Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “stabilizer states”

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 955 records · Page 53

Estimation of the Water Table Position in Unconfined Aquifers with MODFLOW 6

Abstract The numerical estimation of the position of the water table in unconfined aquifers is important for many practical applications. Its determination through observations or analytical methods is restricted to a few cases. Therefore, it is often estimated through numerical simulations, which may be affected by numerical artifacts and/or poor stability. We use MODFLOW to estimate the position of the water table for a seemingly simple example problem and demonstrate difficulties that can be faced when performing this kind of numerical simulation. We explain the causes for the numerical challenges that originate from the properties of the mathematical equations that must be solved. Based on the results of more than 600 steady‐state simulations, we show how the stability of the numerical solution can be affected by the values of physical parameters that define the problem (e.g., recharge rate, anisotropy ratio, and other parameters that control the numerical algorithm such as settings of the linear and nonlinear solution methods). Finally, we comment on some best practices to apply numerical simulations to estimate the water table position.

Geology↗

Scaling Behavior of a Turbulent Kinetic Energy Closure Scheme for the Stably Stratified Atmosphere: A Steady-State Analysis

Abstract We present a turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) closure scheme for the stably stratified atmosphere in which the mixing lengths for momentum and heat are not parameterized in the same manner. The key difference is that, while the mixing length for heat tends toward the stability independent mixing length for momentum in neutrally stratified conditions, it tends toward one based on the Brunt–Väisälä time scale and square root of the TKE in the limit of large stability. This enables a unique steady-state solution for TKE to be obtained, which we demonstrate would otherwise be impossible if the mixing lengths were the same. Despite the model’s relative simplicity, it is shown to perform reasonably well with observational data from the 1999 Cooperative Atmosphere–Surface Exchange Study (CASES-99) using commonly employed model constants. Analyzing the scaling behavior of the nondimensional velocity and potential temperature gradients, or of the stability (correction) functions, reveals that for large stability the present model scales in the same manner as the first-order operational scheme of Viterbo et al. Alternatively, it appears as a blend of two cases of the TKE closure scheme of Baas et al. Critically, because a unique steady-state TKE can be obtained, the present model avoids the nonphysical behavior identified in one of the cases of Baas et al.

Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences↗

Effects of friction dampers on aerodynamically unstable rotor stages

Attention is given to the physical concepts and mathematical techniques useful in the analysis of the stabilizing effect of friction on aerodynamically unstable rotor stages. Results are presented for three-, four-, and five-bladed disks. In the present multidegree-of-freedom model of an aerodynamically unstable rotor stage, a harmonic steady state solution due to the friction dampers may be either a stability limit, a stable cycle limit, or neither. A criterion is established in the form of an energy function which determines whether the solution is a stability limit. In the event that the initial displacement and velocity exeed those associated with the steady state solution corresponding to a stability limit, the reponse becomes unbounded.

Griffin, J. H.↗

Quiet High Speed Fan II (QHSF II): Final Report

This report details the aerodynamic, mechanical, structural design and fabrication of a Honey Engines Quiet High Speed Fan II (lower hub/tip ratio and higher specific flow than the Baseline I fan). This fan/nacelle system incorporates features such as advanced forward sweep and an advanced integrated fan/fan exit guide vane design that provides for the following characteristics: (1) Reduced noise at supersonic tip speeds, in comparison to current state-of-the-art fan technology; (2) Improved aeroelastic stability within the anticipated operating envelope; and (3) Aerodynamic performance consistent with current state-of-the-art fan technology. This fan was fabricated by Honeywell and tested in the NASA Glenn 9- by 15-Ft Low Speed Wind Tunnel for aerodynamic, aeromechanical, and acoustic performance.

