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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

Micromechanical predictions of crack initiation, propagation and crack growth resistance in boron/aluminum composites

An elastoplastic, axisymmetric finite element model has been used to predict the initiation and propagation of a crack in a composite model consisting of a single broken boron fiber embedded in an annular sheath of aluminum matrix. The accuracy of the axisymmetric finite element model for crack problems has been established by solving the classical problem of a penny-shaped crack in a thick cylindrical rod under axial tension. Also, the stress intensity factors predicted by the present numerical model are compared with continuum results. A constant displacement boundary condition applied during an increment of crack growth permits a substantial amount of stable crack growth in the matrix material. The concept of Crack Growth Resistance Curves (KR-curves) has been used to determine the point of crack instability

Mahishi, J. M.↗

Cosmic-ray lifetime in the Galaxy - Experimental results and models

The separation of the cosmic-ray Be isotopes achieved by two satellite experiments is discussed. From the measured isotopic ratio between the radioactive Be-10 (half-life = 1,500,000 years) and the stable Be-9, it is deduced that the cosmic rays propagate through matter with an average density of 0.24 = or - 0.07 atoms/ cu cm. The implications of this result for the cosmic-ray age is reviewed in the context of two models of confinement and propagation: the homogeneous model, normally identified with confinement ot the galactic gaseous disk, and a diffusion model in which the cosmic rays extend into a galactic halo. A newly deduced cosmic-ray pathlength distribution, a self-consistent model of solar modulation, and a set of fragmentation cross sections are calculated. It is concluded that in a homogeneous model, the cosmic-ray age is 15 (+7, -4) million years, about a factor longer than early estimates based on the abundances of the light nuclei Li, Be, and B and a nominal interstellar density of 1 atom/ cu cm.

Simpson, J. A.↗

A general dynamic model of flexible robot arms for control

Hamilton's principle is used to derive the dynamic model for a large class of flexible robot arms. The resultant dynamic model consists of a system of partial differential-integral equations and the dynamic boundary conditions associated with it. Some properties of the model are observed, and its application to control is discussed. This model represents an infinite-dimensional nonlinear dynamic system and yet can be turned into a finite-dimensional system that could be obtained by modal expansion, if it is desired. This provides more flexibility for control purposes as well as for the analysis of the system.

Ding, X.↗

Load transfer in the stiffener-to-skin joints of a pressurized fuselage

Structural analyses are developed to determine the linear elastic and the geometrically nonlinear elastic response of an internally pressurized, orthogonally stiffened, composite material cylindrical shell. The configuration is a long circular cylindrical shell stiffened on the inside by a regular arrangement of identical stringers and identical rings. Periodicity permits the analysis of a unit cell model consisting of a portion of the shell wall centered over one stringer-ring joint. The stringer-ring-shell joint is modeled in an idealized manner; the stiffeners are mathematically permitted to pass through one another without contact, but do interact indirectly through their mutual contact with the shell at the joint. Discrete beams models of the stiffeners include a stringer with a symmetrical cross section and a ring with either a symmetrical or an asymmetrical open section. Mathematical formulations presented for the linear response include the effect of transverse shear deformations and the effect of warping of the ring's cross section due to torsion. These effects are important when the ring has an asymmetrical cross section because the loss of symmetry in the problem results in torsion and out-of-plane bending of the ring, and a concomitant rotation of the joint at the stiffener intersection about the circumferential axis. Data from a composite material crown panel typical of a large transport fuselage structure are used for two numerical examples. Although the inclusion of geometric nonlinearity reduces the 'pillowing' of the shell, it is found that bending is localized to a narrow region near the stiffener. Including warping deformation of the ring into the analysis changes the sense of the joint rotation. Transverse shear deformation models result in increased joint flexibility.

Johnson, Eric R.↗

A Model For The Burning of Teflon

Teflon has been identified as suitable material for use in oxygen-enriched atmospheres because of its low specific enthalpy of combustion that is, less than 1500 cal/gram. However, once ignited, Teflon burns in a heterogeneous reaction until total consumption or depletion of oxygen occurs. A model is developed for the burning of Teflon in pure, high-pressure oxygen, 3.4 to 68.9 MPa. The Teflon polymer chain dissociates via monomer units due to pyrolysis. These monomer units diffuse to the surface due to free convection. The model consists of coupled mass and energy balances for the polymer and an energy balance for the free convection of product gases. The model is used to obtain appropriate kinetic parameters for the dissociation and surface reactions. The model is validated against experimental measurements of Teflon discs supported on aluminum rods (2216) at oxygen pressures of 3.4, 6.8, 34.4, and 68.9 MPa. The model simulates the temperature distribution in the product gases above burning Teflon.

