Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “smoothing techniques”

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 919 records · Page 51
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2012

Plasma-accelerated flyer-plates for equation of state studies

We report on a new technique to accelerate flyer-plates to high velocities ({approx}5 km/s). In this work, a strong shock is created through direct laser ablation of a thin polyimide foil. Subsequent shock breakout of that foil results in the generation of a plasma characterized by a smoothly increasing density gradient and a strong forward momentum. Stagnation of this plasma onto an aluminum foil and the resultant momentum transfer accelerates a thin aluminum flyer-plate. The aluminum flyer-plate is then accelerated to a peak velocity of {approx}5 km/s before impact with a transparent lithium fluoride (LiF) window. Simulations of the stagnating plasma ramp compression and wave reverberations within the flyer-plate suggest that the temperature at the flyer-plate impact surface is elevated by less than 50 Degree-Sign C. Optical velocimetry is used to measure the flyer-plate velocity and impact conditions enabling the shocked refractive index of LiF to be determined. The results presented here are in agreement with conventional flyer-plate measurements validating the use of plasma-accelerated flyer-plates for equation of state and impact studies.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2022

3ω techniques for measurement of volumetric heat capacity and anisotropic thermal conductivity of a solution processable, hybrid organic/inorganic film, Te-PEDOT:PSS

We report that measuring the thermal properties of anisotropic films of hybrid materials poses a challenge to existing metrology techniques. We have developed a new approach for measuring the volumetric heat capacity and anisotropic thermal conductivity of these systems using the 3ω method. While there exist many avenues for measuring the thermal properties of thin films, most carry with them difficult requirements such as smooth surfaces or advanced lithography. Here, we present measurements of a film's in-plane and cross-plane conductance and its volumetric heat capacity using relatively simple sample configurations, each requiring a single heater. For the measurement of volumetric heat capacity, we present a new model fitting method, relying on a standard film-on-substrate configuration. For the measurement of in-plane thermal conductance by 3ω, we have developed the use of an embedded micro-wire heater in suspended drop cast films, allowing for a 12 μm wide heater without the need for advanced lithography. We also expose the surprisingly significant effect of thermal radiation in the suspended film measurement and its associated error. Our measurements reveal a large anisotropy in the thermal conductivity of our test material, Te-PEDOT:PSS, of k in-plane / k cross-plane = 19, consistent with the nanoscale morphology of the material.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1999

Fluid Dynamics and Solidification of Molten Solder Droplets Impacting on a Substrate in Microgravity

This program investigates the fluid dynamics and simultaneous solidification of molten solder droplets impacting on a flat smooth substrate. The problem of interest is directly relevant to the printing of microscopic solder droplets in surface mounting of microelectronic devices. The study consists of a theoretical and an experimental component. The theoretical work uses axisymmetric Navier-Stokes models based on finite element techniques. The experimental work will be ultimately performed in microgravity in order to allow for the use of larger solder droplets which make feasible the performance of accurate measurements, while maintaining similitude of the relevant fluid dynamics groups (Re, We).

Megardis, C. M.↗
DOE OSTI2016

Quasi-degenerate perturbation theory using matrix product states

In this work, we generalize the recently proposed matrix product state perturbation theory (MPSPT) for calculating energies of excited states using quasi-degenerate (QD) perturbation theory. Our formulation uses the Kirtman-Certain-Hirschfelder canonical Van Vleck perturbation theory, which gives Hermitian effective Hamiltonians at each order, and also allows one to make use of Wigner’s 2n + 1 rule. Further, our formulation satisfies Granovsky’s requirement of model space invariance which is important for obtaining smooth potential energy curves. Thus, when we use MPSPT with the Dyall Hamiltonian, we obtain a model space invariant version of quasi-degenerate n-electron valence state perturbation theory (NEVPT), a property that the usual formulation of QD-NEVPT2 based on a multipartitioning technique lacked. We use our method on the benchmark problems of bond breaking of LiF which shows ionic to covalent curve crossing and the twist around the double bond of ethylene where significant valence-Rydberg mixing occurs in the excited states. In accordance with our previous work, we find that multi-reference linearized coupled cluster theory is more accurate than other multi-reference theories of similar cost.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2016