Kontos, Karen↗

Fluorinated High-Voltage Electrolytes To Stabilize Nickel-Rich Lithium Batteries

As state-of-the-art (SOA) lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries approach their specific energy limit (~250 Wh kg -1 ), layer-structured, nickel-rich (Ni-rich) lithium transition metal oxide-based cathode materials, e. g., LiNi 0.8 Mn 0.1 Co 0.1 O 2 (NMC811), have attracted great interest owing to their practical high specific capacities (>200 mAhg -1 ). Coupled with their high average discharge voltages (~4 V vs Li/Li + ), Ni-rich cathode-based lithium batteries possess a great potential to achieve much higher specific energies (>350 Wh kg -1 at the cell level) than the SOA Li-ion counterparts. In addition, Ni-rich oxides are low-cost battery cathode materials due to their low cobalt contents. However, Ni-rich cathode-based lithium batteries suffer quick capacity degradations upon cycling, particularly at high upper cutoff voltages (e.g., ≥= 4.5 V vs Li/Li + ), due to crystal structure changes of the active cathode materials and parasitic side reactions at the electrolyte/electrode interfaces. In this study, a fluorinated-solvent-based, high-voltage stable electrolyte (HVE), i.e., 1 M Li bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) in fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC), bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl) carbonate (FDEC), and methyl (2,2,2-trifluoroethyl) carbonate (FEMC) with Li difluoro(oxalate)borate (LiDFOB) additive, was formulated and evaluated in Li/NMC811 battery cells. Further, to the best of our knowledge, this class of electrolyte has not been investigated for Ni-rich cathode-based lithium batteries. Li/NMC811 cells with HVE exhibited a superior long-term cycle performance stability, maintaining ~80% capacity after ~500 cycles at a high cutoff voltage of 4.5 V (vs Li/Li + ) than a baseline carbonate-solvent-based electrolyte (BE). The superior cycle stability of the Li/NMC811 cells is attributed to the inherently high-voltage stability of HVE, supported by the physical and electrochemical analyses. This conclusion is supported by our density functional theory (DFT) modeling where HVE shows a less tendency of deprotonation/oxidation than BE, leading to the observed cycle stability. The findings in this study are important to help tackle the technical challenges facing Ni-rich cathode-based lithium batteries to realize their high energy density potentials with a long cycle life.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Garnet-Type Solid-State Electrolytes: Materials, Interfaces, and Batteries

Solid-state batteries with desirable advantages, including high-energy density, wide temperature tolerance, and fewer safety-concerns, have been considered as a promising energy storage technology to replace organic liquid electrolyte-dominated Li-ion batteries. Solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) as the most vital component in solid-state batteries largely lead the future battery development. Among different types of solid-state electrolytes, garnet-type Li 7 La 3 Zr 2 O 12 (LLZO) solid-state electrolytes have particularly high ionic conductivity (10 –3 to 10 –4 S/cm) and good chemical stability against Li metal, offering a great opportunity for solid-state Li-metal batteries. Since the discovery of garnet-type LLZO in 2007, there has been an increasing interest in the development of garnet-type solid-state electrolytes and all solid-state batteries. Garnet-type electrolyte has been considered one of the most promising and important solid-state electrolytes for batteries with potential benefits in energy density, electrochemical stability, high temperature stability, and safety. In this Review, we will survey recent development of garnet-type LLZO electrolytes with discussions of experimental studies and theoretical results in parallel, LLZO electrolyte synthesis strategies and modifications, stability of garnet solid electrolytes/electrodes, emerging nanostructure designs, degradation mechanisms and mitigations, and battery architectures and integrations. We will also provide a target-oriented research overview of garnet-type LLZO electrolyte and its application in various types of solid-state battery concepts (e.g., Li-ion, Li–S, and Li–air), and we will demonstrate opportunities and perspectives as guides for future development of solid electrolytes and solid-state batteries.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Stabilization of colloidal crystals engineered with nucleic acid

A post-synthetic method for stabilizing colloidal crystals programmed from nucleic acid is disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the method relies on Ag + ions to stabilize the particle-connecting nucleic acid duplexes within the crystal lattice, essentially transforming them from loosely bound structures to ones with very strong interparticle links. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid is DNA. Such crystals do not dissociate as a function of temperature like normal DNA or DNA-interconnected colloidal crystals, and they can be moved from water to organic media or the solid state, and stay intact. The Ag + -stabilization of the nucleic acid (e.g., DNA) bonds is accompanied by a nondestructive contraction of the lattice, and both the stabilization and contraction are reversible with the chemical extraction of the Ag + ions, e.g., by AgCl precipitation with NaCl.

Mirkin, Chad A.↗

Dynamic response and stability analysis of flexible, multibody systems

A general version of Lagrange's equations, including auxiliary nonholonomic, rheonomic conditions of constraint, is used in the dynamic simulation and stability analysis of interconnected flexible bodies. Modeling of the nonlinear flexible/rigid dynamic coupling effects, the interaction forces/torques, and the elastic deformation effects is discussed. A digital computer program is developed to obtain time-domain solution for the nonlinear response of systems represented as a collection of individual bodies, numerical linearization of system-governing equations, time-domain solution for the perturbation response about a nominal state, and a frequency-domain stability analysis corresponding to the linearization. The digital simulation code is employed to study the dynamic behavior of a typical satellite and a spacecraft with deployable experiment booms.

