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At least 1,261 records · Page 70

Structure and propagation of supersonic singularities from helicoidal sources

An asymptotic analysis of the acoustic field radiated by a supersonic helicoidal line source distribution is given. The asymptotic results are valid in the vicinity of the Mach surfaces associated with the moving sources. Particular attention is paid to the singular nature of the field on the Mach surfaces, which the analysis describes exactly. In addition, it is found that the asymptotic approximation predicts numerical values of the pressure with considerable accuracy. Some details on the field of a single source are derived as a special case.

Myers, M. K.↗

Interplanetary stream magnetism - Kinematic effects

The particle density and the magnetic-field intensity and direction are calculated for volume elements of the solar wind as a function of the initial magnetic-field direction and the initial speed gradient. It is assumed that the velocity is constant and radial. These assumptions are approximately valid between about 0.1 and 1.0 AU for many streams. Time profiles of the particle density, field intensity, and velocity are calculated for corotating streams, neglecting effects of pressure gradients. The compression and rarefaction of the magnetic field depend sensitively on the initial field direction. By averaging over a typical stream, it is found that the average radial field intensity is inversely proportional to the square of the heliocentric distance, whereas the average intensity in the direction of the planets' motion does not vary in a simple way, consistent with deep space observations. Changes of field direction may be very large, depending on the initial angle; but when the initial angle at 0.1 AU is such that the base of the field line corotates with the sun, the spiral angle is the preferred direction at 1 AU. The theory is also applicable to nonstationary flows.

Burlaga, L. F.↗

Space Shuttle ice suppression system validation, volume 1

Preliminary analytical considerations and the experimental investigation of the flow field for the desired configurations in the absence of wind effects are discussed. A wind tunnel test program to determine the effect of different wind conditions on ice suppression system (ISS) performance is also discussed.

Porteiro, J. L. F.↗

A finite element model for wave propagation in an inhomogeneous material including experimental validation

A finite element model was developed to solve for the acoustic pressure field in a nonhomogeneous region. The derivations from the governing equations assumed that the material properties could vary with position resulting in a nonhomogeneous variable property two-dimensional wave equation. This eliminated the necessity of finding the boundary conditions between the different materials. For a two media region consisting of part air (in the duct) and part bulk absorber (in the wall), a model was used to describe the bulk absorber properties in two directions. An experiment to verify the numerical theory was conducted in a rectangular duct with no flow and absorbing material mounted on one wall. Changes in the sound field, consisting of planar waves was measured on the wall opposite the absorbing material. As a function of distance along the duct, fairly good agreement was found in the standing wave pattern upstream of the absorber and in the decay of pressure level opposite the absorber.

Baumeister, Kenneth J.↗

A finite element model for wave propagation in an inhomogeneous material including experimental validation

A finite element model was developed to solve for the acoustic pressure field in a nonhomogeneous region. The derivations from the governing equations assumed that the material properties could vary with position resulting in a nonhomogeneous variable property two-dimensional wave equation. This eliminated the necessity of finding the boundary conditions between the different materials. For a two media region consisting of part air (in the duct) and part bulk absorber (in the wall), a model was used to describe the bulk absorber properties in two directions. An experiment to verify the numerical theory was conducted in a rectangular duct with no flow and absorbing material mounted on one wall. Changes in the sound field, consisting of planar waves, was measured on the wall opposite the absorbing material. As a function of distance along the duct, fairly good agreement was found in the standing wave pattern upstream of the absorber and in the decay of pressure level opposite the absorber.

Baumeister, Kenneth J.↗

CRYSTAL, EOS Validation, and CAMEX-5

CAMEX-5 is at an early phase of concept development. This future field deployment (2004 or 2005) concerning hurricanes could potentially benefit from collaboration with other programs within NASA. Specifically, the recently completed CRYSTAL- Florida Area Cirrus Experiment (FACE) offers a useful model of such a collaborative endeavor. CRYSTAL-FACE was concerned with deep tropical convection and its impact on the upper troposphere. Three separate NASA R&A Programs joined in supporting CRYSTAL-FACE, including the Radiation Sciences Program, the Atmospheric Chemistry, Modeling & Analysis Program, and the Upper Atmosphere Research Program as well as the EOS Validation Program. In addition, the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy Atmospheric Measurements Programs were also substantive partners. Insights will be given into how this cooperative field experiment came to be and how it worked in the field. Possibilities for similar model for CAMEX-5 will be explored.

