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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.

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At least 1,153 records · Page 64

Defining a Metric to Assess Leachability of Contaminants from Cementitious Waste Forms in Lab Testing Related to Hanford - 20478

This paper reports on the determination of performance metrics for the release of four contaminants (technetium, iodine, nitrate, and chromium) from a theoretical supplemental low-activity waste (LAW) inventory of grout in the Hanford Integrated Disposal Facility (IDF). The performance metric was defined as a retardation factor, R, that can be used to quantify a waste form's ability to retain one contaminant compared with an un-retarded species (e.g., sodium). By setting the target R value at the magnitude required to maintain concentrations of the contaminants below the drinking water standard at the point of compliance for the IDF, a bar for grout leach performance can be established for screening laboratory leach test data. The R can be converted to a corresponding laboratory-observed diffusivity value against which to assess leach test data. The individual performance metrics were determined through an iterative set of simulations using a variable saturation and transport flow model of a grout waste form inventory in the IDF to calculate the resulting concentration-based requirements at the point of compliance. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Obtaining consistent models of helicopter flight-data measurement errors using kinematic-compatibility and state-reconstruction methods

A new method was developed for application of Kalman Filter/Smoothers to post-flight processing of helicopter flight test dynamic measurements. This processing includes checking for kinematic compatibility among the measurements, identification of a measurement error model, and reconstruction of both measured and unmeasured time histories. Emphasis is placed on identification of a parametric measurement error model which is valid for a set of flight test data. This is facilitated through a new method of concatenating several maneuver time histories. The method also includes a model structure determination step which ensures that a physically realistic parameterization has been achieved. Application of the method to a set of BO-105 flight test data is illustrated. The resulting minimally parameterized error model is shown to characterize the measurement errors of the entire data set with very little variation in the parameter values. Reconstructed time histories are shown to have increased bandwidths and signal to noise ratios.

Fletcher, Jay W.↗

Experimental investigation to validate use of cryogenic temperatures to achieve high Reynolds numbers in boattail pressure testing

An investigation has been conducted in the Langley 1/3 meter transonic cryogenic tunnel to validate the use of cryogenic temperatures to achieve high Reynolds numbers in nozzle boattail pressure testing. Tests were conducted at 0 degree angle of attack and at Mach numbers of 0.60, 0.85, and 0.90 on two wing-body configurations with differing boattail geometries. Test data were obtained by using two different techniques, the cryogenic method and the conventional method, to obtain the same Reynolds number. Later, the test data obtained from the two techniques on boattail pressure coefficient distributions and pressure drag coefficients were compared; results from the comparisons show excellent repeatability for all test conditions and indicate no measurable errors when using cryogenic temperatures to achieve high Reynolds numbers for nozzle boattail pressure testing.

Reubush, D. E.↗

Advancing Platooning with ADAS Control Integration and Assessment Test Results

The application of cooperative adaptive cruise control (CACC) to heavy-duty trucks known as truck platooning has shown fuel economy improvements over test track ideal driving conditions. However, there are limited test data available to assess the performance of CACC under real-world driving conditions. As part of the Cummins-led U.S. Department of Energy Funding Opportunity Announcement award project, truck platooning with CACC has been tested under real-world driving conditions and the results are presented in this paper. First, real-world driving conditions are characterized with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s Fleet DNA database to define the test factors. The key test factors impacting long-haul truck fuel economy were identified as terrain and highway traffic with and without advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Track and on-highway testing guided by SAE J1321 procedures were conducted to assess truck platooning operation under the characterized real-world driving conditions. On-highway testing is done on a route in Indiana representing operation of long-haul Class 8 trucks in the United States. The road includes low-, medium-, and high-grade segments. The highway test results of a two-truck platooning configuration indicate considerable fuel-saving reduction comparing to the test track data collected under ideal driving conditions. The test data indicate that platooning could lead to increases in fuel consumption during traffic or high-grade portions of the route, causing reduction of the overall fuel saving on the road comparing to test track results. However, integration of ADAS features on the lead truck during on-road tests leads to significant improvement of fuel saving for both trucks in CACC operation.

