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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 343 records · Page 19

3-D CFD Simulation and Validation of Oxygen-Rich Hydrocarbon Combustion in a Gas-Centered Swirl Coaxial Injector using a Flamelet-Based Approach

Injector design is a critical part of the development of a rocket Thrust Chamber Assembly (TCA). Proper detailed injector design can maximize propulsion efficiency while minimizing the potential for failures in the combustion chamber. Traditional design and analysis methods for hydrocarbon-fuel injector elements are based heavily on empirical data and models developed from heritage hardware tests. Using this limited set of data produces challenges when trying to design a new propulsion system where the operating conditions may greatly differ from heritage applications. Time-accurate, Three-Dimensional (3-D) Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling of combusting flows inside of injectors has long been a goal of the fluid analysis group at Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) and the larger CFD modeling community. CFD simulation can provide insight into the design and function of an injector that cannot be obtained easily through testing or empirical comparisons to existing hardware. However, the traditional finite-rate chemistry modeling approach utilized to simulate combusting flows for complex fuels, such as Rocket Propellant-2 (RP-2), is prohibitively expensive and time consuming even with a large amount of computational resources. MSFC has been working, in partnership with Streamline Numerics, Inc., to develop a computationally efficient, flamelet-based approach for modeling complex combusting flow applications. In this work, a flamelet modeling approach is used to simulate time-accurate, 3-D, combusting flow inside a single Gas Centered Swirl Coaxial (GCSC) injector using the flow solver, Loci-STREAM. CFD simulations were performed for several different injector geometries. Results of the CFD analysis helped guide the design of the injector from an initial concept to a tested prototype. The results of the CFD analysis are compared to data gathered from several hot-fire, single element injector tests performed in the Air Force Research Lab EC-1 test facility located at Edwards Air Force Base.

Richardson, Brian↗

An out-of-distribution-aware autoencoder model for reduced chemical kinetics

While detailed chemical kinetic models have been successful in representing rates of chemical reactions in continuum scale computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, applying the models in simulations for engineering device conditions is computationally prohibitive. To reduce the cost, data-driven methods, e.g., autoencoders, have been used to construct reduced chemical kinetic models for CFD simulations. Despite their success, data-driven methods rely heavily on training data sets and can be unreliable when used in out-of-distribution (OOD) regions (i.e., when extrapolating outside of the training set). In this paper, we present an enhanced autoencoder model for combustion chemical kinetics with uncertainty quantification to enable the detection of model usage in OOD regions, and thereby creating an OOD-aware autoencoder model that contributes to more robust CFD simulations of reacting flows.Here, we first demonstrate the effectiveness of the method in OOD detection in two well-known datasets, MNIST and Fashion-MNIST, in comparison with the deep ensemble method, and then present the OOD-aware autoencoder for reduced chemistry model in syngas combustion.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Exhaust Gas Modeling Effects on Hypersonic Powered Simulation at Mach 10

A numerical study was performed to investigate the accuracy and validity of cold-gas simulation of actual hot scramjet exhaust within a Mach 10 free stream over a representative single-stage-to-orbit airbreathing configuration. In particular, exhausts of various noncombusting chemistry models were studied to characterize their effects on the vehicle aftbody performance and the plume flow field definition. Two approximations of the hot scramjet combustion products were utilized to determine the requirement for expensive, multi-species numerical modeling, and to establish a baseline for the validation of cold-gas simulation. Cold-gas simulation at Mach 10 is shown to be a viable technique using an appropriate thermally perfect gas mixture for reproducing hot scramjet exhaust effects.

