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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 271 records · Page 15

High-Fidelity Generalization Method of Cells for Inelastic Periodic Multiphase Materials

An extension of a recently-developed linear thermoelastic theory for multiphase periodic materials is presented which admits inelastic behavior of the constituent phases. The extended theory is capable of accurately estimating both the effective inelastic response of a periodic multiphase composite and the local stress and strain fields in the individual phases. The model is presently limited to materials characterized by constituent phases that are continuous in one direction, but arbitrarily distributed within the repeating unit cell which characterizes the material's periodic microstructure. The model's analytical framework is based on the homogenization technique for periodic media, but the method of solution for the local displacement and stress fields borrows concepts previously employed by the authors in constructing the higher-order theory for functionally graded materials, in contrast with the standard finite-element solution method typically used in conjunction with the homogenization technique. The present approach produces a closed-form macroscopic constitutive equation for a periodic multiphase material valid for both uniaxial and multiaxial loading. The model's predictive accuracy in generating both the effective inelastic stress-strain response and the local stress said inelastic strain fields is demonstrated by comparison with the results of an analytical inelastic solution for the axisymmetric and axial shear response of a unidirectional composite based on the concentric cylinder model, and with finite-element results for transverse loading.

Aboudi, Jacob↗

Bootstrapping M-theory orbifolds

Abstract We analyze correlation functions of SU(k) × SU(2) F flavor currents in a family of three-dimensional$$ \mathcal{N} $$ N = 4 superconformal field theories, combining analytic bootstrap methods with input from supersymmetric localization. Via holographic duality, we extract gluon and graviton scattering amplitudes of M-theory on AdS 4 ×S 7 /ℤ k which contains a ℂ 2 /ℤ k orbifold singularity. From these results, we derive aspects of the effective description of M-theory on the orbifold singularity beyond its leading low energy limit. We also determine a threshold correction to the holographic correlator from the combined contribution of two-loop gluon and tree-level bulk graviton exchange.

Physics↗

Model of photoemission and framework for relating quantum efficiency to stoichiometry

Simulating the quantum efficiency (QE) from photocathodes used in accelerators and photoinjectors requires accounting for the properties of the photoemissive material, the optical properties, scattering coefficients, and doping concentrations of which are dependent upon the stoichiometry. We present a rapid and flexible optical model that can be used to investigate the consequences of changes in the dielectric properties and their impact on the QE through such factors as reflectivity and laser penetration depth. Differences in materials can then be characterized by changes to parameters used to evaluate the dielectric function in a Lorentz–Drude–Resonant model. A method to characterize data is motivated by the example of copper and vetted by application to an exact analytical model. The effects of changes in parameters describing the resonant terms, which aggregate in the visible and UV regions of the spectrum, are shown.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Curve fitting of aeroelastic transient response data with exponential functions

The extraction of frequency, damping, amplitude, and phase information from unforced transient response data is considered. These quantities are obtained from the parameters determined by fitting the digitized time-history data in a least-squares sense with complex exponential functions. The highlights of the method are described, and the results of several test cases are presented. The effects of noise are considered both by using analytical examples with random noise and by estimating the standard deviation of the parameters from maximum-likelihood theory.

Bennett, R. M.↗

Boundary perturbation method for free boundary problem in convectively cooled continuous casting

Novel mathematical techniques are here used to treat general boundary conditions in convectively cooled continuous ingot casting problems, applying a constant convective heat transfer coefficient at the ingot sides (so that the temperature distribution along the sides is unknown). The problem is first inverted to treat the physical coordinates as dependent variables of temperature and heat flow, mapping the ingot into a region that is nearly rectangular. A boundary perturbation method is then used to obtain an analytical solution in this near-rectangular region. Solidification interface shapes depend on two dimensionless parameters: one is a function of the casting velocity, while the other is dependent on the convective heat transfer coefficient at the cooled wall.

