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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 1,765 records · Page 98
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1997

An Initial Multi-Domain Modeling of an Actively Cooled Structure

A methodology for the simulation of turbine cooling flows is being developed. The methodology seeks to combine numerical techniques that optimize both accuracy and computational efficiency. Key components of the methodology include the use of multiblock grid systems for modeling complex geometries, and multigrid convergence acceleration for enhancing computational efficiency in highly resolved fluid flow simulations. The use of the methodology has been demonstrated in several turbo machinery flow and heat transfer studies. Ongoing and future work involves implementing additional turbulence models, improving computational efficiency, adding AMR.

Steinthorsson, Erlendur↗
NASA NTRS1985

Performance study of a data flow architecture

Teams of scientists studied data flow concepts, static data flow machine architecture, and the VAL language. Each team mapped its application onto the machine and coded it in VAL. The principal findings of the study were: (1) Five of the seven applications used the full power of the target machine. The galactic simulation and multigrid fluid flow teams found that a significantly smaller version of the machine (16 processing elements) would suffice. (2) A number of machine design parameters including processing element (PE) function unit numbers, array memory size and bandwidth, and routing network capability were found to be crucial for optimal machine performance. (3) The study participants readily acquired VAL programming skills. (4) Participants learned that application-based performance evaluation is a sound method of evaluating new computer architectures, even those that are not fully specified. During the course of the study, participants developed models for using computers to solve numerical problems and for evaluating new architectures. These models form the bases for future evaluation studies.

Adams, George↗
DOE OSTI2017

An integrated view of the methane system in the pockmarks at Vestnesa Ridge, 79°N

The Vestnesa Ridge is a NW-SE trending, ~ 100 km-long, 1–2 km-thick contourite sediment section located in the Arctic Ocean, west of Svalbard, at 79°N. Pockmarks align along the ridge summit at water depths of ~ 1200 m; they are ~ 700 m in diameter and ~ 10 m deep relative to the surrounding seafloor. Observations of methane seepage in this area have been reported since 2008. In this report we summarize and integrate the available information to date and report on the first detailed seafloor imaging and camera-guided multicore sampling at two of the most active pockmarks along Vestnesa Ridge, named Lomvi and Lunde. We correlate seafloor images with seismically defined subseafloor structures, providing a geological and ecological context to better understand pockmark formation. Subbottom and seismic surveys, water column imaging, geochemical data and seafloor observations indicate ongoing fluid flow at these pockmarks. Visual inspection and sampling using a high-resolution deep-sea camera and multicorer system show exposed gas hydrate and authigenic carbonate in association with biota within two of these pockmarks. Distributed methane venting at both Lomvi and Lunde supports extensive chemosynthetic communities that include filamentous sulfide-oxidizing bacteria and siboglinid tubeworms, all of which utilize chemical energy provided by the seeping fluids. Focused venting forms shallow gas hydrate, and sustains localized gas discharge from 50-m wide pits within the pockmarks. Cycles of carbonate precipitation and/or exhumation of carbonate deposits are indicated by scattered blocks of various size, pavements, and massive carbonate blocks up to 3 m high. Consistent with other observations along continental margin settings, we show that the extensive authigenic carbonate deposits in the Vestnesa pockmarks represent an important and prolonged methane carbon sink that prevents much of the upwardly flowing methane from reaching the overlying ocean.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2023

Prediction and Validation of Flow Properties in Porous Lattice Structures

High-porosity metal foams have been extensively studied as an attractive candidate for efficient and compact heat exchanger design. With the advancements in additive manufacturing, such foams can be manufactured with controlled topology to yield highly tailorable mechanical and transport properties. In this study, a lattice Boltzmann method (LBM)-based pore-scale model is implemented to simulate the fluid flow in additively manufactured (AM) metal foams with unit cell topologies of Cube, Face Diagonal (FD)-Cube, Tetrakaidecahedron (TKD), and Octet lattices. The pressure gradient versus average velocity profiles predicted by the LBM model were validated against in-house measurements on the AM lattice samples with the same unit cell topologies. Based on the simulation results, a novel hybrid model is proposed to accurately predict the volume averaged flow properties (permeability and inertial coefficients) of the four structures. Specifically, the linear LBM (neglecting inertial forces) is first implemented to obtain the intrinsic permeability, and then the standard LBM is applied to obtain the inertial coefficient. Convenient correlations for those flow properties as a function of porosity and fiber diameter are constructed. The effects of the AM print qualities on the flow properties are also discussed. The advantages of the hybrid model compared to the polynomial fitting approach for determining flow properties are discussed and compared quantitatively. The hybrid model and presented results are valuable for flow and thermal transport evaluation when designing new metal foams for specific applications and with different materials and topologies. Finally, the presented correlations based on pore-scale simulations can also be conveniently used in volume-averaged models to predict the macroscale flow behavior in such complex structures.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2021

