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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 NTRS1989

Generation of macroscopic magnetic-field-aligned electric fields by the convection surge ion acceleration mechanism

The 'convection surge' model for ion acceleration, designed by Mauk (1986) to explain the observed ion distributions and the field-aligned character of middle magnetospheric ion distributions during the expansion phase of a substorm, was extended to include the self-consistent generation of magnetic-field-aligned electric fields. Results from the modified model show that the convection surge mechanism leads to the generation of dynamical macroscopic magnetic field-aligned electric fields that begin their strongest developments very near the magnetic equator and then propagate to higher latitudes. Potential drops as high as 1 to 10 kV might be expected, depending on the mass species of the ions and on the electron temperatures. It is speculated that the convection surge mechanism could be a key player in the transient field-aligned electromagnetic processes observed to operate within the middle magnetosphere.

Mauk, B. H.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Evolution of the sun's polar fields during sunspot cycle 21 - Poleward surges and long-term behavior

Longitudinally averaged observations of the photospheric field during 1976-1986 are analyzed using a flux transport model. The way in which source eruptions, supergranular diffusion, and meridional flow collaborate to produce strong, highly concentrated polar fields near sunspot minimum is clarified as follows: (1) widespread eruptions of individual bipolar magnetic regions, with their leading polarity flux equatorward of their trailing polarity flux, collectively establish a large-scale separation of polarities in latitude; (2) the low-latitude, leading polarity flux diffuses across the equator and merges with its opposite hemisphere counterpart; and (3) meridional flow carries the resulting surplus of trailing polarity flux to the poles, and concentrates it there against the spreading effect of diffusion. Episodic 'surges' of flux to the poles are induced by fluctuations in the source eruption rate. Simulations indicate that relatively weak, trailing polarity surges may occur even in a steady flow field. However, in order to account for the giant surges of alternating polarity and the resulting oscillations in the polar field strength observed during 1980-1982, both accelerated flow and enhanced eruption rates are required.

Wang, Y.-M.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Electrodynamic properties of auroral surges

Data from measurements made during five auroral surges in 1980 and 1981 by the Chatanika radar, ground-based magnetometers, and all-sky cameras and instruments aboard the DE satellites are presented. The combined data sets yielded information about the auroral forms, electric fields, and currents that were associated with these surges. A model was developed that simulates the observed changes in electric field and precipitation that accompany auroral surges.

Robinson, R. M.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Active stabilization to prevent surge in centrifugal compression systems

This report documents an experimental and analytical study of the active stabilization of surge in a centrifugal engine. The aims of the research were to extend the operating range of a compressor as far as possible and to establish the theoretical framework for the active stabilization of surge from both an aerodynamic stability and a control theoretic perspective. In particular, much attention was paid to understanding the physical limitations of active stabilization and how they are influenced by control system design parameters. Previously developed linear models of actively stabilized compressors were extended to include such nonlinear phenomena as bounded actuation, bandwidth limits, and robustness criteria. This model was then used to systematically quantify the influence of sensor-actuator selection on system performance. Five different actuation schemes were considered along with four different sensors. Sensor-actuator choice was shown to have a profound effect on the performance of the stabilized compressor. The optimum choice was not unique, but rather shown to be a strong function of some of the non-dimensional parameters which characterize the compression system dynamics. Specifically, the utility of the concepts were shown to depend on the system compliance to inertia ratio ('B' parameter) and the local slope of the compressor speedline. In general, the most effective arrangements are ones in which the actuator is most closely coupled to the compressor, such as a close-coupled bleed valve inlet jet, rather than elsewhere in the flow train, such as a fuel flow modulator. The analytical model was used to explore the influence of control system bandwidth on control effectiveness. The relevant reference frequency was shown to be the compression system's Helmholtz frequency rather than the surge frequency. The analysis shows that control bandwidths of three to ten times the Helmholtz frequency are required for larger increases in the compressor flow range. This has important implications for implementation in gas turbine engines since the Helmholtz frequencies can be over 100 Hz, making actuator design extremely challenging.

Epstein, Alan H.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Magnetic field changes associated with a sub-flare and surge

A sub-flare and surge were observed on June 13, 1990, with the Marshall Space Flight Center vector magnetograph and coaligned H-alpha telescope. This activity occurred at the site of a parasitic polarity near a large, mature sunspot. Analysis of the vector magnetic field showed that while flux emergence and other field changes occurred sporadically throughout a period of four days, the sub-flare and surge only took place after an increase in magnetic shear in the field of the parasitic polarity. This event also provided an example of relaxation of magnetic shear following the flare and surging.

