SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Diffusivity”

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.

SourceResearch connectionFrom yearThrough year

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,171 records · Page 65

All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

NASA NTRS1992

Gravitational influences on the behavior of confined diffusion flames

Closed form, mathematical representations for the shapes of laminar diffusion flames stabilized on two-dimensional slot burners are derived for arbitrary gravitational levels. The solution technique employs the Schvab-Zeldovich conserved species variable. Effects of gravity on the velocity field are incorporated through the momentum equation; these effects, in turn, influence the species field. The results reduce smoothly to the classical Burke-Schumann solution as gravity approaches zero. It is shown that both flame height and width increase with decreasing gravity levels. Several interesting cases are considered explicitly; these include effects of negative and extremely high values of gravity. In the latter case, it is shown that the flame collapses onto the burner surface. The analysis finds application in the modeling of steady and unsteady gas and solid propellant diffusion flames.

Hegde, U.↗

NASA NTRS1992

The diffuse interstellar cloud toward HD 179406 (20 Aquilae)

An analysis of the diffuse interstellar cloud complex in front of HD 179406 (20 Aql) is presented. Along this sight line, multispectral absortion- and emission-line studies have uncovered at least three distinct velocity components due to individual clouds. A dominant velocity component is seen in both the absorption and emission-line data sets at 3 +/- 1 km/s. It is argued that the cloud associated with this velocity component is responsible for most of the atomic and all of the molecular gas in front of 20 Aql. The present chemical and physical analysis of the cloud combines the diagnostic tools of radio emission-line data with those of UV and optical absorption data. Using non-LTE models to synthesize the observed absorption profiles, (C-12)O and (C-13)O column densities along this line of sight are determined. The (C-12)O/(C-13)O abundance ratio was found to be 50 +/- 15, similar to that found by Wannier et al. toward Zeta Oph. The physical conditions of the cloud have been investigated using ultraviolet absorption lines. Measurements indicate that the dominant absorption cloud has a gas pressure similar to that found in the local diffuse molecular cloud in Ophiuchus with nT = 20,000/cu cm K.

Hanson, Margaret M.↗

NASA NTRS1992

The diffuse gamma-ray background, light element abundances, and signatures of early massive star formation

Attention is drawn to a potentially observable flux of diffuse extragalactic gamma rays produced by inelastic cosmic-ray interactions that is inevitably a by-product of spallation-synthesized Be. The epoch of cosmic ray-induced Population II light element nucleosynthesis is constrained to be at redshift greater than 0.5. A spectral feature in the diffuse extragalactic gamma-ray background with amplitude 0.1 above 10 MeV is predicted if the Be is synthesized at z less than 10. The possibility is discussed that the cosmic-ray flux responsible for Population II Be and B synthesis may be associated with a precursor hypothesized Population III.

Silk, Joseph↗

NASA NTRS1991

High voltage thermally diffused p(+)n solar cells

The possibility of fabricating thermally diffused p(+)n InP solar-cells with high open-circuit voltage without sacrificing the short circuit current is discussed. The p(+)n InP junctions were formed by Cd and Zn diffusion through a 3-5-nm-thick anodic or chemical phosphorus-rich oxide cap layer grown on n:InP:S (with ND-NA = 3.5 x 10 exp 16 and 4.5 x 10 exp 17/cu cm) Czochralski LEC-grown substrates. After thinning the emitter from its initial thickness of 1 to 2.5 micron down to 0.06-0.15 micron, the maximum efficiency was found when the emitter was 0.2 to 0.3 micron thick. Typical AM0, 25 C values of 854-860 mV were achieved for Voc, Jsc values were from 25.9 to 29.1 mA/sq cm using only the P-rich passivating layer left after the thinning process as an antireflection coating.

Faur, M.↗

NASA NTRS1992

From diffusion pumps to cryopumps: The conversion of GSFC's space environment simulator

The SES (Space Environmental Simulator), largest of the Thermal Vacuum Facilities at The Goddard Space Flight Center, recently was converted from an oil diffusion pumped chamber to a Cryopumped chamber. This modification was driven by requirements of flight projects. The basic requirement was to retain or enhance the operational parameters of the chamber such as pumping speed, ultimate vacuum, pump down time, and thermal system performance. To accomplish this task, seventeen diffusion pumps were removed and replaced with eight 1.2 meter (48 inch) diameter cryopumps and one 0.5 meter (20 inch) turbomolecular pump. The conversion was accomplished with a combination of subcontracting and in-house efforts to maximize the efficiency of implementation.

Cary, Ron↗

NASA NTRS1992

The effect of tensile stress on hydrogen diffusion in metal alloys

The effect of tensile stress on hydrogen diffusion has been determined for Type 303 stainless steel, A286 CRES, and Waspaloy and IN100 nickel-base alloys. It was found that hydrogen diffusion coefficients are not significantly affected by stress, while the hydrogen permeabilities are greatly affected in Type 303 stainless steel and A286 CRES (iron-based alloys), but are affected little in Waspaloy (nickel-base) and not affected in all in IN100 (nickel base). These observations might be taken as an indication that hydrogen permeabilities are affected by stress in iron-based alloys, but only slightly affected in nickel-based alloys. However, it is too early to make such a generalization based on the study of only these four alloys.

Danford, M. D.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Dust and gas jets: Evidence for a diffuse source in Halley's coma

The distribution of dust-scattered intensity in Halley's inner coma is measured with the Vega three-channel spectrometer at three selected wavelengths: 377, 482, and 607 nm. The variation along a cometo-centric radius may be described by a p(sup -s) law where p is the distance between nucleus and optical axis and s is an exponent which is equal to 1 except in an intermediate 3000 less than p less than 7000 km region where s = 1.5. The shape of the radial distribution may be explained with a model including solar radiation pressure effect and quantum scattering efficiencies calculated from Mie theory. Monochromatic images inside an angular sector having its apex at the nucleus show evidence of two dust jets which extend to 40,000 Km. The pixel-to-pixel ratio of two images of dust intensity at 377 and 482 nm shows that the scattered intensity presents an excess of blue coloration in a zone located around the jets between 10,000 and 25,000 km. This coloration is interpreted as being due to a population of sub-micronic grains which result of the fragmentation of dust particles transported in the jets. It is suggested that the diffuse source where an additional quantity of CO was detected might be connected with the presence of a dust jet. In the present scheme, grain particles with a size of several micron or 10 micron would be transported inside a dust jet to distances of several 10,000 km where they would suffer fragmentation and produce sub-micronic particles and a release of gas which would be at the origin of the diffuse source.

Clairemidi, Jacques↗

NASA NTRS1993

Structure and Soot Properties of Non-Buoyant Laminar Round-Jet Diffusion Flames

The structure and soot properties of nonbuoyant laminar diffusion flames are being studied experimentally and theoretically in order to better understand the soot and thermal radiation emissions from luminous flames. The measurements involve weakly-buoyant flames at low pressure in normal gravity (ng) and nonbuoyant flames at normal pressures in microgravity (micro g). The objectives of the present investigation are to study the differences of soot properties between nonbuoyant and buoyant diffusion flames, and to evaluate predictions based on the laminar flamelet approach.

Mortazavi, Saeed↗

NASA NTRS1993

On the structure of gaseous confined laminar diffusion flames: Numerical investigation

The structure and characteristics of gaseous confined laminar diffusion flames are investigated by numerically solving the time-dependent two-dimensional axisymmetric conservation equations. The numerical model accounts for the important chemical and physical processes involved, including axial diffusion, viscous effects, radial convection, and finite-rate chemistry. The numerical results clearly show that the flame has a finite thickness and leakage of fuel vapor into the flame zone is possible. The effect of heat release is found to induce some radial flow. Predicted flame shape and dimensions are compared to the classical Burke-Schumann flame. The numerically calculated flame is observed to be about 15 percent taller and 5 percent narrower than that of the Burke-Schumann solution under the same conditions.

Mawid, M. A.↗

NASA NTRS1993

An alternative model for estimating liquid diffusion coefficients requiring no viscosity data

An equation, based on the free volume of a liquid solvent, was derived via dimensional analysis, to predict binary diffusion coefficients. The equation assumed that interaction between the solute and liquid solvent molecules followed a Lennard-Jones potential. The equation was compared to other diffusivity equations and was found to give good results over the temperature range examined.

Morales, Wilfredo↗

NASA NTRS1993

Determination of plate wave velocities and diffuse field decay rates with braod-band acousto-ultrasonic signals

Lowest symmetric and lowest antisymmetric plate wave modes were excited and identified in broad-band acousto-ultrasonic (AU) signals collected from various high temperature composite materials. Group velocities have been determined for these nearly nondispersive modes. An algorithm has been developed and applied to determine phase velocities and hence dispersion curves for the frequency ranges of the broad-band pulses. It is demonstrated that these data are sensitive to changes in the various stiffness moduli of the materials, in agreement by analogy, with the theoretical and experimental results of Tang and Henneke on fiber reinforced polymers. Diffuse field decay rates have been determined in the same specimen geometries and AU configuration as for the plate wave measurements. These decay rates are of value in assessing degradation such as matrix cracking in ceramic matrix composites. In addition, we verify that diffuse field decay rates respond to fiber/matrix interfacial shear strength and density in ceramic matrix composites. This work shows that velocity/stiffness and decay rate measurements can be obtained in the same set of AU experiments for characterizing materials and in specimens with geometries useful for mechanical measurements.

