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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 1,315 records · Page 73
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2018

Microbeam X-Ray Absorption Near-Edge Spectroscopy of Alloying Elements in the Oxide Layers of Irradiated Zircaloy-2

Hydrogen pickup of zirconium-based fuel cladding and structural materials during in-reactor corrosion can degrade fuel components because the ingress of hydrogen can lead to the formation of brittle hydrides. In the boiling water reactor (BWR) environment, Zircaloy-2 fuel cladding and structural components such as water rods and channels can experience accelerated hydrogen pickup, whereas Zircaloy-4 components exposed to similar conditions do not. Because the principal difference between the two alloys is that Zircaloy-2 contains nickel, accelerated hydrogen pickup has been hypothesized to result from the presence of nickel. However, an understanding of the mechanism by which this acceleration occurs is still lacking. We investigated the link between hydrogen pickup and the oxidation behavior of alloying elements when incorporated into the oxide layers formed on zirconium alloys when corroded in the reactor. Synchrotron radiation microbeam X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES) at the Advanced Photon Source was performed on carefully selected BWR-corroded Zircaloy-2 water rods at an assembly-averaged burnup ranging from 32.8 to 74.6 GWd/MTU to determine the oxidation states of alloying elements, such as iron and nickel, within the oxide layers as a function of distance from the oxide-metal interface at high burnup. Samples were chosen for comparison based on having similar oxide thicknesses, processing, elevation, reactors, and fluences but different hydrogen pickup fractions. Examinations of the oxide layers formed on these samples showed that (1) the oxidation states of these alloying elements changed with distance from the oxide-metal interface, (2) these elements exhibited delayed oxidation relative to the host zirconium, and (3) nickel in Zircaloy-2 remained metallic in the oxide layer at a longer distance from the oxide-metal interface than iron. An analysis of these results showed an apparent correlation between the delayed oxidation of nickel and higher hydrogen pickup of Zircaloy-2 at high burnup.

alloying elements↗
DOE OSTI2024

Viscoelastic relaxation and topological fluctuations in glass-forming liquids

In this study, a method for characterizing the topological fluctuations in liquids is proposed. This approach exploits the concept of the weighted gyration tensor of a collection of particles and permits the definition of a local configurational unit (LCU). The first principal axis of the gyration tensor serves as the director of the LCU, which can be tracked and analyzed by molecular dynamics simulations. Analysis of moderately supercooled Kob–Andersen mixtures suggests that orientational relaxation of the LCU closely follows viscoelastic relaxation and exhibits a two-stage behavior. The slow relaxing component of the LCU corresponds to the structural, Maxwellian mechanical relaxation. Additionally, it is found that the mean curvature of the LCUs is approximately zero at the Maxwell relaxation time with the Gaussian curvature being negative. This observation implies that structural relaxation occurs when the configurationally stable and destabilized regions interpenetrate each other in a bicontinuous manner. Finally, the mean and Gaussian curvatures of the LCUs can serve as reduced variables for the shear stress correlation, providing a compelling proof of the close connection between viscoelastic relaxation and topological fluctuations in glass-forming liquids.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS2004

Retrieval and Validation of Cirrus Cloud Properties with the Far-Infrared Sensor for Cirrus (FIRSC) During CRYSTAL-FACE

This grant supported the principal investigator's analysis of data obtained during CRYSTAL-FACE by two submillimeter-wave radiometers: the Far-Infrared Sensor for Cirrus (FIRSC) and the Conical Scanning Submillimeter-wave Imaging Radiometer (CoSSIR). The PI led the overall FIRSC investigation, though Co-I Michael Vanek led the instrument component at NASA Langley. The overall CoSSIR investigation was led by James Wang at NASA Goddard, but the cirrus retrieval and validation was performed at the University of Colorado. The goal of this research was to demonstrate the submillimeter-wave cirrus cloud remote sensing technique, provide retrievals of ice water path (IWP) and median mass particle diameter (D(sub me)), and perform validation of the cirrus retrievals using other CRYSTAL-FACE datasets.

