Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Laboratory procedures”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 811 records · Page 45

X-ray characterization of the Icarus ultrafast x-ray imager

Ultrafast x-ray imagers developed at Sandia National Laboratories are a transformative diagnostic tool in inertial confinement fusion and high energy density physics experiments. The nanosecond time scales on which these devices operate are a regime with little precedent, and applicable characterization procedures are still developing. This paper presents pulsed x-ray characterization of the Icarus imager under a variety of illumination levels and timing modes. Results are presented for linearity of response, absolute sensitivity, variation of response with gate width, and image quality.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Fracture Failure Analysis for MQXFA Magnet Aluminum Shells

The High-Luminosity LHC Accelerator Upgrade Project (HL-LHC AUP) is approaching the production phase of the US-contributed Q1 and Q3 Interaction Region Quadrupoles (MQXFA). The structures for the MQXFA prototypes were design and inspected by the US-LARP (LHC Accelerator Research Program), AUP developed criteria, which will be used for the pre-series structures. As the first two full-length prototypes with 4.2 m magnetic length, MQXFAP1 and MQXFAP2, were designed and assembled at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), and tested at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL). The end aluminum short shell of MQXFAP2 was fractured along the shell length during the test, and tests were stopped. Analytical and Finite Element analysis were performed in light of the graded procedure defined in the Structure Design Criteria to investigate the fracture failure for MQXFAP2. In this paper, we report the fracture analysis of the current shell design, including the elasto-plastic simulations with submodel technique, and calculations with Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics (LEFM). Test material properties are also presented. The results of this analysis explain why the end shell of MQXFAP2 failed, and suggest fillets on the end shell notches to meet the margin specified in the Structural Design Criteria.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Summary of Leach-Burn-Leach Round-Robin Test Results

Tristructural isotropic (TRISO) coated particle fuel is of interest to multiple member states associated with the Generation IV International Forum (GIF). Qualification and acceptance testing of TRISO fuel includes the determination of particle defect fractions and impurities in the as-fabricated TRISO fuel particle and/or composited fuel form, which are typically determined using burn-leach (BL) or leach-burn-leach (LBL) analysis methods. A round-robin test focusing on LBL analysis was undertaken by the GIF Very High Temperature Reactor System Fuel and Fuel Cycle Project Management Board. Participating in this LBL round-robin test were research staff from the Institute of Nuclear and New Energy Technology (INET) in the People’s Republic of China, the Korean Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) in the Republic of Korea, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in the United States of America. The motivation of this LBL benchmarking exercise was to explore consistency in results generated by LBL and to elucidate the potential influence of variations in the procedures used by the participating members on the accurate determination of the measured fuel properties.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Measurements of the performance of multiwire proportional chambers

Data are presented that may be useful in formulating engineering specifications and test procedures for the proportional counter hodoscope to be flown as part of the High Energy Cosmic Ray Experiment on the High Energy Astronomy Observatory (HEAO), Mission A. A collection of preliminary data taken in laboratory tests of multiwire counters with an anode wire spacing of 5 mm and cathode gap spacing of 1 cm is presented. The data are from laboratory development models or counters for balloon flights and were selected to illustrate several aspects of proper and improper counter performance. Most of the data were taken from a large proportional counter hodoscope which has an active area of 0.5 by 0.5 m and 104 wires per plane.

Austin, R. W.↗

Project space shuttle. Data bus evaluation laboratory test report

A Data Bus Evaluation Laboratory (DBEL) facility has been established to test and evaluate space shuttle data bus hardware. Performance testing conducted on an in-house developed multiplex interface adapter for the purpose of evaluating DBEL test procedures, test hardware, and test software in a realistic test environment is described. Results are presented.

