SEARCH · Engineering Papers
Results for “rig”
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.
Feasibility study for test rig assessments of fish passage conditions in a Kaplan turbine
The assessment of fish passage conditions in hydroelectric turbines consists of identifying and quantifying physical magnitudes leading to increased risks of injury of fish passing through turbines in operation. Such assessments are usually carried out either with the use of computer-based methods during design or with field testing of live fish and sensors passing through prototypes. A method in between consists of test rig experimentation, which is critical for testing fish-focused design concepts and offers the opportunity for implementing the most effective design measures for improved fish survivability. However, fish-related assessments in test rigs are not sufficiently documented for industrial applications. This work presents the main findings of an experimental campaign to quantify fish-related hydraulic magnitudes in a physical model of a Kaplan turbine in a commercial test rig. Two operating conditions were tested by releasing miniaturized autonomous sensor devices (termed Sensor Fish Mini) at the turbine intake flow, passing them through the runner in motion and recovering them at the draft tube exit. During passage, time series of acceleration, absolute pressure and rotational velocity were recorded. The recordings were then interpreted to determine the magnitude and likely location of hydraulic stressors hazardous to fish. The statistical tests on the reported measurements indicated that low pressure, collisions on the runner and rotations in the draft tube were not different between the two tested operating points. On the other hand, pressure drop and collision rates on the distributor differed considerably as a function of net head. The outcomes of this investigation showed that test rig evaluations of fish-related properties with Sensor Fish Mini can contribute to an evidence-based development of turbine geometries designed for providing safer passage conditions. Future work will investigate the scaling of test rig measurements to hydraulically equivalent magnitudes in the prototype and their biological consequences.
Suppression of hepatitis B virus through therapeutic activation of RIG-I and IRF3 signaling in hepatocytes
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) mediates persistent infection, chronic hepatitis, and liver disease. HBV covalently closed circular (ccc)DNA is central to viral persistence such that its elimination is considered the cornerstone for HBV cure. Inefficient detection by pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs) in the infected hepatocyte facilitates HBV persistence via avoidance of innate immune activation and interferon regulatory factor (IRF)3 induction of antiviral gene expression. We evaluated a small molecule compound, F7, and 5'-triphosphate-poly-U/UC pathogen-associated-molecular-pattern (PAMP) RNA agonists of RIG-I, a PRR that signals innate immunity, for ability to suppress cccDNA. F7 and poly-U/UC PAMP treatment of HBV-infected cells induced RIG-I signaling of IRF3 activation to induce antiviral genes for suppression of cccDNA formation and accelerated decay of established cccDNA, and were additive to the actions of entecavir. Our study shows that activation of the RIG-I pathway and IRF3 to induce innate immune actions offers therapeutic benefit toward elimination of cccDNA.
Out-of-Pile Test of LVDT-Based Creep Test Rig at PWR Prototypical Conditions
New and improved materials are being considered to support the existing nuclear reactors and future next-generation reactors. The materials can significantly degrade and limit their properties in harsh reactor environments. To accurately understand the material’s degradation, real-time data is required under prototypic-irradiation conditions. Additionally, understanding the creep behavior of materials under harsh environments is essential for an evaluation of safety concerns. To provide these capabilities, the Idaho National Laboratory’s (INL’s) High Temperature Test Laboratory (HTTL) has developed several instrumented test rigs to obtain real-time data from specimens in well-controlled pressurized water reactor (PWR) coolant conditions in the Materials and Test Reactors (MTRs). This technical report focuses on INL’s efforts to evaluate and enhance the former prototype creep test rig that relied on linear variable differential transformers in laboratory settings. Specifically, the test rig is capable of detecting changes in the length of tensile specimen, which is useful for measuring thermal expansion and creep loading.
Development of Real-Time, In-pile Creep Test Rigs for Characterizing the Structural Materials of Nuclear Components
New and improved materials are being considered for supporting both existing and next-generation nuclear reactors. Reactor materials can significantly degrade with time, thus limiting or altering their properties in harsh reactor environments. To accurately understand such material degradation, real-time data obtained under prototypic irradiation conditions are required. In particular, understanding the creep behavior of materials exposed to irradiation and elevated temperatures is essential for safety concern evaluations. To provide these capabilities, Idaho National Laboratory (INL)’s High Temperature Test Laboratory (HTTL) developed several instrumented test rigs for obtaining real-time data from specimens in well-controlled pressurized-water reactor (PWR) coolant conditions at the Materials Test Reactor. This technical report focuses on INL’s efforts to evaluate and enhance the former creep test rig prototype that relied on linear variable differential transformers in laboratory settings. Specifically, the test rig can detect changes in the length of creep specimens, which is useful for measuring thermal expansion and creep deformation.