Hagyard, M. J.↗
NASA NTRS1946

Experimental and Theoretical Studies of Surging in Continuous-Flow Compressors

Experiments have been conducted to determine the conditions that cause surging in compressors and to determine the effect of various installations and operating conditions on the character of the velocity and pressure variations occurring during surging. These investigations were made on three compressor units and the variation of static, total, and velocity pressure with time was recorded. In addition to the experimental studies, a simplified analysis was made to determine how instability of flow may occur in a compressor. Based on this analysis, an examination was made of several possible methods of inhibiting the occurrence of surging.

Bullock, Robert O↗
NASA NTRS1994

Hot gas ingestion effects on fuel control surge recovery and AH-1 rotor drive train torque spikes

This report summarizes the work accomplished through computer simulation to understand the impact of the hydromechanical turbine assembly (TA) fuel control on rocket gas ingestion induced engine surges on the AH-1 (Cobra) helicopter. These surges excite the lightly damped torsional modes of the Cobra rotor drive train and can cause overtorqueing of the tail rotor shaft. The simulation studies show that the hydromechanical TA control has a negligible effect on drive train resonances because its response is sufficiently attenuated at the resonant frequencies. However, a digital electronic control working through the TA control's separate, emergency fuel metering system has been identified as a solution to the overtorqueing problem. State-of-the-art software within the electronic control can provide active damping of the rotor drive train to eliminate excessive torque spikes due to any disturbances including engine surges and aggressive helicopter maneuvers. Modifications to the existing TA hydromechanical control are relatively minor, and existing engine sensors can be utilized by the electronic control. Therefore, it is concluded that the combination of full authority digital electronic control (FADEC) with hydromechanical backup using the existing TA control enhances flight safety, improves helicopter performance, reduces pilot workload, and provides a substantial payback for very little investment.

Tokarski, Frank↗
NASA NTRS1994

Satellite measurements through the center of a substorm surge

Measurements have been made of electric and magnetic fields, plasma drifts, and electron precipatation within a surge at the westward, leading edge of the auroral 'bulge' at the peak of the substorm expansion phase. The trajectroy of the Dynamics Explorer 2 (DE 2) satellite over the auroral emissions is determined from nearly simultaneous observations with the imager on the DE 1 satellite at a higher altitude. The electric field and plasma drift measurements have enabled us to deduce the basic configuration of the ionospheric electric potential, or plasma convection, around the surge. The electric potential shows that the bulge is associated with a protrusion of the dawn convection cell into the dusk cell, poleward of the 'Harang discontinity.' This protrusion conains a westward electric field that strongly enhances the westard electrojet current by the creation of a "Cowling channel.' This westward electric field, and the associated Cowling current, appear to terminate within the surge, which contains an intense, upward field-aligned current. The magneitc field measurements show that the region containing this field-aligned current is shaped more like a cylinger rather than a long sheet. The total is found to exceed one-half million amperes.

Weimer, D. R.↗
NASA NTRS2007

Development of a HTSMA-Actuated Surge Control Rod for High-Temperature Turbomachinery Applications

In recent years, a demand for compact, lightweight, solid-state actuation systems has emerged, driven in part by the needs of the aeronautics industry. However, most actuation systems used in turbomachinery require not only elevated temperature but high-force capability. As a result, shape memory alloy (SMA) based systems have worked their way to the forefront of a short list of viable options to meet such a technological challenge. Most of the effort centered on shape memory systems to date has involved binary NiTi alloys but the working temperatures required in many aeronautics applications dictate significantly higher transformation temperatures than the binary systems can provide. Hence, a high temperature shape memory alloy (HTSMA) based on NiTiPdPt, having a transformation temperature near 300 C, was developed. Various thermo-mechanical processing schemes were utilized to further improve the dimensional stability of the alloy and it was later extruded/drawn into wire form to be more compatible with envisioned applications. Mechanical testing on the finished wire form showed reasonable work output capability with excellent dimensional stability. Subsequently, the wire form of the alloy was incorporated into a benchtop system, which was shown to provide the necessary stroke requirements of approx.0.125 inches for the targeted surge-control application. Cycle times for the actuator were limited to ~4 seconds due to control and cooling constraints but this cycle time was determined to be adequate for the surge control application targeted as the primary requirement was initial actuation of a surge control rod, which could be completed in approximately one second.

Padula, Santo, II↗
NASA NTRS2008

Effect of Surge Current Testing on Reliability of Solid Tantalum Capacitors

Tantalum capacitors manufactured per military specifications are established reliability components and have less than 0.001% of failures per 1000 hours for grades D or S, thus positioning these parts among electronic components with the highest reliability characteristics. Still, failures of tantalum capacitors do happen and when it occurs it might have catastrophic consequences for the system. To reduce this risk, further development of a screening and qualification system with special attention to the possible deficiencies in the existing procedures is necessary. The purpose of this work is evaluation of the effect of surge current stress testing on reliability of the parts at both steady-state and multiple surge current stress conditions. In order to reveal possible degradation and precipitate more failures, various part types were tested and stressed in the range of voltage and temperature conditions exceeding the specified limits. A model to estimate the probability of post-surge current testing-screening failures and measures to improve the effectiveness of the screening process has been suggested.

