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At least 289 records · Page 16

Effects of Size on Characteristics of Electroslag Remelted (ESR) HAYNES®282® alloy ingots

The effects of varying ingot diameters on the characteristics of round ESR ingots of 282 alloy are evaluated through a combined experimental and modeling study. Ingots of four different diameters --100 mm, 150 mm, 200 mm and 500 mm, were sectioned and analyzed using metallography to assess spatial variations in dendritic structure (primary / secondary dendrite arm spacings – PDAS/SDAS) across these ingots. Melt parameters of the processes were input into the simulation code, MeltFlow-ESR™ to theoretically predict PDAS/SDAS in the ingots. The values for PDAS/SDAS predicted by the simulations are compared with those measured by experiments and quantitative differences in these values are discussed in the context of the capability and limitations of the model and measurement methods. Both the predicted and measured values show that the PDAS/SDAS values increase with increasing ingot size. In addition, the relation with other ingot characteristics, such as local solidification time as well as the likelihood for freckle formation are discussed. The implication of these results for down-stream ingot processing and for ingot soundness are discussed.

Krishnamurthy, Ramanathan↗

Isotope effects on energy transport in the core of ASDEX-Upgrade tokamak plasmas: Turbulence measurements and model validation

Design and operation of future tokamak fusion reactors using a deuterium–tritium 50:50 mix requires a solid understanding of how energy confinement properties change with ion mass. This study looks at how turbulence and energy transport change in L-mode plasmas in the ASDEX Upgrade tokamak when changing ion species between hydrogen and deuterium. For this purpose, both experimental turbulence measurements and modeling are employed. Local measurements of ion-scale (with wavevector of fluctuations perpendicular to the B-field k⊥< 2 cm−1, k⊥ρs< 0.2, where ρs is the ion sound Larmor radius using the deuterium ion mass) electron temperature fluctuations have been performed in the outer core (normalized toroidal flux ρTor=0.65−0.8) using a multi-channel correlation electron cyclotron emission diagnostic. Lower root mean square perpendicular fluctuation amplitudes and radial correlation lengths have been measured in hydrogen vs deuterium. Measurements of the cross-phase angle between a normal-incidence reflectometer and an ECE signal were made to infer the cross-phase angle between density and temperature fluctuations. The magnitude of the cross-phase angle was found larger (more out-of-phase) in hydrogen than in deuterium. TRANSP power balance simulations show a larger ion heat flux in hydrogen where the electron-ion heat exchange term is found to play an important role. These experimental observations were used as the basis of a validation study of both quasilinear gyrofluid trapped gyro-Landau fluid-SAT2 and nonlinear gyrokinetic GENE codes. Linear solvers indicate that, at long wavelengths (k⊥ρs<1), energy transport in the deuterium discharge is dominated by a mixed ion-temperature-gradient (ITG) and trapped-electron mode turbulence while in hydrogen transport is exclusively and more strongly driven by ITG turbulence. The Ricci validation metric has been used to quantify the agreement between experiments and simulations taking into account both experimental and simulation uncertainties as well as four different observables across different levels of the primacy hierarchy.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Variable features on Mars. IV - Pavonis Mons

A remarkable set of albedo changes has been uncovered by Mariner 9 photography of the upper slopes of the shield volcano Pavonis Mons, near its summit caldera. The most likely explanation of the event is aeolian transport of fine-grained particles. Since the atmospheric pressure in this locality is about 1.5 mb, minimum wind velocities above the surface boundary layer of about 110 m per sec are necessary, corresponding to 0.51 of the speed of sound. Slope winds in this velocity range are expected near the upper flanks of major Martian volcanic constructs.

Sagan, C.↗

The exact numerical calculation of propeller noise

This paper presents a method for computing the acoustic pressure signature of a propeller due to blade thickness and steady surface pressure loading including the effect of forward motion. The tip helical speed is restricted to subsonic. The formulation is based on the Ffowcs Williams-Hawkings exact result concerning the sound generation by moving bodies. The blade surface is described in a helical coordinate system by the blade angles, positions of the leading and trailing edges along the local pitch helix, and the camber and thickness distributions along the chord. The retarded distance of the moving acoustic source on an element of surface area of the propeller blade is obtained numerically by Newton's method. The surface integration over the propeller blades is carried out in the helical coordinate system using a double Gauss-Legendre formula. Good agreement was found between analytic and experimental results, both in the time and frequency domains. Some samples showing the effects of propeller geometry and tip Mach number on the acoustic signature are included.

