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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 397 records · Page 22

Testing of the Trim Tab Parametric Model in NASA Langley's Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel

In support of NASA's Entry, Descent, and Landing technology development efforts, testing of Langley's Trim Tab Parametric Models was conducted in Test Section 2 of NASA Langley's Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel. The objectives of these tests were to generate quantitative aerodynamic data and qualitative surface pressure data for experimental and computational validation and aerodynamic database development. Six component force-and-moment data were measured on 38 unique, blunt body trim tab configurations at Mach numbers of 2.5, 3.5, and 4.5, angles of attack from -4deg to +20deg, and angles of sideslip from 0deg to +8deg. Configuration parameters investigated in this study were forebody shape, tab area, tab cant angle, and tab aspect ratio. Pressure Sensitive Paint was used to provide qualitative surface pressure mapping for a subset of these flow and configuration variables. Over the range of parameters tested, the effects of varying tab area and tab cant angle were found to be much more significant than varying tab aspect ratio relative to key aerodynamic performance requirements. Qualitative surface pressure data supported the integrated aerodynamic data and provided information to aid in future analyses of localized phenomena for trim tab configurations.

Murphy, Kelly J.↗

AstroAmpSeq: Microbial Bioinformatics Education with NASA GeneLab’s Amplicon Pipeline

The prevalence and importance of large sequencing datasets in microbiology has led to a movement to share microbial ecology experimental data through open-access databases. This is particularly true of experiments that are difficult to replicate, such as those conducted in the spaceflight environment and shared via NASA GeneLab. It is now possible and indeed valuable for students to access and re-analyze these shared datasets for educational and research purposes. To provide students with experience utilizing microbial bioinformatics tools, GeneLab for Colleges and Universities (GL4U) has designed AstroAmpSeq, a week-long, virtually implemented project-based learning (PBL) minicourse to instruct undergraduate students on 16S amplicon sequencing. AstroAmpSeq was created to be accessible to students without prior bioinformatics or microbial ecology experience. During the minicourse students work in teams to process, analyze, and visualize a subsample of GeneLab dataset GLDS-280 using GeneLab’s standard amplicon processing pipeline, which is based in R. Students develop a hypothesis related to the dataset then generate and analyze figures to evaluate their hypothesis. Formative assessment of student learning is determined via pre- and post-evaluations, peer feedback, and self-reflection. Project and presentation rubrics serve as a summative assessment of student learning. GL4U AstroAmpSeq not only meets American Society for Microbiology Curriculum Guidelines, but also incites student interest in research by an inquiry-based approach and can be made part of a larger semester-long curriculum. GL4U AstroAmpSeq raises awareness of space microbiology and bioinformatics as a field and career path among undergraduates. Further, by using a GeneLab dataset and nesting microbiology techniques into the real-world application of space biology, AstroAmpSeq enforces deeper and longer-lasting student learning.

microbiology↗

Experimental Results and Interfacial Lift-off Model Predictions of Critical Heat Flux for Flow Boiling with Subcooled Inlet Conditions – In Preparation for Experiments Onboard the International Space Station

This study investigates critical heat flux (CHF) for subcooled flow boiling of n-Perfluorohexane based on results of pre-launch Earth-gravity Mission Sequence Tests (MSTs) of the Flow Boiling and Condensation Experiment (FBCE), which was launched to the International Space Station (ISS) in August 2021. CHF measurements were made in a rectangular channel having a 2.5 mm by 5 mm cross-section and a 114.6-mm long heated segment. Both single-sided and double-sided heating were tested in vertical upflow in Earth gravity for a variety of inlet conditions. The inlet subcooling was varied in the range of 0.4 – 32.0°C and encompassed both near-saturated and highly subcooled conditions. Experimental trends and high-speed video records were investigated to better understand the mechanism of CHF. Overall trends show CHF increases as flow rate and/or inlet subcooling are increased. Flow features from the events around CHF justify the applicability of the Interfacial Lift-off Model and the determination of limiting criteria for its application. The present experimental data are combined with prior databases for various flow orientations with respect to Earth gravity and microgravity data collected on parabolic flights. Predictions are made using the Interfacial Lift-off Model for this consolidated subcooled-inlet FBCE-CHF database. A heat utility ratio was included in the model to capture the effects of subcooling and corresponding thermodynamic non-equilibrium. An overall mean absolute error of 19.04% indicates good predictive capability of the model for both heating configurations, different gravity environments, and a wide range of inlet subcooling.

