mechanism proposed in this study was different from the conventional vapor–liquid–solid (VLS) mechanism.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Simultaneous recovery of vanadium and nickel from power plant fly-ash: Optimization of parameters using response surface methodology

Highlights: • Leaching of vanadium and nickel from fly ash (14.43% V and 5.19% Ni) in sulfuric acid was performed. • Optimization of leaching parameters was carried out using a response surface methodology. • Using optimum conditions, 94.28% V and 81.01% Ni “actual recovery” was obtained. - Abstract: Simultaneous recovery of vanadium (V) and nickel (Ni), which are classified as two of the most hazardous metal species from power plant heavy fuel fly-ash, was studied using a hydrometallurgical process consisting of acid leaching using sulfuric acid. Leaching parameters were investigated and optimized in order to maximize the recovery of both vanadium and nickel. The independent leaching parameters investigated were liquid to solid ratio (S/L) (5–12.5 wt.%), temperature (45–80 °C), sulfuric acid concentration (5–25 v/v%) and leaching time (1–5 h). Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the process parameters. The most effective parameter on the recovery of both elements was found to be temperature and the least effective was time for V and acid concentration for Ni. Based on the results, optimum condition for metals recovery (actual recovery of ca.94% for V and 81% for Ni) was determined to be solid to liquid ratio of 9.15 wt.%, temperature of 80 °C, sulfuric acid concentration of 19.47 v/v% and leaching time of 2 h. The maximum V and Ni predicted recovery of 91.34% and 80.26% was achieved.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

The removal of Zn2+, Pb2+, and As(V) ions by lime activated fly ash and valorization of the exhausted adsorbent

This study focuses on the use of raw fly ash (FA) and modified fly ash – activated by lime (MFA), as effective and low-cost adsorbents for the removal of heavy metals (Zn2+, Pb2+and As(V)), followed by the revalorization of the exhausted adsorbent. The granulometric, elemental analysis, point of zero charge (pHPZC), radiochemical and structural characterization were conducted using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and gamma spectrometry techniques. The optimal conditions and key factors influencing the adsorption process were assessed using the response surface method (RSM). The adsorption capacity of the MFA adsorbent for Zn2+, Pb2+and As(V) removal, calculated by the Langmuir model, was found to be 33.13, 26.06, and 29.71 mg g−1, respectively. The kinetic and thermodynamic parameters indicated that the adsorption process is spontaneous and endothermic. Due to their low desorption potential of the exhausted adsorbents, their effective reuse was established to be feasible. For this reason, the valorization of this material as an additive in construction materials was thereafter studied, where testing its toxicity leaching (TCLP) as well as the mechanical properties of construction material containing exhausted MFA confirmed its safe use. Hence, this study points to a possible “two-in-one” reuse of coal ash, initially as an adsorbent and later as an additive in a construction material.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