Evans, K. Franklin↗
DOE OSTI2021

Orientational Pair Correlations and Local Structure of Benzonitrile from Molecular Dynamics Simulations with Comparisons to Experiments [plus supplemental information]

Here, we present an experimentally parametrized molecular dynamics study of single-molecule and collective orientational relaxation in neat benzonitrile through the analysis of the reorientational anisotropy and polarizability anisotropy time-correlation function (PA-TCF). The simulations show that the PA-TCF is dominated by collective reorientation after 20 ps. Collective reorientation is found to be slower than single-molecule reorientation by a factor of 1.67, consistent with recent experiments. The simulations provide direct evidence of local antiparallel benzonitrile configurations. These structures, which have been the center of some debate, are responsible for the slower rate of collective vs. single-molecule reorientation in the liquid. Further structural analysis indicates that significant Coulombic interactions between the nitrile group and hydrogen atoms on adjacent molecules play a role in the formation of the antiparallel structures. The single-molecule dynamics reflected in the anisotropy are complex and consist of a ballistic regime, restricted angular diffusion, and spatially anisotropic free diffusion. The principal components of the rotational diffusion tensor are independently obtained and shown to reproduce the free diffusion regime of the anisotropy for each principal axis according to the predictions of a previous theory.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS1978

Developing closed life support systems for large space habitats

In anticipation of possible large-scale, long-duration space missions which may be conducted in the future, NASA has begun to investigate the research and technology development requirements to create life support systems for large space habitats. An analysis suggests the feasibility of a regeneration of food in missions which exceed four years duration. Regeneration of food in space may be justified for missions of shorter duration when large crews must be supported at remote sites such as lunar bases and space manufacturing facilities. It is thought that biological components consisting principally of traditional crop and livestock species will prove to be the most acceptable means of closing the food cycle. A description is presented of the preliminary results of a study of potential biological components for large space habitats. Attention is given to controlled ecosystems, Russian life support system research, controlled-environment agriculture, and the social aspects of the life-support system.

Phillips, J. M.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Analysis of Landsat for monitoring vegetables in New York mucklands

This pilot study assessed the feasibility of relying on Landsat multispectral scanner data for inventorying vegetables grown in mucklands,in variably shaped, variably sized fields. Classification of muckland vegetables using a Euclidean distance classifier and a parallelepiped classifier was performed with reasonable accuracy (generally over 60 percent) based on only one date of Landsat data. Prior canonical and principal component analyses did not improve the classification accuracy but did reduce the dimensionality of the data.

Zhu, M. H.↗
DOE OSTI2014

Failure analysis of pinch-torsion tests as a thermal runaway risk evaluation method of Li-Ion Cells

Recently a pinch-torsion test is developed for safety testing of Li-ion batteries (Ren et al., J. Power Source, 2013). It has been demonstrated that this test can generate small internal short-circuit spots in the separator in a controllable and repeatable manner. In the current research, the failure mechanism is examined by numerical simulations and comparisons to experimental observations. Finite element models are developed to evaluate the deformation of the separators under both pure pinch and pinch-torsion loading conditions. It is discovered that the addition of the torsion component significantly increased the maximum principal strain, which is believed to induce the internal short circuit. In addition, the applied load in the pinch-torsion test is significantly less than in the pure pinch test, thus dramatically improving the applicability of this method to ultra-thick batteries which otherwise require heavy load in excess of machine capability. It is further found that the separator failure is achieved in the early stage of torsion (within a few degree of rotation). Effect of coefficient of friction on the maximum principal strain is also examined.

finite element analysis↗
DOE OSTI2021

g -mode oscillations in hybrid stars: A tale of two sounds

We study the principal core g-mode oscillation in hybrid stars containing quark matter and find that they have an unusually large frequency range ( ≈ 200 - 600 Hz) compared to ordinary neutron stars or self-bound quark stars of the same mass. Theoretical arguments and numerical calculations that trace this effect to the difference in the behaviour of the equilibrium and adiabatic sound speeds in the mixed phase of quarks and nucleons are provided. We propose that the sensitivity of core g-mode oscillations to non-nucleonic matter in neutron stars could be due to the presence of a mixed quark-nucleon phase. Based on our analysis, we conclude that for binary mergers where one or both components may be a hybrid star, the fraction of tidal energy pumped into resonant g-modes in hybrid stars can exceed that of a normal neutron star by a factor of 2-3, although resonance occurs during the last stages of inspiral. A self-bound star, on the other hand, has a much weaker tidal overlap with the g-mode. The cumulative tidal phase error in hybrid stars, ΔΦ = 0.5 rad, is comparable to that from tides in ordinary neutron stars, presenting a challenge in distinguishing between the two cases. Furthermore, should the principal g-mode be excited to sufficient amplitude for detection in a postmerger remnant with quark matter in its interior, its frequency would be a possible indication for the existence of non-nucleonic matter in neutron stars.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2017

