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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
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2007

Description of a Generalized Analytical Model for the Micro-dosimeter Response

An analytical prediction capability for space radiation in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), correlated with the Space Transportation System (STS) Shuttle Tissue Equivalent Proportional Counter (TEPC) measurements, is presented. The model takes into consideration the energy loss straggling and chord length distribution of the TEPC detector, and is capable of predicting energy deposition fluctuations in a micro-volume by incoming ions through both direct and indirect ionic events. The charged particle transport calculations correlated with STS 56, 51, 110 and 114 flights are accomplished by utilizing the most recent version (2005) of the Langley Research Center (LaRC) deterministic ionized particle transport code High charge (Z) and Energy TRaNsport WZETRN), which has been extensively validated with laboratory beam measurements and available space flight data. The agreement between the TEPC model prediction (response function) and the TEPC measured differential and integral spectra in lineal energy (y) domain is promising.

Badavi, Francis F.↗
NASA NTRS2008

An Analytical Model for the Prediction of a Micro-Dosimeter Response Function

A rapid analytical procedure for the prediction of a micro-dosimeter response function in low Earth orbit (LEO), correlated with the Space Transportation System (STS, shuttle) Tissue Equivalent Proportional Counter (TEPC) measurements is presented. The analytical model takes into consideration the energy loss straggling and chord length distribution of the detector, and is capable of predicting energy deposition fluctuations in a cylindrical micro-volume of arbitrary aspect ratio (height/diameter) by incoming ions through both direct and indirect (ray) events. At any designated (ray traced) target point within the vehicle, the model accepts the differential flux spectrum of Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCR) and/or trapped protons at LEO as input. On a desktop PC, the response function of TEPC for each ion in the GCR/trapped field is computed at the average rate of 30 seconds/ion. The ionizing radiation environment at LEO is represented by O'Neill fs GCR model (2004), covering charged particles in the 1 less than or equal to Z less than or equal to 28. O'Neill's free space GCR model is coupled with the Langley Research Center (LaRC) angular dependent geomagnetic cutoff model to compute the transmission coefficient in LEO. The trapped proton environment is represented by a LaRC developed time dependent procedure which couples the AP8MIN/AP8MAX, Deep River Neutron Monitor (DRNM) and F10.7 solar radio frequency measurements. The albedo neutron environment is represented by the extrapolation of the Atmospheric Ionizing Radiation (AIR) measurements. The charged particle transport calculations correlated with STS 51 and 114 flights are accomplished by using the most recent version (2005) of the LaRC deterministic High charge (Z) and Energy TRaNsport (HZETRN) code. We present the correlations between the TEPC model predictions (response function) and TEPC measured differential/integral spectra in the lineal energy (y) domain for both GCR and trapped protons, with the conclusion that the model correctly accounts for the increase in flux at low y values where energetic ions are the primary contributor. We further discuss that, even with the incorporation of angular dependency in the cutoffs, comparison of the GCR differential/integral flux between STS 51 and 114 TEPC measured data and current calculations indicates that there still exists an underestimation by the simulations at low to mid range y values. This underestimation is partly related the exclusion of the secondary pion particle production from the current version of HZETRN.

Badavi, Francis F.↗
NASA NTRS2008

Understanding Earthquake Fault Systems Using QuakeSim Analysis and Data Assimilation Tools

We are using the QuakeSim environment to model interacting fault systems. One goal of QuakeSim is to prepare for the large volumes of data that spaceborne missions such as DESDynI will produce. QuakeSim has the ability to ingest distributed heterogenous data in the form of InSAR, GPS, seismicity, and fault data into various earthquake modeling applications, automating the analysis when possible. Virtual California simulates interacting faults in California. We can compare output from long time history Virtual California runs with the current state of strain and the strain history in California. In addition to spaceborne data we will begin assimilating data from UAVSAR airborne flights over the San Francisco Bay Area, the Transverse Ranges, and the Salton Trough. Results of the models are important for understanding future earthquake risk and for providing decision support following earthquakes. Improved models require this sensor web of different data sources, and a modeling environment for understanding the combined data.