Waller, Jess M.↗

WISEA J041451.67-585456.7 and WISEA J181006.18-101000.5: The First Extreme T-type Subdwarfs?

We present the discoveries of WISEA J041451.67−585456.7 and WISEA J181006.18−101000.5, two low-temperature (1200–1400 K), high proper motion T-type subdwarfs. Both objects were discovered via their high proper motion (>0farcs5 yr(exp -1)); WISEA J181006.18−101000.5 as part of the NEOWISE proper motion survey and WISEA J041451.67−585456.7 as part of the citizen science project Backyard Worlds; Planet 9. We have confirmed both as brown dwarfs with follow-up near-infrared spectroscopy. Their spectra and near-infrared colors are unique among known brown dwarfs, with some colors consistent with L-type brown dwarfs and other colors resembling those of the latest-type T dwarfs. While no forward model consistently reproduces the features seen in their near-infrared spectra, the closest matches suggest very low metallicities ([Fe/H] ≼ −1), making these objects likely the first examples of extreme subdwarfs of the T spectral class (esdT). WISEA J041451.67−585456.7 and WISEA J181006.18−101000.5 are found to be part of a small population of objects that occupy the “substellar transition zone,” and have the lowest masses and effective temperatures of all objects in this group.

T subdwarfs↗

Transient Optimization of the Cryogenic Moderator System Controller at the Spallation Neutron Source for Improved Performance

The high-energy neutron beam generated at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory is moderated to use cold (slow) neutrons for scientific discoveries. The Cryogenic Moderator System (CMS) removes heat from the neutron beam using cryogenic hydrogen (H 2 ) moderators connected via heat exchangers to a helium (He) refrigeration loop that dissipates heat using a compressor-brake system. However, the CMS is affected by sporadic losses in beam power, referred to as "beam trips," as these events generate significant disturbances in cooling requirements. To accommodate the heat load transients during beam trips, the CMS uses a decentralized control strategy consisting of four flow valves and one electric heater adjusted by independent proportional-integral (PI) controllers. During the CMS’s initial commissioning, the PI gains were calibrated based only on tracking performance, overlooking their effectiveness in disturbance rejection. A data-driven, control-oriented closed-loop model was developed to recalibrate the PI gains and minimize the transient disturbances caused by beam trips. The model consists of three main components: (1) a physics-based model of the He refrigeration loop, (2) a machine-learning model of the cryogenic H 2 cooling trains, and (3) the control logic used for feedback set-point tracking. Experimental results showed that the recalibrated gains obtained in this study improved the CMS’s transient response during beam trips.

Maldonado Puente, Bryan↗

Implementation of Sub‐Grid Scale Temperature Perturbations Induced by Non‐Orographic Gravity Waves in WACCM6

Abstract Atmospheric gravity waves can play a significant role on atmospheric chemistry through temperature fluctuations. A recent modeling study introduced a method to implement subgrid‐scale orographic gravity‐wave‐induced temperature perturbations in the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model (WACCM). The model with a wave‐induced temperature parameterization was able to reproduce for example, the influence of mountain wave events on atmospheric chemistry, as highlighted in previous literature. Here we extend the subgrid‐scale wave‐induced temperature parameterization to also include non‐orographic gravity waves arising from frontal activity and convection. We explore the impact of these waves on middle atmosphere chemistry, particularly focusing on reactions that are strongly sensitive to temperature. The non‐orographic gravity waves increase the variability of chemical reaction rates, especially in the lower mesosphere. As an example, we show that this, in turn, leads to increases in the daytime ozone variability. To demonstrate another impact, we briefly investigate the role of non‐orographic gravity waves in cirrus cloud formation in this model. Consistent with findings from the previous study focusing on orographic gravity waves, non‐orographic waves also enhance homogeneous nucleation and increase cirrus clouds. The updated method used enables the global chemistry‐climate model to account for both orographic and non‐orographic gravity‐wave‐induced subgrid‐scale dynamical perturbations in a consistent manner.

Yook, Simchan [Department of Earth Atmospheric and↗

A computational model for a regenerator

This paper concerns a numerical model of a regenerator running at very low temperatures. The model consists of the usual three equations for a compressible fluid with an additional equation for a matrix temperature. The main difficulty with the model is the very low Mach number (approximately 1.E-3). The divergence of the velocity is not small, the pressure divergence is small, and the pressure fluctuation in time is not small. An asymptotic expansion based on the bounded derivative method of Kreiss is used to give a reduced model which eliminates acoustic waves. The velocity is then determined by a two-point boundary value problem which does not contain a time derivative. The solution obtained from the reduced system is compared with the numerical solution of the original system.

