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At least 181 records · Page 10

Complementary Study of Radiative Heat Transfer and Flow Physics from Moderate-scale Hydrocarbon Pool Fire Simulations

As part of the Advanced Simulation and Computing Verification and Validation (ASCVV) program, a 0.3-m diameter hydrocarbon pool fire with multiple fuels was modeled and simulated. In the study described in this report, systematic examination was performed on the radiation model used in a series of coupled Fuego/Nalu simulations. A calibration study was done with a medium-scale methanol pool fire and the effect of calibration traced throughout the radiation model. This analysis provided a more detailed understanding of the effect of radiation model parameters on each other and on other quantities in the simulations. Heptane simulation results were also examined using this approach and possible areas for further improvement of the models were identified. The effect of soot on radiative losses was examined by comparing heptane and methanol results.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Modeling Radionuclide Vaporization from Sodium Pools for SFR Mechanistic Source Term Analysis

To assist both the advanced reactor industry and U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in the pursuit of reactor design and licensing, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Nuclear Energy Advanced Modeling and Simulation (NEAMS) program has established a mechanistic source term (MST) research project under the Multiphysics Applications technical area. As part of this effort, an MST mod/sim development pathway was developed in FY21 under the NEAMS program, which outlines the high-level objectives and near-term tasks necessary to achieve the project objectives. One such recommended task was the assessment of a previously developed thermodynamic database to model radionuclide vaporization from liquid sodium pools (specifically in the context of MST analyses), which is the focus of this topic report. As such, a thermodynamic database was created in FactSage for liquid sodium pools containing oxygen and relevant elements which represent radionuclides pertinent to MST analyses. The database was demonstrated in calculating vapor fraction curves for each element in the system at concentrations relevant to SFR MST.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Central Hanford Vernal Pool Monitoring Report for Calendar Year 2025

This report summarizes vernal pool monitoring data collected in calendar year (CY) 2025 and provides management recommendations. Monitoring efforts occurred on the portion of the Hanford Site managed by the U.S. Department of Energy, Hanford Field Office (HFO), referred to herein as Central Hanford. The goal of monitoring is to collect data to evaluate the conservation status of this imperiled habitat. Monitoring in CY 2025 built on previous efforts, as reported in HNF-62115, Ecological Monitoring Report Vernal Pools on the Hanford Site.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Comparison of venous and pooled capillary hemoglobin levels for the detection of anemia among adolescent girls

Introduction: Blood source is a known preanalytical factor affecting hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations, and there is evidence that capillary and venous blood may yield disparate Hb levels and anemia prevalence. However, data from adolescents are scarce. Objective: To compare Hb and anemia prevalence measured by venous and individual pooled capillary blood among a sample of girls aged 10–19 years from 232 schools in four regions of Ghana in 2022. Methods: Among girls who had venous blood draws, a random subsample was selected for capillary blood. Hb was measured using HemoCue® Hb-301. We used Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) to quantify the strength of the bivariate relationship between venous and capillary Hb and a paired t-test for difference in means. We used McNemar’s test for discordance in anemia cases by blood source and weighted Kappa to quantify agreement by anemia severity. A multivariate generalized estimating equation was used to quantify adjusted population anemia prevalence and assess the association between blood source and predicted anemia risk. Results: We found strong concordance between Hb measures (CCC = 0.86). The difference between mean venous Hb (12.8 g/dL, ± 1.1) and capillary Hb (12.9 g/dL, ± 1.2) was not significant (p = 0.26). Crude anemia prevalence by venous and capillary blood was 20.6% and 19.5%, respectively. Adjusted population anemia prevalence was 23.5% for venous blood and 22.5% for capillary ( = 0.45). Blood source was not associated with predicted anemia risk (risk ratio: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.96, 1.02). Discordance in anemia cases by blood source was not significant (McNemar p = 0.46). Weighted Kappa demonstrated moderate agreement by severity (k =0.67). Among those with anemia by either blood source (n = 111), 59% were identified by both sources. Conclusion: In Ghanaian adolescent girls, there was no difference in mean Hb, anemia prevalence, or predicted anemia risk by blood source. However, only 59% of girls with anemia by either blood source were identified as having anemia by both sources. These findings suggest that pooled capillary blood may be useful for estimating Hb and anemia at the population level, but that caution is needed when interpreting individual-level data.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Chain pooling to minimize prediction errors in subset regression

The existing theory of subset regression is examined, taking into account optimality criteria, small experiments, nonlinear models, colinearities, and special techniques. Approaches based on chain pooling coupled with principal components regression are discussed, giving attention to a comparison of half-normal plotting with chain pooling, a procedure based on prior ordering, deletion under the F-test, the largest of a set of chi-square variates, and principal components regression and model deletion. The choice of a true (population) model for simulations is considered along with the evaluation of the decision procedure and suitable computer programs.