3D Experimental Measurement of Lattice Strain and Fracture Behavior of Sand Particles Using Synchrotron X-Ray Diffraction and Tomography

3D synchrotron X-ray diffraction (3DXRD) and synchrotron micro-computed tomography (SMT) techniques were used to measure and monitor the lattice strain evolution and fracture behavior of natural Ottawa sand particles subjected to 1D compression loading. The particle-averaged lattice strain within sand particles was measured using 3DXRD and then was used to calculate the corresponding lattice stress tensor. In addition, the evolution and mode of fracture of sand particles was investigated using high-resolution 3D SMT images. The results of diffraction data analyses revealed that the major principal component of the lattice strain or stress tensor increased in most of the particles as the global applied compressive load increased until the onset of fracture. Particle fracture and subsequent rearrangements caused significant variation and fluctuations in measured lattice strain/stress values from one particle to another and from one load step to the next one. SMT image analysis at the particle-scale showed that cracks in fractured sand particles generally initiate and propagate along the plane that connects the two contact points. Fractured particles initially split into two or three major fragments followed by disintegration into multiple smaller fragments in some cases. In conclusion, microscale analysis of fractured particles showed that particle position, morphology, the number and location of contact points play a major role in the occurrence of particle fracture in confined comminution of the sand assembly.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
NASA NTRS1988

Development of an integrated BEM for hot fluid-structure interaction

One of the most difficult problems in engine structural component durability analysis is the determination of the temperatures and fluxes in the structural components directly in contact with the hot gas flow path. Currently there exists no rational analytical or numerical technique which can effectively deal with this problem. Since the temperature distribution in the structural components are strongly influenced by both the fluid flow and the deformation as well as the cooling system in the structure, the only effective way to deal with this problem is to develop an integrated solid mechanics, fluid mechanics and heat transfer analysis for this problem. Herein, the Boundary Element Method (BEM) is chosen as the basic analysis tool principally because the definition of quantities like fluxes, temperatures, displacements, and velocities are very precise on a boundary based discretization scheme. One fundamental difficulty is that a BEM analysis requires a considerable amount of analytical work which is not present in other numerical methods. During the past year, all of this analytical work was completed and a two dimensional, general purpose code was written. A portion of the work is summarized.

Dargush, G. F.↗
DOE OSTI2017

Large-scale inverse model analyses employing fast randomized data reduction: INVERSE MODELING WITH DATA REDUCTION

When the number of observations is large, it is computationally challenging to apply classical inverse modeling techniques. We have developed a new computationally efficient technique for solving inverse problems with a large number of observations (e.g., on the order of 10 7 or greater). Our method, which we call the randomized geostatistical approach (RGA), is built upon the principal component geostatistical approach (PCGA). We employ a data reduction technique combined with the PCGA to improve the computational efficiency and reduce the memory usage. Specifically, we employ a randomized numerical linear algebra technique based on a so-called “sketching” matrix to effectively reduce the dimension of the observations without losing the information content needed for the inverse analysis. In this way, the computational and memory costs for RGA scale with the information content rather than the size of the calibration data. Our algorithm is coded in Julia and implemented in the MADS open-source high-performance computational framework (http://mads.lanl.gov). We apply our new inverse modeling method to invert for a synthetic transmissivity field. Compared to a standard geostatistical approach (GA), our method is more efficient when the number of observations is large. Moreover, our method is capable of solving larger inverse problems than the standard GA and PCGA approaches. Thus, our new model inversion method is a powerful tool for solving large-scale inverse problems. The method can be applied in any field and is not limited to hydrogeological applications such as the characterization of aquifer heterogeneity.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1968

Analytical and experimental studies of the steady state combustion mechanism of solid propellants

Our present state of understanding of the steady-state combustion mechanisms of solid propellants is reviewed. Attention is focused principally on heterogeneous propellants. Both experimental and theoretical work is discussed. The recent advances considered include studies of linear pyrolysis of propellant constituents, deflagration of exothermic oxidizers, combustion of oxidizer spheres in gaseous fuels, porous-bed combustion, reactions between gaseous fuel and gaseous oxidizer components, metal combustion, propellant strand burning, rocket motor combustion and microcinematographic experimentation. A theoretical analysis of a model of homogeneous propellant combustion is outlined in detail, with special emphasis placed on surface gasification laws and on flammability limits in nonadiabatic systems. Low pressure, moderate pressure, plateau and high pressure domains of combustion are identified for ammonium perchlorate composite propellants. It is concluded that a better foundation for investigating composite propellant combustion properties is available for ammonium perchlorate than for any other oxidizer. Avenues for potentially fruitful future research are recommended.

