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At least 73 records · Page 4

Comparison of the Aerodynamic Characteristics of Similar Models in Two Size Wind Tunnels at Transonic Speeds

The aerodynamic characteristics of two similar models of a lifting body configuration were run in two transonic wind tunnels, one a 16 foot the other a 14-inch and are compared. The 16 foot test used a 2% model while the 14-inch test used a 0.7% scale model. The wind tunnel model configurations varied only in vertical tail size and an aft sting shroud. The results from these two tests compare the effect of tunnel size, Reynolds number, dynamic pressure and blockage on the longitudinal aerodynamic characteristics of the vehicle. The data accuracy and uncertainty are also presented. It was concluded from these tests that the data resultant from a small wind tunnel compares very well to that of a much larger wind tunnel in relation to total vehicle aerodynamic characteristics.

Springer, Anthony M.↗

Microstructural evolution in shear-punch tests: A comparative study of pure Cu and Cu-Cr alloy

Understanding the mechanisms behind microstructural evolution during shear deformation has been a long-standing area of interest. However, establishing a connection between microstructure, mechanical properties, and extent of shear deformation is challenging and requires refined experimental approaches. Shear-punch testing (SPT) provides a controlled method to introduce shear into small volumes of material that later can be subjected to detailed microstructural characterization. In this study, we utilize an SPT device to induce shear deformation to pure copper and a binary copper-chromium alloy. Electron backscatter diffraction and transmission electron microscopy were used to study the mechanisms of plastic deformation after SPT. Our results indicate that shear deformation of pure Cu produces a dense network of intercepting microshear bands upon sustained deformation. Twin boundaries undergo degradation into high angle grain boundaries due to simultaneous deviation from the axis-angle pair condition of 60° misorientation on [111] direction. The presence of 50% volume Cr particles in the soft Cu matrix fundamentally altered the shear deformation mechanism. Preferential deformation of the Cu matrix led to accelerated shear-induced formation of low and high angle grain boundaries, and subsequent grain refinement. Comparatively, no grain refinement occurred in pure Cu at a strain ~10 times larger (ϵ = 4.73) than that of the copper-chromium case (ϵ = 0.42). Overall, our study sheds light on the microstructural evolution during shear deformation and highlights the significant influence of particle reinforcements on the shear deformation mechanisms of metals.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

A Comparison Between Low-Dose-Rate Brachytherapy With or Without Androgen Deprivation, External Beam Radiation Therapy With or Without Androgen Deprivation, and Radical Prostatectomy With or Without Adjuvant or Salvage Radiation Therapy for High-Risk Prostate Cancer

Purpose: We compare the efficacy and toxicity among the 3 major modalities available used to treat high-risk prostate cancer (HRCaP). Methods and Materials: From 1996 to 2012, 2557 HRCaP patients were treated: 734 received external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) with or without androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), 515 received low-dose-rate prostate brachytherapy (LDR) with or without ADT, and 1308 received radical prostatectomy (RP) with or without EBRT. Biochemical relapse-free survival (bRFS), clinical relapse-free survival (cRFS), and prostate cancer–specific mortality (PCSM) were assessed. Toxicity was assessed using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 4.03. The log-rank test compared bRFS and cRFS among the modalities, and Cox regression identified factors associated with bRFS and cRFS. Gray's test compared differences in late toxicity and PSCM among the modalities. Competing risk regression identified factors associated with PCSM. Results: The median follow-up time and age were 63.5 months and 65 years, respectively. The bRFS at 5 and 10 years, respectively, was 74% and 53% for EBRT, 74% and 52% for LDR, and 65% and 47% for RP (P=.0001). The cRFS at 5 and 10 years, respectively, was 85% and 73% for EBRT, 90% and 76% for LDR, and 89% and 75% for RP (P=.121). The PCSM at 5 and 10 years, respectively, was 5.3% and 11.2% for EBRT, 3.2% and 3.6% for LDR, and 2.8% and 6.8% for RP (P=.0004). The 10-year cumulative incidence of ≥grade 3 genitourinary toxicity was 8.1% for EBRT, 7.2% for LDR, and 16.4% for RP (P<.0001). The 10-year cumulative incidence of ≥grade 3 gastrointestinal toxicity was 4.6% for EBRT, 1.1% for LDR, and 1.0% for RP (P<.0001). Conclusion: HRCaP treated with EBRT, LDR, or RP yields efficacy showing better bRFS for LDR and EBRT relative to RP, equivalence for cRFS, and a PCSM advantage of LDR and RP over EBRT. The toxicity is lowest for LDR.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

XV-15 flight test results compared with design goals

Aircraft No. 2 is presently in the midst of flight envelope expansion. Noise and safety design goals have been demonstrated; preliminary results indicate that performance and component life goals may also be met. Hovering power indicates a standard hover ceiling of 7,000 feet. After 18.0 hours of flight, a true airspeed of 207 knots has been reached. The goal is a 300-knot cruise speed. So far, XV-15 flight tests indicate no reason why the tilt rotor concept should not fulfill its promise to provide a major step forward in air vehicle flexibility and in rotary wing performance.

