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At least 559 records · Page 31
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2020

EGS Collab Experiment 1: SIMFIP Notch-164 GRL Paper

Characterizing the stimulation mode of a fracture is critical to assess the hydraulic efficiency and the seismic risk related to deep fluid manipulations. We have monitored the three-dimensional displacements of a fluid-driven fracture during water injections in a borehole at ~1.5 km depth in the crystalline rock of the Sanford Underground Research Facility (USA). The fracture initiates at 61% of the minimum horizontal stress by micro-shearing of the borehole on a foliation plane. As the fluid pressure increases further, borehole axial and radial displacements increase with injection time highlighting the opening and sliding of a new hydrofracture growing ~10 m away from the borehole, in accordance with the ambient normal stress regime and in alignment with the microseismicity. Our study reveals how fluid-driven fracture stimulation can be facilitated by a mixed-mode process controlled by the complex hydromechanical evolution of the growing fracture. The data presented in this submission refer to the SIMFIP measurements and analyses of the stimulation tests conducted on the 164 ft (50 m) notch of the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF), during the EGS-Collab test 1. In addition to the datafiles, there is the draft of a manuscript submitted to Geophysical Research Letters (GRL).

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Molten Salt Tritium Transport Experiment: A Versatile Fluoride Salt Loop for Validation of Tritium Transport Phenomena

Tritium is generated in Molten Salt Reactors (MSRs) from neutron capture by lithium and other constituents of the molten salt FLiBe. Tritium is a unique radionuclide as it readily permeates through hot structural materials. Thus, any material in contact with tritium laden molten salt is a potential pathway for release. Understanding tritium transport and devising adequate control strategies is necessary for the safe operation of MSRs. The Molten Salt Tritium Transport Experiment (MSTTE) is a forced-convection fluoride salt loop with the capability to inject hydrogen isotopes into flowing molten salt and to measure transport phenomena such as permeation through metals and evolution from free-surfaces. MSTTE is designed to be versatile to test potential control technology in future campaigns. This report focuses on the current design and analysis of MSTTE. Custom designed and fabricated experiment components such as the hydrogen injection system, permeation test section, diagnostics, and gas distribution system are discussed in detail. System-level tritium transport modeling using the System Analysis Module investigates experiment parameters such as hydrogen source terms, salt flow rate, and salt temperature. Computational fluid dynamics of the salt flow in the permeation test section informs design choices to establish fully developed flow in the measured permeation zone.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
NASA NTRS1983

An appraisal of the value of vitamin B12 in the prevention of motion sickness

It has been suggested that vitamin B12 given by intramuscular injection can significantly reduce the occurrence of motion sickness in susceptible individuals (Banks, 1980). Since it is known that B12 influences the metabolism of histidine and choline, dietary precursors to neurotransmitters with established roles in motion sickness, an experimental evaluation has been undertaken of the efficacy of B12 in the prevention of motion sickness induced by controlled coriolis simulation. Subjects executed standardized head movements at successively higher rpm until a malaise III endpoint was reached. Following two baseline tests with this motion stressor, subjects received a B12 injection, a second injection two weeks later, and a final motion sickness test three weeks later. No significant differences in the susceptibility to motion sickness were noted after B12.

Kohl, R. L.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Simulation of water vapor condensation on LOX droplet surface using liquid nitrogen

The formation of ice or water layers on liquid oxygen (LOX) droplets in the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) environment was investigated. Formulation of such ice/water layers is indicated by phase-equilibrium considerations under conditions of high partial pressure of water vapor (steam) and low LOX droplet temperature prevailing in the SSME preburner or main chamber. An experimental investigation was begun using liquid nitrogen as a LOX simulant. A monodisperse liquid nitrogen droplet generator was developed which uses an acoustic driver to force the stream of liquid emerging from a capillary tube to break up into a stream of regularly space uniformly sized spherical droplets. The atmospheric pressure liquid nitrogen in the droplet generator reservoir was cooled below its boiling point to prevent two phase flow from occurring in the capillary tube. An existing steam chamber was modified for injection of liquid nitrogen droplets into atmospheric pressure superheated steam. The droplets were imaged using a stroboscopic video system and a laser shadowgraphy system. Several tests were conducted in which liquid nitrogen droplets were injected into the steam chamber. Under conditions of periodic droplet formation, images of 600 micron diameter liquid nitrogen droplets were obtained with the stroboscopic video systems.