Kautz, Harold E.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Effects of buoyancy on gas jet diffusion flames

The objective of this effort was to gain a better understanding of the fundamental phenomena involved in laminar gas jet diffusion flames in the absence of buoyancy by studying the transient phenomena of ignition and flame development, (quasi-) steady-state flame characteristics, soot effects, radiation, and, if any, extinction phenomena. This involved measurements of flame size and development, as well as temperature and radiation. Additionally, flame behavior, color, and luminosity were observed and recorded. The tests quantified the effects of Reynolds number, nozzle size, fuel reactivity and type, oxygen concentration, and pressure on flame characteristics. Analytical and numerical modeling efforts were also performed. Methane and propane flames were studied in the 2.2 Second Drop Tower and the 5.18-Second Zero-Gravity Facility of NASA LeRC. In addition, a preliminary series of tests were conducted in the KC-135 research aircraft. Both micro-gravity and normal-gravity flames were studied in this program. The results have provided unique and new information on the behavior and characteristics of gas jet diffusion flames in micro-gravity environments.

Bahadori, M. Yousef↗

NASA NTRS1992

Fractionation of CO in the diffuse clouds toward Zeta Ophiuchi

An analysis of CO A-X bands in diffuse clouds toward Zeta Ophiuchi is presented. The results provide isotopic ratios that constitute the strongest observational evidence for highly localized isotopic fractionation of CO in diffuse portions of an interstellar cloud. The value of the fractionation implies that selective photodissociation is the controlling influence of the fractionation. The molecule's excitation temperature is discussed and a lower limit to the O-16/O-18 ratio is provided. The absence of CO lines from the gas that provides broad CH+ and CH lines commonly attributed to warm gas behind a shock front is addressed.

Sheffer, Yaron↗

NASA NTRS1992

Postseismic deformation and stress diffusion due to viscoelasticity and comments on the modified Elsasser model

Finite element techniques have been used to investigate the far-field deformation and stress changes due to asthenospheric viscoelastic relaxation following a dip-slip earthquake. The diffusion of extensional stress toward the subduction zone following a thrust earthquake on land is qualitatively consistent with the modified Elsasser model as proposed by Rydelek and Sacks (1988, 1990) to explain the coupled occurrence of land and sea earthquakes near Japan. However, the magnitude of the diffusing tensional signal is significantly smaller. The nominal model consists of a partially faulted elastic lithosphere overlying a viscoelastic substrate. Other models consider thin channel flow, rupturing of the entire elastic lithosphere, and changes in the depth of faulting. While some of these changes have significant impact on the magnitude and spatial features of the stress and deformation field, the far-field stress remains small. Numerical experiments demonstrate that the assumptions of the modified Elsasser model accentuate uniaxial deformation. When these assumptions are replicated in the finite element calculations, reasonable agreement between the models is achieved.

Cohen, Steven C.↗

NASA NTRS1992

On the modeling of scalar diffusion in isotropic turbulence

The objectives of the study were to establish the behavior of conditional scalar dissipation and diffusion at the extreme values of mass fraction and to derive and evaluate closure models for these terms using the scalar probability density function. The conditional scalar dissipation, its derivative with respect to mass fraction, and conditional scalar diffusion are all found to be zero at extreme values of mass fraction. A model for conditional scalar dissipation is derived which exhibits the correct behavior at the extreme values of scalar concentration.

Girimaji, Sharath S.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Characterizations of the mirror attenuator mosaic - Solar diffuser plate

The mirror attenuator mosaic (MAM), a solar diffuser plate, was used for the flight calibration of the broadband shortwave (0.2-5-microns) and total (0.2 to greater than 200-microns) Earth Radiation Budget Experiment scanning thermistor bolometer radiometers. The MAM solar-reflecting surface consisted of a tightly packed array of vacuum-deposited aluminum, concave spherical mirrors, while its solar-absorbing surface consisted of black chrome. The effective reflectance of the MAM was constant to within +/- 2 percent after almost 2 years in orbit, a marked improvement over earlier solar diffusers.

Lee, Robert B., III↗

NASA NTRS1992

Enhancement of diffusive transport in oscillatory flows

The theory of transport of passive scalars in oscillatory flows is reexamined. The differences between transport in standing and traveling waves are emphasized. Both Lagrangian and Eulerian diffusivities are calculated, and the conditions for their applicability are discussed. Numerical simulations are conducted to understand the expulsion of gradients from time-dependent eddies and the resulting transport. The results indicate that it is the Eulerian diffusivity that is of primary relevance for describing enhanced transport on spatial scales larger than that of the eddies.

Knobloch, E.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Magnetic diffusion and flare energy buildup

Photospheric motion shears or twists solar magnetic fields to increase magnetic energy in the corona, because this process may change a current-free state of a coronal field to force-free states which carry electric current. This paper analyzes both linear and nonlinear 2D force-free magnetic field models and derives relations of magnetic energy buildup with photospheric velocity field. When realistic data of solar magnetic field and photospheric velocity field are used, it is found that 3-4 hours are needed to create an amount of free magnetic energy which is of the order of the current-free field energy. Furthermore, the paper studies situations in which finite magnetic diffusivities in photospheric plasma are introduced. The shearing motion increases coronal magnetic energy, while the photospheric diffusion reduces the energy. The variation of magnetic energy in the coronal region, then, depends on which process dominates.

Wu, S. T.↗