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At least 739 records · Page 41

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Backshell Radiative Heating and Shock Layer Kinetic Measurement in NASA’s Electric Arc Shock Tube Facility

A methodology for creating incident shocks with similarity to the backshell radiative heating environment on planetary probes is presented. Two test series were carried out in the Electric Arc Shock Tube (EAST) at NASA Ames to quantify the backshell environment for planned and executed missions entering the atmospheres of Mars and Titan. The comparison of measured radiance in the shock tube to predicted post shock radiation levels is used to quantify the uncertainty in the model. This model uncertainty may then be related back to the flight condition to assess the error in the flight heating prediction. Tests for Mars entry show the shock tube measurements to be bracketed between two kinetic models by 2-7%. This suggests an 8% error in predicting the measured heating cannot be attributed to radiation. Comparisons to planned Titan entry suggest a substantial overprediction of the backshell radiation, which suggests opportunity for future refinement of radiative heating models.

radiation↗

DOE OSTI2019

Effect of Torque-Tube Parameters on Rear-Irradiance and Rear-Shading Loss for Bifacial PV Performance on Single-Axis Tracking Systems: Preprint

The emergence of cost-competitive bifacial PV modules has raised the question of the additional value of bifacial modules in 1-axis tracking arrays, in particular when considering rear-irradiance losses from the tracker system itself. In this work, the effect of different geometries and materials of torque tubes is evaluated and found to reduce rear-irradiance averages without any torque-tube shading by 0.1 to 12% for metallic and black absorptive torque tubes respectively for a clear-sky day. This paper will compare modeled to measured rear-irradiance profiles, and propose a recommended range of rear-shading loss factors for different geometry conditions. The effect of rear-irradiance distribution into electrical mismatch loss will also be explored.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2022

Experimental Investigation of a Phase Change Material Charged Finned-Tube Heat Exchanger

Understanding different thermal performance aspects of phase change material heat exchangers (PCM-HX) is critical for designing future energy-efficient thermal energy storage systems. This paper presents an experimental performance analysis of a vertically oriented annular finned-tube PCM-HX in a cylindrical container tested under six different melting and solidification test conditions, varied by heat transfer fluid’s (HTF) inlet temperatures and flow directions. The PCM-HX structure with 20 evenly spaced fins was 3D printed in aluminum, and the PCM-HX container was 285 mm in height. The PCM-HX average porosity was 89.7%, where the PCM mass was 246.4 g. Water served as the HTF, and a PCM with a nominal phase change temperature of 35 °C was selected. Instead of opaque conventional insulation sheets, a combination of air-and-argon-filled see-through insulation cylinders was assembled with the PCM-HX to visualize the phase-change phenomena, while minimizing the uncertainties due to heat loss. In total, there were 78 T-type thermocouples installed in the test section which allows a more precise assessment of thermal mass and heat loss, which are often neglected in similar studies found in the literature. We validated the reliability of the test facility as the repeated test results had negligible deviations under the same test conditions. The energy balances between the estimated theoretical and experimentally calculated PCM storage, considering heat loss and thermal mass, were within ±9% deviation for all test conditions. From the experimental investigations, we made several following observations. It was found that the melting pattern of the finned-tube PCM-HX with small gaps between the container wall and the fins was largely affected by the HTF flow directions, unlike the typical straight annular tube PCM-HX. For effective charging and discharging processes, a combination of upward melting and downward solidification is recommended to shorten the test duration. However, an upward solidification should be considered to minimize the cavity formation between the fins caused by the PCM volume contraction during the solidification process.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

DOE OSTI2015

Optimization of Neutron Spectrum in Northwest Beam Tube of Tehran Research Reactor for BNCT, by MCNP Code

In order to gain the neutron spectrum with proper components specification for BNCT, it is necessary to design a Beam Shape Assembling (BSA), include of moderator, collimator, reflector, gamma filter and thermal neutrons filter, in front of the initial radiation beam from the source. According to the result of MCNP4C simulation, the Northwest beam tube has the most optimized neuron flux between three north beam tubes of Tehran Research Reactor (TRR). So, it has been chosen for this purpose. Simulation of the BSA has been done in four above mentioned phases. In each stage, ten best configurations of materials with different length and width were selected as the candidates for the next stage. The last BSA configuration includes of: 78 centimeters of air as an empty space, 40 centimeters of Iron plus 52 centimeters of heavy-water as moderator, 30 centimeters of water or 90 centimeters of Aluminum-Oxide as a reflector, 1 millimeters of lithium (Li) as thermal neutrons filter and finally 3 millimeters of Bismuth (Bi) as a filter of gamma radiation. The result of Calculations shows that if we use this BSA configuration for TRR Northwest beam tube, then the best neutron flux and spectrum will be achieved for BNCT. (authors)

