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At least 1,513 records · Page 84

Thermodynamic Analysis of Thermo-vacuum Clothes Drying Operation

Clothes drying accounts for a significant amount of energy consumed in residential and commercial sectors. A thermal vacuum clothes drying technology (TVCD) is proposed as an advanced clothes dryer which can significantly reduce the energy requirements by expediting the drying process. In the conventional convective clothes dryer, hot dry air is introduced into the drum which gets in direct contact to dry the clothes. This process is energy inefficient since the significant amount of heat and the water carried out with the exhaust stream are wasted. In contrast to the conventional convective drying technique, the drying mechanism of TVCD is through nucleate boiling at low temperature due to reduced vessel pressure. The process is not only efficient but also reduces the required time for drying. The objective of this paper is to develop a comprehensive thermodynamic model to predict the transient drying process of TVCD. The three-stage system model including the detail analysis of individual components is capable of simulating the variation of the water content in the textile under various operational conditions. The preliminary results show that the drying time of 3 lb textile from 70% to 2.5% in TVCD is approximately four times less than the time required in the conventional clothes dryer. Parametric studies are carried out to understand the effect of operation conditions and component geometry on the system performance. Energy consumption of the system is also analyzed.

Yang, Cheng-Min↗

Influence of non steady gravity on natural convection during micro-gravity solidification of semiconductors. I - Time scale analysis. II - Implications for crystal growth experiments

Consideration is given to the influence of temporal variations in the magnitude of gravity on natural convection during unidirectional solidification of semiconductors. It is shown that the response time to step changes in g at low Rayleigh numbers is controlled by the momentum diffusive time scale. At higher Rayleigh numbers, the response time to increases in g is reduced because of inertial effects. The degree of perturbation of flow fields by transients in the gravitational acceleration on the Space Shuttle and the Space Station is determined. The analysis is used to derive the requirements for crystal growth experiments conducted on low duration low-g vehicles. Also, the effectiveness of sounding rockets and KC-135 aircraft for microgravity experiments is examined.

Griffin, P. R.↗

Columbus IFHX Ammonia Leak Analysis

After the Columbus Moderate Temperature Loop (MTL) InterFace Heat eXchanger (IFHX) low temperature event of GMT 345-2013, NASA investigated relevant transient scenarios involving IFHX rupture after water freezing and subsequent thawing. NASA recommended development of a Fault Detection Isolation and Recovery (FDIR) plan that would, in the event of a heat exchanger freeze event, close the Water On/Off Valves (WOOVs) to isolate the heat exchanger and prevent ammonia from the external flow loops from spreading into the cabin. NASA performed a preliminary simplified analysis for the reference case of IFHX rupture, but for a deeper understanding TAS developed detailed SINDA-FLUINT models of the Columbus ITCS that were built and run through the SINAPS GUI. This allowed simulation of the ammonia leakage physics including the variation of environmental parameters, thus providing more accurate and specific input to the FDIR under development. The result was finalization of the IFHX WOOVs closure sequence and wait times to contain the ammonia propagation to Columbus and allow identification of the leaking IFHX. In addition, the analysis results provided reference pressure profiles to be used on console and by the Engineering as support for the telemetry data assessment in case of failure.This paper gives an overview on the issue and focuses on the analytical aspects of the multiphase fluid dynamics involved.

Tilloca, A.↗

Comment on 'The origin of transient cosmic ray intensity variations' by S. P. Duggal and M. A. Pomerantz

Transient Forbush decreases in galactic cosmic ray intensity have generally been linked to interplanetary shocks and solar flares. However, Duggal and Pomerantz (1977) have concluded that the majority of transient intensity variations of galactic cosmic rays cannot be assigned directly to specific solar flares. The object of the present paper is to show that the observations of Duggal and Pomerantz are in fact consistent with the solar flare origin of most transient cosmic ray reductions (i.e., with the solar flare hypothesis). The consistency of the Duggal-Pomerantz observations with the flare hypothesis is demonstrated on the basis of a statistical model of modulation which reproduces the essential features of their observations. In response to the present analysis (by Parker), Duggal and Pomerantz have presented additional arguments to the effect that the majority of transient intensity modifications (not necessarily Forbush decreases) during the period 1964-1974 were indeed related to the central meridian passage of active centers rather than to any other visible solar feature.

