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At least 721 records · Page 40

The development and manufacture of wood composite wind turbine rotors

The physical properties, operational experience, and construction methods of the wood/epoxy composite MOD 0A wind turbine blades are considered. Blades of this type have accumulated over 10,000 hours of successful operation at the Kahuku, Hawaii and Block Island, Rhode Island test sites. That body of experience is summarized and related to the structural concepts and design drivers which motivated the original design and choice of interior layout. Actual manufacturing experience and associated low first unit costs for these blades, as well as projections for high production rates, are presented. Application of these construction techniques to a wide range of other blade sizes is also considered.

Zuteck, M. D.↗

Prediction of Acoustical Response of Three-dimensional Cavities Using an Indirect Boundary Element Method

A technique which characterizes the acoustics of generalized cavities with the minimum model possible is developed. All boundary element methods have two advantages over finite element methods: (1) the models are smaller; and (2) the assumed variable behavior, inherent in the method to allow discretization, is harmonic rather than polynomial. Further, IBEM often requires one rather than two numerical boundary integrals as required by DBEM. Thus, a quadratic, isoparametric IBEM program was developed. The source distribution in this solution is continuous and quadratically variable rather than continuous and constant. The program was also formulated to include the additional capability of interior point sources and impedance boundary conditions. To test the quadratic, isoparametric IBEM program, several simple cavity enclosure problems where studied. Results are shown.

Bernhard, R. J.↗

Temperature Distributions in Semitransparent Coatings: A Special Two-Flux Solution

Radiative transfer is analyzed in a semitransparent coating on an opaque substrate and in a semitransparent layer for evaluating thermal protection behavior and ceramic component performance in high temperature applications. Some ceramics are partially transparent for radiative transfer, and at high temperatures internal emission and reflections affect their thermal performance. The behavior is examined for a ceramic component for which interior cooling is not provided. Two conditions are considered: (1) the layer is heated by penetration of radiation from hot surroundings while its external surface is simultaneously film cooled by convection, and (2) the surface is heated by convection while the semitransparent material cools from within by radiant emission leaving through the surface. By using the two-flux method, which has been found to yield good accuracy in previous studies, a special solution is obtained for these conditions. The analytical result includes isotropic scattering and requires only an integration to obtain the temperature distribution within the semitransparent material. Illustrative results are given to demonstrate the nature of the thermal behavior.

Siegel, Robert↗

Volumetric Assessment of UPRITE Exercises From Marker-Based Motion Capture

BACKGROUND Lack of volumetric data on full-body movement of exercises presents a challenge to ensuring the fit of crew member’s full range of motion on the International Space Station (ISS). The Upright Proprioception Retention via In-flight Training and Evaluation (UPRITE) is a sensorimotor countermeasure device designed for maintaining crew members’ proprioception in a microgravity environment. A footplate—attached to a static base—rotates in two degrees of freedom (pitch and roll) up to a 20 deg angle. An initial volumetric assessment assuming an upright standing posture produced a cone-like shape with a narrow bottom and wide top. Such general volumetric assessments risk creating an overly conservative volume estimate, taking up more space than is necessary on the already limited interior space of the ISS, and neglecting necessary volume due to oversimplifying assumptions. Rather, higher-fidelity volumetric assessments offer more comprehensive insights in an environment where every area counts. The main objective of this work is to provide the spatial parameters of exercises on the UPRITE such that it is placed on the ISS according to its volumetric demands or that usage is adjusted to fit the available space. METHODS In 2023, a data collection was performed originally to inform loads and dynamics of system use and was recently leveraged for volumetric assessment. Three human subjects representing different body types (~63-76 inches in stature) performed a variety of board manipulations using UPRITE with body weight offload. The test collected the 3D positional data of a modified full-body Plug-in Gait marker set [1] via a 16-camera OptiTrack MoCap system. After processing – filling marker gaps and trimming data – in OptiTrack Motive, the recorded marker location data, which included device markers, was exported to a readable trajectory file. To accurately represent the full volume defining landmarks, additional markers were digitally added to an unscaled Modified Full Body Model [2]. The model was then scaled according to its subject parameters upon which an inverse kinematics analysis was performed. A custom plugin yielded model marker location data files. Volumetric analyses were performed on the recorded trajectory and model trajectory files using a custom Python-built tool that extracted the marker location data and plotted it in a 3D space. Concerned with only the maximum volume of the motion, a 3D convex hull analysis was applied to the plot, extracting the vertices or external points of the eventual 3D CAD output, dubbed aptly as a “volume shell”. This overall approach was based on guidance in a NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief [3]. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Batch volumetric assessment on the exercises for each subject was performed, producing high-fidelity volume shells in minimal time. Preliminary results highlighted the value in higher-fidelity volumes based on collected data when possible. For example, revolving a single posture in the cone assessment would not have sufficiently captured a single leg stance; rather, it would need to involve swinging the leg both forward and back. Additional observations and the maximal dimensions of the volumes, including those based on scaled data for ISS anthropometric requirements, will be presented at the Human Research Program Investigator’s Workshop. CONCLUSIONS While this work’s primary objective was for the UPRITE-to-ISS integration, the tool built to conduct this analysis has wide applications for future exercise systems as an informational tool for optimal device placement. The tool and its findings also have implications for exercise device design and spacecraft interior considerations on Gateway, the Lunar Pressurized Rover, and beyond. REFERENCES [1] Bell, C. A., et al. (2023) Recent Improvements and Verification of a Full Body Model in OpenSim. NASA Human Research Program Investigator’s Workshop. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20230001080 [2] Lostroscio, K., et al (2023) The Digital Astronaut Simulation. AHFE International Conference on Human Factors in Design, Engineering, and Computing for All. [3] Exercise Overview. (2023) NASA-STD-3001 Technical Brief. https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ochmo-tb-031-exercise-overview.pdf?emrc=9d454c?emrc=9d454c