flow boiling↗

Simulations of the Modular Axisymmetric Scramjet Test Rig Under Reacting Flow Conditions

Simulations of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Modular Axisymmetric Scramjet Test Rig (MASTeR) are presented. MASTeR is a parametric test article capable of investigating various scramjet cavity flameholder designs and fueling strategies with the goal to characterize and optimize flameholding capability. In the current work, three cavity aspect ratios, and two fueling strategies (upstream and in-cavity) with ethylene at a nominal facility pressure and temperature condition are evaluated. The reacting simulations are performed, and the resulting flow characteristics are discussed. For each configuration and fueling strategy, cavity residence time, entrainment rate, and fuel-air equivalence ratio are computed. The MASTeR geometry is defined in Engineering Sketch Pad (ESP) and the simulations use a sketch-to-solution (S2S) automated unstructured grid adaptation tool in VULCAN-CFD. This tool automatically generates a simulation grid from the ESP geometry and systematically adapts it to the numerical solution based on the Hessian error estimate of a specified flow field parameter. Reynolds averaged simulations (RAS) are used with a two-equation linear eddy viscosity and diffusivity model. The resulting database can be compared with the experimental data as those become available, and explored to develop models for cavity performance for scramjet propulsion design applications.

hypersonics↗

Simulations of the Modular Axisymmetric Scramjet Test Rig Under Reacting Flow Conditions

Simulations of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Modular Axisymmetric Scramjet Test Rig (MASTeR) are presented. MASTeR is a parametric test article capable of investigating various scramjet cavity flameholder designs and fueling strategies with the goal to characterize and optimize flameholding capability. In the current work, three cavity aspect ratios, three depths, and two fueling strategies (upstream and in-cavity) with ethylene at a nominal facility pressure and temperature conditions are evaluated. The simulations are performed for mixing-only and reacting flows, and the resulting flow characteristics are compared. For each configuration and fueling strategy, cavity residence time, entrainment rate, and fuel-air equivalence ratio are computed. The MASTeR geometry is defined in the Engineering Sketch Pad (ESP) and the simulations use a sketch-to-solution (S2S) automated unstructured grid adaptation tool in VULCAN-CFD. This tool automatically generates a simulation grid from the ESP geometry and systematically adapts it to the numerical solution based on the Hessian error estimate of a specified flow field parameter. Reynolds averaged simulations (RAS) are used with typical two-equation linear eddy viscosity and diffusivity model. The resulting database can be compared with the experimental data as those becomes available and explored to develop models for cavity performance for scramjet propulsion design applications.

hypersonics↗

Accelerated Leach Testing of GLASS: ALTGLASS Version 3.0

The Accelerated Leach Testing of GLASS (ALTGLASS) database is a collection of data from short- and long-term product consistency tests (PCT, ASTM C1285 A and B) on high level waste (HLW) as well as low activity waste (LAW) glasses. The database provides both U.S. and international researchers with an archive of experimental data for the purpose of studying, modeling, or validating existing models of nuclear waste glass corrosion. The ALTGLASS database is maintained and updated by researchers at the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL). This newest version, ALTGLASS Version 3.0, has been updated with an additional 503 rows of data representing PCT results from corrosion experiments conducted in the United States by the Savannah River National Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Argonne National Laboratory, and the Vitreous State Laboratory (SRNL, PNNL, ANL, VSL, respectively) as well as the National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) in the United Kingdom.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Parallel database search and prime factorization with magnonic holographic memory devices

