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At least 343 records · Page 19

2024 NSUF Annual Program Review

The Department of Energy - Office of Nuclear Energy’s (DOE-NE) Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) program held its annual review on Monday, April 15 through Thursday, April 18, 2024. The meeting involved in-person participation at Idaho National Laboratory as well as a virtual component. The NSUF program review included overview presentations by the NSUF program office and select partner facilities, as well as technical highlights from NSUF supported research projects and the user community. For questions regarding this event, please contact our program office at nsuf@inl.gov.

Author, Unknown↗

Mechanical and durability properties of ultra-high-performance concrete of spent nuclear fuel dry storage systems: a review

Dry storage systems are used for interim storage of spent nuclear fuel (SNF). However, with the growing need to extend the operational periods of these systems, there are concerns about the degradation of their concrete overpacks, which could compromise the system's structural integrity and safety during hazardous events. Traditional concrete mixtures used in SNF dry storage systems have remained largely unchanged since their inception and often use conventional ingredients. These materials are susceptible to degradation mechanisms such as chemical attacks, alkali-silica reactions (ASR), and freeze–thaw cycles, which can lead to a loss of strength and durability over time. To address these challenges, this paper reviews the application of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) as a promising alternative for spent nuclear fuel dry storage system overpacks. UHPC offers superior mechanical properties, exceptional durability, and reduced susceptibility to degradation mechanisms compared to conventional concrete. This paper focuses on the role of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) such as silica fume, fly ash, and metakaolin in enhancing UHPC performance for SNF storage applications. These SCMs have been shown to significantly improve the material’s microstructure, strength, and resistance to environmental stressors typically encountered in SNF storage environments. Moreover, incorporating SCMs supports sustainable construction by reducing cement consumption and associated carbon emissions. The review brings together existing research and experimental data, providing insights for engineers and researchers on developing UHPC mixtures that meet the rigorous demands of spent nuclear fuel dry storage systems, extending their service life and minimizing inspection intervals.

36 - MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Probability of Hydrogen Ignition: A Landscape Review and Gaps Assessment

The primary hazard of a leak from a hydrogen system is due to the immediate or delayed ignition of the fuel leading to a jet flame or explosion. Therefore, understanding the hydrogen ignition probability is critical for analyzing the risk of hydrogen systems. This report reviews the current understanding of hydrogen ignition mechanisms and methods for modeling their probability. The stoichiometry, ignition strength, and ignition source temperature are all important characteristics that can affect both the probability of ignition and the outcome of the subsequent combustion event. A brief review of diffusion ignition demonstrates that ignition probability models must account for seemingly spontaneous ignition of hydrogen in addition to scenarios where the ignition source is readily identified. State-of-the art models for both immediate and delayed ignition probabilities are presented, including different physical aspects of the scenarios (e.g., flow rate, ignition source characteristics) that are considered in the different modeling approaches. Current models often fail to account for the unique properties of hydrogen compared to other fuels, and most lack rigorous validation with hydrogen as a fuel. A fault tree framework is proposed to systematically evaluate the probability of ignition by integrating various ignition mechanisms and their uncertainties. Furthermore, this type of framework could enable additional insights into the most important mechanisms and would enable uncertainty quantification in risk assessment modeling. Recommendations for future research include the need for experimental validation of ignition models and the development of comprehensive methodologies that incorporate the specifics of hydrogen behavior in real-world scenarios.

hydrogen↗

SNAP-8 power conversion system design review

The conceptual design of the SNAP-8 electrical generating system configurations are reviewed including the evolution of the PCS configuration, and the current concepts. The reliabilities of two alternative PCS-G heat rejection loop configurations with two radiator design concepts are also reviewed. A computer program for calculating system pressure loss using multiple-loop flow analysis is included.

Lopez, L. P.↗

A fundamental review of the friction and wear behavior of ceramics

The basic concepts associated with the friction and wear of materials are discussed as they relate to ceramics. Properties of ceramics such as crystal structure, crystallographic orientation, mechanical deformation, and surface chemistry are reviewed as they influence friction and wear. Both adhesive and abrasive wear of ceramics are discussed. The friction and wear of ceramics are examined in contact with themselves and when in contact with metals. The influences of environmental constituents such as water and hydrocarbons on friction and wear are reviewed. Materials discussed, by way of example, include aluminum oxide, rutile, calcium fluoride, and lithium fluoride.

