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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 181 records · Page 10

Numerical simulations of plasma double layers

The results of analytical studies of quasi-static electric fields along geomagnetic field lines are discussed. The calculations were targeted at the structure, generation mechanisms and stability parameters. The field consists of two oppositely charged layers, either weakly or strongly charged, with an electric field between. Existence conditions are defined for the double layer field and balancing requirements are explored. Details of the simulation techniques, i.e., particle in cell and Vlasov simulations, for studying the double layer are outlined, noting that both periodic and quasi-periodic simulations are used. Solutions to Poisson's equation for fixed and floating point boundary conditions are generated. Finally, attention is also given to oblique and two-dimensional magnetic double layers.

Goertz, C. K.↗

Low-energy ion acceleration at quasi-perpendicular shocks: Transverse diffusion

The problem of ion injection and acceleration at quasi perpendicular shocks has been the subject of some debate over the past two decades. It is widely known that these shocks efficiently accelerate particles that are well in the high-energy tail of the distribution. However, the issue of injection, or the acceleration of low-energy ions, has yet to reach a consensus. The fundamental issue is whether there is enough diffusion normal to the magnetic field for the particles to remain near the shock. Since transverse diffusion is a physical process that is not well understood in space plasmas, this is an important, and difficult issue to address. In this report, we will investigate the ion injection problem by performing test particle orbit integrations using synthesized turbulent fields. These fields are fully three-dimensional so that transverse diffusion is possible (cross-field diffusion is not possible in geometries where the electromagnetic fields are less than three dimensional). The synthesized fields are produced by superimposing a three-dimensional wave field on a background field. For completeness, we will compare the results from this model with the more well-established theories, such as the diffusive approximation and scatter-free shock drift acceleration. We will also compare these results with other numerical simulation techniques such as the well known hybrid simulation, and other test-particle calculations in which the shock fields are specified to have less than three dimensions. We will also discuss some recent relevant observations and how these compare with our results.

Giacalone, J.↗

Random Process Simulation for stochastic fatigue analysis

A simulation technique is described which directly synthesizes the extrema of a random process and is more efficient than the Gaussian simulation method. Such a technique is particularly useful in stochastic fatigue analysis because the required stress range moment E(R sup m), is a function only of the extrema of the random stress process. The family of autoregressive moving average (ARMA) models is reviewed and an autoregressive model is presented for modeling the extrema of any random process which has a unimodal power spectral density (psd). The proposed autoregressive technique is found to produce rainflow stress range moments which compare favorably with those computed by the Gaussian technique and to average 11.7 times faster than the Gaussian technique. The autoregressive technique is also adapted for processes having bimodal psd's. The adaptation involves using two autoregressive processes to simulate the extrema due to each mode and the superposition of these two extrema sequences. The proposed autoregressive superposition technique is 9 to 13 times faster than the Gaussian technique and produces comparable values for E(R sup m) for bimodal psd's having the frequency of one mode at least 2.5 times that of the other mode.

Larsen, Curtis E.↗

Thermal QNDE detection of airframe disbonds

Thermographic characterization of aircraft bonded lap joints offers a quick noncontacting technique to acquire information for structural integrity assessment. This paper discusses recent research to optimize the technique and determine the limits of its applicability. The temperature of the outer surface of the lap joint is increased by the application of heat flux from either flash or quartz lamp heaters. The time dependence of the surface temperature of the lap joint is imaged radiometrically. Measurements are presented for a range of specimens, ranging from samples fabricated with well characterized disbonds to actual aircraft. A technique for processing these images to enhance the contrast between bonded and disbonded regions of the lap joint is presented. Numerical models of the technique simulate the procedure. These simulations provide a cost efficient method for optimizing the technique by varying parameters such as the time for application of heat. These simulations facilitate the definition of parameters difficult to determine experimentally, such as the minimum air gap required for a disbond to be detected. Good agreement between measurements and these simulations is found.