earthquake simulations↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Quantifying Uncertainty in Particle Size Distribution Parameters Inferred from SAGE III/ISS Extinction Spectra

Stratospheric aerosols play key roles in the chemistry and radiation balance of the atmosphere and are a key input parameter for global chemistry and climate models. The degree to which aerosols impact chemistry and radiation balance depends primarily on their microphysical properties such as particle size distribution (PSD). The PSD is a mathematical description of the relative abundance of different sized particles within a sampling volume. If the PSD is accurately known then other key modeling parameters (e.g., surface area density) can be derived. Occultation observations from orbital instruments such as SAGE III/ISS have been used to infer these PSD parameters by inverting the extinction coefficient spectra. However, past efforts failed to address two key issues with this methodology: 1. The measurement uncertainty was not accounted for; 2. They assumed the PSDs to be single-mode only, while “real-world” PSDs are predominantly bi-modal. Accounting for both issues in the retrieval will yield an expanded solution space to the inferred PSD parameters; the question is “by how much?” To address this knowledge gap, we propose to carry out a series of simulations and, for every valid SAGE III/ISS data point, determine the range of PSD parameters that yield extinction spectra that are indistinguishable from the SAGE III/ISS data, within the limits of the reported uncertainty. Further, we will expand the solution space, for the first time, to include bimodal distributions. The results of this work will advance Earth system modeling/prediction capability through identifying the uncertainty of PSD parameter estimates using SAGE III/ISS data. The key benefits of this study over previous studies are twofold: 1. we will provide PSD estimates that include bimodal distributions in the solution space, 2. we will provide an uncertainty estimate for these parameters. The results of this study may be used directly in current and future climate and chemistry models.

SAGE III/ISS↗
NASA NTRS1994

Role of small ice crystals in radiative properties of cirrus: A case study, FIRE II, November 22, 1991

Aircraft observations of cirrus cloud were made near Coffeyville, Kansas, during November 1991 as part of the First ISCCP Regional Experiment II (FIRE II) project. Cloud ice particle spectra measurements were made using both a particle measuring system (PMS) 2DC probe and an ice particle replicator. Particles larger than 200 micrometers were column rosettes. The replicator shows the presence of large numbers of ice crystals smaller than 66 micrometers (two PMS size bins) that are not recorded by the PMS 2DC probe. Calculations based on the replicator data of the geometrical blocked area and absorption cross section of the cloud per unit volume show that small particles can contribute significantly to and sometimes dominate both the solar extinction and the infrared emission. Intercomparison is made of the ice particle size, area, and mass distributions determined by these different instruments. Power law relationships for area occluded by a crystal as a function of crystal maximum dimension were computed from the PMS 2DC data. The wavelength-dependent infrared absorption cross section per volume was computed using a simple model based on anomalous diffraction and area and mass dimensional relationships for the ice crystals.

Arnott, W. Patrick↗
NASA NTRS2002

Fluid Dynamics of Bubbly Liquids

Experiments have been performed to study the average flow properties of inertially dominated bubbly liquids which may be described by a novel analysis. Bubbles with high Reynolds number and low Weber number may produce a fluid velocity disturbance that can be approximated by a potential flow. We studied the behavior of suspensions of bubbles of about 1.5 mm diameter in vertical and inclined channels. The suspension was produced using a bank of 900 glass capillaries with inner diameter of about 100 microns in a quasi-steady fashion. In addition, salt was added to the suspension to prevent bubble-bubble coalescence. As a result, a nearly monodisperse suspension of bubble was produced. By increasing the inclination angle, we were able to explore an increasing amount of shear to buoyancy motion. A pipe flow experiment with the liquid being recirculated is under construction. This will provide an even larger range of shear to buoyancy motion. We are planning a microgravity experiment in which a bubble suspension is subjected to shearing in a couette cell in the absence of a buoyancy-driven relative motion of the two phases. By employing a single-wire, hot film anemometer, we were able to obtain the liquid velocity fluctuations. The shear stress at the wall was measured using a hot film probe flush mounted on the wall. The gas volume fraction, bubble velocity, and bubble velocity fluctuations were measured using a homemade, dual impedance probe. In addition, we also employed a high-speed camera to obtain the bubble size distribution and bubble shape in a dilute suspension. A rapid decrease in bubble velocity for a dilute bubble suspension is attributed to the effects of bubble-wall collisions. The more gradual decrease of bubble velocity as gas volume fraction increases, due to subsequent hindering of bubble motion, is in qualitative agreement with the predictions of Spelt and Sangani for the effects of potential-flow bubble-bubble interactions on the mean velocity. The ratio of the bubble velocity variance to the square of the mean is 0(0.1). For these conditions Spelt and Sangani predicted that the homogeneous suspension would be unstable and clustering into horizontal rafts will take place. Evidence for bubble clustering is obtained by analysis of video images. The liquid velocity variance is larger than would be expected for a homogeneous suspension and the liquid velocity frequency spectrum indicates the presence of velocity fluctuations that are slow compared with the time for the passage of an individual bubble. These observations provide further evidence for bubble clustering.