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

DOE OSTI2016

Disposition of Chicago Pile 5 (CP-5) Converter Tubes in the 10-160B Cask - 16632

This paper will focus on the unique characterization, packaging, and transportation issues associated with the disposition of the two CP-5 Converter Tube assemblies from Argonne National Laboratory. The converter tubes were constructed of combinations of HEU and alloys of zirconium, and were part of the original research facilities attached to the CP-5 reactor during operating evolutions. These assemblies were heavily irradiated during their operational lifetime, and were segregated from the balance of irradiated test specimens when the reactor was deactivated and slated for Decontamination and Demolition (D and D). In addition, the substantial contribution of fissile material to the assemblies' inventory made the potential disposition pathways extremely challenging. As a result, these items became part of Argonne's legacy 'nuclear footprint', and were added to the Nuclear Footprint Reduction Project scope for disposition. The Project was responsible for the size reduction and characterization of these items, as well as the ultimate disposition. After negotiating a disposal pathway for these tubes, there were significant transportation issues that required a small team to overcome, in order to successfully ship these items to the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS). The Project team at Argonne, technical support from transportation specialists, licensing support from the 10-160B license owner, the Savannah River National Lab (SRNL) Packaging Certification Team (PCT, and the DOE EM-33 staff contributed to license and safety analysis report amendments that eventually authorized the shipment of the material. The paper will identify the organizations, and the specific actions, required to successfully make three 'one of a kind' shipments of irradiated test specimen material. This will include the unique packaging configurations, contents modification for the cask license (via the Amendment process), criticality evaluations, and associated review and approval processes. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

DOE OSTI2017

Post Irradiation Examination of SiC Tube Subjected to Simultaneous Irradiation and Radial High Heat Flux

Silicon carbide (SiC) based composite is considered among leading candidate materials for accident tolerant fuel (ATF) cladding in light water reactors (LWRs) because of its outstanding irradiation and oxidation resistance, as well as low neutron absorption. Under normal operation conditions, the synergism between neutron irradiation and a high radial heat flux though the cladding thickness is expected to produce significant stress. This stress is attributed to a significant through-thickness temperature gradient and the resulting differential swelling strain due the highly temperature-dependent point-defect swelling of SiC. Although modeling of the in-pile stress state of SiC cladding has been conducted using finite element analysis, the analysis is challenging because of the complex stress state that depends upon swelling, irradiation creep, and thermal conductivity, all of which are both temperature and dose-dependent. These integral models have not yet been verified by experiments. In order to experimentally validate the multi-physics thermo-mechanical models of ATF SiC cladding during operation, SiC tube specimens have been irradiated under a high radial heat flux. This paper reports preliminary results from the post-irradiation examination (PIE) in on-going project supported by the U.S. Department of Energy's Nuclear Science User Facility program. The objectives of the PIE are (1) determination of the irradiation temperature distribution within the tube specimens, and (2) evaluation of the state and magnitude of the stress within the tube specimens arising from the temperature gradient. This paper mainly presents findings for objective (1)

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

DOE OSTI2023

SPC-70792 Rev 0 MARVEL Primary Coolant Management Subsystem Tubing Specification

This specification covers the requirements and details for the selection, fabrication, testing, cleaning, marking, shipping, inspection and installation of the Inert Gas System, and Primary Coolant Management System. This applies to tubing from the upper confinement patch panel to the upper plenum, including NaK and argon fill tubing, valves, and hangers. These systems consist of the necessary straight lengths, elbows, reducers, fittings, tube connections, instrument taps, and valves called for by applicable drawings. All components shall be procured as ASME Section III Class 1.

21 - SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLAN↗

NASA NTRS1944

Compressibility Effects on Heat Transfer and Pressure Drop in Smooth Cylindrical Tubes

An analysis is made to simplify pressure-drop calculations for nonadiabatic and adiabatic friction flow of air in smooth cylindrical tubes when the density changes due to heat transfer and pressure drop are appreciable. Solutions of the equation of motion are obtained by the use of Reynolds' analogy between heat transfer and skin friction. Charts of the solutions are presented for making pressure-drop calculations. A technique of using the charts to determine the position of a normal shock in a tube is described.

