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At least 1,045 records · Page 58

Moving vortices in anisotropic superconductors

The magnetic field of moving vortices in anisotropic superconductors is considered in the framework of the time-dependent London approach. It is found that, at distances large relative to the core size, the field may change sign that alludes to a nontrivial intervortex interaction which depends on the crystal anisotropy and on the speed and direction of motion. These effects are caused by the electric fields and corresponding normal currents which appear due to the moving vortex magnetic structure. We find that the motion related part of the magnetic field attenuates at large distances as 1/r 3 unlike the exponential decay of the static vortex field. The electric field induced by the vortex motion decreases as 1/r 2 .

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Development of High Bs Fe-Ni Based Metal Amorphous Nanocomposite by Optimization of Glass Forming Ability

A growing interest in electric vehicles challenges soft magnetic materials to improve efficiency and power density. Metal amorphous nanocomposites (MANCs) have lower coercivities and eddy current losses, allowing for greater efficiency and higher switching frequency. The later allows for high motor speeds and improved power density. However, commercially available and laboratory demonstrated MANCs have shortcomings. Fe-based MANCs, such as FINEMET have excellent magnetic properties, but mechanical properties limit their application in high speed electric motors (HSMs). Fe-Co based MANCs, such as HITPERM, have high saturation inductions and good mechanical properties, but elevated magnetostrictive losses. Co-based MANCs and more recent Fe-Ni based MANCs have low losses and good mechanical properties, but lower saturation inductions (1-1.2 T), that limit power density in HSMs. Recently, much work has explored improving saturation induction in MANCs by increasing the content of magnetic elements, which comes at the cost of glass-forming ability (GFA). These efforts where generally limited to trial and error testing. Additionally, all work to date has focused on Fe-based alloys. In this work, a method of using Thermocalc simulation to locate near-eutectic compositions has been applied to Fe-Ni based alloys. Minima in liquidus temperature and solidification range were found for a ternary composition range and used to identify compositions that retain good GFA as the percentage of magnetic elements is increased. The (Fe 70 Ni 30 ) x (B-Si-Nb) 100-x alloy system for x=82% and x=85% was explored by Thermocalc simulations. This is an increase in magnetic element content compared to previously developed x=80% alloys. 3 compositions in the x=82% system, and 1 alloy in the x=85% system where identified and successfully cast as amorphous ribbon. The amorphous nature of the ribbon was confirmed by a bend test and XRD. Magnetic testing was performed by PPMS to measure saturation induction and Curie temperature of the amorphous material. The Curie temperatures increased to 407-438 °C for the x=82% alloys, and 462 °C for the x=85% alloy. Saturation induction increased to 1.28-1.36 T for the x=82% alloy and 1.48 T for the x=85% alloy, which is a significant improvement over the ~370 °C Curie temperature and 1.2 T saturation of previous Fe-Ni alloy. Crystallization behavior was studied by XRD for the x=85% alloy, showing that crystallization process follows a 2-step process of Amorphous → BCC+FCC+Amorphous → BCC+FCC+Fe 3 B+Fe 23 B 6 . Post annealing magnetic properties were studied by strip testing, and saturation induction as high as 1.48 T was seen after optimal annealing. TEM was used to study structure of as cast and annealed material. 2 alloys with x=82% compositions were identified with an optimal crystalline size of 10-20 nm, while the x=85% alloy had this structure in the as cast state. This opens the possibility of using the alloy in the as cast state, without requiring annealing. In conclusion, alloys with good GFA and improved magnetic properties were identified by Thermocalc simulation.

Krimer, Yuval↗

Computational Tools for Additive Manufacture of Tailored Microstructure and Properties

Additive manufacturing has the potential to revolutionize industrial hardware and unlock efficiency gains through the fabrication of geometries and architectures not possible by conventional processing. Currently most additive builds use a single set of process parameters (e.g. laser power and scan speed) which results in a part with a homogenous microstructure that provides a singular performance level. To move beyond this state, Raytheon Technologies Research Center worked to create a set of computational tools to track material evolution through each step of the additive process. Computational fluid dynamics and phase field models for microstructure evolution as a function of processing parameters, and crystal plasticity models fully coupling microstructure and mechanical properties for performance predictions were leveraged to establish a connection between additive parameters and the final microstructure. This framework was utilized to tailor spatially-varying mechanical properties in a part by appropriately controlling the microstructure evolution during the additive process. Specifically, a turbine blade was 3D printed from nickel superalloy IN718 using laser powder bed fusion with coarse grains in the airfoil section which experiences the highest temperatures and is creep limited while finer grains were printed in the root of the blade which experience higher stresses but at lower temperatures and is therefore fatigue limited. The benefit of being able to intentionally insert coarse grains in the high temperature region of the blade was showcased with a microstructure sensitive creep model that indicates longer creep life for coarser grains.

