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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 649 records · Page 36
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

Code for the manuscript "Lagrangian Large Eddy Simulations vis Physics-informed Machine Learning"

We would like to disclose a code based on Python/Pytorch, in which we implement the data-driven physics-informed machine learning of Lagrangian large eddy simulation that is described in the manuscript "Lagrangian Large Eddy Simulations via Physics-Informed Machine Learning ". High-Reynolds number Homogeneous Isotropic Turbulence is fully described within the Navier-Stokes (NS) equations, which are notoriously difficult to solve numerically. Engineers, interested primarily in describing turbulence at a reduced range of resolved scales, have designed heuristics, known as Large Eddy Simulation (LES). LES is described in terms of the temporally evolving Eulerian velocity field defined over a spatial grid with the mean-spacing correspondent to the resolved scale. This classic Eulerian LES depends on assumptions about the effects of sub-grid scales on the resolved scales. Here, we take an alternative approach and design novel LES heuristics stated in terms of Lagrangian particles moving with the flow. Our \emph{Lagrangian LES}, thus L-LES, is described by equations generalizing the weakly compressible Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics formulation with extended parametric and functional freedom, which is then resolved via Machine Learning training on Lagrangian data from Direct Numerical Simulations of the NS equations. The L-LES model includes physics-informed parameterization and functional form, by combining physics-based parameters and physics-inspired Neural Networks to describe the evolution of turbulence within the resolved range of scales. The sub-grid scale contributions are modeled separately with physical constraints to account for the effects from un-resolved scales. We build the resulting model under the Differentiable Programming framework to facilitate efficient training. We experiment with loss functions of different types, including physics-informed ones accounting for statistics of Lagrangian particles. We show that our Lagrangian LES model is capable of reproducing Eulerian and unique Lagrangian turbulence structures and statistics over a range of turbulent Mach numbers.

Tian, Yifeng↗
DOE OSTI2016

Towards an IMEX Monolithic ALE Method with Integrated UQ for Multiphysics Shock-hydro

A number of critical science, engineering and advanced technology applications require predictive analysis of complex shock-hydrodynamics of fluid/solid materials with possible electromagnetic interaction. The physical mechanisms include wave-phenomena, material-transport, diffusion, chemical reactions, and electromagnetics. The highly nonlinear multiple-time and length-scale response of these mechanisms include discontinuities formed from shocks, contact surfaces, and complex tabular equations-of-state (EOS). Current dominant computational solution strategies use ad-hoc combinations of operator- splitting, semi-implicit, and explicit time-integration methods and decoupled nonlinear-solvers. While these approaches have enabled progress in forward simulation, the inherited mathematical structure has not provided stability, accuracy and efficiency to resolve all the dynamical time-scales of interest, nor has it enabled integrated fast sensitivity analysis and uncertainty quantification (UQ). This draft report describes initial progress towards developing a new multiphysics shock-hydro capability that is intended to be more robust, mathematically well-structured and can readily be combined with advanced higher-order implicit/explicit (IMEX) time integration and efficient adjoint-enhanced uncertainty quantification (UQ) techniques.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2023

Sensitivity Analysis of Sediment Coagulations in the Chesapeake Bay

Hydrodynamic models are utilized for fast response to environmental hazards. However, limitations within the models may inhibit their accuracy. A three-dimensional aqueous transport model, ALGE, was developed at the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) as a tool for pollutant dispersion. Recently at SRNL, the capability to account for coagulation and break-up of particles to better account for the fate and transport of materials. A sensitivity analysis was performed to determine a threshold for specified particle parameters that still yield accurate results. Dictating these thresholds advances the development of ALGE to become a product for efficient emergency response.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS2016

