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At least 883 records · Page 49

On muon energy spectrum in muon groups underground

A method is described which was used to measure muon energy spectrum characteristics in muon groups underground using mu-e decays recording. The Baksan Telescope's experimental data on mu-e decays intensity in muon groups of various multiplicities are analyzed. The experimental data indicating very flat spectrum does not however represent the total spectrum in muon groups. Obviously the muon energy spectrum depends strongly on a distance from the group axis. The core attraction effect makes a significant distortion, making the spectrum flatter. After taking this into account and making corrections for this effect the integral total spectrum index in groups has a very small depencence on muon multiplicity and agrees well with expected one: beta=beta (sub expected) = 1.75.

Bakatanov, V. N.↗

Identification of differences between finite element analysis and experimental vibration data

An important problem that has emerged from combined analytical/experimental investigations is the task of identifying and quantifying the differences between results predicted by F.E. analysis and results obtained from experiment. The objective of this study is to extend and evaluate the procedure developed by Sidhu for correlation of linear F.E. and modal test data to include structures with viscous damping. The desirability of developing this procedure is that the differences are identified in terms of physical mass, damping, and stiffness parameters instead of in terms of frequencies and modes shapes. Since the differences are computed in terms of physical parameters, locations of modeling problems can be directly identified in the F.E. model. From simulated data it was determined that the accuracy of the computed differences increases as the number of experimentally measured modes included in the calculations is increased. When the number of experimental modes is at least equal to the number of translational degrees of freedom in the F.E. model both the location and magnitude of the differences can be computed very accurately. When the number of modes is less than this amount the location of the differences may be determined even though their magnitudes will be under estimated.

Lawrence, C.↗

Identification of differences between finite element analysis and experimental vibration data

An important problem that has emerged from combined analytical/experimental investigations is the task of identifying and quantifying the differences between results predicted by F.E. analysis and results obtained from experiment. The objective of this study is to extend and evaluate the procedure developed by Sidhu for correlation of linear F.E. and modal test data to include structures with viscous damping. The desirability of developing this procedure is that the differences are identified in terms of physical mass, damping, and stiffness parameters instead of in terms of frequencies and modes shapes. Since the differences are computed in terms of physical parameters, locations of modeling problems can be directly identified in the F.E. model. From simulated data it was determined that the accuracy of the computed differences increases as the number of experimentally measured modes included in the calculations is increased. When the number of experimental modes is at least equal to the number of translational degrees of freedom in the F.E. model both the location and magnitude of the differences can be computed very accurately. When the number of modes is less than this amount the location of the differences may be determined even though their magnitudes will be underestimated.

Lawrence, Charles↗

Navier-Stokes analysis of solid propellant rocket motor internal flows

A multidimensional implicit Navier-Stokes analysis that uses numerical solution of the ensemble-averaged Navier-Stokes equations in a nonorthogonal, body-fitted, cylindrical coordinate system has been applied to the simulation of the steady mean flow in solid propellant rocket motor chambers. The calculation procedure incorporates a two-equation (k-epsilon) turbulence model and utilizes a consistently split, linearized block-implicit algorithm for numerical solution of the governing equations. The code was validated by comparing computed results with the experimental data obtained in cylindrical-port cold-flow tests. The agreement between the computed and experimentally measured mean axial velocities is excellent. The axial location of transition to turbulent flow predicted by the two-equation (k-epsilon) turbulence model used in the computations also agrees well with the experimental data. Computations performed to simulate the axisymmetric flowfield in the vicinity of the aft field joint in the Space Shuttle solid rocket motor using 14,725 grid points show the presence of a region of reversed axial flow near the downstream edge of the slot.

Sabnis, J. S.↗

Experimental Sonic Boom Measurements on a Mach 1.6 Cruise Low-Boom Configuration

A wind tunnel test has been conducted by Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (GAC) to measure the sonic boom pressure signature of a low boom Mach 1.6 cruise business jet in the Langley Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel at Mach numbers 1.60 and 1.80. Through a cooperative agreement between GAC and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), GAC provided NASA access to some of the experimental data and NASA is publishing these data for the sonic boom research community. On-track and off-track near field sonic boom pressure signatures were acquired at three separation distances (0.5, 1.2, and 1.7 reference body lengths) and three angles of attack (-0.26deg, 0.26deg, and 0.68deg). The model was blade mounted to minimize the sting effects on the sonic boom signatures. Although no extensive data analysis is provided, selected data are plotted to illustrate salient features of the data. All of the experimental sonic boom pressure data are tabulated. Schlieren images of the configuration are also included.

