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At least 613 records · Page 34

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NASA NTRS1994

Accretion disk coronae in high-luminosity systems

We present the results of self-consistent models of Compton-heated accretion disk coronae. The models are calculated using a new method for computing monochromatic radiative transfer n two dimensions. The method splits the radiation into direct and scattered components. The direct radiation is computed by calculating the optical depth along rays, while transfer of the scattered radiation is approximated by flux-limited diffusion. The resulting code agrees with more accurate treatments to within 50%, and is highly efficient, making it practical for use in large hydrodynamic simulations. The coronal models are used to confirm the results of earlier work, and to extend it to higher luminosities. In contrast to earlier work, which found the outer disks to be shadowed by the inner corona at high luminosities, we find our results to form an almost continuous extension of the models at lower luminosities. This is due to the presence of multiply scattered radiation, which acts to partially offset the loss of direct radiation from the central source. Although the analytic methods derived at lower luminosities cannot be used to derive the coronal structure for L/L(sub Edd) approx. greater than 0.1, the results of the models are amenable to semiempirical fits. We also discuss possible observational consequences of the results for coronal veiling and line fluorescence from the disk.

Murray, Stephen D.↗

NASA NTRS1998

Atmospheric Probe Model: Construction and Wind Tunnel Tests

The material contained in this document represents a summary of the results of a low speed wind tunnel test program to determine the performance of an atmospheric probe at low speed. The probe configuration tested consists of a 2/3 scale model constructed from a combination of hard maple wood and aluminum stock. The model design includes approximately 130 surface static pressure taps. Additional hardware incorporated in the baseline model provides a mechanism for simulating external and internal trailing edge split flaps for probe flow control. Test matrix parameters include probe side slip angle, external/internal split flap deflection angle, and trip strip applications. Test output database includes surface pressure distributions on both inner and outer annular wings and probe center line velocity distributions from forward probe to aft probe locations.

Vogel, Jerald M.↗

NASA NTRS2003

Evaluation of Charge Storage and Decay in Spacecraft Insulators

Two reports discuss methods for evaluating the magnitude of electrostatic charging that occurs in spacecraft dielectric materials (in particular, polyimides) during prolonged exposure to radiation in outer space. The reports describe experiments on the electrical resistivities and charge-storage properties of polyimide specimens in a dark, evacuated environment, both before and after 5-megarad exposures to rays from cobalt-60. The experiments were designed to measure these properties not under standard conditions prescribed for testing dielectrics in air but, rather, under conditions approximating those in the intended spacecraft applications. The results of the experiments showed that the electrical resistivities of the insulations as determined under these conditions are greater, by a factor of roughly a thousand, than those determined under the standard conditions and that the gamma irradiation reduced resistivities marginally.

Frederickson, Arthur↗

DOE OSTI2018

Hybrid Multi-Material Endoskeleton Overmolded Structure for Automotive Powertrain

Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s (ORNL) Manufacturing Demonstration Facility (MDF) worked with American Axle and Manufacturing (AAM) to demonstrate additive manufacturing’s (AM) applicability to multi-material endoskeleton driveline mechanisms. The goal of this phase one technical collaboration project was to significantly reduce mass, improve efficiency, and improve power torque density of the driveline mechanism through applied research analysis of a multi-material solution. The focus of the effort explored the impact of multi-material endoskeleton components on reducing the weight of a typical drivetrain component using a blend of metal additive manufacturing with overmolding. For this study, a conventional rear driveline power transfer unit housing was selected. The component was geometrically optimized for additive manufacturing and to ensure proper lubrication of the gears. Therefore, traditional weight reduction techniques were invalid because AM enables weight reduction far beyond what is capable with traditional manufacturing. The hypothesis was that an inner aluminum structure could be optimized with respect to strength and weight reduction. An outer composite surface was overmolded to the aluminum AM part to satisfy the part’s geometric constraints and to provide embodiment for oil encapsulation. The original component weighed 11.3 lb whereas the topologically optimized structure was 6.96 lbs, which is a 4.34 lb difference. When the missing aluminum material was replaced with a composite material, the part weighed approximately 8.66 lbs resulting in a 2.64 lb or 23% weight reduction from the traditionally manufactured part. These first phase efforts are deemed a success. A proposed second phase will explore the material and design requirements necessary to ensure a viable mechanical interface between the AM component and overmolding.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2019

