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At least 1,369 records · Page 76

Modelling of a Flow-Induced Oscillation, Two-Cylinder, Hydrokinetic Energy Converter Based on Experimental Data

The VIVACE Converter consists of cylindrical oscillators in tandem subjected to transverse flow-induced oscillations (FIOs) that can be improved by varying the system parameters for a given in-flow velocity: damping, stiffness, and in-flow center-to-center spacing. Compared to a single isolated cylinder, tandem cylinders can harness more hydrokinetic energy due to synergy in FIO. Experimental and numerical methods have been utilized to analyze the FIO and energy harnessing of VIVACE. A surrogate-based model of two tandem cylinders is developed to predict the power harvesting and corresponding efficiency by introducing a backpropagation neural network. It is then utilized to reduce excessive experimental or computational testing. The effects of spacing, damping, and stiffness on harvested power and efficiency of the established prediction-model are analyzed. At each selected flow velocity, optimization results of power harvesting using the prediction-model are calculated under different combinations of damping and stiffness. The main conclusions are: (1) The surrogate model, built on extensive experimental data for tandem cylinders, can predict the cylinder oscillatory response accurately. (2) Increasing the damping ratio range from 0–0.24 to 0–0.30 is beneficial for improving power efficiency, but has no significant effect on power harvesting. (3) In galloping, a spacing ratio of 1.57 has the highest optimal harnessed power and efficiency compared with other spacing values. (4) Two tandem cylinders can harness 2.01–4.67 times the optimal power of an isolated cylinder. In addition, the former can achieve 1.46–4.01 times the efficiency of the latter. (5) The surrogate model is an efficient predictive tool defining parameters of the Converter for improved energy acquisition.

backpropagation neural network↗

The application of TSIM software to act design and analysis on flexible aircraft

The TSIM software is described. This is a package which uses an interactive FORTRAN-like simulation language for the simulation on nonlinear dynamic systems and offers facilities which include: mixed continuous and discrete time systems, time response calculations, numerical optimization, automatic trimming of nonlinear aircraft systems, and linearization of nonlinear equations for eigenvalues, frequency responses and power spectral response evaluation. Details are given of the application of TSIM to the analysis of aeroelastic systems under the RAE Farborough extension FLEX-SIM. The aerodynamic and structural data for the equations of motion of a flexible aircraft are prepared by a preprocessor program for incorporation in TSIM simulations. Within the simulation, the flexible aircraft model may then be selected interactively for different flight conditions and modal reduction techniques applied. The use of FLEX-SIM is demonstrated by an example of the flutter prediction for a simple aeroelastic model. By utilizing the numerical optimization facility of TSIM, it is possible to undertake identification of required parameters in the TSIM model within the simulation.

Kaynes, Ian W.↗

An efficient liner cooling scheme for advanced small gas turbine combustors

A joint Army/NASA program was conducted to design, fabricate, and test an advanced, small gas turbine, reverse-flow combustor utilizing a compliant metal/ceramic (CMC) wall cooling concept. The objectives of this effort were to develop a design method (basic design data base and analysis) for the CMC cooling technique and then demonstrate its application to an advanced cycle, small, reverse-flow combustor with 3000 F burner outlet temperature. The CMC concept offers significant improvements in wall cooling effectiveness resulting in a large reduction in cooling air requirements. Therefore, more air is available for control of burner outlet temperature pattern in addition to the benefits of improved efficiency, reduced emissions, and lower smoke levels. The program was divided into four tasks. Task 1 defined component materials and localized design of the composite wall structure in conjunction with development of basic design models for the analysis of flow and heat transfer through the wall. Task 2 included implementation of the selected materials and validated design models during combustor preliminary design. Detail design of the selected combustor concept and its refinement with 3D aerothermal analysis were completed in Task 3. Task 4 covered detail drawings, process development and fabrication, and a series of burner rig tests. The purpose of this paper is to provide details of the investigation into the fundamental flow and heat transfer characteristics of the CMC wall structure as well as implementation of the fundamental analysis method for full-scale combustor design.