Wilcox, Floyd J., Jr.↗

FUN3D Analyses of the 5th AIAA Propulsion Aerodynamics Workshop Inlet Test Case

This work presents the results of FUN3D analyses that were performed for the 5th AIAA Propulsion Aerodynamics Workshop. The workshop was separated into two sections that focused on inlet and nozzle flows. This paper focuses on the inlet section of the workshop, which considered an axisymmetric inlet in close-proximity to the ground and subjected to a crosswind. Four levels of grid refinement were provided by the workshop committee. Participants were asked to perform simulations for three crosswind velocities on a minimum of three levels of grid refinement, for a total of nine required cases. This work employed an updated set of grids provided by the committee after completion of the workshop based on feedback from participants. The updated grids featured a larger computational domain and increased refinement near the ground vortex region. This work employed the three coarsest grid levels from the updated grid set. Note that an additional extension downstream of the inlet was added to the provided grids for this work to mitigate observed convergence issues. Additionally, a limited turbulence model study was performed for the highest value of crosswind velocity and the finest grid. The results show that grid convergence was only achieved for the case with the lowest value of crosswind velocity. However, the results were generally observed to improve, relative to the experimental data, with increasing grid refinement. The FUN3D predictions were observed to agree qualitatively with the provided experimental data. However, FUN3D exhibited a tendency to underpredict the minimum value of the radially averaged total pressure at the Aerodynamic Interface Plane, which is consistent with the general findings from the workshop. Overall, FUN3D was found to perform well relative to its peers for the PAW5 workshop inlet test case.

PAI↗

FUN3D Analyses of the 5th AIAA Propulsion Aerodynamics Workshop Inlet Test Case

This work presents the results of FUN3D analyses that were performed for the 5th AIAA Propulsion Aerodynamics Workshop. The workshop was separated into two sections that focused on inlet and nozzle flows. This paper focuses on the inlet section of the workshop, which considered an axisymmetric inlet in close-proximity to the ground and subjected to a crosswind. Four levels of grid refinement were provided by the workshop committee. Participants were asked to perform simulations for three crosswind velocities on a minimum of three levels of grid refinement, for a total of nine required cases. This work employed an updated set of grids provided by the committee after completion of the workshop based on feedback from participants. The updated grids featured a larger computational domain and increased refinement near the ground vortex region. This work employed the three coarsest grid levels from the updated grid set. Note that an additional extension downstream of the inlet was added to the provided grids for this work to mitigate observed convergence issues. Additionally, a limited turbulence model study was performed for the highest value of crosswind velocity and the finest grid. The results show that grid convergence was only achieved for the case with the lowest value of crosswind velocity. However, the results were generally observed to improve, relative to the experimental data, with increasing grid refinement. The FUN3D predictions were observed to agree qualitatively with the provided experimental data. However, FUN3D exhibited a tendency to underpredict the minimum value of the radially averaged total pressure at the Aerodynamic Interface Plane, which is consistent with the general findings from the workshop. Overall, FUN3D was found to perform well relative to its peers for the PAW5 workshop inlet test case.

PAI↗

An experimental and kinetic modeling study of the pyrolysis of isoprene, a significant biogenic hydrocarbon in naturally occurring vegetation fires