AIR FLOW - TUBES, CYLINDRICAL↗

DOE OSTI2019

Facile Synthesis of Fe/N/S‐Doped Carbon Tubes as High‐Performance Cathode and Anode for Microbial Fuel Cells

Abstract As a renewable energy technology, microbial fuel cell (MFC) has been attracting increasing attention in recent decades. However, practical applications of MFCs has been hampered by the unsatisfactory electrode performance, in particular, at the cathode. Herein, Fe/N/S‐doped carbon hollow tubes were prepared by a facile two‐stage procedure involving hydrothermal treatment and pyrolysis at controlled temperatures. Electrochemical studies showed that the obtained samples exhibited an apparent electrocatalytic activity towards oxygen reduction reaction in both alkaline and acidic media, a performance comparable to that of commercial Pt/C, and the sample prepared at 800 °C stood out as the best among the series with a half‐wave potential of +0.81 V vs. RHE and an electron transfer number of 3.98 at +0.6 V vs. RHE. The Fe/N/S‐doped carbon tubes also exhibited a remarkable performance as an MFC anode by facilitating bacterial growth and electron transfer between the biofilm and electrode. In fact, an MFC based on the carbon tubes as both cathode and anode showed a markedly higher performance (maximum power density 479 W m −3 ) than the control MFC based on a graphene aerogel anode and Pt/C cathode (359 W m −3 ). These results suggest that Fe/N/S‐doped carbon composites can be used for the fabrication of high‐efficiency MFC electrodes.

Yang, Wei↗

DOE OSTI2012

Oxide scale exfoliation and regrowth in TP347H superheater tubes: Oxide scale exfoliation and regrowth

This paper provides an introduction to a comprehensive model being developed to predict and control oxide scale exfoliation from the steam-side of superheater and reheater tubes in steam boilers. The model deals with the main phenomena involved in scale growth and failure in steam, and incorporates major variables related to boiler design and operation. The considerations used to calculate oxide growth under the specific constrains of small diameter tubes carrying high-pressure steam and operating with large temperature gradients under temperature and pressure cycling conditions, as well as the evolution of stresses and strains in the scales, are indicated but only a cursory description is given of the details of the analytical treatments. An example is presented of calculations made with the model to predict the extent of blockage expected in a single superheater loop as a function of time and outlet steam temperature under several realistic service conditions. The results suggest that problems due to scale exfoliation would be expected early in the operating life of superheater tubes made from austenitic steel TP347H.

Sabau, A. S.↗

DOE OSTI2022

Effect of post-extrusion heat treatment on mechanical property of aluminum alloy 2024 tube produced using Shear Assisted Processing and Extrusion (ShAPE)

The present work deals with the Shear Assisted Processing and Extrusion (ShAPE) of aluminum alloy 2024 tubes and mechanical property optimization via post extrusion heat treatments (T3510 and T8510). The ShAPE process enables extruding AA2024 at an extrusion speed of 7.4 m/min and extrusion temperature of 480 °C, which is otherwise beyond the extrudability limit of this alloy using conventional extrusion techniques. The ultimate tensile strength reaches 466 MPa for ShAPE+T3510 condition and 503 MPa for ShAPE+T8510 condition, both of which exceed the corresponding ASTM/ASM (minimum/typical) values for the studied tube geometry. The yield strength reaches 382 MPa for ShAPE+T3510 condition and 481 MPa for ShAPE+T8510 condition, both of which surpass any reported values in the literature or the highest industrial values. In addition, the ductility of AA2024 tube fabricated from ShAPE+T3510 or ShAPE+T8510 are evidently improved by the grain size refinement, second phase refinement, and enhanced uniformity in second phase distribution due to the severe plastic deformation of ShAPE process.