Powell, Eugene A.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Findings on Subtask 3.1 - Bakken Rich Gas Enhanced Oil Recovery Project

Total in-place oil for the Bakken petroleum system (BPS) (which includes the Bakken and Three Forks Formations) has been estimated to be 600 billion barrels (bbl). However, BPS wells have decline rates as high as 85% over the first 3 years of their lives, and primary recovery factors typically range from 3% to 10% of original oil in place. Given the low initial recovery rates, even small incremental productivity improvements could dramatically increase technically recoverable oil in the BPS. One potential solution is enhanced oil recovery (EOR) using gas injection, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) or hydrocarbon (HC) gases. While commonly used in conventional reservoirs, CO2 EOR in unconventional tight oil reservoirs has been limited to pilot tests. EOR using rich gas (mixture of methane, ethane, and propane) has also been employed in numerous pilots in several unconventional plays and has recently been successfully applied in the Eagle Ford play. If successful, large-scale gas-based EOR in the BPS could dramatically increase oil productivity and recovery factors and extend the life of the play for decades. While CO2 may be a technically suitable working fluid for EOR in the BPS, supplies are limited and costs for using CO2 in EOR pilots are prohibitively high. Meanwhile, produced gas flaring has presented challenges for BPS operators in North Dakota. Analysis conducted by the North Dakota Pipeline Authority indicates that the current gas-gathering infrastructure in North Dakota is insufficient to accommodate all of the associated gas that is produced from the BPS. The geographically isolated location of North Dakota relative to large natural gas markets, combined with suppressed natural gas prices, has made it economically challenging for industry to invest capital in expanding gas-gathering infrastructure in the state. These circumstances led to a research program conducted by the Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) in partnership with Liberty Resources Management Company LLC (LR) to examine the potential to use rich gas injection for EOR and mitigate flaring. A rich gas EOR pilot test was designed and executed by LR at its Stomping Horse development area in Williams County, North Dakota. From July 2018 through May 2019, a total of 160 million standard cubic feet (MMscf) of rich produced gas was injected into the BPS using five different wells in a sequential injection strategy. LR’s Leon–Gohrick drill spacing unit (DSU) was used as the test site. Regulatory oversight was provided by the North Dakota Industrial Commission (NDIC). Technical support was provided by the EERC through a series of laboratory, modeling, and field-based activities, and additional post-pilot research activities incorporated learnings from the test, developed new laboratory data, improved fracture modeling methods, and developed machine learning and big data analytics. The results from the Stomping Horse rich gas EOR pilot activities indicate that developing an effective, economical EOR approach for the BPS will require more field tests. Another key lesson learned from the Stomping Horse tests is that detailed pre- and posttest data on reservoir conditions and fluids production are essential. Robust reservoir characterization provides information that is crucial to creating realistic geomodels and conducting valid dynamic simulations of potential EOR scenarios. A detailed understanding of the completions and production history of offset wells is also necessary for valid test result interpretations. This knowledge is essential to designing the operational parameters of injectivity tests and interpreting the results. A conformance control strategy is also essential to