Isoprene dominates the carbon flux emitted by vegetation and constitutes 40% of non-methane biogenic emissions worldwide. Despite pyrolysis experiments at temperatures above 1000 K showing a link between isoprene combustion and aromatic species formation, comprehensive mechanistic research on isoprene is scarce in the literature. Here, in this work, we carry out an experimental and theoretical study to build, for the first time, a chemical kinetic model describing isoprene pyrolysis. The formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) precursor species, often observed in vegetation fire plumes, is partially explained by isoprene pyrolysis experiments and theoretical modeling. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations unveil reaction pathways from allylic isoprenyl radicals to allene and cyclopentadiene (CPD) intermediates, two relevant species detected in the experiments. Rate constants for these identified pathways are calculated using variational transition state theory to update the kinetic model, which is validated against single-pulse shock tube (SPST), and jet-stirred reactor (JSR) experimental data in the temperature range of 850–1690 K. The kinetic model presents satisfactory agreement with the SPST experimental data, and a reaction pathway analysis shows that association of propargyl radicals results in benzene formation. The JSR pathway analysis also identifies the prominent reactions for CPD, benzene, styrene, and toluene formation. Our model does not reproduce the CPD experimental profiles, indicating that additional studies are necessary. Overall, our findings advance the understanding of isoprene pyrolysis and its related atmospheric pollutants in naturally occurring vegetation fires where smoldering and oxygen-deficient combustion processes are present.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Microstructure homogenization of concrete used in nuclear power plants

Almost all nuclear power plants in the United States are operating past their intended lifetimes or are requesting lifetime extensions. Therefore, understanding changes to the concrete containment structure over time is crucial to evaluate the structure’s continued viability. Concrete materials are heterogeneous particulate composites that exhibit viscoelastic material properties, which can lead to slow deformation over time, causing stress redistribution and the potential for creep cracking. A code to generate random, three dimensional (3D) concrete microstructures has been developed and paired with finite element analysis to predict the long-term viscoelastic properties of concrete. Data from these simulations are used to develop constitutive equations for the viscoelastic behavior of the homogenized concrete. The codes in this work are used to virtualize laboratory experiments, to obtain long-term creep data in a faster, cheaper manner. To validate this work, the simulated creep behavior of concrete is compared to 800 d of experimental data that has been extended to 27 y of data using the Time-Temperature superposition (TTS) principal. Excellent agreement between the simulation results and experimental data is seen.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

A Summary of Validation Results for LEWICE 2.0

A research project is underway at NASA Lewis to produce a computer code which can accurately predict ice growth under any meteorological conditions for any aircraft surface. This report will present results from version 2.0 of this code, which is called LEWICE. This version differs from previous releases due to its robustness and its ability to reproduce results accurately for different point spacing, and time step criteria across general computing platforms. It also differs in the extensive amount of effort undertaken to compare the results in a quantifiable manner against the database of ice shapes which have been generated in the NASA Lewis Icing, Research Tunnel (IRT), The complete set of data used for this comparison is available in a recent contractor report . The result of this comparison shows that the difference between the predicted ice shape from LEWICE 2.0 and the average of the experimental data is 7.2% while the variability of the experimental data is 2.5%.

Wright, William B.↗

Estimation of Aircraft Nonlinear Unsteady Parameters From Wind Tunnel Data

Aerodynamic equations were formulated for an aircraft in one-degree-of-freedom large amplitude motion about each of its body axes. The model formulation based on indicial functions separated the resulting aerodynamic forces and moments into static terms, purely rotary terms and unsteady terms. Model identification from experimental data combined stepwise regression and maximum likelihood estimation in a two-stage optimization algorithm that can identify the unsteady term and rotary term if necessary. The identification scheme was applied to oscillatory data in two examples. The model identified from experimental data fit the data well, however, some parameters were estimated with limited accuracy. The resulting model was a good predictor for oscillatory and ramp input data.

Klein, Vladislav↗

Experimental workflow to estimate model parameters for evaluating long term viscoelastic response of CO2 storage caprocks

