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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 433 records · Page 24

Procedure for the Computational Models created for the DOE/NRC Collaboration for Criticality Safety Support for Commercial-Scale HALEU Fuel Cycles Project (DNCSH)

This procedure outlines the application models developed as part of the US Department of Energy (DOE) and Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) collaboration for criticality safety support for commercial scale HALEU fuel cycle and transportation (DNCSH) project, an effort authorized by the US Congress. The project is a joint effort among the DOE, NRC, numerous national laboratories, and private enterprises with project management from Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

An exact zooming method for finite element analyses

An exact zooming technique which employs static condensation and exact structural reanalysis methods was developed. Successive application of static condensation reduces the system to one that is only associated with the degrees of freedom (dof) of the original model. Application of an exact static reanalysis technique permits the displacements at the dof of the original model that are contained in the zoomed portion of the structure to be obtained first. The response external to the zoom, as well as the response of additional dof within various levels of zooming, is computed. With the triangular factor of the stiffness matrix of the original system available, this approach involves only the solution of a system of equations of small order.

Hirai, I.↗

Challenges in quantifying unparameterized spatial uncertainties in deep geologic repositories for nuclear waste

Spatially heterogeneous uncertainties are prevalent in geophysical modeling applications, such as probabilistic post-closure performance assessment (PA) of deep geologic repositories for nuclear waste. Such uncertainties are often highly influential to model outputs, so it is desirable to identify the most important mechanisms by which they influence model predictions. However, these uncertainties are often unparameterized in the sense that there is no set of parameters that can be specified to yield a particular realization of the uncertainty. Additionally, the uncertainty is not intrinsically endowed with a parameterization that captures a realization’s mechanistic influence on model outputs. Therefore, in this work we present a novel methodology to develop and assess a set of proxy variables that aim to represent this influence. We show how they can be computed, downselected, and incorporated into the construction of statistical surrogate models mapping model inputs to outputs. We present our methodology in the context of a motivating application problem in deep geologic repository PA and discuss the challenges in capturing the effects of these spatial heterogeneities in uncertainty analyses.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Remote sensing applications to hydrologic modeling

An energy balance snowmelt model for rugged terrain was devised and coupled to a flow model. A literature review of remote sensing applications to hydrologic modeling was included along with a software development outline.

Dozier, J.↗

Applicaton of radiative transfer theory to microwave transmission medium calibrations

Precise determinations of the transmission medium loss and noise temperature contribution which are important to the performance characterization of low noise microwave receiving systems and thermal noise standards are discussed. Tropospheric loss is frequently inferred from microwave radiometer noise temperature measurements. Interpretation of these measurements requires an inversion of the radiative transfer integral equation. This is inconvenient even with computer techniques. Solutions of a rapidly convergent power series of the radiative transfer equations are presented. This solution is applicable to a low loss medium with either uniform or nonuniform loss distributions. A four layer atmosphere model is investigated to demonstrate the accuracy of the solution relative to the model. Applications include thermal noise standards and single- and dual-frequency water radiometers.

Stelzried, C. T.↗

The development of interior noise and vibration criteria

A generalized model was developed for estimating passenger discomfort response to combined noise and vibration. This model accounts for broadband noise and vibration spectra and multiple axes of vibration as well as the interactive effects of combined noise and vibration. The model has the unique capability of transforming individual components of noise/vibration environment into subjective comfort units and then combining these comfort units to produce a total index of passenger discomfort and useful sub-indices that typify passenger comfort within the environment. An overview of the model development is presented including the methodology employed, major elements of the model, model applications, and a brief description of a commercially available portable ride comfort meter based directly upon the model algorithms. Also discussed are potential criteria formats that account for the interactive effects of noise and vibration on human discomfort response.

Leatherwood, J. D.↗

An object-oriented, technology-adaptive information model

The primary objective was to develop a computer information system for effectively presenting NASA's technologies to American industries, for appropriate commercialization. To this end a comprehensive information management model, applicable to a wide variety of situations, and immune to computer software/hardware technological gyrations, was developed. The model consists of four main elements: a DATA_STORE, a data PRODUCER/UPDATER_CLIENT and a data PRESENTATION_CLIENT, anchored to a central object-oriented SERVER engine. This server engine facilitates exchanges among the other model elements and safeguards the integrity of the DATA_STORE element. It is designed to support new technologies, as they become available, such as Object Linking and Embedding (OLE), on-demand audio-video data streaming with compression (such as is required for video conferencing), Worldwide Web (WWW) and other information services and browsing, fax-back data requests, presentation of information on CD-ROM, and regular in-house database management, regardless of the data model in place. The four components of this information model interact through a system of intelligent message agents which are customized to specific information exchange needs. This model is at the leading edge of modern information management models. It is independent of technological changes and can be implemented in a variety of ways to meet the specific needs of any communications situation. This summer a partial implementation of the model has been achieved. The structure of the DATA_STORE has been fully specified and successfully tested using Microsoft's FoxPro 2.6 database management system. Data PRODUCER/UPDATER and PRESENTATION architectures have been developed and also successfully implemented in FoxPro; and work has started on a full implementation of the SERVER engine. The model has also been successfully applied to a CD-ROM presentation of NASA's technologies in support of Langley Research Center's TAG efforts.

