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At least 1,333 records · Page 74

On the convergence of an IEQ-based first-order semi-discrete scheme for the Beris-Edwards system

We present a convergence analysis of an unconditionally energy-stable first-order semi-discrete numerical scheme designed for a hydrodynamic Q-tensor model, the so-called Beris-Edwards system, based on the Invariant Energy Quadratization Method (IEQ). The model consists of the Navier–Stokes equations for the fluid flow, coupled to the Q-tensor gradient flow describing the liquid crystal molecule alignment. By using the Invariant Energy Quadratization Method, we obtain a linearly implicit scheme, accelerating the computational speed. However, this introduces an auxiliary variable to replace the bulk potential energy and it is a priori unclear whether the reformulated system is equivalent to the Beris-Edward system. In this work, we prove stability properties of the scheme and show its convergence to a weak solution of the coupled liquid crystal system. We also demonstrate the equivalence of the reformulated and original systems in the weak sense.

Weber, Franziska↗

Interpreting and Stabilizing Machine-Learning Parametrizations of Convection

Neural networks are a promising technique for parameterizing subgrid-scale physics (e.g., moist atmospheric convection) in coarse-resolution climate models, but their lack of interpretability and reliability prevents widespread adoption. For instance, it is not fully understood why neural network parameterizations often cause dramatic instability when coupled to atmospheric fluid dynamics. This paper introduces tools for interpreting their behavior that are customized to the parameterization task. First, we assess the nonlinear sensitivity of a neural network to lower-tropospheric stability and the midtropospheric moisture, two widely studied controls of moist convection. Second, we couple the linearized response functions of these neural networks to simplified gravity wave dynamics, and analytically diagnose the corresponding phase speeds, growth rates, wavelengths, and spatial structures. To demonstrate their versatility, these techniques are tested on two sets of neural networks, one trained with a super-parameterized version of the Community Atmosphere Model (SPCAM) and the second with a near-global cloud-resolving model (GCRM). Additionally, even though the SPCAM simulation has a warmer climate than the cloud-resolving model, both neural networks predict stronger heating/drying in moist and unstable environments, which is consistent with observations. Moreover, the spectral analysis can predict that instability occurs when GCMs are coupled to networks that support gravity waves that are unstable and have phase speeds larger than 5 m s -1 . In contrast, standing unstable modes do not cause catastrophic instability. Using these tools, differences between the SPCAM-trained versus GCRM-trained neural networks are analyzed, and strategies to incrementally improve both of their coupled online performance unveiled.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Evaluation and Improvement of Liquid Propellant Rocket Chugging Analysis Techniques. Part 1: A One-Dimensional Analysis of Low Frequency Combustion Instability in the Fuel Preburner of the Space Shuttle Main Engine

Low frequency combustion instability, known as chugging, is consistently experienced during shutdown in the fuel and oxidizer preburners of the Space Shuttle Main Engines. Such problems always occur during the helium purge of the residual oxidizer from the preburner manifolds during the shutdown sequence. Possible causes and triggering mechanisms are analyzed and details in modeling the fuel preburner chug are presented. A linearized chugging model, based on the foundation of previous models, capable of predicting the chug occurrence is discussed and the predicted results are presented and compared to experimental work performed by NASA. Sensitivity parameters such as chamber pressure, fuel and oxidizer temperatures, and the effective bulk modulus of the liquid oxidizer are considered in analyzing the fuel preburner chug. The computer program CHUGTEST is utilized to generate the stability boundary for each sensitivity study and the region for stable operation is identified.

Lim, Kair Chuan↗

Parallelization of implicit finite difference schemes in computational fluid dynamics

Implicit finite difference schemes are often the preferred numerical schemes in computational fluid dynamics, requiring less stringent stability bounds than the explicit schemes. Each iteration in an implicit scheme involves global data dependencies in the form of second and higher order recurrences. Efficient parallel implementations of such iterative methods are considerably more difficult and non-intuitive. The parallelization of the implicit schemes that are used for solving the Euler and the thin layer Navier-Stokes equations and that require inversions of large linear systems in the form of block tri-diagonal and/or block penta-diagonal matrices is discussed. Three-dimensional cases are emphasized and schemes that minimize the total execution time are presented. Partitioning and scheduling schemes for alleviating the effects of the global data dependencies are described. An analysis of the communication and the computation aspects of these methods is presented. The effect of the boundary conditions on the parallel schemes is also discussed.