Buckley, D. H.↗

Review of jet engine emissions

A review of the emission characteristics of jet engines is presented. The sources and concentrations of the various constituents in the engine exhaust and the influence of engine operating conditions on emissions are discussed. Cruise emissions to be expected from supersonic engines are compared with emissions from subsonic engines. The basic operating principles of the gas turbine combustor are reviewed together with the effects of combustor operating conditions on emissions. The performance criteria that determine the design of gas turbine combustors are discussed. Combustor design techniques are considered that may be used to reduce emissions.

Grobman, J. S.↗

Flight testing techniques for the evaluation of light aircraft stability derivatives: A review and analysis

Techniques quoted in the literature for the extraction of stability derivative information from flight test records are reviewed. A recent technique developed at NASA's Langley Research Center was regarded as the most productive yet developed. Results of tests of the sensitivity of this procedure to various types of data noise and to the accuracy of the estimated values of the derivatives are reported. Computer programs for providing these initial estimates are given. The literature review also includes a discussion of flight test measuring techniques, instrumentation, and piloting techniques.

Smetana, F. O.↗

Riding and handling qualities of light aircraft: A review and analysis

Design procedures and supporting data necessary for configuring light aircraft to obtain desired responses to pilot commands and gusts are presented. The procedures employ specializations of modern military and jet transport practice where these provide an improvement over earlier practice. General criteria for riding and handling qualities are discussed in terms of the airframe dynamics. Methods available in the literature for calculating the coefficients required for a linearized analysis of the airframe dynamics are reviewed in detail. The review also treats the relation of spin and stall to airframe geometry. Root locus analysis is used to indicate the sensitivity of airframe dynamics to variations in individual stability derivatives and to variations in geometric parameters. Computer programs are given for finding the frequencies, damping ratios, and time constants of all rigid body modes and for generating time histories of aircraft motions in response to control inputs. Appendices are included presenting the derivation of the linearized equations of motion; the stability derivatives; the transfer functions; approximate solutions for the frequency, damping ratio, and time constants; an indication of methods to be used when linear analysis is inadequate; sample calculations; and an explanation of the use of root locus diagrams and Bode plots.

Smetana, F. O.↗

Nuclear electric propulsion mission engineering study development program and costs estimates, Phase 2 review

The results are presented of the second six-month performance period of the Nuclear Electric Propulsion Mission Engineering Study. A brief overview of the program, identifying the study objectives and approach, and a discussion of the program status and schedule are presented. The program results are reviewed and key conclusions to date are summarized. Planned effort for the remainder of the program is reviewed.

Source record↗

Noise from interaction of flow with rigid surfaces: A review of current status of prediction techniques

A brief review of some fundamental aspects of sound arising from turbulent boundary layers, noise due to flow past a single discontinuity (trailing edge), noise from airfoils operating in turbulent flow, and noise due to rigid flow discontinuities (spoilers) immersed in rigid ducts is presented. Emphasis is on dipole-like sound fields associated with turbulent flow past a trailing edge, rigid bodies in turbulence and in-duct spoilers. Representative available data are reviewed and evaluated in terms of theoretical considerations and, where possible, empirical prediction techniques are given in terms of convenient aerodynamic and geometric parameters. Limitations on current knowledge are discussed.

Hayden, R. E.↗

Formulation of an effective safety design review for the Skylab Program.

The Skylab Program is presenting a unique set of requirements by extending the capabilities of both men and equipment to withstand extended periods of time in space. The progression of space programs which preceded Skylab have provided a set of building blocks of knowledge and experience coupled with an extensive ground test program which makes it possible to plan its flight program without earlier, unmanned test flights. This approach, however, makes it mandatory that to the maximum extent possible, we factor into the design review process all the 'lessons learned' which are applicable. It is this conscious review of the Skylab design, based on checklists prepared from design criteria, gleaned from a variety of sources and experiences, which is the subject of this paper. A brief description of the Skylab Program, its objectives, and the missions planned for it are presented briefly to better understand the degree of extrapolation of hardware development from previous programs.