Starr, David↗

Imaging Enhanced Simulation Validation for Directed Energy Deposition Additive Manufacturing (Final CRADA Report – NFE-22-09107)

Directed Energy Deposition (DED) is a welding-based metal Additive Manufacturing (AM) process that relies on the programmed rastering of an electric arc or laser induced weld pool to construct a component in a layerwise fashion. The induced complex thermal field and uneven thermal contraction depends on the printed geometry and scan pattern, and as such, accumulated residual stresses and distortions are complex and difficult to predict. Several prior works have resulted in tools to combat this issue; ANSYS has developed a thermoplastic simulation package targeting DED AM, and ORNL has developed an in-situ imaging sensor package ‘Stereo Correlated Optical and Pyrometric System’ (SCOPS) that can spatially monitor temperature and full field strain. In this CRADA, these tools are compared in order to validate the results and complimentarily address the weaknesses in each other.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Retro-Commissioning Sensor Suitcase for Energy Efficiency

This project will enable Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) to work with industry partner, GreenPath Energy Solutions, joint developers of the Suitcase, to enhance the capabilities and usability of the Retro-Commissioning Sensor Suitcase (hereinafter the Sensor Suitcase or Suitcase), assisting GreenPath to take the Suitcase to market and rapidly expand their market share. The proposed project will specifically focus on 1) adding sensors types to extend the data collection capability and support more building and equipment performance metrics and identification of even more energy saving opportunities, 2) developing algorithms to identify recommendations for the new energy savings opportunities from item 1 and to prototype software modifications implementing them, 3) validating the use of vibration sensors to detect the operating state of a broader set of packaged HVAC equipment (additional capacities, different numbers of stages, etc.) than tested in initial development and modifying the state algorithm and software code, as needed, 4) improving cost-effectiveness in manufacturing the Sensor Suitcase, and 5) additional field testing of the technology in real buildings to more comprehensively validate Suitcase performance and to guide refinement of its capabilities. Project results will position GreenPath, and potential future licensees, to implement the new capabilities developed in this project in GreenPath’s RCx Building Suitcase, increasing its functionality and the savings resulting from its use. These enhancements will increase the value of the Suitcase to users and increase the potential market for its use and impacts in that impact.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Evaluating Chemical Kinetics Predictions for Propane Using 3-D and 0-D Models in a Boosted Spark-Ignited Engine

Propane has been shown to be a promising alternative fuel to reduce emissions while simultaneously achieving high efficiencies in medium- and heavy-duty engines. These high-power density applications require boosted engines which, combined with high compression ratio, can lead to auto-ignition and knock. While three-dimensional (3-D) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models are often used for resolving the complex fluid flow in engines, these models can become computationally expensive when simulating detailed chemical kinetics. Likewise, zero-dimensional (0-D) models are computationally concise enough for kinetics development, but lack any flow-field information which governs the flame propagation processes in spark ignition (SI) engines. This work presents a comprehensive comparison between 3-D and 0-D closed cycle simulations at knocking conditions in a high compression ratio high stroke-to-bore ratio propane engine. In order to initialize the flow-field for the 3-D closed cycle (intake valve closing, (IVC) to exhaust valve opening, (EVO)) simulation, a motored multi-cycle 3-D model was run using Converge to create a map at IVC, reducing the computational time. The map allowed a non-homogeneous 3-D closed cycle simulation to be satisfactorily validated against experiments, while a homogeneous case using only the turbulence field mapping was also simulated, mimicking 0-D modeling. The 3-D simulations were used to prescribe the initial conditions (e.g., IVC thermodynamics, speciation, burn-rate profile) for a 2-zone 0-D SI engine model in Chemkin Pro for both cases. It was found that 2-zone 0-D modeling underpredicted the knock onset timing, likely due to the lack of thermal stratification in the unburned gas region. Future work will carry multi-zone 0-D modeling to capture the fuel auto-ignition in the unburned region.