Shear Assisted Processing and Extrusions (ShAPE), ↗

DOE OSTI2017

Scaled-Up Fabrication of Thin-Walled ZK60 Tubing using Shear Assisted Processing and Extrusion (ShAPE)

Shear Assisted Processing and Extrusion (ShAPE) has been scaled-up and applied to direct extrusion of thin-walled magnesium tubing. Using ShAPE, billets of ZK60A-T5 were directly extruded into round tubes having an outer diameter of 50.8 mm and wall thickness of 1.52 mm. The severe shearing conditions inherent to ShAPE resulted in microstructural refinement with an average grain size of 3.8μm measured at the midpoint of the tube wall. Tensile testing per ATSM E-8 on specimens oriented parallel to the extrusion direction gave an ultimate tensile strength of 254.4 MPa and elongation of 20.1%. Specimens tested perpendicular to the extrusion direction had an ultimate tensile strength of 297.2 MPa and elongation of 25.0%. Due to material flow effects resulting from the simultaneous linear and rotational shear intrinsic to ShAPE, ram force and electrical power consumption during extrusion were just 40 kN and 11.5 kW respectively. This represents a significant reduction in ram force and power consumption compared to conventional extrusion. As such, there is potential for ShAPE to offer a scalable, lower cost extrusion option with potentially improved bulk mechanical properties.

Direct Extrusion↗

DOE OSTI2019

Effect of low tube voltage and low iodine concentration abdominal CT on image quality and radiation dose in children: preliminary study

Purpose: To evaluate the image quality of a double-low protocol (low tube voltage and low iodine concentration) for abdominal CT in children. Materials and methods: The double-low protocol was compared to the conventional protocol in pediatric patients weighing less than 40 kg from May 2016 to December 2016. Double-low protocol (Group A, n = 18): tube voltage, 70 kVp; and iodine concentration,: 250 mgI/mL versus Conventional protocol (Group B, n = 13): tube voltage, 80–100 kVp; and iodine concentration, 350 mgI/mL. Mean attenuation, noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were compared between the two groups. Image contrast, noise, beam-hardening artifacts, and overall image quality were subjectively scored. Reader performance for correctly differentiating two groups by visual assessment was evaluated. Radiation dose and total iodine load were recorded. Results: The mean attenuations of the portal vein and liver and the mean image noise in Group A were higher than in Group B (p = 0.04, 0.03, 0.004, respectively). The mean SNR and CNR of the main portal vein and liver were lower in Group A without any statistically significant difference. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in qualitative analysis (image contrast, image noise, and overall image quality) with substantial agreement between the reviewers (weighted kappa values; 0.59–0.76). Significantly diminished radiation dose and iodine load were observed in Group A compared with Group B (25.0%, 36.8% reduction; p = 0.007, 0.006, respectively). Conclusion: The double-low protocol was feasible for pediatric abdominal CT and reduced both radiation dose and iodine load, while maintaining image quality.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

DOE OSTI2018

Preparation of Nb{sub 3}Al Superconducting Tapes by a Powder-in-Tube Method Combined with Hot-Pressed Sintering

The precursors of Nb-Al tape were fabricated by a powder-in-tube (PIT) technique. Supersaturated solid solutions of Nb-Al powder were obtained by high-energy ball milling, followed by a powder-in-tube process to prepare series of Nb{sub 3}Al precursor tapes. Compared with sintering under normal pressure, the hot-pressing sintering greatly increased the critical current density of the tapes. The results showed that the Nb{sub 3}Al tapes prepared via the powder-in-tube method and hot-pressed sintering could significantly improve the J{sub c} performance, and the value of J{sub c} (8 K, 0 T) was higher than 6 × 10{sup 5} A/cm{sup 2}. The Nb{sub 3}Al tapes after pressing under the pressure of 20 MPa and sintering at 950 {sup ∘}C for 3 h had the best magnetic flux pinning performance, and the sample reached the maximum flux pinning force (F{sub p,max}) of 3.28109 N/m{sup 3} in the magnetic field of 2.2 T.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

DOE OSTI2017

A Modified Isotropic–Kinematic Hardening Model to Predict the Defects in Tube Hydroforming Process

Numerical simulations of tube hydroforming process of hollow crankshafts were conducted by using finite element analysis method. Moreover, the modified model involving the integration of isotropic–kinematic hardening model with ductile criteria model was used to more accurately optimize the process parameters such as internal pressure, feed distance and friction coefficient. Subsequently, hydroforming experiments were performed based on the simulation results. The comparison between experimental and simulation results indicated that the prediction of tube deformation, crack and wrinkle was quite accurate for the tube hydroforming process. Finally, hollow crankshafts with high thickness uniformity were obtained and the thickness distribution between numerical and experimental results was well consistent.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2022

