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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 1,657 records · Page 92
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2020

A Machine Learning Assisted Development of a Model for the Populations of Convective and Stratiform Clouds

Abstract Traditional parameterizations of the interaction between convection and the environment have relied on an assumption that the slowly varying large‐scale environment is in statistical equilibrium with a large number of small and short‐lived convective clouds. They fail to capture nonequilibrium transitions such as the diurnal cycle and the formation of mesoscale convective systems as well as observed precipitation statistics and extremes. Informed by analysis of radar observations, cloud‐permitting model simulation, theory, and machine learning, this work presents a new stochastic cloud population dynamics model for characterizing the interactions between convective and stratiform clouds, with the goal of informing the representation of these interactions in global climate models. Fifteen wet seasons of precipitating cloud observations by a C‐band radar at Darwin, Australia are fed into a machine learning algorithm to obtain transition functions that close a set of coupled equations relating large‐scale forcing, mass flux, the convective cell size distribution, and the stratiform area. Under realistic large‐scale forcing, the derived transition functions show that, on the one hand, interactions with stratiform clouds act to dampen the variability in the size and number of convective cells and therefore in the convective mass flux. On the other, for a given convective area fraction, a larger number of smaller cells is more favorable for the growth of stratiform area than a smaller number of larger cells. The combination of these two factors gives rise to solutions with a few convective cells embedded in a large stratiform area, reminiscent of mesoscale convective systems.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

Spatially explicit terrestrial carbon densities for calibrating the carbon cycle in human-Earth system Models

Soil and vegetation carbon stocks play a critical role in human-Earth system models. These stocks (denominated as densities in MgC/ha) affect variables such as land use change emissions and also influence land use change pathways under climate forcing scenarios where terrestrial carbon is assigned a carbon price. Here we present reharmonized soil and vegetation carbon densities both at the 5-arcmin resolution grid cell level and also aggregated to 235 water sheds for 4 land use types (Cropland, Grazed land, Urban land and unmanaged vegetation) and 15 unmanaged land cover types. Moreover, we use the distribution of carbon within and across pixels to define statistical "states" of carbon, once again differentiated by land type. These statistical states are used to define a range of possible carbon values that can be used for defining initial conditions of soil and vegetation carbon in human-Earth system models. We implement these data in a state-of-the-art multi sector dynamics model, namely the Global Change Analysis Model (GCAM), and show that these new data improve several land use responses, especially when terrestrial carbon is assigned a carbon price.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2023

Development and Stability Analysis of Representative Future High Renewable Penetration Power Grid Models for California

The power grid in California is now experiencing a significant increase in renewable generation to achieve 100% clean energy by 2040. This paper discusses a method for developing the transient stability (TS) model of the future high renewable penetration in the power grid in California. The method consists of utilizing an existing future Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC) grid model in the database and locating the conventional plants in the base model that will potentially retire in the next few years in California. Next, the dynamic models of those identified conventional plants and controls in the existing model are modified to replicate the future power generation in the California region. Different scenarios of future power grid in California are developed for various renewable penetration levels and control strategies in renewable power plants. The effect of the control strategies on the stability of the power grid under events like loss of generation are evaluated. Based on these evaluations, certain control features in power plants are identified as necessary for stability of future power grids.

Samanta, Sayan↗
DOE OSTI2025

Development of a two-zone zero-dimensional mixing model for actively fueled prechamber engines