Wernicke, K. G.↗

Comparative ignition tests of coal under oxy-fuel conditions in a standardized laboratory test rig

Ignitability is important to characterize pulverized coal combustion, as it is directly related to flame stability. The current paper describes a practical test rig for rapid laboratory analysis of pulverized coal cloud ignition properties. The system has been designed for conventional coal combustion conditions using air as the oxidant. In the current work, the measurement principle of the device is described and its adaption to and applicability for oxy-fuel combustion tests is demonstrated. Four coals with different rank were measured in air and in oxy-fuel atmospheres containing 20–35 vol% O 2 in CO 2 . Finally, the major influencing factors for the investigated samples were found to be the coal rank and the gas-phase oxygen concentration, while a minor influence of particle size was observed.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗

Predicting Rupture Pressure and Leak Rate of Alloy 600 Tubes with ODSCC and Comparing with Test Results (Technical Letter Report)

This report summarizes structural integrity work performed for the U.S. NRC that predicts the rupture pressure and leak rate of flawed steam generator (SG) tubes. The work includes pressure testing of straight tubes with lab-induced outer diameter stress corrosion cracks (ODSCC). Existing models for predicting rupture pressure and leak rate of straight tubes with well-defined, rectangular, electro-discharge-machined (EDM) flaws were modified and used to predict the measured rupture pressures and leak rates from straight tubes with ODSCC. Models previously developed for EDM notches in straight tubes were modified for ODSCC by using the equivalent rectangular crack (ERC) method.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Predicting Rupture Pressure and Leak Rate of Alloy 600 U-bend Tubes with PWSCC and Comparing with Test Results (Technical Letter Report)

This report summarizes structural integrity work performed for the US NRC that predicts the structural integrity of steam generator (SG) tubes with flaws in the U-bend. The work covers model development and validation for U-bend tubes containing lab-induced primary water stress corrosion cracks (PWSCC). Limit load models for plastic collapse predicting ligament rupture pressure and leak rate of cracked U-bend tubes were developed and validated with pressure tests and finite element analyses (FEAs). Failure pressure and leak rate tests were conducted at room temperature on Alloy 600 U-bend tubes containing flaws located at various locations around the U-bend. Existing models for predicting structural integrity of straight tubes with well defined, rectangular, electro-discharge-machined (EDM) flaws were modified and used to predict the ligament rupture and unstable burst pressures as well as leak rates for the PWSCC flaws in the U-bend section.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Comparative radiation testing of solar cells for the shuttle power extension package

The Power Extension Package (PEP) is the prime focus of a development program to produce low cost solar cells. The PEP is a 32 kilowatt flexible substrate, retrievable, solar array system for use on the Space Shuttle. Solar cell cost will be reduced by increasing cell area and simplifying cell and coverglass fabrication processes and specifications. The cost goal is to produce cells below $30 per watt. Two and ten ohm-cm silicon cells were investigated. This paper describes a unique radiation damage test and side-by-side comparison of candidate cell types with pre-and post-irradiation airplane calibration of outer space short-circuit current.

Baraona, C. R.↗

Experiments for the determination of convective diffusion heat/mass transfer to burner rig test targets comparable in size to jet stream diameter

The application of a recently formulated vapor transport theory to predict deposition rates of corrosive salts from alkali-seeded combustion gases of a small-capacity, high-velocity, atmospheric-pressure burner rig was hampered by the relatively large dimensions of the cylindrical deposit collector compared to the diameter of the combustion gas stream. The relative dimensions lead to a highly nonadiabatic combustion gas flow around the collector and necessitate two series of experiments. In the first series, mass transfer coefficients are determined by utilizing the naphthalene sublimation technique. The second series of experiments determines the dilution effect on the sodium species concentrations due to the entrainment of ambient air. This second series involves the measurement of the temperature variation along the surface of the collector under steady state conditions. Vapor deposition rates are determined exploiting this information and the results are found to compare favorably with experimentally obtained rates.

Santoro, G. J.↗

Experiments for the determination of convective diffusion heat/mass transfer to burner rig test targets comparable in size to jet stream diameter

The application of a recently formulated vapor transport theory to predict deposition rates of corrosive salts from alkali-seeded combustion gases of a small-capacity, high-velocity, atmospheric-pressure burner rig was hampered by the relatively large dimensions of the cylindrical deposit collector compared to the diameter of the combustion gas stream. The relative dimensions lead to a highly nonadiabatic combustion gas flow around the collector and necessitate two series of experiments. In the first series, mass transfer coefficients are determined by utilizing the naphthalene sublimation technique. The second series of experiments determines the dilution effect on the sodium species concentrations due to the entrainment of ambient air. This second series involves the measurement of the temperature variation along the surface of the collector under steady state conditions. Vapor deposition rates are determined exploiting this information and the results are found to compare favorably with experimentally obtained rates.

Santoro, G. J.↗

Comparative performance tests on the Mod-2, 2.5-mW wind turbine with and without vortex generators

A test program was conducted on the third Mod-2 unit at Goldendale, Washington, to systematically study the effect of vortex generators (VG's) on power performance. The subject unit was first tested without VG's to obtain baseline data. Vortex generators were then installed on the mid-blade assemblies, and the resulting 70% VG configuration was tested. Finally, vortex generators were mounted on the tip assemblies, and data was recorded for the 100% VG configuration. This test program and its results are discussed in this paper. The development of vortex generators is also presented.

Miller, G. E.↗

A comparative study of internally and externally capped balloons using small scale test balloons

Caps have been used to structurally reinforce scientific research balloons since the late 1950's. The scientific research balloons used by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) use internal caps. A NASA cap placement specification does not exist since no empirical information exisits concerning cap placement. To develop a cap placement specification, NASA has completed two in-hangar inflation tests comparing the structural contributions of internal caps and external caps. The tests used small scale test balloons designed to develop the highest possible stresses within the constraints of the hangar and balloon materials. An externally capped test balloon and an internally capped test balloon were designed, built, inflated and simulated to determine the structural contributions and benefits of each. The results of the tests and simulations are presented.

Bell, Douglas P.↗