Understanding the time-dependent behavior of reservoir and sealing formations is critical to assessing risks associated with geological carbon storage since time-dependent deformation strongly influences mechanical responses of some rock types. Many studies have evaluated the risk of CO2 leakage and induced seismicity by assuming poroelastic rheology in sealing formations. Few have considered viscoelastic or other time-dependent responses, where the existing literature adopts 1D models to represent long-term time-dependent responses. This is primarily because to date, the general form of a reasonable 3D time-dependent model for rocks remains unclear. In this paper, we address this unclear issue by proposing a new workflow to select constitutive modeling parameters to evaluate if a 3D viscoelastic model is reasonable using several-hour-long experimental data and a power-law response to extrapolate to the decades-long time frames of interest in geologic carbon storage. To provide experimental data, we conducted multi-level loading/unloading triaxial relaxation tests with four rock types. The experimental results showed that the maximum load relaxation observed is approximately 49%, with some rock types showing as little as 1.4%. Using a simple linear viscoelastic model, parameters were chosen such that a maximum deviation of 1.5 MPa in axial stress and 7 MPa in radial stress was attained with the extrapolated 30-year data. We found that a reasonable parameter range for the normalized elastic modulus is 0.1~2 for rocks with significant time-dependent responses and 0.01~0.06 for those with small time-dependent responses. No matter how significant time-dependent responses are for rocks considered, our results showed that the relaxation time has a general range of 1~10^10 s, whose time scale can be one or two orders higher than a time frame typically envisioned for CO2 injection projects.

Stress relaxation, 3D time-dependent model, viscoe↗

Utility of a hybrid approach to the hadronic vacuum polarization contribution to the muon anomalous magnetic moment

An accurate calculation of the leading-order hadronic vacuum polarization (LOHVP) contribution to the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon ( a μ ) is key to determining whether a discrepancy, suggesting new physics, exists between the Standard Model and experimental results. This calculation can be expressed as an integral over Euclidean time of a current-current correlator G ( t ) , where G ( t ) can be calculated using lattice QCD or, with dispersion relations, from experimental data for e + e − → hadrons . The BMW/DMZ collaboration recently presented a hybrid approach in which G ( t ) is calculated using lattice QCD for most of the contributing t range, but using experimental data for the largest t (lowest energy) region. Here we study the advantages of varying the position t = t 1 separating lattice QCD from data-driven contributions. The total LOHVP contribution should be independent of t 1 , providing both a test of the experimental input and the robustness of the hybrid approach. We use this criterion and a correlated fit to show that Fermilab/HPQCD/MILC lattice QCD results from 2019 strongly favor the CMD-3 cross section data for e + e − → π + π − over a combination of earlier experimental results for this channel. Further, the resulting total LOHVP contribution obtained is consistent with the result obtained by BMW/DMZ, and supports the scenario in which there is no significant discrepancy between the experimental value for a μ and that expected in the Standard Model. We then discuss how improved lattice results in this hybrid approach could provide a more accurate total LOHVP across a wider range of t 1 values with an uncertainty that is smaller than that from either lattice QCD or data-driven approaches on their own. Published by the American Physical Society 2025

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Inference of strength and phase transition kinetics in dynamically-compressed tin

Dynamic compression experiments in condensed matter are of interest in part because they provide opportunities to examine material response under extreme conditions; however, the inference of material behavior from dynamic experiments is challenging in the presence of phase transitions exhibiting kinetic processes. Demonstrating an approach to quantitative interpretation of such dynamic experiments, here we present a Bayesian model calibration of strength and phase transformation parameters to data drawn from pulsed power and gas gun shot experiments. The posterior predictions of the Bayesian model capture the experimental measurements and account for the various uncertainties in the experimental configurations. This holistic approach to model calibration utilizing multiple types of experimental data identifies important cross correlations among kinetics, strength, and the phase boundary. Improved insight into potential sources of current model form error is provided by comparing the differences between calibrations against different subsets of the experimental data.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Overview of HATP Experimental Aerodynamics Data for the Baseline F/A-18 Configuration

Determining the baseline aerodynamics of the F/A-18 was one of the major objectives of the High-Angle-of-Attack Technology Program (HATP). This paper will review the key data bases that have contributed to our knowledge of the baseline aerodynamics and the improvements in test techniques that have resulted from the experimental program. Photographs are given highlighting the forebody and leading-edge-extension (LEX) vortices. Other data representing the impact of Mach and Reynolds numbers on the forebody and LEX vortices will also be detailed. The level of agreement between different tunnels and between tunnels and flight will be illustrated using pressures, forces, and moments measured on a 0.06-scale model tested in the Langley 7- by 10-Foot High Speed Tunnel, a 0.16-scale model in the Langley 30- by 60-Foot Tunnel, a full-scale vehicle in the Ames 80- by 120-Foot Wind Tunnel, and the flight F/A-18 High Alpha Research Vehicle (HARV). Next, creative use of wind tunnel resources that accelerated the validation of the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) codes will be described. Lastly, lessons learned, deliverables, and program conclusions are presented.