In this numerical work, a zero-dimensional, two-zone mixing model was developed and validated to capture the mixture preparation process of an actively fueled prechamber engine. The model was developed for ethanol-gasoline fuel blends but is applicable to various fuels of interest relevant to prechamber applications. The model was exercised to demonstrate the effects of boundary conditions, fuel composition, and residual content on the mixture stoichiometry predictions. The 0D model showed reasonable agreement in prechamber equivalence ratio predictions with higher fidelity computational fluid dynamics modeling, but the accuracy of model was constrained to the governing assumptions of the injection process. The modeling assumptions surrounding the non-dimensional injection of mass into the prechamber were scrutinized to identify key areas of model improvement. The results indicate heat transfer effects play a crucial role in the evaporation of the fuel within the confined auxiliary chamber, especially when considering fuels with high latent heat of vaporization. Additionally, the presence of fuel films that collect on the prechamber surfaces complicated the modeled evaporative cooling loses as the modeling suggests the films evaporate primarily by means of conduction from the boundary. Furthermore, the developed model serves as a simplified framework to generate calibration maps of prechamber fueling or run real time as an open loop control strategy such that desired prechamber mixture proportions are effectively targeted.

Zero-dimensional↗
DOE OSTI2023

Extended Low Load Boiler Operation to Improve Performance and Economics of an Existing Coal Fired Power Plant (Final Report)

The overall goal is to improve the performance and economics of existing coal fired power plants by extending low load boiler operation to lower loads than is currently achievable. The objective of this program is to develop and validate sensor hardware and analytical algorithms to lower plant operating expenses (OPEX) for the currently operating pulverized coal utility boiler fleet. Coal fired utility boilers are increasingly under grid dispatch pressure. In some cases, the coal fired cost of generation is noncompetitive with respect to natural gas generation and subsidized renewable sources. To remain profitable and remain fully compliant with existing environmental regulations, the installed coal fired fleet must find technologies which allow it to move into a more flexible cyclic load dispatch model. Today the installed coal fired utility fleet must be cost of generation competitive, fully emissions compliant, and responsive to the variability inherent in renewable energy generation sources. In the Phase I of the project, GE Steam Power, Inc. (GE) performed modeling of different operating scenarios for low load operation using an existing full plant dynamic model developed for a 660MW steam power plant. Sensors and analytic algorithms to enable a stable and steady coal supply for low load pulverizer operation were identified and tested at the Pulverizer Development Facility (PDF) at GE’s Clean Energy Center in Bloomfield, Connecticut. Sensors and analytic algorithms to enable stable combustion for low load operation were identified and tested at the 15 MWth Industrial Scale Burner facility (ISBF) at GE’s Clean Energy Center. A concept was developed to test the sensors and control algorithms, down selected after testing, at a full-scale coal fired power plant. A budget estimate was then developed, and the concept was implemented at an existing utility power plant. The specific objectives of the experimental work were to: • Identify and select sensors and analytic algorithms for monitoring coal pulverizer operation at lower loads to provide stable operation and appropriate coal fineness at lower coal throughput; Identify and select sensors and analytic algorithms for a Boiler Flame Stability Monitor to better balance air and fuel at each burner. This enables a reduction in a coal boiler’s safe low load power level while maintaining stable flame characteristics; Develop a concept in Phase I for low load operation of a full-scale power plant and develop a budget estimate for testing and execute the test plan at an existing plant in Phase II; Validate the capability of the extended low load boiler system to extend the minimum load operating point in a safe and reliable manner on an existing full-scale utility boiler. At the completion of this experimental study, GE has developed a set of sensors and analytic algorithms, down selected after testing, that have the potential to enable safe low load operation of a utility boiler. GE has also identified a host site for testing these identified sensors and analytic algorithms. GE has generated a full set of deliverables that provide sufficient information to proceed with the next step of testing at a host site. This includes a potential host site and budget estimate for concept testing at host site. In the Phase II of the project, a series of field tests were completed to validate the extended low load boiler operation, which consisted of detailed engineering, installation, commissioning, and testing the additional sensors and analytics for the coal-fired combustion system on an existing full-scale utility boiler. The optimization work has been supported by the host plant and endorsed by their engineering and operation staff.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗
NASA NTRS1978

The effect of ground hydrology on climate sensitivity to solar constant variations

A zonally averaged climate model is used to investigate the effects of different evaporation parameterizations on climate sensitivity to solar constant variations. The model is based on the annual mean zonally averaged hemispheric climate model of Ohring and Adler (1978), with some modifications on the heating parameterizations. The dynamic model utilizes the two-level quasi-geostrophic potential vorticity equations. The heating processes are related to solar radiation, long-wave radiation, convection, evaporation, latent heat release, and ocean transport. Evaporation parameterization has been improved by using a nonlinear formulation in which the Bowen ratio is determined by the vertical gradients of water vapor and temperature near the earth's surface.