success. Laboratory-based examinations of rich gas interactions with reservoir fluids and rocks were conducted, with an emphasis on determining the ability to mobilize oil in the tight reservoir rocks and shales of the BPS. Injection fluid composition was shown to have a positive impact on reducing reservoir oil minimum miscibility pressure (MMP), reducing interfacial tension (IFT), and altering wettability. IFT and contact angle measurements demonstrated that wettability can be altered in the presence of rich gas, suggesting the potential to improve oil recovery. Iterative modeling of surface infrastructure and reservoir performance using data generated by the various project activities was conducted. A geologic model of the Stomping Horse area was built; history-matched oil, gas, and water production was used in simulations of various EOR scenarios. Early programmatic modeling results were used to support LR’s design and operation of the EOR pilot and to provide insight regarding optimization of future commercial-scale BPS EOR design and operations. Post-pilot modeling focused on alternative methods of understanding complex fracture networks and accelerating simulation time. These led to improved simulation run times and provide excellent history-matching results. Several of these iterative models were used as the bases for developing algorithms into machine learning and big data analytics. History matching in reservoir simulation is time-consuming and computer processing-intensive. Machine learning algorithms were created, and an automated history-matching tool was developed. A large set of synthetic reservoir simulations were created to generate well responses (oil, gas, and water production, well bottomhole pressure [BHP], and tracer or propane breakthrough) for a set of EOR operating parameters that included offset well status (open or closed), injectate (rich gas or propane), injection rate, and injection well BHP. A user interface was developed to provide real-time visualization. Machine learning-based models were developed to provide rapid forecasting of well performance given a set of user-defined EOR operating parameters. These predictive models allow the user to modify the offset well status, injection rate, and injection well BHP and rapidly forecast future production performance. The combination of real-time visualization tools with real-time forecasting tools provides a framework for real-time control—operational changes that the EOR site operator can enact (e.g., changing gas injection rates) to affect the observed performance and potentially improve the EOR outcome. There is great reason to be optimistic about the future of EOR in the Bakken. The results of the laboratory studies suggest significant potential for high rates of oil mobilization using produced field gas injection under the right conditions. The results of the lab studies, combined with rigorous statistical analysis of well production data and associated modeling efforts, confirm the notion that fluid mobility within the reservoir is controlled by fractures. As more knowledge is gained about the nature and distribution of fracture networks in the Bakken, the industry will be in a better position to predict and, ultimately, influence fluid mobility. New field tests are necessary to develop a more complete understanding of those conditions. Thoughtful and creatively engineered field tests within a well-characterized geologic setting will yield the fundamental knowledge needed to take Bakken oil production to the next level. This subtask was cofunded through the EERC–U.S. Department of Energy Joint Program on Research and Development for Fossil Energy-Related Resources Cooperative Agreement No. DE-FE0024233. Nonfederal funding was provided by the North Dakota Industrial Commission’s Oil and Gas Research Program and Computer Modelling Group.