Woan, C. J.↗

Conversion of acoustic energy by lossless liners

The Blokhintzev acoustic energy equation is applied to a two-dimensional duct containing a uniform flow with a finite length lining. It is shown that the difference of the incident and outgoing acoustic energy differs in general from the energy dissipated in the liner, the difference being related to the displacements at the liner's edges. It is shown that in the case of a locally reacting lossless liner for frequencies below the first cut-off frequency and for low Mach number acoustic energy is generated if the flow and the incident sound wave are in the same direction and is absorbed if these two directions are opposite unless special edge conditions are met. Furthermore it is shown under the same conditions that the ratio of the reflection coefficient at finite flow velocity to the reflection coefficient at vanishing velocity is to first order in Mach number independent of the liner characteristics. A numerical calculation confirms these predictions at least for mass-like linear admittance.

Moehring, W.↗

NDE of simulated Space Shuttle tile disbonds

A technique which involves the use of ultrasonic Lamb waves for assaying the structural integrity of adhesive bonds between layered materials on thin metal plates, particularly with regard to the Shuttle TPS, is presented. The Lamb waves are generated by a pulse impact, resulting in surface waves propagating radially at 2.4 mm/microsec. Trials were performed with the sound waves applied to samples, of aluminum similar to the Orbiter external skin, which were coated with Teflon and a RTV silicone screed. The goal was to detect localized debonded areas or potentially debonded areas, which, during reentry, could result in blistering of the aluminum skin. The ultrasonic probes are described, noting the usage of broadband ultrasonic harmonics and a minicomputer processor. The testing system was found to accurately identify weakened bonds by the ratio of high and low frequency component areas of the received signal of the Lamb waves sent across the surface.

Ahlberg, L.↗

The Martian sedimentary record

The differences between the surface geology of Mars and earth are discussed. Sedimentary processes and fluvial systems on Mars are examined. Surface mapping reveals the more recent depostional patterns. In future missions, radar sounding, active seismic systems, and on site deep drilling may be required to fully document the depositional history. For the present, identification of sedimentary layers must rest on localities of tectonic or erosional windows, detection of buried surfaces by indirect methods, and deposition or off lap patterns of distribution.

Dehon, R. A.↗

Development of generalized 3-D braiding machines for composite preforms

The operating principles of two prototype braiding machines for the production of generalized braid patterns are described. Both processes afford previously unachievable control of the interlacing of fibers within a textile structure that make them especially amenable to the fabrication of textile preforms for composite materials. They enable independent control of the motion of the individual fibers being woven, thereby enabling the greatest possible freedom in controlling fiber orientation within a structure. This freedom enables the designer to prescribe local fiber orientation to better optimize material performance. The processes have been implemented on a very small scale but at a level that demonstrates their practicality and the soundness of the principles governing their operation.

Huey, Cecil O., Jr.↗

Cyclic Background Noise Variations on Infrasound Microbarometers From Micrometeorology and Human Activity

Infrasound microbarometers deployed on the Earth's surface capture pressure fluctuations and acoustic signatures, revealing trends in surface wind speed and cycles in ambient sound. Previous studies investigated wind noise trends at quarter day resolution and urban acoustic background variations on hourly to weekly scales. Cyclic variations at sub-hourly resolution over local distances remain unaddressed. We show that topography-driven micrometeorology impacts diurnal background noise levels below 10 Hz. Anthropogenic noise occurs over daily and weekly cycles, with inputs from traffic, ventilation systems, and power lines. These noise patterns vary at stations spaced less than a kilometer apart. We observe these phenomena by using a circular spectrogram to visualize frequency trends over a periodic temporal scale. This study demonstrates that infrasound microbarometer deployments can highlight localized wind patterns and time scales of human activity. The results suggest that future microbarometer deployments may benefit from site noise surveys before selecting final sensor locations.