L D Quinto↗

Evaluating the energy impact potential of energy efficiency measures for retrofit applications: A case study with U.S. medium office buildings

Quantifying the energy savings of various energy efficiency measures (EEMs) for an energy retrofit project often necessitates an energy audit and detailed whole building energy modeling to evaluate the EEMs; however, this is often cost-prohibitive for small and medium buildings. In order to provide a defined guideline for projects with assumed common baseline characteristics, this paper applies a sensitivity analysis method to evaluate the impact of individual EEMs and groups these into packages to produce deep energy savings for a sample prototype medium office building across 15 climate zones in the United States. We start with one baseline model for each climate zone and nine candidate EEMs with a range of efficiency levels for each EEM. Three energy performance indicators (EPIs) are defined, which are annual electricity use intensity, annual natural gas use intensity, and annual energy cost. Then, a Standard Regression Coefficient (SRC) sensitivity analysis method is applied to determine the sensitivity of each EEM with respect to the three EPIs, and the relative sensitivity of all EEMs are calculated to evaluate their energy impacts. For the selected range of efficiency levels, the results indicate that the EEMs with higher energy impacts (i.e., higher sensitivity) in most climate zones are high-performance windows, reduced interior lighting power, and reduced interior plug and process loads. However, the sensitivity of the EEMs also vary by climate zone and EPI; for example, improved opaque envelope insulation and efficiency of cooling and heating systems are found to have a high energy impact in cold and hot climates.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Carbon Fibers Conductivity Studies

In an attempt to understand the process of electrical conduction in polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based carbon fibers, calculations were carried out on cluster models of the fiber consisting of carbon, nitrogen, and hydrogen atoms using the modified intermediate neglect of differential overlap (MINDO) molecular orbital (MO) method. The models were developed based on the assumption that PAN carbon fibers obtained with heat treatment temperatures (HTT) below 1000 C retain nitrogen in a graphite-like lattice. For clusters modeling an edge nitrogen site, analysis of the occupied MO's indicated an electron distribution similar to that of graphite. A similar analysis for the somewhat less stable interior nitrogen site revealed a partially localized II electron distribution around the nitrogen atom. The differences in bonding trends and structural stability between edge and interior nitrogen clusters led to a two-step process proposed for nitrogen evolution with increasing HTT.

Yang, C. Y.↗

University of Missouri-Rolla cloud simulation facility - Proto II chamber

The design and supporting systems for the cooled-wall expansion cloud chamber, designated Proto II, are described. The chamber is a 10-sided vertical cylinder designed to be operated with interior wall temperatures between +40 and -40 C, and is to be utilized to study microphysical processes active in atmospheric clouds and fogs. Temperatures are measured using transistor thermometers which have a range of + or - 50 C and a resolution of about + or - 0.001 C; and pressures are measured in the chamber by a differential strain gauge pressure transducer. The methods used for temperature and pressure control are discussed. Consideration is given to the chamber windows, optical table, photographic/video, optical attenuation, Mie scattering, and the scanning system for the chamber. The system's minicomputer and humidifier, sample preparation, and chamber flushing are examined.

