Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “COMBUSTION PROPERTIES”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 541 records · Page 30

Particle Size Distribution and Its Impacts on Ash Deposition and Radiative Transfer during Oxy-Combustion of Rice Husk–Natural Gas

Rice husk (RH) co-combustion with natural gas in highly oxygen-enriched concentrations presents a net carbon-negative energy production opportunity while minimizing flue gas recycling. However, recent experiments have shown enhanced ash deposition rates in oxygen-enriched conditions, with deposition/shedding also being dependent on the particle size distribution (PSD) of the parent RH fuel. To uncover the causative mechanisms behind these observations, add-on models for ash deposition/shedding and radiative properties were employed in computational fluid dynamics simulations. The combustion scenarios investigated encompassed two types of RH (US RH, Chinese RH) with widely varying ash contents (by % mass) and inlet fuel PSD with air and O2/CO2 (70/30 vol %, OXY70) as oxidizers. Utilizing the measured fly-ash PSDs near the deposit surface and modeling the particle viscosity accurately, particle kinetic-energy (PKE)-based capture and shedding criteria were identified as the keys to accurate deposition/shedding rate predictions. The OXY70 scenarios showed higher ash-capturing propensities due to their lower PKE. Conversely, higher erosion rates were predicted in the AIR firing scenarios. In addition, the radiative characteristics across all the scenarios were dominated by the gases and were not sensitive to the fly-ash PSD. Therefore, the higher particle concentrations in the OXY70 conditions did not negatively impact the heat extraction.

Krishnamoorthy, Gautham (ORCID:0000000255205092)↗

A three-dimensional sectional representation of aerosol mixing state for simulating optical properties and cloud condensation nuclei

Light absorption by black carbon (BC) particles emitted from fossil fuel combustion depends on the how thickly they are coated with non-refractory species such as ammonium, sulfate, nitrate, organics, and water. The cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) activation property of a particle depends on its dry size and the hygroscopicities of all the individual species mixed together. It is therefore necessary to represent both size and mixing state of aerosols to reliably predict their climate-relevant properties in atmospheric models. Here we describe and evaluate a novel sectional framework in the Model for Simulating Aerosol Interactions and Chemistry, referred to as MOSAIC-mix, that represents the mixing state by resolving aerosol dry size (D dry ), BC dry mass fraction (w BC ), and hygroscopicity (κ). Using ten idealized urban plume scenarios in which different types of aerosols evolve over 24 hours under a range of atmospherically relevant environmental conditions, we examine errors in CCN concentrations and optical properties with respect to a more explicit aerosol mixing state representation. We find that only a small number of w BC and κ bins are needed to achieve significant reductions in the errors, and propose a configuration consisting of 24 D dry bins, 2 w BC bins, and 2 κ bins that gives 24-hour average errors of about 5% or less in CCN concentrations and optical properties, 3-4 times lower than those from size-only-resolved simulations. Here, these results show that MOSAIC-mix is suitable for use in regional and global models to examine the effects of evolving aerosol mixing states on aerosol-radiation-cloud feedbacks.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Salt-Assisted Solution Combustion Synthesis of Ni and Ni/NiO Powders

In this work, Ni and Ni/NiO composite powders were synthesized by one-pot solution combustion method using different fuel to oxidant (φ) ratios (φ = 1, 1.25, 1.5, and 1.75). Phase evolution studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) method showed that single phase Ni powders were formed at high fuel contents, while the low fuel contents led to the formation of Ni/NiO composite powders. The high combustion temperature resulted in the sintered and large Ni particles (1.1 μm). The particle size decreased up to 50 nm by adding KCl as diluent. However, the amount of NiO phase increased by addition of KCl. The saturation magnetization (Ms) of Ni powders decreased from 51 to 42 emu/g with the increase of φ values from 1.25 to 1.75. The Ms decreased up to 18.5 emu/g, due to the formation of a large amount of NiO phase by addition of KCl. The coercivity of the synthesized powders was in the range of 78 to 111 Oe, as a function of particle size.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Cooperative upconversion luminescence in Tb{sup 3+}:Yb{sup 3+} co-doped Y{sub 2}SiO{sub 5} powders prepared by combustion synthesis