Radiative heat exhaust in Alcator C-Mod I-mode plasmas

In order to more completely demonstrate the I-mode regime as a compelling fusion reactor operating scenario, the first dedicated attempts at I-mode radiative heat exhaust and detachment were carried out on Alcator C-Mod. Results conclusively show that within the parameter space explored, an I/L back-transition is triggered prior to meaningful reductions in parallel heat flux, q ║ , target temperature, T e,tar and target pressure, p e,tar at the outer divertor. The exact mechanism for the I/L trigger remains uncertain, but a multi-diagnostic investigation suggests the pedestal regulation physics is impacted promptly by small amounts of N 2 seeded into the private flux region. Furthermore, the time delay between when N 2 contacts the plasma and the I/L transition is triggered varied from 30–120 ms, approximately 0.7-3×τ E , and the delay varied inversely with I-mode pedestal-top pressure, p e,95 . Power and nitrogen influx scans indicate that the I/L transitions are not linked to excessive bulk-plasma impurity radiation. Additionally, it is also shown that in the subsequent L-mode following nitrogen seeding, q ║ and T e,tar can be reduced by factors of ~10. The I/L transition and L-mode exhaust results using N 2 are compared to similar attempts using Ne where such q ║ and T e,tar reductions in L-mode are limited to factors of 2-3. Implications for the I-mode regime are discussed, including needs for follow-up experiments on other facilities.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

NASA NTRS1972

Observation of nonuniform structure of the earth's bow shock correlated with interplanetary field orientation.

Explorer 33 and 35 magnetometers, on the western and eastern flanks of the earth's bow shock, respectively, observed the boundary concurrently between 0130 and 0430 UT, Oct. 30, 1968. Contrasting shock structures were recorded. Explorer 35 saw a quiet abrupt shock, whereas Explorer 33 saw an irregular noisy boundary with much upstream wave activity. The interplanetary field was roughly in the average archimedean spiral angle and was therefore approximately tangent to the shock at Explorer 35 and normal to the shock at Explorer 33. Gross motions and variable tilting of the aberrated shock probably contributed to the peculiar sequence of shock crossings at the two spacecraft. The observations support a model of the shock in which perpendicular and oblique collisionless structures coexist and form a nonuniform magnetosheath outer boundary.

Greenstadt, E. W.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Space vehicle meteoroid shielding design

Design principles of spaced, multiwall meteoroid protection are investigated in the light of experimental data generated during the Apollo Program. The outer wall or shield is shown to be the most important element in the meteoroid-spacecraft interaction. The condition of the debris is primarily a function of the shock pressure, the melting points of the meteoroid and the shield, and the length of the meteoroid and thickness of the shield. Spacing between the walls is effective up to approximately 100 times the length of the meteoroid. The required thickness of the second wall is shown to be proportional to the meteoroid mass, velocity, and density, and to the spacing between the walls, taken with exponents dependent upon the condition of the debris. The effects of placing additional elements (insulation or honeycomb cells) between the two walls are discussed, and the efficiency of various protective configurations is presented. An analysis of the meteoroid protection proposed for the Comet Halley probe is included as an appendix.

Cour-Palais, B. G.↗

NASA NTRS2006

Modeling Gravitational Radiation Waveforms from Black Hole Mergers

Gravitational radiation from merging binary black hole systems is anticipated as a key source for gravitational wave observations. Ground-based instruments, such as the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) may observe mergers of stellar-scale black holes, while the space-based Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) observatory will be sensitive to mergers of massive galactic-center black holes over a broad range of mass scales. These cataclysmic events may emit an enormous amount of energy in a brief time. Gravitational waves from comparable mass mergers carry away a few percent of the system's mass-energy in just a few wave cycles, with peak gravitational wave luminosities on the order of 10^23 L_Sun. Optimal analysis and interpretation of merger observation data will depend on developing a detailed understanding, based on general relativistic modeling, of the radiation waveforms. We discuss recent progress in modeling radiation from equal mass mergers using numerical simulations of Einstein's gravitational field equations, known as numerical relativity. Our simulations utilize Adaptive Mesh Refinement (AMR) to allow high-resolution near the black holes while simultaneously keeping the outer boundary of the computational domain far from the black holes, and making it possible to read out gravitational radiation waveforms in the weak-field wave zone. We discuss the results from simulations beginning with the black holes orbiting near the system's innermost stable orbit, comparing the recent simulations with earlier "Lazarus" waveform estimates based on an approximate hybrid numerical/perturbative technique.