Tatum, Kenneth E.↗

Transmission Spectroscopy for the Warm Sub-Neptune HD 3167c: Evidence for Molecular Absorption and a Possible High-metallicity Atmosphere

We present a transmission spectrum for the warm (500−600 K) sub-Neptune HD 3167c obtained using the Hubble Space Telescope Wide Field Camera 3 infrared spectrograph. We combine these data, which span the 1.125–1.643 μm wavelength range, with broadband transit measurements made using Kepler/K2 (0.6–0.9 μm) and Spitzer/IRAC (4–5 μm). We find evidence for absorption by at least one of H{sub 2}O, HCN, CO{sub 2}, and CH{sub 4} (Bayes factor 7.4; 2.5σ significance), although the data precision does not allow us to unambiguously discriminate between these molecules. The transmission spectrum rules out cloud-free hydrogen-dominated atmospheres with metallicities ≤100× solar at >5.8σ confidence. In contrast, good agreement with the data is obtained for cloud-free models assuming metallicities >700× solar. However, for retrieval analyses that include the effect of clouds, a much broader range of metallicities (including subsolar) is consistent with the data, due to the degeneracy with cloud-top pressure. Self-consistent chemistry models that account for photochemistry and vertical mixing are presented for the atmosphere of HD 3167c. The predictions of these models are broadly consistent with our abundance constraints, although this is primarily due to the large uncertainties on the latter. Interior structure models suggest that the core mass fraction is >40%, independent of a rock or water core composition, and independent of atmospheric envelope metallicity up to 1000× solar. We also report abundance measurements for 15 elements in the host star, showing that it has a very nearly solar composition.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Inelastic, exchange, and reactive processes in rovibrationally excited collisions of HD with H

ABSTRACT The HD molecule is an important coolant in early universe chemistry models and a tracer of H2 in star-forming regions. Rate coefficients for collisional excitation and de-excitation of HD rotational and vibrational levels form important ingredients in astrophysical models. While collisions with He, H2, and H are the most important, available data for H + HD collisions are largely limited to temperatures less than 1000 K for the vibrational ground state, low-lying rotational levels of the v = 1 HD vibrational level, or computed without reactive contributions. Here, through explicit quantum scattering calculations, we report extensive data for rovibrational transitions in HD induced by H atoms for a range of rotational levels in v = 1 and some v = 0 levels for temperatures up to 1000 K. The significance of the computed results for astrophysical modeling is discussed.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Practical guide to understanding goodness-of-fit metrics used in chemical state modeling of x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data by synthetic line shapes using nylon as an example

Chemical state analysis of a sample surface through fitting bell-shaped curves to x-ray photoelectron spectroscopic polymer data is reviewed using nylon to introduce and discuss aspects of data analysis. Different strategies for modeling chemistry in nylon spectra are presented and in so doing, a case is made to include in published science the design logic and implementation in terms of line shapes and optimization parameter constraints between components in a peak model. Imperfections in line shape relative to the true shape for photoemission lines, when compensated for using constraints to optimization parameters, are shown to provide chemical state information about a sample that justify, for peak models constructed with these limitations, metrics for goodness-of-fit different from those expected for pulse-counted data.

Materials Science↗

Martian CO abundance from the J = 1-0 rotational transition - Evidence for temporal variations

CO 2.6-mm wavelength observations of Mars during March 29-April 1, 1980, were analyzed using a model atmosphere based on Viking measurements. A least-squares fit of the model to the observed line profile yielded an average CO mixing ratio of 0.0032 + or - 0.0011, a value four times larger than that obtained by Kaplan (1969) from the analysis of an infrared spectrum obtained in 1967. Martian atmospheric chemistry models indicate that the temporal variation implied could exist, being due primarily to variations in H2O abundance.