Decker, Naomi H.↗

Steering of Frequency Standards by the Use of Linear Quadratic Gaussian Control Theory

Linear quadratic Gaussian control is a technique that uses Kalman filtering to estimate a state vector used for input into a control calculation. A control correction is calculated by minimizing a quadratic cost function that is dependent on both the state vector and the control amount. Different penalties, chosen by the designer, are assessed by the controller as the state vector and control amount vary from given optimal values. With this feature controllers can be designed to force the phase and frequency differences between two standards to zero either more or less aggressively depending on the application. Data will be used to show how using different parameters in the cost function analysis affects the steering and the stability of the frequency standards.

Koppang, Paul↗

Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia Aided Electrochemical Investigation on Ferric Ions in Mixed Molten Calcium and Sodium Chlorides

Electrolytic reduction of dissolved iron oxide to metal iron in molten salts with an inert anode is an alternative short route for steelmaking without CO{sub 2} emissions. A novel and simple integrated yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) cell was constructed from a YSZ tube with a closed end. The YSZ tube played multiple functions, including the container for the molten salts, the solid electrolyte membrane in the O{sup 2−}|YSZ|Pt|O{sub 2} (air) reference electrode (RE), and the solid electrolyte membrane between the working and counter electrodes (WE and CE). Electrochemical behavior of ferric ions (Fe{sup 3+}) that were formed by dissolution of 0.5 wt pct Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} in the molten CaCl{sub 2}-NaCl eutectic mixture was investigated on a Pt WE at 1273 K by various electrochemical techniques including cyclic voltammetry, linear scan voltammetry, square wave voltammetry, chronopotentiometry, chronoamperometry, and potentiostatic electrolysis. Analysis of the mechanism of electrode reactions was further assisted by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Some electrochemical parameters were obtained, including the number of exchanged electrons and the diffusion coefficient of ferric ions in the mixed molten salts. The results from various electrochemical techniques are in good agreement with each other, and show that the electrochemical reduction of Fe{sup 3+} to Fe in the molten salt mixture could be a single three-electron transfer step and diffusion-controlled reaction that was also possibly reversible. This work may form the foundation for extraction of iron and alloys from molten salts and also provide a stable O{sup 2−}|YSZ|Pt|O{sub 2} (air) RE with wide applicability for investigation on electrochemical properties of other electroactive metal oxides in molten salts.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

First-principles prediction of incipient order in arbitrary high-entropy alloys: exemplified in Ti 0.25 CrFeNiAl

High-temperature disordered multi-component alloys, including high-entropy alloys, experience either segregation or partially-ordered phases to reach low-temperature phases. For Ti 0.25 CrFeNiAl x (0 ≤ x ≤ 1), experiments suggest a partially-ordered B2 phase, whereas CALculation of PHAse Diagrams (CALPHAD) predicts a region of L21+B2 coexistence. We employ first-principles KKR-CPA to assess stability of phases with arbitrary order and a KKR-CPA linear-response theory to predict atomic short-range order (SRO) in the disorder phase that reveals the competing long-range ordered (LRO) phases in a given Bravais lattice. The favorable SRO provides a specific concentration-waves (site occupation probabilities and partially-ordered unit cells) and estimated energy gains that can then be assess directly by KKR-CPA formation enthalpies. Our results are in good agreement with experiments and CALPHAD in Al-poor regions (x ≤ 0.75) and with CALPHAD in Al-rich region (1≥ x >0.75). Our first-principles KKR-CPA and SRO-based concentration-wave analysis is shown to be a powerful and fast method to assess competing LRO phases in complex solid-solution alloys, and our results suggests more careful experiments in Al-rich region are needed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Analysis of double stub tuner control stability in a phased array antenna with strong cross-coupling