Parker, G. D.↗

CRISPR-Cas12a bends DNA to destabilize base pairs during target interrogation

RNA-guided endonucleases are involved in processes ranging from adaptive immunity to site-specific transposition and have revolutionized genome editing. CRISPR-Cas9, -Cas12 and related proteins use guide RNAs to recognize ~20-nucleotide target sites within genomic DNA by mechanisms that are not yet fully understood. We used structural and biochemical methods to assess early steps in DNA recognition by Cas12a protein-guide RNA complexes. We show here that Cas12a initiates DNA target recognition by bending DNA to induce transient nucleotide flipping that exposes nucleobases for DNA-RNA hybridization. Cryo-EM structural analysis of a trapped Cas12a–RNA–DNA surveillance complex and fluorescence-based conformational probing show that Cas12a-induced DNA helix destabilization enables target discovery and engagement. This mechanism of initial DNA interrogation resembles that of CRISPR-Cas9 despite distinct evolutionary origins and different RNA-DNA hybridization directionality of these enzyme families. Our findings support a model in which RNA-mediated DNA interference begins with local helix distortion by transient CRISPR-Cas protein binding.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Comanche Helmet-Mounted Display Heading-Tape Simulation

The Aeroflightdynamics Directorate (AMRDEC) conducted a simulation to assess the performance associated with a Contact Analog, world-referenced heading tape as implemented on the Comanche Helmet Integrated Display Sight System (HIDSS) when compared with a Compressed heading tape similar to that specified by the former Military Standard (MIL-STD) 1295. Six experienced pilots flew three modified Aeronautical Design Standards (ADS)-33 maneuvers (Hover Turn, Bob-up, Transient Turn) and a precision traffic pattern in the NASA Vertical Motion Simulator (VMS). Analysis of the pilot objective performance data and subjective handling qualities ratings (HQRs) showed the following: Compressed symbology in the Velocity Stabilization (VelStab) flight mode generally produced the most precise performances over Contact Analog symbology with respect to the heading, altitude, position, and time criteria specified for the maneuvers tested. VelStab outperformed the Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) on all maneuvers achieving desired performance on most maneuvers for both symbol sets. Performance in the AFCS mode was generally desirable to adequate for heading and altitude and did not meet adequate standards for hover position and time for the Hover Turn and Bob-up maneuvers. VelStab and AFCS performance were nearly the same for the Transient Turn. Pilot comments concerning the Contact Analog heading-tape implementation were generally unfavorable in spite of the achieved levels of performance. HQRs showed Compressed symbology in the VelStab flight mode produced the lowest mean HQR, encompassing mixed ratings of satisfactory handling and needing improvement. All other symbology/flight-mode combinations yielded higher HQRs, which characterized opinions that deficiencies in aircraft handling due to HMD symbology would need improvement. Contact Analog heading tape and other symbology require improvement, especially when operating in the AFCS mode. NASA-TLX rated Compressed symbology in the VelStab flight mode as the least demanding on resources, closely followed by ratings for Contact Analog in the VelStab mode. In a similar pattern, TLX ratings for maneuvers completed in the AFCS mode yielded a higher level of resource demand with even slighter differences between Contact Analog and Compressed symbology sets. Further research should be conducted where objective data and subjective HQR ratings indicate a need for improvement. The areas requiring attention are those where the symbology implementation, the flight control system, or a combination of both caused workload to reach an objectionable level where adequate performance was either difficult to achieve or unachievable. These areas are clearly identified in this report. Symbology that received negative HQR comments by a majority of pilots should also be examined. The summary of pilot comments can be found in appendix A. Additional simulation trials should be considered to address the identified issues.