HIGH-RESOLUTION LINEAR POLARIMETRIC IMAGING FOR THE EVENT HORIZON TELESCOPE

Images of the linear polarizations of synchrotron radiation around active galactic nuclei (AGNs) highlight their projected magnetic field lines and provide key data for understanding the physics of accretion and outflow from supermassive black holes. The highest-resolution polarimetric images of AGNs are produced with Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI). Because VLBI incompletely samples the Fourier transform of the source image, any image reconstruction that fills in unmeasured spatial frequencies will not be unique and reconstruction algorithms are required. In this paper, we explore some extensions of the Maximum Entropy Method (MEM) to linear polarimetric VLBI imaging. In contrast to previous work, our polarimetric MEM algorithm combines a Stokes I imager that only uses bispectrum measurements that are immune to atmospheric phase corruption, with a joint Stokes Q and U imager that operates on robust polarimetric ratios. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our technique on 7 and 3 mm wavelength quasar observations from the VLBA and simulated 1.3 mm Event Horizon Telescope observations of Sgr A* and M87. Consistent with past studies, we find that polarimetric MEM can produce superior resolution compared to the standard CLEAN algorithm, when imaging smooth and compact source distributions. As an imaging framework, MEM is highly adaptable, allowing a range of constraints on polarization structure. Polarimetric MEM is thus an attractive choice for image reconstruction with the EHT.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1971

Thermal conductivity, electrical resistivity, and thermopower of aerospace alloys from 4 to 300 K. 6: Fe-22Cr-13Ni-5Mn stainless steel

The equipment and techniques for determining the thermal conductivity, electrical resistivity Lorenz ratio, and thermopower characteristics of Fe-22Cr-13Ni-5Mn stainless steel are discussed. The dimensions of the specimen and its preparation are described. The experimental data are represented by arbitrary functions over the entire range and smooth tables are generated from these functions.

Hust, J. G.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Mixed Layers and Satellite Retrievals

As part of the process to determine whether it is possible to retrieve boundary layer structure with the current sounding techniques, temperature retievals were performed for radiosonde profiles that showed temperature inversions. It was found that when temperature inversions exceed 8 to 10 C a retrieval will indeed show a temperature increase with height over a limited vertical distance. For weaker inversions retrieved temperatures are generally smoothly decreasing with height. It is, however, impossible to determine the actual mixed layer height from the retrievals. Whether the water vapor channels could be used in observing mixed layer structure was investigated. Temperature inversions are accompanied by significant drops in relative humidity. While this effect is very pronounced in parts of the trade wind regimes with relative humidity drops of up to 60%, it is widespread in other areas of the ocean as well. A simulation experiment was performed in which brightness temperatures were computed for smooth temperature and humidity profiles and compared with those computed from inversion profiles.

Boers, R.↗
NASA NTRS2008

A Systematic Methodology for Constructing High-Order Energy-Stable WENO Schemes

A third-order Energy Stable Weighted Essentially Non-Oscillatory (ESWENO) finite difference scheme developed by Yamaleev and Carpenter (AIAA 2008-2876, 2008) was proven to be stable in the energy norm for both continuous and discontinuous solutions of systems of linear hyperbolic equations. Herein, a systematic approach is presented that enables \energy stable" modifications for existing WENO schemes of any order. The technique is demonstrated by developing a one-parameter family of fifth-order upwind-biased ESWENO schemes; ESWENO schemes up to eighth order are presented in the appendix. New weight functions are also developed that provide (1) formal consistency, (2) much faster convergence for smooth solutions with an arbitrary number of vanishing derivatives, and (3) improved resolution near strong discontinuities.

Yamaleev, Nail K.↗
NASA NTRS2009

High-Order Energy Stable WENO Schemes

A third-order Energy Stable Weighted Essentially Non-Oscillatory (ESWENO) finite difference scheme developed by Yamaleev and Carpenter was proven to be stable in the energy norm for both continuous and discontinuous solutions of systems of linear hyperbolic equations. Herein, a systematic approach is presented that enables 'energy stable' modifications for existing WENO schemes of any order. The technique is demonstrated by developing a one-parameter family of fifth-order upwind-biased ESWENO schemes; ESWENO schemes up to eighth order are presented in the appendix. New weight functions are also developed that provide (1) formal consistency, (2) much faster convergence for smooth solutions with an arbitrary number of vanishing derivatives, and (3) improved resolution near strong discontinuities.