ADAS↗

Performance of solid oxide fuel cells operated with coal syngas provided directly from a gasification process

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are presently being developed for gasification integrated power plants that generate electricity from coal at 50+% efficiency. The interaction of trace metals in coal syngas with the Ni-based SOFC anodes is being investigated through thermodynamic analyses and in laboratory experiments, but direct test data from coal syngas exposure are sparsely available. This research effort evaluates the significance of SOFC performance losses associated with exposure of a SOFC anode to direct coal syngas. SOFC specimen of industrially relevant composition are operated in a unique mobile test skid that was deployed to the research gasifier at the National Carbon Capture Center (NCCC) in Wilsonville, AL. The mobile test skid interfaces with a gasifier slipstream to deliver hot syngas (up to 300°C) directly to a parallel array of 12 button cell specimen, each of which possesses an active area of approximately 2 cm2. During the 500 hour test period, all twelve cells were monitored for performance at four discrete operating current densities, and all cells maintained contact with a data acquisition system. Of these twelve, nine demonstrated good performance throughout the test, while three of the cells were partially compromised. Degradation associated with the properly functioning cells was attributed to syngas exposure and trace material attack on the anode structure that was accelerated at increasing current densities. Cells that were operated at 0 and 125 mA/cm² degraded at 9.1 and 10.7% per 1000 hours, respectively, while cells operated at 250 and 375 mA/cm² degraded at 18.9 and 16.2% per 1000 hours, respectively. Post-trial spectroscopic analysis of the anodes showed carbon, sulfur, and phosphorus deposits; no secondary Ni-metal phases were found.

Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory↗

Vehicle Level Control Analysis for Voltec Powertrain

The next generation of the Volt vehicle with the new “Voltec” extended-range propulsion system was introduced into the market in 2016. The second-generation Volt’s powertrain architecture provides five modes of operation, including two electric vehicle operations and three extended-range operations. Vehicle testing was performed on a chassis dynamometer set within a thermal chamber at the Advanced Powertrain Research Facility at Argonne National Laboratory. The study first focused on assessing the improvement of the new Voltec system by comparing the system efficiency with the previous system. Second, control behavior and performance were analyzed under normal ambient temperature to understand the supervisory control strategy on the Voltec system based on the test data. The analysis focused on the engine on/off strategy, powertrain operation mode, energy management, and engine operating conditions. Third, test data from the control analysis were used to summarize the vehicle control logic.

Kim, Namdoo (ORCID:000000025201539X)↗

In-house welding studies supporting the prelaunch assessment of the STS-6 main engines

Welding studies were undertaken as a result of problems with the Challenger engines. The process used to perform these welds on heat exchanger coils, and sample test data, are described. Recommendations for process improvement are included. Effort to simulate problem welds, as well as good welds, test data, and conclusions for the high pressure fuel turbopump are also are discussed.

Hawkins, L. L.↗

Parameter identification and modeling of longitudinal aerodynamics

Using a comprehensive flight test database and a parameter identification software program produced at NASA Ames Research Center, a math model of the longitudinal aerodynamics of the Harrier aircraft was formulated. The identification program employed the equation error method using multiple linear regression to estimate the nonlinear parameters. The formulated math model structure adhered closely to aerodynamic and stability/control theory, particularly with regard to compressibility and dynamic manoeuvring. Validation was accomplished by using a three degree-of-freedom nonlinear flight simulator with pilot inputs from flight test data. The simulation models agreed quite well with the measured states. It is important to note that the flight test data used for the validation of the model was not used in the model identification.

Aksteter, J. W.↗

Drag Prediction for the DLR-F4 Wing/Body using OVERFLOW and CFL3D on an Overset Mesh

This paper reviews the importance of numerical drag prediction in an aircraft design environment. A chronicle of collaborations between the authors and colleagues is discussed. This retrospective provides a road-map which illustrates some of the actions taken in the past seven years in pursuit of accurate drag prediction. The advances made possible through these collaborations have changed the manner in which business is conducted during the design of all-new aircraft. The subject of this study is the DLR-F4 wing/body transonic model. Specifically, the work conducted herein was in support of the 1st CFD Drag Prediction Workshop, which was held in conjunction with the 19th Applied Aerodynamics Conference in Anaheim, CA during June, 2001. Comprehensive sets of OVERFLOW simulations were independently performed by several users on a variety of computational platforms. CFL3D was used on a limited basis for additional comparison on the same overset mesh. Drag polars based on this database were constructed with a CFD-to-Test correction applied and compared with test data from three facilities. These comparisons show that the predicted drag polars fall inside the scatter band of the test data, at least for pre-buffet conditions. This places the corrected drag levels within 1% of the averaged experimental values. At the design point, the OVERFLOW and CFL3D drag predictions are within 1-2% of each other. In addition, drag-rise characteristics and a boundary of drag-divergence Mach number are presented.