Liquid Oxygen/Liquid Methane Integrated Power and Propulsion

The proposed paper will cover ongoing work at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Johnson Space Center (JSC) on integrated power and propulsion for advanced human exploration. Specifically, it will present findings of the integrated design, testing, and operational challenges of a liquid oxygen / liquid methane (LOx/LCH4) propulsion brassboard and Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) system. Human-Mars architectures point to an oxygen-methane economy utilizing common commodities, scavenged from the planetary atmosphere and soil via In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU), and common commodities across sub-systems. Due to the enormous mass gear-ratio required for human exploration beyond low-earth orbit, (for every 1 kg of payload landed on Mars, 226 kg will be required on Earth) increasing commonality between spacecraft subsystems such as power and propulsion can result in tremendous launch mass and volume savings. Historically, propulsion and fuel cell power subsystems have had little interaction outside of the generation (fuel cell) and consumption (propulsion) of electrical power. This was largely due to a mismatch in preferred commodities (hypergolics for propulsion; oxygen & hydrogen for fuel cells). Although this stove-piped approach benefits from simplicity in the design process, it means each subsystem has its own tanks, pressurization system, fluid feed system, etc. increasing overall spacecraft mass and volume. A liquid oxygen / liquid methane commodities architecture across propulsion and power subsystems would enable the use of common tankage and associated pressurization and commodity delivery hardware for both. Furthermore, a spacecraft utilizing integrated power and propulsion could use propellant residuals - propellant which could not be expelled from the tank near depletion due to hydrodynamic considerations caused by large flow demands of a rocket engine - to generate power after all propulsive maneuvers are complete thus utilizing previously wasted mass. Such is the case for human and robotic planetary landers. Although many potential benefits through integrated power & propulsion exist, integrated operations have yet to be successfully demonstrated and many challenges have already been identified the most obvious of which is the large temperature gradient. SOFC chemistry is exothermic with operating temperatures in excess of 1,000 K; however, any shared commodities will be undoubtedly stored at cryogenic temperatures (90-112 K) for mass efficiency reasons. Spacecraft packaging will drive these two subsystems in close proximity thus heat leak into the commodity tankage must be minimized and/or mitigated. Furthermore, commodities must be gasified prior to consumption by the SOFC. Excess heat generated by the SOFC could be used to perform this phase change; however, this has yet to be demonstrated. A further identified challenge is the ability of the SOFC to handle the sudden power spikes created by the propulsion system. A power accumulator (battery) will likely be necessary to handle these sudden demands while the SOFC thermally adjusts. JSC's current SOFC test system consists of a 1 kW fuel cell designed by Delphi. The fuel cell is currently undergoing characterization testing at the NASA JSC Energy Systems Test Area (ESTA) after which a Steam Methane Reformer (SMR) will be integrated and the combined system tested in closed-loop. The propulsion brassboard is approximately the size of what could be flown on a sounding rocket. It consists of one 100 lbf thrust "main" engine developed for NASA by Aerojet and two 10 lbf thrusters to simulate a reaction control system developed at NASA JSC. This system is also under development and initial testing at ESTA. After initial testing, combined testing will occur which will provide data on the fuel cell's ability to sufficiently handle the power spikes created by the propulsion system. These two systems will also be modeled using General-Use Nodal Network Solver (GUNNS) software. Once anchored with test data, this model will be used to extrapolate onto other firing profiles and used to size the power accumulator.

Banker, Brian↗
DOE OSTI2014

Wave Energy Converter (WEC) Array Effects on Wave Current and Sediment Circulation: Monterey Bay CA.

The goal s of this study were to develop tools to quantitatively characterize environments where wave energy converter ( WEC ) devices may be installed and to assess e ffects on hydrodynamics and lo cal sediment transport. A large hypothetical WEC array was investigated using wave, hydrodynamic, and sediment transport models and site - specific average and storm conditions as input. The results indicated that there were significant changes in sediment s izes adjacent to and in the lee of the WEC array due to reduced wave energy. The circulation in the lee of the array was also altered; more intense onshore currents were generated in the lee of the WECs . In general, the storm case and the average case show ed the same qualitative patterns suggesting that these trends would be maintained throughout the year. The framework developed here can be used to design more efficient arrays while minimizing impacts on nearshore environmen ts.

Roberts, Jesse D.↗
DOE OSTI2018

Relativistic Tidal Disruption and Nuclear Ignition of White Dwarf Stars by Intermediate-mass Black Holes