Baker, J. G.↗

NASA NTRS2009

Spitzer IRS (8-30 micron) Spectra of Basaltic Asteroids 1459 Magnya and 956 Elisa: Mineralogy and Thermal Properties

We report preliminary results from Spitzer IRS (Infrared Spectrograph) spectroscopy of 956 Elisa, 1459 Magnya, and other small basaltic asteroids with the Spitzer IRS. Program targets include members of the dynamical family of the unique large differentiated asteroid 4 Vesta ("Vestoids"), several outer-main-belt basaltic asteroids whose orbits exclude them from originating on 4 Vesta, and the basaltic near-Earth asteroid 4055 Magellan. The preliminary thermal model (STM) fit to the 5--35 micron spectrum of 956 Elisa gives a radius of 5.4 +/- 0.3 km and a subsolar- point temperature of 282.2 +/- 0.5 K. This temperature corresponds to eta approximately equals 1.06 +/- 0.02, which is substantially higher than the eta approximately equals 0.756 characteristic of large main-belt asteroids. Unlike 4 Vesta and other large asteroids, therefore, 956 Elisa has significant thermal inertia in its surface layer. The wavelength of the Christiansen feature (emissivity maximum near 9 micron), the positions and shapes of the narrow maxima (10 micron, 11 micron) within the broad 9--14 micron silicate band, and the 19--20 micron minimum are consistent with features found in the laboratory spectra of diogenites and of low-Ca pyroxenes of similar composition (Wo<5, En50-En75).

Lim, Lucy F.↗

DOE OSTI2023

A Fast Reactor Irradiation Experiment Design in the ATR

Modern modeling techniques were used to investigate a proposed method for fast neutron irradiations in an existing thermal-spectrum reactor, the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR). This method builds upon pre-existing ideas, where fast flux is increased by surrounding the specimens with fissionable “booster fuel” but diverges from historical approaches by using an already developed fuel element design used in the Belgian Reactor 2 (BR2) as the booster fuel while leveraging modern 3-D modeling and simulation techniques. Design evaluations and neutronics simulations were performed to evaluate the performance of a BR2 fuel element irradiated in an ATR flux trap with test pins in the central channel of the BR2 fuel element. These efforts have yielded promising results. Adding a BR2 fuel element in the northeast (NE) flux trap of ATR was predicted to result in a 150% increase to the incident fast neutron flux with a fast (>0.1 MeV) to thermal (<0.625 eV) neutron flux ratio ranging from approximately 50 to 150, dependent on the material used for thermal neutron filtering and volume of moderator within the central channel of the BR2 element. The predicted annual fast neutron fluence (>0.1 MeV) ranges from 7.9 × 1021 to 9.1 × 1021 n/cm2. Given the relatively large fast to thermal neutron flux ratio, the calculated radial power profiles within 4.3 mm outer diameter U10Zr fueled specimens irradiated within the BR2 booster fuel element are adequate representations of those within fast neutron reactors. The predicted radial power profiles are not flat, but they are more prototypic than those seen in advanced fuels tests which began in ATR in 2003. Another distinct advantage of this experiment design is that full-scale test pins can be irradiated to augment the ongoing series of reduced scale advanced fuels tests. The proposed experiment design irradiated within a BR2 fuel element in a flux trap of ATR offers an improved alternative to the current testing of advanced reactor fuels in ATR. Selected results from this design evaluation are presented.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

NASA NTRS2011

Observational and Numerical Diagnostics of Galaxy Cluster Outer Regions

Aims. We present the analysis of a local (z = 0.04 - 0.2) sample of 31 galaxy clusters with the aim of measuring the density of the X-ray emitting gas in cluster outskirts. We compare our results with numerical simulations to set constraints on the azimuthal symmetry and gas clumping in the outer regions of galaxy clusters. Methods. We exploit the large field-of-view and low instrumental background of ROSAT/PSPC to trace the density of the intracluster gas out to the virial radius. We perform a stacking of the density profiles to detect a signal beyond r(sub 200) and measure the typical density and scatter in cluster outskirts. We also compute the azimuthal scatter of the profiles with respect to the mean value to look for deviations from spherical symmetry. Finally, we compare our average density and scatter profiles with the results of numerical simulations. Results. As opposed to several recent results, we observe a steepening of the density profiles beyond approximately 0.3r(sub 500). Comparing our density profiles with simulations, we find that non-radiative runs predict too steep density profiles, whereas runs including additional physics and/or gas clumping are in better agreement with the observed gas distribution. We note a systematic difference between cool-core and non-cool core clusters beyond approximately 0.3r(sub 200), which we explain by a different distribution of the gas in the two classes. Beyond approximately r(sub 500), galaxy clusters deviate significantly from spherical symmetry, with only little differences between relaxed and disturbed systems. We find good agreement between the observed and predicted scatter profiles, but only when the 1% densest clumps are filtered out in the simulations. Conclusions. The general trend of steepening density around the virial radius indicates that the shallow density profiles found in several recent works were probably obtained along particular directions (e.g., filaments) and are not representative of the typical behavior of clusters. Comparing our results with numerical simulations, we find that non-radiative simulations fail to reproduce the gas distribution, even well outside cluster cores. Therefore, a detailed treatment of gas cooling, star formation, clumping, and AGN feedback is required to construct realistic models of cluster outer regions.