Turpin, Terry↗

Heat Integration Optimization and Dynamic Modeling Investigation for Advancing the Coal-Direct Chemical Looping Process

The purpose of the project is to address the optimization and startup operation of a modular coal direct chemical looping (CDCL) combustion system integrated with a steam cycle for power generation to reduce the risks involved in further scale-up of the technology. The modular reactor design of the CDCL process provides flexibility in the fabrication of the reactor and in its operating capacity (i.e. turndown ratio) at the cost of a more complex heat exchange network (HEN) design and integration. To address the technology gaps and advance the efficiency and economic feasibility of the CDCL technology, the project will perform a detailed and comprehensive analysis of the integration of a modular CDCL reactor system and a steam cycle system under both static and transient conditions via HEN process performance simulations and system dynamic modeling, respectively. The scope of work consists of 1) Experimental and computational studies of the CDCL combustor reactor 2) Comprehensive static (i.e. steady-state) system HEN design analysis in CDCL 550 MWe commercial unit for power generation and 3) Dynamic modeling of site specific design of 10MWe CDCL large pilot plant. The project team has successfully developed and validated a kinetic model for the oxidation of oxygen carriers in the combustor using the unreacted shrinking core model (UCSM). The model is capable of capturing the oxidation kinetics of fully or partially reduced oxygen carrier particles. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model is developed to simulate the hydrodynamics, heat transfer, and chemical reaction occurring in the CDCL combustor. The model is developed in MFIX and ANSYS Fluent. Key aspects of CDCL combustor operation, including heat transfer, oxygen carrier oxidation, and the transport of oxygen carrier particles, are simulated using this CFD model. The HEN for a commercial scale 550 MWe CDCL power plant is simulated and optimized using ASPEN Plus. Practical design considerations are incorporated based on industrial experiences. The performance and cost for the commercial CDCL plant is updated based on these analyses. A dynamic model for the 10 MWe CDCL pilot plant is developed in ProTRAX simulation software. The model is based on the pilot plant design developed in project DE-FE0027654 “10 MWe CDCL Large Pilot Plang – Pre-FEED Study” and the steam cycle data obtained from Dover Light & Power plant. The transient behaviors during pilot plant load variation are simulated using the dynamic model.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗

On the Nature of XTE J0421+560/CI Cam

We present the results of the analysis of RXTE, BATSE and optical/IR data of the 1998 outburst of the x-ray transient system XTE J0421+650. The x-ray outburst shows a very fast decay initial e-folding time approximately 0.5 days, slowing down to about 2.3 days). The X ray spectrum in the 2-25 keV band is thermal, softening considerably during decay. Intrinsic absorption is observed, also strongly variable. A strong iron line at around 6.7 keV is observed. No fast time variability is observed (<0.1 rms in the 1-4906 Hz band at peak). The analysis of optical/IR data suggest that the secondary is a b[e] star and place the system at a distance of about 2 kpc. At this distance the 2-25 keV luminosity is about 5 x 10(exp 37) erg/seconds. We compare the properties of this system with those of the Be/NS LMC transient A 0538-66 and suggest that CI cam is of a similar nature. The presence of strong radio emission during outburst indicates that the compact object could be a black hole.

Belloni, T.↗

Gravity gradient preliminary investigations, part 2: Lunar tidal gravity gradients and stresses (exhibit C)

Preliminary analysis of the gravity gradients associated with gravity tides on the moon caused by the earth indicates that the relative changes in the gradients are very irregular, and large, and about 15 times greater than those experienced on earth. Thus gradients, in preference to gravity tides themselves, may well be an important key in correlating tide effects with lunar transient events and moonquakes, and also in determining triggering mechanisms for crustal movement and faulting. Preliminary analysis of lunar crustal stresses and strains caused by lunar gravity tides indicates that these factors may be more direct causative agents or triggering mechanisms. In particular, the cubic dilation undergoes relatively large changes and is about 11 times greater on the moon than on earth. Thus it should be correspondingly more important.

Houston, M. H.↗

Long-term variability in bright hard X-ray sources: 5+ years of BATSE data

The operation of the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (CGRO)/burst and transient source experiment (BATSE) continues to provide data for inclusion into a data base for the analysis of long term variability in bright, hard X-ray sources. The all-sky capability of BATSE provides up to 30 flux measurements/day for each source. The long baseline and the various rising and setting occultation flux measurements allow searches for periodic and quasi-periodic signals with periods of between several hours to hundreds of days to be conducted. The preliminary results from an analysis of the hard X-ray variability in 24 of the brightest BATSE sources are presented. Power density spectra are computed for each source and profiles are presented of the hard X-ray orbital modulations in some X-ray binaries, together with amplitude modulations and variations in outburst durations and intensities in recurrent X-ray transients.

