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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 37 records · Page 2
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1989

Energy efficient continuous flow ash lockhopper

The invention relates to an energy efficient continuous flow ash lockhopper, or other lockhopper for reactor product or byproduct. The invention includes an ash hopper at the outlet of a high temperature, high pressure reactor vessel containing heated high pressure gas, a fluidics control chamber having an input port connected to the ash hopper's output port and an output port connected to the input port of a pressure letdown means, and a control fluid supply for regulating the pressure in the control chamber to be equal to or greater than the internal gas pressure of the reactor vessel, whereby the reactor gas is contained while ash is permitted to continuously flow from the ash hopper's output port, impelled by gravity. The main novelty resides in the use of a control chamber to so control pressure under the lockhopper that gases will not exit from the reactor vessel, and to also regulate the ash flow rate. There is also novelty in the design of the ash lockhopper shown in two figures. The novelty there is the use of annular passages of progressively greater diameter, and rotating the center parts on a shaft, with the center part of each slightly offset from adjacent ones to better assure ash flow through the opening.

Collins, Earl R., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS2013

Multi-Partner Experiment to Test Volcanic-Ash Ingestion by a Jet Engine

A research team of U.S. Government agencies and engine manufacturers are designing an experiment to test volcanic-ash ingestion by a NASA owned F117 engine that was donated by the U.S. Air Force. The experiment is being conducted under the auspices of NASA s Vehicle Integrated Propulsion Research (VIPR) Program and will take place in early 2014 at Edwards AFB in California as an on-ground, on-wing test. The primary objectives are to determine the effect on the engine of several hours of exposure to low to moderate ash concentrations, currently proposed at 1 and 10 mg/m3 and to evaluate the capability of engine health management technologies for detecting these effects. A natural volcanic ash will be used that is representative of distal ash clouds many 100's to approximately 1000 km from a volcanic source i.e., the ash should be composed of fresh glassy particles a few tens of microns in size. The glassy ash particles are expected to soften and become less viscous when exposed to the high temperatures of the combustion chamber, then stick to the nozzle guide vanes of the high-pressure turbine. Numerous observations and measurements of the engine s performance and degradation will be made during the course of the experiment, including borescope and tear-down inspections. While not intended to be sufficient for rigorous certification of engine performance when ash is ingested, the experiment should provide useful information to aircraft manufacturers, airline operators, and military and civil regulators in their efforts to evaluate the range of risks that ash hazards pose to aviation.

Lekki, John↗
NASA NTRS1972

Lunar ash flows - Isothermal approximation.

Suggestion of the ash flow mechanism as one of the major processes required to account for some features of lunar soil. First the observational background and the gardening hypothesis are reviewed, and the shortcomings of the gardening hypothesis are shown. Then a general description of the lunar ash flow is given, and a simple mathematical model of the isothermal lunar ash flow is worked out with numerical examples to show the differences between the lunar and the terrestrial ash flow. The important parameters of the ash flow process are isolated and analyzed. It appears that the lunar surface layer in the maria is not a residual mantle rock (regolith) but a series of ash flows due, at least in part, to great meteorite impacts. The possibility of a volcanic contribution is not excluded. Some further analytic research on lunar ash flows is recommended.

Pai, S. I.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Morphology and petrography of volcanic ashes.

Study of volcanic ash samples collected from a variety of recent eruptions using petrography, chemical analyses, and scanning electron microscopy to characterize each type and to relate ash morphology to magma composition and the type of eruption. The ashes are placed in the broad genetic categories of magmatic and phreatomagmatic. The morphology of ash particles from magmatic eruptions of high viscosity magma is governed primarily by vesicle density and shape. Ash particles from eruptions of low viscosity magmas are mostly droplets. The morphology of ash particles from phreatomagmatic eruptions is controlled by stresses within the chilled magma which result in fragmentation of the glass to form small blocky or pyramidal glass ash particles.