In this work, we describe the capabilities of Magnonic Holographic Memory (MHM) for parallel database search and prime factorization. MHM is a type of holographic device, which utilizes spin waves for data transfer and processing. Its operation is based on the correlation between the phases and the amplitudes of the input spin waves and the output inductive voltage. The input of MHM is provided by the phased array of spin wave generating elements allowing the producing of phase patterns of an arbitrary form. The latter makes it possible to code logic states into the phases of propagating waves and exploit wave superposition for parallel data processing. We present the results of numerical modeling illustrating parallel database search and prime factorization. The results of numerical simulations on the database search are in agreement with the available experimental data. The use of classical wave interference may results in a significant speedup over the conventional digital logic circuits in special task data processing (e.g., √n in database search). Potentially, magnonic holographic devices can be implemented as complementary logic units to digital processors. Physical limitations and technological constrains of the spin wave approach are also discussed.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Calibrating the SPECTACULAR constitutive model using legacy Sandia data for two filled epoxy systems: 828/CTBN/DEA/GMB and 828/DEA/GMB

The SPECTACULAR model is a development extension of the Simplified Potential Energy Clock (SPEC) model. Both models are nonlinear viscoelastic constitutive models used to predict a wide range of time-dependent behaviors in epoxies and other glass-forming materials. This report documents the procedures used to generate SPECTACULAR calibrations for two particulate-filled epoxy systems, 828/CTBN/DEA/GMB and 828/DEA/GMB. No previous SPECTACULAR or SPEC calibration exists for 828/CTBN/DEA/GMB, while a legacy SPEC calibration exists for 828/DEA/GMB. To generate the SPECTACULAR calibrations, a step-by-step procedure was executed to determine parameters in groups with minimal coupling between parameter groups. This procedure has often been deployed to calibrate SPEC, therefore the resulting SPECTACULAR calibration is backwards compatible with SPEC (i.e. none of the extensions specific to SPECTACULAR are used). The calibration procedure used legacy Sandia experimental data stored on the Polymer Properties Database website. The experiments used for calibration included shear master curves, isofrequency temperature sweeps under oscillatory shear, the bulk modulus at room temperature, the thermal strain during a temperature sweep, and compression through yield at multiple temperatures below the glass transition temperature. Overall, the calibrated models fit the experimental data remarkably well. However, the glassy shear modulus varies depending on the experiment used to calibrate it. For instance, the shear master curve, isofrequency temperature sweep under oscillatory shear, and the Young's modulus in glassy compression yield values for the glassy shear modulus at the reference temperature that vary by as much as 15 %. Also, for 828/CTBN/DEA/GMB, the temperature dependence of the glassy shear modulus when fit to the Young's modulus at different temperatures is approximately four times larger than when it is determined from the isofrequency temperature sweep under oscillatory shear. For 828/DEA/GMB, the temperature dependence of the shear modulus determined from the isofrequency temperature sweep under oscillatory shear accurately predicts the Young's modulus at different temperatures. When choosing values for the shear modulus, fitting the glassy compression data was prioritized. The new and legacy calibrations for 828/DEA/GMB are similar and appear to have been calibrated from the same data. However, the new calibration improves the fit to the thermal strain data. In addition to the standard calibrations, development calibrations were produced that take advantage of development features of SPECTACULAR , including an updated equilibrium Helmholtz free energy that eliminates undesirable behavior found in previous work. In addition to the previously mentioned experimental data, the development calibrations require data for the heat capacity during a stress-free temperature sweep to calibrate thermal terms.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

A Spectacular Viscoelastic Model Calibration for 828/D230/Alox Generated from Legacy Sandia Data