Teverovsky, Alexander↗
NASA NTRS1952

Effect of Rotor- and Stator-Blade Modifications on Surge Performance of an 11-Stage Axial-Flow Compressor. I - Original Production Compressor of XJ40-WE-6 Engine

An investigation to increase the compressor surge-limit pressure ratio of the XJ40-WE-6 turbojet engine at high equivalent speeds was conducted at the NACA Lewis altitude wind tunnel. This report evaluates the compressor modifications which were restricted to (1) twisting rotor blades (in place) to change blade section angles and (2) inserting new stator diaphragms with different blade angles. Such configuration changes could be incorporated quickly and easily in existing engines at overhaul depots. It was found that slight improvements in the compressor surge limit were possible by compressor blade adjustment. However, some of the modifications also reduced the engine air flow and hence penalized the thrust. The use of a mixer assembly at the compressor outlet improved the surge limit with no appreciable thrust penalty.

Finger, Harold B.↗
NASA NTRS1951

Investigation of Surge Characteristics of XJ34-WE-32 Turbojet Engine

Surge characteristics of the XJ34-WE-32 turbojet engine were determined over a range of altitudes. Several typical oscillograph traces during which surge occurred are presented. The effect of altitude on the surge line and it's relation to the steady-state operating region are shown.

Groesbeck, Donald E.↗
NASA NTRS2021

Storm Surge and Ponding Explain Mangrove Dieback in Southwest Florida Following Hurricane Irma

Mangroves buffer inland ecosystems from hurricane winds and storm surge. However, their ability to withstand harsh cyclone conditions depends on plant resilience traits and geomorphology. Using airborne lidar and satellite imagery collected before and after Hurricane Irma, we estimated that 62% of mangroves in southwest Florida suffered canopy damage, with largest impacts in tall forests (>10 m). Mangroves on well-drained sites (83%) resprouted new leaves within one year after the storm. By contrast, in poorly-drained inland sites, we detected one of the largest mangrove diebacks on record (10,760 ha), triggered by Irma. We found evidence that the combination of low elevation (median = 9.4 cm asl), storm surge water levels (>1.4 m above the ground surface), and hydrologic isolation drove coastal forest vulnerability and were independent of tree height or wind exposure. Our results indicated that storm surge and ponding caused dieback, not wind. Tidal restoration and hydrologic management in these vulnerable, low-lying coastal areas can reduce mangrove mortality and improve resilience to future cyclones.

David Lagomasino↗
DOE OSTI2021

Optimizing Power Generation of a Bottom-Raised Oscillating Surge Wave Energy Converter Using a Theoretical Model: Preprint

Preliminary sizing of an oscillating surge wave energy converter (OSWEC) is an iterative process that relies on knowledge of the relevant hydrodynamic coefficients for a given geometry. Often, the complex definition of the device geometry requires coefficients to be obtained through experiments or numerical boundary element solvers such as WAMIT. These techniques demand significant user and computational effort, therefore inhibiting the fine scale parametrization of object dimensions. In this study, a theoretical model, originally presented in Michele et al. (2016), is developed and demonstrated to efficiently optimize the power production for an OSWEC device (subjected to certain environmental conditions) with variations in device widths, heights, and distances from the seabed. Assuming negligible device thickness, the OSWEC motions are modelled as a bottom-raised two-dimensional flap in regular waves using potential flow theory formulated in elliptical coordinates. The solutions to this diffraction-radiation problem are obtained using Mathieu functions with appropriate boundary conditions. The resulting potentials are then used to derive frequency-dependent expressions for the added mass and radiation damping coefficients, along with wave excitation magnitude in surge, pitch, and coupled surge-pitch motions. Good agreement in hydrodynamic coefficient curves is shown between the theoretical model and the numerical results obtained from the boundary element-based program WAMIT. The theoretical model is then employed to maximize the time-averaged output power while maintaining or reducing the hinge reaction force, with variations in device dimensions, wave frequency and amplitude.