Tsang, Y. H.↗
DOE OSTI2023

ARM Aerial Facility (AAF) - Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Cloud Droplet Probe

The Cloud Droplet Probe (CDP) is designed to measure cloud droplet size distribution from 2 µm to 50 µm. The CDP and an appropriate data system can also calculate various other parameters including particle concentrations, effective diameter (ED), Median Volume Diameter (MVD), and Liquid Water Content (LWC).

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS2011

CFD Ventilation Study for the Human Powered Centrifuge at the International Space Station

The Human Powered Centrifuge (HPC) is a hyper gravity facility that will be installed on board the International Space Station (ISS) to enable crew exercises under the artificial gravity conditions. The HPC equipment includes a bicycle for long-term exercises of a crewmember that provides power for rotation of HPC at a speed of 30 rpm. The crewmember exercising vigorously on the centrifuge generates the amount of carbon dioxide of several times higher than a crewmember in ordinary conditions. The goal of the study is to analyze the airflow and carbon dioxide distribution within Pressurized Multipurpose Module (PMM) cabin. The 3D computational model included PMM cabin. The full unsteady formulation was used for airflow and CO2 transport modeling with the so-called sliding mesh concept is considered in the rotating reference frame while the rest of the cabin volume is considered in the stationary reference frame. The localized effects of carbon dioxide dispersion are examined. Strong influence of the rotating HPC equipment on the CO2 distribution is detected and discussed.

Son, Chang H.↗
NASA NTRS1993

The kinematics of dense clusters of galaxies. II - The distribution of velocity dispersions

From the survey of 31 Abell R above 1 cluster fields within z of 0.02-0.05, we extract 25 dense clusters with velocity dispersions omicron above 300 km/s and with number densities exceeding the mean for the Great Wall of galaxies by one deviation. From the CfA Redshift Survey (in preparation), we obtain an approximately volume-limited catalog of 31 groups with velocity dispersions above 100 km/s and with the same number density limit. We combine these well-defined samples to obtain the distribution of cluster velocity dispersions. The group sample enables us to correct for incompleteness in the Abell catalog at low velocity dispersions. The clusters from the Abell cluster fields populate the high dispersion tail. For systems with velocity dispersions above 700 km/s, approximately the median for R = 1 clusters, the group and cluster abundances are consistent. The combined distribution is consistent with cluster X-ray temperature functions.

Zabludoff, Ann I.↗
DOE OSTI2022

EGS Collab Experiment 2: Distributed Fiber Optic Temperature Data (DTS)

Distributed fiber optic sensing was an important part of the monitoring system for EGS Collab Experiment #2. A single loop of custom fiber package was grouted into the four monitoring boreholes that bracketed the experiment volume. This fiber package contained two multi-mode fibers and four single-mode fibers. These fibers were connected to an array of fiber optic interrogator units, each targeting a different measurement. The distributed temperature system (DTS) consisted of a Silixa XT-DTS unit, connected to both ends of one of the two multi-mode fibers. This system measured absolute temperature along the entire length of fiber for the duration of the experiment at a sampling rate of approximately 10 minutes. This dataset includes both raw data in XML format from the XT-DTS, as well as a processed dataset with the sections of data pertaining only to the boreholes are extracted. We have also included a report that provides all of the relevant details necessary for users to process and interpret the data for themselves. Please read this accompanying report. If, after reading it, there are still outstanding questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. Happy processing.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS2005