Heiken, G.↗
NASA NTRS2013

Filling the Gaps: The Synergistic Application of Satellite Data for the Volcanic Ash Threat to Aviation

Although significant progress has been made in recent years, estimating volcanic ash concentration for the full extent of the airspace affected by volcanic ash remains a challenge. No single satellite, airborne or ground observing system currently exists which can sufficiently inform dispersion models to provide the degree of accuracy required to use them with a high degree of confidence for routing aircraft in and near volcanic ash. Toward this end, the detection and characterization of volcanic ash in the atmosphere may be substantially improved by integrating a wider array of observing systems and advancements in trajectory and dispersion modeling to help solve this problem. The qualitative aspect of this effort has advanced significantly in the past decade due to the increase of highly complementary observational and model data currently available. Satellite observations, especially when coupled with trajectory and dispersion models can provide a very accurate picture of the 3-dimensional location of ash clouds. The accurate estimate of the mass loading at various locations throughout the entire plume, however improving, remains elusive. This paper examines the capabilities of various satellite observation systems and postulates that model-based volcanic ash concentration maps and forecasts might be significantly improved if the various extant satellite capabilities are used together with independent, accurate mass loading data from other observing systems available to calibrate (tune) ash concentration retrievals from the satellite systems.

Murray, John↗
DOE OSTI2024

Speciation and Aqueous Dissolution of Macronutrients in Fire Ash: Variation across Ecosystems and the Effects on Nutrient Cycling

This study investigated the speciation and aqueous dissolution of macronutrients in fire ash from diverse ecosystems and speciation of ash and smoke from laboratory burning, exploring the variations and their causes. The speciation of phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), and potassium (K) in fire ash from five globally distributed ecosystems was characterized by using X-ray absorption spectroscopy and sequential fractionation. Aqueous dissolution of the macronutrients was measured by batch experiments at acidic and alkaline pHs. The results showed that P existed mainly as Ca phosphates, Ca as double carbonates, calcite, and sulfates, and most K was associated with Ca carbonates. Mineralogy and the relative abundance of the species were primarily controlled by elemental stoichiometry and fire temperature. Differences in Ca and P speciation existed between ash and smoke from laboratory burning, possibly caused by the temperature difference and/or mass fractionation during burning. The rates, extents, and pH dependencies of macronutrient dissolution differed among macronutrients and depended on their speciation, with K being highly soluble and the P and Ca regulated by solution pH. The variability in ash macronutrient chemistry and ecosystemspecific fire ash loads resulted in varying loads and availability of individual macronutrient from fire among ecosystems. This study provides a mechanistic understanding of how fires transform the chemistry of macronutrients and affect macronutrient returns to soils across different ecosystems, which is essential for evaluating the disturbance to ecosystem nutrient cycling by fires.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1972

Distribution and directional fabric of ash-flow sheets in the northwestern Mogollon Plateau, New Mexico.

Individual ash-flow sheets distributed over wide areas in the Mogollon-Datil volcanic province can be delineated and related by flow direction techniques to specific source cauldrons. Two major mid-Tertiary ash flows in the Mogollon Plateau have measurable microscopic directional fabric indicative of primary flow direction imprinted in the ash-flow sheets during late-stage laminar flow. Regional stratigraphic relationships and flow patterns of the ash-flow sheets indicate a late Tertiary origin of the Mogollon Plateau depression. They also show that Basin-Range faulting in southwestern New Mexico was not initiated until after emplacement of the younger ash flow (23 m.y. B.P.). Directional fabric is an inherent property of many calc-alkalic ash-flow sheets and measurement of preferred orientation provides a powerful tool in unravelling the geologic history of complex volcanic terrane.