Multi-scale and multi-physics analysis, design optimization, and experimental validation of heat exchangers utilizing high performance, non-round tubes

Air-to-refrigerant heat exchangers (HXs) are fundamental components in HVAC&R systems, and considerable research has been dedicated designing continually smaller, lighter, and more efficient HX designs. In recent years, researchers have leveraged advancements in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Finite Element Analysis (FEA), and optimization algorithms to consider primary tube shape and topology optimization to design highly compact, high performance HXs for a multitude of applications. In this research, we present a computationally efficient, comprehensive, multi-scale, and multi-physics analysis and optimization method for air-to-refrigerant HXs featuring automated CFD and FEA simulations and approximation-assisted optimization. This methodology was utilized to design HXs with shape-optimized, non-round tubes which outperform current state-of-the-art tube-fin HXs without compromising structural integrity. The optimal HXs were shown to deliver similar thermal performance to the baseline HXs while also achieving more than 20% reductions in airside pressure drop and core envelope volume and more than 30% reduction in internal volume. Comprehensive experimental validation of the optimization methodology was conducted through the testing of two prototypes in a standardized wind tunnel facility under multiple operating conditions. For prototype #1 under dry evaporator conditions, the predicted heat load agreed within ± 10% of measured values and the predicted airside pressure drop agreed within ± 30%, while for dehumidifying conditions, the predicted sensible and latent heat loads agreed within ± 10% and ± 20% of the measured values, respectively. For prototype #2, the predicted condenser heat load agreed within ± 3.0% of measured values, and the predicted airside pressure drop agreed within ± 27%. The acceptable agreement between simulation and experimental results for the present application highlights the flexibility of the novel optimization methodology to design next generation HXs with improved performance and reduced volume, weight, and environmental impact.

42 ENGINEERING↗

DOE OSTI2025

Damage progression and failure of SiC/SiC composite tubes under hard-contact radial expansion

The response of silicon carbide (SiC) fiber-reinforced SiC matrix (SiC/SiC) composite cladding to mechanical interaction with fissile fuel is a knowledge gap that must be overcome to design and assess SiC-based cladding systems for advanced nuclear applications. This study developed the relevant mechanical testing capability and identified the failure behavior and the critical microstructural features and processing defects. Sections of SiC composite tube were subjected to a modified expansion-due-to-compression (EDC) test in an X-ray computed tomography microscope: a polyurethane plug pressed surrogate Al 2 O 3 into the inner walls of the SiC/SiC composite tubes to achieve hard contact. A pure EDC test with just a polyurethane plug was also performed as a reference. Through the use of displacement fields, digital volume correlation revealed inhomogeneous deformation fields in the tubes, even for pure EDC, which was related to the inherent defects in the structure. Deep learning–aided segmentation and systematic data analysis revealed that the presence of inhomogeneous deformation applied by the hard contact was exaggerated by the presence of inner surface imperfections left behind from the matrix densification process. In conclusion, the findings provide insights into the applications, highlighting the necessity for improvements in inner surface roughness and the incorporation of localized contacts in pellet–cladding mechanical interaction computational models.

Composites↗

DOE OSTI2020

Pulsed laminar falling films in vertical tubes: Maintaining a continuous liquid film with reduced film thickness

Falling-liquid-film heat transfer is important to a wide variety of industrial applications, including two-phase thermosyphons, falling-film evaporators in the food industry, heat exchangers in fuel-ethanol processing, and the chemical service industry. Particularly for laminar falling films, the heat transfer increases as the film thickness decreases, hence it is desirable to keep the films as thin as possible. This article presents a periodically-pulsed flow concept to reduce the average mass flow inside a vertical tube. The technique provides thinner films than can be achieved with continuous flow. A drainage model is adopted to predict the film thickness as a function of flow rate and location along the tube. The concept is confirmed experimentally by measuring the film thickness in real time in a circular tube using a laser-based absorption technique. A new heat-transfer-based film continuity measurement is also integrated into the optical film measurement setup. Water at ambient temperature and pressure is used for this work. Film thickness reductions of up to 60%, and liquid-film volume-flow reductions of up to 80% compared to the minimum continuous-flow film have been obtained. The time-varying film thickness profile can also be controlled to a limited extent, which may be of interest for process industries.

42 ENGINEERING↗