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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 73 records · Page 4
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1995

The Spreading of Variable-Viscosity Axisymmetric Radial Gravity Currents: Applications to the Emplacement of Venusian 'Pancake' Domes

The Magellan images of Venus have revealed a number of intriguing volcanic features, including the steep-sided or 'pancake' domes. These volcanic domes or flows have morphologies that suggest formation by a single continuous emplacement of lava with a higher viscosity than that of the surrounding basaltic plains. Numerous investigators have suggested that such high viscosity is due to high silica content, leading to the conclusion that the domes are evidence of evolved magmatic products on Venus. However, viscosity depends on crystallinity as well as on silica content: high viscosity could therefore also be due to a cooler (and therefore higher crystal content) lava. Models of dome emplacement which include both cooling and composition factors are thus necessary in order to determine the ranges of crystallinity and silica content which might lead to the observed gross dome morphologies. Accordingly, in this study domes are modelled as radial viscous gravity currents with an assumed cooling-induced viscosity increase to include both effects. Analytical and numerical results indicate that pancake dome formation is feasible with compositions ranging from basaltic to rhyolitic. Therefore, observations of gross dome morphology alone are insufficient for determining composition and the domes do not necessarily represent strong evidence for evolved magmatism on Venus.

Sakimoto, S. E. H.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Modification at the C2'-O-Position with 2-Methylbenzothiophene Induces Unique Structural Changes and Thermal Transitions on Duplexes of RNA and DNA

Oligonucleotides can be chemically modified for a variety of applications that include their use as biomaterials, in therapeutics, or as tools to understand biochemical processes, among others. This work focuses on the functionalization of oligonucleotides of RNA and DNA (12- or 14-nucleotides long) with methylbenzothiophene (BT), at the C2'-O-position, which led to unique structural features. Circular dichroism (CD) analyses showed that positioning the BT units on one strand led to significant thermal destabilization, while duplexes where each strand contained 4-BT rings formed a distinct arrangement with cooperativity/interactions among the modifications (evidenced from the appearance of a band with positive ellipticity at 235 nm). Interestingly, the structural arrays displayed increased duplex stabilization (>10 °C higher than the canonical analogue) as a function of [Na + ] with an unexpected structural rearrangement at temperatures above 50 °C. Density functional theory–polarizable continuum model (DFT-PCM) calculations were carried out, and the analyses were in agreement with induced structural changes as a function of salt content. A model was proposed where the hydrophobic surface allows for an internal nucleobase rearrangement into a more thermodynamically stable structure, before undergoing full denaturation, with increased heat. While this behavior is not common, B- to Z-form duplex transitions can occur and are dependent on parameters that were probed in this work, i.e., temperature, nature of modification, or ionic content. To take advantage of this phenomenon, we probed the ability of the modified duplexes to be recognized by Zα (an RNA binding protein that targets Z-form RNA) via electrophoretic analysis and CD. Interestingly, the protein did not bind to canonical duplexes of DNA or RNA; however, it recognized the modified duplexes, in a [monovalent/divalent salt] dependent manner. Overall, the findings describe methodology to attain unique structural motifs of modified duplexes of DNA or RNA, and control their behavior as a function of salt concentration. While their affinity to RNA binding proteins, and the corresponding mechanism of action, requires further exploration, the tunable properties can be of potential use to study this, and other, types of modifications. The novel arrays that formed, under the conditions described herein, provide a useful way to explore the structure and behavior of modified oligonucleotides, in general.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS2009

An Integrated Solution for Performing Thermo-fluid Conjugate Analysis

A method has been developed which integrates a fluid flow analyzer and a thermal analyzer to produce both steady state and transient results of 1-D, 2-D, and 3-D analysis models. The Generalized Fluid System Simulation Program (GFSSP) is a one dimensional, general purpose fluid analysis code which computes pressures and flow distributions in complex fluid networks. The MSC Systems Improved Numerical Differencing Analyzer (MSC.SINDA) is a one dimensional general purpose thermal analyzer that solves network representations of thermal systems. Both GFSSP and MSC.SINDA have graphical user interfaces which are used to build the respective model and prepare it for analysis. The SINDA/GFSSP Conjugate Integrator (SGCI) is a formbase graphical integration program used to set input parameters for the conjugate analyses and run the models. The contents of this paper describes SGCI and its thermo-fluids conjugate analysis techniques and capabilities by presenting results from some example models including the cryogenic chill down of a copper pipe, a bar between two walls in a fluid stream, and a solid plate creating a phase change in a flowing fluid.