Siegel, R.↗

Anti-symmetric and positivity preserving formulation of a spectral method for Vlasov-Poisson equations

We analyze the anti-symmetric properties of a spectral discretization for the one-dimensional Vlasov-Poisson equations. The discretization is based on a spectral expansion in velocity with the symmetrically weighted Hermite basis functions, central finite differencing in space, and an implicit Runge Kutta integrator in time. The proposed discretization preserves the anti-symmetric structure of the advection operator in the Vlasov equation, resulting in a stable numerical method. We apply such discretization to two formulations: the canonical Vlasov-Poisson equations and their continuously transformed square-root representation. The latter preserves the positivity of the particle distribution function. We derive analytically the conservation properties of both formulations, including particle number, momentum, and energy, which are verified numerically on the following benchmark problems: manufactured solution, linear and nonlinear Landau damping, two-stream instability, bump-on-tail instability, and ion-acoustic wave.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Application of matched asymptotic expansions to lunar and interplanetary trajectories. Volume 1: Technical discussion

Previously published asymptotic solutions for lunar and interplanetary trajectories have been modified and combined to formulate a general analytical solution to the problem on N-bodies. The earlier first-order solutions, derived by the method of matched asymptotic expansions, have been extended to second order for the purpose of obtaining increased accuracy. The derivation of the second-order solution is summarized by showing the essential steps, some in functional form. The general asymptotic solution has been used as a basis for formulating a number of analytical two-point boundary value solutions. These include earth-to-moon, one- and two-impulse moon-to-earth, and interplanetary solutions. The results show that the accuracies of the asymptotic solutions range from an order of magnitude better than conic approximations to that of numerical integration itself. Also, since no iterations are required, the asymptotic boundary value solutions are obtained in a fraction of the time required for comparable numerically integrated solutions. The subject of minimizing the second-order error is discussed, and recommendations made for further work directed toward achieving a uniform accuracy in all applications.

Lancaster, J. E.↗

Creep analysis capability for stiffened panel structures

A method of analysis developed for predicting permanent cyclic creep deflections in stiffened panel structures is presented. The resulting computer program (TPSC, for Thermal Protection System Creep) applies either the time hardening or strain hardening theories of creep accumulation, using iterative techniques to determine structural rotations, creep strains, and stresses as a function of time. Deflections are determined by numerical integration of structural rotations along the panel length. The analytical approach was developed for purposes of analyzing thin gage entry vehicle metallic thermal protection system panels subjected to cyclic bending loads at high temperatures. The method is applicable to any panel subjected to bending loads. Predicted panel creep deflections are compared with results from cyclic tests of subsize and full size corrugation and rib stiffened panels. Empirical equations used in the analysis were developed for each material based on correlation with tensile cyclic creep data.

Cramer, B. A.↗

A Spherical Earth Solution for TOA Lightning Location Retrieval

With the advent of high-speed digital computers, the method of chi square minimization is a highly practical means for analyzing a wide variety of (otherwise intractable) nonlinear inversion problems in applied mathematical physics. Little thought or effort is required to apply the chi square method to obtain quick and reasonable estimates of a solution, and the method offers a means to assess retrieval errors. Because the method is simple and practical it is sometimes hastily applied to problems that can be solved by formal analytic or quasi-analytic means. Presently, Global Atmospherics Inc. (GAI) finds the minimum of a chi square function to analyze time-of-arrival (TOA) and magnetic bearing data derived from the National Lightning Detection Network (NLDN); ellipsoidal Earth geometry is assumed. An analytic solution to this problem has not yet been attained, but the consideration and solving of less general problem statements might eventually lead to a final solution. In the present study, the problem of retrieving lightning ground-strike location on a spherical Earth surface using a network of 4 or more time-of-arrival (TOA) sensors is considered. It is shown that this problem has an analytic solution and therefore does not require the use of nonlinear estimation theory (such as the chi square method mentioned above). The mathematical robustness of the analytic solution is tested using computer-generated lightning sources and simulated TOA measurement errors. A quasi-analytic extension of the spherical Earth solution for an oblate spheroidal Earth geometry is considered in a related study. The incorporation of magnetic bearing information into these analytic solutions would lead to a general and elegant analytic retrieval scheme that would most likely replace the chi square estimation theory currently employed by Global Atmospherics Inc. (GAI).