Paskin, Marc D.↗

It's Only a Phase: Applying the 5 Phases of Clinical Trials to the NSCR Model Improvement Process

NASA limits astronaut radiation exposures to a 3% risk of exposure-induced death from cancer (REID) at the upper 95% confidence level. Since astronauts approach this limit, it is important that the estimate of REID be as accurate as possible. The NASA Space Cancer Risk 2012 (NSCR-2012) model has been the standard for NASA's space radiation protection guidelines since its publication in 2013. The model incorporates elements from U.S. baseline statistics, Japanese atomic bomb survivor research, animal models, cellular studies, and radiation transport to calculate astronaut baseline risk of cancer and REID. The NSCR model is under constant revision to ensure emerging research is incorporated into radiation protection standards. It is important to develop guidelines, however, to determine what new research is appropriate for integration. Certain standards of transparency are necessary in order to assess data quality, statistical quality, and analytical quality. To this effect, all original source code and any raw data used to develop the code are required to confirm there are no errors which significantly change reported outcomes. It is possible to apply a clinical trials approach to select and assess the improvement concepts that will be incorporated into future iterations of NSCR. This poster describes the five phases of clinical trials research, pre-clinical research, and clinical research phases I-IV, explaining how each step can be translated into an appropriate NSCR model selection guideline.

Elgart, S. R.↗

Lower-length-scale modeling of chemical additions, corrosion and fission products in select MSR base salts

Molten salts play a crucial role in advancing Generation IV nuclear energy technology, with chloride-based salts like NaCl-UCl 3 garnering significant attention due to their distinctive properties. However, the corrosive nature of molten salts causes the dissolution of chromium (Cr), leading to the formation of CrCl 2 and CrCl 3 species in molten chlorides. Moreover, the radioactive decay of nuclear fuel gives rise to fission products, including Cs, Sr, and I chlorides. The first part of this report presents a comprehensive study utilizing ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations to investigate the properties of eutectic NaCl-UCl 3 molten salt in the presence of corrosion products (CrCl 2 and CrCl 3 ) and fission product (CsCl). The study focuses on essential structural and thermophysical properties such as density, mixing energy, coordination numbers (CN), and Radial Distribution Functions (RDF) of the salts with varying compositions of corrosion products and fission product, covering a range from 0% to 13.5%. The results offer valuable insights into the behavior of corrosion and fission products in uranium-based molten salts, providing essential data that can be used as input to the MTDB-TC and MSTDB-TP property databases being developed by the NEAMS program. Due to their favorable characteristics such as low melting points, high boiling points, and low costs, MgCl 2 +NaCl+KCl (MNK) eutectic salts have recently attracted attention as high-temperature heat transfer fluids. The incorporation of LiCl into MNK salts can further reduce their melting points and increase their specific heat capacities, which is de- sirable for high-temperature heat transfer applications. The second part of this report presents the development and validation of a new shell-model potential for the MgCl 2 +NaCl+KCl+LiCl system, which captures the polarization of Cl anions. The extensive comparison with experimental data and AIMD simulations demonstrates the accuracy and reliability of the potential. Furthermore, using this potential, we elucidate the intricate network structure in MNK eutectic salts that is formed through polyhedron sharing. This research contributes to a fundamental understanding of the atomic structures and thermophysical properties of multi-component molten salts, which is crucial for future development of heat transfer fluids for applications in molten salt reactors.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

An economic model of the manufacturers' aircraft production and airline earnings potential, volume 3

A behavioral explanation of the process of technological change in the U. S. aircraft manufacturing and airline industries is presented. The model indicates the principal factors which influence the aircraft (airframe) manufacturers in researching, developing, constructing and promoting new aircraft technology; and the financial requirements which determine the delivery of new aircraft to the domestic trunk airlines. Following specification and calibration of the model, the types and numbers of new aircraft were estimated historically for each airline's fleet. Examples of possible applications of the model to forecasting an individual airline's future fleet also are provided. The functional form of the model is a composite which was derived from several preceding econometric models developed on the foundations of the economics of innovation, acquisition, and technological change and represents an important contribution to the improved understanding of the economic and financial requirements for aircraft selection and production. The model's primary application will be to forecast the future types and numbers of new aircraft required for each domestic airline's fleet.