Aging Aircraft↗

Integrating Marine Hydrokinetic and Offshore Wind Energy: A Review of Technologies, Deployment, and Challenges

Together, offshore wind (OSW) and marine hydrokinetic (MHK) technologies have vast potential to expand the world’s access to abundant energy resource. With more than 60 GW of offshore wind energy capacity and 527 MW of ocean energy deployed globally by 2023, there is a significant amount of available resources; however, technical and non-technical challenges prevent the combined large-scale deployment of these technologies. There is still a lack of research that provides a parallel review of both MHK and OSW technologies in order to better understand their synergistic working principles. This paper aimed to address that research gap by presenting a comprehensive side-by-side review of the worldwide technological landscape, global deployment trends, integration strategies, and modeling approaches for MHK and OSW. A particular focus has been given on analyzing existing modeling and simulation techniques, assessing integration and control strategies, and comparing technologies based on water depth. Furthermore, this study provides important insights into the readiness levels of both technologies by highlighting ongoing international projects. By addressing these issues, this review will give researchers and industry stakeholders an outline for assessing the maturity of OSW and MHK systems and facilitating their transition to large-scale, sustainable deployment.

16 - TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗

Performance evaluation of telecommunication systems using computer simulation

The SYSTID time domain digital simulation technique is reviewed. A technique is illustrated which estimates the signal to noise ratio at a point in the simulation of a communication system. Signals having a lowpass or bandpass spectra are utilized. Simulation results show the technique to be accurate over a wide range of signal to noise ratios. Examples which illustrate application to both analog and digital communication systems are provided.

Tranter, W. H.↗

Analysis of dislocation configurations in SiC crystals through X-ray topography aided by ray tracing simulations

Silicon carbide as a wide bandgap semiconductor is of great research interest for its widespread deployment in a range of electronic and optoelectronic devices, particularly in power electronics. However, defects in silicon carbide crystals are still major concerns that is hampering the development of high-performance devices. X-ray topography, particularly using the synchrotron beam has been instrumental in characterizing and analyzing defect configurations in silicon carbide crystals to optimize crystal growth as well as understand the effect of defects on device performance. Here, in recent years, the use of ray-tracing simulation technique based on the orientation contrast mechanism to simulate contrast of defects observed on actual X-ray topographs has proven to be an effective approach to investigate the nature of crystallographic defects in various semiconductors. This review discusses the principle of ray-tracing simulation and its application and modifications to incorporate the effects of surface relaxation and photoelectric absorption to better simulate different dislocations observed in 4H–SiC as well as 6H–SiC crystals of various orientations. The adaptation to weak beam topography and plane wave topography is also discussed. The application of ray-tracing simulation in dislocation characterization of silicon carbide of different polytypes is systematically reviewed including different types of dislocations observed in both off-axis wafers and axial-sliced samples through synchrotron X-ray topography under various beam conditions, recording geometries and reflections. The result of ray-tracing simulation is further utilized in other studies including the investigation of effective penetration depth of all types of dislocations lying on the basal plane on grazing-incidence X-ray topography.

Engineering↗

Real time digital propulsion system simulation for manned flight simulators

A real time digital simulation of a STOL propulsion system was developed which generates significant dynamics and internal variables needed to evaluate system performance and aircraft interactions using manned flight simulators. The simulation ran at a real-to-execution time ratio of 8.8. The model was used in a piloted NASA flight simulator program to evaluate the simulation technique and the propulsion system digital control. The simulation is described and results shown. Limited results of the flight simulation program are also presented.

Mihaloew, J. R.↗

Simulating Single-Event Upsets in Bipolar RAM's

Simulation technique saves testing. Uses interactive version of SPICE (Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis). Device and subcircuit models available in software used to construct macromodel for an integrated bipolar transistor. Time-dependent current generators placed inside transistor macromodel to simulate charge collection from ion track. Significant finding of experiments is standard design practice of reducing power in unaddressed bipolar RAM cell increases sensitivity of cell to single-event upsets.

Zoutendyk, J. A.↗

Fiber Optic Thermal Health Monitoring of Aerospace Structures and Materials

A new technique is presented for thermographic detection of flaws in materials and structures by performing temperature measurements with fiber Bragg gratings. Individual optical fibers with multiple Bragg gratings employed as surface temperature sensors were bonded to the surfaces of structures with subsurface defects or thickness variations. Both during and following the application of a thermal heat flux to the surface, the individual Bragg grating sensors measured the temporal and spatial temperature variations. The investigated structures included a 10-ply composite specimen with subsurface delaminations of various sizes and depths. The data obtained from grating sensors were further analyzed with thermal modeling to reveal particular characteristics of the interested areas. These results were found to be consistent with those from conventional thermography techniques. Limitations of the technique were investigated using both experimental and numerical simulation techniques. Methods for performing in-situ structural health monitoring are discussed.

Wu, Meng-Chou↗

Confining Liquids inside Carbon Nanotubes: Accelerated Molecular Dynamics with Spliced, Soft-Core Potentials and Simulated Annealing

Understanding emergent phenomena of fluids under physical confinement requires the development of advanced tools for rapid and accurate simulation of their physiochemical properties. Simulating liquid molecules commensurate in size with the nanoscale enclosures that confine them is a key challenge. In this work, we demonstrate an accelerated molecular dynamics simulation technique that combines soft-core potentials (SCP) and simulated annealing (SA) to analyze confined liquids. This integrated SCP/SA method relies on a new spliced soft-core potential (SSCP), which enables tunable accuracy with respect to the target hard-core potential (HCP). SCP/SA enables the packing of enclosures with bulk material in a controlled, thermodynamically consistent manner. The enhanced SSCP accuracy is a critical feature of SCP/SA, enabling a smooth transition between the SCP and the HCP at a desired SCP hardness. We applied SCP/SA to the problem of filling a carbon nanotube (CNT) in periodic boundary conditions with a popular ionic liquid (IL), 1- butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate $[\text{BMIM}^+][\text{PF}^–_6]$. We performed a series of triplicate simulations on systems with varying CNT diameter and charge to demonstrate SCP/SA’s versatility. Beyond this IL/CNT system, the SCP/SA simulation framework has a broad range of potential applications, not limited to nanoscale enclosures and interfaces, including both solid-state and biological systems.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Annual Research Briefs: 1995

This report contains the 1995 annual progress reports of the Research Fellows and students of the Center for Turbulence Research (CTR). In 1995 CTR continued its concentration on the development and application of large-eddy simulation to complex flows, development of novel modeling concepts for engineering computations in the Reynolds averaged framework, and turbulent combustion. In large-eddy simulation, a number of numerical and experimental issues have surfaced which are being addressed. The first group of reports in this volume are on large-eddy simulation. A key finding in this area was the revelation of possibly significant numerical errors that may overwhelm the effects of the subgrid-scale model. We also commissioned a new experiment to support the LES validation studies. The remaining articles in this report are concerned with Reynolds averaged modeling, studies of turbulence physics and flow generated sound, combustion, and simulation techniques. Fundamental studies of turbulent combustion using direct numerical simulations which started at CTR will continue to be emphasized. These studies and their counterparts carried out during the summer programs have had a noticeable impact on combustion research world wide.

Source record↗

Effect of Single-Electron Interface Trapping in Decanano MOSFETs: A 3D Atomistic Simulation Study

We study the effect of trapping/detrapping of a single-electron in interface states in the channel of n-type MOSFETs with decanano dimensions using 3D atomistic simulation techniques. In order to highlight the basic dependencies, the simulations are carried out initially assuming continuous doping charge, and discrete localized charge only for the trapped electron. The dependence of the random telegraph signal (RTS) amplitudes on the device dimensions and on the position of the trapped charge in the channel are studied in detail. Later, in full-scale, atomistic simulations assuming discrete charge for both randomly placed dopants and the trapped electron, we highlight the importance of current percolation and of traps with strategic position where the trapped electron blocks a dominant current path.

Asenov, Asen↗

Supporting New Advanced Nuclear Technologies for Commercial-Maritime Applications

The ANS summary doesn't require an abstract, but I will produce one for the purpose of LRS: The large demand for maritime nuclear power underscores the need for experimental campaigns and modeling and simulation of new advanced reactors, which offer numerous advantages in terms of safety, efficiency, and compactness. INL, through the work conducted by NRIC and ABS, has addressed some of the technical, regulatory, and economic aspects of potential nuclear commercial maritime applications. However, on the technical side, there remain important physical phenomena, particularly for advanced reactors, that are not yet fully understood. Addressing these knowledge gaps requires a combination of experiments and advanced modeling and simulation techniques. INL possesses significant expertise in Multiphysics modeling and simulation. By collaborating with INL, the maritime nuclear sector can leverage this expertise to advance the development and deployment of innovative nuclear technologies.

22 - GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