Rhodes, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1974

An atlas of volcanic ash

Volcanic ash samples collected from a variety of recent eruptions were studied, using petrography, chemical analyses, and scanning electron microscopy to characterize each ash type and to relate ash morphology to magma composition and eruption type. The ashes are best placed into two broad genetic categories: magnetic and hydrovolcanic (phreatomagmatic). Ashes from magmatic eruptions are formed when expanding gases in the magma form a froth that loses its coherence as it approaches the ground surface. During hydrovolcanic eruptions, the magma is chilled on contact with ground or surface waters, resulting in violent steam eruptions. Within these two genetic categories, ashes from different magma types can be characterized. The pigeon hole classification used here is for convenience; there are eruptions which are driven by both phreatic and magmatic gases.

Heiken, G.↗
NASA NTRS2018

Fire Induced Rock Spalls as Long-Term Traps for Ash

Severe fires accelerate rock weathering by spalling and exfoliation, creating abundant peels, flakes or spalls. In the following years, these spalls serve as physical traps which accommodate fine particles of dust, ash, organic matter, etc. We searched for traces of ash trapped under the spalls, after four major fires: 1989, 2005, 2010 and 2015 in Israel. Samples were collected beneath the spalls that formed on the rock outcrops, and in the immediate vicinity above and below them. Three laboratory analyses were performed: pH, EC and color. Five mineral/organic compounds were measured across the Mid-Infrared (MIR) spectral region at diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform mode: Hydroxylapatite (HAp), charcoal, organic carbon, montmorillonite and kaolinite. Several statistical analyses were performed: MANOVA, PCA and silhouette analysis on K-means clustering. The results show evidence of ash trapped under the spalls formed during the 2005 and 2010 fires, 6 to 11 years after the fires. Charcoal presence is evident, as well as increased amounts of HAp and organic carbon. In the exposed soil above or below the burned rock outcrop, these values are lower. Negligible amounts of ash were measured 27 years after the fire. In the 2015 burned outcrop, large amounts of charcoal were found above and below the outcrop, but not under the spalls. It seems that on the carbonate slopes of Israel and under Mediterranean climate, the time required for spalls to begin functioning as traps is longer than one rainy season, while ash traces are preserved in these traps for a period of two-three decades.

ash↗
NASA NTRS1982

Ash loading and insolation at Hanford, Washington during and after the eruption of Mount St. Helens

The effects of volcanic ash suspended in the atmosphere on the incident solar radiation was monitored at the Hanford Meteorological Station (HMS) subsequent to the major eruption of Mount St. Helens on May 18, 1980. Passage of the ash plume over Hanford resulted in a very dramatic decrease of solar radiation intensity to zero. A reduction in visibility to less than 1 km was observed, as great quantities of ash fell out of the plume onto the ground. Ash loading in the atmosphere remained very high for several days following the eruption, primarily as a result of resuspension from the surface. Visibilities remained low (2 to 8 km) during this period. Estimates of atmospheric turbidity were made from the ratio of diffuse-to-direct solar radiation; these turbidities were used to estimate extinction along a horizontal path, a quantity which can be related to visibility. Comparisons of observed and estimated visibilities were very good, in spite of the rather coarse approximations used in the estimates. Atmospheric clarity and visibility improved to near pre-eruption conditions following a period of rain showers. The diffuse-to-direct ratio of solar radiation provided a useful index for estimating volcanic ash loading of the atmosphere.

Laulainen, N. S.↗
NASA NTRS1983

El Chichon volcanic ash in the stratosphere - Particle abundances and size distributions after the 1982 eruption

Volcanic ash particles collected from the stratosphere after the March/April, 1982 explosive eruption of El Chichon volcano, Mexico, were mostly 2-40 micron vesicular shards of silicic volcanic glass that varied in abundance, at 16.8-19.2 km altitude, from 200 per cu m (30-49 deg N lat.) in May to 1.3 per cu m (45-75 deg N) in October. At the minimum, the ash cloud covered latitudes 10-60 deg N in July and 10 deg S-75 deg N in October. In May and July, ash particles were mostly free, individual shards (and clusters of shards) but, by October, were intimately associated with liquid droplets (presumably, sulfuric acid). In May 1982, the total stratospheric burden of ash was at least 240 tons (2.2 x 10 to the 8th g) although the total ash injected into the stratosphere by the eruption was probably 480-8400 tons.

