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At least 415 records · Page 23

NFD Methodology Report

The NetFlow Dynamics (NFD) model was developed for estimating the availability of a commodity supplied by a national- or regional-scale infrastructure following unexpected disruption of one or more of its components. The large scope of the disruptions of interest produce changes in availability lasting days to weeks. Consequently, the model does not resolve daily variations in system state and does not include the long-term processes that cause infrastructures to evolve as assets are added and removed according to owners ’planning decisions. NFD simulates fluid flow, including petroleum and other incompressible fluids, as well as natural gas and other compressible fluids, through pipeline networks characterized by limits on transmission capacity and storage. It was designed to enable efficient exploration of possible transmission system responses to large-scale disruptions lasting for days or longer. The model formulation reflects constraints on transmission and storage capacity imposed by the physical system assets. Those capacity limits are input parameters and are not derived from more basic system properties such as pipeline diameters and compressor power. A system’s response to a large disruption is controlled by operational decisions as well as damage to physical assets. The NFD model formulation allows users to efficiently consider alternative scenarios about the way remaining capacity might be used so that the analysis result appropriately reflects uncertainties about operator response.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Development of Magnesium Borane Containing Solutions of Furans and Pyrroles as Reversible Liquid Hydrogen Carriers (Final Technical Report)

The objective of this project was the development of a two-way liquid hydrogen carrier having a greater energy efficiency and lower delivery costs than either existing hydrogen carriers or conventional compressed H 2 gas transport technology. It was hypothesized that a hydrogen carrier consisting of solutions of furans and pyrroles containing Mg(BH 4 ) 2 and pincer complex catalyst, would have more than twice the volumetric available hydrogen density of the conventional two-way liquid hydrogen carrier, methylcyclohexane. Most notably the envisioned liquid hydrogen carrier would: 1) maintain high product selectivity through multiple cycles of dehydrogenation and hydrogenation; and 2) undergo rapid dehydrogenation and re-hydrogenation. The project was specifically aimed at the demonstration of at least one LOHC solution of Mg(BH 4 ) 2 and pincer catalyst that releases ≥ 50 g H 2 /L at ≤ 200 °C upon dehydrogenation and undergoes ≥ 25% rehydrogenation under 100 atm of H 2 at ≤ 200 °C.

08 HYDROGEN↗

Noise generated by a thin wing in a turbulent jet.

Linearized equations of motion describing a compressible, unsteady, viscous gas under the influence of an externally applied fluctuating force field are examined. The response of the medium is split into a near-field viscous wake mode and a far-field acoustic wave mode. The resulting modal equations are then used to predict both the undulating viscous wake and the far-field acoustic wave emitted by a thin wing (modeled by a dipole force field) in a cylindrical slug jet. The directivity pattern of the acoustic wave which propagates into the quiescent region beyond the jet is compared with available experiments. The peak frequency of the broad-band noise generated by upstream turbulence is also calculated and compared to published data.

Davis, S. S.↗

Gasdynamics and shock dynamics of weak shock waves

Experiments in weak-shock dynamics were conducted using a 17-in. diameter shock tube. Weak shocks were generated in air by a compressed nitrogen driver gas; the incident shock waves were brought to a focus by reflecting them from concave cylindrical reflectors at the endwall of the tube. It was found that the behavior of a shock discontinuity at a focus is determined by nonlinear gasdynamic processes. Consideration is also given to nonlinear resonance phenomena, i.e., phenomena associated with oscillatory motion in ducts, with amplitude so large that weak shocks occur. Attention is given to nonlinear resonance in open and closed tubes and to thermal and relaxation effects.

Sturtevant, B.↗

The lambda-scheme

A method for integrating the Euler equations of gas dynamics for compressible flows in any hyperbolic case is presented. This method is applied to the Mach number distribution over a stretch of an infinite duct having a variable cross section, and to the distribution in a channel opening into a vacuum with the Mach number equalling 1.04. An example of the ability of this method to handle two-dimensional unsteady flows is shown using the steady shock-and-isobars pattern reached asymptotically about an ablated blunt body with a free stream Mach number equalling 12. A final example is presented where the technique is applied to a three-dimensional steady supersonic flow, with a Mach number of 2 and an angle of attack of 5 deg.

Moretti, G.↗

Magnetic Bearings Would Increase Pump Efficiency

Active feedback applied to bearings windings compensate for unbalanced forces. Helical-screw rotation compresses and transports gas charges, which subject shafts to forces tend to displace them from their equilibrium positions. Magnetic bearings restore shafts to equilibrium, lowering friction and increasing efficiency.

