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At least 667 records · Page 37

Investigation of flow phenomena in a transonic fan rotor using laser anemometry

Several flow phenomena including flowfield periodicity, rotor shock oscillation, and rotor shock system geometry were investigated in a transonic low aspect ratio fan rotor using laser anemometry. Flow periodicity is found to increase with increasing rotor pressure rise, and to correlate with blade geometry variations. Analysis of time-accurate laser anemometer data indicates that the rotor shock oscillates about its mean location with an amplitude of 3 to 4 percent of rotor chord. The shock surface is nearly two-dimensional for levels of rotor pressure rise at and above the peak efficiency level but becomes more complex for lower levels of pressure rise. Spanwise shock lean generates radial flows due to streamline deflection in the hub-to-shroud streamsurface.

Strazisar, A. J.↗

Laser-Induced Recoverable Fluorescence Quenching of Perovskite Films at a Microscopic Grain Scale

Understanding the fundamental properties of metal-halide perovskite materials is driving the development of novel optoelectronic applications. Here, in this paper, we report the observation of a recoverable laser-induced fluorescence quenching phenomenon in perovskite films with a microscopic grain-scale restriction, accompanied by spectral variations. This fluorescence quenching depends on the laser intensity and the dwell time under Auger recombination dominated conditions. These features indicate that the perovskite lattice deformation may take the main responsibility for the transient and show a new aspect to understand halide perovskite photo-stability. We further modulate this phenomenon by adjusting the charge carrier recombination and extraction, revealing that efficient carrier transfer can improve the bleaching resistance of perovskite grains. Our results provide future opportunities to attain high-performance devices by tuning the perovskite lattice disorder and harvesting the energetic carriers.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Fleet-Level Fuel Impact of Hybrid-Electric Aircraft in United States

Here, this paper examines the impact of two potential solutions for increasing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions in commercial aviation: hybrid-electric propulsion and the use of drop-in synthetic aviation fuels (SAFs). The authors modeled three representative aircraft employed in the U.S. domestic market: a 70-seat regional turboprop, a 100-seat airliner, and a 180-seat airliner. These aircraft were retrofitted with hybrid-electric propulsion systems that integrate batteries and electric motors to provide additional torque to the propeller or fan. The authors explored various technological scenarios involving different battery specific energies, electric motor specific powers, and other relevant parameters. Flight performance models were used to analyze the range–payload capabilities of these new hybrid-electric aircraft and to compare them with their conventional counterparts. Subsequently, the authors virtually deployed the hybrid-electric aircraft on 2019 U.S. domestic commercial flights to assess the types and lengths of flights that could be serviced by this new fleet. We then compared the resulting fuel consumption, energy use, and emissions with those of a conventional fleet using a combination of jet fuel and SAF.

SAF↗

Noise reduction from the redesign of a fan stage to minimize stator lift fluctuations

An existing fan stage, redesigned to reduce stator lift fluctuations, was acoustically tested for reduced noise generation. The lift fluctuations on the stator were reduced by increasing the stator chord, adjusting incidence angles, and by adjusting the rotor velocity diagrams. The experiments showed significantly reduced broadband noise levels in the middle to high frequencies. Blade passage tone power was not reduced, but decreases in the harmonics were observed. Aerodynamic improvements in both performance and efficiency were obtained.

Dittmar, J. H.↗

Noise reduction from the redesign of a fan stage to minimize stator lift fluctuations

An existing fan stage, redesigned to reduce stator lift fluctuations, was acoustically tested for reduced noise generation. The lift fluctuations on the stator were reduced by increasing the stator chord, adjusting incidence angles, and by adjusting the rotor velocity diagrams. The experiments showed significantly reduced broadband noise levels in the middle to high frequencies. Blade passage tone power was not reduced, but decreases in the harmonics were observed. Aerodynamic improvements in both performance and efficiency were obtained.

Dittmar, J. H.↗

Visible BaB2O4 optical parametric oscillator pumped at 355 nm by a single-axial-mode pulsed source

A visible BaB2O4 optical parametric oscillator (OPO) pumped by a single-axial-mode 355-nm source has been demonstrated. An average output power of 140 mW with a signal wave conversion efficiency of 13 percent and an idler conversion efficiency of 11 percent for a total conversion efficiency of 24 percent has been achieved. The oscillator has continuously tuned from 412 nm to 2.55 microns limited by the infrared transmission range of the crystal. Through injection seeding, single-axial-mode OPO operation with a corresponding OPO linewidth of less than 3 GHz was obtained.

