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At least 1,009 records · Page 56

Condensed Phase Guerbet Reactions of Ethanol/Isoamyl Alcohol Mixtures

The self-condensation and cross-condensation reactions of ethanol and isoamyl alcohol are examined to better understand the potential routes to value-added byproducts from fuel ethanol production. Reactions have been carried out in both batch autoclave and continuous condensed-phase reactors using a lanthanum-promoted, alumina-supported nickel catalyst at near-critical condensed phase conditions. Analysis of multiple candidate kinetic models led to a Langmuir–Hinshelwood rate expression that is first-order in alcohol with water as the strongly adsorbed species. This model provides the best fit of data from both batch and continuous reactor experiments. Activation energies for primary condensation reactions increase as carbon chain lengths increase. Selectivities to higher alcohols of 94% and 87% for ethanol and isoamyl alcohol, respectively, were observed at different operating conditions.

Nezam, Iman (ORCID:0000000277598069)↗

Dynamical Modulation of Solar Flare Electron Acceleration due to Plasmoid-shock Interactions in the Looptop Region

A fast-mode shock can form in the front of reconnection outflows and has been suggested as a promising site for particle acceleration in solar flares. Recent developments in the study of magnetic reconnection have shown that numerous plasmoids can be produced in a large-scale current layer. Here we investigate the dynamical modulation of electron acceleration in the looptop region when plasmoids intermittently arrive at the shock by combining magnetohydrodynamics simulations with a particle kinetic model. As plasmoids interact with the shock, the looptop region exhibits various compressible structures that modulate the production of energetic electrons. The energetic electron population varies rapidly in both time and space. The number of 5–10 keV electrons correlates well with the compression area, while that of >50 keV electrons shows good correlation with the strong compression area but only moderate correlation with shock parameters. We further examine the impacts of the first plasmoid, which marks the transition from a quasi-steady shock front to a distorted and dynamical shock. The number of energetic electrons is reduced by ~20% at 15–25 keV and nearly 40% for 25–50 keV, while the number of 5–10 keV electrons increases. In addition, the electron energy spectrum above 10 keV evolves softer with time. We also find that double or even multiple distinct sources can develop in the looptop region when the plasmoids move across the shock. Our simulations have strong implications to the interpretation of nonthermal looptop sources, as well as the commonly observed fast temporal variations in flare emissions, including the quasi-periodic pulsations.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Photoactivation of the manganese catalyst of O2 evolution. II A two-quantum mechanism.

A kinetic analysis is presented of the data obtained in previously described kinetic experiments relating to the photoactivation of the Mn complex required for photosynthetic O2 evolution. The results obtained from the computer simulation of the derived kinetic model compare favorably with the experimentally derived values. They also suggest that photoactivation can be rationalized in terms of a two-quantum process.

Radmer, R.↗

Shock-wave structure in a partially ionized gas

The structure of a steady plane shock in a partially ionized gas has been investigated using the Boltzmann equation with a kinetic model as the governing equation and the discrete ordinate method as a tool. The effects of the electric field induced by the charge separation on the shock structure have also been studied. Although the three species of an ionized gas travel with approximately the same macroscopic velocity, the individual distribution functions are found to be very different. In a strong shock the atom distribution function may have double peaks, while the ion distribution function has only one peak. Electrons are heated up much earlier than ions and atoms in a partially ionized gas. Because the interactions of electrons with atoms and with ions are different, the ion temperature can be different from the atom temperature.

Lu, C. S.↗

Investigation of metal hydride materials as hydrogen reservoirs for metal-hydrogen batteries

The performance and suitability of various metal hydride materials were examined for use as possible hydrogen storage reservoirs for secondary metal-hydrogen batteries. Lanthanum pentanickel hydride appears as a probable candidate in terms of stable hydrogen supply under feasible thermal conditions. A kinetic model describing the decomposition rate data of the hydride has been developed.

ONISCHAK↗

Time-dependent, non-Newtonian behavior of viscoelastic materials

A kinetic model for characterizing the shear stress or shear strain rate of thixotropic materials is developed and combined with Oldroyd's viscoelastic model (1953) modified in this paper in order to predict the first normal stress difference. In order to test the method, transient and steady state data have been obtained with a Weissenberg rheogoniometer used to measure the constant stress and constant shear rate of a solution of polymethyl methacrylate in diethylphthalate. A computer was used to facilitate data acquisition.

