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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 217 records · Page 12

A vehicle health monitoring system for the Space Shuttle Reaction Control System during reentry

A general two tier framework for vehicle health monitoring of Guidance Navigation and Control (GN&C) system actuators, effectors, and propulsion devices is presented. In this context, a top level monitor that estimates jet thrust is designed for the Space Shuttle Reaction Control System (RCS) during the reentry phase of flight. Issues of importance for the use of estimation technologies in vehicle health monitoring are investigated and quantified for the Shuttle RCS demonstration application. These issues include rate of convergence, robustness to unmodeled dynamics, sensor quality, sensor data rates, and information recording objectives. Closed loop simulations indicate that a Kalman filter design is sensitive to modeling error and robust estimators may reduce this sensitivity. Jet plume interaction with the aerodynamic flowfield is shown to be a significant effect adversely impacting the ability to accurately estimate thrust.

Rosello, Anthony David

Solvent effects on triplet yields in BODIPY-based photosensitizers

Here, we employ molecular dynamics simulations and quantum rate theories to elucidate the complex condensed-phase dynamics underpinning triplet-state formation in organic photosensitizers. Using models informed by first-principles calculations complete with a molecular representation of solvents of different polarities, we elucidate the interplay of the internal and environmental interactions underlying triplet yield. We find that triplet yields depend sensitively on the dielectric stabilization of the charge transfer intermediate that facilitates a transition into the triplet manifold. Our results illustrate the importance of molecularly detailed models in understanding the excited-state internal charge-transfer dynamics of photochemically relevant organic molecules.

Coello Escalante, Leonardo [University of Californ

International Space Station Water Balance Operations

In November 2008, the Water Regenerative System racks were launched aboard Space Shuttle flight, STS-126 (ULF2) and installed and activated on the International Space Station (ISS). These racks, consisting of the Water Processor Assembly (WPA) and Urine Processor Assembly (UPA), completed the installation of the Regenerative (Regen) Environmental Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS), which includes the Oxygen Generation Assembly (OGA) that was launched 2 years prior. With the onset of active water management on the US segment of the ISS, a new operational concept was required, that of water balance . In November of 2010, the Sabatier system, which converts H2 and CO2 into water and methane, was brought on line. The Regen ECLSS systems accept condensation from the atmosphere, urine from crew, and processes that fluid via various means into potable water, which is used for crew drinking, building up skip-cycle water inventory, and water for electrolysis to produce oxygen. Specification (spec) rates of crew urine output, condensate output, O2 requirements, toilet flush water, and drinking needs are well documented and used as the best guess planning rates when Regen ECLSS came online. Spec rates are useful in long term planning, however, daily or weekly rates are dependent upon a number of variables. The constantly changing rates created a new challenge for the ECLSS flight controllers, who are responsible for operating the ECLSS systems onboard ISS from Mission Control in Houston. This paper reviews the various inputs to water planning, rate changes, and dynamic events, including but not limited to: crew personnel makeup, Regen ECLSS system operability, vehicle traffic, water storage availability, and Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA), Sabatier, and OGA capability. Along with the inputs that change the various rates, the paper will review the different systems, their constraints, and finally the operational challenges and means by which flight controllers manage this new concept of "water balance."

Tobias, Barry

Development of a Computationally Efficient, High Fidelity, Finite Element Based Hall Thruster Model

This report documents the development of a two dimensional finite element based numerical model for efficient characterization of the Hall thruster plasma dynamics in the framework of multi-fluid model. Effect of the ionization and the recombination has been included in the present model. Based on the experimental data, a third order polynomial in electron temperature is used to calculate the ionization rate. The neutral dynamics is included only through the neutral continuity equation in the presence of a uniform neutral flow. The electrons are modeled as magnetized and hot, whereas ions are assumed magnetized and cold. The dynamics of Hall thruster is also investigated in the presence of plasma-wall interaction. The plasma-wall interaction is a function of wall potential, which in turn is determined by the secondary electron emission and sputtering yield. The effect of secondary electron emission and sputter yield has been considered simultaneously, Simulation results are interpreted in the light of experimental observations and available numerical solutions in the literature.

