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At least 1,297 records · Page 72

Experimental and analytical assessment of the thermal behavior of spiral bevel gears

An experimental and analytical study of spiral bevel gears operating in an aerospace environment has been performed. Tests were conducted within a closed loop test stand at NASA Lewis Research Center. Tests were conducted to 537 kW (720 hp) at 14,400 rpm. The effects of various operating conditions on spiral bevel gear steady state and transient temperature are presented. Also, a three-dimensional analysis of the thermal behavior was conducted using a nonlinear finite element analysis computer code. The analysis was compared to the experimental results attained in this study. The results agreed well with each other for the cases compared and were no more than 10 percent different in magnitude.

Handschuh, Robert F.↗

X-ray emission on hybird stars: ROSAT observations of alpha Trianguli Australis and iota Aurigae

We report on deep ROSAT observations of two Hybrid atmosphere stars, alpha TrA and iota Aur, and our analysis of these observations. We detect high-energy transient phenomena on alpha TrA and consider the implications of this discovery to the atmospheres of Hybrid stars. We detect iota Aur in the high-energy passband of ROSAT, implying the existence of multimillion degree plasma on the star. Our major results include the following: discovery of two large flare events, detected during pointed observations of alpha TrA; the demonstration that the flare emission most likely comes from the giant itself, rather than from a previously unseen low-mass companion star; the demonstration that the plasma characteristics associated with the flares and with the 'quiescent' component are essentially indistinguishable; and that the geometric dimensions of the emitting plasma are considerably smaller than the critical dimension characterizing stable 'hot' coronal loop structures. Our results suggest that alpha TrA does not have any steady X-ray emission consistent with theoretical expectations, and support the argument that Hybrid stars constitute a transitional type of object in which large-scale magnetic dynamo activity ceases, and the dominant spatial scales characterizing coronal structure rapidly decline as such stars evolve across the X-ray 'Dividing Line' in the H-R diagram.

Kashyap, V.↗

Repeating sources of classical gamma-ray bursts

From an analysis of the first catalog of the Burst and Transient Source Experiment (BATSE) experiment (Fishman et al. 1993, 1994a) on the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (CGRO), we find an excessive number of pairs of gamma-ray bursts which are clustered in both a space and time . The angular separation between the two bursts in each pair is less than their positional uncertainties, and the interval between their occurrence times is within several days. Optimizing the signal, we find that the probability of observing such a clustered excess froma Poisson ensemble is approximately 2 x 10(exp -5). We suggest that these bursts arise from repeating sources. A detailed study of the most prolific source, GBS 0855-00, is presented in a separate paper (Wang & Lingenfelter 1993a, b). Unlike most of the 'soft' gamma-ray repeaters, these repeating bursts have relatively hard spectra, complex light curves, and widely varying durations, that are indistinguishable from classical gamma-ray bursts. Although the significance of the clustered excess was optimized a posteriori, because it depends on temporal and spatial bin sized that could not be defined a priori, we can use the optimizations from the first catalog to test subsequent BATSE data sets. Unfortunately, the failure of the on-board tape recorders during the second catalog period seriously reduced the number of accurately positioned bursts (Fishman et al. 1994b), so that we can neither confirm, nor refute, the predicted repitition in that sample, and we must await the results of the third catalog.

Wang, V. C.↗

Influence of Material Distribution on Impact Resistance of Hybrid Composites

Impact events occur in a wide variety of circumstances. A typical example is a bullet impacting a target made of composite material. These impact events produce time-varying loads on a structure that can result in damage. As a first step to understanding the damage resistance issue in composite laminates, an accurate prediction of the transient response during an impact event is necessary. The analysis of dynamic loadings on laminated composite plates has undergone considerable development recently. Rayleigh-Ritz energy method was used to determine the impact response of laminated plates. The impact response of composite plates using shear deformation plate theory was analyzed. In recent work a closed-form solution was obtained for a rectangular plate with four edges simply supported subjected to a center impact load using classical plate theory. The problem was further investigated and the analysis results compared of both classical plate theory and shear deformation theory, and found that classical plate theory predicts very accurate results for the range of small deformations considered. In this study, the influence of cross sectional material distribution on the comparative impact responses of hybrid metal laminates subjected to low and medium velocity impacts is investigated. A simple linear model to evaluate the magnitude of the impact load is proposed first, and it establishes a relation between the impact velocity and the impact force. Then a closed-form solution for impact problem is presented. The results were compared with the finite element analysis results. For an 11 layer-hybrid laminate, the impact response as a function of material distribution in cross-section is presented. With equal areal weight, the effect of the number of laminate layers on the impact resistance is also investigated. Finally, the significance of the presented results is discussed.

