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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 739 records · Page 41
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

Flow assisted anti-fouling geometries for compact heat exchangers

A header for a heat exchanger and method for cleaning a heat exchanger in a loop without disconnecting loop components is provided. The header is in flow communication with the heat exchanger for distributing fluid through a plurality of adjacent channels. The header is connected between a main heat exchanger inlet nozzle and a channel flow distributor. A filter element is disposed within the header between the nozzle and channel flow distributor. Under normal operation, the filter element removes particulates and fouling material from the main flow stream before it enters the heat exchanger channels. During the cleaning process, fluid is injected on or through the filter element to remove particulates and fouling material through at least one outlet port. The header arrangement allows the filter element to be ‘cleaned in place’ without draining the system and disconnecting the heat exchanger or other components from the flow loop.

Carlson, Matthew David↗
DOE OSTI2026

Development of a coupled experimental–computational approach for engineering optimization of spout-fluidized bed particle coating systems

The design of spout-fluidized bed (SFB) coating systems for nuclear particle fuels typically relies on trial-and-error processes, comprising iterative and time-consuming coating deposition experiments and post-deposition characterization. At an engineering scale, this approach to guided SFB system design is inefficient, highlighting the need for streamlined experimental methodologies which can correlate fluidization conditions to downstream coating outcomes. In this study, we combine time-resolved particle image velocimetry (PIV) with CFD–DEM simulations to benchmark hydrodynamic behavior in a 3D spout-fluidized bed. By exploiting easily accessible optical measurements of particle motion at the bed wall and within the spouting region, we obtain quantitative velocity fields that can be directly compared with model predictions of the occluded bed region, without resorting to complex imaging and characterization techniques such as X-ray or magnetic resonance tomography. Experimental benchmarking reveals strong agreement between CFD–DEM and PIV in the spout and annulus regions, while discrepancies near the wall highlight areas for future model development. Here, the proposed integrated experimental–numerical framework will enable a direct connection between measured variables and numerically predicted fluidization performance of dense, surrogate nuclear particle fuel feedstock such that experimental SFB component design can be rapidly evaluated, informing design decisions for nozzle geometry and operating conditions. Future work will extend this framework by correlating quantified fluidization metrics across nozzle geometries and operating conditions with the resulting coating morphology, microstructure, and uniformity. Establishing these correlations will enable predictive links between hydrodynamic performance and coating quality, providing a rational, scalable basis for optimizing SFB design prior to coating deposition.

CFD/DEM↗
DOE OSTI2021

Influence of shape resonances on the angular dependence of molecular photoionization delays

Characterizing time delays in molecular photoionization as a function of the ejected electron emission direction relative to the orientation of the molecule and the light polarization axis provides unprecedented insights into the attosecond dynamics induced by extreme ultraviolet or X-ray one-photon absorption, including the role of electronic correlation and continuum resonant states. Here, we report completely resolved experimental and computational angular dependence of single-photon ionization delays in NO molecules across a shape resonance, relying on synchrotron radiation and time-independent ab initio calculations. The angle-dependent time delay variations of few hundreds of attoseconds, resulting from the interference of the resonant and non-resonant contributions to the dynamics of the ejected electron, are well described using a multichannel Fano model where the time delay of the resonant component is angle-independent. Comparing these results with the same resonance computed in e-NO + scattering highlights the connection of photoionization delays with Wigner scattering time delays.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Internal rotation of ELM filaments on NSTX

Edge localized modes (ELMs) are a threat to tokamaks due to their high heat and particle loads on plasma facing components. A significant portion of this energy is carried and deposited by the emerging ELM filaments, whose dynamics are directly connected to their impact. Therefore, understanding their underlying physics is important for the operation of future fusion reactors. Our paper extends our knowledge of ELM filaments by reporting on their internal rotation (spinning) around the magnetic field lines along which they are extended. Our analysis of gas-puff imaging data on National Spherical Torus Experiment shows that ELM filaments are characterized by internal rotation in the direction of the ion-gyromotion with ω = 15:2 krad/s median angular velocity, which is approximately three times faster than the blob rotation in the background turbulence. The characteristic size of the ELM filament was also assessed and found to be similar to the blobs. A nearly linear trend was found between the angular velocity and the radial velocity of the ELM filament. The angular velocity was found to be linearly dependent on the distance of the filament from the separatrix, as well. An analytical model called the shear-induced rotation model was identified as a candidate for explaining the physics of the observations. Our results show that the modeled mechanism could significantly influence the rotation of the ELM filament; however, it cannot be a sole contributor.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
NASA NTRS1977