We introduce results from general relativistic calculations of the tidal disruption of white dwarf stars from near encounters with intermediate-mass black holes. We view the evolution of 0.2 M ⊙ and 0.6 M ⊙ stars on parabolic trajectories that approach 10 3 –10 4 M ⊙ black holes as close as a few Schwarzschild radii at periapsis, paying particular attention to the effect that tidal disruption has on thermonuclear reactions and the synthesis of intermediate-mass to heavy elements. These encounters create diverse thermonuclear environments that are characteristic of Type I supernovae and capable of producing both intermediate-mass and heavy elements in arbitrary ratios, depending on the strength (or proximity) of the interaction. Nuclear ignition is triggered in all of our calculations, even at weak tidal strengths β ~ 2.6 and large periapsis radius R P ~ 28 Schwarzschild radii. A strong inverse correlation exists between the mass ratio of calcium-group to iron-group elements and tidal strength, with β ≲ 5 producing predominantly calcium-rich debris. At these moderate to weak interactions, nucleosynthesis is not especially efficient, limiting the total mass and outflows of calcium-group elements to <15% of available nuclear fuel. Iron-group elements, yet, continue to be produced in greater quantity and ratio with increasing tidal strength, peaking at ~60% mass conversion efficiency in our closest encounter cases. These events generate short bursts of gravitational waves with characteristic frequencies 0.1–0.7 Hz and strain amplitudes from 0.5 × 10 –22 to 3.5 × 10 –22 at a source distance of 10 Mpc.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1995

Unsteady numerical simulations of the stability and dynamics of flames

In this report we describe the research performed at the Naval Research Laboratory in support of the NASA Microgravity Science and Applications Program over the past three years (from Feb. 1992) with emphasis on the work performed since the last microgravity combustion workshop. The primary objective of our research is to develop an understanding of the differences in the structure, stability, dynamics and extinction of flames in earth gravity and in microgravity environments. Numerical simulations, in which the various physical and chemical processes can be independently controlled, can significantly advance our understanding of these differences. Therefore, our approach is to use detailed time-dependent, multi-dimensional, multispecies numerical models to perform carefully designed computational experiments. The basic issues we have addressed, a general description of the numerical approach, and a summary of the results are described in this report. More detailed discussions are available in the papers published which are referenced herein. Some of the basic issues we have addressed recently are (1) the relative importance of wall losses and gravity on the extinguishment of downward-propagating flames; (2) the role of hydrodynamic instabilities in the formation of cellular flames; (3) effects of gravity on burner-stabilized flames, and (4) effects of radiative losses and chemical-kinetics on flames near flammability limits. We have also expanded our efforts to include hydrocarbon flames in addition to hydrogen flames and to perform simulations in support of other on-going efforts in the microgravity combustion sciences program. Modeling hydrocarbon flames typically involves a larger number of species and a much larger number of reactions when compared to hydrogen. In addition, more complex radiation models may also be needed. In order to efficiently compute such complex flames recent developments in parallel computing have been utilized to develop a state-of-the-art parallel flame code. This is discussed below in some detail after a brief discussion of the numerical models.

Kailasanath, K.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Resilient GaN-based Power Module with Improved Diagnostic for Future Accelerator

Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) and Dual-Axis Radiographic Hydrodynamic Test facility (DARHT) play a pivotal role in advancing scientific research and national security initiatives. As a premier facility for neutron science, LANSCE and DARHT provide invaluable insights into fundamental research, materials science, nuclear physics, high-energy physics, material science, and medical imaging. Existing (DC) power supply and pulse modulation technologies used in LANSCE and DARHT face limitations in terms of reliability, maintainability, and diagnostics which hinder the progress of these cutting-edge facilities. By proposing improvements to LANL accelerator facilities’ performance and addressing component failure, we aim to enhance scientific outcomes and minimize disruptions, allowing for more efficient and productive research activities while ensuring the continuity of valuable contributions to the user community. This proposal aims to revolutionize (DC) power supply and pulse power systems for future particle accelerators via the development of a resilient GaN-based power module with improved diagnostic and redundant submodules.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2013

DISK-PLANETS INTERACTIONS AND THE DIVERSITY OF PERIOD RATIOS IN KEPLER'S MULTI-PLANETARY SYSTEMS

The Kepler mission is dramatically increasing the number of planets known in multi-planetary systems. Many adjacent planets have orbital period ratios near resonant values, with a tendency to be larger than required for exact first-order mean-motion resonances. This feature has been shown to be a natural outcome of orbital circularization of resonant planetary pairs due to star-planet tidal interactions. However, this feature holds in multi-planetary systems with periods longer than 10 days, in which tidal circularization is unlikely to provide efficient divergent evolution of the planets' orbits to explain these orbital period ratios. Gravitational interactions between planets and their parent protoplanetary disk may instead provide efficient divergent evolution. For a planet pair embedded in a disk, we show that interactions between a planet and the wake of its companion can reverse convergent migration and significantly increase the period ratio from a near-resonant value. Divergent evolution due to wake-planet interactions is particularly efficient when at least one of the planets opens a partial gap around its orbit. This mechanism could help account for the diversity of period ratios in Kepler's multiple systems from super-Earth to sub-Jovian planets with periods greater than about 10 days. Diversity is also expected for pairs of planets massive enough to merge their gap. The efficiency of wake-planet interactions is then much reduced, but convergent migration may stall with a variety of period ratios depending on the density structure in the common gap. This is illustrated for the Kepler-46 system, for which we reproduce the period ratio of Kepler-46b and c.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2016