Kornberg, Oren↗
NASA NTRS2006

Estimation of Longitudinal Unsteady Aerodynamics of a Wing-Tail Combination From Wind Tunnel Data

This paper presents an initial step toward model identification from wind tunnel data for an airliner configuration. Two approaches to modeling a transport configuration are considered and applied to both steady and large-amplitude forced-oscillation wind tunnel data taken over a wide range of angles of attack. Only limited conclusions could be drawn from this initial data set. Although model estimated time histories of normal force and pitching moment agree reasonably well with the corresponding measured values, model damping parameters did not, for some cases, have values consistent with small amplitude oscillatory data. In addition, large parameter standard errors implied poor information content for model structure determination and parameter estimation. Further investigation of the modeling problem for more general aerodynamic models is recommended with close attention to experiment design for obtaining parameters with high accuracy.

Murphy, Patrick C.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Full-waveform tomography reveals iron spin crossover in Earth’s lower mantle

Abstract Three-dimensional models of Earth’s seismic structure can be used to identify temperature-dependent phenomena, including mineralogical phase and spin transformations, that are obscured in 1-D spherical averages. Full-waveform tomography maps seismic wave-speeds inside the Earth in three dimensions, at a higher resolution than classical methods. By providing absolute wave speeds (rather than perturbations) and simultaneously constraining bulk and shear wave speeds over the same frequency range, it becomes feasible to distinguish variations in temperature from changes in composition or spin state. We present a quantitative joint interpretation of bulk and shear wave speeds in the lower mantle, using a recently published full-waveform tomography model. At all depths the diversity of wave speeds cannot be explained by an isochemical mantle. Between 1000 and 2500 km depth, hypothetical mantle models containing an electronic spin crossover in ferropericlase provide a significantly better fit to the wave-speed distributions, as well as more realistic temperatures and silica contents, than models without a spin crossover. Below 2500 km, wave speed distributions are explained by an enrichment in silica towards the core-mantle boundary. This silica enrichment may represent the fractionated remains of an ancient basal magma ocean.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1998

Wavelet Analysis of Turbulent Spots and Other Coherent Structures in Unsteady Transition

This is a secondary analysis of a portion of the Halstead data. The hot-film traces from an embedded stage of a low pressure turbine have been extensively analyzed by Halstead et al. In this project, wavelet analysis is used to develop the quantitative characterization of individual coherent structures in terms of size, amplitude, phase, convection speed, etc., as well as phase-averaged time scales. The purposes of the study are (1) to extract information about turbulent time scales for comparison with unsteady model results (e.g. k/epsilon). Phase-averaged maps of dominant time scales will be presented; and (2) to evaluate any differences between wake-induced and natural spots that might affect model performance. Preliminary results, subject to verification with data at higher frequency resolution, indicate that spot properties are independent of their phase relative to the wake footprints: therefore requirements for the physical content of models are kept relatively simple. Incidentally, we also observed that spot substructures can be traced over several stations; further study will examine their possible impact.