Anyiwo, Joshua C.↗

The Agricultural Model Intercomparison and Improvement Project: Phase I Activities by a Global Community of Science

The Agricultural Model Intercomparison and Improvement Project (AgMIP) was founded in 2010. Its mission is to improve substantially the characterization of world food security as affected by climate variability and change, and to enhance adaptation capacity in both developing and developed countries. The objectives of AgMIP are to: Incorporate state-of-the-art climate, crop/livestock, and agricultural economic model improvements into coordinated multi-model regional and global assessments of future climate impacts and adaptation and other key aspects of the food system. Utilize multiple models, scenarios, locations, crops/livestock, and participants to explore uncertainty and the impact of data and methodological choices. Collaborate with regional experts in agronomy, animal sciences, economics, and climate to build a strong basis for model applications, addressing key climate related questions and sustainable intensification farming systems. Improve scientific and adaptive capacity in modeling for major agricultural regions in the developing and developed world, with a focus on vulnerable regions. Improve agricultural data and enhance data-sharing based on their intercomparison and evaluation using best scientific practices. Develop modeling frameworks to identify and evaluate promising adaptation technologies and policies and to prioritize strategies.

farm crops↗

Assimilation of SMOS (and SMAP) Retrieved Soil Moisture into the Land Information System

Goal: Accurate, high-resolution (approx.3 km) soil moisture in near-real time. Situational awareness (drought assessment, flood and fire threat). Local modeling applications (to improve sfc-PBL exchanges) Method: Assimilate satellite soil moisture retrievals into a land surface model. Combines high-resolution geophysical model data with latest satellite observations.

land surface↗

Design of Rigid-Flex PCB Robotics Leveraging Validated Finite Element Simulations

The use of rigid-flex printed circuit board (PCB) as primary structure has the potential to reduce the weight and volume of robotic systems. In the case of robotics for interplanetary exploration, these systems can leverage origami-inspired folding for increased mobility options and reduced storage volume. Folding rigid-flex PCB robotics can be constructed with rigid PCB connected by short Nomex fabric hinges coupled with flex PCB ribbon cables that permits enhanced system flexibility and energy dissipation to promote impact survivability. This paper presents a design methodology of rigid-flex PCB systems with an emphasis on impact resistance. The design process considers solder joint adequacy, panel bending, and fracture using a finite element (FE) model. The proposed design methodology is developed using a case study with NASA JPL's Pop-Up Folding Flat Explorer Robot (PUFFER). First, the finite-element (FE) modeling methodology is presented with consideration to both frequency and time-domain modeling applications, which include operational self-contact analysis and high impact scenarios. The time-domain impact modeling methodology utilizes hyperelastic material properties for the Nomex hinges. This modeling method is validated using image correlation of PUFFER drop tests. A flowchart is presented to guide users through a validated Abaqus modeling procedure for highly flexible rigid-flex systems. Next, a case study is presented in which PUFFER is subject to drop heights representative of falls into Lunar pits and then the design is refined for a more optimum impact performance. Finally, the results of the case study are used to inform a generalized design methodology for rigid-flex PCB robotics subject to high-impact loads with the considerations presented.

John Bell↗

Design of Rigid-Flex PCB Robotics Leveraging Validated Finite Element Simulations

The use of rigid-flex printed circuit board (PCB) as primary structure has the potential to reduce the weight and volume of robotic systems. In the case of robotics for interplanetary exploration, these systems can leverage origamiinspired folding for increased mobility options and reduced storage volume. Folding rigid-flex PCB robotics can be constructed with rigid PCB connected by short Nomex fabric hinges coupled with flex PCB ribbon cables that permits enhanced system flexibility and energy dissipation to promote impact survivability. This paper presents a design methodology of rigidflex PCB systems with an emphasis on impact resistance. The design process considers solder joint adequacy, panel bending, and fracture using a finite element (FE) model. The proposed design methodology is developed using a case study with NASA JPL’s Pop-Up Folding Flat Explorer Robot (PUFFER). First, the finite-element (FE) modeling methodology is presented with consideration to both frequency and time-domain modeling applications, which include operational self-contact analysis and high impact scenarios. The time-domain impact modeling methodology utilizes hyperelastic material properties for the Nomex hinges. This modeling method is validated using image correlation of PUFFER drop tests. A flowchart is presented to guide users through a validated Abaqus modeling procedure for highly flexible rigid-flex systems. Next, a case study is presented in which PUFFER is subject to drop heights representative of falls into Lunar pits and then the design is refined for a more optimum impact performance. Finally, the results of the case study are used to inform a generalized design methodology for rigid-flex PCB robotics subject to high-impact loads with the considerations presented.