Abatan, Ayu↗

Preliminary Optical And Electric Field Pulse Statistics From Storm Overflights During The Altus Cumulus Electrification Study

The Altus Cumulus Electrification Study (ACES) was conducted during the month of August, 2002 in an area near Key West, Florida. One of the goals of this uninhabited aerial vehicle (UAV) study was to collect high resolution optical pulse and electric field data from thunderstorms. During the month long campaign, we acquired 5294 lightning generated optical pulses with associated electric field changes. Most of these observations were made while close to the top of the storms. We found filtered mean and median 10-10% optical pulse widths of 875 and 830 microns respectively while the 50-50% mean and median optical pulse widths are 422 and 365 microns respectively. These values are similar to previous results as are the 10-90% mean and median rise times of 327 and 265 microns. The peak electrical to optical pulse delay mean and median were 209 and 145 microns which is longer than one would expect from theoretical results. The results of the pulse analysis will contribute to further validation of the Optical Transient Detector (OTD) and the Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS) satellites. Pre-launch estimates of the flash detection efficiency were based on a small sample of optical pulse measurements associated with less than 350 lightning discharges collected by NASA U-2 aircraft in the early 1980s. Preliminary analyses of the ACES measurements show that we have greatly increased the number of optical pulses available for validation of the LIS and other orbital lightning optical sensors. Since the Altus was often close to the cloud tops, many of the optical pulses are from low-energy pulses. From these low-energy pulses, we can determine the fraction of optical lightning pulses below the thresholds of LIS, OTD, and any future satellite-based optical sensors such as the geostationary Lightning Mapping Sensor.

Mach, D. A.↗

Optimal Disturbances in Boundary Layers Subject to Streamwise Pressure Gradient

Laminar-turbulent transition in shear flows is still an enigma in the area of fluid mechanics. The conventional explanation of the phenomenon is based on the instability of the shear flow with respect to infinitesimal disturbances. The conventional hydrodynamic stability theory deals with the analysis of normal modes that might be unstable. The latter circumstance is accompanied by an exponential growth of the disturbances that might lead to laminar-turbulent transition. Nevertheless, in many cases, the transition scenario bypasses the exponential growth stage associated with the normal modes. This type of transition is called bypass transition. An understanding of the phenomenon has eluded us to this day. One possibility is that bypass transition is associated with so-called algebraic (non-modal) growth of disturbances in shear flows. In the present work, an analysis of the optimal disturbances/streamwise vortices associated with the transient growth mechanism is performed for boundary layers in the presence of a streamwise pressure gradient. The theory will provide the optimal spacing of the control elements in the spanwise direction and their placement in the streamwise direction.

Tumin, Anatoli↗

Ares I-X Post Flight Ignition Overpressure Review

Ignition Overpressure (IOP) is an unsteady fluid flow and acoustic phenomena caused by the rapid expansion of gas from the rocket nozzle within a ducted launching space resulting in an initially higher amplitude pressure wave. This wave is potentially dangerous to the structural integrity of the vehicle. An in-depth look at the IOP environments resulting from the Ares I-X Solid Rocket Booster configuration showed high correlation between the pre-flight predictions and post-flight analysis results. Correlation between the chamber pressure and IOP transients showed successful acoustic mitigation, containing the strongest IOP waves below the Mobile Launch Pad deck. The flight data allowed subsequent verification and validation of Ares I-X unsteady fluid ducted launcher predictions, computational fluid dynamic models, and strong correlation with historical Shuttle data.

Alvord, David A.↗

X-57 Mod 2 Motor Thermal Analysis

This work covers the refinement of thermal models from design estimates to actual fabricated performance. Matching the experimental data of the first fully electrified version of the X-57 Maxwell experimental vehicle requires high fidelity thermal analysis to sufficiently capture the electric motor and inverter temperature profiles. Qualification test data of the motors and inverters is used to validate finite element analysis models used to simulate thermal performance over mission transients. An additional thermal-hydraulic models is used to estimate flow characteristics through the propulsor nacelle and component heat sinks. After calibration of the higher order models, overall component sizing and peak temperature constraints can be distilled to reduced order models, to improve modelflexibility and utility.