Eckert, D.↗

DOE OSTI2025

Simulation and measurement of the dynamic strain response in a prototypical spallation target

The Second Target Station (STS) at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) will address emerging scientific challenges by providing a source of intense cold neutrons to instruments optimized for this source. The STS target will use rotating tungsten blocks and will receive 1.3 GeV proton beam pulses from the SNS accelerator at a repetition rate of 15 Hz. The facility life is planned for 40 years, and each target assembly life is expected to be approximately 10 years. An accurate strain prediction is then critical for fatigue life assessment of STS target blocks because they will be subject to approximately 10 8 beam pulses per lifetime. As an R&D activity, the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) Weapons Neutron Research (WNR) Target 2 (Blue Room) facility was used to test the strain response of prototypical target blocks to the thermal shock of a proton pulse. The blue room was well suited for a pulsed proton beam impact test of subscale STS target blocks; the 800 MeV proton energy is approximately 60 % of the 1.3 GeV proton energy expected from the SNS accelerator to the STS. The LANSCE Proton Storage Ring (PSR) and SNS are both short-pulse proton beam sources with nominal pulse widths of 250 ns and 661 ns, respectively, so the energy deposition in the target occurs in <1 μs pulse duration. Strain measurements on the outer surface of three target blocks (bare tungsten, tantalum-clad tungsten, niobium-clad tungsten) were recorded for comparison against neutronics and structural simulations. In conclusion, this experiment and the supporting simulations satisfied the following primary research goals for the STS target.

Dynamic strain response↗

DOE OSTI2020

Characterizing photovoltaic backsheet adhesion degradation using the wedge and single cantilever beam tests, Part I: Field Modules

Photovoltaic backsheets are exposed to harsh outdoor weathering conditions throughout their service lives that can compromise their protective function, through adhesive debonding between their constituent layers and between the backsheet and the module. We report a large-scale study on adhesive degradation was conducted on 37 field-exposed modules, that spanned 19 different module manufacturers, that were deployed among six Köppen–Geiger climatic zones, and that were fielded between 0 and 28 years. Six outer layer polymer classes were identified among the backsheets: polyamide (PA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl fluoride (PVF), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), fluoroethylene vinyl ether copolymer (FEVE), and tetrafluoroethylene hexafluoropropylene vinylidene fluoride copolymer (THV). Two adhesion tests were used to measure the adhesive strength: the wedge test and the width-tapered single-cantilever beam (SCB) test. Adhesion energies were compared across exposure time and Köppen–Geiger climatic zone. Many of the PET-, PVF-, and PVDF-based backsheets experienced degradation of the adhesive layer between the backsheet outer and core layers. A consistent trend of decreasing adhesion energy with exposure time was observed in five out of the six backsheet types. Trends among adhesion energy and climatic zone, while expected, were not observed, possibly due to broad ranges in temperature, humidity, and precipitation defining Köppen–Geiger climatic zones. The cantilever beam measurements produced an upper cutoff of approximately 100 J/m 2 , above which no modules exhibited field delamination. The results are part of a two-part study quantifying adhesion in both field-weathered and indoor-exposed PV backsheets.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

NASA NTRS1979

Magnetic field studies at Jupiter by Voyager 1: Preliminary results

Results obtained by the Goddard Space Flight Center magnetometers on Voyager 1 concerning the large scale configuration of the Jovian bow shock and magnetopause, and the magnetic field in both the inner and outer magnetosphere are highlighted. There is evidence that a magnetic tail extending away from the planet on the nightside is formed by the solar wind-Jovian field interaction. This is much like Earth's magnetosphere but is a new configuration for Jupiter's magnetosphere not previously considered from earlier Pioneer data. Magnetic field perturbations associated with intense electrical currents (approximately 5 x 10 to the 6th power amps) flowing near or in the magnetic flux tube linking Jupiter with the satellite Io and induced by the relative motion between Io and the co-rotating Jovian magnetosphere are analyzed and interpreted. These currents may be an important source of heating the ionosphere and interior of Io through Joule dissipation.