Holms, A. G.↗

Conceptual design for spacelab pool boiling experiment

A pool boiling heat transfer experiment to be incorporated with a larger two-phase flow experiment on Spacelab was designed to confirm (or alter) the results of earth-normal gravity experiments which indicate that the hydrodynamic peak and minimum pool boiling heat fluxes vanish at very low gravity. Twelve small sealed test cells containing water, methanol or Freon 113 and cylindrical heaters of various sizes are to be built. Each cell will be subjected to one or more 45 sec tests in which the surface heat flux on the heaters is increased linearly until the surface temperature reaches a limiting value of 500 C. The entire boiling process will be photographed in slow-motion. Boiling curves will be constructed from thermocouple and electric input data, for comparison with the motion picture records. The conduct of the experiment will require no more than a few hours of operator time.

Lienhard, J. H.↗

Ignition and Flame Spread Above Liquid Fuel Pools

Phenomena of ignition and flame spread above liquid fuel pools are studied and factors that can improve fire safety are determined. Dominant mechanisms for convective heat transfer and impact on ignition and flame spread above liquid fuel pools will be determined from these efforts. The approach is: (1) analytical and computational studies to evaluate scaling factors; (2) experimental design, development, and operation in laboratory at Earth's gravity; (3) experimental design for drop towers at NASA Lewis Research Center; (4) development and operation of drop tower experiments together with NASA Lewis Research personnel and; (5) develop recommendations for Lear Jet and/or Space Shuttle experiments. Through this research, a mathematical model of two-phase systems is formulated and is being coded for the computer.

Sirignano, W. A.↗

Camera Would Monitor Weld-Pool Contours

Weld pool illuminated and viewed coaxially along welding torch. Proposed monitoring subsystem for arc welder provides image in which horizontal portions of surface of weld pool highlighted. Monitoring and analyzing subsystems integrated into overall control system of robotic welder. Control system sets welding parameters to adapt to changing conditions, maintaining surface contour giving desired pattern of reflections.

Gordon, Stephen S.↗

Ignition delay of a gas mixture above a liquid fuel pool

A computational study has been made of transient heat transfer and fluid flow of an axisymmetric two-layer gas-and-liquid system heated from above by a small hot spot (e.g., a hot wire or pilot flame) located close to the liquid surface. The gas phase is unconfined above the liquid pool. The effects of varying gravity level (0.0001 to 1 gn), liquid pool height, and heater height are investigated. Thermocapillary convection induced by the nonuniform heating of the liquid surface combines with buoyancy forces to affect the heat transfer and the transport of fuel vapor toward the heat source. At reduced gravity, gas-phase conduction is comparable to the incident radiation at the liquid surface, whereas at 1 gn, buoyant convection carries the heat upward from the heat source and, therefore, the liquid is heated primarily by radiation.

Schiller, D. N.↗

Pool boiler heat transport system for a 25 kWe advanced Stirling conversion system

Experiments to determine alkali metal/enhanced surface combinations that have stable boiling at the temperatures and heat fluxes that occur in the Stirling engine are reported. Two enhanced surfaces and two alkali metal working fluids were evaluated. The enhanced surfaces were an EDM hole covered surface and a sintered-powder-metal porous layer surface. The working fluids tested were potassium and eutectic sodium-potasium alloy (NaK), both with and without undissolved noncondensible gas. Noncondensible gas (He and Xe) was added to the system to provide gas in the nucleation sites, preventing quenching of the sites. The experiments demonstrated the potential of an alkali metal pool boiler heat transport system for use in a solar-powered Stirling engine. The most favorable fluid/surface combination tested was NaK boiling on a -100 +140 mesh 304L stainless steel sintered porous layer with no undissolved noncondensible gas. This combination provided stable, high-performance boiling at the operating temperature of 700 C. Heat fluxes into the system ranged from 10 to 50 W/sq cm. The transition from free convection to nucleate boiling occurred at temperatures near 540 C. Based on these experiments, a pool boiler was designed for a full-scale 25-kWe Stirling system.

