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At least 775 records · Page 43

Development of test methods for scale model simulation of aerial applications in the NASA Langley Vortex Facility

Methods have been developed at the Langley Vortex Research Facility to simulate and measure the deposition patterns of aerially applied sprays and granular materials by means of tests with small-scale models of agricultural and dynamically scaled test particles. Interactions between the aircraft wake and the dispersed particles are studied with the aim of modifying wake characteristics and dispersal techniques in order to increase swath width, improve deposition pattern uniformity, and minimize drift. This paper examines the particle sizing analysis, test methods for particle dispersal from the model aircraft, and measurement and computer analysis of test deposition patterns. Results that indicate improved control of chemical drift by winglets are presented to demonstrate test methods.

Jordan, F. L., Jr.↗

Submicron-Particle Generator

Particle generator supplies submicron-size particles to high-pressure airstream. Particles serve as light scatterers in laser velocimeter for ultra-high-speed gas. Advantage of generator: produces cloud of uniform, submicron particles at high ambient pressures and high flow rates.

Morrisette, E.↗

A theoretical and experimental study of turbulent particle-laden jets

Mean and fluctuating velocities of both phases, particle mass fluxes, particle size distributions in turbulent particle-laden jets were measured. The following models are considered: (1) a locally homogeneous flow (LHF) model, where slip between the phases was neglected; (2) a deterministic separated flow (DSF) model, where slip was considered but effects of particle dispersion by turbulence were ignored; and (3) a stochastic separated flow (SSF) model. The SSF model performed reasonably well with no modifications in the prescriptions for eddy properties from its original calibration. A modified k- model, incorporating direct contributions of interphase transport on turbulence properties (turbulence modulation), was developed within the framework of the SSF model.

Shuen, J. S.↗

The substitution of nickel for cobalt in hot isostatically pressed powder metallurgy UDIMET 700 alloys

Nickel was substituted in various proportions for cobalt in a series of five hot-isostatically-pressed powder metallurgy alloys based on the UDIMET 700 composition. These alloys were given 5-step heat treatments appropriate for use in turbine engine disks. The resultant microstructures displayed three distinct sizes of gamma-prime particles in a gamma matrix. The higher cobalt-content alloys contained larger amounts of the finest gamma-prime particles, and had the lowest gamma-gamma-prime lattice mismatch. While all alloys had approximately the same tensile properties at 25 and 650 gamma C, the rupture lives at 650 and 760 C peaked in the alloys with cobalt contents between 12.7 and 4.3 pct. Minimum creep rates increased as cobalt contents were lowered, suggesting their correlation with the gamma-prime particle size distribution and the gamma-gamma-prime mismatch. It was also found that, on overaging at temperatures higher than suitable for turbine disk use, the high cobalt-content alloys were prone to sigma phase formation.

Harf, F. H.↗

Mid-infrared reflectlance spectra (2.3-22 micions) of sulfur, gold, KBr, MgO, and halon

Biconical diffuse reflectance spectra in the mid-infrared are presented for powder and other solid forms of sulfur, gold, potassium bromide, magnesium oxide, and halon. Comparisons are made with previously published results of other investigators, and recommendations are made regarding the relative usefulnees of these materials as reflectance standards in the mid-IR. Sulfur has strong intrinsic bands at wavelengths greater than 7 microns that must be taken into account for its use as a reflectance standard. Some sulfur samples have hydrocarbon contaminants and in powder form may have adsorbed water, both of which produce bands in the 3-4-micron region. Potassium bromide has several weak intrinsic bands and is very sensitive to adsorbed water contamination; otherwise it is a good IR reference material. Magnesium oxide and halon have major bands structure and low reflectivity at wavelengths greater than 2.6 microns and thus are unsuitable as reference materials in the mid-IR. Vapor-deposited gold on fine sandpaper (600 grit) is very bright, spectrally flat, and fairly diffuse, so it is the superior material (of those examined) for reflectance reference material throughout the IR. Fine gold powder, on the other hand, is much less bright than evaporated gold, and its reflectivity at wavelengths greater than its particle size is highly sensitive to particle packing density.