Douvry-Rabjeau, Julien [Oakland University, Roches↗

Space Technology 5 Multi-Point Observations of Temporal Variability of Field-Aligned Currents

Space Technology 5 (ST5) is a three micro-satellite constellation deployed into a 300 x 4500 km, dawn-dusk, sun-synchronous polar orbit from March 22 to June 21, 2006, for technology validations. In this paper, we present a study of the temporal variability of field-aligned currents using multi-point magnetic field measurements from ST5. The data demonstrate that meso-scale current structures are commonly embedded within large-scale field-aligned current sheets. The meso-scale current structures are very dynamic with highly variable current density and/or polarity in time scales of approximately 10 min. They exhibit large temporal variations during both quiet and disturbed times in such time scales. On the other hand, the data also shown that the time scales for the currents to be relatively stable are approximately 1 min for meso-scale currents and approximately 10 min for large scale current sheets. These temporal features are obviously associated with dynamic variations of their particle carriers (mainly electrons) as they respond to the variations of the parallel electric field in auroral acceleration region. The characteristic time scales for the temporal variability of meso-scale field-aligned currents are found to be consistent with those of auroral parallel electric field.

Le, Guan↗

Validation of Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulations for Biological Performance Assessment in Hydropower units (Final Report)

The biological performance assessment (BioPA) toolset developed by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) estimates the relative biological performance of fish passage at a hydroelectric power turbine unit. The tool is based on the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and fish biological response relationships. The recent release, BioPA-v3, is based on directly computed trajectory and collision of material Lagrangian particles using CFD simulation codes rather than the prior version that relies on Tecplot to compute streamtrace trajectories. Before modifying the toolset, a series of validation tests were performed at the various steps of modification in the toolset. Validation is a critical step of any numerical investigation that reflects the accuracy and reliability of the predicted results. It raises the confidence level of the user to use the modified version of the BioPA toolset. Several test cases were simulated and compared, where available, to observed data. The trajectory and collision of the small spherical and cylindrical particles in a water flume were compared to in-house experiments. The CFD predicted collision rate and flow field compared well with experimental observation for vane array and large cylinder as target bodies. Next, the CFD-predicted flow field and hydraulic performance of a laboratory-scale model of a Francis turbine was also successfully validated. Note that the trajectory of the particles is significantly affected by the flow field in such extreme conditions. In addition to the particle trajectories and flow field, the collision detection method employed in the CFD simulations was also successfully validated. The CFD predicted impact velocity, collision time, velocity, and trajectory of a sphere excellently matched with analytical value for a bouncing ball in the elastic collision. A similar approach was also tested and successfully validated for a collision of sphere with a 45° inclined plane. After successfully validating different cases, the BioPA toolset was modified to use direct output of the CFD prediction and the new version can be used in evaluating biological performance at hydroelectric turbines.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗

Validation of Model-Based Prognostics for Pneumatic Valves in a Cryogenic Fueling Demonstration Testbed

Because valves control many critical operations, they are prime candidates for deployment of prognostic algorithms. But, similar to the situation with most other components, examples of failures experienced in the field are hard to come by. This lack of data impacts the ability to test and validate prognostic algorithms. A solution sometimes employed to overcome this shortcoming is to perform run to failure experiments in a lab. However, the mean time to failure of valves is typically very high (possibly lasting decades), preventing evaluation within a reasonable time frame. Therefore, a mechanism to observe development of fault signatures considerably faster is sought. Described here is a testbed that addresses these issues by allowing the physical injection of leakage faults (which are the most common fault mode) into pneumatic valves. What makes this testbed stand out is the ability to modulate the magnitude of the fault almost arbitrarily fast. With that, the performance of end-of-life estimation algorithms can be tested. Further, the testbed is mobile and can be connected to valves in the field. This mobility helps to bring the overall process of prognostic algorithm development for this valve a step closer to validation. The paper illustrates the development of a model-based prognostic approach that uses data from the testbed for partial validation.

Kulkarni, Chetan S.↗

Bio-Optical Measurement and Modeling of the California Current and Polar Oceans

This Sensor Intercomparison and Merger for Biological and Interdisciplinary Oceanic Studies (SIMBIOS) project contract supports in situ ocean optical observations in the California Current, Southern Ocean, Indian Ocean as well as merger of other in situ data sets we have collected on various global cruises supported by separate grants or contracts. The principal goals of our research are to validate standard or experimental products through detailed bio-optical and biogeochemical measurements, and to combine ocean optical observations with advanced radiative transfer modeling to contribute to satellite vicarious radiometric calibration and advanced algorithm development. In collaboration with major oceanographic ship-based observation programs funded by various agencies (CalCOFI, US JGOFS, NOAA AMLR, INDOEX and Japan/East Sea) our SIMBIOS effort has resulted in data from diverse bio-optical provinces. For these global deployments we generate a high-quality, methodologically consistent, data set encompassing a wide-range of oceanic conditions. Global data collected in recent years have been integrated with our on-going CalCOFI database and have been used to evaluate Sea-Viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor (SeaWiFS) algorithms and to carry out validation studies. The combined database we have assembled now comprises more than 700 stations and includes observations for the clearest oligotrophic waters, highly eutrophic blooms, red-tides and coastal case two conditions. The data has been used to validate water-leaving radiance estimated with SeaWiFS as well as bio optical algorithms for chlorophyll pigments. The comprehensive data is utilized for development of experimental algorithms (e.g., high-low latitude pigment transition, phytoplankton absorption, and cDOM).

