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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 289 records · Page 16

Heat generation in aircraft tires under free rolling conditions

A method was developed for calculating the internal temperature distribution in an aircraft tire while free rolling under load. The method uses an approximate stress analysis of each point in the tire as it rolls through the contact patch, and from this stress change the mechanical work done on each volume element may be obtained and converted into a heat release rate through a knowledge of material characteristics. The tire cross-section is then considered as a body with internal heat generation, and the diffusion equation is solved numerically with appropriate boundary conditions of the wheel and runway surface. Comparison with data obtained with buried thermocouples in tires shows good agreement.

Clark, S. K.↗

Nozzle Free Jet Flows Within the Strong Curved Shock Regime

A study based on inviscid analysis was conducted to examine the flow field produced from a convergent-divergent nozzle when a strong curved shock occurs. It was found that a certain constraint is imposed on the flow solution of the problem which is the unique feature of the flow within this flow regime, and provides the reason why the inverse method of calculation cannot be employed for these problems. An approximate method was developed to calculate the flow field, and results were obtained for two-dimensional flows. Analysis and calculations were performed for flows with axial symmetry. It is shown that under certain conditions, the vorticity generated at the jet boundary may become infinite and the viscous effect becomes important. Under other conditions, the asymptotic free jet height as well as the corresponding shock geometry were determined.

Shih, Tso-Shin↗

Structure prediction of porous organic crystals

In this work, we explore the possibility of applying automated crystal structure prediction to reproduce the experimentally identified metastable porous polymorphs. Using our recently developed High-Throughput Organic Crystal Structure Prediction ( HTOCSP ) framework, we conducted a systematic study on five representative organic crystalline systems including hydrogen-bonded frameworks (HOFs), featured by the presence of significant porosity, in conjunction with different choices of energy models from classical, machine learning force fields, tight binding to density functional theory. Our results suggest that the current structure generation framework, with careful selection of symmetry conditions, is likely to generate rather complex and abundant metastable crystal candidates for porous crystals. In conjunction with the recent advance in universal machine learning force fields, it becomes possible to identify experimental structures as the energetically favorable candidates from a simple energy versus density analysis, thus paving the way for computational design of complex porous materials with the target systems prior to the experimental synthesis and characterization.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Space-based laser-driven MHD generator: Feasibility study

The feasibility of a laser-driven MHD generator, as a candidate receiver for a space-based laser power transmission system, was investigated. On the basis of reasonable parameters obtained in the literature, a model of the laser-driven MHD generator was developed with the assumptions of a steady, turbulent, two-dimensional flow. These assumptions were based on the continuous and steady generation of plasmas by the exposure of the continuous wave laser beam thus inducing a steady back pressure that enables the medium to flow steadily. The model considered here took the turbulent nature of plasmas into account in the two-dimensional geometry of the generator. For these conditions with the plasma parameters defining the thermal conductivity, viscosity, electrical conductivity for the plasma flow, a generator efficiency of 53.3% was calculated. If turbulent effects and nonequilibrium ionization are taken into account, the efficiency is 43.2%. The study shows that the laser-driven MHD system has potential as a laser power receiver for space applications because of its high energy conversion efficiency, high energy density and relatively simple mechanism as compared to other energy conversion cycles.

Choi, S. H.↗

IceVal DatAssistant: An Interactive, Automated Icing Data Management System

As with any scientific endeavor, the foundation of icing research at the NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) is the data acquired during experimental testing. In the case of the GRC Icing Branch, an important part of this data consists of ice tracings taken following tests carried out in the GRC Icing Research Tunnel (IRT), as well as the associated operational and environmental conditions during those tests. Over the years, the large number of experimental runs completed has served to emphasize the need for a consistent strategy to manage the resulting data. To address this situation, the Icing Branch has recently elected to implement the IceVal DatAssistant automated data management system. With the release of this system, all publicly available IRT-generated experimental ice shapes with complete and verifiable conditions have now been compiled into one electronically-searchable database; and simulation software results for the equivalent conditions, generated using the latest version of the LEWICE ice shape prediction code, are likewise included and linked to the corresponding experimental runs. In addition to this comprehensive database, the IceVal system also includes a graphically-oriented database access utility, which provides reliable and easy access to all data contained in the database. In this paper, the issues surrounding historical icing data management practices are discussed, as well as the anticipated benefits to be achieved as a result of migrating to the new system. A detailed description of the software system features and database content is also provided; and, finally, known issues and plans for future work are presented.