Anderson, W. G.↗

Design of a pool boiler heat transport system for a 25 kWe advanced Stirling conversion system

The overall operating temperature and efficiency of solar-powered Stirling engines can be improved by adding a heat transport system to more uniformly supply heat to the heater head tubes. One heat transport system with favorable characteristics is an alkali metal pool boiler. An alkali metal pool boiler heat transport system was designed for a 25-kW advanced Stirling conversion system (ASCS). Solar energy concentrated on the absorber dome boils a eutectic mixture of sodium and potassium. The alkali metal vapors condense on the heater head tubes, supplying the Stirling engine with a uniform heat flux at a constant temperature. Boiling stability is achieved with the use of an enhanced boiling surface and noncondensible gas.

Anderson, W. G.↗

Nucleate pool boiling in the long duration low gravity environment of the Space Shuttle

The results are presented of an experimental study of nucleate pool boiling performed in the low gravity environment of the space shuttle. Photographic observations of pool boiling in Freon 113 were obtained during the 'Tank Pressure Control Experiment,' flown on the Space Transportation System, STS-43 in August 1991. Nucleate boiling data from large (relative to bubble size) flat heating surfaces (0.1046 by 0.0742 m) was obtained at very low heat fluxes (0.22 to 1.19 kW/sq m). The system pressure and the bulk liquid subcooling varied in the range of 40 to 60 kPa and 3 to 5 C respectively. Thirty-eight boiling tests, each of 10-min duration for a given heat flux, were conducted. Measurements included the heater power, heater surface temperature, the liquid temperature and the system pressure as functions of heating time. Video data of the first 2 min of heating was recorded for each test. In some tests the video clearly shows the inception of boiling and the growth and departure of bubbles from the surface during the first 2 min of heating. In the absence of video data, the heater temperature variation during heating shows the inception of boiling and stable nucleate boiling. During the stable nucleate boiling, the wall superheat varied between 2.8 to 3.8 C for heat fluxes in the range of 0.95 to 1.19 kW/sq m. The wall superheat at the inception of boiling varied between 2 to 13 C.

Hasan, M. M.↗

Temperature and size variabilities of the Western Pacific Warm Pool

Variabilities in sea-surface temperature and size of the Western Pacific Warm Pool were tracked with 10 years of satellite multichannel sea-surface temperature observations from 1982 to 1991. The results show that both annual mean sea-surface temperature and the size of the warm pool increased from 1983 to 1987 and fluctuated after 1987. Possible causes of these variations include solar irradiance variabilities, El Nino-Southern Oscillaton events, volcanic activities, and global warming.

Yan, Xiao-Hai↗

Nucleate pool boiling in the long duration low gravity environment of the space shuttle

The results are presented of an experimental study of nucleate pool boiling performed in the low gravity environment of the space shuttle. Photographic observations of pool boiling in Freon 113 were obtained during the 'Tank Pressure Control Experiment', flown on the Space Transportation System STS-43 in August 1991. Nucleate boiling data from large (relative to bubble size) flat heating surfaces (0.1046 by 0.0742 m) was obtained at very low heat fluxes (0.22 to 1.19 kw/so m). The system pressure and the bulk liquid subcooling varied in the range of 40 to 60 kPa and 3 to 5 C respectively. Thirty-eight boiling tests, each of 10 min duration for a given heat flux, were conducted. Measurements included the heater power, heater surface temperature, the liquid temperature and the system pressure as functions of heating time. Video data of the first 2 min of heating was recorded for each test. In some tests the video clearly shows the inception of boiling and the growth and departure of bubbles from the surface during the first 2 min of heating. In the absence of video data, the heater temperature variation during heating shows the inception of boiling and stable nucleate boiling. During the stable nucleate boiling, the wall superheat varied between 2.8 to 3.8 C for heat fluxes in the range of 0.95 to 1.19 kw/so m. The wall superheat at the inception of boiling varied between 2 to 13 C.