04 OIL SHALES AND TAR SANDS↗
NASA NTRS1980

Minimum Energy Test Direction Design in the Control of Cryogenic Wind Tunnels

The advent of the cryogenic wind tunnel concept is attributable to the need for high Reynolds number flow in wind tunnels. The cryogenic wind tunnel concept consists of operating the test medium of a conventional tunnel at cryogenic temperatures down to 80 K. Nitrogen gas, cooled by injected liquid nitrogen, proves to be ideal for the cryogenic tunnel test medium because of its near perfect behavior in insentropic flow. Cryogenic operation of a wind tunnel results in reduced fan power consumption and no penalty in flow dynamic pressure. In a cryogenic tunnel, the flow parameters (Reynolds number, Mach number and flow dynamic pressure) can be independently controlled by separately controlling the tunnel flow variables: total temperature, test section mass flow, and the tunnel total pressure. The problem of closed-loop control of the tunnel total temperature, flow Mach number, and total pressure is addressed and reported.

Balakrishna, S.↗
NASA NTRS2006

Free-jet Testing of a REST Scramjet at Off-Design Conditions

Scramjet flowpaths employing elliptical combustors have the potential to improve structural efficiency and performance relative to those using planar geometries. NASA Langley has developed a scramjet flowpath integrated into a lifting body vehicle, while transitioning from a rectangular capture area to both an elliptical throat and combustor. This Rectangular-to-Elliptical Shape Transition (REST) scramjet, has a design point of Mach 7.1, and is intended to operate with fixed-geometry between Mach 4.5 and 8.0. This paper describes initial free-jet testing of the heat-sink REST scramjet engine model at conditions simulating Mach 5.3 flight. Combustion of gaseous hydrogen fuel at equivalence ratios between 0.5 and 1.5 generated robust performance after ignition with a silane-hydrogen pilot. Facility model interactions were experienced for fuel equivalence ratios above 1.1, yet despite this, the flowpath was not unstarted by fuel addition at the Mach 5.3 test condition. Combustion tests at reduced stagnation enthalpy indicated that the engine self-started following termination of the fuel injection. Engine data is presented for the largest fuel equivalence ratio tested without facility interaction. These results indicate that this class of three-dimensional scramjet engine operates successfully at off-design conditions.

Smart, Michael K.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Automotive fuel economy and emissions program

Experimental data were generated to support an assessment of the relationship between automobile fuel economy and emissions control systems. Tests were made at both the engine and vehicle levels. Detailed investigations were made on cold-start emissions devices, exhaust gas recirculation systems, and air injection reactor systems. Based on the results of engine tests, an alternative emission control system and modified control strategy were implemented and tested in the vehicle. With the same fuel economy and NOx emissions as the stock vehicle, the modified vehicle reduced HC and CO emissions by about 20 percent. By removing the NOx emissions constraint, the modified vehicle demonstrated about 12 percent better fuel economy than the stock vehicle.

Dowdy, M. W.↗
NASA NTRS2007

High Pressure Low NOx Emissions Research: Recent Progress at NASA Glenn Research Center

In collaboration with U.S. aircraft engine companies, NASA Glenn Research Center has contributed to the advancement of low emissions combustion systems. For the High Speed Research Program (HSR), a 90% reduction in nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions (relative to the then-current state of the art) has been demonstrated in sector rig testing at General Electric Aircraft Engines (GEAE). For the Advanced Subsonic Technology Program (AST), a 50% reduction in NOx emissions relative to the 1996 International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards has been at demonstrated in sector rigs at both GEAE and Pratt & Whitney (P&W). During the Ultra Efficient Engine Technology Program (UEET), a 70% reduction in NOx emissions, relative to the 1996 ICAO standards, was achieved in sector rig testing at Glenn in the world class Advanced Subsonic Combustion Rig (ASCR) and at contractor facilities. Low NOx combustor development continues under the Fundamental Aeronautics Program. To achieve these reductions, experimental and analytical research has been conducted to advance the understanding of emissions formation in combustion processes. Lean direct injection (LDI) concept development uses advanced laser-based non-intrusive diagnostics and analytical work to complement the emissions measurements and to provide guidance for concept improvement. This paper describes emissions results from flametube tests of a 9- injection-point LDI fuel/air mixer tested at inlet pressures up to 5500 kPa. Sample results from CFD and laser diagnostics are also discussed.

Chi-Ming, Lee↗
NASA NTRS2008

NASA Glenn High Pressure Low NOx Emissions Research

In collaboration with U.S. aircraft engine companies, NASA Glenn Research Center has contributed to the advancement of low emissions combustion systems. For the High Speed Research Program (HSR), a 90% reduction in nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions (relative to the then-current state of the art) has been demonstrated in sector rig testing at General Electric Aircraft Engines (GEAE). For the Advanced Subsonic Technology Program (AST), a 50% reduction in NOx emissions relative to the 1996 International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards has been demonstrated in sector rigs at both GEAE and Pratt & Whitney (P&W). During the Ultra Efficient Engine Technology Program (UEET), a 70% reduction in NOx emissions, relative to the 1996 ICAO standards, was achieved in sector rig testing at Glenn in the world class Advanced Subsonic Combustion Rig (ASCR) and at contractor facilities. Low NOx combustor development continues under the Fundamental Aeronautics Program. To achieve these reductions, experimental and analytical research has been conducted to advance the understanding of emissions formation in combustion processes. Lean direct injection (LDI) concept development uses advanced laser-based non-intrusive diagnostics and analytical work to complement the emissions measurements and to provide guidance for concept improvement. This paper describes emissions results from flametube tests of a 9-injection-point LDI fuel/air mixer tested at inlet pressures up to 5500 kPa. Sample results from CFD and laser diagnostics are also discussed.

