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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 307 records · Page 17

UNR Grant Proposal Contribution

The work of Carrier et. al. (citation needed for Matt’s effect of surface roughness on phase transitions/ETI paper) demonstrates that 1D and 2D resistive magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations can reliably model exploding aluminum rods driven by megaampere currents. Close agreement between simulation results and photonic Doppler velocimetry data from the Mykonos electrothermal instability (METI-II) campaign builds confidence in predictive modelling capabilities for pulsed-power HED experiments. Furthermore, 2D MHD simulations show how machined features and micro-scale surface roughness can seed the electrothermal instability (ETI). Surface roughness was observed to reduce the time of melt by 19%, with ETI growth driving the enhanced heating of the rod surface.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Nuclear Astrophysics through simulations of neutron star mergers using Monte‐Carlo neutrino radiation transport (DE-SC0020435 Final Technical Report)

Neutron star mergers are an important source of information for nuclear physics. Except for black holes, neutron stars are the densest macroscopic objects known to exist in the Universe. They provide us with a remarkable laboratory to study the poorly understood high-density states of matter, complementing the study of heavy nuclei performed by nuclear physics experiments on Earth. Collisions of neutron stars are of particular interest. They are among the most energetic events observable in the Universe, powering a broad range of signals across the electromagnetic spectrum as well as gravitational wave signals. These signals contain important information about the properties of extremely dense matter. Colliding neutron stars additionally eject large amounts of neutron-rich material into the surrounding interstellar medium -- material that then undergoes rapid neutron-capture (r-process) nucleosynthesis, the mechanism thought to be responsible for the production of about half of the heavy nuclei. In order to understand current and future observations of neutron star mergers, we need reliable models for the signals that they power. An important component in the construction of such models are numerical simulations of colliding neutron stars. These simulations are costly, running for multiple months on supercomputers, and require the inclusion of complex physics (general relativity, magnetohydrodynamics, neutrino physics, nuclear reactions). In this document, we describe the development of new methods for the treatment of neutrinos in merger simulations, as well as the first simulations capable of evolving the equations of neutrino radiation transport directly and their impact on our understanding of neutron star mergers and more broadly in nuclear astrophysics. We also discuss additional work performed in the study of nucleosynthesis and neutrino physics in neutron star mergers as part of Early Career Award DE-SC0020435.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Numerical simulations of liquid jetting with solid inclusions

The dynamics of finite-sized particles in fluids, and their influence on the overall flow, are of great interest across several industrial, environmental, and medical fields. In the context of inkjet printing, the presence of solid inclusions can be either intentional, as in additive manufacturing, or unintentional, as in standard printing processes. These inclusions can strongly impact the jetting process, causing effects such as jet asymmetry, bubble entrapment, and the formation of satellite droplets. Understanding and controlling particle behavior is therefore essential, particularly to predict how and when particles are ejected over multiple jetting cycles. It is therefore critical to develop reliable models that allow for a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between particle and fluid during the whole printing process. To address this, we present a tailored implementation of the Color-Gradient multicomponent Lattice Boltzmann Method for fully resolved three-dimensional (3D) simulations of multicycle liquid jetting with particles. Our method supports realistic parameter settings aligned with industrial inkjet systems, and we provide both qualitative and quantitative validation against experimental data. Additionally, we introduce a simplified model based on the Stokes drag law, in which solid particles are represented as point particles and do not influence the fluid flow. Despite this limitation, the model offers a computationally efficient means to explore the vast parameter space typically encountered in industrial applications, allowing, e.g., identifying critical ejection regions and estimating the number of cycles required for particle release. These qualitative insights are valuable for guiding and complement fully two-way coupled simulations.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Design and sparing techniques to meet specified performance life

Specified performance life technique starts with the general description of what is wanted, defines in block diagram the operational needs, and then defines the functional systems required. The technique is similar to a truncated reliability model, but the calculation is simplified by use of a Poisson distribution approach to failure probability.

Holstead, A. J., Jr.↗

The reliability impact of mission abort strategies on redundant flight computer systems

This correspondence presents a reliability model for a redundant flight computer system with standby sparing, taking into account various mission abort strategies. A mission rule to initiate a mission abort after a predetermined number of detected computer failures and to return to earth with the remaining computers is shown to result in: (1) little improvement of crew safety unless computer error coverage is nearly perfect, and (2) significant degradation in mission success whenever coverage is high.

Filene, R. J.↗

Spaceflight tracking and data network operational reliability assessment for Skylab

Data on the spaceflight communications equipment status during the Skylab mission were subjected to an operational reliability assessment. Reliability models were revised to reflect pertinent equipment changes accomplished prior to the beginning of the Skylab missions. Appropriate adjustments were made to fit the data to the models. The availabilities are based on the failure events resulting in the stations inability to support a function of functions and the MTBF's are based on all events including 'can support' and 'cannot support'. Data were received from eleven land-based stations and one ship.

Seneca, V. I.↗

Automatic documentation system extension to multi-manufacturers' computers and to measure, improve, and predict software reliability

The DOMONIC system has been modified to run on the Univac 1108 and the CDC 6600 as well as the IBM 370 computer system. The DOMONIC monitor system has been implemented to gather data which can be used to optimize the DOMONIC system and to predict the reliability of software developed using DOMONIC. The areas of quality metrics, error characterization, program complexity, program testing, validation and verification are analyzed. A software reliability model for estimating program completion levels and one on which to base system acceptance have been developed. The DAVE system which performs flow analysis and error detection has been converted from the University of Colorado CDC 6400/6600 computer to the IBM 360/370 computer system for use with the DOMONIC system.

Simmons, D. B.↗

Study of liquid jet impingement on screens

A model is presented for an unconfined flow, such as a free jet, impinging on a screen which incorporates the influence of liquid deflection by the screen. The boundary layer blockage coefficient is introduced. This coefficient depends on the screen weave geometry and the jet impingement angle, and essentially accounts for the increase in fluid particle trajectory length through the screen resulting from the flow deflection. Comparisons were made with previous experimental studies to determine empirical values of the blockage coefficient. It is concluded that the new model reliably predicts the bulk flow and penetration characteristics of an impinging liquid jet interacting with a screen.

Dodge, F. T.↗

Fault-tolerant software for aircraft control systems

Concepts for software to implement real time aircraft control systems on a centralized digital computer were discussed. A fault tolerant software structure employing functionally redundant routines with concurrent error detection was proposed for critical control functions involving safety of flight and landing. A degraded recovery block concept was devised to allow collocation of critical and noncritical software modules within the same control structure. The additional computer resources required to implement the proposed software structure for a representative set of aircraft control functions were discussed. It was estimated that approximately 30 percent more memory space is required to implement the total set of control functions. A reliability model for the fault tolerant software was described and parametric estimates of failure rate were made.

Source record↗

Computer-aided reliability estimation

Computer-aided reliability estimation (CARE) programs are developed to improve the tools available for estimating the reliability of fault-tolerant systems. A description is presented of a program, called CARE II, which was developed after the first program reported by Mathur (1971). Attention is given to the CARE II reliability model, the CARE II coverage model, and CARE II limitations which are to be rectified in CARE III. It is pointed out that the present coverage model in CARE II is extremely versatile. The major limitation is related to the burden placed on the user to determine the basic parameters from which the coverage calculations are made.

Stiffler, J. J.↗

Flow of liquid jets through closely woven screens

Previously developed analytical models relate pressure drop across a fine-mesh screen to throughflow velocity for duct systems. These models are shown to be unreliable for an unconfined flow, such as a free jet, impinging on a screen. A new model is developed for these kinds of systems, incorporating the important influence of liquid deflection by the screen. A new parameter, the boundary-layer blockage coefficient, is introduced. This coefficient, which depends on the screen weave geometry and the jet impingement angle, accounts for the increase in fluid path length through the screen resulting from the flow deflection. Comparisons are made with previous experimental studies to determine empirical values of the blockage coefficient. It is concluded that the new model reliably predicts the bulk flow and penetration characteristics of an impinging liquid jet interacting with a screen.

Dodge, F. T.↗

Flow of liquid jets through closely woven screens

Previously developed analytical models relate pressure drop across a fine-mesh screen to throughflow velocity for duct systems. These models are shown to be unreliable for an unconfined flow, such as a free jet, impinging on a screen. A new model is developed for these kinds of systems, incorporating the important influence of liquid deflection by the screen. A new parameter, the boundary layer blockage coefficient, is introduced. This coefficient, which depends on the screen weave geometry and the jet impingement angle, accounts for the increase in fluid path length through the screen resulting from the flow deflection. Comparisons are made with previous experimental studies to determine empirical values of the blockage coefficient. It is concluded that the new model reliably predicts the bulk flow and penetration characteristics of an impinging liquid jet interacting with a screen.

Dodge, F. T.↗

Fault-tolerant software

Limitations in the current capabilities for verifying programs by formal proof or by exhaustive testing have led to the investigation of fault-tolerance techniques for applications where the consequence of failure is particularly severe. Two current approaches, N-version programming and the recovery block, are described. A critical feature in the latter is the acceptance test, and a number of useful techniques for constructing these are presented. A system reliability model for the recovery block is introduced, and conclusions derived from this model that affect the design of fault-tolerant software are discussed.

Hecht, H.↗

Status of the Ford program to evaluate ceramics for stator applications in automotive gas turbine engines

The paper reviews the progress of the major technical tasks of the DOE/NASA/Ford program Evaluation of Ceramics for Stator Applications in Automotive Gas Turbine Engines: reliability prediction, stator fabrication, material characterization, and stator evaluation. A fast fracture reliability model was prepared for a one-piece ceramic stator. Periodic inspection results are presented.

Trela, W.↗

A study of the selection of microcomputer architectures to automate planetary spacecraft power systems

Performance and reliability models of alternate microcomputer architectures as a methodology for optimizing system design were examined. A methodology for selecting an optimum microcomputer architecture for autonomous operation of planetary spacecraft power systems was developed. Various microcomputer system architectures are analyzed to determine their application to spacecraft power systems. It is suggested that no standardization formula or common set of guidelines exists which provides an optimum configuration for a given set of specifications.

Nauda, A.↗

Production of Reliable Flight Crucial Software: Validation Methods Research for Fault Tolerant Avionics and Control Systems Sub-Working Group Meeting

The state of the art in the production of crucial software for flight control applications was addressed. The association between reliability metrics and software is considered. Thirteen software development projects are discussed. A short term need for research in the areas of tool development and software fault tolerance was indicated. For the long term, research in format verification or proof methods was recommended. Formal specification and software reliability modeling, were recommended as topics for both short and long term research.

Dunham, J. R.↗

A Poisson process approximation for generalized K-5 confidence regions

One-sided confidence regions for continuous cumulative distribution functions are constructed using empirical cumulative distribution functions and the generalized Kolmogorov-Smirnov distance. The band width of such regions becomes narrower in the right or left tail of the distribution. To avoid tedious computation of confidence levels and critical values, an approximation based on the Poisson process is introduced. This aproximation provides a conservative confidence region; moreover, the approximation error decreases monotonically to 0 as sample size increases. Critical values necessary for implementation are given. Applications are made to the areas of risk analysis, investment modeling, reliability assessment, and analysis of fault tolerant systems.

Arsham, H.↗