Gary, J.↗

OMV/VTE variable thrust engine analysis

The objective of the present work is to develop a predictive CFD based analytical tool for the variable thrust engine (VTE) in the orbital maneuvering vehicle (OMV). This objective is being accomplished within the framework of the Los Alamos KIVA computer code for chemically reactive flows with sprays. For the OMV application, the main structure of KIVA is to be retained while reformulating many of the phenomenological submodels, enhancing some of the numerics, and adding more features. The analytical model consists of the general conservation equations for two phase reactive flows and of submodels for turbulence, chemical reactions, and bipropellant sprays. Tailoring this model to the OMV engine brings about the added complexities of combustion and flow processes that occur in a liquid hypergolic propellant rocket chamber. This report exposes the foundation upon which the analytical tool is being constructed and developed. Results from a cursory computational exercise involving the simulation of the flow and combustion processes in a hypothetical N2H4/N2O4 rocket engine thrust chamber is presented and discussed.

Larosillere, Louis↗

THRSTER: A Three-Stream Ejector Ramjet Analysis and Design Tool

An engineering tool for analyzing ejectors in rocket based combined cycle (RBCC) engines has been developed. A key technology for multi-cycle RBCC propulsion systems is the ejector which functions as the compression stage of the ejector ramjet cycle. The THRee STream Ejector Ramjet analysis tool was developed to analyze the complex aerothermodynamic and combustion processes that occur in this device. The formulated model consists of three quasi-one-dimensional streams, one each for the ejector primary flow, the secondary flow, and the mixed region. The model space marches through the mixer, combustor, and nozzle to evaluate the solution along the engine. In its present form, the model is intended for an analysis mode in which the diffusion rates of the primary and secondary into the mixed stream are stipulated. The model offers the ability to analyze the highly two-dimensional ejector flowfield while still benefits from the simplicity and speed of an engineering tool. To validate the developed code, wall static pressure measurements from the Penn-State and NASA-ART RBCC experiments were used to compare with the results generated by the code. The calculated solutions were generally found to have satisfactory agreement with the pressure measurements along the engines, although further modeling effort may be required when a strong shock train is formed at the rocket exhaust. The range of parameters in which the code would generate valid results are presented and discussed.

Chue, R. S.↗

THRSTER: A THRee-STream Ejector Ramjet Analysis and Design Tool

An engineering tool for analyzing ejectors in rocket based combined cycle (RBCC) engines has been developed. A key technology for multi-cycle RBCC propulsion systems is the ejector which functions as the compression stage of the ejector ramjet cycle. The THRee STream Ejector Ramjet analysis tool was developed to analyze the complex aerothermodynamic and combustion processes that occur in this device. The formulated model consists of three quasi-one-dimensional streams, one each for the ejector primary flow, the secondary flow, and the mixed region. The model space marches through the mixer, combustor, and nozzle to evaluate the solution along the engine. In its present form, the model is intended for an analysis mode in which the diffusion rates of the primary and secondary into the mixed stream are stipulated. The model offers the ability to analyze the highly two-dimensional ejector flowfield while still benefits from the simplicity and speed of an engineering tool. To validate the developed code, wall static pressure measurements from the Penn-State and NASA-ART RBCC experiments were used to compare with the results generated by the code. The calculated solutions were generally found to have satisfactory agreement with the pressure measurements along the engines, although further modeling effort may be required when a strong shock train is formed at the rocket exhaust. The range of parameters in which the code would generate valid results are presented and discussed.

Chue, R. S.↗

Modeling and control for closed environment plant production systems

A computer program was developed to study multiple crop production and control in controlled environment plant production systems. The program simulates crop growth and development under nominal and off-nominal environments. Time-series crop models for wheat (Triticum aestivum), soybean (Glycine max), and white potato (Solanum tuberosum) are integrated with a model-based predictive controller. The controller evaluates and compensates for effects of environmental disturbances on crop production scheduling. The crop models consist of a set of nonlinear polynomial equations, six for each crop, developed using multivariate polynomial regression (MPR). Simulated data from DSSAT crop models, previously modified for crop production in controlled environments with hydroponics under elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration, were used for the MPR fitting. The model-based predictive controller adjusts light intensity, air temperature, and carbon dioxide concentration set points in response to environmental perturbations. Control signals are determined from minimization of a cost function, which is based on the weighted control effort and squared-error between the system response and desired reference signal.

NASA Discipline Life Support Systems↗

Simulation of a Cold Gas Thruster System and Test Data Correlation

During developmental testing of the Ascent Abort 1 (AA-1) cold gas thruster system, unexpected behavior was detected. Upon further review the design as it existed may not have met the requirements. To determine the best approach for modifying the design, the system was modeled with a dynamic fluid analysis tool (EASY5). The system model consisted of the nitrogen storage tank, pressure regulator, thruster valve, nozzle, and the associated interconnecting line lengths. The regulator and thruster valves were modeled using a combination of the fluid and mechanical modules available in EASY5. The simulation results were then compared against actual system test data. The simulation results exhibited behaviors similar to the test results, such as the pressure regulators response to thruster firings. Potential design solutions were investigated using the analytical model parameters, including increasing the volume downstream of the regulator and increasing the orifice area. Both were shown to improve the regulator response.