Bodley, C. S.↗

Solvent-free and low temperature synthesis of chalcogenide Na superionic conductors for solid-state batteries

Sodium chalcogenide ionic conductors are attractive candidates as solid electrolytes (SEs) in solid-state Na metal batteries. They show the advantages of high ionic conductivity of 10 –4 –10 –2 S cm –1 at room temperature and great chemical stability in air. However, simple, efficient, and scalable approaches for the synthesis of chalcogenide solid electrolytes (SEs) are required. In this work, we report a solvent-free mixing to form dry intermediate products, which are subjected to different treatments (electron-beam assisted method or low temperature heating (≤150 °C)) to produce pure phase of Na 3 SbS 4-y Se y (0 ≤ y < 2) chalcogenides. Heavy Se-doping in Na 3 SbS 4 results in the tetragonal-to-cubic phase transition as well as a significant change of Sb-S bonding in Raman spectra. Among all chalcogenide SEs, Na 3 SbS 3 Se showed the highest ionic conductivity of 3.75 × 10 –4 S cm –1 at room temperature, 47% higher than that of pristine Na 3 SbS 4 . Moreover, the Se-dopant also enhanced the electrochemical stability towards Na metal in solid-state batteries. The solid-state Na||FeS 2 battery with Na 3 SbS 3 Se SE displayed long-term cycling ability up to 1,000 cycles within the voltage window of 1.0–2.7 V and retained a specific capacity of 105 mAh g –1 after 600 cycles. As a result, this technique promotes the practical applications of chalcogenide SEs in solid-state batteries.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Assessing the Robustness of Arctic Sea Ice Bi‐Stability in the Presence of Atmospheric Feedbacks

Abstract Arctic sea‐ice loss is influenced by multiple positive feedbacks, sparking concerns of accelerated loss in the coming years or even a tipping point, where a sea‐ice equilibrium disappears at a given CO 2 value and sea ice rapidly evolves to a new steady state. Such a tipping point would imply a bi‐stability of the Arctic climate—where multiple steady‐state Arctic climates are possible at the same CO 2 value. Previous works have sought to establish the existence of bi‐stability using a range of models, from zero‐dimensional sea ice thermodynamic models to fully coupled global climate models, with conflicting results. Here, we present a new model of the Arctic that includes both sea‐ice thermodynamics and key atmospheric feedbacks in a simple framework. We exploit the model's simplicity to identify physical mechanisms that control the timing and extent of sea‐ice bi‐stability, and the abruptness of ice loss. We show that longwave radiation feedbacks can have a strong influence on Arctic surface climate from atmospheric temperature increases alone, even without major contributions from clear‐sky moisture or convective clouds suggested previously. While winter sea‐ice bi‐stability is robust to changes in uncertain model parameters in this study, summer sea ice is more sensitive. Finally, our model indicates that positive feedbacks may modulate the CO 2 threshold of sea‐ice loss and the width of bi‐stability much more strongly than the abruptness of loss. These results lead to a comprehensive understanding of the conditions that favor Arctic sea‐ice bi‐stability, particularly the role of atmospheric feedbacks, in both future and past climates.

Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences↗

Convective stability in the Rayleigh-Benard and directional solidification problems - High-frequency gravity modulation

The effect of vertical, sinusoidal, time-dependent gravitational acceleration on the onset of solutal convection during directional solidification is analyzed in the limit of large modulation frequency. When the unmodulated state is unstable, the modulation amplitude required to stabilize the system is determined by the method of averaging. When the unmodulated state is stable, resonant modes of instability occur at large modulation amplitude. These are analyzed using matched asymptotic expansions to elucidate the boundary-layer structure for both the Rayleigh-Benard and directional solidification configurations. Based on these analyses, a thorough examination of the dependence of the stability criteria on the unmodulated Rayleigh number, Schmidt number, and distribution coefficient, is carried out.

Wheeler, A. A.↗

Thermodynamic performance testing of the orbiter flash evaporator system

System level testing of the space shuttle orbiter's development flash evaporator system (FES) was performed in a thermal vacuum chamber capable of simulating ambient ascent, orbital, and entry temperature and pressure profiles. The test article included the evaporator assembly, high load and topping exhaust duct and nozzle assemblies, and feedwater supply assembly. Steady state and transient heat load, water pressure/temperature and ambient pressure/temperature profiles were imposed by especially designed supporting test hardware. Testing in 1978 verified evaporator and duct heater thermal design, determined FES performance boundaries, and assessed topping evaporator plume characteristics. Testing in 1979 combined the FES with the other systems in the orbiter active thermal control subsystem (ATCS). The FES met or exceeded all nominal and contingency performance requirements during operation with the integrated ATCS. During both tests stability problems were encountered during steady state operations which resulted in subsequent design changes to the water spray nozzle and valve plate assemblies.