Chin, Jeffrey C.↗

Subchannel codes: CTF and VIPRE-01

In this chapter, two state-of-the-art and well-used subchannel codes are presented: CTF and VIPRE-01. As part of the Consortium for Advanced Simulation of Light Water Reactors, CTF is being used for single- and two-phase flow analysis under light-water reactor normal and anticipated transient operating conditions. Accurate determination of flow distribution, pressure drop, and void content is crucial for predicting margins to thermal crisis and ensuring more efficient nuclear power plant performance. In preparation for the intended applications, CTF is extensively validated against data from experimental facilities. Meanwhile, the licensed commercial code VIPRE-01 is used to generate a baseline set of simulations for the targeted tests and the solution parameters are compared to CTF results. The closure models in CTF that are in the greatest need of improvement are highlighted and discussed.

Zhao, Xingang↗

MARVEL Reactor Fuel Performance Report

The Microreactor Applications Research Validation and EvaLuation (MARVEL) project is producing a high temperature liquid metal-cooled nuclear test bed at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) to ultimately improve the integration of microreactors to end-user applications. This ambitious effort seeks to design, authorize, construct, test, and operate the reactor within five years. In order to construct and operate the MARVEL reactor in a timely manner, the system will utilize materials and component designs which have already been used, qualified, or licensed from previous reactors. The MARVEL reactor will be located at the INL Transient Reactor Test (TREAT) facility in the north high-bay equipment pit and will use the existing 304 stainless steel-clad U-ZrH1.6 pin-type fuel system developed by General Atomics and purchased from TRIGA International. This fuel has been previously qualified under the United States Department of Energy’s (US DOE) Reduced Enrichment for Research and Test Reactors (RERTR) Program. Even though the regulator of the MARVEL reactor is the US DOE, the standards and overall approach recommended by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission is well-defined and utilized here. Following NUREG-1537 regulatory guidance, this report documents the authorization case for the MARVEL fuel system’s application to MARVEL and establishes stable and predictable fuel performance during the most thermophysically unfavorable conditions achievable in the MARVEL reactor. To that end, this report provides a comprehensive survey of the known thermophysical properties, performance, and quantitative relationships associated with the MARVEL reactor fuel element and uses this information to determine its mechanical integrity and risk of reaching unacceptable conditions during the most extreme accident scenarios predicted for the reactor using the most conservative assumptions available. The information contained herein is compiled from a combination of historical reports and peer reviewed scientific publication manuscripts. Known mechanisms under which the fuel is susceptible to failure are highlighted and compared to conditions that could exist in the MARVEL reactor during an unanticipated transient or accident scenario. The two scenarios considered for analysis in this report are (1) an unprotected loss of flow accident and (2) a hypothetical unprotected loss of coolant accident during the loss of flow accident. Preliminary 2D steady-state analyses herein indicate that both fuel-cladding chemical interactions and fuel-cladding mechanical interactions are negligible throughout the fuel’s operational cycle under both normal and high temperature accident scenario conditions. Although higher fidelity 3D time-dependent modeling and simulations are planned, the following may be concluded presently. The MARVEL fuel element maintains its geometric stability and structural integrity during the most extreme accident scenarios predicted for the MARVEL reactor. The hoop stress during the unprotected loss of flow accident reaches about -1.27 MPa; this negative stress indicates that it is compressive rather than tensile. The compressive stress is a result of the NaK pressure on the outside of the fuel element, caused by the restricted thermal expansion of the NaK coolant, exceeding the internal pressures generated inside of the fuel element. The hoop stress generated in the cladding during the unprotected loss of coolant accident reaches a maximum of about approximately 10 MPa, which is nearly an order of magnitude less than the predicted yield strength of the cladding under high-temperature accident scenario conditions. Calculations were compared with results from high performance computational simulations using BISON and are in very close agreement. A conservative MARVEL fuel meat peak temperature limit of 900 °C is recommended presently, which is about 180 °C higher than the peak fuel temperature predicted to occur during the most extreme accident. Based on the known properties and behavior of the MARVEL fuel element, the fuel successfully meets its design and safety requirements under normal and most extreme accident conditions with a large safety margin.

11 - NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Direct study of changes in catalyst structure-kinetic properties during redox transitions using a new time-resolved technique

Direct study of changes in catalyst structure-kinetic properties during redox transitions using a new time-resolved technique The Temporal Analysis of Products (TAP) pulse response methodology1 is a transient technique offering the time scale needed to deconvolve many reaction steps from the complex network typical to industrial catalytic processes. The traditional TAP measurement observes the gas phase dynamic response but, hereto now, has been devoid of any direct measurement of change in the catalyst itself. The development of an operando technique that couples gas phase transient kinetics to dynamic metal centers and surface species is presented. Significance Unification of the TAP methodology with time-resolved spectroscopic measurement can offer unprecedented insight into the complex kinetic phenomena regulated by the solid catalyst.