Investigating Laser Preheat and Applied Magnetic Fields Relevant to the MagLIF Fusion Scheme

The MAGnetized Liner Inertial Fusion (MagLIF) scheme has achieved thermonuclear fusion yields on the Z Facility by imploding a cylindrical liner filled with D 2 fuel that is preheated with a multi-kJ laser and pre-magnetized with an axial Bz=10 T magnetic field. Preheating (T e = 100-200 eV) and pre-magnetizing (10-30 T) the fuel serves to reduce the implosion velocity required to achieve multi-keV fusion-relevant temperatures at stagnation with a modest radial convergence. The challenge of fuel preheat in MagLIF is to deposit multiple-kJ of energy into the underdense (n e /n c <0.1) fuel over ~10 mm target length efficiently and without introducing contaminants. Once the fuel is heated the applied axial magnetic field (ω ce τ e ~ 10) needs to suppress electron thermal conduction sufficiently to prevent unacceptable heat losses to the liner walls. In this LDRD we investigated laser energy deposition at two facilities: The OMEGA-EP laser at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics and the Z-beamlet laser at Sandia National Labs utilizing the PECOS chamber. Multiple experiments were carried out investigating laser transmission through LEH foils, laser heating of underdense gasses and the effects of magnetization on laser preheat. The studies find that magneto-hydrodynamic simulations are able to reproduce energy deposition at MagLIF-like conditions but that at the intensities currently used to preheat MagLIF significant laser plasma instabilities (LPI) occur which partly explain the inability of codes to reproduce previous MagLIF preheat studies. The experiments find that reducing the intensity and smoothing the beam dramatically reduces the amount of stimulated Brillouin backscatter and produces deposition profiles more similar to those produced in simulations. The experiments have provided a large and varied dataset that can be compared to simulations. As part of the LDRD new experimental capabilities have also been developed that will be used to design future MagLIF integrated experiments and investigate fuel magnetization.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

A hybrid adaptive multiresolution approach for the efficient simulation of reactive flows

Computational studies that use block-structured adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) approaches suffer from unnecessarily high mesh resolution in regions adjacent to important solution features. This deficiency limits the performance of AMR codes. In this work a novel hybrid adaptive multiresolution (HAMR) approach to AMR-based calculations is introduced to address this issue. The multiresolution (MR) smoothness indicators are used to identify regions of smoothness on the mesh where the computational cost of individual physics solvers may be decreased by replacing direct calculations with interpolation. We suggest an approach to balance the errors due to the adaptive discretization and the interpolation of physics quantities such that the overall accuracy of the HAMR solution is consistent with that of the MR-driven AMR solution. The performance of the HAMR scheme is evaluated for a range of test problems, from pure hydrodynamics to turbulent combustion.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2024

Hydrodynamical Simulations of Proton Ingestion Flashes in Type I X-Ray Bursts

We perform the first multidimensional fluid simulations of thermonuclear helium ignition underneath a hydrogen-rich shell. This situation is relevant to Type I X-ray bursts on neutron stars that accrete from a hydrogen-rich companion. Using the low-Mach number fluid code MAESTROeX, we investigate the growth of the convection zone due to nuclear burning, and the evolution of the chemical abundances in the atmosphere of the star. We also examine the convective boundary mixing processes that cause the evolution to differ significantly from previous one-dimensional simulations that rely on mixing-length theory. We find that the convection zone grows outward as penetrating fluid elements cool the overlying radiative layer, rather than directly from the increasing entropy of the convection zone itself. Simultaneously, these flows efficiently mix composition, carrying carbon out of and protons into the convection zone even before contact with the hydrogen shell. We discuss the implications of these effects for future modeling of these events and observations.

astrophysical fluid dynamics↗
DOE OSTI2020

Stellar and weak lensing profiles of massive galaxies in the Hyper-Suprime Cam survey and in hydrodynamic simulations

