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Hydrogen Risk Assessment Models (HyRAM) (V.3.1) (Technical Reference Manual)

The HyRAM software toolkit provides a basis for conducting quantitative risk assessment and consequence modeling for hydrogen infrastructure and transportation systems. HyRAM is designed to facilitate the use of state-of-the-art science and engineering models to conduct robust, repeatable assessments of hydrogen safety, hazards, and risk. HyRAM includes generic probabilities for hydrogen equipment failures, probabilistic models for the impact of heat flux on humans and structures, and experimentally validated first-order models of hydrogen release and flame physics. HyRAM integrates deterministic and probabilistic models for quantifying accident scenarios, predicting physical effects, and characterizing hydrogen hazards (thermal effects from jet res, overpressure effects from deflagrations), and assessing impact on people and structures. HyRAM is developed at Sandia National Laboratories for the U.S. Department of Energy to increase access to technical data about hydrogen safety and to enable the use of that data to support development and revision of national and international codes and standards. HyRAM is a research software in active development and thus the models and data may change. This report will be updated at appropriate developmental intervals. This document provides a description of the methodology and models contained in HyRAM version 3.1. There have been several impactful updates since version 3.0. HyRAM 3.1 contains a correction to use the volume fraction for two-phase speed of sound calculations; this only affects cryogenic releases in which two-phase ow (vapor and liquid) is predicted in the orifice. Other changes include clarifications that inputs for tank pressure should be given in absolute pressure, not gauge pressure. Additionally, the interface now rejects invalid inputs to probability distributions, and the less accurate single-point radiative source model selection was removed from the interface.

08 HYDROGEN↗

Low Speed PSP Testing in Production Wind Tunnels

The brightness signal from a pressure-sensitive paint varies inversely with absolute pressure. Consequently high signal-to-noise ratios are required to resolve aerodynamic pressure fields at low speeds, where the pressure variation around an object might only be a few percent of the mean pressure. This requirement is unavoidable, and implies that care must be taken to minimize noise sources present in the measurement. This paper discusses and compares the main noise sources in low speed PSP testing using the "classical" intensity-based single-luminophore technique. These are: temperature variation, model deformation, and lamp drift/paint degradation. Minimization of these error sources from the point of view of operation in production wind tunnels is discussed, with some examples from recent tests in NASA Ames facilities.

Bell, James↗

Fuel Cells Utilizing Oxygen From Air at Low Pressures

A fuel cell stack has been developed to supply power for a high-altitude aircraft with a minimum of air handling. The fuel cell is capable of utilizing oxygen from ambient air at low pressure with no need for compression. For such an application, it is advantageous to take oxygen from the air (in contradistinction to carrying a supply of oxygen onboard), but it is a challenging problem to design a fuel-cell stack of reasonable weight that can generate sufficient power while operating at reduced pressures. The present fuel-cell design is a response to this challenge. The design features a novel bipolar plate structure in combination with a gas-diffusion structure based on a conductive metal core and a carbon gas-diffusion matrix. This combination makes it possible for the flow fields in the stack to have a large open fraction (ratio between open volume and total volume) to permit large volumes of air to flow through with exceptionally low backpressure. Operations at reduced pressure require a corresponding increase in the volume of air that must be handled to deliver the same number of moles of oxygen to the anodes. Moreover, the increase in the open fraction, relative to that of a comparable prior fuel-cell design, reduces the mass of the stack. The fuel cell has been demonstrated to operate at a power density as high as 105 W/cm2 at an air pressure as low as 2 psia (absolute pressure 14 kPa), which is the atmospheric pressure at an altitude of about 50,000 ft ( 15.2 km). The improvements in the design of this fuel cell could be incorporated into designs of other fuel cells to make them lighter in weight and effective at altitudes higher than those of prior designs. Potential commercial applications for these improvements include most applications now under consideration for fuel cells.

Cisar, Alan↗

Non-invasive method and apparatus for monitoring intracranial pressure and pressure volume index in humans

Non-invasive measuring devices responsive to changes in a patient's intracranial pressure (ICP) can be accurately calibrated for monitoring purposes by providing known changes in ICP by non-invasive methods, such as placing the patient on a tilting bed and calculating a change in ICP from the tilt angle and the length of the patient's cerebrospinal column, or by placing a pressurized skull cap on the patient and measuring the inflation pressure. Absolute values for the patient's pressure-volume index (PVI) and the steady state ICP can then be determined by inducing two known changes in the volume of cerebrospinal fluid while recording the corresponding changes in ICP by means of the calibrated measuring device. The two pairs of data for pressure change and volume change are entered into an equation developed from an equation describing the relationship between ICP and cerebrospinal fluid volume. PVI and steady state ICP are then determined by solving the equation. Methods for inducing known changes in cerebrospinal fluid volume are described.