Kneafsey, J. T.↗

Thermodynamically Stable, Plasmonic Transition Metal Oxide Nanoparticle Solar Selective Absorbers towards 95% Optical-to-Thermal Conversion Efficiency at 750 °C

Generation 3 (Gen) concentrating solar power (CSP) systems requires a high operation temperature ≥750°C to increase the power-cycle efficiency towards ≥50%. However, such a high operation temperature poses a notable challenge to high temperature materials. On the receiver side, a critical challenge is the lack of solar selective absorbers that demonstrate both high optical-to-thermal energy conversion efficiency η therm approaching 95% and long-term thermal stability at >750°C in air. Existing solar absorbers either have limited η therm ≤89% or deteriorate significantly within 500 h at 750°C; some of these also require costly vacuum deposition for stringent thickness control. Therefore, it is highly desirable to simultaneously achieve η therm ~95% AND high thermal stability at 750°C for future generations of CSP receivers. This project has investigated and developed low-cost, highly scalable spray-coated transition metal oxide nanoparticle (NP) pigmented solar selective coatings on various types of Inconel alloy tube sections that are thermodynamically stable at 750-800°C in air, maintaining η therm >94.3%(93.2%) under a solar concentration ratio of C=1000 after 60 simulated day-night cycles at 750ºC (800ºC) (1 cycle=12 h at 750 or 800°C and 12h ramping down to 25°C). We have also coated up to 48 inches long receiver tubes for preliminary solar testing under Norwich Technology’s parabolic trough systems, demonstrating notably improved performance in solar heating compared to benchmark Pyromark 2500 coatings. Two key innovations have been developed in this project: (1) We achieved an unprecedented high thermal efficiency >94% by optimizing the d-band optical absorption spectra of transition metal ions, engineering their valences and stoichiometry; (2) We were able to maintain or even slightly increase the efficiency when operating at 750°C in air by engineering the interdiffusion of transition metal ions between the coating and the Inconel substrate to our advantage. Featuring high-temperature solar spectral selectivity and thermodynamic stability in air, as well as low-cost, highly scalable solution-chemical synthesis and spray coating techniques, this innovation in solar selective absorber technology alone accounts for nearly 40% of the targeted reduction in the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) from the receiver, thermal energy storage, and operation & maintenance combined by 2030, as proposed by the U.S. Department of Energy. For a 110 MWe CSP power plant, this LCOE reduction from the solar selective coating alone transfers to ~$\$ $1.9 M increase in annual profit based on a sales price of 10¢/kWh (or an annual sale of $50 M/year). The high solar absorptance (~98%) NP pigment materials developed in this project are equally applicable to volumetric receivers either as a coating or as bigger ceramic microspheres after sintering, potentially benefiting Gen3 falling particle CSP technologies. All these contributions facilitate the larger scale deployment of CSP systems with energy storage capability to address the intermittency issue of solar energy towards dispatchable solar electricity, bridging the temporal gap between peak solar electricity production and peak electricity consumption. The collaboration with Norwich Technologies and Brayton Energy in this project will also facilitate the future commercialization of this new solar selective coating technology developed in this SIPS project.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Effects of the U.S. inflation reduction act on SMR economics

The U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 provides a wide array of tax credits and other incentives for low-carbon energy. The technology-neutral clean generation production tax credit (PTC) (Section 45Y of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code) and the technology-neutral investment tax credit (ITC) (Section 48E) lower the net cost of new electricity generation projects with zero or negative greenhouse gas emission rates. We evaluate the impact of the IRA legislation—specifically the PTC and ITC—on the cost-competitiveness of small modular reactors (SMRs). We use the Argonne Low-carbon Energy Analysis Framework (A-LEAF) model to calculate the capacity factor of an SMR with a range of hypothetical variable operating and maintenance (O&M) costs in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) electricity market. We selected ERCOT for market modeling because of its competitive structure, available data, and extensive use in prior literature. We use a discounted cash flow model to calculate the SMR’s net present value based on the market prices and capacity factors from A-LEAF, hypothetical ranges of capital and variable O&M costs, and other input parameters, with or without the IRA tax credits. We determine the SMR owner’s optimal choice of PTC or ITC for the hypothetical ranges of capital and variable O&M costs. We also evaluate potential shifts in the SMR owner’s optimal choice of PTC or ITC based on historical patterns of nuclear capital cost overruns in the United States. We also assess the sensitivity of our results to longer PTC period and electricity prices from the New England market, which tend to be higher than electricity prices in ERCOT. We find that even with the IRA tax credits, only SMRs with low capital and variable O&M costs would be economically feasible in the low-price ERCOT market scenario modeled. A longer PTC period and higher-price market such as New England, however, would significantly expand the economic feasibility of SMRs in the United States.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