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗

Extreme wind shear events in US offshore wind energy areas and the role of induced stratification

As the offshore wind industry emerges on the US East Coast, a comprehensive understanding of the wind resource – particularly extreme events – is vital to the industry's success. Such understanding has been hindered by a lack of publicly available wind profile observations in offshore wind energy areas. However, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority recently funded the deployment of two floating lidars within two current lease areas off the coast of New Jersey. These floating lidars provide publicly available wind speed data from 20 to 200 m height with a 20 m vertical resolution. In this study, we leverage a year of these lidar data to quantify and characterize the frequent occurrence of high-wind-shear and low-level-jet events, both of which will have a considerable impact on turbine operation. In designing a detection algorithm for these events, we find that the typical, non-dimensional power-law-based wind shear exponent is insufficient to identify many of these extreme, high-wind-speed events. Rather, we find that the simple vertical gradient of wind speed better captures the events. Based on this detection method, we find that almost 100 independent events occur throughout the year with mean wind speed at 100 m height and wind speed gradient of 16 m s -1 and 0.05 s -1 , respectively. The events have strong seasonal variability, with the highest number of events in summer and the lowest in winter. A detailed analysis reveals that these events are enabled by an induced stable stratification when warmer air from the south flows over the colder mid-Atlantic waters, leading to a positive air–sea temperature difference.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

Low speed, long term tracking electric drive system has zero backlash

Electric drive system provides low speed, long term tracking of targets that move at a sidereal rate. It utilizes eddy-current energized actuators that are free from radio frequency interference generation and a solid state feedback amplifier with provisions for antibacklash biasing.

Richter, H. L.↗

Synchronization of wind turbine generators against an infinite bus under gusting wind conditions

Studies of synchronizing a wind turbine generator against an infinite bus are performed on a digital computer. In the digital simulation, wind gusts of different magnitudes and durations are hypothesized. Prior to the synchronization, differences of the frequency and phase position between voltages of the alternator and the bus are also included in the simulation. Solutions for rotor speed, generator power angle, electromagnetic torque, wind turbine torque, wind turbine blade pitch angle, and armature current are simulated and presented graphically. The ERDA-NASA 100-kW wind turbine is used as a case study. The results so obtained will thus have immediate applications.

Hwang, H. H.↗

PANEL Code for Planar Cascades

Plane cascade flow solved using improved surface-singularity methods. Current external aerodynamic integral-equation techniques adapted for use in internal flow calculation. Inherent computational speed and flexibility of integral equation solutions make them useful for design calculations.

Mcfarland, E. R.↗

Artificial intelligence techniques for modeling database user behavior

The design and development of the adaptive modeling system is described. This system models how a user accesses a relational database management system in order to improve its performance by discovering use access patterns. In the current system, these patterns are used to improve the user interface and may be used to speed data retrieval, support query optimization and support a more flexible data representation. The system models both syntactic and semantic information about the user's access and employs both procedural and rule-based logic to manipulate the model.

Tanner, Steve↗

Electro optical system to measure strains at high temperature

The measurement of strains at temperatures of the order of 1000 C has become a very important field of research. Technological advances in areas such as the analysis of high speed aircraft structures and high efficiency thermal engines require operational temperatures of this order of magnitude. Current techniques for the measurement of strains, such as electrical strain gages, are at the limit of their useful range and new methods need to be developed. Optical techniques are very attractive in this type of application because of their noncontacting nature. Holography is of particular interest because a minimal preparation of the surfaces is required. Optoelectronics holography is specially suited for this type of application, from the point of view of industrial use. There are a number of technical problems that need to be overcome to measure strains using holographic interferometry at high temperatures. Some of these problems are discussed, and solutions are given. A specimen instrumented with high temperature strains gages is used to compare the results of both technologies.

Sciammarella, Cesar A.↗

Two-, three-, and four-poster jets in cross flow

In connection with the problems of the ingestion of hot exhaust gases in engines of V/STOL and STOVL aircraft in ground effect, a series of studies have been undertaken. Ground impinging, two- and three-poster jets operating in the presence of cross flow were studied. The current paper is divided into two parts. The first part is a comparison of the low speed, two-, three-, and four-poster jet cases, with respect to the flowfield in the region of interaction between the forward and the jet flows. These include cases with mass balanced inlet suction. An analysis of the inlet entry plane of the low speed two- and three-poster jet cases is also given. In the second part, high speed results for a two jet configuration without inlet suction are given. The results are based on quantitative, marker concentration distributions obtained by digitizing video images.