Yamaleev, Nail K.↗
NASA NTRS2009

A Systematic Methodology for Constructing High-Order Energy Stable WENO Schemes

A third-order Energy Stable Weighted Essentially Non{Oscillatory (ESWENO) finite difference scheme developed by Yamaleev and Carpenter [1] was proven to be stable in the energy norm for both continuous and discontinuous solutions of systems of linear hyperbolic equations. Herein, a systematic approach is presented that enables "energy stable" modifications for existing WENO schemes of any order. The technique is demonstrated by developing a one-parameter family of fifth-order upwind-biased ESWENO schemes; ESWENO schemes up to eighth order are presented in the appendix. New weight functions are also developed that provide (1) formal consistency, (2) much faster convergence for smooth solutions with an arbitrary number of vanishing derivatives, and (3) improved resolution near strong discontinuities.

Yamaleev, Nail K.↗
DOE OSTI2023

A Minkowski difference-based advancing front packing technique for generating convex noncircular particles in complex domains

In this work, a Minkowski difference-based advancing front approach is proposed to generate convex and non-circular particles in a predefined computational domain. Two specific algorithms are developed to handle the contact conformity of generated particles with the boundaries of the computational domain. The first, called the open form, is used to handle the smooth contact of generated particles with (external) boundaries, while the other, called the closed form, is proposed to handle the internal boundaries of a computational domain with a complex cavity. The Gilbert-Johnson-Keerthi (GJK) method is used to efficiently solve the contact detection between the newly generated particle at the front and existing particles. Furthermore, the problem of one-sided particle lifting, which can cause some defects in the packing structure in existing advancing front methods during packing generation, is highlighted and an effective solution is developed. Several examples of increasing complexity are used to demonstrate the efficiency and applicability of the proposed packing generation approach. The numerical results show that the generated packing is not only more uniform, but also achieves a higher packing density than existing advancing front methods.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2012

SIMULATING THE COMMON ENVELOPE PHASE OF A RED GIANT USING SMOOTHED-PARTICLE HYDRODYNAMICS AND UNIFORM-GRID CODES

We use three-dimensional hydrodynamical simulations to study the rapid infall phase of the common envelope (CE) interaction of a red giant branch star of mass equal to 0.88 M{sub Sun} and a companion star of mass ranging from 0.9 down to 0.1 M{sub Sun }. We first compare the results obtained using two different numerical techniques with different resolutions, and find very good agreement overall. We then compare the outcomes of those simulations with observed systems thought to have gone through a CE. The simulations fail to reproduce those systems in the sense that most of the envelope of the donor remains bound at the end of the simulations and the final orbital separations between the donor's remnant and the companion, ranging from 26.8 down to 5.9 R{sub Sun }, are larger than the ones observed. We suggest that this discrepancy vouches for recombination playing an essential role in the ejection of the envelope and/or significant shrinkage of the orbit happening in the subsequent phase.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2015

Effect of Ni content on the structural, morphological and magnetic properties of spray deposited Ni–Zn ferrite thin films

Graphical abstract: The Ni{sub x}Zn{sub 1−x}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 4} (where x = 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0) thin films were prepared by spray pyrolysis technique onto the quartz substrates. The composition x = 0.4 shows the formation of the compact grain structure and highest saturation magnetization of 143 emu/cm{sup 3}. - Highlights: • Synthesis of nanocrystalline Ni{sub x}Zn{sub 1−x}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 4} thin films. • Influence of Ni substitution on physicochemical properties. • Electrical conductivity arises mainly from the grain boundary. • The highest saturation magnetization is 143 emu/cm{sup 3} for x = 0.4. - Abstract: The Ni{sub x}Zn{sub 1−x}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 4} thin films have been prepared using a simple spray pyrolysis technique. The X-ray diffraction studies reveal that, the films are polycrystalline with spinel structure. The lattice parameters vary in the range of 8.35–8.48 Å with composition (x) obeying Vegard’s rule. SEM and AFM studies show that the surface of the films exhibit a smooth, compact and a pin hole free morphology. Raman spectra indicate first order Raman active modes; A{sub 1g} (λ = 334 cm{sup −1}); E{sub g} (λ = 148 cm{sup −1}) and T{sub 2g} (λ = 699) of the Ni{sub x}Zn{sub 1−x}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 4}. The investigation on dielectric constant, dielectric loss tangent and ac conductivity was carried out in the frequency range 20 Hz–1 MHz at room temperature. The linear nature of the AC conductivity shows small polaron type of hopping mechanism. The saturation magnetization increases up to x = 0.4 (143 emu/cm{sup 3}), which decreases for higher x.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