03 - NATURAL GAS↗

Direct Study of Changes in Catalyst Structure-Kinetic Properties During Redox Transitions

The Temporal Analysis of Products (TAP) pulse response methodology is a transient technique that provides the time resolution needed to deconvolve reaction steps from the complex networks typical in industrial catalytic processes. Traditionally, TAP measurements observe gas phase dynamics at the reactor exit but lack direct measurements of changes in the catalyst itself. Recently, a new operando technique was developed that couples gas phase transients to dynamic changes in metal centers with the precise TAP methodology for nanomole titration. Using an industrial CrOx/Al2O3 catalyst used for propane dehydrogenation, we demonstrate the capabilities of this unique device to reveal key catalytic processes: 1) total propane oxidation not associated with chromia centers, 2) reduction of Cr6+ to Cr3+ correlated with selective product formation, and 3) subsequent carbon accumulation. By utilizing incremental pulsing in a diffusion-only transport regime, the spectrokinetic device allows us to resolve detailed changes in catalyst structure, composition, and kinetic function that are otherwise indistinguishable in conventional operando devices. The unification of the TAP methodology with time-resolved spectroscopic measurements offers new and unique insights into the complex kinetic phenomena regulated by solid catalyst surfaces.

03 - NATURAL GAS↗

Two-step charge density wave transition and hidden transient phase in 1 T – TiSe 2

Using variable temperature atomic pair distribution function analysis, we study the emergence of charge density wave (CDW) order in 1T-TiSe 2 and find that it takes place via a two-step transition. First, upon decreasing temperature to about 235(3) K, CDW related lattice distortions emerge in the individual TiSe 2 layers alone. Then, upon further decreasing the temperature, the two-dimensional distortions in the layers couple and the widely recognized three-dimensional 2a o x 2a o x 2c o superstructure emerges at about 205(3) K. Because two different band gaps are known to emerge at the same temperatures, the finding indicates the presence of strong electron-phonon coupling. The transient phase between the two steps lacks inversion symmetry and may serve as a precursor of the debated chiral 1T-TiSe 2 phase. Finally, our findings are important for the understanding of the enigmatic CDW transition in 1T-TiSe 2 and CDW instabilities in van der Waals materials in general.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Transient-forced convection film boiling on an isothermal flat plate.

Development of a new approach for the solution of transient-forced convection film boiling on an isothermal flat plate using the boundary layer model. The similarity variables are used to convert the governing partial differential equations to ordinary ones. The results of numerical solutions of these ordinary equations indicate that the transient process can be classified as one-dimensional conduction, intermediate, and the steady-state regions. The time required for the one-dimensional conduction and the time necessary to attain a steady-state condition are obtained. The use of local similarity approximations for the intermediate regime facilitates prediction of complete boundary layer growth. Using the ratio of time at any instant to the steady-state time as abscissa, the curves representing the boundary layer growth can be merged into a single mean curve within 5%. Further, the analysis shows that the average rate of heat transfer during transient is 50 to 100% higher than those at steady state. The average rate of vapor convected away is 10 to 15% lower than at steady state while the average rate of accumulation to form the vapor layer is 1 to 14 times larger.

Nagendra, H. R.↗

Effect of Hydrogen on Steady-State and Transient Combustion Instability Characteristics

This paper examines the effects of steady-state and transient hydrogen enrichment on thermoacoustic instability in a model gas turbine combustor. Combustion instability, a feedback loop between flame heat release rate oscillations and combustor acoustics, is characterized in a swirl-stabilized flame operated at a range of hydrogen–natural gas fuel blends and heat rates. Measurements of combustor chamber pressure fluctuations and CH* chemiluminescence imaging are used to characterize instability at a range of operating conditions. Steady-state tests show that both mixture heat rate and hydrogen content affect system stability. At a given heat rate, higher levels of hydrogen result in unstable combustion. As heat rate increases, instability occurs at lower concentrations of hydrogen in the fuel. Transient operation was tested in two directions—instability onset and decay—and two hydrogen-addition times—a short time of 1 ms and a longer time of 4 s. Results show that instability onset processes, through the transient addition of hydrogen, are highly repeatable regardless of the timescale of hydrogen addition. Certain instability decay processes are less repeatable, resulting in cases that do not fully transition from unstable to stable combustion despite similar changes in hydrogen fuel flow rate. Flame behavior before, during, and after the transient is characterized using high-speed CH* chemiluminescence imaging. Analysis of the high-speed images shows changes in flame stabilization and dynamics during the onset and decay processes. Finally, the results of this study can have implications for systems that experience variations in fuel composition, particularly in light of growing interest in hydrogen as a renewable fuel.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Land cover and space use influence coyote carnivory: evidence from stable-isotope analysis