Levinson, Laurie H.↗

IceVal DatAssistant: An Interactive, Automated Icing Data Management System

As with any scientific endeavor, the foundation of icing research at the NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) is the data acquired during experimental testing. In the case of the GRC Icing Branch, an important part of this data consists of ice tracings taken following tests carried out in the GRC Icing Research Tunnel (IRT), as well as the associated operational and environmental conditions documented during these tests. Over the years, the large number of experimental runs completed has served to emphasize the need for a consistent strategy for managing this data. To address the situation, the Icing Branch has recently elected to implement the IceVal DatAssistant automated data management system. With the release of this system, all publicly available IRT-generated experimental ice shapes with complete and verifiable conditions have now been compiled into one electronically-searchable database. Simulation software results for the equivalent conditions, generated using the latest version of the LEWICE ice shape prediction code, are likewise included and are linked to the corresponding experimental runs. In addition to this comprehensive database, the IceVal system also includes a graphically-oriented database access utility, which provides reliable and easy access to all data contained in the database. In this paper, the issues surrounding historical icing data management practices are discussed, as well as the anticipated benefits to be achieved as a result of migrating to the new system. A detailed description of the software system features and database content is also provided; and, finally, known issues and plans for future work are presented.

Levinson, Laurie H.↗

Boundary conditions for direct computation of aerodynamic sound generation

A numerical scheme suitable for the computation of both the near field acoustic sources and the far field sound produced by turbulent free shear flows utilizing the Navier-Stokes equations is presented. To produce stable numerical schemes in the presence of shear, damping terms must be added to the boundary conditions. The numerical technique and boundary conditions are found to give stable results for computations of spatially evolving mixing layers.

Colonius, Tim↗

Reconfigurable Image Generator

A RiG may simulate visual conditions of a real world environment, and generate the necessary amount of pixels in a visual simulation at rates up to 120 frames per second. RiG may also include a database generation system capable of producing visual databases suitable to drive the visual fidelity required by the RiG.

Archdeacon, John L.↗

Fitness-for-Service Analysis of Reactor Components under Flexible Load-Following Operating Conditions

Conventional power-generation plants, including nuclear plants, have been traditionally designed to provide a steady baseload energy capacity, optimizing output efficiency while minimizing variable costs. However, the growing adoption of large-scale renewable energy-generation systems, which rely on intermittent sources such as solar and wind, has introduced more variability into the energy supply in interconnected electricity grids. As a result, the next generation of power plants needs to operate in what is known as the load-following mode, requiring flexible adjustments in electricity production to align with the energy demand on the grid. This transition from the steady baseload operation to load-following operating conditions can significantly increase the number of times various plant components are exposed to transient stresses. This increased thermo-mechanical cycling can lead to accelerated material degradation, thereby elevating the risk of premature failure of a component. It becomes imperative to conduct a comprehensive analysis of fatigue, creep-fatigue, and stress corrosion cracking life, to assess the resilience of the various engineering components under these flexible load-following operating conditions. This study aims to develop a comprehensive numerical model of a light-water reactor pressure vessel (RPV) to investigate its degradation under various operating scenarios. This coupled thermo-mechanical finite element analysis evaluated the stress response of the RPV caused by considering fluctuations in thermal and mechanical loads caused by the varying pressure and temperature occurring during the load-following operation. Critical locations on the RPV are subsequently identified based on the stress response. The stress intensity factors for the postulated flaws at those locations are then calculated, followed by an evaluation of the reactor's life in accordance with the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section XI. This comprehensive life assessment covers a number of transients expected during the flexible load-following operation, providing invaluable insights into the RPV's structural integrity. Moreover, the development methodology can be adapted to other reactor components, as well as components of conventional power stations that are affected by varying operating conditions.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Helicopter tail rotor noise analyses

A study was made of helicopter tail rotor noise, particularly that due to interactions with the main rotor tip vortices, and with the fuselage separation mean wake. The tail rotor blade-main rotor tip vortex interaction is modelled as an airfoil of infinite span cutting through a moving vortex. The vortex and the geometry information required by the analyses are obtained through a free wake geometry analysis of the main rotor. The acoustic pressure-time histories for the tail rotor blade-vortex interactions are then calculated. These acoustic results are compared to tail rotor loading and thickness noise, and are found to be significant to the overall tail rotor noise generation. Under most helicopter operating conditions, large acoustic pressure fluctuations can be generated due to a series of skewed main rotor tip vortices passing through the tail rotor disk. The noise generation depends strongly upon the helicopter operating conditions and the location of the tail rotor relative to the main rotor.