Cohen, H.↗

A fundamental review of the friction and wear behavior of ceramics.

The basic concepts associated with the friction and wear of materials are discussed as they relate to ceramics. Properties of ceramics such as crystal structure, crystallographic orientation, mechanical deformation and surface chemistry are reviewed as they influence friction and wear. Both adhesive and abrasive wear of ceramics are discussed. The friction and wear of ceramics are examined in contact with themselves and when in contact with metals. The influences of environmental constituents such as water and hydrocarbons on friction and wear are reviewed. Materials discussed, by way of example, include aluminum oxide, rutile, calcium fluoride, and lithium fluoride.

Buckley, D. H.↗

Aluminium. II - A review of deformation properties of high purity aluminium and dilute aluminium alloys.

The elastic and plastic deformation behavior of high-purity aluminum and of dilute aluminum alloys is reviewed. Reliable property data, including elastic moduli, elastic coefficients, tensile, creep, fatigue, hardness, and impact are presented. Single crystal tensile results are discussed. Rather comprehensive reference lists, containing publications of the past 20 years, are included for each of the above categories. Defect structures and mechanisms responsible for mechanical behavior are presented. Strengthening techniques (alloys, cold work, irradiation, quenching, composites) and recovery are briefly reviewed.

Reed, R. P.↗

Point and path performance of light aircraft: A review and analysis

The literature on methods for predicting the performance of light aircraft is reviewed. The methods discussed in the review extend from the classical instantaneous maximum or minimum technique to techniques for generating mathematically optimum flight paths. Classical point performance techniques are shown to be adequate in many cases but their accuracies are compromised by the need to use simple lift, drag, and thrust relations in order to get closed form solutions. Also the investigation of the effect of changes in weight, altitude, configuration, etc. involves many essentially repetitive calculations. Accordingly, computer programs are provided which can fit arbitrary drag polars and power curves with very high precision and which can then use the resulting fits to compute the performance under the assumption that the aircraft is not accelerating.

Smetana, F. O.↗

Review of current sonic boom studies.

Several aspects of the sonic boom phenomena are currently under investigation at The Boeing Co. This work, supported by the NASA and the FAA, includes an in-depth analysis of sonic boom measurements recorded at the BREN tower, a summary and evaluation of sonic boom investigations done in the last decade and a half, and configuration studies to determine practical lower bound sonic boom limits. The BREN tower test program yielded unique and valuable data because it was the first time that vertical profile measurements were made through caustics produced by maneuvers and atmospheric refraction. The objective of the second effort is to compile in a single reference an annotated abstract, including significant results, for each published sonic boom study and to provide a comprehensive review of the current state of the art to aid future researchers. The configuration work is devoted toward determining the feasibility of supersonic transport type airplanes with a primary design goal of acceptable sonic boom characteristics. Each of these investigations is briefly reviewed and significant results are discussed.

Kane, E. J.↗

Review of hydrogen accidents and incidents in NASA operations

A number of the accidents/incidents with hydrogen in NASA operations are reviewed. The cause factors for the mishaps are reviewed and show that although few accidents occurred, the number could have been further reduced if the established NASA rules and regulations had been followed. Requirements for effective safety codes and areas of study for hydrogen safety information are included. The report concludes with a compilation of 96 hydrogen mishaps; a description of the accidents and their causes.

Ordin, P. M.↗

Review of the Space Applications program, 1974

The purpose of this review is to provide the participants in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration/National Academy of Engineers' Summer Study in Applications a concise overview of the NASA Applications Program as it stands in 1974. The review covers the accomplishments of the various discipline-oriented programs that make up the total Applications Program, discusses the program plan for the 1975 to 1980 period, and examines the anticipated spaceflight capabilities of the 1980's. NASA has requested the National Academy of Engineers to conduct through its Space Applications Board a comprehensive study of the future Space Applications Program encompassing the following: (1) the Applications Program in general, with particular emphasis on practical approaches, including assessment of the socio-economic benefits and (2) how the broad comprehensive program envisioned above influences, or is influenced by, the shuttle system, the principal space transport system of the 1980's.

Source record↗