Tacina, Kathleen M.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Update on AeroCom Biomass Burning Emission Injection Height experiment (BBEIH)

In BBEIH, we introduced the biomass burning injection heights based on MISR stereo-derived plume-height retrievals (Val Martin et al., 2010; 2018) in four participating CTMs. Specifically, we proposed 4 simulations for the year 2008: 1) BASE: using the biomass burning emissions from Global Fire Emissions Database version 4 with small fires (GFED4s) and the model default fire emission injection height; 2) BBIH: Same as BASE, but using the injection height derived from the seasonally and regionally varying MISR-retrieved plume heights; 3) NOBB: no fire emission; 4) Same as BASE, but using Fire Energetics and Emissions Research version 1.0 (FEER 1.0). We will address the following scientific questions: 1) To what extent are the model simulations sensitive to the assumed biomass burning injection height? 2) In which regions/seasons/surface-types are the aforementioned sensitivities most important? We will update the multi-model inter-comparison with a focus on the vertical aerosol distribution in near-source characteristics and downwind plume evolution." In order to test the sensitivity of model results to smoke injection height, we proposed the biomass burning emission injection height experiment (BBEIH) in the AeroCom 2019 workshop. The description of implementation methods and input data for BBEIH can be found in https://wiki.met.no/aerocom/phase3-experiments#biomass_burning_emission_injection_height_experiment_bbeih.

Xiaohua Pan↗
DOE OSTI2021

Improving solar panel durability through novel panel designs and advanced manufacturing equipment

Work in the project was spread across 4 main themes:1) Improved Understanding of Why Cracks Form and Cause Degradation in Solar Cells: We developed a finite element model which correlated well with experimental determined deflection vs load profiles and which predicted stress profiles vs load level and temperature. These profiles helped to guide brace designs and showed the high stress levels seen in the silicon near the interconnect wire locations as the temperature is cooled below -30C, likely forming "invisible" microcracks. Experiments showed how for polymer backsheet modules, a brief exposure to such low temperatures made modules extremely sensitive to propagation of these microcracks at relatively low load levels, and how thicker and softer encapsulant helped to reduce this crack sensitivity. We showed for some modules that most cracks that are seen under loading had their origin at short, hard to see, V-cracks from soldering damage, and how the shunting from cells with high densities of cracks reduces energy delivery more than Pmax. 2) Improved Durability Testing Methods With Respect to Cracked Cells: We lobbied the PV community throughout the project that IEC 61215 was insufficient to probe the sensitivity of module Pmax degradation due to cracks in that in did not have a test leg that included a crack creation step (static loading) followed by a crack opening step (cyclic loading and/or thermal cycling). We published extensively on how pre- existing cracks opened up with cyclic loading. The new IEC TS 63209-1 ED1 test sequence now include our recommendations, and this should lead to improved module designs and reduced risk for investors. We also published recommendations for a new "Cold Climate Test" sequence to probe the sensitivity of modules to degradation from short microcracks formed when modules see temperatures below -30C followed by front side loading. We participated in several USTAG meetings related to cracked cells, EL testing, and mechanical load testing and provided input to the group to improve new standards under consideration. We also showed how the act of performing an EL test can affect the test results due to heating from the injected current. 3) New Module Designs and Related Manufacturing Methods & Equipment: We demonstrated reduced crack sensitivity on encapsulated cell coupons the benefits of building protective compressive stress into the cells by laminating them in a bent state and then allowing the coupon to flatten out after lamination. Our attempts to scale this to the module level with a more manufacturable sequence did not demonstrate the same positive effects, but we hope that others will follow up with other variations on this bent lamination or bent cooling concept to make more durable modules. 4) New Module Mounting Designs: We explored a range of bracing concepts which pressed on the backsheet to slightly bow the glass outward and place cells in a state of protective compressive stress and to reduce the deflection under front side loads. These successfully reduced cell cracking and crack opening, but high static loads permanently deformed cost-effective braces, after which they provided little benefit. We settled on an elegant & effective solution – the RailPad, where lightweight bracing elements are placed between the mounting rail(s) and the backsheet, and the existing strength of the rails is used to prevent module deflection under load. New construction and retrofit designs were made, and test sites were implemented in FL and MA. We applied for RailPad patent protection.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Utah FORGE: Optimization of a Plug-and-Perf Stimulation (Fervo Energy)