George, A. R.↗

Helicopter tail rotor noise

A study was made of helicopter tail rotor noise, particularly that due to interactions with the main rotor tip vortices, and with the fuselage separation mean wake. The tail rotor blade-main rotor tip vortex interaction is modelled as an airfoil of infinite span cutting through a moving vortex. The vortex and the geometry information required by the analyses are obtained through a free wake geometry analysis of the main rotor. The acoustic pressure-time histories for the tail rotor blade-vortex interactions are then calculated. These acoustic results are compared to tail rotor loading and thickness noise, and are found to be significant to the overall tail rotor noise generation. Under most helicopter operating conditions, large acoustic pressure fluctuations can be generated due to a series of skewed main rotor tip vortices passing through the tail rotor disk. The noise generation depends strongly upon the helicopter operating conditions and the location of the tail rotor relative to the main rotor.

Chou, S.-T.↗

Electrical Distribution System (EDS) and Caution and Warning System (CWS)

An astronaut caution and warning system is described which monitors various life support system parameters and detects out-of-range parameter conditions. The warning system generates a warning tone and displays the malfunction condition to the astronaut along with the proper corrective procedures required.

Mcclung, T.↗

Transonic flow calculations using Euler's equations

An implicit finite difference method with implicit boundary conditions is employed to solve the steady Euler's equations for flows past arbitrary geometries. The resulting code is used to investigate in a systematic way various aspects of flow past airfoils at transonic speeds such as, method of solution, boundary conditions, grid stretching and generation, shock and sonic point operators, the Kutta condition, and smoothing. Results obtained are in good agreement with results of other codes. Moreover, it appears that the method of solution employed is such that Kutta's condition need not be invoked. This statement appears to be valid for other existing schemes employed in the solution of Euler's equations.

Atkins, H. L.↗

Linking international technical specifications for acoustic characterization of marine energy converter sounds with environmental compliance criteria

As new ocean energy technologies emerge and are deployed for testing and operations, sound emissions are a potential concern for environmental effects to marine life. Consistent acoustic measurement and data analysis methods can help promote comparisons of technologies and transferability between project sites. In 2022, acoustic emissions from a prototype scale wave energy converter (WEC) were characterized for a range of environmental conditions and power generation states in the coastal waters off southern California using a set of international technical specifications. Results from the international technical specification analyses were applied to United States regulatory threshold criteria for acoustic impacts to marine mammals and examined in the context of European underwater noise monitoring guidelines. Weighted 24 hour cumulative sound exposure levels SEL24h calculated from the highest power generation state WEC sound pressure levels were often more than 20 dB below threshold criteria for temporary threshold shifts in five relevant marine mammal hearing groups. Following European Union recommendations for analyses and reporting, WEC sound characterization in third octave bands centered at 63 Hz and 125 Hz show clear spatial decay of WEC-generated noise, with more pronounced attenuation at 63 Hz, and a less marked but still detectable gradient at 125 Hz, collectively suggesting a relatively confined acoustic footprint under the observed conditions. The value of the international technical specification approach is highlighted by the isolation of WEC sounds from the surrounding soundscape. This allows for a robust characterization of acoustic emissions through a range of device power generation and sea states. Furthermore, in threshold-based regulatory contexts like the U.S., this facilitates direct evaluation of source contributions, while in broader monitoring frameworks used in the E.U. it provides a reproducible foundation for assessing the contribution of emerging ocean energy technologies to the underwater acoustic environment.

Haxel, Joseph H. (ORCID:0000000273864761)↗

A numerical investigation of turbulent baseflow

The turbulent base flow of a cone with a sting in hypersonic flow is investigated using a time-dependent Navier-Stokes code called UWIN. A PNS solver provides the upstream flow conditions which drive the development of the base flow. The computational method is described along with its application to the base flow problem. The grid generation and boundary conditions are described. The results and the summary conclude this note.