Structural Materials Characterization Test Rig Development
Structural Materials Characterization Test Rig Development Project Summary
Inhibition of Micro-pitting by Tribofilm-Forming ZrO 2 Nanocrystal Lubricant Additives: A Micro-pitting Rig and Transmission Electron Microscope Study
The drive to reduce fuel consumption in transportation has encouraged the emergence of low viscosity lubricants to reduce viscous losses in the engine, drivetrain, and other components. However, viscosity reduction increases the risk of surface damage, thus motivating the development of new anti-wear (AW) additives. Capped ZrO 2 nanocrystals (NCs) in base oils have been shown to form AW tribofilms within microscale sliding contacts. However, the potential of ZrO 2 NCs to protect surfaces subjected to rolling-sliding contact from macroscale damage, such as micro-pitting, remains unexplored. Here, we explore the ability of ZrO 2 NCs to form protective tribofilms under harsh conditions using a micro-pitting rig (MPR), consisting of a three ring-on-roller configuration. The experiments were conducted in polyalphaolephin (PAO) base oil, with and without 5 nm diameter ZrO 2 NCs, at two levels of slide-to-roll ratio (SRR) (30% and 0%) and at variable test durations up to long durations (119 h). MPR results showed the use of ZrO 2 NCs gives rise to the formation of a tribofilm covering the roller surfaces and decreases the initiation and propagation of micro-pits compared to tests in pure PAO base stock. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) performed on focused ion beam (FIB) milled cross-sectional samples of the roller surfaces revealed the growth of dense and 50–100 nm thick ZrO 2 -based tribofilms independent of (SRR), indicating the potential for robust micro-pitting fatigue protection. Nevertheless, small cracks localized within the near surface region of the roller tested at the most severe conditions (30% SRR and 119 h) were observed. The initiation of these cracks was directly related to the presence of manganese sulphide (MnS) inclusions in the steel, revealed using TEM combined with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Furthermore, the results highlight the benefits of the protective tribofilms formed by ZrO 2 NCs and suggest approaches for further optimizing their use.
Mass and momentum transport in the Tilted Rocket Rig experiment
Here, high-fidelity large eddy simulations of the inclined Rayleigh-Taylor instability in the Tilted Rocket Rig experimental configuration [Smeeton and Youngs, AWE Report No. O 35/87 (1987)] are performed using a tenth-order compact finite difference code. These simulations are analyzed for spatial distributions of turbulent kinetic energy, turbulent mass flux velocity, species mass fraction flux, species mass fraction variance, and Favre-averaged Reynolds stresses at two time instances, t = 37 ms and t = 52 ms. Additionally, the vertical distribution of the components of the unclosed budget equations over the center of the domain for these quantities are examined. The dominant terms of these budget equations are further decomposed to examine the principal contributions to these terms in each axis. Notably, the principal contribution to the horizontal turbulent mass flux velocity budget is found to be from a term which is commonly neglected in many Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes models.
Optimization of a High Pressure Turbine Blade and Sector-Based Annular Rig Design for Supercritical CO2 Power Cycle Representative Testing
Abstract As part of the ongoing research into the design of hardware for zero emission cycles, a first-stage high-pressure turbine (HPT) blade is optimized for a 300 MWe supercritical CO2 (sCO2) power cycle using the surrogate-assisted genetic algorithm optimizer in Numeca FINE/Design three-dimensional with objectives of increasing efficiency and decreasing heat load to the blade. Supercritical CO2 property tables are constructed from NIST REFPROP data for the condensable gas simulation in FINE/Turbo. A detailed mesh sensitivity study is performed for a baseline design to identify the proper-grid refinement and efficiently allocate resources for the optimization. Seventy design variables are selected for the initial population generation. Self-organizing maps are then used to focus the design variables on the most important ones affecting the objective functions. The optimization results in approximately 3000 three-dimensional Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes simulations of different blade shapes with increases in efficiency of up to 0.85% and decreases in heat load of 14%. Families of blade shapes are identified for experimental testing in an annular rig at the Purdue Experimental Turbine Aerothermal Laboratory. A design to adapt the annular cascade for testing optimized geometries is introduced, which features eccentric radius sectors allowing for scaled-up geometries of sCO2 optimized blade profiles to be tested at design cycle representative conditions at high Reynolds numbers in dry air. Analysis into the effects of Reynolds number, working fluid, and geometric relations are presented to prove the efficacy of the test method.