Information around the plug-and-perf treatment design at Utah FORGE by Fervo Energy. Objective and Purpose: - Develop a multistage hydraulic stimulation approach designed specifically to target the top three factors that control the technical and commercial viability of an EGS system: i) Achieving sufficient injectivity to support high cross-well flow rates ii) Distributing flow evenly across the wellbore and reservoir to maximize heat mining efficiency, ensure sustained heat transfer, and mitigate thermal breakthrough iii) Overcoming the effects of stress heterogeneity, stress shadowing, and variations in natural fracture properties during the stimulation treatment, leading to a more predictable stimulated reservoir volume and offset well placement - The following activities will be performed: i) Design, plan, and execute a multistage plug-and-perf stimulation treatment at a Fervo site with data acquisition and well testing activities aimed at addressing key technical aspects of the issues above ii) Perform data processing and interpretation of field results to translate the results form the Fervo site to a site-specific design at the Utah FORGE site iii) Design, plan, and execute a multistage plug-and-perf stimulation treatment design at the Utah FORGE site Methods and Approach: - Design a detailed data acquisition plan to maximize learning around: i) DFIT testing ii) Petrophysical logging, image logging iii) Permanent DAS/DTS fiber optic monitoring iv) Deep borehole microseismic monitoring v) Shallow borehole induced seismicity monitoring vi) Injection/production testing (RTA analysis, tracer testing) vii) Integrated numerical modeling and production forecasting

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS2010

Single Event Test Methodologies and System Error Rate Analysis for Triple Modular Redundant Field Programmable Gate Arrays

We present a test methodology for estimating system error rates of Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) mitigated with Triple Modular Redundancy (TMR). The test methodology is founded in a mathematical model, which is also presented. Accelerator data from 90 nm Xilins Military/Aerospace grade FPGA are shown to fit the model. Fault injection (FI) results are discussed and related to the test data. Design implementation and the corresponding impact of multiple bit upset (MBU) are also discussed.

error rate calculations↗
NASA NTRS2004

Stacking Multiple Ion Captures in The High Performance Antiproton Trap (HiPAT)

The High performance Antiproton Trap (HiPAT) research project was initiated by the Marshall Space Flight Center's propulsion Research Center to examining the fundamental behavior of low energy antiprotons. Stored antiproton would ultimately be used for experimental demonstration of basic propulsive concepts. Matter-antimatter annihilation produces approximately 10(exp 8) MJ/g nearly 10 orders of magnitude more energy per unit mass than chemical based combustion, hence NASA's interest. To achieve containment, HiPAT utilizes a type of electromagnetic bottle know as a Penning trap positioned within an ultrahigh vacuum test section. Recently, the HiPAT hardware configuration has been enhanced to facilitate the capture of multiple normal matter ion burst. This endeavor is often referred to as "stacking" and used to increasing the number of captured particles. A prior normal matter experimental effort, successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of single burst capture. The stacking process is accomplished by manipulating the electric field generated by the confinement electrodes i.e. adjusting the well potential depth. These potential well values are initially configured to maximize the quantity of captured ions per burst; shallow wells with a depth of 100 volt or less (referenced to the incoming ion beam energy) are typically selected. Once captured, a cooling interval is required to reduce the energy of trapped particles below the lower extent of the "trap door" (or leading electrode) ion emitting potential. This is necessary such that a new burst of hot ions can be introduced while preventing those already inside from escaping. The cooling time is driven by a combination of mechanisms such as synchrotron radiation, background gas scattering, and resistive damping in a time scale on the order of minutes. A potential for reducing this hold period is to actively manipulate the electric field shape, using the power supply control system, to produce a deeper potential well. The trapped ions ride down the morphing well to a lower potential energy, leaving margin to once again cycle the "trap door" capturing a new burst while limiting the number of escaping ions. By adjusting the magnitude and timing of the potential well shaping, subsequent shots from the ion beam can be captured on a time scale shorter then that dictated by the standard inject, capture and cool technique. Currently, experimental tests are under way examining the functionally of this system for stacking multiple ions bursts within the HiPAT system.

