Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Steady state”

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.

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

At least 1,189 records · Page 66

Long term performance of vacuum insulation panels integrated into building components

Vacuum insulation panels provide much greater resistance to heat transfer than conventional insulation materials, making them ideal for building applications, especially where space is a constraint. Of particular interest is energy retrofits where high insulation values are required with very little or no modifications to existing building envelope elements such as fenestrations and service penetrations. To facilitate the use of vacuum insulation panels (VIPs) in residential and commercial construction, this study investigates the performance of VIPs integrated into polyisocyanurate foam board and vinyl siding after several years of service. Vacuum insulation panels integrated with polyisocyanurate boards were studied in mixed humid and cold climates. The integration of VIPs with vinyl siding was investigated in a mixed humid climate. Periods of service were between two and five years. In all cases, the integrated building components outperformed conventional materials by almost 40 percent during heating and cooling periods. However, the percent reduction in heat gains and losses of the integrated building components decreased with time at a rate between approximately 4% and 10% per year during the service period. In some cases, the rate seems to converge to a steady -state value. Measurements are ongoing to determine if a steady-state value is attained or the panel's insulation value continues to decrease with time. This study is critical in addressing the service life and durability of the building envelope with VIP integrated building components. The effect of these changes will be reviewed in the context of an exterior retrofit.

Aldykiewicz Jr, Antonio↗

Analysis of the High Temperature Engineering Test Reactor Using MOOSE Tools

This presentation shows the development of neutronics and thermal hydraulics models of the High Temperature Engineering Test Reactor using codes in the Multiphysics Object Oriented Simulation Environment. We show preliminary results of full-power steady state and a loss of forced cooling transient from that steady state.

21 - SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLAN↗

DC Microgrids Under Denial of Service Attacks: Feasibility and Stability Issues

Distributed control has been extensively studied for a DC microgrid to coordinate multiple grid assets where each asset can generate its own control decisions based on communications within its neighborhood. Nevertheless, such a control strategy usually has a strong dependence on active information exchange and needs to always maintain a pre-determined communication graph. This makes it vulnerable to cyber attacks, especially denial of service (DoS) attacks that block communication channels that effectively change the communication graph. In this paper, we study two potential impacts of DoS attacks: the inability to maintain steady-state and dynamical generation-demand balance, i.e. the feasibility and stability issues. We develop a mathematical model to describe the cyber-induced system steady-state and dynamical performance. The model reveals the impacts of DoS attacks and enables formal analysis. Case studies are shown to verify the proposed work.

41 EE - Solar Energy Technologies Office (EE-4S)↗

Interrelated structure of high altitude atmospheric profiles

A preliminary development of a mathematical model to compute probabilities of thermodynamic profiles is presented. The model assumes an exponential expression for pressure and utilizes the hydrostatic law and equation of state in the determination of density and temperature. It is shown that each thermodynamic variable can be factored into the produce of steady state and perturbation functions. The steady state functions have profiles similar to those of the 1962 standard atmosphere while the perturbation functions oscillate about 1. Limitations of the model and recommendations for future work are presented.

Engler, N. A.↗

Validation of Combined Analytical Methods to Predict Slip in Cylindrical Roller Bearings

This paper presents a combination of models that together calculate the cage and roller speeds of a cylindrical roller bearing. The models consider elastohydrodynamic lubrication and contact elasticity between the roller and raceway, roller centrifugal forces, hydrodynamic lubrication at the cage pocket, and frictional forces. Using these models, the predicted cage and roller speeds and the extent of slip are compared to measurements acquired on cylindrical roller bearings in a commercial gearbox in steady-state and transient operating conditions of a wind turbine. In steady-state conditions at low wind speeds and low lubricant temperatures, cage and roller slip up to 60% occur in the loaded zone of the bearing. In the unloaded zone, up to 80% roller slip occurs. Cage and roller slip then decrease as the lubricant temperature and wind speed increases. In general, the analytical model results match experimental measurements within 10% for lubricant temperatures above 40 degrees C and wind speeds over 10 meters per second. The analytical model is further evaluated during a transient start-up event and highly dynamic emergency stop event and also used to examine changes in the bearing design or lubricant properties. Furthermore, roller and cage slip in cylindrical bearings is a combined effect of the bearing design, applied load, shaft speed, and lubricant properties and temperature, and can be quickly evaluated with the combined analytical models.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