Vassberg, John C.↗

Development and Evaluation of a Performance Modeling Flight Test Approach Based on Quasi Steady-State Maneuvers

The development, implementation and flight test evaluation of a performance modeling technique which required a limited amount of quasisteady state flight test data to predict the overall one g performance characteristics of an aircraft. The concept definition phase of the program include development of: (1) the relationship for defining aerodynamic characteristics from quasi steady state maneuvers; (2) a simplified in flight thrust and airflow prediction technique; (3) a flight test maneuvering sequence which efficiently provided definition of baseline aerodynamic and engine characteristics including power effects on lift and drag; and (4) the algorithms necessary for cruise and flight trajectory predictions. Implementation of the concept include design of the overall flight test data flow, definition of instrumentation system and ground test requirements, development and verification of all applicable software and consolidation of the overall requirements in a flight test plan.

Yechout, T. R.↗

Flight service evaluation of composite components on the Bell helicopter model 206L

This is the final report on the advanced composite components which were placed in service on the 206L LongRanger helicopters in the continental United States, Canada, and Alaska. This report covers all test data which was gathered, as well as maintenance histories of the parts. The previous reports describe the fabrication, service experiences, and test data through 1986. This report contains information from these references, as well as data gathered after 1986. The status of the 40 sets of components is discussed. Each set consisted of a vertical fin, forward fairing, litter door, and baggage door. Almost 500,000 flight hours were accumulated on the 160 parts, with the high-time part accumulating 14,687 flight hours. Over 60 percent of the parts were destructively tested to measure strength and stiffness retention over the course of the program. The vertical fins had the greatest strength retention followed by the litter doors. The baggage doors had the poorest retention of strength. There was very little difference in property retention between the four primary operating regions: Northwest U.S., Southwest U.S., Gulf of Mexico Coastal Region, and the Northeast U.S. and Eastern Canada Region. The field problems have ranged from two lightning-struck fins to significant delaminations in the baggage doors. There was only one environmentally related field incident, in which the glass windows on the litter doors were found to loosen due to high temperatures experienced in the southwest region.

Wilson, Henry↗

Space shuttle maneuvering engine reusable thrust chamber program. Task 11: Low epsilon stability test report data dump

The stability characteristics of the like-doublet injector were defined over the range of OME chamber pressures and mixture ratios. This was accomplished by bomb testing the injector and cavity configurations in solid wall thrust chamber hardware typical of a flight contour with fuel heated to regenerative chamber outlet temperatures. It was found that stability in the 2600-2800 Hz region depends upon injector hydraulics and on chamber acoustics.

Pauckert, R. P.↗

Irradiation performance of U-Mo monolithic fuel

High-performance research reactors require fuel that operates at high specific power to high fission density, but at relatively low temperatures. Research reactor fuels are designed for efficient heat rejection, and are composed of assemblies of thin-plates clad in aluminum alloy. The development of low-enriched fuels to replace high-enriched fuels for these reactors requires a substantially increased uranium density in the fuel to offset the decrease in enrichment. Very few fuel phases have been identified that have the required combination of very-high uranium density and stable fuel behavior at high burnup. U-Mo alloys represent the best known tradeoff in these properties. Testing of aluminum matrix U-Mo aluminum matrix dispersion fuel revealed a pattern of breakaway swelling behavior at intermediate burnup, related to the formation of a molybdenum stabilized high aluminum intermetallic phase that forms during irradiation. In the case of monolithic fuel, this issue was addressed by eliminating, as much as possible, the interfacial area between U-Mo and aluminum. Based on scoping irradiation test data, a fuel plate system composed of solid U-10Mo fuel meat, a zirconium diffusion barrier, and Al6061 cladding was selected for development. Developmental testing of this fuel system indicates that it meets core criteria for fuel qualification, including stable and predictable swelling behavior, mechanical integrity to high burnup, and geometric stability. In addition, the fuel exhibits robust behavior during power-cooling mismatch events under irradiation at high power.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

The effect of nonlinearities on the dynamic response of a large shuttle payload

The STS Centaur was designed to be a high energy upper stage for use with the Space Shuttle. Two versions were designed under development when the program was cancelled. The first version, designated G-prime, was for planetary missions. The second version, designated G, was to place spacecraft in geosynchronous orbit. As a part of the STS Centaur finite-element model verification effort, test articles of both versions were subjected to a series of static tests. In addition the Centaur G-prime test article was subjected to a series of dynamic tests including a modal survey. Both the static and dynamic tests showed that nonlinearities existed in the Centaur and its support system. The support system included flight-like latches. The nonlinearities were particularly apparent in tests that loaded the forward support structure of the Centaur. These test results were used to aid in the development of two improved finite-element models. The first was a linear model, while the second contained nonlinear elements at the boundaries. Results from both models were compared with the transient response obtained from a step-relaxation or twang test. The linear model was able to accurately match the low frequency response found in the test data. However, only the nonlinear model was able to match higher frequency response that was present in some of the test data. In addition the nonlinear model was able to predict other nonlinear behavior such as the dynamic jump that occurs in systems with nonlinear stiffness.