Development of a complex of activity in the solar corona

Using Skylab observations of soft solar X-rays, the development of a complex of activity in the solar corona during its whole lifetime of seven solar rotations is studied. The basic components of the activity complex were determined to be permanently interconnected through sets of magnetic field lines, which suggests similar connections also below the photosphere. The visibility of individual loops in these connections, however, was greatly variable and typically shorter than one day. Each brightening of a coronal loop in X-rays seems to be related to a variation in the photospheric magnetic field near its footprint.

Howard, R.↗
NASA NTRS1978

A flow study in radial inflow turbine scroll-nozzle assembly

The present analysis describes the flow behavior in the combined scroll-nozzle assembly of a radial inflow turbine. This model was chosen to provide a better understanding of the mutual interaction effects of these two components on the flow. The finite element method is used in the solution of the flow field in this multiply connected domain. The mass flow rates in the different nozzle channels is not presumed constant, but is determined from the solution.

Hamed, A.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Conversion of raster coded images to polygonal data structures

A method is presented for converting polygons coded in raster data structures into conventional vector structures to allow the output of scanner-based data collection systems to be input directly to conventional geographic information systems. The method relies on topological principles to (1) uniquely label each polygon in the image and produce an output image in which each pixel is described by the label of the polygon to which it belongs; (2) create line segment components of polygon boundaries, with nodes labeled and the two adjacent polygons identified; and (3) traverse the polygon boundaries by connecting the appropriate adjacent line segments. The conversion capability makes it possible to design systems which automatically convert to the data structure most appropriate for a particular application.

Nichols, D. A.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Mission Simulation Facility: Simulation Support for Autonomy Development

The Mission Simulation Facility (MSF) supports research in autonomy technology for planetary exploration vehicles. Using HLA (High Level Architecture) across distributed computers, the MSF connects users autonomy algorithms with provided or third-party simulations of robotic vehicles and planetary surface environments, including onboard components and scientific instruments. Simulation fidelity is variable to meet changing needs as autonomy technology advances in Technical Readiness Level (TRL). A virtual robot operating in a virtual environment offers numerous advantages over actual hardware, including availability, simplicity, and risk mitigation. The MSF is in use by researchers at NASA Ames Research Center (ARC) and has demonstrated basic functionality. Continuing work will support the needs of a broader user base.

Pisanich, Greg↗
NASA NTRS2003

Prototype Parts of a Digital Beam-Forming Wide-Band Receiver

Some prototype parts of a digital beamforming (DBF) receiver that would operate at multigigahertz carrier frequencies have been developed. The beam-forming algorithm in a DBF receiver processes signals from multiple antenna elements with appropriate time delays and weighting factors chosen to enhance the reception of signals from a specific direction while suppressing signals from other directions. Such a receiver would be used in the directional reception of weak wideband signals -- for example, spread-spectrum signals from a low-power transmitter on an Earth-orbiting spacecraft or other distant source. The prototype parts include superconducting components on integrated-circuit chips, and a multichip module (MCM), within which the chips are to be packaged and connected via special inter-chip-communication circuits. The design and the underlying principle of operation are based on the use of the rapid single-flux quantum (RSFQ) family of logic circuits to obtain the required processing speed and signal-to-noise ratio. RSFQ circuits are superconducting circuits that exploit the Josephson effect. They are well suited for this application, having been proven to perform well in some circuits at frequencies above 100 GHz. In order to maintain the superconductivity needed for proper functioning of the RSFQ circuits, the MCM must be kept in a cryogenic environment during operation.

Kaplan, Steven B.↗
NASA NTRS2013

Design Considerations for Ceramic Matrix Composite Vanes for High Pressure Turbine Applications

Issues associated with replacing conventional metallic vanes with Ceramic Matrix Composite (CMC) vanes in the first stage of the High Pressure Turbine (HPT) are explored. CMC materials have higher temperature capability than conventional HPT vanes, and less vane cooling is required. The benefits of less vane coolant are less NOx production and improved vane efficiency. Comparisons between CMC and metal vanes are made at current rotor inlet temperatures and at an vane inlet pressure of 50 atm.. CMC materials have directionally dependent strength characteristics, and vane designs must accommodate these characteristics. The benefits of reduced NOx and improved cycle efficiency obtainable from using CMC vanes. are quantified Results are given for vane shapes made of a two dimensional CMC weave. Stress components due to thermal and pressure loads are shown for all configurations. The effects on stresses of: (1) a rib connecting vane pressure and suction surfaces; (2) variation in wall thickness; and (3) trailing edge region cooling options are discussed. The approach used to obtain vane temperature distributions is discussed. Film cooling and trailing edge ejection were required to avoid excessive vane material temperature gradients. Stresses due to temperature gradients are sometimes compressive in regions where pressure loads result in high tensile stresses.

Boyle, Robert J.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Enhancing Scalability for FUN3D Rotorcraft Simulations with Yoga: an Overset Grid Assembler

FUN3D, an unstructured grid Navier-Stokes CFD code is capable of overset grid simu- lations, but does not have an internal method for assembling an overset grid system from a group of component grids. FUN3D currently relies on the third party codes Suggar++ and DiRTlib to perform domain assembly and provide intergrid connectivity for overset simulations. Rotorcraft simulations with moving, deforming blades require domain assembly and mesh deformation at each time step. For these simulations, the three primary drivers of computational cost for each time step are: deforming the mesh, performing domain assembly, and performing subiterations of the flow solver. FUN3D exhibits strong and weak scalability for the flow solver subiterations and the mesh deformation. However, FUN3D is currently hardwired directly to the serial version of Suggar++, which has a fixed cost for a given mesh system. Therefore, domain assembly begins to dominate the total cost of each time step as grid systems become larger. An integrated method for parallel domain assembly is presented that addresses scalability for large grid systems. Restructuring within FUN3D to accommodate integrated domain assembly is also discussed, which could enable use of the parallel Suggar++ library.

Cameron T Druyor↗
NASA NTRS2010

FPGA-based hardware/software co-design instrument command-and-control solutions

Traditional design methodology dictates that an instrument electronics platform should consist of a printed circuit board (PCB)—often multiple boards—populated with many components and support electronics. More specifically, each subsystem is composed of numerous integrated circuits (ICs) spread across the board(s), connected with innumerable traces and wires. Additionally, it is often the case that the hardware and software design teams are quite separated—the hardware team designs a board and hands it to a software team, who must then deal with any hardware quirkiness and may need to rewrite software due to inadequately defined interfaces...

Allen, Mark A.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Towards Qualification and Certification of Laser Powder Bed Fusion Ti-6Al-4V with In-Situ Process Monitoring and Automated Defect Detection

Qualification and certification of laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) parts are two challenges that must be answered to ensure suitability for critical applications. In-situ monitoring using high frame rate thermal and conventional optical imaging sensors is applied to the LPBF build process. Currently, the large volume of data from such sensors becomes untenable for manual inspection in production environments. This presentation serves to address this in-situ monitoring deficiency in two ways. First, a framework for managing data streams from LPBF process monitoring sensors is described. Second, two candidate image analysis techniques are presented: one is a set of heuristics that are easily interpretable, and the other is an uninterpretable convolutional neural network. These strategies are compared in terms of performance, computational expense, and speed. These methodologies represent platforms for connecting processing conditions to process modeling efforts aligned with the qualification and certification mission for LPBF Ti-6Al-4V components.

Qualification↗
DOE OSTI2021

Carbon dioxide capture system and spectroscopic evaluation thereof

A chemical processing system for removing carbon dioxide from a gas mixture using a multicomponent amine-based scrubbing solution includes a spectroscopic evaluation system with a liquid contact probe for spectroscopic investigation, an energy source connected with the liquid contact probe to provide the spectroscopic stimulation energy to the probe, a spectrometer connected with the liquid contact probe to detect the spectroscopic response energy to the probe and to output spectral data corresponding to the spectroscopic response energy, and a machine learning spectral data analyzer connected to the spectrometer for evaluation of the spectral data to determine a concentration value for each of water, amine component and captured carbon dioxide in the scrubbing solution, the machine learning spectral data analyzer being trained for each such component over a corresponding trained concentration range, and optionally over a trained temperature range to provide a temperature-compensated concentration value.

Panaccione, Charles↗
DOE OSTI2022

Nitrosamine decomposition

The disclosure provides methods and systems for decreasing nitrosamine content, e.g., in the context of non-aqueous solvent systems. It includes a method including receiving a non-aqueous solvent system and contacting the non-aqueous solvent system with a composition including one or more alkoxides to give a treated solvent system having a nitrosamine content that is lower than the starting nitrosamine content. Similarly, it includes a system including a first unit configured to remove undesirable components from a gas stream; a second unit holding a composition including one or more alkoxides, and a conduit to connect these units.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS2002

Real World Connections Through Videoconferences

The Learning Technologies Project (LTP) is a partner in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA's) educational technology program unit, an electronic community center that fosters interaction, collaboration, and sharing among educators, learners, and scientists. The goal of the NASA Glenn Research Center's Learning Technologies Project is to increase students' interest and proficiency in mathematics, science, and technology through the use of computing and communications technology and by using NASA's mission in aerospace technology as a theme. The primary components are: (1) Beginner's Guide to Aeronautics, including interactive simulation packages and teacher-created online activities. (2) NASA Virtual Visits, videoconferences (with online pre-post-conference activities) connecting students and teachers to NASA scientists and researchers.

Peterson, Ruth↗
NASA NTRS2003

Structure of the Outer Cusp and Sources of the Cusp Precipitation during Intervals of a Horizontal IMF

The cusp represents a place where the magnetosheath plasma can directly penetrate into the magnetosphere. Since the main transport processes are connected with merging of the interplanetary and magnetospheric field lines: the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) Orientation plays a decisive role in the formation of the high-altitude cusp. The importance of the sign of the IMF B(sub Z) component for this process was suggested about 40 years ago and later it was documented by many experimental investigations. However, situations when IMF Bz is the major IMF component are rather rare. The structure of the cusp during periods of a small IMF B(sub Z) is generally unknown, probably due to the fully 3-D nature of the interaction. The present case study reveals the importance of horizontal IMF components on the global magnetospheric configuration as well as on small-scale processes at the cusp-magnetosheath interface. We have used simultaneous measurements of several spacecraft (ISTP program) operating in different regions of interplanetary space and two closely spaced satellites (INTERBALL-1/MAGION-4) crossing the cusp-magnetosheath boundary to show the connection between the short- and large-scale phenomena. In the northern hemisphere, observations suggest a presence of two spots of cusp-like precipitation supplied by reconnection occurring simultaneously in both hemispheres. A source of this bifurcation is the positive IMF B(sub y) component further enhanced by the field draping in the magnetosheath. This magnetic field component shifts the entry point far away from the local noon but in opposite sense in either hemisphere. The cusp represents a place where the magnetosheath plasma can directly

Berchem, Jean↗
DOE OSTI2024

2022 Component Innovation Awardee: Windurance

Combining battery energy storage with distributed wind energy systems can increase production, ability to meet local electricity demands, interconnection capacity, and potential sales of surplus energy back to the grid, while reducing demand charges and the overall levelized cost of energy (LCOE). Energy storage options for distributed wind energy systems can vary widely in terms of power level and energy storage capacity, and their potential benefits depend on factors including wind resource, turbine design, connection requirements, use patterns, utility rates, and regulations. Windurance received a 2022 Competitiveness Improvement Project (CIP) funding award to add battery energy storage capabilities to the company's bidirectional DC converter. The energy storage component will complete a comprehensive portfolio of power conversion and control electronics that can be seamlessly integrated with distributed wind systems. The company received earlier CIP awards to fund prototype design and construction of wind turbine pitch actuators, inverters, and controllers.

CIP↗