Frequency upconversion (UC) luminescence via cooperative energy transfer (CET) process between pairs of Yb{sup 3+} and Tb{sup 3+} ions was investigated in Tb{sup 3+}:Yb{sup 3+}:Y{sub 2}SiO{sub 5} crystalline ceramic powders prepared by combustion synthesis. Surface morphology and structure of the powders were investigated by scanning electronic microscopy and X-ray powder diffraction. Photoluminescence experiments were performed in Tb{sup 3+}-singly doped samples using ultraviolet light (λ=255 nm) and in Tb{sup 3+}:Yb{sup 3+} co-doped samples using a near-infrared (NIR) diode laser (λ=975 nm). Upon excitation with the NIR diode laser, UC luminescence with an intense emission band centered at ∼549 nm, corresponding to the 4f intraband {sup 5}D{sub 4}→{sup 7}F{sub 5} transition of Tb{sup 3+}, along with less intense emission bands at ∼490, ∼590 and ∼620 nm, corresponding to other {sup 5}D{sub 4}→{sup 7}F{sub J} transitions, was detected. The CET rate was estimated by analyzing the dynamics of UC luminescence with rate equations model of the electronic populations. -- Graphical Abstract: Left: Cooperative upconversion luminescence spectra of three powder samples prepared by combustion synthesis. Right: The SEM image of the powder showing that it consists of agglomerated flake-like shaped particles of various sizes. Full scale bar is 20 μm. Highlights: • Yttrium orthosilicate (Y{sub 2}SiO{sub 5}) powders were prepared by combustion synthesis. • Cooperative upconversion is observed for the first time in Tb{sup 3+}–Yb{sup 3+} doped Y{sub 2}SiO{sub 5}. • Energy transfer and back-transfer rates between Tb{sup 3+} and Yb{sup 3+} pairs were estimated.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Sol–gel auto-combustion synthesis of PVP/CoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanocomposite and its magnetic characterization

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • The Poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) was used as a surface capping agent. • PVP/CoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanocomposite was synthesized by a sol-gel auto-combustion method. • The existence of the spin-disordered surface layer was established. - Abstract: Poly(vinyl pyrrolidone)/CoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanocomposite has been fabricated by a sol–gel auto-combustion method. Poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) was used as a reducing agent as well as a surface capping agent to prevent particle aggregation and stabilize the particles. The average crystallite size estimated from X-ray line profile fitting was found to be 20 ± 7 nm. The high field irreversibility and unsaturated magnetization behaviours indicate the presence of the core–shell structure in the sample. The exchange bias effect observed at 10 K suggests the existence of the magnetically aligned core surrounded by spin-disordered surface layer. The reduced remanent magnetization value of 0.6 at 10 K (higher than the theoretical value of 0.5) shows the PVP/CoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanocomposite to have cubic magnetocrystalline anisotropy according to the Stoner–Wohlfarth model.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Ab initio thermodynamic approach to identify mixed solid sorbents for CO 2 capture technology

Because the current technologies for capturing CO 2 are still too energy intensive, new materials must be developed that can capture CO 2 reversibly with acceptable energy costs. At a given CO 2 pressure, the turnover temperature (T t ) of the reaction of an individual solid that can capture CO 2 is fixed. Such T t may be outside the operating temperature range (ΔT o ) for a practical capture technology. To adjust T t to fit the practical ΔT o , in this study, three scenarios of mixing schemes are explored by combining thermodynamic database mining with first principles density functional theory and phonon lattice dynamics calculations. Our calculated results demonstrate that by mixing different types of solids, it’s possible to shift T t to the range of practical operating temperature conditions. According to the requirements imposed by the pre- and post- combustion technologies and based on our calculated thermodynamic properties for the CO 2 capture reactions by the mixed solids of interest, we were able to identify the mixing ratios of two or more solids to form new sorbent materials for which lower capture energy costs are expected at the desired pressure and temperature conditions.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗

Hypersonic ramjet experiment project. Phase 1: Computer program description, ramjet and scramjet cycle performance

A computer program was developed to describe the performance of ramjet and scramjet cycles. The program performs one dimensional calculations of the equilibrium, real-gas internal flow properties of the engine. The program can be used for the following: (1) preliminary design calculation and (2) design analysis of internal flow properties corresponding to stipulated flow areas. Only the combustion of hydrogen in air is considered in this case.

Jackson, R. J.↗

Post-processing flame-retardant for polyurethane

Treatment of polyurethane form with elastomer formulation after processing makes foam fire resistant without compromising physical properties. In testing, once ignition source is removed, combustion stops. Treatment also prevents molten particle formation, generates no smoke or toxic gases in fire, and does not deteriorate under prolonged exposure to Sun.

Monaghan, P.↗

Effect of refining variables on the properties and composition of JP-5

Potential future problem areas that could arise from changes in the composition, properties, and potential availability of JP-5 produced in the near future are identified. Potential fuel problems concerning thermal stability, lubricity, low temperature flow, combustion, and the effect of the use of specific additives on fuel properties and performance are discussed. An assessment of available crudes and refinery capabilities is given.