Initial transient stage of pin-to-pin nanosecond repetitively pulsed discharges in air

In this work, evolution of parameters of nanosecond repetitively pulsed (NRP) discharges in pin-to-pin configuration in air was studied during the transient stage of initial 20 discharge pulses. Gas and plasma parameters in the discharge gap were measured using coherent microwave scattering, optical emission spectroscopy, and laser Rayleigh scattering for NRP discharges at repetition frequencies of 1, 10, and 100 kHz. Memory effects (when perturbations induced by the previous discharge pulse would not decay fully until the subsequent pulse) were detected for the repetition frequencies of 10 and 100 kHz. For 10 kHz NRP discharge, the discharge parameters experienced significant change after the first pulse and continued to substantially fluctuate between subsequent pulses due to rapid evolution of gas density and temperature during the 100 μs inter-pulse time caused by intense redistribution of the flow field in the gap on that time scale. For 100 kHz NRP discharge, the discharge pulse parameters reached a new steady-state at about five pulses after initiation. Further, this new steady-state was associated with well-reproducible parameters between the discharge pulses and substantial reduction in breakdown voltage, discharge pulse energy, and electron number density in comparison to the first discharge pulse. For repetition frequencies 1–100 kHz considered in this work, the memory effects can be likely attributed to the reduction in gas number density and increase in the gas temperature that cannot fully recover to ambient conditions before subsequent discharge pulses.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Application of optimal input synthesis to aircraft parameter identification

The Frequency Domain Input Synthesis procedure is used in identifying the stability and control derivatives of an aircraft. By using a frequency-domain approach, one can handle criteria that are not easily handled by the time-domain approaches. Numerical results are presented for optimal elevator deflections to estimate the longitudinal stability and control derivatives subject to root-mean square constraints on the input. The applicability of the steady state optimal inputs to finite duration flight testing is investigated. The steady state approximation of frequency-domain synthesis is good for data lengths greater than two time cycles for the short period mode of the aircraft longitudinal motions. Phase relationships between different frequency components become important for shorter data lengths. The frequency domain inputs are shown to be much better than the conventional doublet inputs.

Gupta, N. K.↗

Counterstreaming of O+ and H+ ions in the plasmasphere

Although the ion flux along plasmaspheric flux tubes has been both measured and numerically modeled for many years, it is only recently that H(+)-O(+) counterstreaming, with O(+) upwards, has been studied. The theoretical studies indicate that counterstreaming occurs under special conditions primarily near twilight. It is shown that such counterstreaming arises not only from a combination of particular conditions but is a more fundamental characteristic of the flow of plasma in the closed field-line magnetosphere. The causes of counterstreaming are analyzed showing that it must occur under steady state conditions; it is also shown how diurnal variations modify the steady state pattern.

Young, E. R.↗

On a study of the /Delta T/c and C/asterisk/ integrals for fracture analysis under non-steady creep

Applications of a vector quantity, path-independent integral which has an energy interpretation to the characterization of crack-tip fields in the range from fast to slow crack propagation are examined. The crack tip characterization parameter is defined in terms of a conservation integral for an area around the crack tip in a two-dimensional cracked body. The actual physical interpretation of the parameter is shown to be the difference in crack lengths displayed by two identical bodies which have equal load histories. A steady-state value is obtained for the parameter for cases of steady-state creep and is shown to be related to the standard path-independent integral for macroscopic self-similar crack growth under mode I conditions. A finite element model is developed for viscoplastic material models, using an initial strain approach with steps in a size employed in tangent stiffness methods.

Stonesifer, R. B.↗

Vortex creep and the internal temperature of neutron stars. I - General theory

The theory of a neutron star superfluid coupled to normal matter via thermal creep against pinning forces is developed in some detail. General equations of motion for a pinned rotating superfluid and their form for vortex creep are given. Steady state creep and the way in which the system approaches the steady state are discussed. The developed formalism is applied to the postglitch relaxation of a pulsar, and detailed models are developed which permit explicit calculation of the postglitch response. The energy dissipation associated with creep and glitches is considered.

Alpar, M. A.↗

Nuclear electric propulsion technologies - Overview of the NASA/DoE/DoD Nuclear Electric Propulsion Workshop

Nuclear propulsion technology offers substantial benefits to the ambitious piloted and robotic solar system exploration missions of the Space Exploration Initiative (SEI). This paper summarizes a workshop jointly sponsored by NASA, DoE, and DoD to assess candidate nuclear electric propulsion technologies. Twenty-one power and propulsion concepts are reviewed. Nuclear power concepts include solid and gaseous fuel concepts, with static and dynamic power conversion. Propulsion concepts include steady state and pulsed electromagnetic engines, a pulsed electrothermal engine, and a steady state electrostatic engine. The technologies vary widely in maturity. The workshop review panels concluded that compelling benefits would accrue from the development of nuclear electric propulsion systems, and that a focused, well-funded program is required to prepare the technologies for SEI missions.

Barnett, John W.↗

Toxicokinetics of inhaled bromotrifluoromethane (Halon 1301) in human subjects

Bromotrifluoromethane (Halon 1301, CBrF3), is used as a fire extinguishant in the Space Shuttle, where several scenarios, such as a fire or a faulty alarm, could lead to its discharge resulting in a Halon 1301 concentration of up to 1 percent in the cabin atmosphere. The effect of Halon 1301 on mental performance and physiologic function was investigated in a NASA-sponsored human inhalation study in which four pairs of male subjects were each exposed in a double-blind fashion for 24 hr to 1 percent Halon 1301 and to air in two exposures about 1 week apart. Blood and breath samples from the exposed subjects were collected to provide dosimetric and toxicokinetic information. Halon 1301 blood levels increased rapidly and approached a steady state within 2 hr of the beginning the exposure; the steady-state concentration was approximately 3-4.5 microg/ml. Breath samples collected during exposures closely reflected chamber concentrations. Analysis of postexposure blood samples revealed that Halon 1301 was eliminated biphasically with an average t(1/2) alpha and t(1/2) beta of 4.5 min and 200 min, respectively.

Lam, C. W.↗

A high-order compact numerical algorithm for supersonic flows

A dissipative compact two-four scheme (second-order time, fourth-order space) similar to the original MacCormack scheme has been developed, that exhibits greater accuracy than conventional fourth-order schemes. The dissipative nature of the scheme allows it to resolve weak discontinuities without artificial damping. A derivation of the scheme is presented, as well as the theoretical stability characteristics. The temporal scheme is then generalized into a steady-state formulation which achieves fourth-order spatial accuracy at steady-state. Several test problems are used to show that the scheme is more accurate than the traditional MacCormack scheme, and is nearly as efficient.

Carpenter, M. H.↗

Predictions for the Effects of Free Stream Turbulence on Turbine Blade Heat Transfer

An approach to predicting the effects of free stream turbulence on turbine vane and blade heat transfer is described. Four models for predicting the effects of free stream turbulence were in incorporated into a Navier-Stokes CFD analysis. Predictions were compared with experimental data in order to identify an appropriate model for use across a wide range of flow conditions. The analyses were compared with data from five vane geometries and from four rotor geometries. Each of these nine geometries had data for different Reynolds numbers. Comparisons were made for twenty four cases. Steady state calculations were done because all experimental data were obtained in steady state tests. High turbulence levels often result in suction surface transition upstream of the throat, while at low to moderate Reynolds numbers the pressure surface remains laminar. A two-dimensional analysis was used because the flow is predominately two-dimensional in the regions where free stream turbulence significantly augments surface heat transfer. Because the evaluation of models for predicting turbulence effects can be affected by other factors, the paper discusses modeling for transition, relaminarization, and near wall damping. Quantitative comparisons are given between the predictions and data.

Boyle, Robert J.↗

Method for defect free keyhole plasma arc welding

A plasma arc welding process for welding metal of increased thickness with one pass includes operating the plasma arc welding apparatus at a selected plasma gas flow rate, travel speed and arc current, to form a weld having a penetration ratio to weld height to weld width, and maintaining the penetration ratio at less than 0.74. Parameters for the plasma gas flow rate, travel speed and arc current are adjusted to a steady state condition during a start up period and maintained during the steady state condition to complete a weld. During a terminal stopping period, the travel speed is stopped and instantaneously replaced by filler wire which adds material to fill the keyhole that had been formed by the welding process. Parameters are subsequently adjusted during the stopping period to terminate the weld in a sound manner.

Harwig, Dennis D.↗

Lessons Learned from Assimilating Altimeter Data into a Coupled General Circulation Model with the GMAO Augmented Ensemble Kalman Filter

Satellite altimetry measurements have provided global, evenly distributed observations of the ocean surface since 1993. However, the difficulties introduced by the presence of model biases and the requirement that data assimilation systems extrapolate the sea surface height (SSH) information to the subsurface in order to estimate the temperature, salinity and currents make it difficult to optimally exploit these measurements. This talk investigates the potential of the altimetry data assimilation once the biases are accounted for with an ad hoc bias estimation scheme. Either steady-state or state-dependent multivariate background-error covariances from an ensemble of model integrations are used to address the problem of extrapolating the information to the sub-surface. The GMAO ocean data assimilation system applied to an ensemble of coupled model instances using the GEOS-5 AGCM coupled to MOM4 is used in the investigation. To model the background error covariances, the system relies on a hybrid ensemble approach in which a small number of dynamically evolved model trajectories is augmented on the one hand with past instances of the state vector along each trajectory and, on the other, with a steady state ensemble of error estimates from a time series of short-term model forecasts. A state-dependent adaptive error-covariance localization and inflation algorithm controls how the SSH information is extrapolated to the sub-surface. A two-step predictor corrector approach is used to assimilate future information. Independent (not-assimilated) temperature and salinity observations from Argo floats are used to validate the assimilation. A two-step projection method in which the system first calculates a SSH increment and then projects this increment vertically onto the temperature, salt and current fields is found to be most effective in reconstructing the sub-surface information. The performance of the system in reconstructing the sub-surface fields is particularly impressive for temperature, but not as satisfactory for salt.

Keppenne, Christian↗

Implementation of a Model Predictive Control Strategy to Regulate Temperature Inside Plug-Flow Solar Reactor With Countercurrent Flow

Abstract Solar-driven thermochemical energy storage systems are proven to be promising energy carriers (solar fuels) to utilize solar energy by using reactive solid-state pellets. However, the production of solar fuel requires a quasi-steady-state process temperature, which represents the main challenge due to the transient nature of solar power. In this work, an adaptive model predictive controller (MPC) is presented to regulate the temperature inside a tubular solar reactor to produce solid-state solar fuel for long-term thermal storage systems. The solar reactor system consists of a vertical tube heated circumferentially over a segment of its length by concentrated solar power, and the reactive pellets (MgMn2O4) are fed from the top end and flow downwards through the heated tube. A countercurrent flowing gas supplied from the lower end interacts with flowing pellets to reduce it thermochemically at a temperature range of 1000—1500 °C. A low-order physical model was developed to simulate the dynamics of the solar reactor including the reaction kinetics, and the proposed model was validated numerically by using a 7-kW electric furnace. The numerical model then was utilized to design the MPC controller, where the control system consists of an MPC code linked to an adaptive system identification code that updates system parameters online to ensure system robustness against external disturbances (sudden change in the flow inside the reactor), model mismatches, and uncertainty. The MPC controller parameters are tuned to enhance the system performance with minimum steady-state error and overshoot. The controller is tested to track different temperature ranges between 500 °C and 1400 °C with different particles/gas mass flowrates and ramping temperature profiles. Results show that the MPC controller successfully regulated the reactor temperature within ± 1 °C of its setpoint and maintained robust performance with minimum input effort when subjected to sudden changes in the amount of flowing media and the presence of chemical reaction.

Engineering↗

Speedup of UEDGE Parameter Scans Using Machine-Learning Optimized OpenMP Parallelization and a Continuation Solver

This article presents the OpenMP parallelization of the preconditioning Jacobian assembly and right‐hand side residual evaluation in UEDGE. A continuation algorithm, utilizing the internal NKSOL implicit Jacobian‐Free Newton‐Krylov solver to efficiently scan physical parameters, is also presented. The implemented parallelization reduces the computational time for a benchmark scan run on 32 threads by compared to the serial version when using trained random forest regression models to identify the optimal decomposition of the system of equations. Random forest regression models applied to the UEDGE time‐dependent and continuation solver algorithms did not yield meaningful improvement in computational performance. A benchmark DIII‐D gas injection rate scan in the 0.35–0.75 kA interval, performed on a test cluster using the parallelized code and continuation solver, produced 1066 steady‐state solutions with a 22 s average wall‐clock computational time per steady‐state solution.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