Cantrell, John H.↗

Non-invasive method and apparatus for monitoring intracranial pressure and pressure volume index in humans

Non-invasive measuring devices responsive to changes in a patient's intracranial pressure (ICP) can be accurately calibrated for monitoring purposes by providing known changes in ICP by non-invasive methods, such as placing the patient on a tilting bed and calculating a change in ICP from the tilt angle and the length of the patient's cerebrospinal column, or by placing a pressurized skull cap on the patient and measuring the inflation pressure. Absolute values for the patient's pressure-volume index (PVI) and the steady state ICP can then be determined by inducing two known changes in the volume of cerebrospinal fluid while recording the corresponding changes in ICP by means of the calibrated measuring device. The two pairs of data for pressure change and volume change are entered into an equation developed from an equation describing the relationship between ICP and cerebrospinal fluid volume. PVI and steady state ICP are then determined by solving the equation. Methods for inducing known changes in cerebrospinal fluid volume are described.

Yost, William T.↗

A simple, first step to the optimization of regenerator geometry

This paper presents a simplified set of equations for calculating and optimizing regenerator geometries. A number of competing parameters must be accounted for in the design of a regenerator. To obtain high values of effectiveness, there is need for a large surface area for heat transfer and high heat capacity. The void volume should be small to maintain the pressure ratio in the entire system. Moreover, the pressure drop should be small compared to the absolute pressure. With the assumptions made here, the calculations can be done with a hand calculator. The equations show that the optimum regenerator length, hydraulic radius, and porosity are independent of mass flow rate and the gas cross sectional area is proportional to the mass flow rate. It is shown that using gas gaps between parallel plates produces a significantly better regenerator than is possible with packed spheres or screens, particularly at temperatures below approximately 50%.

Radebaugh, R.↗

Adjustable support spring

Restraining spring mechanism acting against a force has adjustable spring constant, and its performance is not affected by changes in ambient pressure. Natural frequency of device is varied by changing absolute pressures within bellows and may be tuned to prevent coupling while maintaining a given spring constant.

Hadland, W. O.↗

Modified McLeod pressure gage eliminates measurement errors

Modification of a McLeod gage eliminates errors in measuring absolute pressure of gases in the vacuum range. A valve which is internal to the gage and is magnetically actuated is positioned between the mercury reservoir and the sample gas chamber.

Kells, M. C.↗

A follow-on study for miniature solid-state pressure transducer

The activities of a developmental program to design, fabricate and test an absolute pressure transducer based upon the piezojunction properties of silicon are summarized. The prime problem addressed is the development of a housing capable of applying the high stress levels needed for sensitive piezojunction operation but at the same, free from the creep effects and the fragility that limit the usefulness of previous designs. The first part of the report describes the initial fabrication and test and reviews the theory of sensor performance. The second part incorporates two recommendations of the first part (the use of commercially manufactured silicon planar mesa diodes and the adoption of an all-silicon structure for loading) and presents some preliminary test data on the transducers thus fabricated. These initial measurements show much improved performance over any previously fabricated piezojunction transducers but testing is incomplete and several problems in manufacturing technology remain.

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Prototype partial one-third octave band spectrum analyzer for acoustic, vibration and other wideband data for flight applications

The design refinement of a compact frequency analyzer for measurement and analysis on board flight vehicles is discussed. The analyzer has been constructed in a partial one-third octave band configuration with six filters and detectors spaced by the square root of 10 from 316 Hz to 100,000 Hz and a broadband detector channel. The analyzer has been tested over a temperature range of 40 to 120 F at a pressure of one atmosphere, and at a temperature of 75 F at an absolute pressure of 0.000001 torr, and has demonstrated at least 60 db of dynamic range.

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Semiautonomous Avionics-and-Sensors System for a UAV

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) autonomous or remotely controlled pilotless aircraft have been recently thrust into the spotlight for military applications, for homeland security, and as test beds for research. In addition to these functions, there are many space applications in which lightweight, inexpensive, small UAVS can be used e.g., to determine the chemical composition and other qualities of the atmospheres of remote planets. Moreover, on Earth, such UAVs can be used to obtain information about weather in various regions; in particular, they can be used to analyze wide-band acoustic signals to aid in determining the complex dynamics of movement of hurricanes. The Advanced Sensors and Electronics group at Langley Research Center has developed an inexpensive, small, integrated avionics-and-sensors system to be installed in a UAV that serves two purposes. The first purpose is to provide flight data to an AI (Artificial Intelligence) controller as part of an autonomous flight-control system. The second purpose is to store data from a subsystem of distributed MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) sensors. Examples of these MEMS sensors include humidity, temperature, and acoustic sensors, plus chemical sensors for detecting various vapors and other gases in the environment. The critical sensors used for flight control are a differential- pressure sensor that is part of an apparatus for determining airspeed, an absolute-pressure sensor for determining altitude, three orthogonal accelerometers for determining tilt and acceleration, and three orthogonal angular-rate detectors (gyroscopes). By using these eight sensors, it is possible to determine the orientation, height, speed, and rates of roll, pitch, and yaw of the UAV. This avionics-and-sensors system is shown in the figure. During the last few years, there has been rapid growth and advancement in the technological disciplines of MEMS, of onboard artificial-intelligence systems, and of smaller, faster, and smarter wireless telemetry systems. The major attraction of MEMS lies in orders-of-magnitude reductions of power requirements relative to traditional electronic components that perform equivalent functions. In addition, the compactness of MEMS, relative to functionally equivalent traditional electronics systems, makes MEMS attractive for UAV applications. Recent advances in MEMS have made it possible to produce pressure, acceleration, humidity, and temperature sensors having masses in subgram range and possessing sensitivities and accuracies comparable to those of larger devices.