Vukits, Thomas J.↗

Development of a low-aspect ratio fin for flight research experiments

A second-generation flight test fixture, developed at NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, offers a generic testbed for aerodynamic and fluid mechanics research. The new fixture, a low-aspect ratio vertical fin shape mounted on the centerline of an F-15B aircraft lower fuselage, is designed for flight research at Mach numbers up to 2.0. The new fixture is a composite structure with a modular configuration and removable components for functional flexibility. This report describes the multidisciplinary design and analysis approach used to develop the fixture. The approach integrates conservative assumptions with simple analysis techniques to minimize the time and cost associated with its development. Presented are the principal disciplines required for this effort, which include aerodynamics, structures, stability, and operational considerations. In addition, preliminary results from the first phase of flight testing are presented. Acceptable directional stability and flow quality are documented and show agreement with predictions. Future envelope expansion activities will minimize current limitations so that the fixture can be used for a wide variety of high-speed aerodynamic and fluid mechanics research experiments.

Richwine, David M.↗

Comparative wind tunnel tests of NACA 23024 airfoils with several aileron and spoiler configurations

This paper reviews research efforts at Wichita State University sponsored by NASA Lewis Research Center to design and evaluate aerodynamic braking devices which will be smaller and lighter than full-chord blade pitch control. Devices evaluated include a variety of aileron configurations, and spoilers located at both trailing edge and near the leading edge. The paper discusses analytical modeling, wind tunnel tests, and for some configurations, full-scale rotor tests. Current designs have not provided adequate control power at high angles of attack (low tip-speed-ratios). The reasons for these limitations are discussed. Analysis and wind tunnel test data indicate that several options are available to the designer to provide aerodynamic slowdown without full-chord pitch control. Three options are suggested; adding venting in front of the control surface hingeline, using spoilers located near the leading edge, and using a two-piece control combining downward deflection inboard with upward deflection outboard.

Wentz, W. H., Jr.↗

Magnetosheath-ionspheric plasma interactions in the cusp/cleft. 2: Mesoscale particle simulations

Ionospheric plasma flowing out from the cusp can be an important source of plasma to the magnetosphere. One source of free energy that can drive this outflow is the injection of magnetosheath plasma into the cusp. Two-dimensional (three velocity) mesoscale particle simulations are used to investigate the particle dynamics in the cusp during southward interplanetary magnetic field. This mesoscale model self-consistently incorporates (1) global influences such as the convection of plasma across the cusp, the action of the mirror force, and the injection of the magnetosheath plasma, and (2) wave-particle interactions which produce the actual coupling between the magnetosheath and ionospheric plasmas. It is shown that, because the thermal speed of the electrons is higher than the bulk motion of the magnetosheath plasma, an upward current is formed on the equatorward edge of the injection region with return currents on either side. However, the poleward return currents are the stronger due to the convection and mirroring of many of the magnetosheath electrons. The electron distribution in this latter region evolves from upward directed streams to single-sided loss cones or possibly electron conics. The ion distribution also shows a variety of distinct features that are produced by spatial and/or temporal effects associated with varying convection patterns and wave-particle interactions. On the equatorward edge the distribution has a downflowing magnetosheath component and an upflowing cold ionospheric component due to continuous convection of ionospheric plasma into the region. In the center of the magnetosheath region, heating from the development of an ion-ion streaming instability causes the suppression of the cold ionospheric component and the formation of downward ionospheric streams. Further poleward there is velocity filtering of ions with low pitch angles, so that the magnetosheath ions develop a ring-beam distribution and the ensuing wave instabilities generate downward ionospheric conics. These downward ionospheric components are eventually turned by the mirror force, leading to the production of upward conics at elevated energies throughout the region.

Winglee, R. M.↗

Search for fine scale structures in high latitude solar wind

About 25 years ago, E. Parker suggested that, as a consequence of the inhomogeneous structure of the corona, the solar wind might consist of adjacent structures with different physical conditions. Since that suggestion was made, the solar wind plasma characteristics have been measured in situ through many experiments, but little has been done to check whether the solar wind shows any evidence for fine scale structures, and, in the affirmative, how far from the Sun these structures persist. A previous work on this subject, by Thieme, Marsch and Schwenn (1990), based on Helios data, lead these authors to claim that the solar wind, between 0.3 and 1 AU, is inhomogeneous on a scale consistent with the hypothesis that the plume-interplume plasmas, at those distances, still retain their identity. In this work we present preliminary results from an investigation of the solar wind fine structure from Ulysses high latitude observations. To this end, we have analyzed data over several months, during 1994, at times well after Ulysses's last encounter with the Heliospheric Current Sheet, when the spacecraft was at latitudes above 50 degrees. These data refer to high speed wind coming from southern polar coronal holes and are best suited for plume-interplume identification. We have performed a power spectra analysis of typical plasma parameters, to test whether the wind plasma consist of two distinct plasma populations. We also examined data to check whether there is any evidence for an horizontal pressure balance over the hypothesized distinct structures. Our results are discussed and compared with previous findings.