Gooding, J. L.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Energy-Efficient, Continuous-Flow Ash Lockhopper

Pressure balance in control gas prevents loss of reactor gas. Energy efficiency of continuous-flow ash lockhopper increased by preventing hot gases from flowing out of reactor vessel through ash-hopper outlet and carrying away heat energy. Stopping loss of reactor gases also important for reasons other than energy efficiency; desired reaction product toxic or contained to prevent pollution. In improved continuous-flow ash lockhopper, pressure-driven loss of hot gas from reactor vessel through ash-hopper outlet prevented by using control gas in fluidic flow-control device to equalize pressure in reactor vessel. Also enables reactor to attain highest possible product yield with continuous processing while permitting controllable, continuous flow of ash.

Collins, Earl R., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS2023

Observing Ocean Ecosystem Responses to Volcanic Ash

Volcanic eruptions can be catastrophic events, particularly when they occur in inhabited coastal environments. They also play important roles in climate and biogeochemical cycles, including through nutrient deposition in the ocean. Volcanic ash studies in the ocean have focused on the phytoplankton response, generally quantifying changes in chlorophyll-a concentration. Many gaps remain in addressing fundamental questions regarding why volcanic ash deposition may enhance or limit both phytoplankton growth and/or drive community composition shifts. Here we outline a wide, multidisciplinary vision for monitoring volcanic eruptions near ocean ecosystems from satellites, including considerations for characteristics of airborne volcanic ash and ash geochemistry in seawater. Ultimately, observations beyond chlorophyll-a are needed to quantify phytoplankton communities (including harmful algal blooms) and possible impacts across higher trophic levels. We synthesize relevant research from volcanic studies as well as atmospheric and ocean sciences to identify the ‘known unknowns’ in ash-ecosystem studies. Our goal is to move toward an improved understanding of how real-time and near-real-time monitoring of volcanic eruptions can help address societally relevant questions.

volcano↗
DOE OSTI2024

Reassessing early-age strength development of high-volume fly ash concretes for precast buildings

Increasing beneficial use of fresh or landfilled fly ash as a replacement for Portland cement can be more challenging for the construction of precast buildings or similar applications requiring rapid strength development. Therefore, the framework presented in this paper aims to reassess high-volume fly ash concretes but in the context of facilitating more sustainable precast buildings. More specifically, the framework was used to characterize strength development of concrete mixes with a target minimum 24-hour compressive strength of 24.1 MPa (3500 psi), selected as an example strength development metric to demonstrate the framework, and comprised of 40% Class C, Class F, and landfilled (harvested) fly ash – as a high-volume replacement of Type III or Type IL cement. High-early strength was driven by optimized dosages of commercial grade gypsum and accelerating admixtures, in addition to optimal aggregate packing and mix proportioning strategies. Early-age mechanical properties including compressive strength, modulus of rupture, and modulus of elasticity were reevaluated within 24 hours of batching with respect to common precast production demands. Simple data analyses were then used to highlight cases where currently accepted design provisions for the aforementioned properties are either overly-conservative or unconservative with respect to test data. Furthermore, the framework and demonstration of example mixes presented herein aim to promote confidence for using larger fractions of fresh or landfilled fly ashes for precast buildings to further enhance environmental benefits without sacrificing pertinent early-age structural performance.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2025

Extraction and Separation of Rare-Earth Elements from Coal Fly Ash and Leachate using a Recyclable Ionic Liquid