Fan, Y. X.↗

The software system development for the TAMU real-time fan beam scatterometer data processors

A software package was designed and written to process in real-time any one quadrature channel pair of radar scatterometer signals form the NASA L- or C-Band radar scatterometer systems. The software was successfully tested in the C-Band processor breadboard hardware using recorded radar and NERDAS (NASA Earth Resources Data Annotation System) signals as the input data sources. The processor development program and the overall processor theory of operation and design are described. The real-time processor software system is documented and the results of the laboratory software tests, and recommendations for the efficient application of the data processing capabilities are presented.

Clark, B. V.↗

Deep Reinforcement Learning Based Control of Wind Turbines for Fast Frequency Response

In order to fulfill vital auxiliary grid services, such as load regulation, spin and non-spin reserve provision, and frequency support during emergencies, there is often a requirement for certain wind farms to operate in de-loaded modes. Leveraging the swift response capabilities of wind farms, this study demonstrates that reserving power in de-loaded modes can significantly enhance power grid stability and reliability during system contingencies. Controlling wind farms optimally for frequency support is intricate due to the nonlinearity of models and controllers and the complexity of wind farm interactions with power systems. Here, to address this challenge, this paper introduces a novel approach that integrates wind turbines into reinforcement learning-based solutions for frequency response. This innovative methodology utilizes the state-of-the-art reinforcement learning algorithm known as the surrogate-gradient-based evolutionary strategy. The proposed learning-based algorithm provides continuous control of wind farm output to rapidly stabilize system frequency and prevent unnecessary trips of under-frequency load shedding relays. To facilitate efficient training, parallel computing techniques are employed. The proposed methodology is evaluated on a modified IEEE-39 bus system, and simulation results reveal its efficacy in reliably supporting power system frequency and preventing the need for unnecessary load shedding.

Gao, Wei [Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), Argon↗

Effects of reset stators and a rotating, grooved stator hub on performance of a 1.92-pressure-ratio compressor stage

The overall performance and blade-element performance of a transonic fan stage are presented for two modified test configurations and are compared with the unmodified stage. Tests were conducted with reset stators 2 deg open and reset stators with a rotating grooved stator hub. Detailed radial and circumferential (behind stator) surveys of the flow conditions were made over the stable operating range at rotative speeds of 70, 90, and 100 percent of design speed. Reset stator blade tests indicated a small increase in stage efficiency, pressure ratio, and maximum weight flow at each speed. Performance with reset stators and a rotating, grooved stator hub resulted in an additional increase in stage efficiency and pressure ratio at all speeds. The rotating grooved stator hub reduced hub losses considerably.

Lewis, G. W., Jr.↗

Measurement and prediction of Energy Efficient Engine noise

The NASA/GE Energy Efficient Engine (E3) static noise levels were measured in an acoustic arena on the Integrated Core and Low Spool Test System. These measured levels were scaled to the appropriate size to power four study aircraft and were projected to flight for evaluation of noise levels relative to FAR36, Stage III limits. As a result of these evaluations, it is predicted that the NASA/GE E3 engine with a wide spacing cut-on blade/vane ratio fan and a forced mixer nozzle can meet FAR36 Stage III limits with sufficient design margin.

Lavin, S. P.↗

Loss circulation prevention in geothermal drilling by shape memory polymer

Geothermal formations are naturally fractured with large fracture openings and networks. This can often lead to frequent drilling fluid loss events which is a major contributor to the cost and non-productive time in geothermal drilling. Development of smarter technologies and methods to tackle problem lost circulation is vital for geothermal drilling cost reduction required for geothermal energy to be recognized as a competitive alternative energy source. Mitigation of this problem and other drilling problems such as stuck pipe can minimize overall project cost. In this report, a thermoset shape memory polymer that can be activated by formation natural heat was assessed to seal near wellbore fractures in geothermal wells. The performance of the shape memory polymer (SMP) was evaluated using artificial fractures created in aluminum discs and cylindrical granite cores. Rheology and particle size distribution were considered. A novel testing setup was built for this work, which allows testing of sealing efficiency under dynamic conditions at high temperature. Analysis showed that the SMP has efficiently succeeded in forming a strong plug inside the fractures and stopped fluid loss at high sealing pressure. This smart loss circulation material can expand within the fractures to reduces non-drilling time and strengthen the wellbore in high-temperature drilling operations.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

5G Enabled Transformative Co-design and Co-simulation Framework for Grid Decarbonization and Modernization

5G is a breakthrough technology to enable a fully mobile and connected society, and a 5G-enabled digital continuum will be one of the critical foundations for clean energy economy and grid modernization. The clean energy transformation not only requires innovative manufacturing, algorithm, application, and cross-domain co-simulation, but also a systematic evaluation and comprehensive support on the microelectronic and architectural computing customization to enable and maximize the high renewable penetration in the future power grid. The co-design of decarbonized grid, reliable yet efficient communication, and affordable yet ubiquitous computing will unlock the potential of almost any available tools for the undergoing clean energy transformation. 5G is also an opportunity to rethink the paradigm of infrastructure planning, as computing will be one of the core services for society alongside electricity and communication services.