Livi, S.↗

Spectral Changes in Metal Halide and High-pressure Sodium Lamps Equipped with Electronic Dimming

Electronic dimming of high-intensity discharge lamps offers control of photosynthetic photon flux (PPF) but is often characterized as causing significant spectral changes. Growth chambers with 400-W metal halide (MH) and high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps were equipped with a dimmer system using silicon-controlled rectifiers (SCR) as high-speed switches. Phase control operation turned the line power off for some period of the alternating current cycle. At full power, the electrical input to HPS and MH lamps was 480 W (root mean squared) and could be decreased to 267 W and 428 W, respectively, before the arc was extinguished. Concomitant with this decrease in input power, PPF decreased by 60% in HPS and 50% in MH. The HPS lamp has characteristic spectral peaks at 589 and 595 nm. As power to the HPS lamps was decreased, the 589-nm peak remained constant while the 595-nm peak decreased, equaling the 589-nm peak at 345-W input, and the 589-nm peak was almost absent at 270-W input. The MH lamp has a broader spectral output but also has a peak at 589 nm and another smaller peak at 545 nm. As input power to the MH lamps decreased, the peak at 589 diminished to equal the 545-nm peak. As input power approached 428 W, the 589-nm peak shifted to 570 nm. While the spectrum changed as input power was decreased in the MH and HPS lamps, the phytochrome equilibrium ratio (P(sub fr):P(sub tot)) remains unchanged for both lamp types.

Bubenheim, David L.↗

Spectral Changes in Metal Halide and High-Pressure Sodium Lamps Equipped with Electronic Dimming

Electronic dimming of high-intensity discharge lamps offers control of Photosynthetic Photon Flux (PPF) but is often characterized as causing significant spectral changes. Growth chambers with 400-W Metal Halide (MH) and High-Pressure Sodium (HPS) lamps were equipped with a dimmer system using Silicon-Controlled Rectifiers (SCR) as high-speed switches. Phase control operation turned the line power off for some period of the alternating current cycle. At full power, the electrical input to HPS and MH lamps was 480 W (root mean squared) and could be decreased to 267 W and 428 W, respectively, before the arc was extinguished. Concomitant with this decrease in input power, PPF decreased by 60% in HPS and 50% in MH. The HPS lamp has characteristic spectral peaks at 589 and 595 nm. As power to the HPS lamps was decreased, the 589-nm peak remained constant while the 595-nm peak decreased, equaling the 589-nm peak at 345-W input, and 589-nm peak was almost absent at 270-W input. The MH lamp has a broader spectral output but also has a peak at 589 nm and another smaller peak at 545 nm. As input power approached 428 W, the 589-nm peak shifted to 570 nm. While the spectrum changed as input power was decreased in the MH and HPS lamps, the phytochrome equilibrium ratio (P(sub ft):P(sub tot)) remains unchanged for both lamp types.

Bubenheim, David L.↗

Aeolian Processes and Features on Venus

Aeolian features on Venus include dune fields, eroded hills (yardangs), wind streaks, (miniature dunes of 10 to 30 cm wavelength). Although and possibly microdunes (in repetitive imaging by Magellan did show changes in the appearance of the surface, these changes are attributed to radar artifacts as a consequence of look direction rather than to physical changes of the surface. Nonetheless, measurements of wind speeds near the surface of Venus and wind tunnel simulations suggest that aeolian processes could be currently active on Venus. Study of radar images of terrestrial analogs shows that radar wavelength, polarization, and viewing geometry, including look direction and incidence angle, all influence the detection of dunes, yardangs, and wind streaks. For best detection, dune crests and yardangs should be oriented perpendicular to look direction. Longer wavelength systems can penetrate sand sheets a meter or more thick, rendering them invisible, especially in arid regions. For wind streaks to be visible, there must be a contrast in surface properties between the streak and the background on which it occurs. Nonetheless, more than 6000 aeolian features have been found on Magellan images of Venus, the most common of which are various wind streaks. Mapping wind streak orientations enables near-surface wind patterns to be inferred for the time of their formation. Type P streaks are associated with parabolic ejecta crater deposits and are considered to have formed in association with the impact event. Most Type P streaks are oriented westward, indicative of the upper altitude superrotation winds of Venus. Non Type P streaks have occurrences and orientations consistent with Hadley circulation. Some streaks in the southern hemisphere are oriented to the northeast, suggesting a Coriolis effect.

Greeley, Ronald↗