Dennis, G. R.↗

Assessment of potential exposure to friable insulation materials containing asbestos

Asbestos and the procedures for assessing potential exposure hazards are discussed. Assessment includes testing a bulk sample of the suspected material for the presence of asbestos, and monitoring the air, if necessary. Based on field inspections and laboratory analyses, the health hazard is evaluated, and abatement measures are taken if a potential hazard exists. Throughout the assessment and abatement program, all applicable regulations are administered as specified by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Kim, W. S.↗

Energy efficient engine, high pressure turbine thermal barrier coating. Support technology report

This report describes the work performed on a thermal barrier coating support technology task of the Energy Efficient Engine Component Development Program. A thermal barrier coating (TBC) system consisting of a Ni-Cr-Al-Y bond cost layer and ZrO2-Y2O3 ceramic layer was selected from eight candidate coating systems on the basis of laboratory tests. The selection was based on coating microstructure, crystallographic phase composition, tensile bond and bend test results, erosion and impact test results, furnace exposure, thermal cycle, and high velocity dynamic oxidation test results. Procedures were developed for applying the selected TBC to CF6-50, high pressure turbine blades and vanes. Coated HPT components were tested in three kinds of tests. Stage 1 blades were tested in a cascade cyclic test rig, Stage 2 blades were component high cycle fatigue tested to qualify thermal barrier coated blades for engine testing, and Stage 2 blades and Stage 1 and 2 vanes were run in factory engine tests. After completion of the 1000 cycle engine test, the TBC on the blades was in excellent condition over all of the platform and airfoil except at the leading edge above midspan on the suction side of the airfoil. The coating damage appeared to be caused by particle impingement; adjacent blades without TBC also showed evidence of particle impingement.

Duderstadt, E. C.↗

Demonstration of a High-Fidelity Predictive/Preview Display Technique for Telerobotic Servicing in Space

A highly effective predictive/preview display technique for telerobotic servicing in space under several seconds communication time delay has been demonstrated on a large laboratory scale in May 1993, involving the Jet Propulsion Laboratory as the simulated ground control station and, 2500 miles away, the Goddard Space Flight Center as the simulated satellite servicing set-up. The technique is based on a high-fidelity calibration procedure that enables a high-fidelity overlay of 3-D graphics robot arm and object models over given 2-D TV camera images of robot arm and objects. To generate robot arm motions, the operator can confidently interact in real time with the graphics models of the robot arm and objects overlaid on an actual camera view of the remote work site. The technique also enables the operator to generate high-fidelity synthetic TV camera views showing motion events that are hidden in a given TV camera view or for which no TV camera views are available. The positioning accuracy achieved by this technique for a zoomed-in camera setting was about +/-5 mm, well within the allowable +/-12 mm error margin at the insertion of a 45 cm long tool in the servicing task.

Kim, Won S.↗

Modeling and simulation for space medicine operations: preliminary requirements considered

The NASA Space Medicine program is now developing plans for more extensive use of high-fidelity medical simulation systems. The use of simulation is seen as means to more effectively use the limited time available for astronaut medical training. Training systems should be adaptable for use in a variety of training environments, including classrooms or laboratories, space vehicle mockups, analog environments, and in microgravity. Modeling and simulation can also provide the space medicine development program a mechanism for evaluation of other medical technologies under operationally realistic conditions. Systems and procedures need preflight verification with ground-based testing. Traditionally, component testing has been accomplished, but practical means for "human in the loop" verification of patient care systems have been lacking. Medical modeling and simulation technology offer potential means to accomplish such validation work. Initial considerations in the development of functional requirements and design standards for simulation systems for space medicine are discussed.

Non-programmatic↗

Evaluating Trauma Sonography for Operational Use in the Microgravity Environment

Sonography is the only medical imaging modality aboard the ISS, and is likely to remain the leading imaging modality in future human space flight programs. While trauma sonography (TS) has been well recognized for terrestrial trauma settings, the technique had to be evaluated for suitability in space flight prior to adopting it as an operational capability. The authors found the following four-phased evaluative approach applicable to this task: 1) identifying standard or novel terrestrial techniques for potential use in space medicine; 2) developing and testing these techniques with suggested modifications on the ground (1g) either in clinical settings or in animal models, as appropriate; 3) evaluating and refining the techniques in parabolic flight (0g); and 4) validating and implementing for clinical use in space. In Phase I of the TS project, expert opinion and literature review suggested TS to be a potential screening tool for trauma in space. In Phase II, animal models were developed and tested in ground studies, and clinical studies were carried out in collaborating trauma centers. In Phase III, animal models were flight-tested in the NASA KC-135 Reduced Gravity Laboratory. Preliminary results of the first three phases demonstrated potential clinical utility of TS in microgravity. Phase IV studies have begun to address crew training issues, on-board imaging protocols, and data transfer procedures necessary to offer the modified TS technique for space use.