ACE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Optimizing Power Generation of a Bottomraised Oscillating Surge Wave Energy Converter Using a Theoretical Model

Preliminary sizing of an oscillating surge wave energy converter (OSWEC) is an iterative process that relies on knowledge of the relevant hydrodynamic coefficients for a given geometry. Often, the complex definition of the device geometry requires coefficients to be obtained through experiments or numerical boundary element solvers such as WAMIT. These techniques demand significant user and computational effort, therefore inhibiting the fine scale parametrization of object dimensions. In this study, a theoretical model, originally presented in Michele et al. (2016), is developed and demonstrated to efficiently optimize the power production for an OSWEC device (subjected to certain environmental conditions) with variations in device widths, heights, and distances from the seabed. Assuming negligible device thickness, the OSWEC motions are modelled as a bottom-raised two-dimensional flap in regular waves using potential flow theory formulated in elliptical coordinates. The solutions to this diffraction-radiation problem are obtained using Mathieu functions with appropriate boundary conditions. The resulting potentials are then used to derive frequency-dependent expressions for the added mass and radiation damping coefficients, along with wave excitation magnitude in surge, pitch, and coupled surge-pitch motions. Good agreement in hydrodynamic coefficient curves is shown between the theoretical model and the numerical results obtained from the boundary element-based program WAMIT. The theoretical model is then employed to maximize the time-averaged output power while maintaining or reducing the hinge reaction force, with variations in device dimensions, wave frequency and amplitude.

ACE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Annual Performance of the Second-Generation Variable-Geometry Oscillating Surge Wave Energy Converter

Recent studies in wave energy have highlighted the need for a structured innovation approach in wave energy converter (WEC) design because cost-of-energy estimates have remained high. One specific innovation being investigated by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory is WEC geometry control, which uses control surfaces in combination with an oscillating surge WEC (OSWEC) to increase device availability and power generation while limiting structural costs. This study performs the first analysis of annual performance for a novel OSWEC with geometry control to understand how the geometry control affects availability, annual power generation, and structural loadings like the power-take-off (PTO) torque or surge foundation force. Device hydrodynamic coefficients are calculated using linear potential theory for six geometry configurations. A nonideal PTO system is assumed and quadratic viscous damping losses are considered. Annual performance is evaluated and compared for three U.S. wave energy sites. The WEC geometry and PTO system are controlled on a sea-state basis to optimize for power capture while remaining under limits set on motion amplitude and structural loads. Results indicate that geometry control can increase availability up to 25 days in an average year depending on design limits, increase average power generation, and significantly reduce peak structural loads.

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION↗
DOE OSTI2025

Unsteady aerodynamics of large-scale floating offshore wind turbines in surge motion

Unsteady aerodynamic loads significantly influence the design and wake flow field of floating offshore wind turbines, especially due to wave- or vibration-induced tower top motions triggering various unsteady phenomena. Recent studies show that increasing turbine sizes amplify unsteady aerodynamic effects, as their impact typically grows with rotor diameter. This work combines recent findings from experiments and simulations on model-scale FOWT aerodynamics with new numerical analyses of large-scale rotors, providing a comprehensive understanding of unsteady phenomena occurrence and impact. Numerical analyses of the IEA 15-MW and 22-MW rotors undergoing surge motions characterise the combined influence of motion-induced unsteady phenomena on rotor thrust. Results indicate that unsteady effects can reduce thrust force variations by up to 40% at realistic surge periods. These findings contrast with prior model-scale rotor investigations, attributed to the specialised design of the model rotors. Comparisons between numerical methods - the dynamic blade element momentum method in OpenFAST and free vortex wake modules in panMARE and OpenFAST - reveal persistent differences in thrust predictions under both idealised and realistic conditions. This highlights that classical blade element momentum approaches require enhancement to accurately capture unsteady loads on large-scale floating offshore wind turbines at low wind speeds.

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗
DOE OSTI2020

Fast rise breakdown in dielectric filled air gap for surge protection

Electric discharge across an air gap can be self-healing, providing a unique capability for repetitive, fast, high-voltage/current switching applications through arc conduction. Furthermore, incorporating dielectric granules in the air gap stimulates gas ionization, which lowers the breakdown voltage and narrows breakdown voltage distribution, thereby enabling engineered surge protection from multiple lightning strikes on aerospace vehicles and sensitive solid-state electronics in critical systems. This study investigates the effect of the permittivity of dielectric granules, gap filling, surface roughness, and metal work function on fast-rising, high-voltage breakdowns. In addition to the air gap width, these factors play important roles in gas ionization, field concentration, and initiation of electrical discharge and arcing. Therefore, they could potentially be used to control and narrow operational breakdown voltages for practical applications. Additionally, a modified Langevin–Debye model is developed to correlate the breakdown voltage and the permittivity of the dielectric filler. These investigations identify and highlight key underpinning mechanisms governing the gas discharge behavior across a dielectric filled air gap during voltage surge events.

42 ENGINEERING↗