Lewalle, Jacques↗
DOE OSTI2024

Modeling the impact of high thermal conductivity paper on the performance and life of power transformers

Degradation of insulation paper is a key contributor to the failure of power transformers. Insulation degradation accelerates at elevated temperatures, which highlights the potential for better thermal management to prolong life. While several studies have analyzed the benefits of high thermal conductivity oil for reducing temperatures inside a transformer, this study is an initial assessment of the benefits of high thermal conductivity paper on transformer life. Blending particulates with cellulosic fibers offers a pathway for high thermal conductivity paper (with good dielectric properties), which can reduce internal temperatures. Presently, life extensions that can be achieved by the use of such thermally conducting papers were estimated, with the thermal conductivity of the paper being the key parameter under study. The analytical-numerical thermal model used in this study was validated against experimental measurements in a distribution transformer, adding confidence to the utility of the model. This model was then used to provide estimates of hot-spot temperature reduction resulting from the use of papers with higher thermal conductivity than baseline. Transformer life was predicted conventionally by tracking the degree of polymerization of paper over time, based on an Arrhenius model. Results indicate that increasing the thermal conductivity of paper from 0.2 W/mK (baseline) to 1W/mK reduces the hot spot temperature by 10°C. While degradation significantly depends on the moisture and oxygen content, the model shows that such a temperature reduction can increase life for all conditions, by as much as a factor of three.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2022

On ( g – 2) μ from gauged $\mathrm{U(1)_X}$

We investigate an economical explanation for the (g – 2) μ anomaly with a neutral vector boson from a spontaneously broken U(1) X gauge symmetry. The Standard Model fermion content is minimally extended by 3 right-handed neutrinos. Using a battery of complementary constraints, we perform a thorough investigation of the renormalizable, quark flavor-universal, vector-like U(1) X models, allowing for arbitrary kinetic mixing. Out of 419 models with integer charges not greater than ten, only 7 models are viable solutions, describing a narrow region in model space. These are either L μ – L τ or models with a ratio of electron to baryon number close to –2. The key complementary constraints are from the searches for nonstandard neutrino interactions. Furthermore, we comment on the severe challenges to chiral U(1) X solutions and show the severe constraints on a particularly promising such candidate.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
NASA NTRS1986

Radial diffusion and ion partitioning in the Io torus

A model is presented for radial diffusion and charge state partitioning of sulfur and oxygen ions in the Io torus, including effects of electron impact and charge exchange. When applied to Voyager 1 radial profiles of total ion flux tube content, the model shows that the ion residence time in the torus, tau(D), as defined in spectroscopic studies of ion partitioning, is related to the radial diffusion coefficient, D(LL), at L = 7 by tau(D) approximately 8/D(LL)(7). This result appears to bring spectroscopic estimates of the ion residence time (tau/D/ greater than about 60 to 100 days) into reasonable agreement with estimates of D(LL) from magnetospheric diffusion studies, D(LL) equals approximately 10 to the -6th/s.

Cheng, A. F.↗
NASA NTRS2024

High Ice Water Content in Tropical Mesoscale Convective Systems (A Conceptual Model)

The phenomenon of high ice water content (HIWC) occurs in mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) when a large number of small ice particles with typical sizes of a few hundred micrometers, concentrations of the order of 10 2 –10 3 L −1 , and IWC exceeding 1 g m −3 are present at high altitudes. HIWC regions in MCSs may extend vertically up to 10 km above the melting layer and horizontally up to hundreds of kilometers, filling large volumes of the convective systems. HIWC has great geophysical significance due to its effect on precipitation formation, the hydrological cycle, and the radiative properties of MCSs. It is also recognized as a hazard for commercial aviation operations since it can result in engine power loss and in the malfunctioning of aircraft data probes. This study summarizes observational and numerical simulation efforts leading to the development of a conceptual model for the production of HIWC in tropical MCSs based on the data collected during the HAIC–HIWC campaign. It is hypothesized that secondary ice production (SIP) in the vicinity of the melting layer plays a key role in the formation and sustainability of HIWC. In situ observations suggest that the major SIP mechanism in the vicinity of the melting layer is related to the fragmentation of freezing drops (FFDs). Both in situ data and numerical simulations suggest that the recirculation of drops through the melting layer led to the amplification of SIP. The proposed conceptual model and simulation results motivate further efforts to extend reproducible laboratory measurements.

high ice water content↗
NASA NTRS2010

Estimating Glaciation Temperature of Deep Convective Clouds with Remote Sensing Data