ABSTRACT We perform a consistent comparison of the mass and mass profiles of massive (M⋆ > 1011.4 M⊙) central galaxies at z ∼ 0.4 from deep Hyper Suprime-Cam (HSC) observations and from the Illustris, TNG100, and Ponos simulations. Weak lensing measurements from HSC enable measurements at fixed halo mass and provide constraints on the strength and impact of feedback at different halo mass scales. We compare the stellar mass function (SMF) and the Stellar-to-Halo Mass Relation (SHMR) at various radii and show that the radius at which the comparison is performed is important. In general, Illustris and TNG100 display steeper values of α where $M_{\star } \propto M_{\rm vir}^{\alpha }$. These differences are more pronounced for Illustris than for TNG100 and in the inner rather than outer regions of galaxies. Differences in the inner regions may suggest that TNG100 is too efficient at quenching in situ star formation at Mvir ≃ 1013 M⊙ but not efficient enough at Mvir ≃ 1014 M⊙. The outer stellar masses are in excellent agreement with our observations at Mvir ≃ 1013 M⊙, but both Illustris and TNG100 display excess outer mass as Mvir ≃ 1014 M⊙ (by ∼0.25 and ∼0.12 dex, respectively). We argue that reducing stellar growth at early times in $M_\star \sim 10^{9-10} \, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }$ galaxies would help to prevent excess ex-situ growth at this mass scale. The Ponos simulations do not implement AGN feedback and display an excess mass of ∼0.5 dex at r < 30 kpc compared to HSC which is indicative of overcooling and excess star formation in the central regions. The comparison of the inner profiles of Ponos and HSC suggests that the physical scale over which the central AGN limits star formation is r ≲ 20 kpc. Joint comparisons between weak lensing and galaxy stellar profiles are a direct test of whether simulations build and deposit galaxy mass in the correct dark matter haloes and thereby provide powerful constraints on the physics of feedback and galaxy growth. Our galaxy and weak lensing profiles are publicly available to facilitate comparisons with other simulations.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2016

Fractional laser microablation of skin: increasing the efficiency of transcutaneous delivery of particles

We study several regimes of fractional laser microablation using a pulsed Er : YAG laser for producing microchannels of different depth and incisions that allow transcutaneous delivery of particles of different size, namely, Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} (27 μm), ZrO{sub 2} (smaller than 5 μm) and TiO{sub 2} (smaller than 100 nm). The shock wave regime was used both for enhancing the penetration of particles into the ablation zones and as an independent method of particle delivery into the skin. Based on optical coherence tomography we assessed the coherent depth of particle detection in the skin in 2 hours, 3 days and 10 days after the administration. The maximal localisation depth (up to 450 μm) was obtained for TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles in the regime of incisions with enhancement of particle penetration by pulses of a multiple-beam hydrodynamic shock wave. The results of the study can be useful for developing new methods of transcutaneous delivery of micro- and nanocarriers of medicinal preparations. (laser biophotonics)

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Simulation of a High-Confinement Tidal Energy Array (Abstract)

When the projected area of a current turbine array occupies a substantial fraction of a tidal or river channel cross-sectional area, the confinement associated with the channel boundaries substantially increases turbine efficiency. This effect can be exploited to substantially reduce the levelized cost of energy for current turbine arrays. However, the presence of such an array will affect inflow velocity, water depth, and circulation in the surrounding area. This has implications for array performance and environmental impacts. This project combines existing numerical modeling capability from PNNL with an understanding of confined array performance from UW. The work will 1) Simulate tidal currents and water surface elevation in a regional circulation model that includes the Knik Arm site at appropriate resolution; 2) Incorporate a varying thrust coefficient into this model that reflects the outcomes of tidal hydrodynamic simulations of confined turbine arrays; 3) Use the model to determine the effects of array operation on water levels and inflow conditions as a function of different blockage ratios and control strategies; and 4) Identify the “far field” environmental implications of operating an array of this type. UW will use the outputs from this model to evaluate the implications of “feedback effects” and variable inflow conditions on levelized cost of energy estimates for a confinement exploiting array of cross-flow turbines.