Studer, P. A.↗

Recent developments in multigrid methods for the steady Euler equations

The solution by multigrid techniques of the steady inviscid compressible equations of gas dynamics, the Euler equations is investigated. Steady two dimensional transonic flow over an airfoil section is studied intensively. Most of the material is applicable to three dimensional flow problems of aerodynamic interest.

Jespersen, D. C.↗

High-mass star formation due to cloud-cloud collisions

Observational evidence is presented for the compression of molecular gas in the interface between colliding GMCs, and it is proposed that this is the dominant mode for high-mass star formation in the Galaxy. For a sample of 94 GMCs associated with high-luminosity radio H II regions, the efficiency of OB star formation decreases significantly with increasing cloud mass over the observed mass range. It is concluded that star formation is generally not stimulated by an internal mechanism. The formation of OB stars by cloud-cloud collisions is suggested by the observed quadratic dependence of the Galactic H II region distribution on the local density of H2. The preference for OB star formation in spiral arms is then naturally accounted for by orbit crowding and the increased collision frequency of clouds in the spiral arms.

Scoville, N. Z.↗

Pressure vessel flex joint

An airtight, flexible joint is disclosed for the interfacing of two pressure vessels such as between the Space Station docking tunnel and the Space Shuttle Orbiter bulkhead adapter. The joint provides for flexibility while still retaining a structural link between the two vessels required due to the loading created by the internal/external pressure differential. The joint design provides for limiting the axial load carried across the joint to a specific value, a function returned in the Orbiter/Station tunnel interface. The flex joint comprises a floating structural segment which is permanently attached to one of the pressure vessels through the use of an inflatable seal. The geometric configuration of the joint causes the tension between the vessels created by the internal gas pressure to compress the inflatable seal. The inflation pressure of the seal is kept at a value above the internal/external pressure differential of the vessels in order to maintain a controlled distance between the floating segment and pressure vessel. The inflatable seal consists of either a hollow torus-shaped flexible bladder or two rolling convoluted diaphragm seals which may be reinforced by a system of straps or fabric anchored to the hard structures. The joint acts as a flexible link to allow both angular motion and lateral displacement while it still contains the internal pressure and holds the axial tension between the vessels.

Kahn, Jon B.↗

Application of radial-equilibrium condition to axial-flow compressor and turbine design

Basic general equations governing the three-dimensional compressible flow of gas through a compressor or turbine are given in terms of total enthalpy, entropy, and velocity components of the gas. Two methods of solution are obtained for the simplified, steady axially symmetric flow; one involves the use of a number of successive planes normal to the axis of the machine and short distances apart, and the other involves only three stations for a stage in which an appropriate radial-flow path is used. Methods of calculation for the limiting cases of zero and infinite blade aspect ratios and an approximate method of calculation for finite blade aspect ratio are also given. In these methods, the blade loading and the shape of the annular passage wall may be arbitrarily specified.

Wu, Chung-Hua↗

Wave journal bearing with compressible lubricant--Part 1: The wave bearing concept and a comparison to the plain circular bearing

To improve hydrodynamic journal bearing steady-state and dynamic performance, a new bearing concept, the wave journal bearing, was developed at the author's lab. This concept features a waved inner bearing diameter. Compared to other alternative bearing geometries used to improve bearing performance such as spiral or herring-bone grooves, steps, etc., the wave bearing's design is relatively simple and allows the shaft to rotate in either direction. A three-wave bearing operating with a compressible lubricant, i.e., gas is analyzed using a numerical code. Its performance is compared to a plain (truly) circular bearing over a broad range of bearing working parameters, e.g., bearing numbers from 0.01 to 100.

Dimofte, Florin↗

Simulated dynamic response of a multi-stage compressor with variable molecular weight flow medium

A mathematical model of a multi-stage compressor with variable molecular weight flow medium is derived. The modeled system consists of a five stage, six cylinder, double acting, piston type compressor. Each stage is followed by a water cooled heat exchanger which serves to transfer the heat of compression from the gas. A high molecular weight gas (CFC-12) mixed with air in varying proportions is introduced to the suction of the compressor. Condensation of the heavy gas may occur in the upper stage heat exchangers. The state equations for the system are integrated using the Advanced Continuous Simulation Language (ACSL) for determining the system's dynamic and steady state characteristics under varying operating conditions.