Lieberman, M.↗

Variation of pressure limits of flame propagation with tube diameter for various isooctane-oxygen-nitrogen mixtures

An investigation was made of the change in the pressure limits of flame propagation with tube diameter for various isooctane-oxygen-nitrogen mixtures. Pressure limits were measured in cylindrical glass tubes of four different inside diameters at six different oxygen-nitrogen ratios. Under the experimental conditions, flame propagation was found to be impossible in isooctane-oxygen mixtures with oxygen concentrations less than 11 to 12 percent. Critical tube diameters for flame propagation were calculated and the effect of pressure was determined and compared with the effect of pressure on quenching distance. Critical diameters were related to flame speeds for various isooctane-oxygen-nitrogen mixtures.

FUELS-PROPERTIES,PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL↗

Ignition-delay Characteristics in Modified Open-cup Apparatus of Several Fuels with Nitric Acid Oxidants Within Temperature Range 70 to 105 Degrees F

Fluid properties and low-temperature ignition delays were obtained for approximately 90 fuel-oxidant combinations. A red fuming nitric acid containing approximately 3 percent water and 19 percent nitrogen tetroxide froze at approximately -87 degrees F and ignited several low-viscosity fuel blends of aromatic amines in triethylamine at -76 degrees F and lower. With this acid, the following average ignition delays were obtained with a blend of 30 percent o-toluidine in triethylamine: ...

FUEL SYSTEMS - ENGINES, ROCKET↗

Theoretical performance of liquid ammonia and liquid fluorine as a rocket propellant

Theoretical values of performance parameters for liquid ammonia and liquid fluorine as a rocket propellant were calculated on the assumption of equilibrium composition during the expansion process for a wide range of fuel-oxidant and expansion ratios. The parameters included were specific impulse, combustion chamber temperature, nozzle-exit temperature, equilibrium composition, mean molecular weight, characteristic velocity, coefficient of thrust, ratio of nozzle-exit area to throat area, specific heat at constant pressure, coefficient of viscosity, and coefficient of thermal conductivity. The maximum value of specific impulse was 311.5 pound-seconds per pound for a chamber pressure of 300 pounds per square inch absolute (20.41 atm) and an exit pressure of 1 atmosphere.

COMBUSTION - ROCKET ENGINES↗

Ram acceleration from a two phase detonative system

A concept for ram acceleration is presented here, which uses a combination of a gas core and a layer of solid explosive or propellant to generate high thrust densities. The concept can be either self-synchronized or externally synchronized, and may be reusable. It has the potential to achieve very high acceleration rates, higher exit velocities and to lower the tube length requirements. Preliminary numerical simulations are presented and discussed, which show the characteristics of the flow fields. Stable conditions can be achieved for low mass loadings of solid explosive, and relatively slow combustion. Accurate knowledge of the thermo-chemical properties and the equations of state of the gas and solid components is essential for further tuning of the concept.

Cambier, Jean-Luc↗

Nondestructive Evaluation of Ceramic Matrix Composite Combustor Components

Combustor liners fabricated from a SiC/SiC composite (silicon carbide fibers in a silicon carbide matrix) were nondestructively interrogated before and after combustion rig testing by x-ray, ultrasonic, and thermographic techniques. In addition, mechanical test results were obtained from witness coupons, representing the as-manufactured liners, and from coupons machined from the components after combustion exposure. Thermography indications correlated with reduced material properties obtained after rig testing. The thermography indications in the SiC/SiC liners were delaminations and damaged fiber tows, as determined through microstructural examinations.

Sun, Jiangang G.↗

Effects of fuel viscosity on the primary breakup dynamics of a high-speed liquid jet with comparison to X-ray radiography

One of the major concerns in combustion engines is the sensitivity of engine performance to fuel prop- erties. Recent works have shown that even slight differences in fuel properties can cause significant changes in performance and emission of an engine. In order to design the combustion engines with multi-fuel flexi- bilities, the precise assessment of fuel sensitivity on liquid jet atomization process is a prerequisite since the resulting fuel/air mixture is critical to the subsequent combustion process. The present study is focusing on the effect of physical fuel properties, mostly viscosity difference, on the breakup process of the liquid jet injected into still air. Two different jet fuels, CAT-A2 and CAT-C3, are considered here as surrogates for a fossil-based fuel and a bio-derived high-viscosity alternative fuel. The simulations are performed using the volume-of-fluid (VoF) interface tracking method coupled to Lagrangian particle method in order to capture the breakup instabilities of jets and the resulting droplets. The investigations take the actual geometry of the injector into account to resolve the unsteady flow phenomena inside the nozzle that impact the turbu- lence transition and atomization. The simulation results are compared to the experimental measurement using X-ray radiography. Both simulation and X-ray measurements consistently describe the effects of different fuels on the fundamental properties of atomization including the breakup length, transverse liquid volume fraction and the droplet sauter-mean-diameter. The application of a Detailed Numerical Simulation approach complemented by unique X-ray diagnostics is novel and providing new understanding and research directions in engine spray dynamics

Breakup instability↗