White, Daniel R.↗

Miniature high temperature plug-type heat flux gauges

The objective is to describe continuing efforts to develop methods for measuring surface heat flux, gauge active surface temperature, and heat transfer coefficient quantities. The methodology involves inventing a procedure for fabricating improved plug-type heat flux gauges and also for formulating inverse heat conduction models and calculation procedures. These models and procedures are required for making indirect measurements of these quantities from direct temperature measurements at gauge interior locations. Measurements of these quantities were made in a turbine blade thermal cycling tester (TBT) located at MSFC. The TBT partially simulates the turbopump turbine environment in the Space Shuttle Main Engine. After the TBT test, experiments were performed in an arc lamp to analyze gauge quality.

Liebert, Curt H.↗

Miniature high temperature plug-type heat flux gauges

The objective is to describe continuing efforts to develop methods for measuring surface heat flux, gauge active surface temperature, and heat transfer coefficient quantities. The methodology involves inventing a procedure for fabricating improved plug-type heat flux gauges and also for formulating inverse heat conduction models and calculation procedures. These models and procedures are required for making indirect measurements of these quantities from direct temperature measurements at gauge interior locations. Measurements of these quantities were made in a turbine blade thermal cycling tester (TBT) located at MSFC. The TBT partially simulates the turbopump turbine environment in the Space Shuttle Main Engine. After the TBT test, experiments were performed in an arc lamp to analyze gauge quality.

Liebert, Curt H.↗

Molecular Dynamics Studies of Structure and Functions of Water-Membrane Interfaces

A large number of essential cellular processes occur at the interfaces between water and membranes. The selectivity and dynamics of these processes are largely determined by the structural and electrical properties of the water-membrane interface. We investigate these properties by the molecular dynamics method. Over the time scales of the simulations, the membrane undergoes fluctuations described by the capillary wave model. These fluctuations produce occasional thinning defects in the membrane which provide effective pathways for passive transport of ions and small molecules across the membrane. Ions moving through the membrane markedly disrupt its structure and allow for significant water penetration into the membrane interior. Selectivity of transport, with respect to ionic charge, is determined by the interfacial electrostatic potential. Many small molecules. of potential significance in catalysis, bioenergetics and pharmacology, are shown to bind to the interface. The energetics and dynamics of this process will be discussed.

Pohorille, Andrew↗

Mars Hand Lens Imager (MAHLI) Efforts and Observations at the Rocknest Eolian Sand Shadow in Curiosity's Gale Crater Field Site

The Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission is focused on assessing the past or present habitability of Mars, through interrogation of environment and environmental records at the Curiosity rover field site in Gale crater. The MSL team has two methods available to collect, process and deliver samples to onboard analytical laboratories, the Chemistry and Mineralogy instrument (CheMin) and the Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) instrument suite. One approach obtains samples by drilling into a rock, the other uses a scoop to collect loose regolith fines. Scooping was planned to be first method performed on Mars because materials could be readily scooped multiple times and used to remove any remaining, minute terrestrial contaminants from the sample processing system, the Collection and Handling for In-Situ Martian Rock Analysis (CHIMRA). Because of this cleaning effort, the ideal first material to be scooped would consist of fine to very fine sand, like the interior of the Serpent Dune studied by the Mars Exploration Rover (MER) Spirit team in 2004 [1]. The MSL team selected a linear eolian deposit in the lee of a group of cobbles they named Rocknest (Fig. 1) as likely to be similar to Serpent Dune. Following the definitions in Chapter 13 of Bagnold [2], the deposit is termed a sand shadow. The scooping campaign occurred over approximately 6 weeks in October and November 2012. To support these activities, the Mars Hand Lens Imager (MAHLI) acquired images for engineering support/assessment and scientific inquiry.