Mitchell, B. Greg↗

The Sandmeier Field Goniometer: A Measurement Tool for Bi-Directional Reflectance

Recent activities at the Remote Sensing Program at Stennis Space Center have identified the need to properly verify and validate data provided by the remote sensing community. One important variable, which effects remote sensing data is bi-directional reflectance distribution (BRDF). In order to quantify the effects of BRDF on man-made and natural ground targets, the Stennis Verification & Validation (V&V) team commissioned the Systems Engineering Division at NASA Ames Research Center to develop a Field Goniometer for use at the V&V Large Target Range and for various ground truthing missions. The Swiss Field Goniometer (FIGOS) was used as a benchmark instrument to design the new state of the art Sandmeier Field Goniometer (SGF), named after Stefan Sandmeier, developer of FIGOS. After establishing requirements for the SFG, design efforts began in early May 1998. The design of the SFG was completed in September 1998. Manufacturing, construction, and testing was completed in May 1999. The SFG was shipped to NASA SSC and fully operational by June 1999.

Turner, Mark↗

Space Technology 5 (ST-5) Multipoint Observations of Temporal and Spatial Variability of Field-Aligned Currents

Space Technology 5 (ST-5) is a three micro-satellite constellation deployed into a 300 x 4500 km, dawn-dusk, sun-synchronous polar orbit from March 22 to June 21, 2006, for technology validations. In this paper, we present a study of the temporal variability of field-aligned currents using multi-point magnetic field measurements from ST5. The data demonstrate that mesoscale current structures are commonly embedded within large-scale field-aligned current sheets. The meso-scale current structures are very dynamic with highly variable current density and/or polarity in time scales of about 10 min. They exhibit large temporal variations during both quiet and disturbed times in such time scales. On the other hand, the data also shown that the time scales for the currents to be relatively stable are about 1 min for meso-scale currents and about 10 min for large scale current sheets. These temporal features are obviously associated with dynamic variations of their particle carriers (mainly electrons) as they respond to the variations of the parallel electric field in auroral acceleration region. The characteristic time scales for the temporal variability of meso-scale field-aligned currents are found to be consistent with those of auroral parallel electric field.

Le, Guan↗

Coherent Pulsed Lidar Sensing of Wake Vortex Position and Strength, Winds and Turbulence in the Terminal Area

NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) has field tested a 2.0 gm, 100 Hertz, pulsed coherent lidar to detect and characterize wake vortices and to measure atmospheric winds and turbulence. The quantification of aircraft wake-vortex hazards is being addressed by the Wake Vortex Lidar (WVL) Project as part of Aircraft Vortex Spacing System (AVOSS), which is under the Reduced Spacing Operations Element of the Terminal Area Productivity (TAP) Program. These hazards currently set the minimum, fixed separation distance between two aircraft and affect the number of takeoff and landing operations on a single runway under Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC). The AVOSS concept seeks to safely reduce aircraft separation distances, when weather conditions permit, to increase the operational capacity of major airports. The current NASA wake-vortex research efforts focus on developing and validating wake vortex encounter models, wake decay and advection models, and wake sensing technologies. These technologies will be incorporated into an automated AVOSS that can properly select safe separation distances for different weather conditions, based on the aircraft pair and predicted/measured vortex behavior. The sensor subsystem efforts focus on developing and validating wake sensing technologies. The lidar system has been field-tested to provide real-time wake vortex trajectory and strength data to AVOSS for wake prediction verification. Wake vortices, atmospheric winds, and turbulence products have been generated from processing the lidar data collected during deployments to Norfolk (ORF), John F. Kennedy (JFK), and Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) International Airports.

