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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 127 records · Page 7

Cathode to Target Simulations for Scorpius: I. Simulation Codes and Models

The new Scorpius linear induction electron accelerator is under development for multi-pulse flash radiography of large, explosively-driven hydrodynamic experiments. Beam physics from the cathode to the target was examined with computer simulations, including envelope, ray-trace, and particle-in cell (PIC) codes. Beam instabilities investigated included beam breakup (BBU), image displacement, diocotron, parametric envelope, ion hose, and the resistive wall instability. Beam corkscrew motion and emittance growth from beam mismatch were also studied. The results of these simulations is documented in a series of reports. In this report the computer codes and physical models used for these simulations are described. The conclusion of this study is that Scorpius will produce and accelerate a beam with radiographic quality equivalent to the present accelerators at Los Alamos National Laboratory if the same engineering standards and construction details are upheld.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Atomistic Materials Modeling of High-Pressure Hydrogen Interactions in Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) Rubber

Elastomeric rubbers serve a vital role as sealing materials in the hydrogen storage and transport infrastructure. With applications including O-rings and hose-liners, these components are exposed to pressurized hydrogen at a range of temperatures, cycling rates, and pressure extremes. Cyclic (de)pressurization is known to degrade these materials through the process of cavitation. This readily visible failure mode occurs as a fracture or rupture of the material and is due to the oversaturated gas localizing to form gas bubbles. Computational modeling in the Hydrogen Materials Compatibility Program (H-Mat), co-led by Sandia National Laboratories and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, employs multi-scale simulation efforts to build a predictive understanding of hydrogen-induced damage in materials. Modeling efforts within the project aim to provide insight into how to formulate materials that are less sensitive to high-pressure hydrogen-induced failure. In this document, we summarize results from atomistic molecular dynamics simulations, which make predictive assessments of the effects of compositional variations in the commonly used elastomer, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM).

08 HYDROGEN↗

Using Natural Gas Liquids to Recover Unconventional Oil and Gas Resources (Final Report)

