Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Ignition”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,531 records · Page 85
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2018

EFFECTS OF PORT FUEL AND DIRECT INJECTION STRATEGIES AND INTAKE CONDITIONS ON GASOLINE COMPRESSION IGNITION OPERATION

GGasoline compression ignition (GCI) using a single gasoline-type fuel for port fuel and direct injection has been shown as a method to achieve low-temperature combustion with low engine-out NOx and soot emissions and high indicated thermal efficiency. However, key technical barriers to achieving low temperature combustion on multi-cylinder engines include the air handling system (limited amount of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR)) as well as mechanical engine limitations (e.g. peak pressure rise rate). In light of these limitations, high temperature combustion with reduced amounts of EGR appears more practical. Furthermore, for high temperature GCI, an effective aftertreatment system allows high thermal efficiency with low tailpipe-out emissions. In this work, experimental testing was conducted on a 12.4 L multi-cylinder heavy-duty diesel engine operating with high temperature GCI combustion using EEE gasoline. Engine testing was conducted at an engine speed of 1038 rpm and brake mean effective pressure (BMEP) of 14 bar. Port fuel and direct injection strategies were utilized to increase the premixed combustion fraction. The impact on engine performance and emissions with respect to varying the injection and intake operating parameters was quantified within this study. A combined effect of reducing heat transfer and increasing exhaust loss resulted in a flat trend of brake thermal efficiency (BTE) when retarding direct injection timing, while increased port fuel mass improved BTE due to advanced combustion phasing and reduced heat transfer loss. Overall, varying intake valve close timing, EGR, intake pressure and temperature with the current pressure rise rate and soot emissions constraint was not effective in improving BTE, as the benefit of low heat transfer loss was always offset by increased exhaust loss.

Wang, Buyu↗
DOE OSTI2020

SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS OF FUEL PHYSICAL PROPERTY EFFECTS ON SPARK IGNITION ENGINE PERFORMANCE

Alternative fuels are of interest to automakers and regulators due to their potential to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions from transportation sources. Alternative fuels also have fuel properties which may enable advanced combustion modes with higher engine thermal efficiencies. There has been previous work to identify the relationship between various fuel properties and engine performance, but most of this work has been experiments or simulations where the change in properties was obtained through changing the fuel composition, making isolating the effects of individual fuel properties difficult. In this study, numerical simulations have been used to investigate the effects of individual fuel physical properties such as viscosity or heat of vaporization (HoV) on engine performance. Simulations have been performed of two different engine platforms, the first an optical, single-cylinder research engine and the second a multi-cylinder production engine. Both engines are direct-injection spark-ignition engines with pent-roof heads and are designed for automotive applications. Each engine was run at a different operating condition, one stable and one knock-limited. Different base fuels provided a variety of simulated conditions. Up to six different fuel properties were varied as part of Global Sensitivity Analyses performed for each of the engines with multiple performance targets including thermal efficiency, combustion efficiency and combustion phasing. Results show trends that are largely consistent with previous experimental findings using multiple fuels. The engine thermal efficiency was primarily sensitive to the fuel's HoV, with other fuel physical properties having smaller effects. For optical engine results, the magnitude of the effect was greater in this study than expected based on previous experimental results were many fuel physical and chemical properties were varied simultaneously. However, for the multi-cylinder production engine, the relationship between thermal efficiency and HoV was slightly smaller.

engine simulation↗
DOE OSTI2020

Jitter-induced Max-of-N fluence distribution at the National Ignition Facility

Max-of-N fluence is the maximum peak fluence at a given location over N number of shots and is important for calculating fluence dependence for intrinsic laser-induced optic damage. Previously, we observed the Max-of-N effect on the National Ignition Facility and developed an ad-hoc model to calculate its effect. In this work, we attempt to understand the fundamental mechanism that causes this Max-of-N effect. We conclude that the primary fundamental mechanism responsible for this effect is dominated by the combination of fluence variations and pointing jitter of the laser. This discovery both strengthens our model for predicting optics longevity and gives us insight into how to mitigate this effect.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2025

Optimizing fused silica debris shield use in the National Ignition Facility

The National Ignition Facility (NIF) deliberately and routinely operates with its final optics exposed to fluences likely to induce and grow damage. This choice has enabled the NIF to operate at energies previously unachievable at the expense of limitations to delivered power and energy contingent on the ability to repair damage on the final optics. Prior to the introduction of the fused silica debris shield (FSDS), the grating debris shield (GDS) was the optic type on the NIF most prone to damage and hence a primary limiter to the delivered energy. The introduction of the FSDS has reduced the damage initiation rate on the GDS by about two orders of magnitude to date. Despite the FSDS being a disposable optic, it is important to understand how the FSDS damages and when its damage requires it to be exchanged to maximize the FSDS lifetime while still protecting the GDS from damage. We will define the FSDS exchange criteria and evaluate the damage initiation mechanisms of the FSDS. The surface damage morphologies provide insight into the impact of the various damage mechanisms that limit the FSDS lifetime. These results are utilized in our analysis to optimize the FSDS exchange criteria to further extend the GDS lifetime.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2017