Hall, Robert M.↗

Viscous three-dimensional calculations of transonic fan performance

A 3-D flow analysis code was used to compute the design speed operating line of a transonic fan rotor, and the results were compared with experimental data. The code is an explicit finite difference code with an algebraic turbulence model. The transonic fan, called rotor 67, was tested experimentally at NASA-Lewis with conventional aerodynamic probes and with user anemometry and was included as one of the AGARD test cases for the computation of internal flows. The experimental data are described. Maps of total pressure ratio and adiabatic efficiency versus mass flow were computed and are compared with the experimental maps, with good agreement. Detailed comparisons between calculations and experiment are made at two operating points, one near peak efficiency and the other near stall. Blade-to-blade contour plots are used to show the shock structure. Comparisons of circumferentially integrated flow quantities downstream of the rotor show spanwise distributions of several aerodynamic parameters. Calculated Mach number distributions are compared with laser anemometer data within the blade row and the wake to quantify the accuracy of the calculations. Particle traces are used to show the nature of secondary flow.

Chima, Rodrick V.↗

Viscous three-dimensional calculations of transonic fan performance

A 3-D flow analysis code was used to compute the design speed operating line of a transonic fan rotor, and the results were compared with experimental data. The code is an explicit finite difference code with an algebraic turbulence model. The transonic fan, called Rotor 67, was tested experimentally at NASA Lewis conventional aerodynamic probes and with user anemometry and was included as one of the AGARD test cases for the computation of internal flows. The experimental data are described. Maps of total pressure ratio and adiabatic efficiency vs mass flow were computed and are compared with the experimental maps, with good agreement. Detailed comparisons between calculations and experiment are made at two operating points, one near peak efficiency and the other near stall. Blade-to-blade contour plots are used to show the shock structure. Comparisons of circumferentially integrated flow quantities downstream of the rotor show spanwise distributions of several aerodynamic parameters. Calculated Mach number distributions are compared with laser anemometer data within the blade row and the wake to quantify the accuracy of the calculations. Particle traces are used to show the nature of secondary flow.

Chima, Rodrick V.↗

Bayesian calibration and uncertainty quantification of a rate-dependent cohesive zone model for polymer interfaces

In this work we present a rate-dependent cohesive zone model for the fracture of polymeric interfaces and performs a Bayesian calibration, an uncertainty quantification, and a sensitivity analysis for the model. The proposed cohesive zone model accounts for both reversible elastic and irreversible rate-dependent separation sliding deformation at the interface. The viscous dissipation due to the irreversible opening at the interface is modeled using elastic-viscoplastic kinematics that incorporates the effects of strain rate. Inverse calibration of parameters for such complex models through trial and error is challenging due to the large number of parameters of the model. Moreover, the calibrated parameter values are often non-unique and uncertain when the available experimental data is limited. To tackle this challenge, we employ a Bayesian calibration approach to identify parameters from experimental data, the resulting parameters significantly enhance the accuracy of the model. To quantify the uncertainty associated with the inverse parameter estimation, a modular Bayesian approach is employed to calibrate the unknown model parameters, accounting for the parameter uncertainty of the cohesive zone model. The advantages of the Bayesian calibration over a deterministic parameter fit are demonstrated. Further, to quantify the model uncertainties, such as incorrect assumptions or missing physics, a discrepancy function is introduced, which significantly improves the model’s prediction. Finally, the total uncertainty of the model is quantified in a predictive setting. A sensitivity analysis is performed to assess how changes in the input variables of the model affect the peak load, facilitating the identification of a concise set of highly influential parameters. The present approach can be used for calibration and uncertainty quantification for other complex computational mechanics models. It should also facilitate the designing of interface materials under uncertainty.

42 ENGINEERING↗