Nash, D. B.↗

Preliminary Results from a Laboratory Study of Charging Mechanisms in a Dusty Plasma

A laboratory investigation has been developed to experimentally study the interaction of micron sized particles with plasmas and electromagnetic radiation. The intent is to investigate under what conditions particles of various compositions and sizes become charged, or discharged, while exposed to an electron beam and ultraviolet radiation. Primary emphasis is on two charging mechanisms: secondary emission of electrons and the photoelectric effect. Preliminary results are presented.

Venturini, Catherine C.↗

Constraints on PSC Particle Microphysics Derived From Lidar Observations

Based on extensive T-matrix computations of light scattering by polydispersions of randomly oriented, rotationally symmetric nonspherical particles, we analyze existing lidar observations of polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs) and derive several constraints on PSC particle microphysical properties. We show that sharp-edged nonspherical particles (finite circular cylinders) exhibit less variability of lidar backscattering characteristics with particle size and aspect ratio than particles with smooth surfaces (spheroids). For PSC particles significantly smaller than the wavelength, the backscatter color index Alpha and the depolarization color index Beta are essentially shape-independent. Observations for type Ia PSCs can be reproduced by spheroids with aspect ratios larger than 1.2, oblate cylinders with diameter-to-length ratios greater than 1.6, and prolate cylinders with length-to-diameter ratios greater than 1.4. The effective equal-volume-sphere radius for type la PSCs is about 0.8 microns or larger. Type Ib PSCs are likely to be composed of spheres or nearly spherical particles with effective radii smaller than 0.8 microns. Observations for type II PSCs are consistent with large ice crystals (effective radius greater than 1 micron modeled as cylinders or prolate spheroids.

Liu, Li↗

Classification of Particle Shapes from Lidar Depolarization Ratios in Convective Ice Clouds Compared to in situ Observations During CRYSTAL-FACE

This manuscript describes a method to class@ cirrus cloud ice particle shape using lidar depolarization measurements as a basis for segregating different particle shape regimes. Measurements from the ER-2 Cloud Physics Lidar (CPL) system during CRYSTAL-FACE provide the basis for this work. While the CPL onboard the ER-2 aircraft was providing remote sensing measurements of cirrus clouds, the Cloud Particle Imager (CPI) onboard the WB-57 aircraft was flying inside those same clouds to sample particle sizes. The results of classifying particle shapes using the CPL data are compared to the in situ measurements made using the CPI , and there is found to be good agreement between the particle shape inferred from the CPL data and that actually measured by the CPI. If proven practical, application of this technique to spaceborne observations could lead to large-scale classification of cirrus cloud particle shapes.

Noel, Vincent↗

Component and System Sensitivity Considerations for Design of a Lunar ISRU Oxygen Production Plant

Component and system sensitivities of some design parameters of ISRU system components are analyzed. The differences between terrestrial and lunar excavation are discussed, and a qualitative comparison of large and small excavators is started. The effect of excavator size on the size of the ISRU plant's regolith hoppers is presented. Optimum operating conditions of both hydrogen and carbothermal reduction reactors are explored using recently developed analytical models. Design parameters such as batch size, conversion fraction, and maximum particle size are considered for a hydrogen reduction reactor while batch size, conversion fraction, number of melt zones, and methane flow rate are considered for a carbothermal reduction reactor. For both reactor types the effect of reactor operation on system energy and regolith delivery requirements is presented.