The Angstrom Exponent and Bimodal Aerosol Size Distributions

Powerlaws have long been used to describe the spectral dependence of aerosol extinction, and the wavelength exponent of the aerosol extinction powerlaw is commonly referred to as the Angstrom exponent. The Angstrom exponent is often used as a qualitative indicator of aerosol particle size, with values greater than two indicating small particles associated with combustion byproducts, and values less than one indicating large particles like sea salt and dust. In this study, we investigate the relationship between the Angstrom exponent and the mode parameters of bimodal aerosol size distributions using Mie theory calculations and Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) retrievals. We find that Angstrom exponents based upon seven wavelengths (0.34, 0.38, 0.44, 0.5, 0.67, 0.87, and 1.02 micrometers) are sensitive to the volume fraction of aerosols with radii less then 0.6 micrometers, but not to the fine mode effective radius. The Angstrom exponent is also known to vary with wavelength, which is commonly referred to as curvature; we show how the spectral curvature can provide additional information about aerosol size distributions for intermediate values of the Angstrom exponent. Curvature also has a significant effect on the conclusions that can be drawn about two-wavelength Angstrom exponents; long wavelengths (0.67, 0.87 micrometers) are sensitive to fine mode volume fraction of aerosols but not fine mode effective radius, while short wavelengths (0.38, 0.44 micrometers) are sensitive to the fine mode effective radius but not the fine mode volume fraction.

Schuster, Gregory L.↗
NASA NTRS2000

Orthostatic stress is necessary to maintain the dynamic range of cardiovascular control in space

In the upright position, gravity fills the low-pressure systems of human circulation with blood and interstitial fluid in the sections below the diaphragm. Without gravity one pressure component in the vessels disappears and the relationship between hydrostatic pressure and oncotic pressure, which regulates fluid passage across the capillary endothelium in the terminal vascular bed, shifts constantly. The visible consequences of this are a puffy face and "bird" legs. The plasma volume shrinks in space and the range of cardiovascular control is reduced. When they stand up for the first time after landing, 30-50% of astronauts suffer from orthostatic intolerance. It remains unclear whether microgravity impairs cardiovascular reflexes, or whether it is the altered volume status that causes the cardiovascular instability following space flight. Lower body negative pressure was used in several space missions to stimulate the cardiovascular reflexes before, during and after a space flight. The results show that cardiovascular reflexes are maintained in microgravity. However, the astronauts' volume status changed in space, towards a volume-retracted state, as measurements of fluid-regulating hormones have shown. It can be hypothesized that the control of circulation and body fluid homeostasis in humans is adapted to their upright posture in the Earth's gravitational field. Autonomic control regulates fluid distribution to maintain the blood pressure in that posture, which most of us have to cope with for two-thirds of the day. A determined amount of interstitial volume is necessary to maintain the dynamic range of cardiovascular control in the upright posture; otherwise orthostatic intolerance may occur more often.

manned↗
NASA NTRS1984

An operator calculus for surface and volume modeling

The mathematical techniques which form the foundation for most of the surface and volume modeling techniques used in practice are briefly described. An outline of what may be termed an operator calculus for the approximation and interpolation of functions of more than one independent variable is presented. By considering the linear operators associated with bivariate and multivariate interpolation/approximation schemes, it is shown how they can be compounded by operator multiplication and Boolean addition to obtain a distributive lattice of approximation operators. It is then demonstrated via specific examples how this operator calculus leads to practical techniques for sculptured surface and volume modeling.