Good, J. C.↗

Extemporaneous Mechanochemistry: Shock-Wave-Induced Ultrafast Chemical Reactions Due to Intramolecular Strain Energy

We report regions of energy localization referred to as hotspots are known to govern shock initiation and the run-to-detonation in energetic materials. Mounting computational evidence points to accelerated chemistry in hotspots from large intramolecular strains induced via the interactions between the shock wave and microstructure. However, definite evidence mapping intramolecular strain to accelerated or altered chemical reactions has so far been elusive. From a large-scale reactive molecular dynamics simulation of the energetic material 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene, we map decomposition kinetics to molecular temperature and intramolecular strain energy prior to reaction. Both temperature and intramolecular strain are shown to accelerate chemical kinetics. A detailed analysis of the atomistic trajectory shows that intramolecular strain can induce a mechanochemical alteration of decomposition mechanisms. The results in this paper could inform continuum-level chemistry models to account for a wide range of mechanochemical effects.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Laser-driven ionization mechanisms of aluminum for single particle aerosol mass spectrometry

Single particle aerosol mass spectrometry (SPAMS), an analytical technique for measuring the size and composition of individual micron-scale particles, is capable of analyzing atmospheric pollutants and bioaerosols much more efficiently and with more detail than conventional methods which require the collection of particles onto filters for analysis in the laboratory. Despite SPAMS’ demonstrated capabilities, the primary mechanisms of ionization are not fully understood, which creates challenges in optimizing and interpreting SPAMS signals. In this paper, we present a well-stirred reactor model for the reactions involved with the laser-induced vaporization and ionization of an individual particle. The SPAMS conditions modeled in this paper include a 248 nm laser which is pulsed for 8 ns to vaporize and ionize each particle in vacuum. The ionization of 1 μm, spherical Al particles was studied by approximating them with a 0-dimensional plasma chemistry model. The primary mechanism of absorption of the 248 nm photons was pressure-broadened direct photoexcitation to Al(y 2 D). Atoms in this highly excited state then undergo superelastic collisions with electrons, heating the electrons and populating the lower energy excited states. We found that the primary ionization mechanism is electron impact ionization of various excited state Al atoms, especially Al(y 2 D). Because the gas expands rapidly into vacuum, its temperature decreases rapidly. The rate of three-body recombination (e - + e - + Al + → Al + e - ) increases at low temperature, and most of the electrons and ions produced recombine within several μs of the laser pulse. The importance of the direct photoexcitation indicates that the relative peak heights of different elements in SPAMS mass spectra may be sensitive to the available photoexcitation transitions. We also discuss the effects of laser intensity, particle diameter, and expansion dynamics.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

CRYSTAL, EOS Validation, and CAMEX-5

CAMEX-5 is at an early phase of concept development. This future field deployment (2004 or 2005) concerning hurricanes could potentially benefit from collaboration with other programs within NASA. Specifically, the recently completed CRYSTAL- Florida Area Cirrus Experiment (FACE) offers a useful model of such a collaborative endeavor. CRYSTAL-FACE was concerned with deep tropical convection and its impact on the upper troposphere. Three separate NASA R&A Programs joined in supporting CRYSTAL-FACE, including the Radiation Sciences Program, the Atmospheric Chemistry, Modeling & Analysis Program, and the Upper Atmosphere Research Program as well as the EOS Validation Program. In addition, the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy Atmospheric Measurements Programs were also substantive partners. Insights will be given into how this cooperative field experiment came to be and how it worked in the field. Possibilities for similar model for CAMEX-5 will be explored.

Starr, David↗

Assessment of Mars 2020 Forebody Heating Predictions with Coupled Material Response

The objective of this work was to assess the impact of flow field - material response cou-pling on reproducing temperatures within the Mars 2020 forebody thermal protection system.Both equilibrium and nonequilibrium coupled material response approaches were considered.Turbulent transition estimates were included in the flow field modeling based on transitiontimes inferred from flight measurements. A coupled equilibrium ablation model was foundto overpredict the in-depth temperatures near the surface by over 100 K in the stagnationregion and by about 200 K near the leeside shoulder, which was subject to turbulent heatingaugmentation. For nonequilibrium ablation, two finite rate surface chemistry models wereused to model the chemical process on the vehicle surface. The first was a model consistingof N2catalysis and CO2recombination model, and the second was a model consisting of onlyN2and O2catalysis. Near the stagnation point, the N2and CO2model was found to be withinabout 10 K from the peak in-depth temperature near the surface; however, overpredictionof the in-depth temperatures was observed early in the trajectory, similar to the equilibriumablation model. The N2and O2catalysis model was found to significantly underpredict nearsurface in-depth temperatures.