Major uncertainties exist for observing and modeling ice content inside deep convective clouds (DCC). One of the difficulties has been the lack of characterization of vertical profiles of cloud hydrometeor phase. Here we propose a technique to estimate the DCC glaciation temperature using passive remote sensing data. It is based on a conceptual model of vertical hydrometeor size profiles inside DCCs. Estimates from the technique agree well with our general understanding of the problem. Furthermore, the link between vertical profiles of cloud particle size and hydrometeor thermodynamic phase is confirmed by a 3-13 cloud retrieval technique. The technique is applied to aircraft measurements of cloud side reflectance and the result was compared favorably with an independent retrieval of thermodynamic phase based on different refractive indices at 2.13 micron and 2.25 micron. Possible applications of the technique are discussed.

Yuan, Tianle↗
DOE OSTI2026

SAVY-4000 Finite-Element Drop Test Analysis

PFE Auxiliary Systems conducted drop testing on SAVY-4000 containers to evaluate structural response under 12-foot drop conditions. In support of that effort, a finite-element modeling capability was developed to simulate drop response across multiple container sizes and impact orientations. The purpose of this work was to provide a consistent analysis framework that could support interpretation of testing, compare response trends across multiple configurations, and generate quantities of interest for later comparison with experimental data. More broadly, the analysis and testing were intended to assess whether the containers continued to perform their primary function after a 12-foot drop, namely maintaining structural integrity and containment of the contents. The modeling approach combined an implicit preload analysis with an explicit drop simulation so that each drop event began from a mechanically realistic assembled condition, including compression of the silicone O-ring. Separate models were developed for 2-quart, 5-quart, 12-quart, and 10-gallon containers. The results were evaluated in terms of strain-gauge response, collar-lid gap behavior, and accumulated plastic strain. In addition, parametric studies were performed on the 2-quart container to assess sensitivity to O-ring stiffness, friction, canister thickness, geometry tolerance, and mesh density. The simulations showed that predicted drop responses depended strongly on both container size and drop orientation. Gap metrics identified cases in which the predicted collar-lid opening exceeded the nominal O-ring cross-section threshold, while plastic strain metrics identified localized regions of elevated permanent deformation. Parametric studies showed that the predicted response was especially sensitive to the assumed O-ring stiffness and contact friction, while the geometry tolerance study produced smaller changes in the cases examined. The main value of this work was that it established a repeatable modeling and simulation workflow to support drop-test implementation, evaluate effects of future configuration changes, and understand modeling assumptions that most influenced predicted response. At the current stage, the results were viewed as preliminary model predictions rather than validated predictions. The next step would be to compare drop-test data to the model so that predictive values of the workflow could be refined and used with greater confidence to assess whether the containers maintained structural integrity and containment of the contents after a 12-foot drop.

42 ENGINEERING↗
NASA NTRS1994

Thermodynamic models for bounding pressurant mass requirements of cryogenic tanks

Thermodynamic models have been formulated to predict lower and upper bounds for the mass of pressurant gas required to pressurize a cryogenic tank and then expel liquid from the tank. Limiting conditions are based on either thermal equilibrium or zero energy exchange between the pressurant gas and initial tank contents. The models are independent of gravity level and allow specification of autogenous or non-condensible pressurants. Partial liquid fill levels may be specified for initial and final conditions. Model predictions are shown to successfully bound results from limited normal-gravity tests with condensable and non-condensable pressurant gases. Representative maximum collapse factor maps are presented for liquid hydrogen to show the effects of initial and final fill level on the range of pressurant gas requirements. Maximum collapse factors occur for partial expulsions with large final liquid fill fractions.