Assembly and Functional Test of NRAD Heated Instrumentation Rig
This is a technical report (TEV-4296) which documents the configuration and materials of construction for a heated sensor test conducted in the NRAD reactor. It is being reviewed for external release so that operators of university reactors can evaluate whether this level of documentation will be acceptable for similar tests conducted in their reactors. The Objective section of this TEV is reproduced below. The purpose of this TEV is to document assembly and functional testing of a device which is designed to allow advanced sensors to be temporarily placed at the periphery of the NRAD reactor. While in this location, the operational characteristics of the sensors can be evaluated while they are exposed to a neutron flux. This device (or “rig”) consists of a cartridge heater surrounded by six guide tubes, which are in turn surrounded by insulation and an aluminum dry tube. The heater allows for the sensors to be tested while at elevated temperature.
Analysis of Rig Parameter Data Using Drilling Process Modeling Constraints, Volume 5: Utah FORGE Well 16B(78)-32
Drill rig parameter measurements are routinely used during deep well construction to monitor and guide drilling conditions for improved performance and reduced costs. While insightful into the drilling process, these measurements are of reduced value without a standard to aid in data evaluation and decision making. In the main body of this work (Volume 1), a method is demonstrated whereby rock reduction model constraints are used to interpret drilling response parameters; the method could be applied in real-time to improve decision-making in the field and to further discern technology performance during post-drilling evaluations. Drilling parameters are evaluated using laboratory-validated rock reduction models for predicting the phenomenological response of drag bits (Detournay and Defourny, 1992) in computational algorithms. The method presented has applicability to development of advanced analytics on future geothermal wells using real-time electronic data recording for improved performance and reduced drilling costs. A drilling cost model is also used to show the tradeoff between rate of penetration and bit life and the influence on interval drilling costs. Details of the bit specifications and performance are cataloged in an independent volume, documented under separate cover, for each of the four wells, and include Volume 2: Utah FORGE 16A(78)-32; Volume 3: Utah FORGE 56-32; Volume 4: Utah FORGE 78B-32 and Volume 5: Utah FORGE 16B(78)-32.
Analysis of Rig Parameter Data Using Drilling Process Modeling Constraints, Volume 4: Utah FORGE Well 78B-32
Drill rig parameter measurements are routinely used during deep well construction to monitor and guide drilling conditions for improved performance and reduced costs. While insightful into the drilling process, these measurements are of reduced value without a standard to aid in data evaluation and decision making. In the main body of this work (Volume 1), a method is demonstrated whereby rock reduction model constraints are used to interpret drilling response parameters; the method could be applied in real-time to improve decision-making in the field and to further discern technology performance during post-drilling evaluations. Drilling parameters are evaluated using laboratory-validated rock reduction models for predicting the phenomenological response of drag bits (Detournay and Defourny, 1992) in computational algorithms. The method presented has applicability to development of advanced analytics on future geothermal wells using real-time electronic data recording for improved performance and reduced drilling costs. A drilling cost model is also used to show the tradeoff between rate of penetration and bit life and the influence on interval drilling costs. Details of the bit specifications and performance are cataloged in an independent volume, documented under separate cover, for each of the four wells, and include Volume 2: Utah FORGE 16A(78)-32; Volume 3: Utah FORGE 56-32; Volume 4: Utah FORGE 78B-32 and Volume 5: Utah FORGE 16B(78)-32.
Analysis of Rig Parameter Data Using Drilling Process Modeling Constraints, Volume 3: Utah FORGE Well 56-32
Drill rig parameter measurements are routinely used during deep well construction to monitor and guide drilling conditions for improved performance and reduced costs. While insightful into the drilling process, these measurements are of reduced value without a standard to aid in data evaluation and decision making. In the main body of this work (Volume 1), a method is demonstrated whereby rock reduction model constraints are used to interpret drilling response parameters; the method could be applied in real-time to improve decision-making in the field and to further discern technology performance during post-drilling evaluations. Drilling parameters are evaluated using laboratory-validated rock reduction models for predicting the phenomenological response of drag bits (Detournay and Defourny, 1992) in computational algorithms. The method presented has applicability to development of advanced analytics on future geothermal wells using real-time electronic data recording for improved performance and reduced drilling costs. A drilling cost model is also used to show the tradeoff between rate of penetration and bit life and the influence on interval drilling costs. Details of the bit specifications and performance are cataloged in an independent volume, documented under separate cover, for each of the four wells, and include Volume 2: Utah FORGE 16A(78)-32; Volume 3: Utah FORGE 56-32; Volume 4: Utah FORGE 78B-32 and Volume 5: Utah FORGE 16B(78)-32.