Jaax, J. R.↗

Enhanced stability of quantum Hall skyrmions under radio-frequency radiations

We present in this paper the results from a recent study on the stability of the quantum Hall skyrmions state at a Landau level filling factor (ν) close to ν = 1 in a narrow GaAs quantum well. Consistent with previous work, a resonant behavior is observed in the resistively detected NMR measurements. In the subsequent current-voltage (I-V) measurements to examine its breakdown behavior under radio frequency radiations, we observe that the critical current assumes the largest value right at the 75 As nuclear resonant frequency. We discuss possible origin for this unexpectedly enhanced stability.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Anomalous Thermal Decomposition Behavior of Polycrystalline LiNi 0.8 Mn 0.1 Co 0.1 O 2 in PEO-Based Solid Polymer Electrolyte

we report that replacing liquid electrolytes (LEs) with polymer electrolytes has been considered a promising approach to developing next-generation lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with high energy density and superior safety. Nevertheless, compared with the extensive research on the electrochemical stability of the cathode/polymer electrolyte interfaces, reports on their thermal behaviors are rare to date. Herein, this work systematically investigates the thermal stability of two typical layered oxide cathodes, LiCoO 2 (LCO) and LiNi 0.8 Mn 0.1 Co 0.1 O 2 (NMC811), with poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) electrolyte and with carbonate LEs, respectively. It is found that the oxygen release from the cathodes plays a central role in thermal runaway. Replacing the LE with PEO electrolyte can considerably improve the thermal stability of LCO, but surprisingly, deteriorate that of NMC811. The reason is that the surface of single-crystalline LCO particles can be effectively passivated by the PEO electrolyte during heating, but PEO cannot sufficiently passivate all the primary particles of NMC811 owing to insufficient interface wettability of PEO electrolyte within the polycrystalline secondary NMC811 particles. The findings in this work collectively formulate valuable guidance for improving the safety of polymer-electrolyte-based as well as other types of all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Stability of Pharmaceuticals in Space

Stability testing is a tool used to access shelf life and effects of storage conditions for pharmaceutical formulations. Early research from the International Space Station (ISS) revealed that some medications may have degraded while in space. This potential loss of medication efficacy would be very dangerous to Crew health. The aim of this research project, Stability of Pharmacotherapeutic Compounds, is to study how the stability of pharmaceutical compounds is affected by environmental conditions in space. Four identical pharmaceutical payload kits containing medications in different dosage forms (liquid for injection, tablet, capsule, ointment and suppository) were transported to the ISS aboard a Space Shuttle. One of the four kits was stored on that Shuttle and the other three were stored on the ISS for return to Earth at various time intervals aboard a pre-designated Shuttle flight. The Pharmacotherapeutics laboratory used stability test as defined by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), to access the degree of degradation to the Payload kit medications that may have occurred during space flight. Once these medications returned, the results of stability test performed on them were compared to those from the matching ground controls stored on Earth. Analyses of the results obtained from physical and chemical stability assessments on these payload medications will provide researchers additional tools to promote safe and efficacious medications for space exploration.

Nguyen, Y-Uyen↗

Solvent-Free and Non-Sintered 500 Wh/kg All Solid-State Battery

Navitas teamed up with UMD and ORNL to establish a reliable scientific research team. The project addressed processing limitations of state-of-the-art solid electrolytes by extending solvent-free electrode fabrication technology to the scalable production of cathode/solid electrolyte laminates. The innovation started with a solid-state sulfide electrolyte (LiPS) with Cl stabilization able to meet the keystone conductivity challenge in a film of practical thickness (μ 50 µm). The electrolyte was based on a composite of PTFE, and stabilized LiPSCl. With optimization, the ionic conductivity reached 3.3 ×10 -3 S/cm. The solid electrolyte with as low as 0.4% binder allowed long term cycling (> 500 cycles) of Li/SSE/Li cell at > 4 mA/cm 2 with the utilization of Li > 80%. The Li and SSE interfaces were successfully protected with LiF-rich SEI layer. NCM811cathode active materials were coated with a thin layer of Al 2 O 3 (5 nm). The free standing cathode film was fabricated through dry-process with Al2O3-coated NCM811, LiPSCl, active carbon, and small amount PTFE. The all-solid-state batteries were laminated with free standing surface coated NCM811 cathode film, free standing LiPSCl SSE film, and surface protected Li anode together in a single lamination step, and demonstrated high specific capacity (> 200 mAh/g) with coulombic efficiency > 99.5%. The all-solid-state batteries through solvent-free and no-sintering process are promising for large format cell with 500 Wh/Kg specific energy density.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