Jachimiak, P. D.↗

Analysis of plasmas generated by fission fragments

A kinetic model is developed for a plasma generated by fission fragments and the results are employed to study helium plasma generated in a tube coated with fissionable material. Because both the heavy particles and electrons play important roles in creating the plasma, their effects are considered simultaneously. The calculations are carried out for a range of neutron fluxes and pressures. In general, the predictions of the theory are in good agreement with available intensity measurements. Moreover, the theory predicts the experimentally measured inversions. However, the calculated gain coefficients are such that lasing is not expected to take place in a helium plasma generated by fission fragments. The effects of an externally applied electric field are also considered.

Deese, J. E.↗

The effect of ambient conditions on carbon monoxide emissions from an idling gas turbine combustor

A test program employing a gas turbine combustor is outlined; the results of which quantize the effects of changes in ambient temperature and humidity on carbon monoxide emissions at simulated idle operating conditions. A comparison of the experimental results with analytical results generated by a kinetic model of the combustion process, and reflecting changing ambient conditions, is given. It is demonstrated that for a complete range of possible ambient variations, significant changes do occur in the amount of carbon monoxide emitted by a gas turbine at idle, and that the analytical model is reasonably successful in predicting changes.

Subramanian, A. K.↗

Analysis of nuclear induced plasmas

A kinetic model is developed for a plasma generated by fission fragments, and the results are employed to study He plasma generated in a tube coated with fissionable material. Because both the heavy particles and electrons play important roles in creating the plasma, their effects are considered simultaneously. The calculations are carried out for a range of neutron fluxes and pressures. In general, the predictions of the theory are in good agreement with available intensity measurements. Moreover, the theory predicts the experimentally measured inversions. However, the calculated gain coefficients are such that lasing is not expected to take place in a helium plasma generated by fission fragments.

Deese, J. E.↗

An experimental and analytical study of acetylene and ethylene oxidation behind shock waves

An experimental and analytical study of the oxidation of acetylene and ethylene behind incident shock waves was carried out over the temperature range 1815-2365 K at reaction pressures between 1.1 and 1.7 atm. The oxidation process was monitored by measuring radiation from carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and the reaction O + CO yields CO2 + h nu. The recorded emission profiles were analyzed to obtain concentrations for carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and the product of oxygen atom and the carbon monoxide concentrations. On the basis of this data and induction time data reported in the literature, kinetic models for acetylene and ethylene oxidation were assembled.

Jachimowski, C. J.↗

Analysis of nuclear induced plasmas

A kinetic model is developed for a plasma generated by fission fragments and the results are employed to study He plasma generated in a tube coated with fissionable material. Because both the heavy particles and electrons play important roles in creating the plasma, their effects are considered simultaneously. The calculations are carried out for a range of neutron fluxes and pressures. In general, the predictions of the theory are in good agreement with available intensity measurements. Moreover, the theory predicts the experimentally measured inversions. However, the calculated gain coefficients are such that lasing is not expected to take place in a helium plasma generated by fission fragments.

Deese, J. E.↗

The effect of ambient temperature and humidity on the carbon monoxide emissions of an idling gas turbine

Changes in ambient temperature and humidity affect the exhaust emissions of a gas turbine engine. The results of a test program employing a JT8D combustor are presented which quantize the effect of these changes on carbon monoxide emissions at simulated idle operating conditions. Analytical results generated by a kinetic model of the combustion process and reflecting changing ambient conditions are given. It is shown that for a complete range of possible ambient variations, significant changes do occur in the amount of carbon monoxide emitted by a gas turbine engine.

Kauffman, C. W.↗

Direct nuclear pumping by a volume source of fission fragments

A detailed kinetic model is presented for the analysis of nuclear pumped lasers when the pumping is a result of a volume source of fission fragments. The results of the model are employed to study a He-3 - Xe laser. For the range of pressures, neutron fluxes and mixtures considered, the gain and power calculations are in good agreement with experiment. Moreover, based on these calculations, it appears that the collisional recombination is the dominant pumping mechanism for 7p-7s transitions while direct excitation is the dominant pumping mechanism for the 5d-6p transitions.

Deese, J. E.↗