Kirkpatrick, Andrew W.↗

Requirements for Modeling and Simulation for Space Medicine Operations: Preliminary Considerations

The NASA Space Medicine program is now developing plans for more extensive use of high-fidelity medical Simulation systems. The use of simulation is seen as means to more effectively use the limited time available for astronaut medical training. Training systems should be adaptable for use in a variety of training environments, including classrooms or laboratories, space vehicle mockups, analog environments, and in microgravity. Modeling and simulation can also provide the space medicine development program a mechanism for evaluation of other medical technologies under operationally realistic conditions. Systems and procedures need preflight verification with ground-based testing. Traditionally, component testing has been accomplished, but practical means for "human in the loop" verification of patient care systems have been lacking. Medical modeling and simulation technology offer potential means to accomplish such validation work. Initial considerations in the development of functional requirements and design standards for simulation systems for space medicine are discussed.

Dawson, David L.↗

Real-Time EVA Troubleshooting

Dr. Parazynski focused on the Shuttle Transportation System (STS)-120 Solar Array Repair Extravehicular Activity (EVA) with personal anecdotes and then spoke about what it takes to have a successful EVA during the event, what types of problems can occur during an EVA, particularly with the spacesuit and the safety of the crew, and how to resolve these quickly, safely, and efficiently. He also described the participants and the types of decisions and actions each had to take to ensure success. He described "Team 4," in Houston and on-orbit, as well as anecdotes from his STS-86 and STS-100 missions. Parazynski provided a retrospective on the EVA tools and procedures NASA used in the aftermath of Columbia for shuttle Thermal Protection System (TPS) inspection and repair. He described his role as the lead astronaut during this effort, and covered all the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL), KC-135, precision air-bearing floor (PABF), vacuum chamber, and 1-G testing performed to develop the tools and techniques that were flown. Parazynski discussed how the EVA community worked together to resolve a huge safety issue, and how his work in the spacesuit was critical to overcoming a design limitation of the Space Shuttle.

Parazynski, Scott↗

An Approach to Dynamic Human Reliability Analysis Using the EMRALD Dynamic Risk Assessment Tool

There is a need for research into dynamic human reliability analysis (HRA) (i.e., simulation- or computation-based HRA), as many researchers have emphasized the importance of applying dynamic approaches to probabilistic safety assessments (PSAs). This study proposes the Procedure-based Investigation Method of EMRALD Risk Assessment – Human Reliability Analysis (PRIMERA-HRA), a dynamic HRA approach based on the Event Modeling Risk Assessment Using Linked Diagram (EMRALD) software developed by Idaho National Laboratory (INL). This study suggests how this software can be used to model human actions and evaluate error probabilities. The applicability of this approach is also be investigated in light of an extended loss of AC power (ELAP) scenario. This paper then discusses the major insights derived by comparing this dynamic HRA approach against the static one.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗

SULI Project Report: Mu2e otsdaq Documentation and Analytics

This report outlines the history of the CLFV puzzle, gives an overview of the Mu2e Experiment, and details the results of the DOE (Department of Energy)-funded SULI (Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship) research completed over the summer 2024 on site at Fermilab. The project focused on the otsdaq software responsible for data acquisition. The project included drafting updated documentation for new users, including new procedures relevant for the Alma- Linux 9 operating system update, and the UPS package managing system replacement with Spack (scientific software package manager). A new art module (ReadTriggerCounts) to track trigger rates was created, with compatibility to be displayed via a Grafana server. The author also assisted in calorimeter cable installation in the detector hall.

Saarinen, Talia↗

Signal processing and spectral modeling for the BeEST experiment

The Beryllium Electron capture in Superconducting Tunnel junctions (BeEST) experiment searches for evidence of heavy neutrino mass eigenstates in the nuclear electron capture decay of 7 Be by precisely measuring the recoil energy of the 7 Li daughter. In Phase III, the BeEST experiment has been scaled from a singl superconducting tunnel junction (STJ) sensor to a 36-pixel array to increase sensitivity and mitigate gamma-induced backgrounds. Phase III also uses a new continuous data acquisition system that greatly increases the flexibility for signal processing and data cleaning. Here, we have developed procedures for signal processing and spectral fitting that are sufficiently robust to be automated for large datasets. Furthermore, this article presents the optimized procedures before unblinding the majority of the Phase III dataset to search for physics beyond the standard model.