Jacobson, David

Effects of Particle Mixing and Gravitational Settling on Charge Transport in Carbon Flow-Electrode Cells

Flowable carbon slurries are actively studied and under development for charge transport in various electrochemical systems including flow capacitors, capacitive deionization cells, semi-solid flow batteries, and lithium extraction. However, much less is known about in operando slurry flow dynamics and their corresponding effect on charge transport. We performed an experimental study of mixing and settling dynamics of slurry electrodes within an electrochemical flow cell during continuous operations. The electrochemical cell consisted of two horizontal co-flowing channels, separated by a cation-exchange membrane (CEM). Here we used high-speed optical imaging of planes parallel to gravity and simultaneous electrochemical measurements. At low flow rates, dense yet dynamic particle beds formed on the bottom electrode in each channel, which unexpectedly yielded the highest currents. This approach enables the operation of the flow cell at low system-average particle concentrations while leveraging gravity-driven particle settling to locally enhance carbon concentrations precisely at the current collector sites. Conversely, high flow rates were characterized by thin particle beds and well-mixed particle flows. In the latter case, the electrodes in closest proximity (located on either side of the CEM) achieved a current higher than the other electrode pairs. The observations have implications for slurry control and electrode designs in electrochemical systems.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH

Effects of dynamic aeroelasticity on handling qualities and pilot rating

Pilot performance parameters, such as pilot ratings, tracking errors, and pilot comments were determined for a longitudinal pitch tracking task using a large, flexible bomber with parametric variations in the undamped natural frequencies of the two lowest frequency symmetric elastic modes. This pitch tracking task was programmed on a fixed base simulator with an electronic attitude-director display of pitch command, pitch angle, and pitch error. Low frequency structural flexibility significantly affects the handling qualities and pilot ratings in the task evaluated.

Yen, W. Y.

Effects of dynamic aeroelasticity on handling qualities and pilot rating

Pilot performance parameters, such as pilot ratings, tracking errors, and pilot comments, were recorded and analyzed for a longitudinal pitch tracking task on a large, flexible aircraft. The tracking task was programmed on a fixed-base simulator with a CRT attitude director display of pitch angle command, pitch angle, and pitch angle error. Parametric variations in the undamped natural frequencies of the two lowest frequency symmetric elastic modes were made to induce varying degrees of rigid body and elastic mode interaction. The results indicate that such mode interaction can drastically affect the handling qualities and pilot ratings of the task.

Swaim, R. L.

High-Strain-Rate Compression Testing of Ice

In the present study a modified split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) was employed to study the effect of strain rate on the dynamic material response of ice. Disk-shaped ice specimens with flat, parallel end faces were either provided by Dartmouth College (Hanover, NH) or grown at Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, OH). The SHPB was adapted to perform tests at high strain rates in the range 60 to 1400/s at test temperatures of -10 and -30 C. Experimental results showed that the strength of ice increases with increasing strain rates and this occurs over a change in strain rate of five orders of magnitude. Under these strain rate conditions the ice microstructure has a slight influence on the strength, but it is much less than the influence it has under quasi-static loading conditions. End constraint and frictional effects do not influence the compression tests like they do at slower strain rates, and therefore the diameter/thickness ratio of the samples is not as critical. The strength of ice at high strain rates was found to increase with decreasing test temperatures. Ice has been identified as a potential source of debris to impact the shuttle; data presented in this report can be used to validate and/or develop material models for ice impact analyses for shuttle Return to Flight efforts.

Shazly, Mostafa

A New High Channel-Count, High Scan-Rate, Data Acquisition System for the NASA Langley Transonic Dynamics Tunnel

A data acquisition system upgrade project, known as AB-DAS, is underway at the NASA Langley Transonic Dynamics Tunnel. AB-DAS will soon serve as the primary data system and will substantially increase the scan-rate capabilities and analog channel count while maintaining other unique aeroelastic and dynamic test capabilities required of the facility. AB-DAS is configurable, adaptable, and enables buffet and aeroacoustic tests by synchronously scanning all analog channels and recording the high scan-rate time history values for each data quantity. AB-DAS is currently available for use as a stand-alone data system with limited capabilities while development continues. This paper describes AB-DAS, the design methodology, and the current features and capabilities. It also outlines the future work and projected capabilities following completion of the data system upgrade project.

Ivanco, Thomas G.

Rayleigh Scattering Diagnostic for Dynamic Measurement of Velocity and Temperature

A new technique for measuring dynamic gas velocity and temperature is described. The technique is based on molecular Rayleigh scattering of laser light, so no seeding of the flow is necessary. The Rayleigh scattered light is filtered with a fixed cavity, planar mirror Fabry-Perot interferometer. A minimum number of photodetectors were used in order to allow the high data acquisition rate needed for dynamic measurements. One photomultiplier tube (PMT) was used to measure the total Rayleigh scattering, which is proportional to the gas density. Two additional PMTs were used to detect light that passes through two apertures in a mask located in the interferometer fringe plane. An uncertainty analysis was used to select the optimum aperture parameters and to predict the measurement uncertainty due to photon shot-noise. Results of an experiment to measure the velocity of a subsonic free jet are presented.