This document presents final technical findings for the project Using Natural Gas Liquids to Recover Unconventional Oil and Gas Resources (FE0031782). The project is part of the U.S. Department of Energy Oil and Gas Program to develop and advance technologies that can significantly improve the recovery efficiencies of unconventional oil and gas resources. The overall objective of this project is to improve the ultimate recovery from unconventional oil and gas (UOG) resources in the United States by developing a method for using unrefined natural gas liquids (NGLs) as treatment fluids to improve hydrocarbon production. Horizontal extended-lateral drilling coupled with high volume hydraulic fracturing has significantly increased production from UOG resources in the U.S. However, the recovery efficiency is low compared to the estimated oil and gas in place. Recent data indicate that less than 10% of the oil in the liquid-rich UOG reservoirs is produced. Alternative completion methods using NGLs could increase production (Battelle, 2016; Wan et al., 2013; Wan, 2013; Downey et al, 2021); however, field validation tests are needed to develop an approach that is economical, efficient, and compatible in the UOG setting to advance towards commercial deployment. This project aims to develop and field test a method to improve recovery of oil resources in UOG shale plays by using Y-Grade NGLs, or a similar combination of NGLs, as treatment fluids. Refined NGLs have been used as a hydraulic treatment fluid in UOG plays for decades and are shown to be particularly effective because their miscibility with oil allows oil to flow more freely; however, the use of Y-Grade (unrefined) NGLs has not been studied. The use of Y-Grade NGLs would be advantageous over refined NGLs because Y-Grade NGLs do not require infrastructure or investment in refining and are already being produced from many UOG reservoirs. The concept was tested and monitored in the field at a commercial well site owned by project partner Hopco, Ltd. The project team, which consists of multiple oil and gas operators, Linde Gas North America LLC (Linde) and the Ohio Division of Geological Survey (ODGS), has extensive experience with oil and gas production in the Appalachian basin and the ability to work together quickly to solve technical issues and research needs. A key part of the proposed work was the use of existing wells for field testing and monitoring. A total of four wells (three vertical and one horizontal) were available for this project. One of the vertical wells was utilized as the test well for the NGL treatment test. A nearby vertical well was used for microseismic monitoring. The remaining vertical well and the horizontal well provided a baseline for typical UOG production in the oil window of the Utica/Point Pleasant (UPP). Major technical tasks of the project include characterization of the geotechnical properties of the UPP with an emphasis on the field site; design and planning for the NGLs testing; field testing and monitoring; analysis and integration of field data; and economic and resource/reserve assessment. The Shoman monitoring well and Doughty NGL treatment well were successfully plugged back during September-October 2020 in preparation for treatment and monitoring. A nitrogen diagnostic fracture injection test (DFIT) was completed on the Doughty well on July 22, 2021, consisting of 133,000 scf (91 Bbl.) of nitrogen. A nitrogen foam frac was completed in the Utica-Point Pleasant interval on August 17, 2021 with funding from outside sources. A microseismic monitoring array was installed in the Shoman well and monitored microseismic activity during the Doughty well frac job. Y-Grade NGL injection commenced on August 26, 2021. A total of 215 Bbl. was injected but the job was shut down due to a small leak on the suction hose on the pump truck. The Y-Grade treatment resumed on August 27, 2021 and an additional 726 Bbl. of Y-Grade NGL was injected at a well head pressure of 3850 psi. Total volume of injected Y-Grade over the two days of injection was 941 Bbl. The well was shut-in for 17 days following injection to allow the Y-Grade NGLs to soak on the formation. Y-Grade treatment flow back commenced on 9/13/2021 on a weekly basis. Production data, including surface pressures, oil, nitrogen, natural gas, and flow times was measured and recorded. Periodic gas samples were collected and analyzed to determine composition of flowback gas. As of July 2022, the treatment well had produced 726 Bbl of oil and 2,888 mcf gas. In August 2022, tubing and packer in the well were removed and a pump was installed to enhance oil recovery. Currently, the operator is producing the well about 2 days a week for a few hours. The performance of the NGL treatment test was evaluated based on reservoir simulations of the treatment process, processing of well testing data, analysis of micro seismic monitoring data, and production data analysis. This analysis suggested that oil production in the small test would continue through 2025. Upscaling the treatment to a horizontal Utica Point-Pleasant well would allow more oil recovery, but the process would involve more investment, services, and operational support. An economic analysis was conducted for scenarios aimed at upscaling the NGL treatment process for more typical horizontal UPP wells in the Appalachian Basin.

02 PETROLEUM↗

Center for Tokamak Transients Simulations

The major goals for the Center for Tokamak Transients Simulations (CTTS) were to develop detailed numerical simulations of disruptive transients in tokamak experiments and to use them in theoretical studies of the thermal-quench (TQ) and current-quench (CQ) phases of disruption. The University of Wisconsin-Madison component of CTTS contributed relevant development for the NIMROD code (https://nimrodteam.org) and applied it to disruptions that involve global vertical displacement. Code-development contributions include boundary conditions that represent sheath effects which occur when tokamak plasma is in contact with the surrounding vessel wall during vertical displacement events (VDEs). We also implemented a reduced model of energetic runaway electrons (REs) to simulate the effect of these energetic electrons on the CQ phase of tokamak disruptions. Our computations of VDEs include 2D and 3D verification through benchmarks with two other widely used macroscale plasma simulation codes, M3D-C1 and JOREK. Over nonlinear evolution to the final termination of plasma current, the 2D simulation results on magnetic axis location, toroidal current, and halo current track each other well. With the 3D benchmark computation, all three codes found the same qualitative behavior of the asymmetric instabilities having increasing growth rate after contact with the wall, followed by nonlinear excitation of other toroidal harmonics. Our NIMROD computations for an idealized configuration show agreement with an analytical assessment by V. D. Pustovitov [Nucl. Fusion 55, 113032 (2015)] that the plasma and non-ideal wall remain in force-balance such that net forces only result from magnetic stresses over the outer surface of the wall. Our study of the influence of boundary conditions on VDEs shows that extended-MHD simulations of VDEs are sensitive to electron energy transport to the wall and that boundary conditions on flow are only significant to the extent that they influence the electron energy transport. Resistive-MHD NIMROD simulations of the tokamak discharges in the Madison Symmetric Torus show that magnetic perturbations of poloidal wavenumber m=3 lead to chaotic magnetic topology over the edge region, which helps deconfine energetic electrons. A second area of RE study shows that the coupled resistive MHD/reduced RE model reproduces the resistive-hose particle-beam instability. With respect to educational opportunities, this effort involved and supported four graduate students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and one postdoctoral associate. The results of this study have been disseminated through journal publications, conference presentations, technical reports, and PhD dissertations.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Autonomous Fueling System for Heavy-Duty Fuel Cell Electric Trucks

The motivation for this project stemmed from the challenges associated with rapidly refueling heavy-duty hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks (FCETs). Current manual refueling processes for fast refueling involve large, heavy equipment (e.g., hoses three times heavier than standard) and pose ergonomic risks and potential for equipment damage. The goal was to develop and test an autonomous fueling system to improve ergonomics, enhance safety, increase equipment durability through design improvements, and potentially speed up the fueling process. This project aimed to add to the understanding of autonomous systems in the context of heavy-duty hydrogen refueling, evaluating the technical effectiveness of potential concepts. A successfully developed system would benefit the public by facilitating the adoption of zero-emission heavy-duty transport, reducing reliance on manual labor for a physically demanding task, and potentially improving the safety and efficiency of hydrogen refueling infrastructure. The major accomplishment during the project's active period was the completion of the system-level architecture task. This involved establishing a detailed list of system requirements covering interfaces, environmental conditions, regulatory compliance, industry standards, safety, security, performance capabilities, and optional features. Five key use cases for the autonomous system were also identified. However, due to internal restructuring at Nikola, the necessary resources could not be allocated to continue the project. Consequently, Nikola opted to discontinue the project. The award was mutually terminated by Nikola and the DOE.

08 HYDROGEN↗

Enabling real-time adaptation of machine learning models at x-ray Free Electron Laser facilities with high-speed training optimized computational hardware

The emergence of novel computational hardware is enabling a new paradigm for rapid machine learning model training. For the Department of Energy’s major research facilities, this developing technology will enable a highly adaptive approach to experimental sciences. In this manuscript we present the per-epoch and end-to-end training times for an example of a streaming diagnostic that is planned for the upcoming high-repetition rate x-ray Free Electron Laser, the Linac Coherent Light Source-II. We explore the parameter space of batch size and data parallel training across multiple Graphics Processing Units and Reconfigurable Dataflow Units. We show the landscape of training times with a goal of full model retraining in under 15 min. Although a full from scratch retraining of a model may not be required in all cases, we nevertheless present an example of the application of emerging computational hardware for adapting machine learning models to changing environments in real-time, during streaming data acquisition, at the rates expected for the data fire hoses of accelerator-based user facilities.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Components of aircraft life support systems interact with each other and the user

The life support system in a tactical aircraft provides necessary supplemental oxygen to the aircrew. However, interactions among its various components may generate unexpected breathing loads. We focus here on the interactions between a regulator and breathing mask commonly used together in the U.S. Navy, the CRU-103 regulator and MBU 23/P mask, and some effects of the interactions on the user. The data reported were collected during a larger research effort examining potential physiological and cognitive effects of low regulator inlet pressures. Seventeen participants completed a series of tasks under mild exercise while breathing 40% O 2 (balance N 2 ) from an MBU-23/P mask supplied by a CRU-103 regulator with supply pressures 10, 6, 4, and 2 psig (CRU-103 specifications are for inlet pressures from 5 to 120 psig). Variables measured included flow to the mask and pressures at the regulator supply, in the hose to the mask, and in the mask. In addition to restricting inspiratory flow, low inlet pressure to the CRU-103 caused a counterintuitive overshoot in gas delivery pressure at end-inspiration, a mean increase of 1.5 cm H 2 O between the 10- and 2 psig conditions. The added pressure to the exhalation valve increased the expiratory threshold, the pressure to start expiratory flow, by approximately 2 cm H 2 O, increasing the effort needed to exhale.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Mounted Accelerometer Frequency Response of Adhesive Products and Aluminum Frame Quick Mounts

An accelerometer mounting technique has large implications on the frequency range and accuracy of the measurement, with stiffness and the mass relative to the monitored structure as the primary concerns. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) gives an extensive list in 5348:2021, detailing mounting methods, and provides recommendations for testing mounts that are not specifically defined. In the nuclear industry on the laboratory scale, there is a need for vibration measurements for predictive maintenance and process monitoring that are nondestructive and capable of working in high-temperature environments. Commercial adhesive products with easy application and removal were tested as nondestructive methods, while quick mounts to a commonly used aluminum frame were tested as nondestructive and have potential applicability in high-temperature environments. The sinusoidal excitation method was used, measuring frequencies from 50 Hz to 10 kHz in one-third octave band intervals, utilizing three accelerometers and comparing the results to those obtained with the stud-mounting method. Using the lowest ±3 dB threshold across each accelerometer, foam dots and poster strips were not successful, and foam tapes were accurate up to 2000 Hz, hose clamps and zip ties up to 800 Hz, and a custom 3D printed mount up to 1000 Hz. Knowing the limitations of each mounting technique allows for accurate measurements within the appropriate range.

47 - OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Use of a Compliant Tether to Decouple Observation Buoy Motion for Auxiliary Wave Power

With the growth of the Blue Economy, the volume of data collection within the ocean environment has been rapidly increasing. Larger numbers of oceanographic, meteorological, and floating Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) buoys have been collecting high fidelity measurements while pushing against power budget limits. Power limitations lead to infrequent transmission of reduced data sets or recording data to local storage that must be physically collected when the buoy is serviced. Triton Systems, Inc. and its partners are developing a retrofittable wave energy converter (WEC) to provide auxiliary power to these observation buoys to increase mission duration and power budget, improve reliability, and reduce the need for service trips. One of the greatest challenges has been developing a method to interface Triton's WEC with these buoys without impacting measurement fidelity. This is especially critical for inertial wave and LiDAR wind measurements collected with sensors that could be adversely affected by additional buoy dynamics introduced by an integrated WEC. To address this, Triton and EOM Offshore developed a compliant tether to pair an observation buoy with a floating WEC while decoupling relative motion. Based on EOM's proven stretch hose technology, this compliant tether transmits power and data between the buoy-WEC system. In conclusion, modeling shows that the system has the potential to minimally adversely affect oceanographic, meteorological, wind resource characterization, and other measurements, with future testing scheduled to validate modeling efforts.

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗

Performance of Vehicle Fuel System Elastomers and Plastics with Test Fuels Representing Gasoline Blended with 10% Ethanol (E10) and 16% Isobutanol (iBu16)