Coal fly ash (CFA) can be a promising source for recovering rare-earth elements (REEs), as it contains a broad range of REEs with average concentrations frequently exceeding those in traditional rare earth mines. Recent research from our group has demonstrated that REEs can be preferentially extracted from CFA solids using a recyclable ionic liquid (IL), betainium bis-(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([Hbet][Tf2N]). When CFA was heated with the mixture of IL and an aqueous solution above 65°C, most leached REEs partitioned into the IL phase and were separated from the bulk elements. Subsequent acid stripping of the REE-loaded IL removed the REEs and regenerated the IL for reuse in multiple extraction cycles. This IL-based REE-CFA recovery method has been applied to ten CFA samples derived from different coal sources, including ash recovered from disposal ponds. Analysis of 34 elements confirmed the process consistently achieved high REE recovery efficiency, with strong selectivity over bulk and trace elements across diverse CFA types. In addition to the IL-solid extraction, the performance of [Hbet][Tf2N] in extracting REEs from fly-ash leachates have been evaluated by four commonly used leaching reagents, including HCl, HNO3, H2SO4, and citrate. During the IL-leachate extraction, [Hbet][Tf2N] was mixed and heated with a Class C fly ash leachate generated from each leaching reagent, followed by an acid stripping. It was observed that the partitioning and recovery of REEs increased as the leachate pH increased from 3 to 11. Among the investigated leachates, HCl and citrate proved to be the most compatible with IL extraction, exhibiting a slightly higher REE recovery and a lower non-REE co-extraction compared to the IL-solid extraction. Sc, Y, Nd, Sm, Gd, Dy, and Yb consistently showed a high recovery rate from both CFA solids and leachates. Notably, Pr, Tb, and Ho, which were not previously leached from the CFA solids, were partially recovered from the leachates. Overall, our studies revealed the strong potential of [Hbet][Tf2N] for effectively recovering REEs from leachates, highlighting its applicability as a sustainable strategy for other aqueous REE feedstocks. Furthermore, a techno-economic analysis will be performed to quantify the economic viability of the IL-based REE recovery method and guide future process improvement.

42 ENGINEERING↗
NASA NTRS1971

One dimensional lunar ash flow with and without heat transfer

The characteristics of lunar ash flow are discussed in terms of the two phase flow theory of a mixture of a gas and small solid particles. A model is developed to present the fundamental equations and boundary conditions. Numerical solutions for special ash flow with and without heat transfer are presented. In the case of lunar ash flow with small initial velocity, the effect of the heat transfer makes the whole layer of ash flow more compacted together than the corresponding isothermal case.

Pai, S. I.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Ambient airborne solids concentrations including volcanic ash at Hanford, Washington sampling sites subsequent to the Mount St. Helens eruption

Airborne solids concentrations were measured on a near daily basis at two Hanford, Washington sites after the eruption of Mount St. Helens on May 18, 1980. These sites are about 211 km east of Mount St. Helens. Collected airborne solids included resuspended volcanic ash plus normal ambient solids. Average airborne solids concentrations were greater at the Hanford meteorological station sampling site which is 24 km northwest of the Horn Rapids dam sampling site. These increased concentrations reflect the sampling site proximity to greater ash fallout depths. Both sites are in low ash fallout areas although the Hanford meteorological station site is closer to the greater ash fallout areas. Airborne solids concentrations were decreased by rain, but airborne solids concentrations rapidly increased as surfaces dried. Airborne concentrations tended to become nearly the same at both sampling sites only for July 12 and 13.

Sehmel, G. A.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Optical properties of the ash from El Chichon volcano

The visible wavelength optical properties of the ash from the 1982 El Chichon eruptions are measured using ash samples collected at three surface sites at distances between 12 and 80 km from the volcano. The most distant sample is assumed to be the most representative of the silicate ash injected into the stratosphere. The measured optical properties are presented as a complex refractive index n, while the aerosol absorption is expressed as the imaginary component of the refractive index, n sub IM. Results show that each of these samples exhibited low values of absorption, with n sub IM at 500 nm ranging from 0.0015 for the 12 km sample to 0.001 for the 80 km sample. Based on these measurements, it is estimated that n for the stratospheric silicate ash is given by n = 1.53 - 0.001i.

Patterson, E. M.↗