Thomas K West↗

Orientation-dependent etching of silicon by fluorine molecules: A quantum chemistry computational study

Anisotropic etching is a widely used process in semiconductor manufacturing, in particular, for micro- and nanoscale texturing of silicon surfaces for black silicon production. The typical process of plasma-assisted etching uses energetic ions to remove materials in the vertical direction, creating anisotropic etch profiles. Plasmaless anisotropic etching, considered here, is a less common process that does not use ions and plasma. The anisotropy is caused by the unequal etching rates of different crystal planes; the etching process, thus, proceeds in a preferred direction. In this paper, we have performed quantum chemistry modeling of gas-surface reactions involved in the etching of silicon surfaces by molecular fluorine. The results confirm that orientation-dependent etch rates are the reason for anisotropy. The modeling of F 2 dissociative chemisorption on F-terminated silicon surfaces shows that Si–Si bond breaking is slow for the Si(111) surface, while it is fast for Si(100) and Si(110) surfaces. Both Si(100) and Si(110) surfaces incorporate a larger number of fluorine atoms resulting in Si–Si bonds having a larger amount of positive charge, which lowers the reaction barrier of F 2 dissociative chemisorption, yielding a higher etch rate for Si(100) and Si(110) surfaces compared to Si(111) surfaces. Molecular dynamics modeling of the same reactions has shown that the chosen reactive bond order potential does not accurately reproduce the lower reaction barriers for F 2 dissociative chemisorption on Si(100) and Si(100) surfaces. Furthermore, reparameterization is necessary to model the anisotropic etching process that occurs at lower temperatures.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Three-dimensional calculations of supersonic reacting flows using an LU scheme

A 3-D numerical program that incorporates comprehensive real gas property models was developed to simulate supersonic reacting flows. The code employs an implicit, finite volume, Lower-Upper (LU), time-marching method to solve the complete Navier-Stokes and species equations in a fully-coupled and efficient manner. A chemistry model with 9 species and 18 reaction steps is adopted in the program to represent the chemical reactions of H2 and air. To demonstrate the capability of the program, flow fields of underexpanded hydrogen jets transversely injected into the supersonic airstream inside the combustors of scramjets are calculated. Results clearly depict the flow characteristics, including the shock structure, the separated flow regions around the injector, and the distribution of the combustion products.

Yu, Sheng-Tao↗

Three-dimensional calculation of supersonic reacting flows using an LU scheme

A new three-dimensional numerical program incorporated with comprehensive real gas property models was developed to simulate supersonic reacting flows. The code employs an implicit finite volume, Lower-Upper (LU) time-marching method to solve the complete Navier-Stokes and species equations in a fully-coupled and very efficient manner. A chemistry model with nine species and eighteen reaction steps are adopted in the program to represent the chemical reaction of H2 and air. To demonstrate the capability of the program, flow fields of underexpanded hydrogen jets transversely injected into supersonic air stream inside the combustors of scramjets are calculated. Results clearly depict the flow characteristics, including the shock structure, separated flow regions around the injector, and the distribution of the combustion products.

Yu, Sheng-Tao↗

The reaction O((3)P) + HOBr: Temperature dependence of the rate constant and importance of the reaction as an HOBr stratospheric loss process

The absolute rate constant for the reaction O((3)P) + HOBr has been measured between T = 233K and 423K using the discharge-flow kinetic technique coupled to mass spectrometric detection. The value of the rate coefficient at room temperature is (2.5 +/- 0.6) x 10(exp -11)cu cm/molecule/s and the derived Arrhenius expression is (1.4 +/- 0.5) x 10(exp -10) exp((-430 +/- 260)/T)cu cm/molecule/s. From these rate data the atmospheric lifetime of HOBr with respect to reaction with O((3)P) is about 0.6h at z = 25 km which is comparable to the photolysis lifetime based on recent measurements of the UV cross section for HOBr. Implications for HOBr loss in the stratosphere have been tested using a 1D photochemical box model. With the inclusion of the rate parameters and products for the O + HOBr reaction, calculated concentration profiles of BrO increase by up to 33% around z = 35 km. This result indicates that the inclusion of the O + HOBr reaction in global atmospheric chemistry models may have an impact on bromine partitioning in the middle atmosphere.