Gordon, W. J.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Business Models for Scaling Demand Flexibility Volume II – Customer relationship management strategies, challenges, and lessons learned from U.S. programs

Load growth at the grid edge is driving increased attention to the distribution system and its ability to enable customer technology adoption in an affordable and timely manner. Key industry stakeholders, including electric utilities and regulators, can benefit from strategies to manage and balance customer needs with infrastructure investments, such as demand flexibility. This report focuses on demand flexibility—the ability to reduce, shift, shed, generate, or modulate loads in response to building and grid needs—to reduce the need for costly grid upgrades by deferring investment needs and increase system reliability by shifting electricity usage during periods of high risk. Specifically, we focus on the emerging characteristics of business models for demand flexibility as a framework to understand how demand flexibility programs generate value. In this report, we focus on demand flexibility program customer relationship management strategies, which provide information on value creation and focus on ensuring customers can navigate programs smoothly. This report discusses the role of customer relationship management strategies in demand flexibility programs, characterizes customer relationship management strategies that can be considered during program design and implementation, identifies existing challenges to customer relationship management strategies, and describes lessons learned. This report is part of a series that includes reports on value propositions, stakeholder ecosystem management, and program life cycle.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2021

Fiber orientation effects on ultra-high performance concrete formed by 3D printing

Despite the growing interest in 3D concrete printing, its current progress is limited by reinforcing methods. Inclusion of steel fibers is a potential reinforcing solution; however, the effect of printing process on orientation of the fibers is still unknown. This study aims to quantitatively investigate the orientation distribution of steel fibers in 3D printed ultra-high performance concrete. The effects of extrusion nozzle size, Cartesian print speed, and fiber volume fraction on the orientation of fibers were evaluated using digital image analysis. The consequent effects of the fiber orientation on the mechanical properties of the 3D-printed specimens were also determined. The results were compared with those of the conventionally mold-cast specimens. The results revealed that the smaller nozzle size and higher fiber volume fraction significantly enhanced the fiber alignment parallel to the printing direction. This preferential fiber alignment led to superior mechanical performance of the printed specimens to the mold-cast specimens.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Structure–Property Relationships of Recycled Lithium-Ion Battery Cathodes: Microstructure Optimization Using Virtual Materials Testing

The increasing demand for sustainable battery technologies requires effective recycling strategies for end-of-life lithium-ion battery cathodes. In this study, virtual materials testing, a well-established framework for modeling conventionally manufactured NMC-based cathodes, is applied to partially recycled cathodes. To this end, virtual cathodes consisting of mixtures of pristine and recycled NMC particles are utilized to systematically analyze structure–property relationships depending on mixing ratios and different spatial arrangement strategies. For this purpose, a stochastic 3D model is developed that is capable of generating virtual cathodes with arbitrary volume fractions of active materials and mixing ratios of pristine and recycled NMC particles. Particularly, the stochastic 3D model can mimic the different size distributions of pristine and recycled particles that are observed in image data. Additionally, the model allows the structuring of pristine and recycled NMC either uniformly mixed or layer-wise arranged, mimicking single- and dual-layer cathodes. Subsequently, a systematic computational analysis is conducted to assess the influence of increasing active material ratios of recycled particles, ranging from 0 % to 100 %, while maintaining a constant overall active material volume fraction. The impact of particle mixing on cathode performance is evaluated by examining transport-relevant geometrical descriptors and effective properties, such as geodesic tortuosity, specific surface area, and tortuosity factor.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Measurement of Thomson-scattering spectra with continuous angular resolution (invited)

Here, a novel Thomson-scattering diagnostic with continuous angular resolution over a span of 120° was developed for the characterization of plasmas produced at the Omega Laser Facility. Spectrally resolving light scattered from electron plasma wave features as a function of emission angle provides a means to efficiently probe a large range of plasma frequencies and k vectors. Together, these spectra contain critical constraints on the plasma-physics models used to interpret the data and enable experimental measurements of the electron-velocity distribution function over several orders of magnitude without assumptions about its mathematical form. Major components of the instrument include (1) a reflective collection objective that gathers light over a range of 120° × 12°; (2) a spatial-filter image relay for measurement localization; (3) cylindrical optics for producing a line image of the collection aperture; (4) a transmission grating spectrometer; and (5) a time-gated, image-intensified camera. Thomson-scattered light collected from an ~(50 – μM) 3 volume of plasma is recorded with 0.8-nm spectral and 1° angular resolution. Initial experiments examined the properties of the electron-velocity distribution in gas-jet-produced plasmas in the presence of heating via inverse bremsstrahlung absorption.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