Analysis of Rig Parameter Data Using Drilling Process Modeling Constraints, Volume 1: Summary of Utah FORGE Wells 16A(78)-32, 56-32, 78B-32 and 16B(78)-32
Drill rig parameter measurements are routinely used during deep well construction to monitor and guide drilling conditions for improved performance and reduced costs. While insightful into the drilling process, these measurements are of reduced value without a standard to aid in data evaluation and decision making. In the main body of this work (Volume 1), a method is demonstrated whereby rock reduction model constraints are used to interpret drilling response parameters; the method could be applied in real-time to improve decision-making in the field and to further discern technology performance during post-drilling evaluations. Drilling parameters are evaluated using laboratory-validated rock reduction models for predicting the phenomenological response of drag bits (Detournay and Defourny, 1992) in computational algorithms. The method presented has applicability to development of advanced analytics on future geothermal wells using real-time electronic data recording for improved performance and reduced drilling costs. A drilling cost model is also used to show the tradeoff between rate of penetration and bit life and the influence on interval drilling costs. Details of the bit specifications and performance are cataloged in an independent volume, documented under separate cover, for each of the four wells, and include Volume 2: Utah FORGE 16A(78)-32; Volume 3: Utah FORGE 56-32; Volume 4: Utah FORGE 78B-32 and Volume 5: Utah FORGE 16B(78)-32.
Caenorhabditis elegans Dicer acts with the RIG-I-like helicase DRH-1 and RDE-4 to cleave dsRNA
Invertebrates use the endoribonuclease Dicer to cleave viral dsRNA during antiviral defense, while vertebrates use RIG-I-like Receptors (RLRs), which bind viral dsRNA to trigger an interferon response. While some invertebrate Dicers act alone during antiviral defense, Caenorhabditis elegans Dicer acts in a complex with a dsRNA binding protein called RDE-4, and an RLR ortholog called DRH-1. We used biochemical and structural techniques to provide mechanistic insight into how these proteins function together. We found RDE-4 is important for ATP-independent and ATP-dependent cleavage reactions, while helicase domains of both DCR-1 and DRH-1 contribute to ATP-dependent cleavage. DRH-1 plays the dominant role in ATP hydrolysis, and like mammalian RLRs, has an N-terminal domain that functions in autoinhibition. A cryo-EM structure indicates DRH-1 interacts with DCR-1’s helicase domain, suggesting this interaction relieves autoinhibition. Our study unravels the mechanistic basis of the collaboration between two helicases from typically distinct innate immune defense pathways.
Use of Rig Parameter Data in Bit Constraint Models for Improved Drilling Performance at The Geysers
Surface parameter measurements are routinely used during deep well construction to monitor and guide drilling conditions for improved performance and reduced costs. However, these measurements are of reduced value without a standard to aid in evaluation and decision making. A method is demonstrated whereby drill bit constraint models are used to interpret drilling response parameters. Drill rig parameter data for well GDC-36 at the Geysers Geothermal Field Power were acquired by Geysers Power Company and drilling contractor Kenai Drilling using Pason US DataHub and evaluated. Drilling parameters are evaluated using laboratory-validated rock reduction models for predicting the phenomenological response of drag bits (Detournay and Defourny, 1992) along with other model constraints in computational algorithms. The method is used to evaluate overall bit performance, monitor bit integrity, and detect the presence of drillstring vibrations and other conditions contributing to bit failure; comparisons are made to observations of bit wear and damage. The method will be applied in real-time to improve decision-making on subsequent wells and has applicability to development of advanced analytics on future geothermal wells using real-time electronic drilling recorder (EDR) data for improved performance and reduced drilling costs.
Structural analysis of RIG-I-like receptors reveals ancient rules of engagement between diverse RNA helicases and TRIM ubiquitin ligases
Explore the source record for details and available documents.