Seasholtz, Richard G.

High-Data-Rate Quadrax Cable Microwave Characterization at the NASA Glenn Structural Dynamics Laboratory

An experiment was performed to determine the degradation in the bit-error-rate (BER) in the high-data-rate cables chosen for the Orion Service Module due to extreme launch conditions of vibrations with a magnitude of 60g. The cable type chosen for the Orion Service Module was no. 8 quadrax cable. The increase in electrical noise induced on these no. 8 quadrax cables was measured at the NASA Glenn vibration facility in the Structural Dynamics Laboratory. The intensity of the vibrations was set at 32g, which was the maximum available level at the facility. The cable lengths used during measurements were 1, 4, and 8 m. The noise measurements were done in an analog fashion using a performance network analyzer (PNA) by recording the standard deviation of the transmission scattering parameter S(sub 21) over the frequency range of 100 to 900 MHz. The standard deviation of S(sub 210 was measured before, during, and after the vibration of the cables at the vibration facility. We observed an increase in noise by a factor of 2 to 6. From these measurements we estimated the increase expected in the BER for a cable length of 25 m and concluded that these findings are large enough that the noise increase due to vibration must be taken in to account for the design of the communication system for a BER of 10(exp -8).

Theofylaktos, Onoufrios

Unsteady Flow in a Supersonic Turbine with Variable Specific Heats

Modern high-work turbines can be compact, transonic, supersonic, counter-rotating, or use a dense drive gas. The vast majority of modern rocket turbine designs fall into these Categories. These turbines usually have large temperature variations across a given stage, and are characterized by large amounts of flow unsteadiness. The flow unsteadiness can have a major impact on the turbine performance and durability. For example, the Space Transportation Main Engine (STME) fuel turbine, a high work, transonic design, was found to have an unsteady inter-row shock which reduced efficiency by 2 points and increased dynamic loading by 24 percent. The Revolutionary Reusable Technology Turbopump (RRTT), which uses full flow oxygen for its drive gas, was found to shed vortices with such energy as to raise serious blade durability concerns. In both cases, the sources of the problems were uncovered (before turbopump testing) with the application of validated, unsteady computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to the designs. In the case of the RRTT and the Alternate Turbopump Development (ATD) turbines, the unsteady CFD codes have been used not just to identify problems, but to guide designs which mitigate problems due to unsteadiness. Using unsteady flow analyses as a part of the design process has led to turbine designs with higher performance (which affects temperature and mass flow rate) and fewer dynamics problems. One of the many assumptions made during the design and analysis of supersonic turbine stages is that the values of the specific heats are constant. In some analyses the value is based on an average of the expected upstream and downstream temperatures. In stages where the temperature can vary by 300 to 500 K, however, the assumption of constant fluid properties may lead to erroneous performance and durability predictions. In this study the suitability of assuming constant specific heats has been investigated by performing three-dimensional unsteady Navier-Stokes simulations for a supersonic turbine stage.

Dorney, Daniel J.

Reconstructed Performance of the Mars InSight Lander’s Supersonic Parachute & Comparison with the Phoenix Lander

On November 26th, 2018 the Mars InSight landersuccessfully touched down at Elysium Planitia. InSight’s Entry,Descent, and Landing sequence included an 11.8-m supersonicallydeployed Disk-Gap-Band parachute that was a largelybuild-to-print version of the parachute used to successfully landthe Phoenix lander a decade earlier. This paper describes thereconstructed performance of InSight’s supersonic parachuteat Mars, highlighting the differences and similarities with theperformance of Phoenix’s parachute. Measurements from theonboard inertial measurement unit along with pre-launch measurementsof the parachute system and spacecraft, assumptionsabout the vehicle’s aerodynamics, and models for the Martianatmosphere were used to reconstruct the spacecraft’s trajectoryand the parachute system’s performance. The reconstruction resultswere compared against pre-flight predictions. Reconstructionof the InSight trajectory leading up to parachute deploymentshowed that the vehicle trimmed in a lift-down orientationduring entry and thus experienced greater deceleration thanexpected by most pre-flight simulations. This led to parachutedeployment conditions that diverged from the nominal preflightpredictions. The parachute was mortar-deployed at aMach number of approximately 1.5, below the nominal preflightexpectation of 1.66. The approximate dynamic pressureat mortar fire was between 518 Pa and 546 Pa, which agreedwell with pre-flight expectations. The mortar system performednominally, and the system’s deployment (0.755 s) and inflation(1.1 s) times were in line with pre-flight modeling. The peakinflation load was 45 kN, well below the parachute’s 67 kNdesign limit load. Following deployment of the parachute,the vehicle’s rotational rates and the dynamics of the systemwere in excellent agreement with pre-flight expectations. Theperformance of the InSight parachute system was also foundto agree well with that of the Phoenix parachute system, asexpected given the similarities between the two systems.