The nonlinear viscoelastic Spectacular model is calibrated to the thermo-mechanical behavior of 828/D230/Alox with an alox volume fraction of 20 %. Legacy experimental data from Sandia’s polymer properties database (PPD) is used to calibrate the model. Based on known densities of the epoxy 828/D230 and the alox filler, the alox volume fractions listed on the PPD were likely reported incorrectly. The alox volume fractions are recalculated here. Using the recalculated alox volume fractions, the PPD contains experimental data for 828/D230/Alox with alox volume fractions of 16 %, 24 %, and 33 %, so the thermo-mechanical behavior at 20 % alox volume fraction is estimated by interpolating between the bounding cases of of 16 % and 24 %. Because the Spectacularmodel can be fairly challenging to calibrate, the calibration procedure is described in detail. Several of the calibration steps involve inverse parameter identification, where an experiment is simulated and parameters are iteratively updated until the model response matches the experimental data. As the PPD does not fully describe all experimental procedures, the experimental simulations use assumed thermal and mechanical loading rates that are typical for the viscoelastic characterization of epoxies. Spectacular uses four independent relaxation functions related to volumetric (ƒ 1 ), shear (ƒ 2 ), thermal strain (ƒ 3 ), and thermal relaxations (ƒ 4 ). The previous SPEC model form, also known as the universal_polymer model, uses two independent relaxation functions related to volumetric and thermal relaxation (ƒ ν = ƒ 1 = ƒ 3 = ƒ 4 ) and shear relaxation (ƒ s = ƒ 2 ). The two constitutive choices are briefly evaluated here, where it is found that the four relaxation function approach of Spectacular was better suited for fitting the coefficient of thermal expansion during both heating and cooling.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

pKPDB: a protein data bank extension database of p Ka and pI theoretical values

Abstract Summary pKa values of ionizable residues and isoelectric points of proteins provide valuable local and global insights about their structure and function. These properties can be estimated with reasonably good accuracy using Poisson–Boltzmann and Monte Carlo calculations at a considerable computational cost (from some minutes to several hours). pKPDB is a database of over 12 M theoretical pKa values calculated over 120k protein structures deposited in the Protein Data Bank. By providing precomputed pKa and pI values, users can retrieve results instantaneously for their protein(s) of interest while also saving countless hours and resources that would be spent on repeated calculations. Furthermore, there is an ever-growing imbalance between experimental pKa and pI values and the number of resolved structures. This database will complement the experimental and computational data already available and can also provide crucial information regarding buried residues that are under-represented in experimental measurements. Availability and implementation Gzipped csv files containing p Ka and isoelectric point values can be downloaded from https://pypka.org/pKPDB. To query a single PDB code please use the PypKa free server at https://pypka.org. The pKPDB source code can be found at https://github.com/mms-fcul/pKPDB. Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

Reis, Pedro B. P. S. (ORCID:0000000335636239)↗

Characterization of Fresh Nuclear Fuel using Time-Of-Flight Neutrons

Neutrons offer excellent characterization capabilities for nuclear fuels and can provide non-destructive insight on micro structure, chemistry and crystallographic phase. Measurements are possible at reactors or pulsed sources, but the inherent energy resolution implicit at pulsed sources offers unique opportunities. Recent advances in 2D neutron detection enabled new capabilities of material characterization using neutron imaging and tomography for nuclear materials. Moreover, time-of-flight (TOF) neutron measurements can enable isotope specific tomography by deriving isotope densities from transmission spectra exhibiting neutron resonances, which are recorded for each pixel. Tomographic algorithms allow 3D reconstructions of the spatial distribution of isotopes, density and features in typical fuel pellet samples. The ability to select radiographs for different energies allows characterizing samples which are opaque for thermal neutrons, such as enriched fuels or fuels containing plutonium, by selecting epi-thermal neutron energies and by knowledge of the total neutron cross sections of the constituents, isotopic enrichment levels can be determined. Nuclear cross sections are typically not calculated directly and databases such as the Evaluated Nuclear Data File (ENDF) database provide this information with cross sections determined by standardized experimental measurements, such as neutron transmission measurements for individual isotopes. Utilizing the information in the ENDF database, the 'inverse' problem can be solved by assuming cross section parameters to be known parameters and areal densities can be determined. This work presents recent advances at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) facility at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), which provides the infrastructure to handle radioactive samples, in the development of fuel characterization with TOF neutrons. Examples include recent work on prototype accident tolerant nuclear fuels (ATF). The potential application of these techniques for nondestructive examination of irradiated fuel is under consideration. Non-destructive access to materials features for specimens embedded in containers, particularly for hazardous samples, such as a radioactive nuclear fuel, is indispensable to characterize and ultimately license new fuel forms. Energy-resolve neutron imaging is a new tool for this research field. The results reported here present a new imaging technique, setting a milestone in the capabilities of measuring non-destructively absolute quantities of physical properties. The enabling physics behind this new technique are nuclear resonances. We have demonstrated how absolute areal densities can be extracted from radiographs utilizing pulsed neutron sources. This technique provides information that is otherwise difficult and costly to obtain. In the case of nuclear fuels, the results from energy-dispersive neutron imaging may guide destructive examination of irradiated fuel. This summery does not describe recent analysis, which is ongoing. Particularly, the implementation of calibration standards has improved the determination of enrichment levels without additional calibration. The analysis of the samples was performed with full tomographic reconstructions for isotope specific data and presents a first approach in absolute isotope specific 3D reconstruction. This work was predominantly funded by and received substantial support from the Fuel Cycle R and D program at Los Alamos National Laboratory. (authors)