Malach, Amrit Kaur [Sandia National Lab. (SNL-CA),↗

The Application of a Boundary Integral Equation Method to the Prediction of Ducted Fan Engine Noise

The prediction of ducted fan engine noise using a boundary integral equation method (BIEM) is considered. Governing equations for the BIEM are based on linearized acoustics and describe the scattering of incident sound by a thin, finite-length cylindrical duct in the presence of a uniform axial inflow. A classical boundary value problem (BVP) is derived that includes an axisymmetric, locally reacting liner on the duct interior. Using potential theory, the BVP is recast as a system of hypersingular boundary integral equations with subsidiary conditions. We describe the integral equation derivation and solution procedure in detail. The development of the computationally efficient ducted fan noise prediction program TBIEM3D, which implements the BIEM, and its utility in conducting parametric noise reduction studies are discussed. Unlike prediction methods based on spinning mode eigenfunction expansions, the BIEM does not require the decomposition of the interior acoustic field into its radial and axial components which, for the liner case, avoids the solution of a difficult complex eigenvalue problem. Numerical spectral studies are presented to illustrate the nexus between the eigenfunction expansion representation and BIEM results. We demonstrate BIEM liner capability by examining radiation patterns for several cases of practical interest.

Dunn, M. H.↗

Sound propagation in a duct of periodic wall structure

A boundary condition, which accounts for the coupling in the sections behind the duct boundary, is given for the sound-absorbing duct with a periodic structure of the wall lining and using regular partition walls. The soundfield in the duct is suitably described by the method of differences. For locally active walls this renders an explicit approximate solution for the propagation constant. Coupling may be accounted for by the method of differences in a clear manner. Numerical results agree with measurements and yield information which has technical applications.

Kurze, U.↗

THz Limb Sounder (TLS) for Lower Thermospheric Wind, Oxygen Density, and Temperature

Neutral winds are one of the most critical measurements in the lower thermosphere and E region ionosphere (LTEI) for understanding complex electrodynamic processes and ion-neutral interactions. We are developing a high-sensitivity, low-power, noncryogenic 2.06 THz Schottky receiver to measure wind profiles at 100-140 km. The new technique, THz limb sounder (TLS), aims to measure LTEI winds by resolving the wind-induced Doppler shift of 2.06 THz atomic oxygen (OI) emissions. As a transition between fine structure levels in the ground electronic state, the OI emission is in local thermodynamic equilibrium(LTE) at altitudes up to 350km. This LTE property, together with day-and-night capability and small line-of-sight gradient, makes the OI limb sounding a very attractive technique for neutral wind observations. In addition to the wind measurement, TLS can also retrieve [OI] density and neutral temperature in the LTEI region. TLS leverages rapid advances in THz receiver technologies including subharmonically pumped (SHP)mixers and Schottky-diode-based power multipliers. Current SHP Schottky receivers have produced good sensitivity for THz frequencies at ambient environment temperatures (120-150 K), which are achievable through passively cooling in spaceflight. As an emerging technique, TLS can fill the critical data gaps in the LTEI neutral wind observations to enable detailed studies on the coupling and dynamo processes between charged and neutral molecules.

wind profiles↗

Proximal Observations of Epicentral Infrasound Generated by Shallow Low-Magnitude Earthquakes in the Permian Basin, West Texas

Infrasound generated by earthquakes and explosions is generally detected at receivers at epicentral distances of hundreds to thousands of kilometers. However, proximal (<50 km) observations are especially important for low-magnitude earthquakes and low-yield explosions that may not generate signals capable of being detected at great ranges. Here, in this study, we present on the signals detected on an infrasound array 3 km away from two M L 2.9 earthquakes in the Permian Basin of west Texas. Local infrasound (LIS), generated at receivers during the passage of seismic waves, was detected following each earthquake. Epicentral infrasound (EIS), created at or near the epicenter and propagating away as a sound wave, was also detected. Array processing methods show that the EIS signals arrive from the same direction as the earthquake epicenters and at acoustic speeds. To our knowledge, these are the first observations of laterally propagating EIS at proximal ranges following an earthquake of any magnitude.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Instrumentation for measurement of aircraft noise and sonic boom

A jet aircraft noise and sonic boom measuring device which converts sound pressure into electric current is described. An electric current proportional to the sound pressure level at a condenser microphone is produced and transmitted over a cable, amplified by a zero drive amplifier and recorded on magnetic tape. The converter is comprised of a local oscillator, a dual-gate field-effect transistor (FET) mixer and a voltage regulator/impedance translator. A carrier voltage that is applied to one of the gates of the FET mixer is generated by the local oscillator. The microphone signal is mixed with the carrier to produce an electrical current at the frequency of vibration of the microphone diaphragm by the FET mixer. The voltage of the local oscillator and mixer stages is regulated, the carrier at the output is eliminated, and a low output impedance at the cable terminals is provided by the voltage regulator/impedance translator.