For many species, the relationship between space use and diet composition is complex, with individuals adopting varying space use strategies such as territoriality to facilitate resource acquisition. Coyotes ( Canis latrans ) exhibit two disparate types of space use; defending mutually exclusive territories (residents) or moving nomadically across landscapes (transients). Resident coyotes have increased access to familiar food resources, thus improved foraging opportunities to compensate for the energetic costs of defending territories. Conversely, transients do not defend territories and are able to redirect energetic costs of territorial defense towards extensive movements in search of mates and breeding opportunities. These differences in space use attributed to different behavioral strategies likely influence foraging and ultimately diet composition, but these relationships have not been well studied. We investigated diet composition of resident and transient coyotes in the southeastern United States by pairing individual space use patterns with analysis of stable carbon (δ 13 C) and nitrogen (δ 15 N) isotope values to assess diet. During 2016–2017, we monitored 41 coyotes (26 residents, 15 transients) with GPS radio-collars along the Savannah River area in the southeastern United States. We observed a canopy effect on δ 13 C values and little anthropogenic food in coyote diets, suggesting 13 C enrichment is likely more influenced by reduced canopy cover than consumption of human foods. We also observed other land cover effects, such as agricultural cover and road density, on δ 15 N values as well as reduced space used by coyotes, suggesting that cover types and localized, resident-like space use can influence the degree of carnivory in coyotes. Finally, diets and niche space did not differ between resident and transient coyotes despite differences observed in the proportional contribution of potential food sources to their diets. Although our stable isotope mixing models detected differences between the diets of resident and transient coyotes, both relied mostly on mammalian prey (52.8%, SD = 15.9 for residents, 42.0%, SD = 15.6 for transients). Resident coyotes consumed more game birds (21.3%, SD = 11.6 vs 13.7%, SD = 8.8) and less fruit (10.5%, SD = 6.9 vs 21.3%, SD = 10.7) and insects (7.2%, SD = 4.7 vs 14.3%, SD = 8.5) than did transients. Our findings indicate that coyote populations fall on a feeding continuum of omnivory to carnivory in which variability in feeding strategies is influenced by land cover characteristics and space use behaviors.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Thermal behavior spiral bevel gears

An experimental and analytical study of the thermal behavior of spiral bevel gears is presented. Experimental data were taken using thermocoupled test hardware and an infrared microscope. Many operational parameters were varied to investigate their effects on the thermal behavior. The data taken were also used to validate the boundary conditions applied to the analytical model. A finite element-based solution sequence was developed. The three-dimensional model was developed based on the manufacturing process for these gears. Contact between the meshing gears was found using tooth contact analysis to describe the location, curvatures, orientations, and surface velocities. This information was then used in a three-dimensional Hertzian contact analysis to predict contact ellipse size and maximum pressure. From these results, an estimate of the heat flux magnitude and the location on the finite element model was made. The finite element model used time-averaged boundary conditions to permit the solution to attain steady state in a computationally efficient manner.Then time- and position-varying boundary conditions were applied to the model to analyze the cyclic heating and cooling due to the gears meshing and transferring heat to the surroundings, respectively. The model was run in this mode until the temperature behavior stabilized. The transient flash temperature on the surface was therefore described. The analysis can be used to predict the overall expected thermal behavior of spiral bevel gears. The experimental and analytical results were compared for this study and also with a limited number of other studies. The experimental and analytical results attained in the current study were basically within 10% of each other for the cases compared. The experimental comparison was for bulk thermocouple locations and data taken with an infrared microscope. The results of a limited number of other studies were compared with those obtained herein and predicted the same basic behavior.

Handschuh, Robert F.↗

An extended field method solution for a pulse loaded thin plate

This paper deals with a new extension of a weighted residual method of analysis called the extended field method. The extended field method is applied for the first time to the problem of the transient vibration of a uniformly thin elastic plate. Numerical results have been obtained which validate the analysis procedure and show better solution convergence than is obtainable by standard methods of analysis for the same number of degrees of freedom. Further studies are necessary to obtain still better convergence.

Donaldson, B. K.↗