Fielding the LANL Gas Cherenkov Detector (GCD-3) at the National Ignition Facility: The engineering challenges of designing, analyzing, fabricating, testing, and commissioning the next-generation GCD detector and WellDIM3.9m insertion manipulator for use at NIF

We report that fielding the LANL third-generation Gas Cherenkov Detector (GCD-3) at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) revealed an array of complex engineering challenges. Fielding the GCD-3 Detector in a 3.9 meter re-entrant Well on the NIF Target Chamber required the development of a specialized detector deployment system named the WellDIM3.9m Diagnostic Manipulator (WellDIM). The most stringent design requirement entailed a no-load/no-contact condition with the Well, which dictated that all seismic loads be transferred to the Target Chamber port flange. The WellDIM transports the GCD-3 into the Well at a distance of 3.9m from Target Chamber Center. Finally, the GCD-3 Detector, outfitted with additional shielding to mitigate higher NIF backgrounds, will serve as a prototype for the future, heavily shielded “Super-GCD”.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2012

Calibration of X-ray detectors in the 8 to 115 keV energy range and their application to diagnostics on the National Ignition Facility

The calibration of X-ray diagnostics is of paramount importance to the National Ignition Facility (NIF) at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). National Security Technologies LLC (NSTec) fills this need by providing a wide variety of calibration and diagnostic development services in support of the ongoing research efforts at NIF. The X-ray source in the High Energy X-ray lab utilizes induced fluorescence in a variety of metal foils to produce a beam of characteristic X rays ranging from 8 to 111 keV. Presented are the methods used for calibrating a High Purity Germanium detector, which has been absolutely calibrated using radioactive check sources, compared against a silicon photodiode calibrated at Physikalisch Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB). Also included is a limited presentation of results from the recent calibration of the upgraded Filter Fluorescer X ray Spectrometer.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2019

Threshold Field That Separates Domains of Subcritical and Deeply Subcritical Microwave Discharges Ignited on a Dielectric Surface

Microwave discharges initiated by an electromagnetic (EM) vibrator and ignited on the inner surface of a dielectric tube in a quasi-optical EM beam are experimentally studied. A threshold level of the microwave field that separates domains of subcritical and deeply subcritical microwave discharges is determined in experiments. Experiments show that streamer channels of the subcritical discharge propagate from the initiator along the propagation direction of the EM wave and in the opposite direction under certain conditions. Variations in the power of the microwave beam can be used to change length of the plasma region of the subcritical discharge along the wave vector of the microwave beam and control the level of the EM energy absorbed in the plasma regions of the deeply subcritical microwave discharge.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2016

Control-oriented premixed charge compression ignition CA50 model for a diesel engine utilizing variable valve actuation

Premixed charge compression ignition (PCCI) is a promising combustion strategy for reducing in-cylinder NO x and particulate matter formation in diesel engines without incurring fuel penalty. However, one of the challenges in PCCI implementation is that the process does not allow direct control of the combustion timing. The crank angle of 50% heat release, known as the CA50, is generally a reasonable proxy for the quality of combustion in terms of maximum pressure rise rate, combustion noise, and fuel conversion efficiency. This paper outlines the development, and validation, of a real-time capable estimation strategy for diesel-fueled PCCI CA50 using production-viable measurements that do not include in-cylinder pressure. The CA50 estimation strategy considers both stages of diesel-fueled PCCI combustion—low-temperature heat release and high-temperature heat release, which contributes most to the cumulative heat released during combustion. The strategy is validated using a PCCI CA50 dataset generated with a wide range of positions of a variable geometry turbocharge, exhaust gas recirculation fractions, and intake valve closing timings. The model estimates CA50 within ±2 CAD for 65 out of 80 data points and exhibits an error standard deviation of 2.55 CAD.