5G↗

The JT8D and JT9D engine component improvement: Performance improvement program

The NASA sponsored Engine Component Improvement - Performance Improvement Program at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft advanced the state of the art of thermal barrier coatings and ceramic seal systems, demonstrated the practicality of an advanced turbine clearance control system and an advanced fan design in the JT9D engine, and demonstrated the advantages of modern cooling, sealing, and aerodynamic designs in the high pressure turbine and compressor of the JT8D engine. Several of these improvements are already in airline service in JT8D and JT9D engines, and others will enter service soon in advanced models of these engines. In addition, the technology advances are being transferred to completely new engine configurations, the PW2037 engine and the NASA sponsored Energy Efficient Engine.

Gaffin, W. O.↗

Far-Field Acoustic Power Level and Performance Analyses of F31/A31 Open Rotor Model at Simulated Scaled Takeoff, Nominal Takeoff, and Approach Conditions: Technical Report I

Far-field acoustic power level and performance analyses of open rotor model F31/A31 have been performed to determine its noise characteristics at simulated scaled takeoff, nominal takeoff, and approach flight conditions. The nonproprietary parts of the data obtained from experiments in 9- by 15-Foot Low-Speed Wind Tunnel (915 LSWT) tests were provided by NASA Glenn Research Center to perform the analyses. The tone and broadband noise components have been separated from raw test data by using a new data analysis tool. Results in terms of sound pressure levels, acoustic power levels, and their variations with rotor speed, angle of attack, thrust, and input shaft power have been presented and discussed. The effect of an upstream pylon on the noise levels of the model has been addressed. Empirical equations relating model's acoustic power level, thrust, and input shaft power have been developed. The far-field acoustic efficiency of the model is also determined for various simulated flight conditions. It is intended that the results presented in this work will serve as a database for comparison and improvement of other open rotor blade designs and also for validating open rotor noise prediction codes.

Prop-Fan Technology↗

Noise of fan designed to reduce stator lift fluctuations

An existing fan stage was redesigned to reduce stator lift fluctuations and was acoustically tested at three nozzle sizes for reduced noise generation. The lift fluctuations on the stator were reduced by increasing the stator cord, adjusting incidence angles, and adjusting the rotor velocity diagrams. Broadband noise levels were signficantly reduced in the middle to high frequencies. Blade passage tone sound power was not lessened, but decreases in the harmonics were observed. Aerodynamic improvements in both performance and efficiency were obtained.

Dittmar, J. H.↗

Aerodynamic performance of a supersonic throughflow fan stage

The NASA LeRC has begun a program to design, analyze, build, and test a fan stage that can operate with supersonic axial velocities throughout the stage. This report presents the results from the initial experimental evaluation of the supersonic throughflow fan stage. The stage was tested with flows at subsonic and supersonic inlet axial Mach numbers and with rotor speeds at 40 to 100 percent of design speed. Overall performance as well as detailed performance obtained from radially and circumferentially traversing probes downstream of the stator vanes is presented. At the design rotor tip speed of 1500 ft/s and the design Mach number of 2.0, the measured overall pressure ratio was 2.22, and the corresponding adiabatic efficiency was 0.694. Transition from subsonic to supersonic flow was successfully demonstrated at 75, 90, and 100 percent of design speed. In that speed range, the stage 'unstart' (transition from supersonic to subsonic inlet axial conditions) occurred at an inlet axial Mach number of about 1.36, which corresponds to the Mach number at which the stage started.

Royce D Moore↗

High-efficiency Conventional Cells Workshop

Participants expressed more interest in GaAs cells than in Si cells. For silicon cells, the beginning of life efficiency is not a major problem but more research is needed in the end of life efficiency. The beginning of life efficiency of GaAs cells must be brought up to 20% at AMO. More proton damage tests must be conducted. Liquid phase epitaxy technology is current but chemical vapor deposition technology is more flexible. There are no obvious problems in limiting process yields. Technology transfer should occur when market demands are generated.

Fan, J. C. C.↗

Overall and blade element performance of a 1.20 pressure ratio fan stage with rotor blades reset -7 deg

A 51-cm-diam model of a fan stage for short haul aircraft was tested in a single stage compressor research facility. The rotor blades were set 7 deg toward the axial direction (opened) from the design setting angle. Surveys of the air flow conditions ahead of the rotor, between the rotor and stator, and behind the stator were made over the stable operating range of the stage. At the design speed and a weight flow of 30.9 kg/sec, the stage pressure ratio and efficiency were 1.205 and 0.85, respectively. The design speed rotor peak efficiency of 0.90 occurred at a flow rate of 32.5 kg/sec.

Lewis, G. W., Jr.↗