Chaussee, Denny S.↗

An Update on the Lithium-Ion Cell Low-Earth-Orbit Verification Test Program

A Lithium-Ion Cell Low-Earth-Orbit Verification Test Program is being conducted by NASA Glenn Research Center to assess the performance of lithium-ion (Li-ion) cells over a wide range of low-Earth-orbit (LEO) conditions. The data generated will be used to build an empirical model for Li-ion batteries. The goal of the modeling will be to develop a tool to predict the performance and cycle life of Li-ion batteries operating at a specified set of mission conditions. Using this tool, mission planners will be able to design operation points of the battery system while factoring in mission requirements and the expected life and performance of the batteries. Test conditions for the program were selected via a statistical design of experiments to span a range of feasible operational conditions for LEO aerospace applications. The variables under evaluation are temperature, depth-of-discharge (DOD), and end-of-charge voltage (EOCV). The baseline matrix was formed by generating combinations from a set of three values for each variable. Temperature values are 10 C, 20 C and 30 C. Depth-of-discharge values are 20%, 30% and 40%. EOCV values are 3.85 V, 3.95 V, and 4.05 V. Test conditions for individual cells may vary slightly from the baseline test matrix depending upon the cell manufacturer s recommended operating conditions. Cells from each vendor are being evaluated at each of ten sets of test conditions. Cells from four cell manufacturers are undergoing life cycle tests. Life cycling on the first sets of cells began in September 2004. These cells consist of Saft 40 ampere-hour (Ah) cells and Lith ion 30 Ah cells. These cells have achieved over 10,000 cycles each, equivalent to about 20 months in LEO. In the past year, the test program has expanded to include the evaluation of Mine Safety Appliances (MSA) 50 Ah cells and ABSL battery modules. The MSA cells will begin life cycling in October 2006. The ABSL battery modules consist of commercial Sony hard carbon 18650 lithium-ion cells configured in series and parallel combinations to create nominal 14.4 volt, 3 Ah packs (4s-2p). These modules have accumulated approximately 3000 cycles. Results on the performance of the cells and modules will be presented in this paper. The life prediction and performance model for Li-ion cells in LEO will be built by analyzing the data statistically and performing regression analysis. Cells are being cycled to failure so that differences in performance trends that occur at different stages in the life of the cell can be observed and accurately modeled. Cell testing is being performed at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Crane, IN.

Reid, Concha M.↗

Oil-Pressure Based Apparatus for In-Situ High-Energy Synchrotron X-Ray Diffraction Studies During Biaxial Deformation

Background: Understanding biaxial loading response at the microstructural level is crucial in helping better design sheet manufacturing processes and calibrate/validate material deformation models. Objective: The objective of this work was to develop a low-cost testing apparatus to probe, with sufficient spatial resolution, the micro-mechanical response of a sheet material in-situ under biaxial loading conditions. Methods: The testing apparatus fabricated as a part of this study operates in a similar fashion to a standard bulge test and uses oil pressure to generate biaxial loading conditions. This biaxial testing apparatus was operated within a synchrotron beamline to characterize the mechanical response of a flash-processed steel sheet using in-situ high-energy X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements. Further, the GSAS-II package was utilized to develop a workflow for the analysis of the large volume of diffraction data acquired. The workflow was then used to extract the peak position, width, and integrated intensity of the XRD peaks corresponding to the major body-centered cubic phase. Results: The equi-biaxial nature of the loading in the measured area was independently corroborated using experimental (XRD) and simulation (finite element analysis) methods. Furthermore, we discuss the evolution of elastic strain in the major body-centered cubic phase as a function of applied oil pressure and location on the steel sheet. Conclusions: A key advantage of the biaxial apparatus fabricated in this synchrotron study is demonstrated using the results obtained for the flash-processed steel sheet – i.e., mapping the lattice plane-dependent response to biaxial loading for a relatively large sample area in a spatially resolved manner.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Experiment Design and Characterization for the Study of Afterbody Radiation During Mars Entry

Recent work has shown that a significant contributor to the afterbody aeroheating during Mars entry is radiation. However, relevant ground test data is not available to help assess the uncertainty associated with prediction of the radiation when designing the thermal protection system for the aeroshell afterbody. The present work is aimed at designing an experiment which allows the study of the afterbody radiation experienced during Mars entry. The X2 expansion tube at the University of Queensland is used to generate the relevant experimental freestream flow conditions. Analysis is carried out to accurately characterize the generated experimental freestream conditions. A two dimensional wedge model is used to produce the expanding flow which simulates aspects of the afterbody flow around Mars entry vehicles. Preliminary analysis of the generated expanding flow shows that it produces significant radiation in the mid-infrared region and has a steady duration of about 50-110 μs. This allows emission spectroscopy to be conducted in the future.

Gu, S.↗