Halbe, Mayura H.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Deep reinforcement learning for dynamic control of fuel injection timing in multi-pulse compression ignition engines

Conventional compression-ignition (CI) engines have long offered high thermal efficiencies and torque across a wide range of loads, but often require extensive exhaust gas treatment that decreases efficiency to meet ever-increasing emissions regulations. One strategy to decrease emissions is to split the fuel injection into a series of smaller injections. In this paper, we explore a new way of discovering optimal control strategies for the next generation of CI engines using deep reinforcement learning (DRL). We outline a DRL procedure to maximize the weighted reward of engine work while minimizing end-of-cycle NO x emissions. Through the procedure outlined in this paper, we show that the DRL agent is able to reduce NO x emissions threefold while only decreasing network by 2%. We demonstrate the use of transfer learning (TL) across hierarchies of physical models to accelerate the learning process, making this approach feasible for a range of control problems within this space. This paper presents a framework and demonstration for using DRL to design control systems in technology areas such as multi-pulse engine control where a hierarchy of models combined with multi-objective rewards are used for optimal operation.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Multi-injection investigation of a high-volatility diesel in advanced compression ignition combustion for NO x control

Traditional selective catalytic reduction aftertreatment technologies used to reduce [Formula: see text] are very limited at exhaust temperatures below [Formula: see text]. Therefore, under these low engine load conditions, having effective in-cylinder control of [Formula: see text] emissions is important. Previous work by the authors explored the effect of fuel physical properties on the ability to control [Formula: see text] in-cylinder. That work was limited to one direct injection near top dead center. Modern diesel high-pressure fuel systems have the capability of five or more injections in one engine cycle. A higher-volatility diesel fuel and high amounts of exhaust gas recirculation to delay ignition could provide an opportunity for reduction in engine-out [Formula: see text] through an increased level of fuel premixing. By appropriately timing multiple short injections, a more optimal distribution of fuel in-cylinder may be achieved, which could reduce [Formula: see text] while maintaining an efficient combustion phasing. A computational fluid dynamics model previously validated against experimental data was used to explore several injection strategies with increased levels of fuel premixing to assess the potential trade-offs between [Formula: see text] and CO/unburned hydrocarbon (UHC) emissions and thus reduce reliance on the aftertreatment system for [Formula: see text] control. The results show that the devised injection strategies resulted in an increased level of fuel premixing. However, none of the attempted injection strategies resulted in significant [Formula: see text] reductions, and all strategies showed a significant increase in CO and UHC emissions.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Knock-limited combustion of ethanol-, isobutanol-, and 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol-gasoline blends in a direct-injected spark-ignition engine

Knock-limited combustion of alcohol-gasoline fuel blends was studied in a direct-injection spark-ignition engine. Ethanol, isobutanol (2-methyl-1-propanol), and methylbutenol (2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol) were splash-blended with a blendstock for oxygenate blending (BOB) gasoline. Ethanol was blended in fractions of 10%, 20%, and 30% by volume (E10, E20, and E30). Isobutanol and methylbutenol were blended to match the oxygen weight percentage of the ethanol blends, resulting in blends of 16%, 32%, and 49% (I16, I32, and I49) isobutanol by volume and 18%, 37%, and 56% (M18, M37, and M56) methylbutenol by volume. Neat BOB and gasoline primary reference fuels (PRF) with octane numbers (ON) of 87 (PRF87) and 100 (PRF100) were included for reference. The engine was operated at fixed speed, equivalence ratio, and injection timing while knock-limited spark advance was located across a range of intake pressures. Low-level alcohol blends E10 and M18 had similar knocking behavior and appeared to be slightly more knock-resistant than I16. For mid-level blends, E20 showed further improvement over I32 while M37 showed noticeably better knock resistance, able to match the knock-resistance of PRF100 for loads above 1000 kPa gross indicated mean effective pressure (GIMEP). For high-level blends, the difference between E30 and I49 was similar to their mid-level counterparts. However, M56 showed significant improvement over E30 and I49 throughout the entire range of loads tested. M56 exceeded the knock-resistance of PRF100 for loads above 700 kPa GIMEP. The improved knock-resistance combined with the increased volumetric energy density of methylbutenol resulted in improved fuel consumption and indicated efficiency. The overall results of this study indicate that the order of knock-resistance of these three alcohols, for direct-injection operation with injection during the intake stroke, is isobutanol < ethanol < methylbutenol when compared on an equal oxygen weight basis.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Physically-based control-oriented modeling for turbocharged stoichiometric spark-ignited engine with cooled EGR and flexible VVT systems

Accurate estimation and prediction of engine gas exchange system and in-cylinder conditions are critical for spark-ignited engine control and diagnostic algorithm development. In this paper, a physically-based, control-oriented model for a 2.8 l turbocharged, variable valve timing (VVT) and low pressure (LP) exhaust gas recirculation (EGR)-utilizing SI engine was developed. The model includes the impact of modulation to any combination of 10 actuators, including the throttle valve, compressor bypass valve, fueling rate, waste-gate, LP EGR valve, number of deactivated cylinders, intake valve open (IVO) timing, intake valve close (IVC) timing, exhaust valve open (EVO) timing and exhaust valve close (EVC) timing. The accuracy of the model in capturing engine dynamics was demonstrated by validating it against high-fidelity engine GT-Power simulation results for various drive cycles, particularly emphasizing elevated loads. In comparison to the open literature, novel contributions of the effort described in this paper includes in-cylinder gas composition modeling and turbine-out pressure estimation.