Karlgaard, Chris

Lunar surface dynamics - Some general conclusions and new results from Apollo 16 and 17

The exposure ages of Apollo 17 rocks as measured by tracks and rare gases are discussed and a description is given of an investigation of a unique rock. The investigation will be an aid for the establishment of the long-term energy spectrum of solar flare heavy particles. The track record of several Apollo 17 soils is examined. It is shown that the Apollo 17 deep drill stem might make it possible to extend the energy range over which the fossil record of galactic cosmic rays can be studied. A review is provided regarding the experimental data obtained for the rates of several dynamical processes on the lunar surface.

Crozaz, G.

U.S. IMERG Status

The U.S. Science Team’s Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission (IMERG) product provides estimates of surface precipitation rate and related information on a global 0.1° half-hour grid. It is run three times at increasingly longer latency and higher information input to serve different communities. This presentation will briefly summarize the major upgrades included in Version 07. The Goddard Profiling (GPROF) algorithm (applied to passive microwave sensor data from the GPM virtual constellation) and the Combined Radar-Radiometer Algorithm (CORRA) that provide input to IMERG V07 are both improved, and the new Precipitation Estimation from Remotely Sensed Information Using Artificial Neural Networks–Dynamic Infrared Rain Rate (PDIR) algorithm is being applied to infrared data, which employs an additional, warmer infrared temperature threshold than the previous infrared scheme and a deep neural network. V07 has improved bias performance as a result of calibrations that now employ the entire swath widths of CORRA and GPROF GPM Microwave Imager precipitation estimates. As well, time continuity in precipitation features is improved as a result of changes to the Kalman filter that approximately preserve the local histogram of precipitation rates (Scheme for Histogram Adjustment with Ranked Precipitation Estimates in the Neighborhood, or SHARPEN), and that better account for differences in sensor performance. A long-standing bug in the geolocation that shifted grid values 0.1° to the east in the latitude band 70°N-S has been corrected. Other changes in V07 include a hierarchical selection among motion vector sources to address deficiencies in the precipitation propagation near orography, an update to the precipitation phase specification for improved consistency with current inputs, and a renewed effort to implement climatological gauge adjustment to the near-real-time Runs. Early evaluations of V07 IMERG show interesting behavior across the TRMM orbit boost that is highly relevant to the planned orbit boost for the GPM Core observatory.

GPM

Data-driven picosecond X-ray imaging for quantitative plasma-induced shock characterization

Imaging dynamic events, especially shockwave behavior, is key to advancing high-energy-density (HED) research. Recent advances in fourth- and fifth-generation X-ray light sources allow for high-resolution imaging of fast phenomena, but limited beam time necessitates maximizing data acquisition. We present a benchtop-scale pulsed plasma device submerged in liquid heptane, capable of generating dynamic events at rates exceeding 10 Hz, supporting the field’s data-driven goals by producing large, high-quality imaging datasets. Using X-ray phase contrast imaging (XPCI) at the Advanced Photon Source, we imaged weak shockwaves (Mach ~ 1.2) in heptane interacting with plasma-induced cavitation bubbles, causing deviation from Rankine-Hugoniot behavior; to our knowledge, this represents the first direct imaging of such interaction. Our quantitative analysis offers insight into weak shock phenomena and energy-focusing applications in pulsed plasmas. These results highlight the potential for large datasets to advance dynamic HED research at current light source facilities, and have implications for fields such as inertial confinement fusion, plasma-enhanced chemical processing, and biomedical applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE

Temperature dependence of vacancy/self-interstitial recombination volumes in copper

We use molecular dynamics to calculate rate coefficients for recombination of vacancies with self-interstitial atoms (SIAs) in Cu at temperatures from 300 to 700 K. From these results, we calculate vacancy/SIA recombination volumes and find that they decrease from around 290 (where is one atomic volume) at 300 K to 160 at 500 K and above. By counting the number of distinct pathways by which a stable SIA may migrate to a site of spontaneous recombination with a nearby vacancy, we find a lower bound estimate of 168 for the recombination volume. We furthermore rationalize its temperature dependence based on differences between the activation energies for recombination and SIA migration. Furthermore, our work sheds light on the fundamental nature of the recombination volume and provides information that may be incorporated into multiscale models of radiation response in solids.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE