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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 325 records · Page 18

On the correlation between plastic strain and misorientation in polycrystalline body-centered-cubic microstructures with an emphasis on the grain size, loading history, and crystallographic orientation

In this work, the correlation between plastic strain and crystallographic misorientation, grain size, grain orientation, distance from grain boundary, and loading history were investigated experimentally and numerically for body-centered-cubic (BCC) polycrystalline microstructures based on a misorientation deviation (MD) approach. Nine monotonic tensile experiments were performed on two BCC titanium alloys inside a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The influence of reference orientation was explored both at the grain scale and at the mesoscale using electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD). The correlation between global plastic strain and the MD was quantified. The tendency for orientation change was quantified as a function of plastic strain and grain orientation for three crystallographic orientations (i.e., [100], [110], and [111]) with respect to tensile direction. The subpopulation of small grains exhibited a lower level of misorientation dispersion compared with larger grains, and this discrepancy became more pronounced at higher strains. An empirical equation was proposed to estimate the level of misorientation dispersion for individual grains as a function of grain size and global plastic strain level. Two interrupted in-situ SEM experiments were performed, and this resulted in a significantly increased misorientation compared with uninterrupted tests performed to similar plastic strain levels.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Small angular displacement measurement based on an autocollimator and a common-path compensation principle

A novel method for small angular displacement measurement based on an autocollimator and a common-path compensation principle by using single CCD detector was proposed. The principles of the angular displacement measurement and the common-path compensation were analyzed. The feasibility of measurement method was verified and the experimental results revealed that the linear correlativity between the relative displacement of the measuring beam spot and the angular displacement is 0.99996. And the measurement resolution is about 0.03 arcsec. To test the compensation's effect, a series of experiments introducing three different interferences from system and external environment were performed. The experimental results indicated that the standard deviations of the measuring beam spot's angular drift were improved by at least 25.0% to at most 80.0% in x direction while by at least 28.2% to at most 95.6% in y direction. Thus, the stability of the system and the measurement resolution were improved.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Cognitive simulation models for inertial confinement fusion: Combining simulation and experimental data

The design space for inertial confinement fusion (ICF) experiments is vast, and experiments are extremely expensive. Researchers rely heavily on computer simulations to explore the design space in search of high-performing implosions. However, ICF multiphysics codes must make simplifying assumptions, and thus deviate from experimental measurements for complex implosions. For more effective design and investigation, simulations require input from past experimental data to better predict future performance. In this work, we describe a cognitive simulation method for combining simulation and experimental data into a common, predictive model. This method leverages a machine learning technique called “transfer learning,” the process of taking a model trained to solve one task, and partially retraining it on a sparse dataset to solve a different, but related task. In the context of ICF design, neural network models are trained on large simulation databases and partially retrained on experimental data, producing models that are far more accurate than simulations alone. Here, we demonstrate improved model performance for a range of ICF experiments at the National Ignition Facility and predict the outcome of recent experiments with less than 10% error for several key observables. We discuss how the methods might be used to carry out a data-driven experimental campaign to optimize performance, illustrating the key product—models that become increasingly accurate as data are acquired.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Top quark forward-backward asymmetry at the Tevatron and its implications at the LHC

The measurement of forward-backward asymmetry in the top and antitop quark (tt) production has been recently reconfirmed by the CDF Collaboration and shows a more than 3{sigma} deviation from the standard model prediction in the large tt invariant mass region. Models with new W{sup '} or Z{sup '} bosons have been invoked to explain this deviation. In the context of these models we perform a {chi}{sup 2} analysis with all the available experimental numbers in different {Delta}Y and M{sub tt} bins. We show that for the Z{sup '} model the region of parameter space which explains the Tevatron asymmetry can be probed in the same sign top production channel by Tevatron itself. Moreover, we consider a recently proposed observable, the one-sided forward-backward asymmetry (A{sub OFB}) at the LHC and conclude that both the W{sup '} and Z{sup '} models can lead to sizable A{sub OFB} even at the LHC running at a center of mass energy of 7 TeV for the model parameters consistent with the Tevatron measurements.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

An Efficient Three-Dimensional CFD-Based Numerical Wave Tank for a Wave Energy Converter in Extreme Irregular Waves

A numerical wave tank approach for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling of an extreme irregular seastate is presented. The technique couples a potential flow solution with a CFD solver for more efficient numerical predictions. This method has recently become attractive both for the research community and the industry working with offshore structures. The model is used to determine the response of a submerged pressure differential wave energy converter (WEC) in a fully nonlinear irregular wave condition using the high-fidelity CFD code, STAR-CCM+. Potential flow based numerical models are commonly used to predict motions and performance of wave energy converters. Wave kinematics can deviate from potential flow predictions for extreme wave conditions; the excitation loads on an absorber can also be increasingly influenced by viscous effects, not predicted by potential flow engineering level models. In these extreme conditions, a Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes CFD model can better predict motions and loads for a WEC. Long time series with varying random seed numbers can be used to identify singular extreme wave events from a stochastic irregular sea state. This approach simulates a more realistic wave series for a given sea state than a regular wave or a focused wave. However, it is computationally infeasible to run these long time series for three-dimensional (3D) CFD simulations. In this work, two-dimensional (2D) CFD simulations with a long domain allow the full development of an extreme nonlinear wave condition. The results are used to identify extreme events from a 50-year storm condition for the PacWave site off the coast of Oregon. A relatively short time window including this extreme event is then mapped to a 3D simulation using a user defined wave methodology. Convergence studies for domain length, wave forcing lengths, and time before the extreme event were conducted.

CFD↗

Modern status of photonuclear data

The reliability of experimental cross sections obtained for (γ, 1n), (γ, 2n), and (γ, 3n) partial photoneutron reactions using beams of quasimonoenergetic annihilation photons and bremsstrahlung is analyzed by employing data for a large number of medium-heavy and heavy nuclei, including those of {sup 63,65}Cu, {sup 80}Se, {sup 90,91,94}Zr, {sup 115}In, {sup 112−124}Sn, {sup 133}Cs, {sup 138}Ba, {sup 159}Tb, {sup 181}Ta, {sup 186−192}Os, {sup 197}Au, {sup 208}Pb, and {sup 209}Bi. The ratios of the cross sections of definite partial reactions to the cross section of the neutron-yield reaction, F{sub i} = σ(γ, in)/σ(γ, xn), are used as criteria of experimental-data reliability. By definition, positive values of these ratios should not exceed the upper limits of 1.00, 0.50, 0.33,... for i = 1, 2, 3,..., respectively. For many nuclei, unreliable values of the above ratios were found to correlate clearly in various photon-energy regions F{sub i} with physically forbidden negative values of cross sections of partial reactions. On this basis, one can conclude that correspondent experimental data are unreliable. Significant systematic uncertainties of the methods used to determine photoneutron multiplicity are shown to be the main reason for this. New partial-reaction cross sections that satisfy the above data-reliability criteria were evaluated within an experimental–theoretical method [σ{sup eval}(γ, in) = F{sub i}{sup theor} (γ, in) × σ{sup expt}(γ, xn)] by employing the ratios F{sub i}{sup theor} (γ, in) calculated on the basis of a combined photonuclear-reaction model. It was obtained that cross sections evaluated in this way deviate substantially from the results of many experiments performed via neutron-multiplicity sorting, but, at the same time, agree with the results of alternative activation experiments. Prospects of employing methods that would provide, without recourse to photoneutron-multiplicity sorting, reliable data on cross sections of partial photoneutron reactions are discussed.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

High Accuracy Transistor Compact Model Calibrations

Typically, transistors are modeled by the application of calibrated nominal and range models. These models consists of differing parameter values that describe the location and the upper and lower limits of a distribution of some transistor characteristic such as current capacity. Correspondingly, when using this approach, high degrees of accuracy of the transistor models are not expected since the set of models is a surrogate for a statistical description of the devices. The use of these types of models describes expected performances considering the extremes of process or transistor deviations. In contrast, circuits that have very stringent accuracy requirements require modeling techniques with higher accuracy. Since these accurate models have low error in transistor descriptions, these models can be used to describe part to part variations as well as an accurate description of a single circuit instance. Thus, models that meet these stipulations also enable the calculation of quantification of margins with respect to a functional threshold and uncertainties in these margins. Given this need, new model high accuracy calibration techniques for bipolar junction transistors have been developed and are described in this report.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Tank 9H Salt Solution Supernatant Characterization in Support of Potential Operating Strategies of Tank 9H Supernatant Through the Tank Closure Cesium Removal System

Savannah River Remediation (SRR) recently initiated an ion exchange process to remove radioactive cesium from dissolved salt solution in Tank 10H, known as Tank Closure Cesium Removal (TCCR). As part of that ongoing campaign, the salt in Tank 9H will be dissolved and transferred to Tank 10H for processing through the TCCR system, and SRR requested the characterization of the dissolved salt solution in Tank 9H prior to the transfer to Tank 10H. On July 18, 2019, Savannah River Remediation Engineering (SRR-E) delivered two variable depth Tank 9H salt solution samples, identified as samples HTF-9-19-74 and HTF-9-19-75 (combined total sample volume of about 400 mL) to the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) for characterization. These two Tank 9H variable depth samples (HTF-9-19-74 and HTF-9-19-75 taken at ~180” and 42”, respectively) were retrieved from Riser 7 after hydro-lancing activities were complete. Approximately 4200 gallons of water were added to the tank during this activity. This report presents the analytical characterization results for the Tank 9H salt solution variable depth samples HTF-9-19-74 and HTF-9-19-75 and contains mainly the filtrate analytical results for anions, elements, mass spectral data, total cesium characterization results and select radionuclide results, along with the X-ray diffraction characterization of the solid fractions from the liquid /solid separation of the variable depth salt solutions. Most of these analyses were performed in duplicate with the percent relative standard deviation (%RSD), a measure of the variability between each duplicate data set expressed as a percentage, used to estimate the analytical result quality for each analyte.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Microgrid Assisted Design for Remote Areas

In this work, we present a three-stage multiobjective mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) for the optimal expansion planning and operation of isolated multienergy microgrids in remote areas. By selecting the optimal distributed generators (DGs) and energy storage systems (ESSs) mix selection, siting, sizing, and scheduling in the remote microgrid, the proposed model is targeted to minimize the annualized total cost of microgrids while enhancing the performance of the system, i.e., minimizing the voltage deviations and line power loss. To represent the electricity and heat flow between generation resources and various electrical, heating, and cooling loads in the isolated microgrid, linearized power flow, and heat flow constraints are employed in the proposed optimization model. The available capacity of DGs and ESSs are modeled as discrete constants instead of continuous variables for practical purpose. Numerical simulation results on a remote microgrid consisting of DGs, ESSs, and various loads validate the proposed method.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

Lightweight 3.66-meter-diameter conical mesh antenna reflector

A description is given of a 3.66 m diameter nonfurlable conical mesh antenna incorporating the line source feed principle recently developed. The weight of the mesh reflector and its support structure is 162 N. An area weighted RMS surface deviation of 0.28 mm was obtained. The RF performance measurements show a gain of 48.3 db at 8.448 GHz corresponding to an efficiency of 66%. During the design and development of this antenna, the technology for fabricating the large conical membranes of knitted mesh was developed. As part of this technology a FORTRAN computer program, COMESH, was developed which permits the user to predict the surface accuracy of a stretched conical membrane.

Moore, D. M.↗

Analyses of ACPL thermal/fluid conditioning system

Results of engineering analyses are reported. Initial computations were made using a modified control transfer function where the systems performance was characterized parametrically using an analytical model. The analytical model was revised to represent the latest expansion chamber fluid manifold design, and systems performance predictions were made. Parameters which were independently varied in these computations are listed. Systems predictions which were used to characterize performance are primarily transient computer plots comparing the deviation between average chamber temperature and the chamber temperature requirement. Additional computer plots were prepared. Results of parametric computations with the latest fluid manifold design are included.

Stephen, L. A.↗

Innovative design of composite structures: The use of curvilinear fiber format to improve buckling resistance of composite plates with central circular holes

The gains in buckling performance are explored that can be achieved by deviating from the conventional straightline fiber format and considering the situation whereby the fiber orientation in a layer, or a group of layers, can vary from point to point. The particular situation studied is a simply supported square plate with a centrally located hole loaded in compression. By using both a sensitivity analysis and a gradient-search technique, fiber orientation in a number of regions of the plate are selected so as to increase the buckling load relative to baseline straightline designs. The sensitivity analysis is used to determine which regions of the plate have the most influence on buckling load, and the gradient search is used to find the design that is believed to represent the absolute maximum buckling load for the conditions prescribed. Convergence studies and sensitivity of the final design are discussed. By examining the stress resultant contours, it is shown how the curvilinear fibers move the load away from the unsupported hole region of the plate to the supported edges, thus increasing the buckling capacity. The tensile capacity of the improved buckling design is investigated, and it is shown that both tensile capacity and buckling capacity can be improved with the curvilinear fiber concept.

Hyer, M. W.↗

The use of curvilinear fiber format to improve buckling resistance of composite plates with central circular holes

The gains in buckling performance are explored that can be achieved by deviating from the conventional straightline fiber format and considering the situation whereby the fiber orientation in a layer, or a group of layers, can vary from point to point. The particular situation studied is a simply supported square plate with a centrally located hole loaded in compression. By using both a sensitivity analysis and a gradient-search technique, fiber orientation in a number of regions of the plate are selected so as to increase the buckling load relative to baseline straightline designs. The sensitivity analysis is used to determine which regions of the plate have the most influence on buckling load, and the gradient search is used to find the design that is believed to represent the absolute maximum buckling load for the conditions prescribed. Convergence studies and sensitivity of the final design are discussed. By examining the stress resultant contours, it is shown how the curvilinear fibers move the load away from the unsupported hole region of the plate to the supported edges, thus increasing the buckling capacity. The tensile capacity of the improved buckling design is investigated, and it is shown that both tensile capacity and buckling capacity can be improved with the curvilinear fiber concept.

Hyer, M. W.↗

Rapid single-axis torque-bounded slewing of SCOLE configuration

The first general research objective was to address control design challenges of the Spacecraft Control Laboratory Experiment (SCOLE) via the two stage approach: (1) slew the whole as if it were a rigid body about one Space Shuttle body axis each time using the onboard Reaction Control System (RCS) thrusters; and (2) damp out excited vibrations. The second objective was to examine the feasibility of applying the approach to shuttle-attached flexible space structures. The following was accomplished: (1) a standard bang-bang control technique was adapted; (2) a slew rate limit was imposed in the design; and (3) slew acceleration deviation was defined as the index of slew performance degradation.

Lin, Jiguan Gene↗

Seawifs Technical Report Series. Volume 2: Analysis of Orbit Selection for Seawifs: Ascending Versus Descending Node

Due to range safety considerations, the Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor (SeaWiFS) ocean color instrument may be required to be launched into a near-noon descending node, as opposed to the ascending node used by the predecessor sensor, the Coastal Zone Color Scanner (CZCS). The relative importance of ascending versus descending near-noon orbits was assessed here to determine if descending node will meet the scientific requirements of SeaWiFS. Analyses focused on ground coverage, local times of coverage, solar and viewing geometries (zenith and azimuth angles), and sun glint. Differences were found in the areas covered by individual orbits, but were not important when taken over a 16 day repeat time. Local time of coverage was also different: for ascending node orbits the Northern Hemisphere was observed in the morning and the Southern Hemisphere in the afternoon, while for descending node orbits the Northern Hemisphere was observed in the afternoon and the Southern in the morning. There were substantial differences in solar azimuth and spacecraft azimuth angles both at equinox and at the Northern Hemisphere summer solstice. Negligible differences in solar and spacecraft zenith angles, relative azimuth angles, and sun glint were obtained at the equinox. However, large differences were found in solar zenith angles, relative azimuths, and sun glint for the solstice. These differences appeared to compensate across the scan, however, an increase in sun glint in descending node over that in ascending node on the western part of the scan was compensated by a decrease on the eastern part of the scan. Thus, no advantage or disadvantage could be conferred upon either ascending node or descending node for noon orbits. Analyses were also performed for ascending and descending node orbits that deviated from a noon equator crossing time. For ascending node, afternoon orbits produced the lowest mean solar zenith angles in the Northern Hemisphere, and morning orbits produced the lowest angles for the Southern Hemisphere. For descending node, morning orbits produced the lowest mean solar zenith angles for the Northern Hemisphere; afternoon orbits produced the lowest angles for the Southern Hemisphere.

Hooker, Stanford B.↗

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↗

Summary Article: IEA HPP Annex 36: Quality Installation / Quality Maintenance Sensitivity Studies

The outcome from this Annex activity clearly identifies that poorly designed, installed, and/or maintained heat pumps operate inefficiently and waste considerable energy compared to their as-designed potential. Additionally, it is clear that small faults for a given field-observed practice are significant, that some attribute deviations (in various equipment applications and geographical locations) have a larger impact than others, and that multiple faults or deviations have a cumulative impact on heat pump performance.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