Vortex interactions in multiple vortex wakes behind aircraft

A flow visualization technique has been developed which allows the nature of lift-generated wakes behind aircraft models to be investigated. Several different configurations of a 0.61-m span model of a Boeing 747-type transport aircraft were tested to allow observation of typical vortex interactions and merging in multiple vortex wakes. The vortices were identified by emitting tracer dyes from selected locations on the model. Wing span loading and model attitude were found to effect both vortex motions within the wake and resulting far-field wake velocity. Landing gear deployment caused a far-field reformation of vorticity behind a model configuration which dissipated concentrated vorticity in the near-field wake. A modified landing configuration was developed which appeared to significantly alleviate the concentrated wake vorticity.

Ciffone, D. L.↗

User needs, benefits and integration of robotic systems in a space station laboratory

The methodology, results and conclusions of the User Needs, Benefits, and Integration Study (UNBIS) of Robotic Systems in the Space Station Microgravity and Materials Processing Facility are summarized. Study goals include the determination of user requirements for robotics within the Space Station, United States Laboratory. Three experiments were selected to determine user needs and to allow detailed investigation of microgravity requirements. A NASTRAN analysis of Space Station response to robotic disturbances, and acceleration measurement of a standard industrial robot (Intelledex Model 660) resulted in selection of two ranges of low gravity manipulation: Level 1 (10-3 to 10-5 G at greater than 1 Hz.) and Level 2 (less than = 10-6 G at 0.1 Hz). This included an evaluation of microstepping methods for controlling stepper motors and concluded that an industrial robot actuator can perform milli-G motion without modification. Relative merits of end-effectors and manipulators were studied in order to determine their ability to perform a range of tasks related to the three low gravity experiments. An Effectivity Rating was established for evaluating these robotic system capabilities. Preliminary interface requirements were determined such that definition of requirements for an orbital flight demonstration experiment may be established.

Farnell, K. E.↗

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Soil Profile Rehabilitation for Pluvial Flood Mitigation Through Two-Dimensional Hydrodynamic Modeling

Pluvial flooding, driven by increasingly impervious surfaces and intense storm events, presents a growing challenge for urban areas worldwide. In Baltimore City, MD, USA, climate change, rapid urbanization, and aging stormwater infrastructure are exacerbating flooding impacts, resulting in significant socio-economic consequences. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a soil profile rehabilitation scenario using a 2D hydrodynamic modeling approach for the Tiffany Run watershed, Baltimore City. This study utilized different extreme storm events, a high-resolution (1 m) LiDAR Digital Terrain Model (DTM), building footprints, and hydrological soil data. These datasets were integrated into a fully coupled 2D hydrodynamic model, the City Catchment Analysis Tool (CityCAT), to simulate urban flood dynamics. The pre-soil rehabilitation simulation revealed a maximum water depth of 3.00 m in most areas, with hydrologic soil groups C and D, especially downstream of the study area. The post-soil rehabilitation simulation was targeted at vacant lots and public parcels, accounting for 33.20% of the total area of the watershed. This resulted in a reduced water depth of 2.50 m. Additionally, the baseline runoff coefficient of 0.49 decreased to 0.47 following the rehabilitation, and the model consistently recorded a peak runoff reduction rate of 4.10 across varying rainfall intensities. The validation using a contingency matrix demonstrated true-positive rates of 0.75, 0.50, 0.64, and 0 for the selected events, confirming the model’s capability at capturing real-world flood occurrences.

Baltimore City↗

Development of the 15 meter diameter hoop column antenna

The building of a deployable 15-meter engineering model of the 100 meter antenna based on the point-design of an earlier task of this contract, complete with an RF-capable surface is described. The 15 meter diameter was selected so that the model could be tested in existing manufacturing, near-field RF, thermal vacuum, and structural dynamics facilities. The antenna was designed with four offset paraboloidal reflector surfaces with a focal length of 366.85 in and a primary surface accuracy goal of .069 in rms. Surface adjustment capability was provided by manually resetting the length of 96 surface control cords which emanated from the lower column extremity. A detailed description of the 15-meter Hoop/Column Antenna, major subassemblies, and a history of its fabrication, assembly, deployment testing, and verification measurements are given. The deviation for one aperture surface (except the outboard extremity) was measured after adjustments in follow-on tests at the Martin Marietta Near-field Facility to be .061 in; thus the primary surface goal was achieved.

Source record↗

Transient Analysis of Thermal Protection System for X-33 Aircraft using MSC/NASTRAN

X-33 is an advanced technology demonstrator vehicle for the Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) program. The thermal protection system (TPS) for the X-33 is composed of complex layers of materials to protect internal components, while withstanding severe external temperatures induced by aerodynamic heating during high speed flight. It also serves as the vehicle aeroshell in some regions using a stand-off design. MSC/NASTRAN thermal analysis capability was used to predict transient temperature distribution (within the TPS) throughout a mission, from launch through the cool-off period after landing. In this paper, a typical analysis model, representing a point on the vehicle where the liquid oxygen tank is closest to the outer mold line, is described. The maximum temperature difference between the outer mold line and the internal surface of the liquid oxygen tank can exceed 1500 F. One dimensional thermal models are used to select the materials and determine the thickness of each layer for minimum weight while insuring that all materials remain within the allowable temperature range. The purpose of working with three dimensional (3D) comprehensive models using MSC/NASTRAN is to assess the 3D radiation effects and the thermal conduction heat shorts of the support fixtures.

Miura, Hirokazu↗

Will Organic Synthesis Within Icy Grains or on Dust Surfaces in the Primitive Solar Nebula Completely Erase the Effects of Photochemical Self Shielding?

There are at least 3 separate photochemical self-shielding models with different degrees of commonality. All of these models rely on the selective absorption of (12))C(16)O dissociative photons as the radiation source penetrates through the gas allowing the production of reactive O-17 and O-18 atoms within a specific volume. Each model also assumes that the undissociated C(16)O is stable and does not participate in the chemistry of nebular dust grains. In what follows we will argue that this last, very important assumption is simply not true despite the very high energy of the CO molecular bond.

Nuth, Joseph A., III↗

An Update to a Conformal Ablative Thermal Protection System for Planetary and Human Exploration Missions