Hasan, M. M.↗

Optically thin cirrus clouds - Radiative impact on the warm pool

The role of the radiative effects of thin cirrus clouds in the energy balance of the 'warm pool' region is examined with reference to data obtained by the Infrared Interferometer Spectrometer (IRIS) flown on the Nimbus 4 satellite in 1970. First, the IRIS observations and a method for deriving the thin cirrus information are briefly discussed. A simple radiative energy balance model is then developed which is applicable to the mesoscale convective systems in the 'warm pool'. The radiative energy balance model, which does not explicitly account for the transports, is used to demonstrate the net radiative heating produced by the thin cirrus clouds.

Prabhakara, C.↗

Satellite observations of upper-layer variabilities in the western Pacific warm pool

The variabilities of the upper layer of the western Pacific warm pool (WPWP) were observed using satellite infrared data from 1982 to 1991 and altimeter data from November 1986 to September 1989. The warm pool was defined as the area where the sea surface temperatures are above 28 C. The eastern boundary oscillation, the centroid movement, and the upper-layer volume variation of the WPWP were intensively studied. Spectral analysis revealed that the eastern boundary oscillation of the WPWP was related to the El Nino event and the annual cycle. The centroid of the WPWP traced an ellipselike trajectory during a year and moved counterclockwise in most years. However, in 1982 and 1986, the years of the onset of El Nino events, the movements were clockwise. The upper-layer volume of the WPWP was divided latitudinally into three sections. The annual cycles in the northern (from 3 deg to 30 deg N) and southern (from 3 deg to 30 deg S) sections were dominant. No annual cycle was found in the equatorial section (from 3 deg S to 3 deg N), but the volume of warm water in the equatorial Pacific increased during the 1986/87 El Nino event. The equatorial section was further divided into the eastern and western sectors along 165 deg W. During the 1986/87 El Nino event, the volume of warm water increased in the eastern sector, but the variation was smaller in the western sector than that in the eastern sector. During the 1988 La Nina event, the warm water volumes decreased in both sectors.

Ho, Chung-Ru↗

Electrohydrodynamic Pool Boiling in Reduced Gravity

This research is concerned with studying the effects of applied electric fields on pool boiling in a reduced-gravity environment. Experiments are conducted at the NASA Lewis 2.2 sec Drop tower using a drop rig constructed at UC Davis. In the experiments, a platinum wire is heated while immersed in saturated liquid refrigerants (FC-72 and FC-87), or water, causing vapor formation at the wire surface. Electric fields are applied between the wire surface and an outer screen electrode that surrounds the wire. Preliminary normal-gravity experiments with water have demonstrated that applied electric fields generated by the rig electronics can influence boiling characteristics. Reduced-gravity experiments will be performed in the summer of 1996. The experiments will provide fundamental data on electric field strengths required to disrupt film boiling (for various wire heat generation input rates) in reduced gravity for a cylindrical geometry. The experiments should also shed light on the roles of characteristic bubble generation times and charge relaxation times in determining the effects of electric fields on pool boiling. Normal-gravity comparison experiments will also be performed.

Shaw, Benjamin D.↗

Temperature Field During Flame Spread over Alcohol Pools: Measurements and Modelling

A principal difference between flame spread over solid fuels and over liquid fuels is, in the latter case, the presence of liquid-phase convection ahead of the leading edge of the flame. The details of the fluid dynamics and heat transfer mechanisms in both the pulsating and uniform flame spread regimes were heavily debated, without resolution, in the 1960s and 1970s; recently, research on flame spread over pools was reinvigorated by the advent of enhanced diagnostic techniques and computational power. Temperature fields in the liquid, which enable determination of the extent of preheating ahead of the flame, were determined previously by the use of thermocouples and repetitive tests, and suggested that the surface temperature does not decrease monotonically ahead of the pulsating flame front, but that there exists a surface temperature valley. Recent predictions support this suggestion. However, others' thermocouple measurements and the recent field measurements using Holographic Interferometry (HI) did not find a similar valley. In this work we examine the temperature field using Rainbow Schlieren Deflectometry (RSD), with a measurement threshold exceeding that of conventional interferometry by a factor of 20:1, for uniform and pulsating flame spread using propanol and butanol as fuels. This technique was not applied before to flame spread over liquid pools, except in some preliminary measurements reported earlier. Noting that HI is sensitive to the refractive index while RSD responds to refractive index gradients, and that these two techniques might therefore be difficult to compare, we utilized a numerical simulation, described below, to predict and compare both types of field for the uniform and pulsating spread regimes. The experimental data also allows a validation of the model at a level of detail greater than has been attempted before.

Miller, Fletcher J.↗