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

SorpPropLib : An Open-Source Database for Sorption Equilibrium Properties

Hundreds of sorption working pair equilibrium measurements have been reported in the literature, and many experimental results have been fitted to equilibrium equations. However, an open database does not exist for the equilibrium equations. Therefore, this work compiled 438 published equilibrium equations of sorption working pairs into an open-source database called SorpPropLib. SorpPropLib is accessible from six programming environments commonly used in sorption cycle simulation (C++, Excel®, Python®, Matlab®, Modelica® and Lab-VIEW™). Plotting capabilities allow fast cycle visualization in each programming environment. Thereby, the open-source database SorpPropLib aims to enable and encourage easy data sharing to advance sorption research.

Engelpracht, Mirko↗

Database work for the new cross section standards evaluation

An effort is now underway to produce a new evaluation of the neutron standards. It is important to maintain experimental programs to increase the quality and extend the database for the neutron cross section standards in order to improve evaluations of them that will be used to convert cross section measurements made relative to those standards. Measurements have been made for most of the standard cross sections since the last evaluation of the standards. The improved database includes the cross sections for the H(n,n), 6Li(n,t), 10B(n,αγ), 10B(n,α), C(n,n), Au(n,γ), 235U(n,f) and 238U(n,f) standard reactions and ratios among them. The database also includes the 238U(n,γ) and 239Pu(n,f) cross sections in addition to the standard cross sections. Those data were included since there are many ratio measurements of those cross sections with the standards and absolute data are available for them.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

A comprehensive diffusion mobility database comprising 23 elements for magnesium alloys

We report that reliable experimental diffusion coefficients of 10 key alloying elements in Mg obtained by the present authors together with experimental data in the literature enabled us to perform a systematic test of the reliability of diffusion coefficients obtained from DFT calculations. The computed activation energy values were found to be quite accurate (mostly within 0.2 eV) but the computed pre-factors were less reliable. Such insights allowed us to develop a practical and yet robust strategy to perform diffusion mobility assessments by adopting the computed activation energy while fitting only the pre-factor when available experimental data are limited to a narrow temperature range. The overall good agreement between the DFT data and experimental data also gave us the confidence to employ the computed data for those that were still missing or inaccessible from experimental measurements. A systematic assessment of both the measured and computed diffusion data in hcp Mg was performed using the above holistic approach to yield the most comprehensive open Mg mobility database to date, comprising 23 elements (Mg, Ag, Al, Be, Ca, Cd, Ce, Cu, Fe, Ga, Gd, In, La, Li, Mn, Nd, Ni, Pu, Sb, Sn, U, Y, Zn). This more reliable mobility database will contribute to future development of advanced Mg alloys. The holistic approach developed in this study will be very beneficial to the future establishment of reliable mobility databases for other alloy systems as well.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Arc Jet Facility Test Condition Predictions Using the ADSI Code