Shams, Qamar↗

Safety and cryogenic wind tunnels

The Langley 0.3-Meter Transonic Cryogenic Tunnel (0.3-m TCT) was placed in operation at NASA's Langley Research Center in 1973 as the world's first cryogenic pressure tunnel. The 0.3-m TCT can operate from ambient to cryogenic temperatures over an absolute pressure range from about 1 to 6 atmospheres. Three major test section concepts were developed and refined in this unique facility. The 0.3-m TCT is a leader in the development of various cryogenic pressure wind tunnel experimental techniques, instrumentation, control, model technology and safety standards. The safety experience gained is examined. During this period of advanced research, new operating techniques, training policies, and procedures had to be established. The paper deals with the Do's and Don'ts of cryogenic wind tunnel testing. Hazards and safety requirements which are unique to cryogenic testing are discussed. Highlights of experience and lessons learned with the 0.3-m TCT are reviewed.

Ray, Edward J.↗

Results from investigations in three NASA/LaRC hypersonic wind tunnels on a .004 scale model space shuttle orbiter (model 13P-O) to determine real gas effects (LA78, LA87, LA88)

Results from tests in the NASA/CF4, 20 inch Mach 6 and the 22 inch Helium Tunnel consist of pressure measurements on the lower surfaces of the Rockwell Space Shuttle Orbiter. All data are in absolute pressures. Data were recorded with the model at a Mach number of 6 and 20 at angles of 10 deg to 30 deg.

Ball, J. W.↗

An innovative air data system for the Space Shuttle Orbiter - Data analysis techniques

The Shuttle Entry Air Data System (SEADS) is an experimental system designed to supply research quality air data and to meet Orbiter operational air data requirements throughout entry. SEADS incorporates no mechanical devices but is based on the concept that the fuselage proper, whether symmetrical or not, can be instrumented so as to function both as a pitot-static probe and as a differential pressure flow direction sensor. Specifically SEADS consists of 20 flush orifices, each routed to a pair of absolute pressure transducers. A computational technique has been developed capable of extracting air data parameters solely from surface pressure measurements. The digital filtering algorithm implemented in SEADS is the natural adaptation to air data sensing of a technology widely used in navigation, guidance, and control systems.

Pruett, C. D.↗

Design and development of an F/A-18 inlet distortion rake: A cost and time saving solution

An innovative inlet total-pressure distortion measurement rake has been designed and developed for the F/A-18 A/B/C/D aircraft inlet. The design was conceived by NASA and General Electric Aircraft Engines (Evendale, Ohio). This rake has been flight qualified and flown in the F-18 High Alpha Research Vehicle (HARV) at NASA Dryden Flight Research Center. The rake's eight-legged, one-piece wagon wheel design was developed at a reduced cost and offers reduced installation time compared with traditional designs. The rake features 40 dual measurement ports for both low- and high-frequency pressure measurements with the high-frequency transducer mounted at the port. The high-frequency transducer offers direct absolute pressure measurements from low frequency to the highest frequency of interest, thereby allowing the rake to be used during highly dynamic aircraft maneuvers. Outstanding structural characteristics are inherent to the design through its construction and use of lightweight materials.

Yuhas, Andrew J.↗

Design and development of an F/A-18 inlet distortion rake: A cost and time saving solution

An innovative inlet total pressure distortion measurement rake has been designed and developed for the F/A-18 A/B/C/D aircraft inlet. The design was conceived by NASA and General Electric Aircraft Engines personnel. This rake has been flight qualified and flown in the F/A-18 High Alpha Research Vehicle at NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California. The eight-legged, one-piece, wagon wheel design of the rake was developed at a reduced cost and offered reduced installation time compared to traditional designs. The rake features 40 dual-measurement ports for low- and high-frequency pressure measurements with the high-frequency transducer mounted at the port. This high-frequency transducer offers direct absolute pressure measurements from low to high frequencies of interest, thereby allowing the rake to be used during highly dynamic aircraft maneuvers. Outstanding structural characteristics are inherent to the design through its construction and use of lightweight materials.

Yuhas, Andrew J.↗