Robinson, C. R.↗

Cross-correlation analysis of on-orbit residual accelerations in Spacelab

To characterize the low-gravity environment within orbiting space laboratories, researchers are operating sensitive accelerometer systems. Transient accelerations recorded in spacecraft can have magnitudes up to 0.01 g over a wide range of frequencies. These accelerations have components in the 0.001-100-Hz range no greater in magnitude than 0.001 g. Some experiments can be sensitive to such accelerations, so investigators are interested in identifying causal relationships between accelerations and experimental results. Here, two forms of synthetic experiment data created using Spacelab 3 accelerometer data are evaluated using cross-correlation analysis. The results show that the use of cross-correlation techniques is appropriate, for specific experiment classes, for assessing relationships between both transient and oscillatory residual accelerations and experimental results recorded in a low-gravity environment.

Rogers, Melissa J. B.↗

Study of Inverter Control Strategies on the Stability of Microgrids Toward 100% Renewable Penetration: Preprint

This paper investigates microgrid transient stability with mixed generation - synchronous generator (SG), grid-forming (GFM) and grid-following (GFL) inverters - under increasing penetration levels toward a 100% renewable generation microgrid. Specifically, the dynamics of a microgrid with an SG and GFL inverter(s), an SG with GFM inverter(s), and an SG with GFM and GFL inverters under each penetration are evaluated with an electromagnetic transient study with two critical dynamic events: unplanned islanding and switching in a pumped induction motor load. Analysis and simulation results indicate that the microgrid with GFL inverters running in parallel with the SG can provide a faster power response than the GFM inverters to compensate for the deviations of the frequency and voltage. The scenario with the mixed SG, GFM, and GFL inverter has the best transient and steady-state stability toward 100% inverter-based resource (IBR) penetration. This comprehensive study provides helpful references for microgrid engineers to understand the microgrid stability when facing various choice of installing IBRs (GFL, GFM, or mixed).

droop control↗

Study of Inverter Control Strategies on the Stability of Microgrids Toward 100% Renewable Penetration

This paper investigates microgrid transient stability with mixed generation - synchronous generator (SG), grid-forming (GFM) and grid-following (GFL) inverters - under increasing penetration levels toward a 100% renewable generation microgrid. Specifically, the dynamics of a microgrid with an SG and GFL inverter(s), an SG with GFM inverter(s), and an SG with GFM and GFL inverters under each penetration are evaluated with an electromagnetic transient study with two critical dynamic events: unplanned islanding and switching in a pumped induction motor load. Analysis and simulation results indicate that the microgrid with GFL inverters running in parallel with the SG can provide a faster power response than the GFM inverters to compensate for the deviations of the frequency and voltage. The scenario with the mixed SG, GFM, and GFL inverter has the best transient and steady-state stability toward 100% inverter-based resource (IBR) penetration. This comprehensive study provides helpful references for microgrid engineers to understand the microgrid stability when facing various choice of installing IBRs (GFL, GFM, or mixed).

droop control↗

Progress Towards the Validation of a new RELAP5-3D model of the High Temperature Test Facility