Chow, S.-H.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Vibration characteristics of the HPOTP (High Pressure Oxygen Turbopump) of the SSME (Space Shuttle Main Engine)

A review is presented of various rotordynamic problems which have been encountered and eliminated in developing the current flight engines, and continuing subsynchronous problems which are being encountered in developing a 109% power level engine. The basic model for the High Pressure Oxygen Turbopump (HPOTP) of the SSME including the structural dynamic model for the rotor and housing and component models for the liquid and gas seals, turbine-clearance excitation forces, and impeller-diffuser forces are discussed. Results from a linear model are used to examine the synchronous response and stability characteristics of the HPOTP, examining bearing load and stability problems associated with the second critical speed. Various seal modifications are examined and shown to have favorable consequences with respect to bearing reactions and stability.

Childs, D. W.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Requirements analysis notebook for the flight data systems definition in the Real-Time Systems Engineering Laboratory (RSEL)

A hybrid requirements analysis methodology was developed, based on the practices actually used in developing a Space Generic Open Avionics Architecture. During the development of this avionics architecture, a method of analysis able to effectively define the requirements for this space avionics architecture was developed. In this methodology, external interfaces and relationships are defined, a static analysis resulting in a static avionics model was developed, operating concepts for simulating the requirements were put together, and a dynamic analysis of the execution needs for the dynamic model operation was planned. The systems engineering approach was used to perform a top down modified structured analysis of a generic space avionics system and to convert actual program results into generic requirements. CASE tools were used to model the analyzed system and automatically generate specifications describing the model's requirements. Lessons learned in the use of CASE tools, the architecture, and the design of the Space Generic Avionics model were established, and a methodology notebook was prepared for NASA. The weaknesses of standard real-time methodologies for practicing systems engineering, such as Structured Analysis and Object Oriented Analysis, were identified.

Wray, Richard B.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Simulation of a passive millimeter wave sensor

The visual display expected to be generated by a Passive Millimeter Wave (PMMW) camera and sensor system has been simulated on a Silicon Graphics IRIS workstation at the NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC). The low resolution of the sensor has been simulated by graphically manipulating the scene as it is being drawn by the IRIS in real time. Camera field of view, sensor resolution, and sensor update rate are the controllable parameters. Physical effects such as lens model, radome effects, and noise have not been included at this time. An approximate dynamic model of the atmospheric phenomenology has been included which generates the gray-scale intensity values in real time for the simulated image. The gray-scale values are proportional to temperature. A snapshot capability which captures individual image frames during real-time operation has been included. These images were used to validate the approximate phenomenology model against a more rigorous physical model.

Kahlbaum, William W.↗
NASA NTRS2011

Unsteady Aerodynamic Model Tuning for Precise Flutter Prediction

A simple method for an unsteady aerodynamic model tuning is proposed in this study. This method is based on the direct modification of the aerodynamic influence coefficient matrices. The aerostructures test wing 2 flight-test data is used to demonstrate the proposed model tuning method. The flutter speed margin computed using only the test validated structural dynamic model can be improved using the additional unsteady aerodynamic model tuning, and then the flutter speed margin requirement of 15 % in military specifications can apply towards the test validated aeroelastic model. In this study, unsteady aerodynamic model tunings are performed at two time invariant flight conditions, at Mach numbers of 0.390 and 0.456. When the Mach number for the unsteady model tuning approaches to the measured fluttering Mach number, 0.502, at the flight altitude of 9,837 ft, the estimated flutter speed is approached to the measured flutter speed at this altitude. The minimum flutter speed difference between the estimated and measured flutter speed is -.14 %.