Zuckerwar, A. J.↗

X-ray structure of clusters of galaxies

Observations of the X-ray structure of the Virgo and Coma clusters of galaxies are described which were made with a two-dimensional imaging X-ray telescope in a series of sounding-rocket flights. It is shown that the X-ray structure of these two clusters exhibits considerable variations in surface brightness, that the central region of the Coma cluster exhibits local variations in surface brightness or clumpiness, and that the centroid of the X-ray emission from the Coma cluster is near the supergiant elliptical galaxy NGC 4874 and is a local minimum in intensity. Positive evidence is obtained for the Fe XXVII-XXIV complex of lines in the spectrum of M87 in the Virgo cluster. It is suggested that the gas in the halo of M87 is isothermal and contains an iron abundance that is uniformly close to the cosmic value.

Gorenstein, P.↗

Structural analysis of stratocumulus convection

The 1 and 20 Hz data are examined from the Electra flights made on July 5, 1987. The flight legs consisted of seven horizontal turbulent legs at the inversion, midcloud, and below clouds, plus 4 soundings made within the same period. The Rosemont temperature sensor and the top and bottom dewpoint sensors were used to measure temperature and humidity at 1 Hz. Inversion structure and entrainment; local dynamics and large scale forcing; convective elements; and decoupling of cloud and subcloud are discussed in relationship to the results of the Electra flight.

Siems, S. T.↗

Applications of Hilbert Spectral Analysis for Speech and Sound Signals

A new method for analyzing nonlinear and nonstationary data has been developed, and the natural applications are to speech and sound signals. The key part of the method is the Empirical Mode Decomposition method with which any complicated data set can be decomposed into a finite and often small number of Intrinsic Mode Functions (IMF). An IMF is defined as any function having the same numbers of zero-crossing and extrema, and also having symmetric envelopes defined by the local maxima and minima respectively. The IMF also admits well-behaved Hilbert transform. This decomposition method is adaptive, and, therefore, highly efficient. Since the decomposition is based on the local characteristic time scale of the data, it is applicable to nonlinear and nonstationary processes. With the Hilbert transform, the Intrinsic Mode Functions yield instantaneous frequencies as functions of time, which give sharp identifications of imbedded structures. This method invention can be used to process all acoustic signals. Specifically, it can process the speech signals for Speech synthesis, Speaker identification and verification, Speech recognition, and Sound signal enhancement and filtering. Additionally, as the acoustical signals from machinery are essentially the way the machines are talking to us. Therefore, the acoustical signals, from the machines, either from sound through air or vibration on the machines, can tell us the operating conditions of the machines. Thus, we can use the acoustic signal to diagnosis the problems of machines.

Huang, Norden E.↗

Net-zero Microgrid Program Report: Microrred de la Montaña Feasibility Study (Executive Summary Extended)

This feasibility study provides the technical and economic rationale for the Microrred de la Montaña as a viable solution for supplying reliable and resilient electricity to an underserved region in Puerto Rico – a region that is the first to be disconnected from the grid and the last to be restored, enduring months long outages. It begins the process of the development of the microgrid through conceptual design, engineering, detailed electrical design, implementation, and operation. The Microrred de la Montaña is organized under the governance of the Cooperativa Hidroeléctrica de la Montaña (Cooperativa) which has legal status as a cooperative and power provider under the laws of Puerto Rico. The members are the municipalities of Adjuntas, Jayuya, Lares and Utuado with a combined population of 90,000. These municipalities are in central Puerto Rico – a mountainous region that is extremely vulnerable to weather events and excessive, long-duration power outages and are among the poorest and most disadvantaged regions in Puerto Rico. Funding from external sources is necessary to acquire the resources for a resilient power delivery system. Regulatory support is necessary to establish operational relationships with the incumbent power providers. The Microrred de la Montaña is envisioned as a resilient microgrid that manages distributed energy resources – local solar, storage, and hydroelectricity over an upgraded distribution network within the boundaries of four municipalities. This feasibility study provides the results of an extensive techno-economic analysis to form a sound basis for decision-making by community leaders, their constituents, funding and investment agencies, and regulators to realize the benefits that are achievable by fully implementing the design and planning recommended for the Microrred de la Montaña.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