Validation is a key step in the development of any type of systems model. As the next generation of reactors approaches, the need for codes that have been validated for these new types of systems continues to grow. An example of a prominent option is the Reactor Excursion Leak Analysis Program (RELAP5-3D), developed by Idaho National Laboratory. This code was developed for the purpose of systems level thermal-hydraulic modeling of light water reactors (LWRS) and postulated transients that can occur in LWRS.RELAP5-3D has been substantially validated against LWR data. Due to its long history as a reactor safety analysis tool, there has been an effort to adapt RELAP5-3D for the purposes of advanced reactor concepts such as prismatic high-temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGRs). However, RELAP5-3D has not nearly been validated and verified for HTGRs to the degree of LWRs, warranting verification and validation opportunities with computational benchmarks and existing experimental facilities. Examples of such facilities include the modular high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (MHTGR) 350 and the high temperature engineering test reactor (HTTR) from Japan. The MHTGR 350 is a benchmark design concept for code-to-code verification purposes; therefore, it does not provide any experimental data for validation opportunities The HTTR provides useful multiphysics validation data but does not have the in-core instruments to generate thermal-hydraulic experimental data to help with RELAP5-3D validation. Consequently, a facility that could provide key in-core temperatures for thermal-hydraulic validation was still needed. The High Temperature Test Facility (HTTF) is an integral effects facility for HTGR thermal hydraulics developed and operated by Oregon State University. HTTF represents ¼ length scale of the General Atomics MHTGR and is rated for a total power of 2.2 MW. Axially, the core consists of an upper and lower reflector and 10 blocks, numbered from bottom to top (Block 1 is right above lower reflector). The core is heated via graphite resistive heater rods, with respective channels distributed throughout the core. The primary coolant is helium and heat can radiate out of the core to the reactor cavity cooling system (RCCS), which is cooled by water. The primary purpose of the facility is to investigate pressurized conduction cooldown (PCC) and depressurized conduction cooldown (DCC) transients, which are also referred to as the pressurized and depressurized loss of forced cooling respectively. Two experiments were chosen to perform the validation study with a RELAP5-3D model of HTTF. These experiments are PG-27 (PCC) and PG-29 (DCC). These were chosen based off of the quality of available experimental data before and during the experiment which led to their inclusion in the HTGR Thermal Hydraulics Benchmark.

22 - GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Comparison of Analysis, Simulation, and Measurement of Wire-to-Wire Crosstalk

In this investigation, we compare crosstalk analysis, simulation, and measurement results for electrically short configurations. Methods include hand calculations, PSPICE simulations, Microstripes transient field solver, and empirical measurement. In total, four representative physical configurations are examined, including a single wire over a ground plane, a twisted pair over a ground plane, generator plus receptor wires inside a cylindrical conduit, and a single receptor wire inside a cylindrical conduit. Part 1 addresses the first two cases, and Part 2 addresses the final two. Agreement between the analysis, simulation, and test data is shown to be very good.

Bradley, Arthur T.↗

Comparison of Analysis, Simulation, and Measurement of Wire-to-Wire Crosstalk

In this investigation, we compare crosstalk analysis, simulation, and measurement results for electrically short configurations. Methods include hand calculations, PSPICE simulations, Microstripes transient field solver, and empirical measurement. In total, four representative physical configurations are examined, including a single wire over a ground plane, a twisted pair over a ground plane, generator plus receptor wires inside a cylindrical conduit, and a single receptor wire inside a cylindrical conduit. Part 1 addresses the first two cases, and Part 2 addresses the final two. Agreement between the analysis methods and test data is shown to be very good.

Bradley, Arthur T.↗

Sensitivity analysis of discrete structural systems: A survey

Methods for calculating sensitivity derivatives for discrete structural systems are surveyed, primarily covering literature published during the past two decades. Methods are described for calculating derivatives of static displacements and stresses, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, transient structural response, and derivatives of optimum structural designs with respect to problem parameters. The survey is focused on publications addressed to structural analysis, but also includes a number of methods developed in nonstructural fields such as electronics, controls, and physical chemistry which are directly applicable to structural problems. Most notable among the nonstructural-based methods are the adjoint variable technique from control theory, and the Green's function and FAST methods from physical chemistry.

Adelman, H. M.↗

Cost-Benefit Analysis of Grid-Supportive Loads for Fast Frequency Response: Preprint

Flexibility in inverter-based loads could be used to support the converter-dominated power grid by offering a rapid, autonomous, and adjustable power reserve during system transients to help maintain system stability. Based on technical potential, ancillary service (AS) value, and implementation costs, this study illustrates the cost-benefit analysis of grid-supportive loads (GSLs) for the supply of fast frequency response (FFR). The net benefit for each GSL is demonstrated using a case study and relevant data sources. The findings suggest that implementation costs for enabling GSL features are low compared to the value that grid operators get from the acquisition of responsive reserve services. The authors believes that, given the rising popularity of renewable energy sources, GSLs can be a useful tool for grid stability in low-inertia systems.

cost benefit↗