Linne, Diane L.↗

Hot Hydrogen Testing of Tungsten-Uranium Dioxide (W-UO2) CERMET Fuel Materials for Nuclear Thermal Propulsion

CERMET fuel materials are being developed at the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center for a Nuclear Cryogenic Propulsion Stage. Recent work has resulted in the development and demonstration of a Compact Fuel Element Environmental Test (CFEET) System that is capable of subjecting depleted uranium fuel material samples to hot hydrogen. A critical obstacle to the development of an NCPS engine is the high-cost and safety concerns associated with developmental testing in nuclear environments. The purpose of this testing capability is to enable low-cost screening of candidate materials, fabrication processes, and further validation of concepts. The CERMET samples consist of depleted uranium dioxide (UO2) fuel particles in a tungsten metal matrix, which has been demonstrated on previous programs to provide improved performance and retention of fission products1. Numerous past programs have utilized hot hydrogen furnace testing to develop and evaluate fuel materials. The testing provides a reasonable simulation of temperature and thermal stress effects in a flowing hydrogen environment. Though no information is gained about radiation damage, the furnace testing is extremely valuable for development and verification of fuel element materials and processes. The current work includes testing of subscale W-UO2 slugs to evaluate fuel loss and stability. The materials are then fabricated into samples with seven cooling channels to test a more representative section of a fuel element. Several iterations of testing are being performed to evaluate fuel mass loss impacts from density, microstructure, fuel particle size and shape, chemistry, claddings, particle coatings, and stabilizers. The fuel materials and forms being evaluated on this effort have all been demonstrated to control fuel migration and loss. The objective is to verify performance improvements of the various materials and process options prior to expensive full scale fabrication and testing. Post test analysis will include weight percent fuel loss, microscopy, dimensional tolerance, and fuel stability.

Hickman, Robert↗

Quantifying the Relative Impact of Model Microphysics Parameterizations and Scattering Models in Simulating Synthetic Radar and Microwave Radiometer Observations

Output from numerical weather models is often used to simulate observations from remote sensing instruments, for purposes ranging from data assimilation, synthetic retrievals of geophysical quantities, and optimization of observing systems. However, when hydrometeors are present, the level of detail provided by the weather model is generally insufficient to fully constrain the input to the radiative transfer model (RTM), and further assumptions must be made by the RTM user in order to produce synthetic observations. Using a hierarchy of models including cloud-resolving, double-moment, bin microphysical, and ice-habit predicting models, along with scattering properties from the OpenSSP, Atmospheric Radiative Transfer Simulator (ARTS) databases, as well as relatively simple geometries (e.g., cylindrical plates and columns), we demonstrate the spread in synthetic observation output and the extent to which it is reduced when microphysics is more strongly constrained by the model. As an intermediate step, an error budget for the RTM simulations was derived and from that we developed and will describe best practices for observation simulation (e.g., optimal number of hydrometeor size bins, truncation of the particle size distribution, angular resolution of scattering phase function). Some statistical comparisons with observations will also be presented.

Munchak, S. Joseph↗

Wildfire Smoke Particle Properties and Evolution, from Space-Based Multi-Angle Imaging

Emitted smoke composition is determined by properties of the biomass burning source and ambient ecosystem. However, conditions that mediate the partitioning of black carbon (BC) and brown carbon (BrC) formation, as well as the spatial and temporal factors that drive particle evolution, are not understood adequately for many climate and air-quality related modeling applications. In situ observations provide considerable detail about aerosol microphysical and chemical properties, although sampling is extremely limited. Satellites offer the frequent global coverage that would allow for statistical characterization of emitted and evolved smoke, but generally lack microphysical detail. However, once properly validated, data from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Earth Observing System’s Multi-Angle Imaging Spectroradiometer (MISR) instrument can create at least a partial picture of smoke particle properties and plume evolution. We use in situ data from the Department of Energy’s Biomass Burning Observation Project (BBOP) field campaign to assess the strengths and limitations of smoke particle retrieval results from the MISR Research Aerosol (RA) retrieval algorithm. We then use MISR to characterize wildfire smoke particle properties and to identify the relevant aging factors in several cases, to the extent possible. The RA successfully maps qualitative changes in effective particle size, light absorption, and its spectral dependence, when compared to in situ observations. By observing the entire plume uniformly, the satellite data can be interpreted in terms of smoke plume evolution, including size-selective deposition, new-particle formation, and locations within the plume where BC or BrC dominates.

Noyes, Katherine Junghenn↗

Developing Materials and Coating Technologies for Mitigation of Lunar Dust Adhesion and Abrasion

Lunar regolith was first identified as a major issue during the Apollo missions. There are three characteristics of lunar regolith that cause issues: small size, rough surface topology, and particle charge. The lack of a magnetosphere allows solar wind to bombard the lunar surface which results in the regolith becoming charged. These charged particles will adhere to most surfaces and degrade thermal control systems. The lack of atmosphere and surface liquids on the lunar surface results in the regolith’s small particle size, abrasive topology, and chemical reactivity. When the dust adheres to a surface, or the lunar lander exhaust kicks up dust regolith, it can impair instrument or thermal control system function, abrade optical surfaces, diminish range of motion, and mechanically degrade soft-goods such as gloves and astronaut suits. All of these examples were experienced during the Apollo missions. The objective of this study was to select and evaluate abrasion-resistant ceramic materials for application on the lunar landing equipment.

materials↗

Transient Aircraft Soot Emissions Indicate That Steady-State Measurements Likely Underestimate Real-World, Take-Off Emissions: Time-Varying Aircraft Take-Off Emissions Indices Measured at Los Angeles International Airport

Aircraft engine emissions are unique among mobile pollution sources in that their impacts affect the local air quality near airports as well as upper tropospheric composition and climate over regional-to-hemispheric scales. Furthermore, air travel and its resulting emissions are expected to rebound from the recent COVID-related lows to increase dramatically over the next several decades. Given the multi-decade service lifetime of many commercial aircraft, it is critically important to quantitatively understand the real-world emissions coming from these engines in order to inform environmental assessment and modelling activities. Here, we present a detailed analysis of aircraft emissions during take-off operations at Los Angeles International Airport. The data were collected as part of the NASA Alternative Fuel Effects on Contrails and Cruise Emissions (ACCESS) project in May 2014, and the dataset is publicly available as described by Moore et al. [1]. In particular, we focus on the time-varying nature of the plume concentrations where clear differences in particle size and non-volatile particle fraction are observed during the early portion of the take-off plume relative to the later portion of the plume. We compare the transient emissions indices measured here to engine certification values in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Emissions Databank, which suggests that steady-state measurements may underestimate the real-world, non-volatile particle emissions. The implications of this finding for modelling aircraft particle emissions will be discussed.

Richard H. Moore↗

A Dynamic Testing Approach for Particulate Erosion–Corrosion for Gas Turbine Coatings

Particle interactions in gas turbine engines can be multicomponent, complex phenomena leading to the degradation of thermal (TBCs) and environmental barrier coatings (EBCs) meant to protect engine components. Ingestion of particles into the engine can lead to recession of coatings due to particle erosion. Similarly, these same particles can become molten, adhere to coatings and result in thermochemical corrosion of coating materials. Particle erosion testing is often carried out where the particles are injected into a gas stream, accelerated within a nozzle, and impinge on sample. Conversely, most molten particle corrosion testing is often done in static laboratory furnaces, which does not capture the dynamic nature of deposition in application. Nevertheless, these damage mechanisms are often tested separately and no single standard exists to test both erosive and corrosive particle interactions with coating materials under relevant operating conditions for gas turbine engines. Understanding the synergies of particle interactions in engines is crucial in determining operating lifetimes of potential coating materials. Such considerations emphasize the need for realistic approaches in standardizing particle interaction testing in combustion environments. The current study outlines initial efforts at NASA Glenn’s Erosion Burner Rig Facility in improving dynamic erosion/corrosion testing methods by assessing the durability of state-of-the-art (SOA) TBC material 7 wt.% yttria stabilized zirconia (7YSZ) as a function of particle deposition rate, burner temperature, and particle size. Calibration data to determine particle deposition rate will be presented, and mass and optical profilometry measurements were utilized to estimate mass/volume loss versus deposition per increment of particulate used over time. Electron microscopy analyses were then carried out to assess coating damage after testing.

TBC↗

A Dynamic Testing Approach for Particulate Erosion–Corrosion for Gas Turbine Coatings

Particle interactions in gas turbine engines can be multicomponent, complex phenomena leading to the degradation of thermal (TBCs) and environmental barrier coatings (EBCs) meant to protect engine components. Ingestion of particles into the engine can lead to recession of coatings due to particle erosion. Similarly, these same particles can become molten, adhere to coatings and result in thermochemical corrosion of coating materials. Particle erosion testing is often carried out where the particles are injected into a gas stream, accelerated within a nozzle, and impinge on sample. Conversely, most molten particle corrosion testing is often done in static laboratory furnaces, which does not capture the dynamic nature of deposition in application. Nevertheless, these damage mechanisms are often tested separately and no single standard exists to test both erosive and corrosive particle interactions with coating materials under relevant operating conditions for gas turbine engines. Understanding the synergies of particle interactions in engines is crucial in determining operating lifetimes of potential coating materials. Such considerations emphasize the need for realistic approaches in standardizing particle interaction testing in combustion environments. The current study outlines initial efforts at NASA Glenn’s Erosion Burner Rig Facility in improving dynamic erosion/corrosion testing methods by assessing the durability of state-of-the-art (SOA) TBC material 7 wt.% yttria stabilized zirconia (7YSZ) as a function of particle deposition rate, burner temperature, and particle size. Calibration data to determine particle deposition rate will be presented, and mass and optical profilometry measurements were utilized to estimate mass/volume loss versus deposition per increment of particulate used over time. Electron microscopy analyses were then carried out to assess coating damage after testing.

TBC↗

A Dynamic Testing Approach for Particulate Erosion–Corrosion for Gas Turbine Coatings

Particle interactions in gas turbine engines can be multicomponent, complex phenomena leading to the degradation of thermal (TBCs) and environmental barrier coatings (EBCs) meant to protect engine components. Ingestion of particles into the engine can lead to recession of coatings due to particle erosion. Similarly, these same particles can become molten, adhere to coatings and result in thermochemical corrosion of coating materials. Particle erosion testing is often carried out where the particles are injected into a gas stream, accelerated within a nozzle, and impinge on sample. Conversely, most molten particle corrosion testing is often done in static laboratory furnaces, which does not capture the dynamic nature of deposition in application. Nevertheless, these damage mechanisms are often tested separately and no single standard exists to test both erosive and corrosive particle interactions with coating materials under relevant operating conditions for gas turbine engines. Understanding the synergies of particle interactions in engines is crucial in determining operating lifetimes of potential coating materials. Such considerations emphasize the need for realistic approaches in standardizing particle interaction testing in combustion environments. The current study outlines initial efforts at NASA Glenn’s Erosion Burner Rig Facility in improving dynamic erosion/corrosion testing methods by assessing the durability of state-of-the-art (SOA) TBC material 7 wt.% yttria stabilized zirconia (7YSZ) as a function of particle deposition rate, burner temperature, and particle size. Calibration data to determine particle deposition rate will be presented, and mass and optical profilometry measurements were utilized to estimate mass/volume loss versus deposition per increment of particulate used over time. Electron microscopy analyses were then carried out to assess coating damage after testing.

burner rig↗

Decending motion of particle and its effect on ozone hole chemistry

Particle descending motion is one possible process which causes ozone loss near the tropopause in the Antarctic spring. However, this particle size distribution has not yet been measured. Particle settling is an important redistribution process of the chemical constituents contained in the particles. To understand particle settling effects on the Ozone Hole, information on the size distribution and the chemical composition of the particles is necessary.

Iwasaka, Y.↗