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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 1,369 records · Page 76
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1986

Colloidal characterization of silicon nitride and silicon carbide

The colloidal behavior of aqueous ceramic slips strongly affects the forming and sintering behavior and the ultimate mechanical strength of the final ceramic product. The colloidal behavior of these materials, which is dominated by electrical interactions between the particles, is complex due to the strong interaction of the solids with the processing fluids. A surface titration methodology, modified to account for this interaction, was developed and used to provide fundamental insights into the interfacial chemistry of these systems. Various powder pretreatment strategies were explored to differentiate between true surface chemistry and artifacts due to exposure history. The colloidal behavior of both silicon nitride and carbide is dominated by silanol groups on the powder surfaces. However, the colloid chemistry of silicon nitride is apparently influenced by an additional amine group. With the proper powder treatments, silicon nitride and carbide powder can be made to appear colloidally equivalent. The impact of these results on processing control will be discussed.

Feke, Donald L.↗
DOE OSTI2019

A probabilistic assessment of geomechanical reservoir integrity during CO 2 sequestration in flood basalt formations

Recent field experiments in Iceland and Washington State (USA) show that basalt formations may be favorable targets for carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) because CO 2 mineralization reactions proceed rapidly. These results imply that there is tremendous opportunity for implementing CCS in large igneous provinces. However, the magnitude of this opportunity comprises commensurate levels of uncertainty because basalt reservoirs are characterized by highly heterogeneous, fracture-controlled hydraulic properties. This geologic uncertainty is propagated as parametric uncertainty in quantitative risk models, thus limiting the efficacy of models to predict CCS performance attributes, such as reservoir integrity and storage potential. To overcome these limitations, here we present a stochastic approach for quantifying the geomechanical performance attributes of CCS operations in a highly heterogeneous basalt reservoir. We utilize geostatistical reservoir characterization to develop an ensemble of equally probable permeability distributions in a flood basalt reservoir with characteristics of the Wallula Basalt Pilot Project. We then simulate industrial-scale CO 2 injections within the ensemble and calculate the mean and variance of fluid pressure over a 1-year injection period. These calculations are combined with the state of stress in southeast Washington State to constrain the spatial extent at which shear failure, fracture initiation, and borehole breakdown may occur. Results from this study show that (i) permeability uncertainty alone causes injection pressure to vary over 25 MPa, (ii) shear failure is likely to occur at 7 times greater distances from the injection than the CO 2 migrates, and (iii) joint initiation pressures are localized within the volume comprising the CO 2 plume.

03 NATURAL GAS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Measurements of Density and Sound Speed in Mixtures Relevant to Supercritical CO2 Cycles

Abstract The objective of this research is to validate properties of mixtures relevant to supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2) power cycles. Direct-fired sCO2 cycles are a promising technology for the future power generation systems. The working fluid of sCO2 cycles will be near and above critical point of CO2. One of the challenges is that the simulation of mixtures should consider real gas behavior. Expected operating conditions of Allam cycles reach up to 300 bar and 1000 °C. Characterizing the mixtures at the extreme conditions is an important issue in current researches and industrial applications. Thermophysical properties of mixtures may be beyond the valid range of the widely used database such as NIST REFPROP. Experimental data of mixture properties in the literature are limited which is necessary to develop high-fidelity design tools for sCO2 power cycles. We measured the density and sound speed of several multi-component mixtures. A temperature-controlled high-pressure test cell was used for the density measurements. Sound speed was measured by resonant frequency detection using an external speaker and a piezoelectric pressure sensor. Mixtures studied in this work include carbon dioxide, methane, oxygen, and water vapor. Properties of pure CO2 were measured to show the validity of our technique. Compositions were selected to be close to frozen mixtures at the inlet, mid-progress, and exhaust conditions of a model sCO2 combustor in the previous numerical simulation work. Corresponding reaction progress variables (RPV) were RPV = 0, 0.5, and 1. Temperature and pressure conditions of experiments are 310–450 K and 0–150 bar. In our study, density and sound speed from the NIST REFPROP database agree with experimental measurements within the range of our measurement uncertainties.