Babcock, Dale A.↗

Centrifugal Compressor Surge Margin Improved With Diffuser Hub Surface Air Injection

Aerodynamic stability is an important parameter in the design of compressors for aircraft gas turbine engines. Compression system instabilities can cause compressor surge, which may lead to the loss of an aircraft. As a result, engine designers include a margin of safety between the operating line of the engine and the stability limit line of the compressor. The margin of safety is typically referred to as "surge margin." Achieving the highest possible level of surge margin while meeting design point performance objectives is the goal of the compressor designer. However, performance goals often must be compromised in order to achieve adequate levels of surge margin. Techniques to improve surge margin will permit more aggressive compressor designs. Centrifugal compressor surge margin improvement was demonstrated at the NASA Glenn Research Center by injecting air into the vaned diffuser of a 4:1-pressure-ratio centrifugal compressor. Tests were performed using injector nozzles located on the diffuser hub surface of a vane-island diffuser in the vaneless region between the impeller trailing edge and the diffuser-vane leading edge. The nozzle flow path and discharge shape were designed to produce an air stream that remained tangent to the hub surface as it traveled into the diffuser passage. Injector nozzles were located near the leading edge of 23 of the 24 diffuser vanes. One passage did not contain an injector so that instrumentation located in that passage would be preserved. Several orientations of the injected stream relative to the diffuser vane leading edge were tested over a range of injected flow rates. Only steady flow (nonpulsed) air injection was tested. At 100 percent of the design speed, a 15-percent improvement in the baseline surge margin was achieved with a nozzle orientation that produced a jet that was bisected by the diffuser vane leading edge. Other orientations also improved the baseline surge margin. Tests were conducted at speeds below the design speed, and similar results were obtained. In most cases, the greatest improvement in surge margin occurred at fairly low levels of injected flow rate. Externally supplied injection air was used in these experiments. However, the injected flow rates that provided the greatest benefit could be produced using injection air that is recirculating between the diffuser discharge and nozzles located in the diffuser vaneless region. Future experiments will evaluate the effectiveness of recirculating air injection.

Skoch, Gary J.↗

Nonstandard Analysis and Jump Conditions for Converging Shock Waves

Nonstandard analysis is an area of modern mathematics which studies abstract number systems containing both infinitesimal and infinite numbers. This article applies nonstandard analysis to derive jump conditions for one-dimensional, converging shock waves in a compressible, inviscid, perfect gas. It is assumed that the shock thickness occurs on an infinitesimal interval and the jump functions in the thermodynamic and fluid dynamic parameters occur smoothly across this interval. Predistributions of the Heaviside function and the Dirac delta measure are introduced to model the flow parameters across a shock wave. The equations of motion expressed in nonconservative form are then applied to derive unambiguous relationships between the jump functions for the flow parameters.

Baty, Roy S.↗

A System Level Mass and Energy Calculation for a Temperature Swing Adsorption Pump Used for In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) on Mars

Mars ISRU converts atmospheric CO2 to generate O2 and CH4. Reduces launch mass, thus mission cost. Increases mission duration and independence. CO2 acquisition system must: a) Reliably extract CO2 over the varying Martian environment. 1) approx. 0.67-0.93 kPa pressure and 2) 125 C to 40 C. b) Provide and compress high purity gas to chemical plants. 1) Separate N2, Ar2, etc. from approx. 95% CO2 atmosphere and 2) Current pressure targets: 50 kPa-500 kPa.

Propellants↗

TPSAS-NF1676L-18481-DND

Background: - Many of problems of interest involve involve moving or deforming geometries - Governing equations written in Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) form to account for grid speed - Nondimensionalization often more involved/confusing/critical Compatibility: - Fully compatible for compressible/incompressible flows; mixed elements; 2D/3D - Not compatible with generic gas model Status: - Compressible path with moving grids is exercised routinely; incompressible path much less so - 6-DOF option has had very limited testing / usage

Bob Biedron↗

Compression of Martian atmosphere for production of oxygen

The compression of CO2 from the Martian atmosphere for production of O2 via an electrochemical cell is addressed. Design specifications call for an oxygen production rate of 10 kg per day and for compression of 50 times that mass of CO2. Those specifications require a compression rate of over 770 cfm at standard Martian temperature and pressure (SMTP). Much of the CO2 being compressed represents waste, unless it can be recycled. Recycling can reduce the volume of gas that must be compressed to 40 cfm at SMTP. That volume reduction represents significant mass savings in the compressor, heating equipment, filters, and energy source. Successful recycle of the gas requires separation of CO (produced in the electrochemical cell) from CO2, N2, and Ar found in the Martian atmosphere. That aspect was the focus of this work.

Lynch, D. C.↗