de la Croix, Jean-Pierre↗

Collisional interchange instability. II - A comparison of the numerical simulations with the in situ experimental data

A two-dimensional model applicable to F region ionosphere plasma instabilities has been developed and described in a companion paper. Here the model is applied to equatorial F region irregularities and is tested against rocket and satellite data. As a diagnostic, simulated data sets are created which are similar to the one-dimensional measurements of plasma density performed by space probes and the Fourier transform of these data is taken in the same manner and used by the space experimentors. Unlike previous simulations of this phenomenon, an inherent anisotropy is found in the instability development which is mirrored in the in situ data. Evidence that the shallow spectral slopes which often characterize spread F rocket spectra near the F peak may be due to a change in the angle between the rocket velocity vector and the characteristic directions in the medium is presented.

Kelley, M. C.↗

Application of a hierarchical structure stochastic learning automation

A hierarchical structure automaton was developed using a two state stochastic learning automato (SLA) in a time shared model. Application of the hierarchical SLA to systems with multidimensional, multimodal performance criteria is described. Results of experiments performed with the hierarchical SLA using a performance index with a superimposed noise component of ? or - delta distributed uniformly over the surface are discussed.

Neville, R. G.↗

Modeling, Monitoring and Fault Diagnosis of Spacecraft Air Contaminants

Progress and results in the development of an integrated air quality modeling, monitoring, fault detection, and isolation system are presented. The focus was on development of distributed models of the air contaminants transport, the study of air quality monitoring techniques based on the model of transport process and on-line contaminant concentration measurements, and sensor placement. Different approaches to the modeling of spacecraft air contamination are discussed, and a three-dimensional distributed parameter air contaminant dispersion model applicable to both laminar and turbulent transport is proposed. A two-dimensional approximation of a full scale transport model is also proposed based on the spatial averaging of the three dimensional model over the least important space coordinate. A computer implementation of the transport model is considered and a detailed development of two- and three-dimensional models illustrated by contaminant transport simulation results is presented. The use of a well established Kalman filtering approach is suggested as a method for generating on-line contaminant concentration estimates based on both real time measurements and the model of contaminant transport process. It is shown that high computational requirements of the traditional Kalman filter can render difficult its real-time implementation for high-dimensional transport model and a novel implicit Kalman filtering algorithm is proposed which is shown to lead to an order of magnitude faster computer implementation in the case of air quality monitoring.

Ramirez, W. Fred↗

Cruise-Efficient Short Takeoff and Landing (CESTOL): Potential Impact on Air Traffic Operations