Martin, James J.↗
DOE OSTI2022

A Prototype High-Voltage Pulsed Power Supply for Control of the ITER Shattered Pellet Injection System Flyer Plate Valve

A high-voltage pulsed power supply (HVPPS) has been designed, prototyped, and tested for driving an eddy current actuated propellant valve for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) disruption mitigation system. The high-voltage (HV) dc supply output voltage is software programmable, and the energy storage capacitor bank can be readily reconfigured as 200, 400, 600, and 800 μ F, enabling testing and optimization of both the valve drive and valve systems. Multiple system parameters are monitored before, during, and after each firing of the valve. The system parameters are both displayed and stored for further analysis. Control of the setup, firing sequence, and data collection is automated using a LabVIEW-based control program. The programmability and reconfigurability of this system collectively provide a flexible and robust platform for system refinement and optimization. In this article, a summary of the system will be provided including operational sequences, HV switching and associated triggering methods and circuits, and results measured while firing a solid frozen pellet. Additionally, planned refinement activities toward meeting all requirements for ITER integration will be discussed.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

3D Printing of Functional Hydrogel Devices for Screenings of Membrane Permeability and Selectivity

Developing a fundamental understanding of the effects of varying ligand chemistries on mass transport rates is key to designing membranes with solute-specific selectivity. While permeation cells offer a robust method to characterize membrane performance, they are limited to assessing a single membrane chemistry or salt solution per test. As a result, investigating the effects of varying ligand chemistries on membrane performance can be a tedious process, involving both the preparation of multiple samples and numerous, time-consuming permeation tests. This study uses digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing to fabricate a millifluidic flow-based permeation device made from a hydrogel active ester network that can be easily functionalized with ion-selective ligands. Without the need for bonding or assembly steps, ligands can be introduced and tested in the permeation device by simply injecting a small volume of a ligand solution. Various salt concentrations and molecular species can be cycled through a single device by switching the solution feeding into the salt reservoir, thereby reducing the number of samples needed for permeability and selectivity screenings. This research sets the groundwork for formulation development and postprocessing methods to 3D-print functional millifluidic devices capable of assessing solute selectivity in membranes and polymer adsorbents for aqueous separations. In this work, comparable salt permeability trends were observed with both 3D-printed devices and traditional assays. Devices were functionalized with an imidazole ligand to investigate salt permeability and selectivity of monovalent and divalent salts. Measurements showed increasing permeability for monovalent salts (NaCl) relative to divalent salts (MgCl 2 , CuCl 2 ) in functionalized membranes, with higher monovalent/divalent selectivity at increasing imidazole grafting densities. Here, the methods and findings described here represent a step toward developing higher-throughput methods with 3D-printed devices for screening the effects of ligand chemistry on mass transport rates in membrane materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1977

Examples of induced voltages measured on aircraft

Tests were made on aircraft in which simulated lightning currents were injected into the aircraft and the resultant voltages and currents on the aircraft wiring measured. Aircraft used in the tests were the F-8 aircraft and the F-89J.

Franklin A Fisher↗