Vandresar, Neil T.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Arctic ice-ocean interactions in an 8-to-2 kilometer resolution global model

In the last decades, the Arctic climate has changed dramatically, with the loss of multiyear sea ice one of the clearest consequences. These changes have occurred on relatively rapid timescales, and both accurate short-term Arctic prediction (e.g., 10 days to three months) and climate projection of future Arctic scenarios present ongoing challenges. Here we describe a representation of the Arctic ocean and sea ice in a ultrahigh resolution simulation in which the horizontal grid mesh reduces from 8 km at the equator to 2 km at the poles (UH8to2) for the years 2017-2020. We find the simulation reproduces observed distributions of seasonal sea-ice thickness and concentration realistically, although concentration is biased low in the spring and summer and low biases in thickness are found in the central and eastern basins in the fall. Volume, fresh water, and heat transports through key passages are realistic, lying within observationally determined ranges. Climatological comparisons reveal that the UH8to2 Atlantic Water is shallower, warmer, and saltier than the World Ocean Atlas 2018 climatology for 2005-2017 in the eastern basin. Our analysis suggests that these biases, combined with a lack of stratification in the upper 100 m of the simulated ocean, contribute to the winter biases in modeled sea ice thickness. This relationship between biases in the sea ice and ocean points to a potential positive feedback within the model, illuminating challenges for long term model predictive power in a changing Arctic climate.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2023

Data from: Arctic ice-ocean interactions in an 8-to-2 kilometer resolution global model

This data collection represents all UH8to2 model data used for the publication "Arctic ice-ocean interactions in an 8-to-2 kilometer resolution global model." This includes ocean and sea ice characteristics from the 2017-2020 UH8to2 model run. Further details about the model setup, forcing, and our interpretation of these data can be found in the publication.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Utilizing 3D-DIC on Mars 2020 Rover Wheel Assembly: Test-Analysis Correlation

Following the successful implementation of full-field photogrammetry, more specifically three-dimensional Digital Image Correlation (3D-DIC), on the Mars 2020 Heat Shield Structural Failure Review assessment, 3D-DIC was selected as one of the primary measurement techniques for the Mars 2020 Rover wheel assembly qualification test at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). To validate the Rover wheel landing loads simulations, it was extremely important to have high confidence in the wheel models. Due to the large deformations and strains that the wheel would be subject to during landing, traditional instrumentation such as linear variable displacement transducers (LVDTs), electrical-resistance strain gages and string potentiometers, would not be sufficient on their own to provide all the necessary validation data. Therefore, the NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) provided the 3D-DIC expertise and support to measure the high deformation and strain in the wheel flexures and qualify the overall structural response of the Mars 2020 rover wheel assembly. There were two key objectives for the photogrammetry technique: (1) monitor the wheel response in real-time, guarding against anomalous behavior and failure, and (2) provide test data for test-analysis correlation to validate and/or improve the high-fidelity computational model. The contents of this paper will focus on the challenges of applying 3D-DIC to the Mars 2020 Rover wheel assembly and how these challenges were overcome. Examples of test-analysis correlation during the stiffness characterization and structural qualification will be presented and discussed in detail. Experimental results were compared with the analysis and showed excellent agreement between the predicted behavior and helped validate the high-fidelity models.

Mars 2020 Rover Wheel↗
NASA NTRS1994

Coupling of the coronal helium abundance to the solar wind

Models of the transition region-corona-solar wind system are investigated in order to find the coronal helium abundance and to study the role played by coronal helium in controlling the solar wind proton flux. The thermal force on alpha-particles in the transition region sets the flow of helium into the corona. The frictional coupling between alpha-particles and protons and/or the electric polarization field determines the proton flux in the solar wind as well as the fate of the coronal helium content. The models are constructed by solving the time-dependent population and momentum equations for all species of hydrogen and helium in an atmosphere with a given temperature profile. Several temperature profiles are considered in order to very the roles of frictional coupling and electric polarization field in the solar wind, and the thermal force in the transition region. Steady-state solutions are found for coronae with a hydrogen flux at 1 AU of 1.0 x 10(exp 9)/cm(exp 2)/sec or larger. For coronae with lower hydrogen fluxes, the helium flux into the corona is larger than the flux 'pulled out' by the solar wind protons, and solutions with increasing coronal helium content are found. The timescale for forming a helium-filled corona, that may allow for a steady outflow, is long compared to the mixing time for the corona.

Hansteen, Viggo H.↗