Fabrication and Preliminary Demonstration of Microwave Resonant Cavity Transducer Performance

We are investigating a microwave cavity-based transducer for in-core high-temperature fluid flow sensing in molten salt cooled reactors (MSCR) and sodium fast reactors (SFR). This sensor is a hollow metallic cylindrical cavity, which can be fabricated from stainless steel, and as such is expected to be resilient to radiation, high temperature and corrosive environment of MSCR and SFR. The principle of sensing consists of making one wall of the cylindrical cavity flexible enough so that dynamic pressure, which is proportional to fluid velocity, will cause membrane deflection. Membrane deflection causes cavity volume change, which leads to a shift in the resonant frequency. We have developed an initial design for proof-of-principle testing of the flow sensor performance in microwave K-band. A cylindrical resonator prototype was fabricated from brass for initial tests in water. The cavity size is matched to the flange of a standard WR-42 waveguide. Microwave field is coupled into the resonant cavity through a subwavelength-size aperture. A test article was developed, consisting of a piping Tee with bulkhead WR-42 microwave waveguide installed in leak-proof design. In the test article, the cylindrical cavity is positioned in the center of the pipe. A microwave waveguide circulator was installed in the setup to suppress microwave reflections at the cavity entrance. Preliminary spectral characterization of cavity spectral response was performed with microwave VNA. Applying mechanical pressure to cavity membrane showed a measurable shift in the microwave resonant frequency. We also investigate mechanical integrity of the flowmeter’s membrane through computer simulations. By calculating the stress on the plate due to deflection and, comparing the stress to the material ultimate tensile strength and yield strength, it can be estimated if the plate will fail. The stress on the plate was calculated with an analytic closed form solution model, and with COMSOL Structural Mechanics Module which does not involve any approximations. Both the analytic model and COMSOL model showed that maximum stresses on the plate, which are at the radial boundary of the plate, are three orders of magnitude smaller than the yield strength and ultimate tensile strength. This indicates that the sensor is at a low risk of mechanical failure.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
NASA NTRS1996

Oscillating-Flow Regenerator Test Rig: Hardware and Theory With Derived Correlations for Screens and Felts

A number of wire mesh and metal felt test samples, with a range of porosities, yield generic correlations for friction factor, Nusselt number, enhanced axial conduction ratio, and overall heat flux ratio. This information is directed primarily toward stirling cycle regenerator modelers, but will be of use to anyone seeking to better model fluid flow through these porous materials. Behind these results lies an oscillating-flow test rig, which measures pumping dissipation and thermal energy transport in sample matrices, and several stages of data-reduction software, which correlate instantaneous values for the above dimensionless groups. Within the software, theoretical model reduces instantaneous quantifies from cycle-averaged measurables using standard parameter estimation techniques.

Gedeon, D.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Quantifying Turbine-Level Risk to Golden Eagles Using a High-Fidelity Updraft Model and a Stochastic Behavioral Model

To minimize the effects of wind farms on Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) populations while enabling sustainable development of renewable energy resources, it is important to understand how eagles interact with atmospheric flows, terrain features, and anthropogenic structures. Models that predict migratory flight paths provide one tool that helps us grasp how the location of wind farms may influence interactions and impacts on migrating Golden Eagles. The current state-of-the-art in predicting migratory flight paths uses a deterministic fluid-flow analogy to predict eagle trajectory using only an orographic updraft potential computed from topographical features. This model does not take into account variables, such as thermal updrafts and time varying atmospheric conditions that are known to influence migratory behavior. In this work, we improve on the model with the objective of developing tools that advance our understanding of how atmospheric flows and terrain features affect migratory eagle behavior and their interactions with wind farms. Specifically, we 1) incorporate both orographic and thermal updraft information in simulating eagle flight paths; 2) incorporate stochasticity into eagle travel patterns to better capture the influence of exogenous factors on, and the inherent stochasticity of eagle behavior; 3) consider spatio-temporal atmospheric data at wind-farm-scale when computing updraft potential; and 4) account for how atmospheric conditions and the direction of migration change seasonally and how these changes affect eagle migratory flight behavior. We tested the model using a 50km by 50km region with 50 m resolution in the western United States. We simulated 900 independent, probabilistic eagle tracks during southerly and northerly migration, assuming eagles solely rely on orographic updrafts. The preliminary results indicate that the inclusion of finer resolution atmospheric data allows for the inclusion of realistic conditions that an eagle experiences. The stochasticity in eagle tracks provides a platform to include uncertainty in eagle decision making and help produce robust eagle presence maps. We will deploy updraft and downdraft velocities computed using a high-fidelity, wind farm scale, computational fluid dynamics solver under development at National Renewable Energy Laboratory. This work is a first step in the development of a predictive and generalizable eagle behavior model at the wind farm scale that does not rely on empirical data collection. Although the current model is intended for migratory eagles, we will extend and refine this model to inform the development of additional behavioral modes, including resident eagle behavior. This modeling approach improves our ability to understand eagle use of the landscape at a fine scale, and it is our hope that this work will ultimately help advance strategies that minimize the impact of wind development on Golden Eagle populations.

49 EE - Wind and Water Power Program - Wind (EE-4W↗
DOE OSTI2020

Diabatic visualization shows effects of micro-fins on evaporation of R410A: Smooth, axial micro-fin, and helical micro-fin tubes

A novel approach to visualize the flow boiling inside a clear micro-fin tube under diabatic conditions is presented. Transparent smooth, axial micro-fin, and helical micro-fin tubes are made by 3D printing. The 3D printed tube is placed inside a glass tube and heated by the transparent secondary fluid flowing between the two tubes for providing the evaporation conditions and transparency. R410A flow boiling and the flow patterns in the three geometries captured with a high speed camera are compared. The experimental results show that micro-fin geometry influences flow behavior. Bubbles are mainly generated in the groove region due to a higher superheat than the fin region. Some of the liquid refrigerant is trapped in the grooves of the upper part of the micro-fin tube when the slug flow is present, and bubbles are generated in this thin liquid layer. In addition, the bubbles in the helical micro-fin tube are easier to merge because of the obstacle of the fin geometry for the bubble flowing path. As the two bubble merge, the conversion of surface free energy causes the bubble to travel with a higher velocity.

3D printed↗
DOE OSTI2024

Development of Segregated Thermal-Hydraulics Solvers in MOOSE

The simulation of fluid flows is an essential part of the design and analysis of nuclear systems. Algorithms able to simulate flows at different fidelity levels are available in the Multiphysics Object-Oriented Simulation Environment (MOOSE) and MOOSE-based applications such as Pronghorn \cite{novak2018pronghorn}, Pronghorn-Subchannel, RELAP-7, and SAM. Currently, significant effort is being invested in the development of coarse-mesh Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) capabilities within MOOSE and Pronghorn for the simulation of Generation IV nuclear reactors. Traditionally, the solution algorithms in MOOSE have relied on Newton or quasi-Newton methods (such as the preconditioned Jacobian-free Newton-Krylov method) where residuals and Jacobians (or approximations thereof) are constructed. Both Newton and quasi-Newton methods require the solution of a linear system at each nonlinear Newton iteration with the Jacobian as the system matrix. The Jacobian contains blocks originating from all variables in the problem (i.e., for thermal-hydraulics at least pressure, velocities, and temperature). Due to the formulation of the problem in a general multiphysics setting on unstructured mesh, creating a good preconditioner for the linear system can be challenging, thus many fluid applications have utilized direct solver-based methods such as LU factorization. However, with increasing system size and complexity in multi-dimensional problems, the direct solution of linear systems becomes computationally expensive both in execution time and and memory. For this reason, recent effort has focused on adapting segregated solution algorithms for CFD problems in MOOSE. These algorithms use fixed-point iteration between segregated systems whose assembly and preconditioning are easier those of the monolithic system. Initial results show that the segregated solution algorithm outperforms the monolithic approach in terms of memory usage and for large 3D problems in terms of CPU time as well.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2024

Development of Segregated Thermal-Hydraulics Solvers in MOOSE

The simulation of fluid flows is an essential part of the design and analysis of nuclear systems. Algorithms able to simulate flows at different fidelity levels are available in the Multiphysics Object-Oriented Simulation Environment (MOOSE) and MOOSE-based applications such as Pronghorn \cite{novak2018pronghorn}, Pronghorn-Subchannel, RELAP-7, and SAM. Currently, significant effort is being invested in the development of coarse-mesh Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) capabilities within MOOSE and Pronghorn for the simulation of Generation IV nuclear reactors. Traditionally, the solution algorithms in MOOSE have relied on Newton or quasi-Newton methods (such as the preconditioned Jacobian-free Newton-Krylov method) where residuals and Jacobians (or approximations thereof) are constructed. Both Newton and quasi-Newton methods require the solution of a linear system at each nonlinear Newton iteration with the Jacobian as the system matrix. The Jacobian contains blocks originating from all variables in the problem (i.e., for thermal-hydraulics at least pressure, velocities, and temperature). Due to the formulation of the problem in a general multiphysics setting on unstructured mesh, creating a good preconditioner for the linear system can be challenging, thus many fluid applications have utilized direct solver-based methods such as LU factorization. However, with increasing system size and complexity in multi-dimensional problems, the direct solution of linear systems becomes computationally expensive both in execution time and and memory. For this reason, recent effort has focused on adapting segregated solution algorithms for CFD problems in MOOSE. These algorithms use fixed-point iteration between segregated systems whose assembly and preconditioning are easier those of the monolithic system. Initial results show that the segregated solution algorithm outperforms the monolithic approach in terms of memory usage and for large 3D problems in terms of CPU time as well.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2016

Simulation of Boiling Flow in a Helical Coil Using a Homogeneous Equilibrium Model with the Nek-2P CFD Code

Recent developments in the field of nuclear energy have lead to an increased interest in the design of helically coiled steam generators. In particular, their compact size, and high heat transfer rates make them ideal for small modular reactors. This has lead to a renewed effort to investigate the characteristics of fluid flow and heat transfer in and around helical coils both numerically and experimentally. The focus of this work is on the development of a consistent modeling, formulation, and simulation framework for boiling flows in helical coils using the highly scalable Nek-2P CFD code. As a first step, two phase flow is accounted for using a homogeneous equilibrium model. Results for both single and multiphase flows are compared to results obtained from Star-CCM+. (authors)

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
NASA NTRS1989

Estimating laser transit anemometry noise performance capabilities

A Monte Carlo based LTA (laser transit anemometry) simulation system has been used to perform a detailed evaluation of a set of processing algorithms proposed by Mayo and Smart (1984) for the extraction of two-dimensional flow parameters from LTA data sets collected in a plane normal to the optical axis of the system. The present evaluation includes data ensembles containing 0.0, 5.0, 10.0, and 20.0 percent background noise levels in the constituent correlograms. The results of these evaluations indicate that for turbulence levels of up to 10.0 percent the processing system is able to extract the necessary flow parameters accurately from the LTA data sets. Mean velocity magnitude and flow angle are measurable to within 2.0 percent for turbulence intensity levels of up to 14.0 percent. Standard deviations are measureable to within 10.0 percent over a turbulence range of 3.0-10.0 percent at the same noise levels. These results indicate that the algorithms described have applications in fluid flow surveys.

Humphreys, William M., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Efficient Monte Carlo simulation of rarefied flow in a small nozzle

The flow of carbon dioxide through a small conical nozzle is computed using two different numerical approaches. The first of these is the direct simulation Monte Carlo method in which the physical phenomena are modeled at the molecular level. The second technique solves the Navier-Stokes equations of fluid flow. The purpose of the paper is to compare the solutions generated by these two methods for the conditions prevailing in a small, low density nozzle. The comparison between the two sets of solutions reveals only small differences. However, the flow properties in the thick viscous layer close to the nozzle at the exit plane show important deviations which have implications for the subsequent determination of the plume backflow.

Boyd, Iain D.↗
NASA NTRS2011

Network Flow Simulation of Fluid Transients in Rocket Propulsion Systems

Fluid transients, also known as water hammer, can have a significant impact on the design and operation of both spacecraft and launch vehicle propulsion systems. These transients often occur at system activation and shutdown. The pressure rise due to sudden opening and closing of valves of propulsion feed lines can cause serious damage during activation and shutdown of propulsion systems. During activation (valve opening) and shutdown (valve closing), pressure surges must be predicted accurately to ensure structural integrity of the propulsion system fluid network. In the current work, a network flow simulation software (Generalized Fluid System Simulation Program) based on Finite Volume Method has been used to predict the pressure surges in the feed line due to both valve closing and valve opening using two separate geometrical configurations. The valve opening pressure surge results are compared with experimental data available in the literature and the numerical results compared very well within reasonable accuracy (< 5%) for a wide range of inlet-to-initial pressure ratios. A Fast Fourier Transform is preformed on the pressure oscillations to predict the various modal frequencies of the pressure wave. The shutdown problem, i.e. valve closing problem, the simulation results are compared with the results of Method of Characteristics. Most rocket engines experience a longitudinal acceleration, known as "pogo" during the later stage of engine burn. In the shutdown example problem, an accumulator has been used in the feed system to demonstrate the "pogo" mitigation effects in the feed system of propellant. The simulation results using GFSSP compared very well with the results of Method of Characteristics.

Bandyopadhyay, Alak↗
DOE OSTI2025

Techno-Economic Viability of Flexible Dispatch of Unconventional Geothermal Systems

Flexible geothermal operations could boost project returns through the allocation of improved power purchase agreements and/or exploitation of power price arbitrage opportunities. In this study, we investigated the techno-economic feasibility of variable flow rate control and time-of-day pricing in closed-loop geothermal systems. We considered U-shaped multilateral system configurations and modeled a variety of technical system parameters. These designs were simulated using a slender-body theory (SBT) model for transient heat transfer and fluid flow. This subsurface model was integrated into the flexible geothermal economic model (FGEM) tool to evaluate the overall flexible geothermal system techno-economics. Future hourly ambient temperature conditions were based on the Sup3rCC dataset. Published datasets were used for future hourly wholesale electricity prices. We analyzed four operating strategies: 1) baseload operation, 2) seasonal dispatch (high flow rate during summer and nominal flow rate during the rest of the year), 3) net generation maximization by varying flow rate to maximize net power output, and 4) revenue maximization by varying flow rate to maximize revenue. We ran all four scenarios for a multiloop configuration with 12 lateral passes, 7-km vertical depth and 87-km total drilling length. Furthermore, we assumed a 60 degrees C/km geothermal gradient and ambient temperature and wholesale electricity prices for New Mexico as a typical state location. The nominal flow rate was set to 80 kg/s. When considering drilling costs of $1,000/m and a discount rate of 7%, the generation maximization scenario resulted in the lowest levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of ~$150/MWh. When considering project return on investment (ROI), defined as lifetime net income divided by upfront capital costs, all flexible operation scenarios performed better than the base case scenario. The highest ROI of 80% was obtained with the revenue maximization scenario. With drilling costs of $200/m and a discount rate of 5%, the generation maximization scenario resulted in LCOE of $49/MWh.

flexible geothermal↗
NASA NTRS1989

A laser based computer aided non-intrusive technique for full field flow characterization in macroscopic curved channels

This paper presents the application of a laser based, computer aided image processing technique for the nonintrusive evaluation of field velocities and accelerations in a 180 deg curved channel geometry, characteristic of inlet passages of the cowls of airbreathing aircraft engines. The method based on the illumination of the test section with a laser generated planar sheet of light, allows microscopic or macroscopic surveillance of fluid flow across or along large cross sections for relatively long (greater than 1 sec) periods of time. The method is Lagrangian in concept and permits identification and tracking of the same particle, thus facilitating construction of more comprehensive trajectories and the calculation of velocities and accelerations.

Braun, M. J.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Fluid-driven fractures in granular media: Insights from numerical investigations

We investigate the mechanisms of opening-mode fracture initiation in granular media. The study is based on a simulation of grain-scale fluid-grain interactions through a coupled numerical approach in which the discrete element method is used to solve for the mechanics of a solid granular medium, and computational fluid dynamics is used to model fluid flow and drag forces. In this work, we present benchmark problems with analytical solutions and validate this numerical model against experiments on a viscous-drag-driven cavity in the literature. Additional simulation results show fracture initiation mechanisms in a random granular packing subjected to constant boundary stresses and to fluid injection with a localized source. The dimensionless variable $F_s/F_{sk}$ (ratio of seepage force $F_s$ and skeletal force $F_{sk}$) incorporates the impacts of physical properties and injection parameters including fluid viscosity, injection velocity, grain size, and effective stresses, and it has been used as a criterion separating regimes of fluid invasion and drag-driven fracture opening. Our simulation results show that $F_s/F_{sk}$ in combination with $τ_1$ (ratio of diffusion time from hydromechanical coupling and injection time) serves as a prediction of fracture opening within granular packing. We suggest a simple criterion ($F_s/F_{sk}$ > 1 or $τ_1$ > 0.17) that is valid for various types of granular media and injection conditions to determine if fracture opening will occur. Among other applications, this study is useful to predict the initiation and propagation of fractures in natural sediments.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