Hauser, Daniel M.↗

Modeling and Control Design for a Turboelectric Single Aisle Aircraft Propulsion System

A nonlinear dynamic model with full flight envelope controller is developed for the propulsion system of a partially turboelectric single-aisle aircraft. The propulsion system model consists of two turbofan engines with a large percentage of power extraction, feeding an electric tail fan for boundary layer ingestion. The dynamic model is compared against an existing steady state design model. An electrical system model using a simple power flow approach is integrated into existing modeling tools used for dynamic simulation of the turbomachinery of the vehicle. In addition to the simple power flow model of the electrical system, a more detailed model is used for comparison at a key vehicle transient flight condition. The controller is a gain scheduled proportional-integral type that is examined throughout the flight envelope for performance metrics such as rise time and operability margins. Potential improvements in efficiency for the vehicle are explored by adjusting the power split between the energy used for thrust by the turbofans and that extracted to supply power to the tail fan. Finally, an operability study of the vehicle is conducted using a 900 nautical mile mission profile for a nominal vehicle configuration, a deteriorated propulsion system at the end of its operating life, and an optimized power schedule with improved efficiency.

Turboelectric↗

Initial Results from the GEM Challenge on the Spacecraft Surface Charging Environment

Spacecraft surface charging during geomagnetically disturbed times is one of the most important causes of satellite anomalies. Predicting the surface charging environment is one prevalent task of the geospace environment models. Therefore, the Geospace Environment Modeling (GEM) Focus Group "Inner Magnetosphere Crossenergy/Population Interactions" initiated a communitywide challenge study to assess the capability of several inner magnetosphere ring current models in determining surface charging environment for the Van Allen Probes orbits during the 17 March 2013 storm event. The integrated electron flux between 10 and 50 keV is used as the metrics. Various skill scores are applied to quantitatively measure the modeling performance against observations. Results indicate that no model consistently perform the best in all of the skill scores or for both satellites. We find that from these simulations the ring current model with observational flux boundary condition and Weimer electric potential driver generally reproduces the most realistic flux level around the spacecraft. A simple and weaker VollandStern electric field is not capable of effectively transporting the same plasma at the boundary toward the Earth. On the other hand, if the ring current model solves the electric field selfconsistently and obtains similar strength and pattern in the equatorial plane as the Weimer model, the boundary condition plays another crucial role in determining the electron flux level in the inner region. When the boundary flux spectra based on magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) model/empirical model deviate from the shape or magnitude of the observed distribution function, the simulation produces poor skill scores along Van Allen Probes orbits.

Yu, Yiqun↗

Assessment of HAB Particulate Tracing in EMU Helmet in Support of Eva 80

After water was reported in the EMU helmet during ISS US EVA-80, mitigation strategies were created to attempt to arrest the motion of any droplets that enter the helmet for future Extravehicular Activities (EVAs). This included adding absorbent materials into the interior of the helmet. But before a mitigation strategy can be implemented, it must first be proven to be safe. Towards this aim, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis was done tracing the paths of particulates potentially generated by the absorbent material. The objective was to characterize the risk these particulates pose for inspiration and eye irritation by tracking what percentage of particulates contact the suit-wearer’s face, eyes, or mouth. The model consisted of a human mannikin head and torso inside the EMU suit and helmet. The software used was ANSYS Fluent, with discrete phase modeling enabled to generate and track the particulates within the ventilation flow of the helmet.

Abigail Rose Baukus↗

Assessment of HAB Particulate Tracing in EMU Helmet in Support of Eva 80

After water was reported in the EMU helmet during ISS US EVA-80, mitigation strategies were created to attempt to arrest the motion of any droplets that enter the helmet for future Extravehicular Activities (EVAs). This included adding absorbent materials into the interior of the helmet. But before a mitigation strategy can be implemented, it must first be proven to be safe. Towards this aim, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis was done tracing the paths of particulates potentially generated by the absorbent material. The objective was to characterize the risk these particulates pose for inspiration and eye irritation by tracking what percentage of particulates contact the suit-wearer’s face, eyes, or mouth. The model consisted of a human mannikin head and torso inside the EMU suit and helmet. The software used was ANSYS Fluent, with discrete phase modeling enabled to generate and track the particulates within the ventilation flow of the helmet.

Abigail Baukus↗