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗
DOE OSTI2024

Influence of porous aluminosilicate grain size materials in experimental and modelling Cs + adsorption kinetics and wastewater column process

This paper focuses on the influence of the grain size of a geopolymer based adsorbent on its Cs + adsorption performances both in batch and fixed-bed process. The geopolymer phase was used as a binder to support NaY zeolite particle in a 20 wt% charged porous composite with 160 m 2 .g –1 of porous surface area. These samples were shaped with three grain sizes (50 /100/500 µm) to remove 80–90 mg/g of Cs + in batch and column operations. After their microstructural and porous characterizations, their efficiency and adsorption characteristics were investigated through adsorption isotherms and kinetic in the two processes. While the grain size has no influence on the maximal extraction capacity of the adsorbent, it strongly affects the sorption kinetic. By coupling experimental data and a modelling approach, the complex sorption mechanism was highlighted, suggesting a new insight of the contaminant sorption kinetic. Then, comparison of batch and column adsorption experiments illustrates the detailed explanation of various process parameters for column study. The results show challenges for fixed-bed column utilization by the choice of the appropriate grain size as a compromise between the material sorption kinetic and hydrodynamic considerations. Furthermore, this is of high importance to more accurately optimize the design of column adsorption to assess the transport of Cs+ in multi-porous tailored grain size materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Maximizing 1D “like” implosion performance for inertial confinement fusion science

While the march towards achieving indirectly driven inertial confinement fusion at the NIF has made great progress, the experiments show that multi-dimensional effects still dominate the implosion performance. Low mode implosion symmetry and hydrodynamic instabilities seed by capsule mounting features appear to be two key limiting factors for implosion performance. One reason these factors have a large impact on the performance of ICF implosions is the high convergence required to achieve high fusion gains. To tackle these problems, a predictable implosion platform is needed meaning experiments must trade-off high gain for performance. To this end, LANL has adopted three main approaches to develop a 1D implosion platform where 1D means high yield over 1D clean calculations. Taking advantage of the properties of beryllium capsules, a high adiabat, low convergence platform is being developed. The higher drive efficiency for beryllium enables larger case-to-capsule ratios to improve symmetry at the expense of drive. Smaller capsules with a high adiabat drive are expected to reduce the convergence and thus increase predictability. The second approach is liquid fuel layers using wetted foam targets. With liquid fuel layers, the initial mass in the hot spot can be controlled via the target fielding temperature which changes the liquid vapor pressure. Varying the initial hot spot mass via the vapor pressure controls the implosion convergence and minimizes the need to vaporize the dense fuel layer during the implosion to achieve ignition relevant hot spot densities. The last method is double shell targets. Unlike hot spot ignition, double shells ignite volumetrically. The inner shell houses the DT fuel and the convergence of this cavity is relatively small compared to hot spot ignition. Radiation trapping and the longer confinement times relax the conditions required to ignite the fuel. Key challenges for double shell targets are coupling the momentum of the outer shell to the inner shell and mixing of the mid-Z material from the inner shell into the fuel. The primary theme for each of these approaches is reduced implosion convergence with the goal of achieving a 1D “like” implosion. Once established, a systematic approach to solving limiting issues for ICF can be undertaken. This presentation will discuss the approaches, results, and plans for each of these campaigns.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2019

Computational simulation of a 100 kW dual circulating fluidized bed reactor processing coal by chemical looping with oxygen uncoupling

Chemical looping with oxygen uncoupling (CLOU) is a promising carbon capture technology that utilizes two interconnected fluidized-bed reactors to separate oxygen from air using a metal oxide, and then to use that oxygen to combust fuel in a nitrogen-free environment. CLOU is particularly well suited for solid fuels such as coal since released O 2 will readily combust with solid char. This study presents simulations of the University of Utah's dual fluidized bed chemical looping process development unit (PDU) operating as a CLOU system at 100 kW th , using CPFD Software's Barracuda-VR™ CFD modeling program. A full 3D model of the PDU was used including both reactors, as well as loop seals and cyclone separators. Hydrodynamic settings and the drag model are based on previous cold-flow validation experiments. Mechanisms describing CLOU reaction kinetics for cuprous oxide oxidation in the air reactor and cupric oxide reduction in the fuel reactor were adapted from previously completed experimental work. Coal char kinetics were based on the carbon-hydrogen-nitrogen-oxygen-sulfur, CHNOS, method. Submodels for devolatilization, gasification, and homogenous gas-phase reactions used relationships from the literature. Results predict volatile burnout almost immediately, though coal combustion continues into the upper portions of the fuel reactor and cyclone. Lastly, nitrogen gas leakage into the fuel reactor is shown to be mostly carryover from the air reactor

42 ENGINEERING↗