M Barrère↗
DOE OSTI2024

Quarterly Research Performance Progress Report (Q8)

As part of Task 1, we have started by testing our modeling capabilities by reproducing isothermal DFIT simulations presented in the literature. Once satisfied with the results we have started by targeting the modeling of the DFITs at conducted at well 58-32. We have a identified a specific test (cycle 4 in zone 2) as the most interesting to be model with GEOS hydraulic fracturing module. Thus, we have first produced results with an isothermal model and adjusted model parameters to get a satisfying match with field pressure data. The, we have added thermal effects and compared the modeling results with and without thermal effects to estimate how thermal effects may influence test interpretation. Models seem to suggest that, for small volumes of fluid, thermal effects are moderate. In Task 2, we have adapted GEOS phase-field formulation to be able to simulate near-wellbore hydraulic fracture nucleation and propagation. We have devised a novel formulation that, compared to other existing ones, incorporates rock strengths. We have submitted a journal publication about our work. We are currently employing this phase-field formulation to model the experiments taking place at U Pitt and help us understand the effect of various parameters. In Task 3, we have built a model of the region surround well 16A and have started modeling stage 3 stimulation because of its simpler planar geometry. After calibrating simulation parameters using known analytical solutions, we have simulated the stage 3 stimulation using our isothermal hydraulic fracturing module, varying the permeability field, the stress conditions including different physics to get a better understanding of the numerical challenges and of the effects of varying these parameters on the simulation results. In Task 4 laboratory experimentation, a set of specialized drilling and injection tools has been customized and constructed to accommodate an inclined well with an orientation of up to 30 degrees relative to material anisotropy or principal stress axes. These inclined samples have also undergone thermal stress and hydraulic fracturing at a temperature of 190 degrees Celsius. Furthermore, both vertical and deviated sampling testing setups enable an extended analysis of post-peak pressure behaviors, facilitating post-test pressure analyses such as the G-function, step rate, and fracture reopening measurements. Thus, the key components of in-situ stress estimation can be extracted and validated through our experiment, providing a solid foundation for validating existing in-situ stress estimation theories or proposing new ones. Simultaneously, we are integrating computer vision techniques with traditional experimental fracture observation methods such as multi-overcore/slicing and water-penetration fracture observation. This combination will prove beneficial in populating the hydraulic fracture patterns database, generated under challenging EGS conditions. This approach aims to deepen our understanding of the complexities in EGS reservoirs and pave the way for future data-driven investigations. Additionally, PITT has also equipped the ELE International compression machine, which is now prepared for conducting indirect tensile and fracture toughness tests. These tests will aid in characterizing how rock fabrics influence the resulting fracture patterns. Additionally, we have completed the required personnel training and gained access to Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) for conducting more detailed characterization and analysis of rock fabrics, as well as the examination of thermal and hydraulically induced fracture patterns. Thus, the PITT team has effectively demonstrated the capabilities of our experimental apparatuses in exploring the thermal effects, well deviation angles, material anisotropy, and operational choices (such as circulation rate, injection fluid viscosity, and injection rate) and their impact on pressure responses and fracture trajectories under the Utah FORGE conditions.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS1976

Vibration detection of component operability

In order to prevent catastrophic failure and eliminate unnecessary periodic maintenance in the Space Shuttle Orbiter dynamic components, instrumentation for detecting incipient failure in these components is required. This study investigated the utilization of vibrational phenomena as one of the principal physical parameters on which to base the design of this instrumentation. Baseline vibration data was collected from three aircraft type fans and two aircraft type pumps over a frequency range from a few Hertz to greater than 300 kHz. The baseline data included spectrum analysis of the vibration and detected carrier signals, as well as several non-spectrum parameters. Several defects were introduced into the five test items, and all defects were detected by at least one of the parameters with a margin of at least 2:1 over the worst case baseline.

Baird, B.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Antenna Requirements for GMTI Radar Systems

A principal performance-enabling, or performance-limiting, component of Ground-Moving-Target-Indication (GMTI) radar systems is the antenna. Undesired clutter leakage into antenna sidelobes can be particularly problematic, generating undesired false alarms. GMTI system antennas can be designed with characteristics and features to allow discriminating and depressing/suppressing problematic sidelobe leakage of clutter and other undesired signals. We offer analysis and design guidelines for doing so.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2017

Stellar Photometric Structures of the Host Galaxies of Nearby Type 1 Active Galactic Nuclei

We present detailed image analysis of rest-frame optical images of 235 low-redshift ( z ≲ 0.35) Type 1 active galactic nuclei (AGNs) observed with the Hubble Space Telescope . The high-resolution images enable us to perform rigorous two-dimensional image modeling to decouple the luminous central point source from the host galaxy, which, when warranted, is further decomposed into its principal structural components (bulge, bar, and disk). In many cases, care must be taken to account for structural complexities such as spiral arms, tidal features, and overlapping or interacting companion galaxies. We employ Fourier modes to characterize the degree of asymmetry of the light distribution of the stars as a quantitative measure of morphological distortion due to interactions or mergers. We examine the dependence of the physical parameters of the host galaxies on the properties of the AGNs, namely, radio-loudness and the width of the broad emission lines. In accordance with previous studies, narrow-line (H β FWHM ≤ 2000 km s{sup −1}) Type 1 AGNs, in contrast to their broad-line (H β FWHM > 2000 km s{sup −1}) counterparts, are preferentially hosted in later-type, lower-luminosity galaxies, which have a higher incidence of pseudo-bulges, are more frequently barred, and are less morphologically disturbed. This suggests that narrow-line Type 1 AGNs experienced a more quiescent evolutionary history driven primarily by internal secular evolution instead of external dynamical perturbations. The fraction of AGN hosts showing merger signatures is larger for more luminous sources. Radio-loud AGNs generally preferentially live in earlier-type (bulge-dominated), more massive hosts, although a minority of them appear to contain a significant disk component. We do not find convincing evidence for enhanced merger signatures in the radio-loud population.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1994

Observations with the ROWS instrument during the Grand Banks calibration/validation experiments

As part of a global program to validate the ocean surface sensors on board ERS-1, a joint experiment on the Grand Banks of Newfoundland was carried out in Nov. 1991. The principal objective was to provide a field validation of ERS-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) measurement of ocean surface structure. The NASA-P3 aircraft measurements made during this experiment provide independent measurements of the ocean surface along the validation swath. The Radar Ocean Wave Spectrometer (ROWS) is a radar sensor designed to measure direction of the long wave components using spectral analysis of the tilt induced radar backscatter modulation. This technique greatly differs from SAR and thus, provides a unique set of measurements for use in evaluating SAR performance. Also, an altimeter channel in the ROWS gives simultaneous information on the surface wave height and radar mean square slope parameter. The sets of geophysical parameters (wind speed, significant wave height, directional spectrum) are used to study the SAR's ability to accurately measure ocean gravity waves. The known distortion imposed on the true directional spectrum by the SAR imaging mechanism is discussed in light of the direct comparisons between ERS-1 SAR, airborne Canadian Center for Remote Sensing (CCRS) SAR, and ROWS spectra and the use of the nonlinear ocean SAR transform.

Vandemark, D.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Rapid quantitative analysis of trace elements in plutonium alloys using a handheld laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) device coupled with chemometrics and machine learning

Here, we present the first reported quantification of trace elements in plutonium via a portable laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) device and demonstrate the use of chemometric analysis to enhance the handheld device's sensitivity and precision. Quantification of trace elements such as iron and nickel in plutonium metal via LIBS is a challenging problem due to the complex nature of the plutonium optical emission spectra. While rapid analysis of plutonium alloys has been demonstrated using portable LIBS devices, such as the SciAps Z300, their detection limits for trace elements are severely constrained by their achievable pulse power and length, light collection optics, and detectors. In this paper, analytical methods are evaluated as a means to circumvent the detection constraints. Three chemometric methods often used in analytical spectroscopy are evaluated; principal component regression, partial least-squares regression, and artificial neural networks. These models are evaluated based on goodness-of-fit metrics, root mean-squared error, and their achievable limits of detection (LoDs). Partial least squares proved superior for determining content of iron and nickel in plutonium metal, yielding LoDs of 15 and 20 ppm, respectively. These results of identifying the undesirable trace elements in plutonium components are critical for applications such as fabricating radioisotope thermoelectric generators or nuclear fuel.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