Pak, Chan-Gi↗
NASA NTRS2011

Unsteady Aerodynamic Model Tuning for Precise Flutter Prediction

A simple method for an unsteady aerodynamic model tuning is proposed in this study. This method is based on the direct modification of the aerodynamic influence coefficient matrices. The aerostructures test wing 2 flight-test data is used to demonstrate the proposed model tuning method. The flutter speed margin computed using only the test validated structural dynamic model can be improved using the additional unsteady aerodynamic model tuning, and then the flutter speed margin requirement of 15 percent in military specifications can apply towards the test validated aeroelastic model. In this study, unsteady aerodynamic model tunings are performed at two time invariant flight conditions, at Mach numbers of 0.390 and 0.456. When the Mach number for the unsteady aerodynamic model tuning approaches to the measured fluttering Mach number, 0.502, at the flight altitude of 9,837 ft, the estimated flutter speed is approached to the measured flutter speed at this altitude. The minimum flutter speed difference between the estimated and measured flutter speed is -0.14 percent.

Pak, Chan-gi↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Cavitation Effects on the Structural Dynamics of Turbomachinery Components

The structural integrity of inducer and impeller blades in rocket engine turbo machinery must be evaluated in the face of complex excitation mechanisms including fluctuating pressures due to cavitation. Cavitation occurs when the local fluid pressure drops below the vapor pressure, causing the formation of vapor-filled bubbles. Cavitation can exist to various extents within the typical operating range of rocket engine turbo pumps. Despite recent progress towards reducing uncertainties in structural dynamic models of turbo machinery components, the extent to which pump cavitation affects the structural dynamic properties (i.e., natural frequencies, damping, and mode shapes) of inducer and impeller blades remains largely unknown. To study the structural dynamic effects of cavitating flows, experiments are conducted in a high-speed water tunnel. The test article is a low aspect ratio cantilevered plate, thus mimicing a single inducer blade that is unwrapped from its hub. The test article is oriented at zero angle of attack and has a triangular trip at its leading edge to induce cavitation. To change the extent of cavitation, the static pressure of the water tunnel is controlled. A high-speed camera is used to quantify the coverage of the cavitation sheet.

Structural Dynamics↗
DOE OSTI2024

A Review of Modeling Approaches for Predicting Frost Growth and Defrosting on Tube-Fin Heat Exchangers: Preprint

Frost formation and growth on the evaporator surface is a common process that deteriorates the air-refrigerant heat transfer and restricts airflow. This degrades the performance of the vapor compression system by increasing temperature lift and air-side pressure drop. To accurately predict these effects during coil frosting, as well as the energy use and duration of the defrost process, there is a need to estimate the heat and mass transfer, momentum transport, and solid-liquid and liquid-vapor phase change. Therefore, in the past few decades, continuous effort has been made to model frosting and defrosting processes using approaches ranging from empirical correlations to computational fluid dynamic models. To provide a clearer overview for researchers, engineers, and manufacturers in this field, this paper provides a comprehensive literature review for frosting and defrosting models. The paper begins with theoretical background of frost formation and defrost processes, and then reviews the common modeling approaches in literature and their underlying assumptions when trying to account for various physical phenomenon. Based on the literature review, the most critical modeling effort for frost formation is the determination of frost densification rate and frost growth rate. Various methods to predict these two parameters are reviewed. Empirical correlations commonly used for frost density and thermal conductivity are presented and compared. For the defrost process, various multi-stage models have been proposed with different assumptions. Some assume the presence of air gap between the tube wall and the frost, while others consider the melted frost flow due to gravity. We also review physics-based and empirical approaches to integrate defrost models into heat pump models. We conclude by identifying research gaps and providing recommendations.