The Aerothermal Design Space Interpolation (ADSI) tool is used to interpolate databases of previously computed computational fluid dynamic solutions for test articles in a NASA Ames arc jet facility. The arc jet databases are generated using an Navier-Stokes flow solver using previously determined best practices. The arc jet mass flow rates and arc currents used to discretize the database are chosen to span the operating conditions possible in the arc jet, and are based on previous arc jet experimental conditions where possible. The ADSI code is a database interpolation, manipulation, and examination tool that can be used to estimate the stagnation point pressure and heating rate for user-specified values of arc jet mass flow rate and arc current. The interpolation is performed in the other direction (predicting mass flow and current to achieve a desired stagnation point pressure and heating rate). ADSI is also used to generate 2-D response surfaces of stagnation point pressure and heating rate as a function of mass flow rate and arc current (or vice versa). Arc jet test data is used to assess the predictive capability of the ADSI code.

fluid dynamics↗

Accelerating catalytic advancements through the precision of high-throughput experiments & calculations

The growing demand for energy-efficient processes to support a sustainable future drives the need for research to rapidly explore chemical and material space through accelerated catalyst discovery initiatives. Recent breakthroughs in high-throughput experimental and computational methods are transforming the catalysis field, surpassing traditional approaches to manipulating variables in catalytic processes. Key advancements in innovation include the integration of machine learning for efficient catalyst screening, high-throughput experimentation, data-driven methodologies employing comprehensive databases, and in situ and in operando techniques for realistic observations. This progress has undoubtedly been intertwined with a collaborative framework across disciplines, reshaping catalyst discovery methods in both industry and academia. This Opinion article presents a multifaceted perspective from coauthors with expertise spanning various stages of the Technology Readiness Level spectrum, highlighting both opportunities and persistent challenges in integrating computational and experimental approaches in catalysis. These challenges span from obtaining high-quality experimental data, scaling simulations to industrially relevant materials and process conditions to navigating the complexity and predictive accuracy of computational models.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Materials Database Development for Ballistic Impact Modeling

A set of experimental data is being generated under the Fundamental Aeronautics Program Supersonics project to help create and validate accurate computational impact models of jet engine impact events. The data generated will include material property data generated at a range of different strain rates, from 1x10(exp -4)/sec to 5x10(exp 4)/sec, over a range of temperatures. In addition, carefully instrumented ballistic impact tests will be conducted on flat plates and curved structures to provide material and structural response information to help validate the computational models. The material property data and the ballistic impact data will be generated using materials from the same lot, as far as possible. It was found in preliminary testing that the surface finish of test specimens has an effect on measured high strain rate tension response of AL2024. Both the maximum stress and maximum elongation are greater on specimens with a smoother finish. This report gives an overview of the testing that is being conducted and presents results of preliminary testing of the surface finish study.

Pereira, J. Michael↗

Full spectrum optical constant interface to the Materials Project

Optical constants characterize the interaction of materials with light and are important properties in material design. Here we present a Python-based Corvus workflow for simulations of full spectrum optical constants from the visible and ultraviolet to hard x-ray wavelengths based on the real-space Green’s function code FEFF10 and structural data from the Materials Project (MP). The Corvus workflow manager and its associated tools provide an interface to FEFF10 and the MP database. The workflow parallelizes the FEFF computations of optical constants over all absorption edges for each material in the MP database specified by a unique MP-ID. The workflow tools determine the distribution of computational resources needed for that case. Similarly, the optical constants for selected sets of materials can be computed in a single-shot. Additionally, to illustrate the approach, we present results for several elemental solids in the periodic table, as well as a sample compound, and compare our predictions with experimental results. In addition, we provide a database of calculated results for all elements for which there is a stable elemental solid at standard conditions available in the Materials Project database. As in x-ray absorption spectra, these results are interpreted in terms of an atomic-like background and fine-structure contributions.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