Zhang, Xu↗
DOE OSTI2020

Fresnel zone plate development for x-ray radiography of hydrodynamic instabilities at the National Ignition Facility

The study of Rayleigh–Taylor (RT) and Richtmyer–Meshkov (RM) instabilities in a planar geometry at high energy densities at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) requires high spatial resolution imaging. We demonstrate the potential of Fresnel zone plates (FZPs) to achieve resolution that would unlock such studies. FZPs are circular aperiodic gratings that use diffraction to focus x rays and produce an image with high spatial resolution. Taking into account the NIF’s challenging environment, we have designed a specific array of five FZPs for a zinc backlighter to take a radiograph of a target with 9 keV x rays. We measured a mean resolution for the FZP of 1.9µm±0.5µm and a ±1mm depth of focus at an x-ray calibration facility as well as a 2.3µm±0.4µm resolution on a resolution wire mesh shot on the NIF. We also performed an in-depth analysis of the image quality to assess the capability to resolve the small features present in RT and RM instabilities.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2019

Injection laser system for Advanced Radiographic Capability using chirped pulse amplification on the National Ignition Facility

We report on the design, performance, and qualification of the injection laser system designed to deliver joule-level chirped pulse beamlets arranged in dual rectangular beam formats into two main laser amplifier beamlines of the National Ignition Facility. The system is designed to meet the requirements of the Advanced Radiographic Capability upgrade with features that deliver performance, adjustability, and long-term reliability.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2016

Method for detection of nuclear-plasma interactions in a 134 Xe-doped exploding pusher at the National Ignition Facility

Angular momentum changes due to nuclear-plasma interactions on highly-excited nuclei in high energy density plasmas created at the National Ignition Facility can be measured through a change in isomer feeding following gamma emission. Here, we propose an experiment to detect these effects in 133 Xe* in exploding pusher capsules.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2012

Characterization of Hydraulic and Ignition Phenomena of Pressurized Water Reactor Fuel Assemblies: Phase II Test Plan

This report summarizes the strategy and preparations for the second phase in the Sandia Fuel Project (SFP) test program. During this phase, five full-length, prototypic 17×17 PWR fuel assembly will simulate a severe loss-of-coolant-accident in the spent fuel pool whereby the fuel is completely uncovered and heats up until ignition of the cladding occurs. Electrically resistive heaters with Zircaloy cladding will substitute for the spent nuclear fuel in the center assembly. This heated assembly will be placed in the center cell of a 3×3 pool rack and will be surrounded by four unheated mock fuel bundles. This arrangement will imitate the situation of a recently offloaded assembly surrounded by much older and thus lower decay heat assemblies. The designs and plans detailed in this report are based on previous testing efforts and represent the current knowledge base. However, these results are subject to change with new information.

Durbin, Samuel G.↗
DOE OSTI2012

Study of Nonlinear Evolution of the Weibel-like Instability of Relativistic Electron Beams Relevant to Fast Ignition and Astrophysics

Relativistic laser matter interaction generates an intense fast electron beam with Mega ampere (MA) to Giga-ampere current. Such beam can propagate into high-density plasmas as background plasma electrons can provide sufficient return current to maintain charge and current neutrality. However, such system is subject to Weibel-like filamentation instabilities that break out the beam into filaments and generate intense magnetic fields. This could result in anomalous stopping and large angular spread of the electron beams, leading to a lower energy coupling to the fuel in the fast ignition (FI) scheme of inertial confinement fusion, therefore, of significant interest to FI. Understanding the nonlinear growth of the Weibel B-fields and its structure is also important to astrophysics as it is generally accepted to be responsible for relativistic collisionless shocks and cosmic rays and “jitter” radiation in gamma ray burst.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2012

Science of Fusion Ignition on NIF

This report summarizes the discussions and findings of a workshop held in May 2012, to discuss science that has been learned in the National Ignition Campaign, identify new science questions that have arisen, and begin to lay the lines of experimental and theoretical inquiry that could address these over a multi-year time frame.

42 ENGINEERING↗