Nesbitt, F. L.↗

Secondary Volcanically-Induced Lunar Atmosphere and Lunar Volatiles: 3-D Modeling and Analysis

The fact that the Moon could have a transient secondary atmosphere due to volcanic outgassing has been known for some time, though typically such an atmosphere was believed to be extremely thin (~10-8 bar) [1]. But recent research by Needham and Kring (NK) [2] suggests that during the peak of volcanic activity ~3.5 Ga such a volcanically-outgassed atmosphere could reach ~10-2 bar of surface pressure. In similar research Wilson et al. [3] proposed a more conservative estimate, arguing that the thickness of such an atmosphere would depend on the intervals between major eruptions and may not exceed microbar densities. In either case a collisional atmosphere could be present, which would control transport of outgassed volatiles (such as H2O) and their deposition in polar regions, where they could be preserved until modern day frozen in permanently shadowed regions (PSR) or buried beneath the regolith. Here we study such a hypothetical atmosphere to investigate its stability, meteorological properties and the effect on transport of volatiles. We use the ROCKE-3D planetary 3-D General Circulation Model (GCM)[4]. The insolation and orbital parameters were set to conditions 3.5 Ga. The atmospheric composition, based on the list of outgassed species presented by NK in combination with our estimates for atmospheric escape, condensation and the results from our 1-D chemistry model, was chosen to be either CO-dominated or CO2-dominated (depending on atmospheric temperature). In this study we restricted ourselves to relatively "thick" lunar atmospheres of 1-10 mb, though we believe that our results will scale to thinner atmospheres as well. We present the results for ground and atmospheric temperature for modeled atmospheres over a wide parameter space. In particular we consider different atmospheric compositions (CO or CO2 dominated), a set of atmospheric pressures from 1 mb to 10 mb and a set of obliquities from 0o to 40o. We also present an experiment of a single major eruption [5] and show that in just 3 years ~80% of the outgassed water is deposited in polar regions. This demonstrates the efficiency of such an atmosphere in delivering volatiles. We argue that a secondary lunar atmosphere could play a significant role in forming volatile deposits currently observed in the polar regions of the Moon.

Lunar atmospheres↗

Ares: A Coupling Methodology for Ablation Modeling

To enable modeling of complex and coupled ablation problems, a multi-physics framework is developed. A methodology for modeling shape change in coupled systems is presented. The approach taken to model gas-surface interactions and translate coupled surface phenomena to physically meaningful boundary conditions in the distinct solvers is discussed. Particular emphasis is placed on the nature of coupled boundary conditions pertaining to surface energy and mass balances as well as surface chemistry modeling. The developed methodology is used to simulate a shear test in arc-jet conditions in order to assess the validity of the coupled approach as well as the implementation of the relevant physical processes.

EDL↗

Ares: A Coupling Methodology for Ablation Modeling

To enable modeling of complex and coupled ablation problems, a multi-physics framework is developed. A methodology for modeling shape change in coupled systems is presented. The approach taken to model gas-surface interactions and translate coupled surface phenomena to physically meaningful boundary conditions in the distinct solvers is discussed. Particular emphasis is placed on the nature of coupled boundary conditions pertaining to surface energy and mass balances as well as surface chemistry modeling. The developed methodology is used to simulate a shear test in arc-jet conditions in order to assess the validity of the coupled approach as well as the implementation of the relevant physical processes.

EDL↗