Koshak, William J,↗

A novel ignition model for low velocity impact of heterogeneous explosives based on interacting hot spots

While numerous studies have focused on the ignition of explosives occurring in high velocity impact and the associated shock-to-detonation transition, there has been growing interest in developing computational models focused on low-velocity impact regimes. A predictive low-velocity impact ignition model will be important for analyzing high explosive safety and potential accident scenarios. This work introduces a novel ignition model based on the concept of thermally interacting hot spots to simulate low velocity impacted heterogeneous explosives where observed ignition times are on the order of milliseconds. The model asserts that relevant hot spots are micron-sized, the typical separation between neighboring hot spots is on the order of a hundred microns, and that neighbors interact thermally through heat conduction across the interstitial region between them. To achieve tractable numerical solutions, hot spots are assumed to form a periodic array as opposed to the highly irregular positioning in an actual explosive. This idealization allows a single two hotspot system to characterize the ignition process. Consequently, the model is referred to as the two hot spot Frank-Kamenetskii ignition model. In the present study, hot spots are modeled as constant heat sources terms, but this can be extended to include grain-scale phenomena like frictional heating of micron-sized growing cracks that are confined under high pressure. Because the micron-sized features are below the scale that can be efficiently resolved at a systems level, an efficient subscale scheme based on the Method of Weighted Residuals (MWR) is used to efficiently solve the equations. In conclusion, we carry out numerical examples and analytic predictions illustrating the accuracy and the functioning of the model.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Flutter analysis of highly swept delta wings by conventional methods

The flutter boundaries of six thin highly-swept delta-platform wings have been calculated. Comparisons are made between experimental data and results using several aerodynamic methods. The aerodynamic methods used include a subsonic and supersonic kernel function, second order piston theory, and a transonic small disturbance code. The dynamic equations of motion are solved using analytically calculated mode shapes and frequencies.

Gibbons, M. D.↗

Implementation of Insight Responsibilities in Process Engineering

This report describes an approach for evaluating flight readiness (COFR) and contractor performance evaluation (award fee) as part of the insight role of NASA Process Engineering at Kennedy Space Center. Several evaluation methods are presented, including systems engineering evaluations and use of systems performance data. The transition from an oversight function to the insight function is described. The types of analytical tools appropriate for achieving the flight readiness and contractor performance evaluation goals are described and examples are provided. Special emphasis is placed upon short and small run statistical quality control techniques. Training requirements for system engineers are delineated. The approach described herein would be equally appropriate in other directorates at Kennedy Space Center.

Osborne, Deborah M.↗

NASA-JSC Protocol for the Characterization of Single Wall Carbon Nanotube Material Quality

It is well known that the raw as well as purified single wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) material always contain certain amount of impurities of varying composition (mostly metal catalyst and non-tubular carbon). Particular purification method also creates defects and/or functional groups in the SWCNT material and therefore affects the its dispersability in solvents (important to subsequent application development). A number of analytical characterization tools have been used successfully in the past years to assess various properties of nanotube materials, but lack of standards makes it difficult to compare these measurements across the board. In this work we report the protocol developed at NASA-JSC which standardizes measurements using TEM, SEM, TGA, Raman and UV-Vis-NIR absorption techniques. Numerical measures are established for parameters such as metal content, homogeneity, thermal stability and dispersability, to allow easy comparison of SWCNT materials. We will also report on the recent progress in quantitative measurement of non-tubular carbon impurities and a possible purity standard for SWCNT materials.

Arepalli, Sivaram↗

Scope of Gradient and Genetic Algorithms in Multivariable Function Optimization

Global optimization of a multivariable function - constrained by bounds specified on each variable and also unconstrained - is an important problem with several real world applications. Deterministic methods such as the gradient algorithms as well as the randomized methods such as the genetic algorithms may be employed to solve these problems. In fact, there are optimization problems where a genetic algorithm/an evolutionary approach is preferable at least from the quality (accuracy) of the results point of view. From cost (complexity) point of view, both gradient and genetic approaches are usually polynomial-time; there are no serious differences in this regard, i.e., the computational complexity point of view. However, for certain types of problems, such as those with unacceptably erroneous numerical partial derivatives and those with physically amplified analytical partial derivatives whose numerical evaluation involves undesirable errors and/or is messy, a genetic (stochastic) approach should be a better choice. We have presented here the pros and cons of both the approaches so that the concerned reader/user can decide which approach is most suited for the problem at hand. Also for the function which is known in a tabular form, instead of an analytical form, as is often the case in an experimental environment, we attempt to provide an insight into the approaches focusing our attention toward accuracy. Such an insight will help one to decide which method, out of several available methods, should be employed to obtain the best (least error) output. *