Energy & Fuels↗
DOE OSTI2019

EGS Collab Experiment 2: Wireline Geophysical Well Logs

This is the full wireline geophysical datasets for characterization of the EGS Collab Experiment #2 testbed. A metadata fill is included within the dataset explaining the logs, fracture picks, etc. Eleven boreholes were drilled for this testbed and each one was logged with north seeking gyro, optical televiewer, acoustic televiewer, fluid temperature conductivity, resistivity and gamma, and full waveform sonic. In these folders are the processed results as text, csv and pdf files along with the raw data which will need to be read by WellCAD.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2017

High temperature high velocity direct power extraction using an open-cycle oxy-combustion system

The implementation of oxy-fuel technology in fossil-fuel power plants may contribute to increased system efficiencies and a reduction of pollutant emissions. One technology that has potential to utilize the temperature of undiluted oxy-combustion flames is open-cycle magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) power generators. These systems can be configured as a topping cycle and provide high enthalpy, electrically conductive flows for direct conversion of electricity. This report presents the design and modeling strategies of a MHD combustor operating at temperatures exceeding 3000 K. Throughout the study, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models were extensively used as a design and optimization tool. A lab-scale 60 kWth model was designed, manufactured and tested as part of this project. A fully-coupled numerical method was developed in ANSYS FLUENT to characterize the heat transfer in the system. This study revealed that nozzle heat transfer may be predicted through a 40% reduction of the semi-empirical Bartz correlation. Experimental results showed good agreement with the numerical evaluation, with the combustor exhibiting a favorable performance when tested during extended time periods. A transient numerical method was employed to analyze fuel injector geometries for the 60-kW combustor. The ANSYS FLUENT study revealed that counter-swirl inlets achieve a uniform pressure and velocity ratio when the ports of the injector length to diameter ratio (L/D) is 4. An angle of 115 degrees was found to increase distribution efficiency. The findings show that this oxy-combustion concept is capable of providing a high-enthalpy environment for seeding, in order to render the flow to be conductive. Based on previous findings, temperatures in the range of 2800-3000 K may enable magnetohydrodynamic power extraction. The heat loss fraction in this oxy-combustion system, based on CFD and analytical calculations, at optimal operating conditions, was estimated to be less than 10 percent. Furthermore, the heat transfer design removed approximately 7 MW/m2. The results observed in the lab-scale system were employed to develop a 1-MW scaled prototype. Scaling methods were based on critical design criteria found in similar systems, aimed at replicating combustion flow fields and reducing possible instabilities. A numerical simulation of the combustor wall was developed for a combined thermal steady model and static structural model. This combined model was developed predict combined stress parameters within the wall during testing conditions. Both models were developed within ANSYS FEA software package. The relative accuracy presented as well major performance parameters are discussed to assess the design's validity and ensure safety. The scaled prototype was manufactured through selective laser melting (SLM)-based additive manufacturing to reduce lead times and increase geometrical complexity. Additional CFD models were developed to optimize coolant manifold system parameters and perform a parametric study on channel geometry. An investigation on coolant manifold geometry demonstrated improvements in channel flow distribution when enlarging manifold lengths and increasing the number of tubes feeding into the flow. A three-dimensional model based on a single channel was developed to capture the effect of variable properties and thermal stratification. All cases in the simulation exhibited higher wall temperatures and lower convective coefficients than those determined through 1-D analytical equations. This implies that pressure and velocity safety factors must be implemented during system operation. Overall, the findings made in this investigation are thought to be of value to researchers and industrial practitioners when designing oxy-fuel direct power extraction systems operating at temperatures exceeding 3000 K. In addition to this, the implementation of the developed technology at pilot and commercial scales could result in a significant improvement in the efficiencies of heritage and next-generation power cycles.

03 NATURAL GAS↗
DOE OSTI2019

Preliminary Design Study for an Eddy Current Flow Meter for Versatile Test Reactor

The eddy current flow meter (ECFM) serves the purpose of monitoring velocities and temperatures of conductive liquid coolant surrounding nuclear reactor cells. The ECFM can also detect voids in two-phase liquid metal flows. Measurement of this flow in reactor cells can greatly improve the accuracy of the empirical formulas used for fluid dynamics near the reactor core, as well as, aid in mapping any non-uniformities in fluid flow, its temperature estimation and phase. With modeling and experimental verification, an extensible ECFM for multiple facilities and environments can lead to an understanding of the liquid coolant flow; while saving cost of calibration and development. This can be done by characterizing the ECFM performance based on its parameters and then optimizing a sensor for a given use case. Simulation results using an ECFM and an aluminum rod medium are presented and discussed herein. Additionally, liquid metal simulations for Mercury and Galinstan will compare the ECFM behavior for different liquid velocities and excitation frequencies. After sensor calibration curves are generated and experimentally verified, ECFMs can be developed and deployed using the model introduced.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
NASA NTRS1991

Infrared imaging - A validation technique for computational fluid dynamics codes used in STOVL applications

The need for a validation technique for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) codes in STOVL applications has led to research efforts to apply infrared thermal imaging techniques to visualize gaseous flow fields. Specifically, a heated, free-jet test facility was constructed. The gaseous flow field of the jet exhaust was characterized using an infrared imaging technique in the 2 to 5.6 micron wavelength band as well as conventional pitot tube and thermocouple methods. These infrared images are compared to computer-generated images using the equations of radiative exchange based on the temperature distribution in the jet exhaust measured with the thermocouple traverses. Temperature and velocity measurement techniques, infrared imaging, and the computer model of the infrared imaging technique are presented and discussed. From the study, it is concluded that infrared imaging techniques coupled with the radiative exchange equations applied to CFD models are a valid method to qualitatively verify CFD codes used in STOVL applications.

Hardman, R. R.↗
NASA NTRS2024

SUPIN: A Tool for the Aerodynamic Design and Analysis of Supersonic Inlets

The Supersonic Inlet Design and Analysis Tool (SUPIN) is a computational program that performs geometric modeling and aerodynamic design and analysis of a set of supersonic inlets whose types include the axisymmetric pitot, three-dimensional pitot, axisymmetric, two-dimensional, two-dimensional bifurcated-duct, and streamline-traced inlets. The inlets are modeled by dividing the inlet flowpath into components that start at the freestream and ends at the engine face. The primary components of the inlet include the external supersonic diffuser, throat section, and subsonic diffuser. Each component is characterized by a set of inputs that include geometric and aerodynamic factors. Examples of the geometric factors are angles, lengths, area ratios, and coordinates that describe the geometry of the components. Examples of the aerodynamic factors are Mach numbers, flow ratios, and pressure ratios that set constraints or desired aerodynamic properties of the component. These input factors are specified within a text-based input data file that is read into SUPIN. SUPIN is a Fortran 95 program that performs the inlet design and analysis as a batch or non-interactive process. SUPIN writes output data files describing the inlet geometry and aerodynamic performance. SUPIN uses analytic, empirical, and numerical methods to perform the inlet design and analysis. The inlet geometry is constructed using planar and three-dimensional geometry constructs and is represented by coordinates, angles, areas, profiles, and surfaces. Surfaces are output in the form of a Plot3D surface grid file. SUPIN does have some capability to automatically generate planar and three-dimensional, multi-block, structured grids for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis. The aerodynamic analysis performed by SUPIN computes quasi-one-dimensional properties, such as Mach numbers, pressures, and temperatures, through the inlet flowpath. Planar aerodynamic properties, such as those for shock and Mach waves, are computed for the supersonic compression of the external supersonic diffuser and throat section. The inlet performance is characterized by the inlet flow rates, total pressure recovery, and inlet drag. The primary intent of this document is to describe the usage of SUPIN. The methods used within SUPIN are documented and may serve as a useful reference for understanding the aerodynamic design and analysis of supersonic inlets.

supersonic inlets↗
DOE OSTI2016

Characterization of Solids Deposited on the Modular Caustic-Side Solvent Extraction Unit (MCU) Strip Effluent (SE) Coalescer Media Removed in April 2015

On June 2015, Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) received a Strip Effluent (SE) coalescer (FLT-304) from MCU. That coalescer was first installed at MCU in late October 2014 and removed in April 2015. While processing approximately 48,700 gallons of strip solution, the pressure drop steadily increased linearly from 1 psi to near 16 psi (the administrative limit is 17 psi) with the total filtrate volume (2.1E-4 psi/gal of filtrate). The linear behavior is due to the combined effect of a constant deposition of material that starts from the closed-end to the mid-section of the coalescer reducing the available surface area of the coalescer for fluid passage (linearly with filtrate volume) and the formation of a secondary emulsion (water in NG-CSSX) on the fibers of the coalescer media. Both effects reduced the coalescer porosity by at least 13% (after processing 48,700 gallons). Before the coalescer was removed, it was flushed with a 10 mM boric acid solution to reduce the dose level. To determine the nature of the deposited material, a physical and chemical analysis of the coalescer was conducted. Characterization of this coalescer revealed the adsorption of organic containing amines (secondary amides and primary amines), TiDG, degraded modifier (with no hydroxyl group), MaxCalix, and oxidized hydrocarbon (possibly from Isopar™L or from lubricant used at MCU) onto the coalescer media. The amide and amines are possibly from the decomposition of the suppressor (TiDG). The modifier and MaxCalix were the largest components of the deposited organic material, as determined from leaching the coalescer with dichloromethane. Both the Fourier-Transformed Infrared (FTIR) and Fourier-Transformed Hydrogen Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (FT-HNMR) results indicated that some of the modifier was degraded (missing their OH groups). The modifier was observed everywhere in the examined coalescer pieces (FTIR), while the TiDG and its decomposition products were observed at the entrance discs of the coalescer. A solvent trim (a cocktail of solvent components with a high concentration of modifier) was added to the solvent on 2/22/2015. It is believed that the trim did not mix completely with the solvent and that it was subsequently spread around the MCU components including the coalescers, where it may have deposited. Chronologically, the modifier, the TiDG’s decomposition products and silicates deposited on the entrance discs first and after the pressure drop increased significantly, parts of the coalescer media detached itself from the central porous steel mandrel and a significant amount of steel debris, mercury, titanium, and additional aluminum and silicates deposited on the coalescer.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
NASA NTRS2022

Constraining Venus and Mars Internal Structures from the Gravity Response to Atmospheric Loading

The gravity fields of celestial bodies that possess an atmosphere are periodically perturbed by the redistribution of fluid mass associated with the atmospheric dynamics. A component of this perturbation is due to the gravitational response of the body to the deformation of its surface induced by the atmospheric pressure loading. The magnitude of this effect depends on the relation between the loading and the response in terms of geopotential variations measured by the load Love numbers. In this work, we simulate and analyze the gravity field generated by the atmospheres of Venus and Mars by accounting for different models of their internal structure. By precisely characterizing the phenomena that drive the mass transportation in the atmosphere through general circulation models, we determine the effect of the interior structure on the response to the atmospheric loading. An accurate estimation of the time-varying gravity field, which measures the atmospheric contribution, may provide significant constraints on the interior structure through the measurement of the load Love numbers. A combined determination of tidal and load Love numbers would enhance our knowledge of the interior of planetary bodies, providing further geophysical constraints in the inversion of internal structure models.The gravity fields of celestial bodies that possess an atmosphere are periodically perturbed by the redistribution of fluid mass associated with the atmospheric dynamics. A component of this perturbation is due to the gravitational response of the body to the deformation of its surface induced by the atmospheric pressure loading. The magnitude of this effect depends on the relation between the loading and the response in terms of geopotential variations measured by the load Love numbers. In this work, we simulate and analyze the gravity field generated by the atmospheres of Venus and Mars by accounting for different models of their internal structure. By precisely characterizing the phenomena that drive the mass transportation in the atmosphere through general circulation models, we determine the effect of the interior structure on the response to the atmospheric loading. An accurate estimation of the time-varying gravity field, which measures the atmospheric contribution, may provide significant constraints on the interior structure through the measurement of the load Love numbers. A combined determination of tidal and load Love numbers would enhance our knowledge of the interior of planetary bodies, providing further geophysical constraints in the inversion of internal structure models.

Mars↗
DOE OSTI2019

First observation and characterization of vortex flow in steel micronozzles for high-pressure diesel injection

Vortex flows can be observed in many industrial systems. One of the most intricate vortex flows is the one formed in high-pressure fuel injector nozzles, which dynamics and influence on initial jet formation have been veiled due to great difficulties in observation of micro-scale fluids enclosed with steel nozzles. In this study, an X-ray tracer imaging method was used to visualize the transient fluid motion in steel micronozzles for the high-pressure diesel injection. The 1 μm-size tungsten particles were added to the diesel so that well-contrasted X-ray images of in-nozzle flows can be recorded with high-energy polychromatic X-ray beams. The X-ray images revealed, for the first time, the transient behavior of vortex flow, vortex-type cavitation and flow separation inside the steel nozzle. The needle-lift dependence of in-nozzle vortex flow dynamics was then modeled and correlated to those observed in large-scale optical nozzles in previous studies. Here, the results showed that the in-nozzle vortex and emerging jet flow characteristics of the practical nozzle were similar with those of large-scale nozzles, which suggested that the results of previous fundamental studies can be closely linked to practical cases.

42 ENGINEERING↗
NASA NTRS1999

The Role of Calcium in the Response of Osteoblasts to Mechanical Stimulation

A major biomedical concern in the exploration and development of space is the rapid loss of bone associated with extended periods of spaceflight. Mineral content, bone formation, matrix protein production and total body calcium are all reduced during long-term periods of weightlessness. These effects of weightlessness appears to be due to decreases in the anabolic function of osteoblasts and osteocytes rather than changes in the resorptive activity of osteoclasts. Conversely, subjecting the skeleton to exogenous mechanical loading increases matrix protein synthesis and bone formation rate, a process which also appears mediated through osteogenic cells. Osteoblasts have been shown to respond to a number of types of mechanical stimulation. However recently we have demonstrated that osteoblasts respond to fluid shear, but not physiologic levels of mechanical strain, with increases in expression of the matrix protein, osteopontin. We have also shown similar responses in other markers for the anabolic response in bone. The expression of the early response gene, c-fos, and the inducible-isoform of the prostaglandin synthetic enzyme, cyclooygenase-2 (COX-2), both increase rapidly in response to fluid shear, but not strain. How osteoblasts and osteocytes perceive mechanical stimuli and convert this stimulus into a biochemical event within the cell is still unknown. However, examination of the cellular events following mechanical stimulation indicate that two of the earliest responses are a rapid increase in intracellular calcium ([Ca(2+)](sub i)) and a reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton. The increase in [Ca(2+)](sub i) is dependent on the presence of extracellular Ca(2+), suggesting the activation of membrane Ca(2+) channel. We have previously characterized a mechanosensitive, cation-selective channel (MSCC) in osteoblast-like clonal cells, which we postulate is important in this early response to mechanical loading. Using an antisense oligodeoxynucleotide strategy, we have tentatively identified this channel as an isoform of the alc subunit of the dihydropyridine-sensitive, voltage sensitive Ca(2+) channel (VSCC). However, a major component in this mechanically induced rise in [Ca(2+)](sub i) is the release of Ca(2+) from intracellular stores. The actin cytoskeleton also rapidly responds to fluid shear with an increase in stress fiber formation and a realignment of the cell parallel to the direction of flow. To ascertain whether these two observations are related and how they effect shear-induced gene expression, we examined the role of Ca(2+) channels and intracellular Ca(2+) release on cytoskeletal reorganization and the resultant increases in the expression and production of c-fos and COX-2 in response to fluid shear.

Duncan, R. L.↗
DOE OSTI2017

CO 2 injection-induced fracturing in naturally fractured shale rocks

In this study, Niobrara shale cubes of 20 cm from Colorado were employed to investigate gas and supercritical CO 2 injection-induced fracturing in naturally fractured caprocks of deep aquifers/depleted reservoirs and fractured shale reservoirs. Under tri-axial stresses, gas or supercritical CO 2 was injected into the center of the cubes to induce fracturing. Real-time pressure and temperature, acoustic wave, pressure decay, fracture coloring, and gas fracturing were used to characterize the fracturing process and fracture morphology. Without pore pressure, CO 2 injection-induced fracturing occurred and completed instantly, accompanied by an evident temperature drop. Strongly bonded fractures barely affected transverse fracture propagation, whereas weakly bonded or open fractures arrested the injected fluid first and then allowed it to generate new fractures perpendicular to the minimum horizontal stress. Breakdown pressures for cubes with preexisting fractures using gas and supercritical CO 2 are much lower than both poroelastic predictions and slick-water fracturing pressure, and some are even lower than the minimum horizontal stress. This is attributed to unconformable preexisting fractures and the low viscosity of CO 2 . Moreover, decreasing tri-axial stress levels and increasing stress differences tend to lower the breakdown pressure. In conclusion, this study is instructive for understanding and tackling geomechanical issues related to CO 2 geological storage and fracturing of shale reservoirs.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Stochastic reconstruction of fracture network pattern using spatial point processes

Fracture spatial patterns can strongly affect fluid flow in the subsurface. Proximity and distribution of fractures control reservoir flow behavior over various length scales. In many studies, however, simplified geometrical patterns are generated for fractures which may lead to unrealistic subsurface models. Here we introduce a new method for characterization and modeling of fracture spatial patterns based on outcrop observations. We use Ripley's K-function to characterize the arrangement of fracture barycenters and intersection points over various length scales. In addition, we use semivariograms to quantify spatial correlation in fracture intensity maps. Using this information, we develop a stochastic algorithm that generates two-dimensional fracture network realizations with spatial properties similar to those of a real fracture network measured in the field. Numerical simulation models indicate that the generated fracture realizations exhibit similar flow behaviors as that of the original fracture network. Furthermore, such modeling tools expand and improve our capability in building representative fracture models and in quantification of uncertainty in naturally and hydraulically fractured reservoirs.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2014

SU-E-J-164: An Investigation of a Low-Cost ‘dry’ Optical-CT Scanning System for 3D Dosimetry

Purpose: To characterize and explore the efficacy of a novel low-cost, lowfluid, broad-beam optical-CT system for 3D-dosimetry in radiochromic Presage dosimeters. Leading current optical-CT systems incorporate expensive glass-based telecentric lens technology, and a fluid bath with substantial amounts of fluid (which introduces an inconvenience factor) to minimize refraction artifacts. Here we introduce a novel system which addresses both these limitations by: (1) the use of Fresnel lenses in a telecentric arrangement, and (2) a ‘solid’ fluid bath which dramatically reduces the amount of fluid required for refractive-index (RI) matching. Materials Methods: A fresnel based telecentric optical-CT system was constructed which expands light from a single red LED source into a nominally parallel beam into which a cubic ‘dry-tank’ is placed. The drytank consists of a solid polyurethane cube (with the same RI as Presage) but containing a cylindrical cavity (11.5cm diameter × 11cm ) into which the dosimeter is placed for imaging. A narrow (1-3mm) gap between the walls of the dosimeter and dry-tank is filled with a fluid of similar RI. This arrangement reduces the amount of RI fluid from about 1000cc to 75cc, yielding substantial practical benefit in convenience and cost. The new system was evaluated in direct comparison against Eclipse planning system from a 4-field parallel-opposed treatmen Results: Gamma calculations of dose from DFOS-dry system versus Eclipse showed 92% and 97% agreement with 4mm/4% and 5mm/5% criteria, respectively, in the central 80% of dose distribution. Reconstructions showed some edge artifacts, as well as some dose underestimation towards the dosimeter edge. Conclusion: The implementation of Fresnel based ‘dry’ optical-CT for 3Ddosimetry would represent an important advance enhancing costeffectiveness and practical viability. The performance of the prototype presented here is not yet comparable to the state-of-the-art, but shows sufficient promise for further investigation to elevate image quality to match gold-standard optical-CT systems. This work was supported by NIH R01CA100835.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Dynamic stabilization of the Rayleigh-Bénard instability by acceleration modulation

This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation of the parametric stabilization of Rayleigh-Bénard convection through the imposition of sinusoidal vibration. The ability to dynamically stabilize Rayleigh-Bénard convection using acceleration modulation is of interest to groups who design and study thermoacoustic machines as the introduction of parasitic convection can have deleterious effects on the desired operation and thermodynamic efficiency of the device. These performance issues caused by suspected convective instability have been seen both in traveling wave thermoacoustic refrigerators and cryogenic pulse tube chillers. This paper reports the results of an experiment intended to determine the vibratory, fluidic, and geometric conditions under which a small, rectangular container of statically unstable fluid may be stabilized by vertical vibration with comparison to the computational methods of R. M. Carbo [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 135, 654–668 (2014)]. Measurements are obtained using a large-displacement kinematic shaker of an original design with the convecting gas characterized using both thermal transport measurements and flow visualization employing tracer particles illuminated by a diode laser light sheet phase-locked to the shaker. These experiments are believed to be the first demonstrating the suppression of convection through vibration in rectangular containers.

Swaminathan, Anand↗
DOE OSTI2022

Reexamination of 2.5-Ga “whiff” of oxygen interval points to anoxic ocean before GOE

Transient appearances of oxygen have been inferred before the Great Oxygenation Event (GOE) [~2.3 billion years (Ga) ago] based on redox-sensitive elements such as Mo and S—most prominently from the ~2.5-Ga Mount McRae Shale in Western Australia. We present new spatially resolved data including synchrotron-based x-ray spectroscopy and secondary ion mass spectrometry to characterize the petrogenesis of the Mount McRae Shale. Sediments were primarily composed of organic matter and volcanic ash (a potential source of Mo), with U-Pb ages revealing extremely low sedimentation rates. Catagenesis created bedding-parallel microfractures, which subsequently acted as fluid pathways for metasomatic alteration and recent oxidative weathering. Our collective observations suggest that the bulk chemical datasets pointing toward a “whiff” of oxygen developed during postdepositional events. Nonzero Δ 33 S in trace-metal–poor, early diagenetic pyrite and the unusually enriched organic carbon at low sedimentation rates instead suggest that environmental oxygen levels were negligible ~150 million years before the GOE.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