The compatibilities of fuel system elastomers and plastics were evaluated for test fuels containing 16 vol.% isobutanol (iBu16) and 10 vol.% ethanol (E10). Elastomers included two fluorocarbons, four acrylonitrile butadiene rubbers (NBRs), and one type of fluorosilicone, neoprene, and epichlorohydrin/ethylene oxide. Plastic materials included four nylon grades, three polyamides, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyoxymethylene (POM), flexible polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyetherimide (PEI), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and a phenol formaldehyde reinforced with glass fiber (GFPF). For each polymer material, the volume, mass, and hardness were measured before and after drying. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) measurements were also performed on the dried specimens.For the elastomer materials the measured properties were similar for both fuels. The fluorocarbons and fluorosilicone swelled the least (~20%), while more moderate (20-45%) expansion occurred for the two NBR hose grades and (ECO). HNBR, neoprene, and silicone exhibited high swelling and softening, which likely precludes their use in many fuel systems. For the plastic materials, the observed swell was low; Nylon 11 swelled around 15%, but otherwise, their measured swell was <10%. Many of the plastics also showed sensitivity to alcohol type, as the E10 test fuel often imparted appreciably higher swell than iBu16. In general, the plastic materials showed good compatibility with the iBu16 and E10 test fuels. Here, the sole exception was the PVC material, which was structurally degraded from exposure to either fuel type. Compositional analysis showed high fuel retention in Nylon 12 and PVC. PVC also experienced a significant reduction in plasticizer compounds following exposure, which resulted in embrittlement and an increase in the glass-to-rubber transition temperature.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

Fixture facilitates helium leak testing of pipe welds

Fixture facilitates inspection testing of circumferential pipe welds for vacuum tightness, using helium gas as a leakage tracer in conjunction with a mass spectrometer. It consists of a split rubber torus and a mating clamping ring with a vacuum hose fitting.

Roney, J. A.↗

Chemical Method of Urine Volume Measurement

A system has been developed and qualified as flight hardware for the measurement of micturition volumes voided by crewmen during Gemini missions. This Chemical Urine Volume Measurement System (CUVMS) is used for obtaining samples of each micturition for post-flight volume determination and laboratory analysis for chemical constituents of physiological interest. The system is versatile with respect to volumes measured, with a capacity beyond the largest micturition expected to be encountered, and with respect to mission duration of inherently indefinite length. The urine sample is used for the measurement of total micturition volume by a tracer dilution technique, in which a fixed, predetermined amount of tritiated water is introduced and mixed into the voided urine, and the resulting concentration of the tracer in the sample is determined with a liquid scintillation spectrometer. The tracer employed does not interfere with the analysis for the chemical constituents of the urine. The CUVMS hardware consists of a four-way selector valve in which an automatically operated tracer metering pump is incorporated, a collection/mixing bag, and tracer storage accumulators. The assembled system interfaces with a urine receiver at the selector valve inlet, sample bags which connect to the side of the selector valve, and a flexible hose which carries the excess urine to the overboard drain connection. Results of testing have demonstrated system volume measurement accuracy within the specification limits of +/-5%, and operating reliability suitable for system use aboard the GT-7 mission, in which it was first used.

QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS↗

Predicting vibrational failure of flexible ducting

Technique applies to liquid or gas transfer through flexible ducting and proves valuable in high velocity fluid flow cases. Fluid mechanism responsible for free bellows vibrational excitation also causes flexible hose oscillation. Static pressure stress influences flexible ducting fatigue life and is considered separately.

Henry, R. H.↗

Portable life support for instrumentation of an offshore platform

A compressor was used to supply air through a nylon hose to the offshore platform field engineer working at the bottom of the piling. Air quality in the pile was sampled periodically for carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, and combustible gases by an universal tester and an explosion meter.

Mull, M. M.↗

Highly fluorinated polyurethanes

New polyurethanes containing a high degree of fluorine atoms are reported. The presence of the fluorine atoms in the polyurethane resins provides material having good thermal stability and chemical resistance. These polyurethanes are derived from a new hydroxy-terminated perfluoro polyether. The hydroxy terminated material is reacted with a diisocyanate to produce the polyurethanes. The polyurethanes can be used to form seals, coatings, potting material, hoses and the like.

Stump, E. C., Jr.↗

Technology for the cities

The activities of an organization for making the technology derived from NASA programs available for use by urban communities are discussed. Examples of technology utilization accomplished by the organization are: (1) self-contained breathing apparatus for firemen, (2) short range communication systems, (3) pavement marking, (4) protective clothing for firemen, (5) underground pipe and conduit locator, and (6) automatic fire hose flow regulator. The manner in which urban problems are identified and the designation of applicable technical developments are described.

Source record↗