Shaykhian, Gholam Ali↗

Computation of three-dimensional turbulent boundary layers with heat transfer in a plane of symmetry using embedded wall-layer functions

In the calculation of turbulent boundary layers, a large number of mesh points are required to adequately resolve the intense variation in the velocity and enthalpy in the near-wall region. A substantial reduction in computational effort may be realized by representing the velocity and enthalpy profiles in the wall layer by analytical embedded functions. The effectively inviscid flow in the outer part of the boundary layer may then be resolved by employing a relatively coarser mesh. To obtain complete profiles, the outer numerical solution is matched asymptotically to the inner wall-layer analytical solution. To date, this approach has been restricted to two-dimensional flows; in the present study, a method which may be utilized for turbulent boundary layers with heat transfer in a plane of symmetry is developed as a first step in the application of the embedded-function method to full three-dimensional flows. The present method uses only about half as many mesh points as that required in a conventional procedure, which calculates the flow all the way to the wall, but there is no degradation in accuracy of the computed results.

Degani, A. T.↗

Solution to the backward-Kolmogorov equation for a nonstationary oscillation problem

The transition probability density function of a Markovian approximation of the response amplitude of an oscillator under nonstationary excitation is determined in an analytical form. A solution is presented for the associated backward-Kolmogorov equation by transforming the equation into a form amenable to solution by the method of the separation of variables. This procedure results in a boundary value problem which is then solved by using an infinite series of Laguerre polynomials. It is found that the infinite series solution is equivalent to a closed-form solution involving a Bessel function.

Solomos, G. P.↗

Modified Displacement Transfer Functions for Deformed Shape Predictions of Slender Curved Structures with Varying Curvatives

To eliminate the need to use finite-element modeling for structure shape predictions, a new method was invented. This method is to use the Displacement Transfer Functions to transform the measured surface strains into deflections for mapping out overall structural deformed shapes. The Displacement Transfer Functions are expressed in terms of rectilinearly distributed surface strains, and contain no material properties. This report is to apply the patented method to the shape predictions of non-symmetrically loaded slender curved structures with different curvatures up to a full circle. Because the measured surface strains are not available, finite-element analysis had to be used to analytically generate the surface strains. Previously formulated straight-beam Displacement Transfer Functions were modified by introducing the curvature-effect correction terms. Through single-point or dual-point collocations with finite-elementgenerated deflection curves, functional forms of the curvature-effect correction terms were empirically established. The resulting modified Displacement Transfer Functions can then provide quite accurate shape predictions. Also, the uniform straight-beam Displacement Transfer Function was applied to the shape predictions of a section-cut of a generic capsule (GC) outer curved sandwich wall. The resulting GC shape predictions are quite accurate in partial regions where the radius of curvature does not change sharply.

displacement transfer functions↗

Enhancing Drinking Water Quality Modeling: Leveraging Physics Informed Neural Networks for Learning with Imperfect Reaction Models and Partial Data

Chemical kinetics models, typically formulated as systems of ordinary or partial differential equations, are valuable tools for simulating drinking water quality. However, these models often face inaccuracies due to discrepancies between the laboratory and the real-world conditions, as well as limitations in experimental analytical methods, hindering the accurate representation of the true underlying chemical mechanisms. In this study, we propose a Physics Informed Neural Network (PINN), using the eXtreme Theory of Functional Connections, to improve the prediction of chemical concentrations over time. The PINN method accounts for imperfect chemical models and incorporates partial data to improve predictions. Focusing on reactions describing water disinfection residual and disinfectant byproduct formation, which are crucial for public health and regulatory compliance, we demonstrate that the PINN model is able to accurately predict the concentrations of chemical species across various pH values. Notably, the model extends its accuracy to predict concentrations of chemical species not originally included in its training data. The developed method can be extended to a variety of chemical systems, offering a wide array of potential applications.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