Active stub tuning with a fast ferrite tuner (FFT) has greatly increased the ability of fusion ion cyclotron range of frequency (ICRF) systems (50–100 MHz) by allowing for the antenna system to respond dynamically to changes in the plasma load impedance such as during the L–H transition or edge localized modes (ELMs). A high power waveguide double-stub tuner is under development for use with the Alcator C-Mod lower hybrid current drive (LHCD) system at 4.6 GHz. The amplitude and relative phase shift between adjacent columns of an LHCD antenna are critical for control of the launched n || spectrum. Adding a double-stub tuning network will perturb the phase and amplitude of the forward wave particularly if the unmatched reflection coefficient is high. This effect can be compensated by adjusting the phase of the low power microwave drive for each klystron amplifier. Cross-coupling of the reflected power between columns of the launcher must also be considered. The problem is simulated by cascading a scattering matrix for the plasma provided by a linear coupling model with the measured launcher scattering matrix and that of the FFTs. The solution is advanced in an iterative manner similar to the time-dependent behavior of the real system. System performance is presented under a range of edge density conditions from under-dense to over-dense and a range of launched n || . Simulations suggest power reflection coefficients (Γ 2 ) of less than 1% with no contamination of the n || spectrum. Instability of the FFT tuning network can be difficult for certain plasma conditions and relative phasings, but reducing the control gain of the FFT network stabilizes the system.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Cobalt-Doped Tungsten Oxide Nanoparticles for Electrochemical Sensing and Detection of a Penicillin Antibiotic: Amoxicillin

A sensitive electrochemical sensor for the determination of antibacterial amoxicillin (AMXL) in pharmaceutical dosage and environmental samples was developed, since its residues were found in water, food, and biological samples to pose adverse health risks such as immune–allergic reactions and antimicrobial resistance. WO 3 -based sensors are reported to provide higher sensitivity, selectivity, and stability during the electrochemical reaction. Considering this, Co-doped WO 3 nanostructures were synthesized by the hydrothermal method yielding a mixture of nanoparticle and nanorod structures and applied to the assay of AMXL. Extensive characterizations were carried out by SEM, XRD, TEM, and XPS analysis that confirm the monoclinic crystal structure with a uniform Co distribution in the WO 3 lattice. The optimum doping amount of Co in the lattice is found to be 1.80 at %. The electrochemical performance of the Co-WO 3 /carbon paste electrode (CPE) was evaluated for the determination of AMXL under optimum conditions using cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and square wave voltammetry. The Co-WO 3 /CPE showed two linear detection ranges at 0.01–0.1 μM with the linear regression I pa = 3.73 [AMXL] + 0.77 with R 2 = 0.96 and at 0.1 to 30.0 μM with the linear regression I pa = 3.76 [AMXL] + 0.69 with R 2 = 0.95. The limit of detection was 9.1 nM (SNR = 3), and the limit of quantification was 30.6 nM (SNR = 10). The sensitivities for lower and higher concentration ranges were 63.22 and 63.73 μA μM –1 cm –2 , respectively. Furthermore, Co-WO 3 /CPE showed high selectivity and anti-interference capabilities. In conclusion, the sensing and disposable Co-WO 3 /CPE sensor showed a great potential for AMXL analysis in spiked soil, water, and Amoxil tablet samples with desirable percentage recovery.

Shanbhag, Mahesh M. [KLE Technological University,↗

Realizable optimal control for a remotely piloted research vehicle

The design of a control system using the linear-quadratic regulator (LQR) control law theory for time invariant systems in conjunction with an incremental gradient procedure is presented. The incremental gradient technique reduces the full-state feedback controller design, generated by the LQR algorithm, to a realizable design. With a realizable controller, the feedback gains are based only on the available system outputs instead of being based on the full-state outputs. The design is for a remotely piloted research vehicle (RPRV) stability augmentation system. The design includes methods for accounting for noisy measurements, discrete controls with zero-order-hold outputs, and computational delay errors. Results from simulation studies of the response of the RPRV to a step in the elevator and frequency analysis techniques are included to illustrate these abnormalities and their influence on the controller design.

Dunn, H. J.↗

Demonstration of a Balloon Borne Arc-Second Pointer Design

Many designs for utilizing stratospheric balloons as low-cost platforms on which to conduct space science experiments have been proposed throughout the years. A major hurdle in extending the range of experiments for which these vehicles are useful has been the imposition of the gondola dynamics on the accuracy with which an instrument can be kept pointed at a celestial target. A significant number of scientists have sought the ability to point their instruments with jitter in the arc-second range. This paper presents the design and analysis of a stratospheric balloon borne pointing system that is able to meet this requirement. The test results of a demonstration prototype of the design with similar ability are also presented. Discussion of a high fidelity controller simulation for design analysis is presented. The flexibility of the flight train is represented through generalized modal analysis. A multiple controller scheme is utilized for coarse and fine pointing. Coarse azimuth pointing is accomplished by an established pointing system, with extensive flight history, residing above the gondola structure. A pitch-yaw gimbal mount is used for fine pointing, providing orthogonal axes when nominally on target. Fine pointing actuation is from direct drive dc motors, eliminating backlash problems. An analysis of friction nonlinearities and a demonstration of the necessity in eliminating static friction are provided. A unique bearing hub design is introduced that eliminates static friction from the system dynamics. A control scheme involving linear accelerometers for enhanced disturbance rejection is also presented. Results from a linear analysis of the total system and the high fidelity simulation are given. Results from a generalized demonstration prototype are presented. Commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware was used to demonstrate the efficacy and performance of the pointer design for a mock instrument. Sub-arcsecond pointing ability from a ground hang test setup is shown from the testing results. This paper establishes that the proposed control strategy can be made robustly stable with significant design margins. Also demonstrated is the efficacy of the proposed system in rejecting disturbances larger than those considered realistic. The system is implemented and demonstrates sub arc second pointing ability using COTS hardware. Finally, we see that sub arc-second pointing stability can be achieved for a large instrument pointing at an inertial target.

DeWeese, Keith D.↗

Non-linear dynamic response of a wind turbine blade

The paper outlines the nonlinear dynamic analysis of an isolated three-degree flap-lag-feather wind turbine blade under a gravity field and with shear flow. Lagrangian equations are used to derive the nonlinear equations of motion of blade for arbitrarily large angular deflections. The limit cycle analysis for forced oscillations and the determination of the principal parametric resonance of the blade due to periodic forces from the gravity field and wind shear are performed using the harmonic balance method. Results are obtained first for a two-degree flap-lag blade, then the effect of the third degree of freedom (feather) is studied. The self-excited flutter solutions are obtained for a uniform wind and with gravity forces neglected. The effects of several parameters on the blade stability are examined, including coning angle, structural damping, Lock number, and feather frequency. The limit cycle flutter solution of a typical configuration shows a substantial nonlinear softening spring behavior.

Chopra, I.↗

Simulation of Non-Linear Transonic Aeroelastic Behavior on the B-2

At high subsonic flight speeds, large flexible aircraft begin to encounter unsteady airloads which are not predicted by most currently available aerodynamic analysis and design methods. With increasing speed and the development of transonic flow and shocks, viscous effects quickly become very important, and flow separation can occur. The Northrop Grumman USAF B-2 Bomber encountered a nonlinear aeroelastic Residual Pitch Oscillation (RPO) under these conditions. Simulation studies were performed with the Computational Aeroelasticity Program-Transonic Small Disturbance, Viscous (CAPTSDv) computer program to evaluate its ability to predict these nonlinear aeroelastic responses. Open and closed loop simulations were performed to assess the participation of the flight control system. Control, system actuator hysteresis characteristics were modeled and found to be a significant participant in the RPO phenomenon. Simulations were also performed for varying Mach numbers and altitudes to establish the stability boundaries and compare with flight test data. These CAPTSDv simulations compared well with flight data and revealed many potential further modeling enhancements.

Residual pitch oscillation↗

Dynamics of coupled thermoacoustic modes: Noise and frequency spacing effects

Practical combustion systems consist of multiple thermoacoustic modes that are linearly stable or unstable at a wide range of frequencies. When coupled, the modal interactions are a strong function of the frequency spacing between them – having very significant implications on interpretation of linear stability or instability of modes from experimental data. Frequency spacing between the modes particularly influences the stability and existence of potential limit cycle solutions. In this paper, we extend earlier deterministic studies to include the effects of noise, studying how deterministic dynamics change with the addition of noise and the simultaneous impact of frequency spacing (i.e., closely, or widely spaced). Specifically, this paper characterizes three key effects of noise, which are (1) distribution of limit cycle amplitudes (“diffusion”), (2) shift in the average limit cycle amplitudes (“noise induced drift”), and (3) introduction of new bifurcations that are not present in the deterministic system. Key conclusions from this work are that in highly noisy practical environments, a deterministic/ low noise analysis will not be sufficient to explain even critical qualitative features of the system – such as existence of stable limit cycles or their amplitudes. Furthermore, the nature of noise-induced effects on nonlinear modal interactions can be fundamentally different for degenerate, closely spaced, and widely spaced modes.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Generalized Kapchinskij-Vladimirskij Distribution and Beam Matrix for Phase-Space Manipulations of High-Intensity Beams

In an uncoupled linear lattice system, the Kapchinskij-Vladimirskij (KV) distribution formulated on the basis of the single-particle Courant-Snyder invariants has served as a fundamental theoretical basis for the analyses of the equilibrium, stability, and transport properties of high-intensity beams for the past several decades. Recent applications of high-intensity beams, however, require beam phase-space manipulations by intentionally introducing strong coupling. Here in this Letter, we report the full generalization of the KV model by including all of the linear (both external and space-charge) coupling forces, beam energy variations, and arbitrary emittance partition, which all form essential elements for phase-space manipulations. The new generalized KV model yields spatially uniform density profiles and corresponding linear self-field forces as desired. Finally, the corresponding matrix envelope equations and beam matrix for the generalized KV model provide important new theoretical tools for the detailed design and analysis of high-intensity beam manipulations, for which previous theoretical models are not easily applicable.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Supersonic Aftbody Closure Wind-Tunnel Testing, Data Analysis, and Computational Results

This paper reports on the model, test, and results from the Langley Supersonic Aftbody Closure wind tunnel test. This project is an experimental evaluation of the 1.5% Technology Concept Aircraft (TCA) aftbody closure model (Model 23) in the Langley Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel. The baseline TCA design is the result of a multidisciplinary, multipoint optimization process and was developed using linear design and analysis methods, supplemented with Euler and Navier-Stokes numerical methods. After a thorough design review, it was decided to use an upswept blade attached to the forebody as the mounting system. Structural concerns dictated that a wingtip support system would not be feasible. Only the aftbody part of the model is metric. The metric break was chosen to be at the fuselage station where prior aft-sting supported models had been truncated. Model 23 is thus a modified version of Model 20. The wing strongback, flap parts, and nacelles from Model 20 were used, whereas new aftbodies, a common forebody, and some new tails were fabricated. In summary, significant differences in longitudinal and direction stability and control characteristics between the ABF and ABB aftbody geometries were measured. Correcting the experimental data obtained for the TCA configuration with the flared aftbody to the representative of the baseline TCA closed aftbody will result in a significant reduction in longitudinal stability, a moderate reduction in stabilizer effectiveness and directional stability, and a moderate to significant reduction in rudder effectiveness. These reductions in the stability and control effectiveness levels of the baseline TCA closed aftbody are attributed to the reduction in carry-over area.