defrost↗
NASA NTRS1990

Dynamic Analysis and Control of Lightweight Manipulators with Flexible Parallel Link Mechanisms

The objective is the theoretical analysis and the experimental verification of dynamics and control of a two link flexible manipulator with a flexible parallel link mechanism. Nonlinear equations of motion of the lightweight manipulator are derived by the Lagrangian method in symbolic form to better understand the structure of the dynamic model. The resulting equation of motion have a structure which is useful to reduce the number of terms calculated, to check correctness, or to extend the model to higher order. A manipulator with a flexible parallel link mechanism is a constrained dynamic system whose equations are sensitive to numerical integration error. This constrained system is solved using singular value decomposition of the constraint Jacobian matrix. Elastic motion is expressed by the assumed mode method. Mode shape functions of each link are chosen using the load interfaced component mode synthesis. The discrepancies between the analytical model and the experiment are explained using a simplified and a detailed finite element model.

Lee, Jeh Won↗
DOE OSTI2020

Dynamic pulse propagation modelling for predictive femtosecond-laser-microbonding of transparent materials

A dynamic pulse propagation modeling for femtosecond laser bonding of Borofloat glass is presented. The temperature evolution and internal modifications are predicted by incorporating the nonlinear electron dynamics along with temperature dependent thermal properties. The modelling predicts the spatial and temporal distribution of absorption coefficient and plasma density that gives quantitative estimations of the heat affected zone and weld geometry. The impact of focusing condition on heat affected zone and weld geometry is investigated, which for the first time to our knowledge allows to numerically determine the desired relative position between the geometrical focus of a femtosecond-laser-pulse and the interface of the two substrates to be welded. The prediction of the modelling on the offset distance is applied to weld Borofloat glass plates having optical contact and can be applied to other dielectric solids.

Sahoo, Pankaj K. (ORCID:0000000209437319)↗
NASA NTRS1975

Analysis of a stability valve system for extending the dynamic range of a supersonic inlet

A stability valve system designed for a full-scale, flight, supersonic, mixed-compression inlet was modeled dynamically by using analog computer techniques. The system uses poppet valves mounted in the inlet cowl to bypass airflow and augments the inlet shock position control system by preventing unstarts caused by high-frequency perturbations. The model was used as a design aid to investigate the effects of varying both the physical configurations of the valve and the flight and wind tunnel conditions. Results of the analysis indicate that the stability valve will provide a bandpass operation of 1 hertz to 17 hertz.

Webb, J. A., Jr.↗
DOE OSTI2024

The kinetics of SARS-CoV-2 infection based on a human challenge study

Studying the early events that occur after viral infection in humans is difficult unless one intentionally infects volunteers in a human challenge study. Here, we use data about severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in such a study in combination with mathematical modeling to gain insights into the relationship between the amount of virus in the upper respiratory tract and the immune response it generates. We propose a set of dynamic models of increasing complexity to dissect the roles of target cell limitation, innate immunity, and adaptive immunity in determining the observed viral kinetics. We introduce an approach for modeling the effect of humoral immunity that describes a decline in infectious virus after immune activation. We fit our models to viral load and infectious titer data from all the untreated infected participants in the study simultaneously. We found that a power-law with a power h < 1 describes the relationship between infectious virus and viral load. Viral replication at the early stage of infection is rapid, with a doubling time of ~2 h for viral RNA and ~3 h for infectious virus. We estimate that adaptive immunity is initiated ~7 to 10 d postinfection and appears to contribute to a multiphasic viral decline experienced by some participants; the viral rebound experienced by other participants is consistent with a decline in the interferon response. Altogether, we quantified the kinetics of SARS-CoV-2 infection, shedding light on the early dynamics of the virus and the potential role of innate and adaptive immunity in promoting viral decline during infection.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