Brockman, Philip↗

Evaluation of Nuclear Spent Fuel Disposal in Clay-Bearing Rock - Process Model Development and Experimental Studies

This report represents the milestone deliverable M2SF-23SN010301072 “Evaluation of Nuclear Spent Fuel Disposal in Clay-Bearing Rock - Process Model Development and Experimental Studies” The report provides a status update of FY23 activities for the work package Argillite Disposal work packages for the DOE-NE Spent Fuel Waste Form Science and Technology (SFWST) Program. Clay-rich geological media (often referred as shale or argillite) are among the most abundant type of sedimentary rock near the Earth’s surface. Argillaceous rock formations have the following advantageous attributes for deep geological nuclear waste disposal: widespread geologic occurrence, found in stable geologic settings, low permeability, self-sealing properties, low effective diffusion coefficient, high sorption capacity, and have the appropriate depth and thickness to host nuclear waste repository concepts. The DOE R&D program under the Spent Fuel Waste Science Technology (SFWST) campaign has made key progress (through experiment, modeling, and testing) in the study of chemical and physical phenomena that could impact the long-term safety assessment of heat-generating nuclear waste disposition in clay/shale/argillaceous rock. International collaboration activities comprising field-scale heater tests, field data monitoring, and laboratory-scale experiments provide key information on changes to the engineered barrier system (EBS) material exposed high thermal loads. Moreover, consideration of direct disposal of large capacity dual-purpose canisters (DPCs) as part of the back-end SNF waste disposition strategy has generated interest in improving our understanding of the effects of elevated temperatures on the engineered barrier system (EBS) design concepts. Chemical and structural analyses of sampled bentonite material from laboratory tests at elevated temperatures are key to the characterization of thermal effects affecting bentonite clay barrier performance. The knowledge provided by these experiments is crucial to constrain the extent of sacrificial zones in the EBS design during the thermal period. Thermal, hydrologic, mechanical, and chemical (THMC) data collected from heater tests and laboratory experiments have been used in the development, validation, and calibration of THMC simulators to model near-field coupled processes. This information leads to the development of simulation approaches to assess issues on coupled processes involving porous media flow, transport, geomechanical phenomena, chemical interactions with barrier/geologic materials, and the development of EBS concepts. These lines of knowledge are central to the design of deep geological backfilled repository concepts where temperature plays a key role in the EBS behavior, potential interactions with host rock, and long-term performance in the safety assessment.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Development of a Modular, Crushed-Rock Thermal Energy Storage Pilot Design

The goal of this project, primarily funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, is to design a next-step pilot to advance near-term energy storage integrated with a fossil plant to provide a facility capable of being viable and effective in a market with growing penetration of variable renewable energy (VRE). Thermal energy storage (TES) represents an ideal technology for this purpose. The current effort will complete a feasibility study to prepare for the Phase II pre-front end engineering design (pre-FEED) for implementing a crushed-rock TES system integrated with a natural gas combined cycle (NGCC) plant. The crushed rock storage technology, which is being developed by Brenmiller Energy, is a modular TES system termed bGen™, which can accommodate both thermal and electrical inputs and output steam, hot water, or hot air. For this application, the estimated efficiency is 80% thermal to thermal. The TES technology is being designed to operate on a slipstream from NYPA’s Eugene W. Zeltmann Power Project (Zeltmann) natural gas combined cycle (NGCC) plant. The projected size of the system will be up to 4 MWe with at least 4 hours of storage duration, or 16 MWh-e total. Final sizing is being determined during the ongoing feasibility study. The next-step pilot being designed as part of the current project will represent a 5-fold increase in scale for this TES technology, and will be used to validate the technology’s ability to provide effective and economical energy storage. This pilot would represent the next-to-last demonstration scale before the technology could be commercial ready at GWh-e scales in the 2030 timeframe. This project is expected to design the critical next-step pilot, which will be undertaken in real-world operating conditions to better determine the crushed rock TES technology’s ability to be integrated with an NGCC plant and assess degradation over transient cycling at rates befitting various marketplaces. The crushed-rock TES pilot design is a technically feasible next step in the development of the technology and is built upon years of prior testing and demonstration. The proposed TES technology was developed by Brenmiller over the last 8 years and has been tested in 3 generations of demonstration units at various sites, globally. During this field testing, different characteristics and performance of the technology were validated, including the following key features: energy storage capacity, energy storage charge/discharge rate, energy storage loses, energy storage mechanical testing. This presentation will provide an update on the results of the conceptual design study for the modular crushed-rock TES system, integrated with a NGCC power plant.

03 NATURAL GAS↗