Sullivan, Timothy L.↗

The effect of nonlinearities on the dynamic response of a large Shuttle payload

The STS Centaur was designed to be a high energy upper stage for use with the Space Shuttle. Two versions were designed and under development when the program was cancelled. The first version, designated G-prime, was designed for planetary missions. The second version, designated G, was designed to place spacecraft in geosynchronous orbit. As a part of the STS Centaur finite-element model verification effort, test articles of both versions were subjected to a series of static tests. In addition the Centaur G-prime test article was subjected to a series of dynamic tests including a modal survey. Both the static and dynamic tests showed that nonlinearities existed in the Centaur and its support system. The support system included flight-like latches. The nonlinearities were particularly apparent in tests that loaded the forward support structure of the Centaur. These test results were used to aid in the development of two improved finite-element models. The first was a linear model, while the second contained nonlinear elements at the boundaries. Results from both models were compared with the transient response obtained from a step-relaxation or twang test. The linear model was able to accurately match the low frequency response found in the test data. However, only the nonlinear model was able to match higher frequency response that was present in some of the test data. In addition the nonlinear model was able to predict other nonlinear behavior such as the dynamic 'jump' that occurs in systems with nonlinear stiffness.

Sullivan, Timothy L.↗

Accurate Cold-Test Model of Helical TWT Slow-Wave Circuits

Recently, a method has been established to accurately calculate cold-test data for helical slow-wave structures using the three-dimensional (3-D) electromagnetic computer code, MAFIA. Cold-test parameters have been calculated for several helical traveling-wave tube (TWT) slow-wave circuits possessing various support rod configurations, and results are presented here showing excellent agreement with experiment. The helical models include tape thickness, dielectric support shapes and material properties consistent with the actual circuits. The cold-test data from this helical model can be used as input into large-signal helical TWT interaction codes making it possible, for the first time, to design a complete TWT via computer simulation.

Kory, Carol L.↗

Validation of the 5th and 95th Percentile Hybrid III Anthropomorphic Test Device Finite Element Model

NASA spacecraft design requirements for occupant protection are a combination of the Brinkley criteria and injury metrics extracted from anthropomorphic test devices (ATD's). For the ATD injury metrics, the requirements specify the use of the 5th percentile female Hybrid III and the 95th percentile male Hybrid III. Furthermore, each of these ATD's is required to be fitted with an articulating pelvis and a straight spine. The articulating pelvis is necessary for the ATD to fit into spacecraft seats, while the straight spine is required as injury metrics for vertical accelerations are better defined for this configuration. The requirements require that physical testing be performed with both ATD's to demonstrate compliance. Before compliance testing can be conducted, extensive modeling and simulation are required to determine appropriate test conditions, simulate conditions not feasible for testing, and assess design features to better ensure compliance testing is successful. While finite element (FE) models are currently available for many of the physical ATD's, currently there are no complete models for either the 5th percentile female or the 95th percentile male Hybrid III with a straight spine and articulating pelvis. The purpose of this work is to assess the accuracy of the existing Livermore Software Technology Corporation's FE models of the 5th and 95th percentile ATD's. To perform this assessment, a series of tests will be performed at Wright Patterson Air Force Research Lab using their horizontal impact accelerator sled test facility. The ATD's will be placed in the Orion seat with a modified-advanced-crew-escape-system (MACES) pressure suit and helmet, and driven with loadings similar to what is expected for the actual Orion vehicle during landing, launch abort, and chute deployment. Test data will be compared to analytical predictions and modelling uncertainty factors will be determined for each injury metric. Additionally, the test data will be used to further improve the FE model, particularly in the areas of the ATD neck components, harness, and suit and helmet effects.

Lawrence, C.↗

Development and Validation of Linear Alternator Models for the Advanced Stirling Convertor

Two models of the linear alternator of the Advanced Stirling Convertor (ASC) have been developed using the Sage 1-D modeling software package. The first model relates the piston motion to electric current by means of a motor constant. The second uses electromagnetic model components to model the magnetic circuit of the alternator. The models are tuned and validated using test data and compared against each other. Results show both models can be tuned to achieve results within 7% of ASC test data under normal operating conditions. Using Sage enables the creation of a complete ASC model to be developed and simulations completed quickly compared to more complex multi-dimensional models. These models allow for better insight into overall Stirling convertor performance, aid with Stirling power system modeling, and in the future support NASA mission planning for Stirling-based power systems.

Linear Alternators↗