Edgett, K. S.↗

Optics of Water Cloud Droplets Mixed with Black-Carbon Aerosols

We use the recently extended superposition T-matrix method to calculate scattering and absorption properties of micrometer-sized water droplets contaminated by black carbon. Our numerically exact results reveal that, depending on the mode of soot-water mixing, the soot specific absorption can vary by a factor exceeding 6.5. The specific absorption is maximized when the soot material is quasi-uniformly distributed throughout the droplet interior in the form of numerous small monomers. The range of mixing scenarios captured by our computations implies a wide range of remote sensing and radiation budget implications of the presence of black carbon in liquid-water clouds. We show that the popular Maxwell-Garnett effective-medium approximation can be used to calculate the optical cross sections, single-scattering albedo, and asymmetry parameter for the quasi-uniform mixing scenario, but is likely to fail in application to other mixing scenarios and in computations of the elements of the scattering matrix.

soot↗

High Resolution Computed Tomography Inspection of Components Uncovers Root Causes of Vexing Failure Mysteries

During testing of actuators for fight programs, failures have occurred that required closure with an understanding of the root cause of the failure. For some InSight project actuators, intermittent changes of the winding resistance of the motors during temperature changes was extremely baffling. It was critical to determine the cause of the intermittent characteristic because the actuators were stock from a previous program and the company that provided the motors was no longer in business. Using an X-Ray Computed-Tomography (CT) method, the exact source of the intermittent failure was determined and completely understood – at dimensions of less than 20 microns. In another case, after the completion of an actuator’s life-test-to-failure, inspection was required to determine the source of the failure. The size of the actuator (10 mm diameter) required destructive means to get to the interior of the actuator for inspection, risking the loss of the source of the failure. Using CT imaging, the exact source of the failure was determined.

Johnson, Michael R.↗

Multifunctional intensified reactor device with integrated heat and mass transfer

A packing device for mass and heat transfer with a subject fluid includes a housing having opposing ends, and subject fluid openings at each opposing end defining a subject fluid flow path for at least one subject fluid flowing through the packing device. A plurality of mass and heat transfer plates each include an interior heat exchange fluid channel disposed between interior heat transfer surfaces of the mass and heat transfer plates. A heat exchange fluid inlet and fluid outlet can supply and remove heat exchange fluid to the heat exchange fluid channels of the mass and heat transfer plates. The mass and heat transfer plates can be oriented to define there between fluid flow channels for the subject fluid. A method and system for mass and heat transfer with a subject fluid, and a method and system for the removal of CO2 from a gas stream are disclosed.

Lai, Canhai↗

Interior noise control prediction study for high-speed propeller-driven aircraft

An analytical model was developed to predict the noise levels inside propeller-driven aircraft during cruise at M = 0.8. The model was applied to three study aircraft with fuselages of different size (wide body, narrow body and small diameter) in order to determine the noise reductions required to achieve the goal of an A-weighted sound level which does not exceed 80 dB. The model was then used to determine noise control methods which could achieve the required noise reductions. Two classes of noise control treatments were investigated: add-on treatments which can be added to existing structures, and advanced concepts which would require changes to the fuselage primary structure. Only one treatment, a double wall with limp panel, provided the required noise reductions. Weight penalties associated with the treatment were estimated for the three study aircraft.

Rennison, D. C.↗

System and method using in-situ electromagnetic diagnostic for real-time projectile characterization

The present disclosure relates to a system for detecting characteristics of a moving element. The system may include a tubular housing having a tubular first portion having a first end and a second end, with the first end forming an input port and the second end forming an output port. A source of wireless electromagnetic energy projects a wireless electromagnetic energy signal, travelling in a first direction, into the input port and through an interior area defined by the tubular first portion. A signal processing subsystem detects at least one characteristic of the signal after the signal is reflected back to the first end after having interacted with the element as the element moves past the output port of the housing.

Chang, Tammy↗

Automatic adaptive grid refinement for the Euler equations

A method of adaptive grid refinement for the solution of the steady Euler equations for transonic flow is presented. Algorithm automatically decides where the coarse grid accuracy is insufficient, and creates locally uniform refined grids in these regions. This typically occurs at the leading and trailing edges. The solution is then integrated to steady state using the same integrator (FLO52) in the interior of each grid. The boundary conditions needed on the fine grids are examined and the importance of treating the fine/coarse grid inerface conservatively is discussed. Numerical results are presented.

Berger, M. J.↗

Automatic adaptive grid refinement for the Euler equations

A method of adaptive grid refinement for the solution of the steady Euler equations for transonic flow is presented. Algorithm automatically decides where the coarse grid accuracy is insufficient, and creates locally uniform refined grids in these regions. This typically occurs at the leading and trailing edges. The solution is then integrated to steady state using the same integrator (FL052) in the interior of each grid. The boundary conditions needed on the fine grids are examined and the importance of treating the fine/coarse grid interface conservatively is discussed. Numerical results are presented.

Berger, M. J.↗