Ness, N. F.↗

NASA NTRS1996

Design of a Long-Stroke Noncontact Electromagnetic Actuator for Active Vibration Isolation

A long-stroke moving coil Lorentz Actuator was designed for use in a microgravity vibration isolation experiment. The final design had a stroke of 5.08 cm (2 in) and enough force capability to isolate a mass of the order of 22.7-45.4 kg. A simple dynamic magnetic circuit analysis, using an electrical analog, was developed for the initial design of the actuator. A neodymium-iron-boron material with energy density of 278 T-kA/m (35 MGOe) was selected to supply the magnetic field. The effect of changes in the design parameters of core diameter, shell outer diameter, pole face length, and coil wire layers were investigated. An extensive three-dimensional finite element analysis was carried out to accurately determine linearity with regard to axial position of the coil and coil current levels. The actuator was constructed and tested on a universal testing machine. Example plots are shown, indicating good linearity over the stroke of approximately 5.08 cm (2 in) and a range of coil currents from -1.5 A to +1.5 A. The actuator was then used for the microgravity vibration isolation experiments, described elsewhere.

Banerjee, Bibhuti↗

NASA NTRS1995

The Origin of Pluto's Orbit: Implications for the Solar System Beyond Neptune

The origin of the highly eccentric, inclined, and resonance-locked orbit of Pluto has long been a puzzle. A possible explanation has been proposed recently which suggests that these extraordinary orbital properties may be a natural consequence of the formation and early dynamical evolution of the outer solar system. A resonance capture mechanism is possible during the clearing of the residual planetesimal debris and the formation of the Oort Cloud of comets by planetesimal mass loss from the vicinity of the giant planets. If this mechanism were in operation during the early history of the planetary system, the entire region between the orbit of Neptune and approximately 50 AU would have been swept by first-order mean motion resonances. Thus, resonance capture could occur not only for Pluto, but quite generally for other trans-Neptunian small bodies. Some consequences of this evolution for the present-day dynamical structure of the trans-Neptunian region are (1) most of the objects in the region beyond Neptune and up to approximately 50 AU exist in very narrow zones located at orbital resonances with Neptune (particularly the 3:2 and the 2:1 resonances); and (2) these resonant objects would have significantly large eccentricities. The distribution of objects in the Kuiper Belt as predicted by this theory is presented here.

Malhotra, Renu↗

NASA NTRS1997

Multidisciplinary Optimization of Tilt Rotor Blades Using Comprehensive Composite Modeling Technique

An optimization procedure is developed for addressing the design of composite tilt rotor blades. A comprehensive technique, based on a higher-order laminate theory, is developed for the analysis of the thick composite load-carrying sections, modeled as box beams, in the blade. The theory, which is based on a refined displacement field, is a three-dimensional model which approximates the elasticity solution so that the beam cross-sectional properties are not reduced to one-dimensional beam parameters. Both inplane and out-of-plane warping are included automatically in the formulation. The model can accurately capture the transverse shear stresses through the thickness of each wall while satisfying stress free boundary conditions on the inner and outer surfaces of the beam. The aerodynamic loads on the blade are calculated using the classical blade element momentum theory. Analytical expressions for the lift and drag are obtained based on the blade planform with corrections for the high lift capability of rotor blades. The aerodynamic analysis is coupled with the structural model to formulate the complete coupled equations of motion for aeroelastic analyses. Finally, a multidisciplinary optimization procedure is developed to improve the aerodynamic, structural and aeroelastic performance of the tilt rotor aircraft. The objective functions include the figure of merit in hover and the high speed cruise propulsive efficiency. Structural, aerodynamic and aeroelastic stability criteria are imposed as constraints on the problem. The Kreisselmeier-Steinhauser function is used to formulate the multiobjective function problem. The search direction is determined by the Broyden-Fletcher-Goldfarb-Shanno algorithm. The optimum results are compared with the baseline values and show significant improvements in the overall performance of the tilt rotor blade.

Chattopadhyay, Aditi↗

NASA NTRS1972

Experimental investigation of combustor effects on rocket thrust chamber performance

A design and experimental program to develop special instrumentation systems, design engine hardware, and conduct tests using LOX/GH2 propellants in which the propellant flow stratification was controlled is described. The mixture ratio was varied from 4.6 to 6 overall. The mixture ratios in the core and outer zone were varied from 3.5 to 6 and 5 to 8, respectively. The range in boundary layer coolant was from 0 to 10 percent of the fuel. The nominal chamber pressure and thrust were 225 psia and 7000 pounds, respectively. Pressure and heat flux profiles as well as gas sampling of the exhaust products were obtained. Specific impulse efficiencies of approximately 94 percent and characteristic velocity efficiencies of approximately 97 percent were obtained during the experiments.

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