6 ≤ A ≤ 19↗

Epitaxial Growth Development: CRADA Final Report

The purpose of this CRADA is to assist Trumpf Photonics in developing a procedure to grow ZnSe epilayers on the (110) facets of AlGaAs/InGaAs laser diodes that will provide high degrees of electronic passivation and performance reliability. Work will be divided into four tasks: 1) characterization of material growth at Trumpf Photonics, 2) development of a highly effective AlGaAs facet cleaning procedure at NREL, 3) development of a ZnSe epitaxy procedure at NREL, and 4) transfer of the procedures developed at NREL to the Trumpf Photonics site. This CRADA is designed to last 3 years total.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Griffin: A MOOSE-based reactor physics application for multiphysics simulation of advanced nuclear reactors

Griffin is a Multiphysics Object-Oriented Simulation Environment (MOOSE) based reactor physics application for multiphysics simulations of advanced reactor designs jointly developed by Idaho National Laboratory and Argonne National Laboratory. This paper summarizes the motivation, significance, architecture, design, and features of Griffin. Griffin offers flexible and extensible features to address the challenges associated with advanced reactor designs. These features range from fundamental particle transport to specific reactor physics tasks. The features cover a wide range including on-the-fly and traditional two-step cross-section generation methods, steady-state and transient transport solvers suitable for both heterogeneous and homogeneous models, high-fidelity depletion where thousands of isotopes can be tracked and low-fidelity depletion characterized by burnup, etc. The most fundamental aspect that sets Griffin apart from other reactor analysis codes is that it is developed based on the MOOSE framework. A modular development approach is strongly enforced, with multiphysics being an essential element considered since the beginning of Griffin’s development. Griffin links various MOOSE physics modules and couples to other MOOSE-based applications and non-MOOSE-based applications for multiphyiscs simulations. Griffin includes three modules: ISOXML for preparing and managing multigroup cross sections, radiation transport for solving the neutron transport equation, and reactor analysis for user-oriented reactor physics analysis functionalities. Griffin uses various finite element methods for spatial discretization, multigroup approximation for energy discretization and discrete ordinates method, spherical harmonics expansion method, and diffusion approximation for streaming direction discretization to solve the neutron transport equation. Griffin’s flexibility is evidenced through Griffin’s various applications to fast reactor, high-temperature reactor, pebble bed reactor, molten salt reactor, and microreactor designs. Griffin development follows the software quality assurance procedure for MOOSE-based applications and with software requirements consistent with the ASME NQA-1 standard. Griffin has been adopted into the reactor analysis system for the U.S. NRC and is in use at U.S. companies, universities and national laboratories.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

A Method for Dimensionally Adaptive Sparse Trigonometric Interpolation of Periodic Functions

We present a method for dimensionally adaptive sparse trigonometric interpolation of multidimensional periodic functions belonging to a smoothness class of finite order. This method targets applications where periodicity must be preserved and the precise anisotropy is not known a priori. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first instance of a dimensionally adaptive sparse interpolation algorithm that uses a trigonometric interpolation basis. The motivating application behind this work is the adaptive approximation of a multi-input model for a molecular potential energy surface (PES) where each input represents an angle of rotation. Our method is based on an anisotropic quasi-optimal estimate for the decay rate of the Fourier coefficients of the model; a least-squares fit to the coefficients of the interpolant is used to estimate the anisotropy. Thus, our adaptive approximation strategy begins with a coarse isotropic interpolant, which is gradually refined using the estimated anisotropic rates. The procedure takes several iterations where ever-more accurate interpolants are used to generate ever-improving anisotropy rates. We present several numerical examples of our algorithm where the adaptive procedure successfully recovers the theoretical “best” convergence rate, including an application to a periodic PES approximation. An open-source implementation of our algorithm resides in the Tasmanian UQ library developed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