Allen, Jerry↗

Bryan Mound Abandoned Cavern 3 Stability Analysis - 2021 Review

The U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve is moving towards employing an expanded enhanced monitoring program. In doing so it has become apparent that there is a need for a better project wide understanding of the current state of Bryan Mound abandoned Cavern 3 stability. Cavern 3 has been inaccessible since 1988 when it was plugged and abandoned and thus this comprehensive report is structured by focusing on 1) a summarization of what can be discerned from historical records prior to 1988 and 2) a presentation and discussion of our current understanding of Cavern 3 based solely on surface monitoring and geomechanical analyses. Historical literature state the cavern was deemed unsuitable for oil storage, as it could not be definitively determined if fluid pressure could be maintained in the borehole. Current surface monitoring indicates the largest surface subsidence rates are occurring above Cavern 3. The subsidence rates are linear with no evidence of acceleration. Cavern collapse could occur if there is insufficient pressure holding up the roof. Next steps are to implement a microseismic system that will lend to a better understanding of cavern stability, as well as provide an improved early warning system for loss of integrity.

02 PETROLEUM↗

High-Temperature Sapphire Pressure Sensors for Harsh Environments

The project aimed to develop and characterize an optical pressure sensor capable of withstanding high temperatures, up to 1000 °C. Survivability in harsh environments was enabled using sapphire for both the substrate and the optical fibers, therefore mitigating thermal expansion mismatch. Such material cannot be machined through conventional microfabrication techniques, and unique additive and subtractive methods had to be studied and implemented. Subtractive methods included laser-machining the sapphire substrate using a picosecond laser machining tool. At first, the parameters of importance were theoretically and experimentally evaluated such that the fluence, the pulse spacing, and the number of passes were found to strongly influence the laser ablation process. A simulation tool was designed to predict the final pattern when inputting a set of parameters and a profile. This model was complemented with laser ablation material physics models and Bayesian uncertainty analysis for one dimensional and three dimensional ablation processes. An additive process called thermocompression bonding was studied in order to seal the diaphragm substrate to the back cavity. At first, bonding strength using this technique was examined using the chevron-notch method that allow to determine the fracture toughness of this bond. This parameter is independent of the geometry used and therefore can be extended to other geometries used in actual sensor bonding. A theoretical and experimental study of internal damage caused by the laser micromachining of the sapphire material was carried out. The research identified enhanced strength and fracture toughness along laser ablated surfaces. This was determined using bend bar specimens and Vicker’s microindentations. Softening of the plasticity behavior (as indicated by nanoindentation experiments) was also investigated using finite deformation plasticity modeling via a contact mechanics finite element simulation. Good correlations between experiments and the model were achieved to determine material parameters that can be used in future MEMS based sensor design and modeling to minimize sensor failure loads. The enhanced strength and fracture toughness was determined to be due to compressive residual stress near laser ablated surfaces. This was confirmed through x-ray spectra taken along different crystal structure planes in combination and Bayesian uncertainty analysis. The Bayesian analysis inferred the entire residual strain tensor (six components) and the residual stress tensor. The results illustrated compressive in-plane stress was the most likely cause of enhanced strength and toughness after laser machining. Due to major equipment failures, a parallel route for fabricating the sensor was taken, using commercially available sapphire removal method (subtractive) and ceramic adhesive bonding (additive). The fully-packaged sensor utilized laser micromachining for the sapphire substrate fabrication and was comprised only of high-temperature-compatible materials. Calibration tests of the sensor in both room-temperature and high-temperature plane-wave tubes showed good linearity and consistent frequency response, in the tested frequency range. The sensor also showed good thermal stability in tests up to 300 °C, proving the fiber-optic lever and its packaging process to be a promising approach for high-temperature measurements. The calibration from 23 °C to 300 °C gave a raw sensitivity of 3.9 × 10 -7 V/Pa and a normalized sensitivity of 9.8 × 10 -8 Pa -1 which were consistent within the temperature range. The sensor had a resonance at 16.3 kHz and a flat band (±3 dB) up to 10.3 kHz. The noise floor of the sensor at 1 kHz was 316 nV/Hz 1/2 , resulting in a MDP of 0.8 Pa. Previously, diaphragm delamination due to CTE mismatch was found at 500 °C, causing packaging failure. Unfortunately high temperature validation in hot jet environment could not be made in time. In the future, it is suggested that the two sapphire substrates be bonded by thermal compression bonding with an intermediate platinum layer instead of using an alumina-based adhesive, and therefore achieve higher temperature capacity up to 1000 °C.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