As described at IPPW-10, in FY12, the CA-TPS element focused on establishing materials requirements based on MSL-type and COTS Low Earth orbit (LEO) conditions (q 250 Wcm2) to develop and deliver a conformal ablative TPS. This involved down selecting, manufacturing and testing two of the best candidate materials, demonstrating uniform infiltration of resins into baseline 2-cm thick carbon felt, selecting a primary conformal material formulation based on novel arc jet and basic material properties testing, developing and demonstrating instrumentation for felt-based materials and, based on the data, developing a low fidelity material response model so that the conformal ablator TPS thickness for missions could be established. In addition, the project began to develop Industry Partnerships. Since the nominal thickness of baseline carbon felts was only 2-cm, a partnership with a rayon felt developer was made in order to upgrade equipment, establish the processes required and attempt to manufacture 10-cm thick white goods. A partnership with a processing house was made to develop the methodology to carbonize large pieces of the white goods into 7.5-cm thick carbon felt. In FY13, more advanced testing and modeling of the down selected conformal material was performed. Material thermal properties tests and structural properties tests were performed. The first 3 and 4-point bend tests were performed on the conformal ablator as well as PICA for comparison and the conformal ablator had outstanding behavior compared to PICA. Arc jet testing was performed with instrumented samples of both the conformal ablator and standard PICA at heating rates ranging from 40 to 400 Wcm2 and shear as high as 600 Pa. The results from these tests showed a remarkable improvement in the thermal penetration through the conformal ablator when compared to PICAs response. The data from these tests were used to develop a mid-fidelity thermal response model. Additional arc jet testing in the same conditions on various seam designs were very successful in showing that the material could be joined with a minimum of adhesive and required no complicated gap and gap filler design for installation. In addition, the partnership with industry to manufacture thicker rayon felt was very successful. The vendor made a 2-m wide by 30-m long sample of 10-cm thick rayon felt. When carbonized, the resulting thickness was over 7.5-cm thick, nearly 4 times the thickest off-the-shelf carbon felt. In FY14, the project has initiated a partnership with another vendor to begin the scale-up manufacturing effort. This year, the vendor will duplicate the process and manufacture at the current scale for comparison with NASA-processed materials. Properties testing and arc jet testing will be performed on the vendor-processed materials. Planning for manufacturing large, 1-m x 1-m, panels will begin as well. In FY15, the vendor will then manufacture large panels and the project will build a 2-m x 2-m Manufacturing Demonstration Unit (MDU).

Ablative materials↗

Empirical relationships between environmental factors and soil organic carbon produce comparable prediction accuracy as the Machine Learning

Accurate representation of environmental controllers of soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks in Earth System Model (ESM) land models could reduce uncertainties in future carbon-climate feedback projections. Using empirical relationships between environmental factors and SOC stocks to evaluate land models can help modelers understand prediction biases beyond what can be achieved with the observed SOC stocks alone. In this study, we used 31 observed environmental factors, field SOC observations (n = 6,213) from the continental US, and two Machine Learning approaches [Random Forest (RF) and Generalized Additive Modeling (GAM)] to (1) select important environmental predictors of SOC stocks, (2) derive empirical relationships between environmental factors and SOC stocks, and (3) use the derived relationships to predict SOC stocks and compare the prediction accuracy of simpler model developed with the machine learning predictions. Out of the 31 environmental factors we investigated, 12 were identified as important predictors of SOC stocks by the RF approach. In contrast, the GAM approach identified six (of those 12) environmental factors as important controllers of SOC stocks: potential evapotranspiration, normalized difference vegetation index, soil drainage condition, precipitation, elevation, and net primary productivity. The GAM approach showed minimal SOC predictive importance of the remaining six environmental factors identified by the RF approach. Our derived empirical relations produced comparable prediction accuracy as the GAM and RF approach using only a subset of environmental factors. The empirical relationships we derived using the GAM approach can serve as important benchmarks to evaluate environmental control representations of SOC stocks in ESMs, which could reduce uncertainty in predicting future carbon-climate feedbacks.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Landing performance of an air cushion landing system installed on a 1/10-scale dynamic model on the C-8 Buffalo airplane

An experimental study was conducted to evaluate the landing behavior of a 1/10-scale dynamic model of the C-8 Buffalo airplane equipped with an air-cushion landing system (ACLS) on a variety of surfaces including both calm and rough water and a smooth hard surface. Taxi runs were made on the hard surface over several obstacles. Landings were made with the model at various pitch and roll attitudes and vertical velocities and at one nominal horizontal velocity. Data from the landings include time histories of the trunk and air-cushion pressures and accelerations at selected locations on the model.

Thompson, W. C.↗

Fractionation of noble gases by thermal escape from accreting planetesimals

Assuming solar initial elemental and isotopic ratios and a determination of the degree of fractionation occurring by competition between gravitational binding and escape, a model is developed for selective noble gas loss through escape during the growth of planetesimals to form the terrestrial planets. Of the two classes of planetesimals that can form on a time scale that is consistent with modern accretion models, one is depleted in neon while the other is neon-rich. The mechanism is noted to be capable of accounting for all known properties of the noble gas volatiles on the terrestrial planets, with only one exception, namely the Ar-36/Ar-38 ratios for Mars and the earth, which are much lower than observed.

Donahue, T. M.↗