CO (3 – 2) HIGH-RESOLUTION SURVEY OF THE GALACTIC PLANE: R1

We present the first release (R1) of data from the CO High-Resolution Survey (COHRS), which maps a strip of the inner Galactic plane in {sup 12}CO (J = 3 → 2). The data are taken using the Heterodyne Array Receiver Programme on the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT) in Hawaii, which has a 14 arcsec angular resolution at this frequency. When complete, this survey will cover |b| ≤ 0.°5 between 10° < l < 65°. This first release covers |b| ≤ 0.°5 between 10.°25 < l < 17.°5 and 50.°25 < l < 55.°25, and |b| ≤ 0.°25 between 17.°5 < l < 50.°25. The data are smoothed to a velocity resolution of 1 km s{sup –1}, a spatial resolution of 16 arcsec and achieve a mean rms of ∼1 K. COHRS data are available to the community online at http://dx.doi.org/10.11570/13.0002. In this paper we describe the data acquisition and reduction techniques used and present integrated intensity images and longitude-velocity maps. We also discuss the noise characteristics of the data. The high resolution is a powerful tool for morphological studies of bubbles and filaments while the velocity information shows the spiral arms and outflows. These data are intended to complement both existing and upcoming surveys, e.g., the Bolocam Galactic Plane Survey (BGPS), ATLASGAL, the Herschel Galactic Plane Survey (Hi-GAL) and the JCMT Galactic Plane Survey with SCUBA-2 (JPS)

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2020

BCS-BEC crossover in a (t 2g ) 4 excitonic magnet

The condensation of spin-orbit-induced excitons in t 2 g 4 electronic systems is attracting considerable attention. At large Hubbard U , antiferromagnetism was proposed to emerge from the Bose-Einstein Condensation (BEC) of triplons ( J eff = 1 ). Furthermore, we show that even at intermediate U regimes, the spin-orbit exciton condensation is possible leading also to staggered magnetic order. The canonical electron-hole excitations (excitons) transform into local triplon excitations at large U , and this BEC strong coupling regime is smoothly connected to the intermediate U excitonic insulator region. We solved the degenerate three-orbital Hubbard model with spin-orbit coupling ( λ ) in one dimension using the density matrix renormalization group, while in two dimensions we use the Hartree-Fock approximation (HFA). Employing these techniques, we provide the full λ versus U phase diagrams for both one- and two-dimensional lattices. Our main result is that at intermediate Hubbard U , increasing λ at fixed U the system transitions from an incommensurate spin-density-wave metal to a Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer (BCS) excitonic insulator, with coherence length r coh of O ( a ) and O ( 10 a ) in 1 d and 2 d , respectively, with a being the lattice spacing. Further increasing λ , the system eventually crosses over to the BEC limit (with r coh ≪ a ).

1-dimensional systems↗
DOE OSTI2013

Dose rate profile surrounding a repository

The focus of this research was to analyze the dose rate profile around a waste repository using Monte Carlo techniques. Dose rates at various heights and distances were analyzed outside of the waste repository using MCNPX [1]. The heights measured extended the height of the building and the distances varied between 0 and 22 m away from the waste repository. The simulation data were fitted by smooth analytical functions for different height levels and distances, such that vertical and horizontal dose rates as functions of source-detector distance were achieved. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
NASA NTRS1980

Atmospheric particulate analysis using angular light scattering

Using the light scattering matrix elements measured by a polar nephelometer, a procedure for estimating the characteristics of atmospheric particulates was developed. A theoretical library data set of scattering matrices derived from Mie theory was tabulated for a range of values of the size parameter and refractive index typical of atmospheric particles. Integration over the size parameter yielded the scattering matrix elements for a variety of hypothesized particulate size distributions. A least squares curve fitting technique was used to find a best fit from the library data for the experimental measurements. This was used as a first guess for a nonlinear iterative inversion of the size distributions. A real index of 1.50 and an imaginary index of -0.005 are representative of the smoothed inversion results for the near ground level atmospheric aerosol in Tucson.

Hansen, M. Z.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Smooth indentation of an initially stressed orthotropic beam

The contact behavior between a smooth rigid cylinder and a simply supported orthotropic beam under uniaxial initial stresses is studied. The displacements are computed by superposing Mindlin plate solution with the solution obtained from Biot's theory of incremental deformation. Finite Fourier transforms are used in solving the equations. A point matching technique is used to compute the contact stresses and the amount of indentation for a given contact length. The effects of orthotropy and initial stresses on the contact stress distribution are investigated. An indentation law is established from the numerical results.

Sun, C. T.↗