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is investigating technological and operational concepts for introducing Cruise-Efficient Short Takeoff and Landing (CESTOL) aircraft into a future US National Airspace System (NAS) civil aviation environment. CESTOL is an aircraft design concept for future use to increase capacity and reduce emissions. CESTOL provides very flexible takeoff, climb, descent and landing performance capabilities and a high-speed cruise capability. In support of NASA, this study is a preliminary examination of the potential operational impact of CESTOL on airport and airspace capacity and delay. The study examines operational impacts at a subject site, Newark Liberty Intemational Airport (KEWR), New Jersey. The study extends these KEWR results to estimate potential impacts on NAS-wide network traffic operations due to the introduction of CESTOL at selected major airports. These are the 34 domestic airports identified in the Federal Aviation Administration's Operational Evolution Plan (OEP). The analysis process uses two fast-time simulation tools to separately model local and NAS-wide air traffic operations using predicted flight schedules for a 24-hour study period in 2016. These tools are the Sen sis AvTerminal model and NASA's Airspace Concept Evaluation System (ACES). We use both to simulate conventional-aircraft-only and CESTOL-mixed-with-conventional-aircraft operations. Both tools apply 4-dimension trajectory modeling to simulate individual flight movement. The study applies AvTerminal to model traffic operations and procedures for en route and terminal arrival and departures to and from KEWR. These AvTerminal applications model existing arrival and departure routes and profiles and runway use configurations, with the assumption jet-powered, large-sized civil CESTOL aircraft use a short runway and standard turboprop arrival and departure procedures. With these rules, the conventional jet and CESTOL aircraft are procedurally separated from each other geographically and in altitude during tenninal airspace approach and departure operations, and each use a different arrival runway. AvTeminal implements its unique Focal-point Scheduling Process to sequence, space and delay aircraft to resolve spacing and overtake conflicts among flights in the airspace and airport system serving KEWR. This Process effectively models integrated arrival and departure operations. AvTerminal assesses acceptance rates and delay magnitude and causality at selected locations, including en route outer boundary fixes, tenninal airspace arrival and departure boundary fixes, terminal airspace arrival merge and departure diverge fixes, and runway landing and takeoff runways. The analysis compares the resulting capacity impacts, flight delays and delay sources between CESTOL and conventional KEWR operations. AvTerminal quantitative results showed that CESTOL has significant capability to increase airport arrival acceptance rates (35-40% at KEWR) by taking advantage of otherwise underused airspace and runways where available. The study extrapolates the AvTerminal-derived KEWR peak arrival and departure acceptance rates to estimate capacity parameter values for each of the OEP airports in the ACES modeling of traffic through the entire NAS network. The extrapolations of acceptance rates allow full, partial or no achievement of CESTOL capacity gains at an OEP airport as determined by assessments of the degree to which local procedures allow leveraging of CESTOL capabilities. These assessments consider each OEP airport's runway geometries, runway system configurations, airport and airspace operations, and potential CESTOL traffic loadings. The ACES modeling, simulates airport and airspace spacing constraints imposed by airport runway system, terminal and en route air traffic control and traffic flow management operations using airport acceptance rates representing conventional-aircraft-only and CESTOL-mixed operations. CEOL aircraft are assumed to have Mach 0.8, and alternatively Mach 0.7, cruise speeds to examine compatibility with conventional aircraft operations in common airspace. The ACES results provides estimates of CESTOL delay impact NAS-wide and at OEP airports due to changes in OEP airport acceptance rates and changes in en route airspace potential conflict rates. Preliminary results show meaningful nationwide delay reductions (20%) due to CESTOL operations at 34 major domestic airports.

Couluris, G. J.↗

MULTI-DIMENSIONAL MODELING OF THE CFR ENGINE FOR THE INVESTIGATION OF SI NATURAL GAS COMBUSTION AND CONTROLLED END-GAS AUTOIGNITION

Engine knock and misfire are barriers to pathways leading to high-efficiency Spark-Ignited (SI) Natural Gas engines. The general tendency to knock is highly dependent on engine operating conditions and the fuel reactivity. The problem is further complicated by low emission limits and the wide range of chemical reactivity in pipeline quality natural gas. Depending on the region and the source of the natural gas, its reactivity, described by its methane number (analogous to the octane number for liquid SI fuels) can span from 65 - 95. In order to realize diesel-like efficiencies, SI natural gas engines must be designed to operate at high BMEP near knock limits over a wide range of fuel reactivity. This requires a deep understanding regarding the combustion-engine interactions pertaining to flame propagation and end-gas autoignition (EGAI). However, EGAI, if controlled, provides an opportunity to increase SI natural gas engine efficiency by increasing combustion rate and the total burned fuel, mitigating the effects of the slow flame speeds of natural gas fuels which generally reduce BMEP and increase unburned hydrocarbon emissions. For this reason, in order to study EGAI phenomenon, the present work highlights multi-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models of the Cooperative Fuel Research (CFR) engine. The CFR engine models are used to investigate fuel-engine interactions that lead to EGAI with natural gas, including effects of fuel reactivity, engine operating parameters, and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). A Three-Pressure Analysis, performed with GT-Power, was used to estimate initial and boundary conditions for the three-dimensional CFD model. CONVERGE CFD v2.4 was used for the three-dimensional CFD modeling where the level set G-Equation model and SAGE detailed chemical kinetics solver were used. An assessment of the different modeling approaches is also provided to evaluate their limitations, advantages and disadvantages, and for which situations they are most applicable. Model validation was performed with experimental data taken with a CFR engine over varying compression ratio, CA50, EGR fraction, and IMEP and shows good agreement in Peak Cylinder Pressure (PCP), PCP crank angle, and the location of the 10%, 50%, and 90% mass fraction burned (CA10, CA50, and CA90, respectively). The models can predict the onset crank angle and pressure rise rate for light, medium, and heavy EGAI under a variety of fuel reactivities and engine operating conditions.

Bestel, Diego↗

A strategy for automated core design to increase economic viability and minimize fuel fragmentation, relocation, and dispersal susceptibility in high-burnup cores

The nuclear industry aims to increase the cycle length of pressurized water reactors from 18 to 24 months to increase power plant capacity factors and economic viability. These cycle length extensions will inherently require fuel rods to exceed the current peak rod average burnup limit of 62 GWd/MTU. A chief concern of operating beyond the current burnup limit is the fuel fragmentation, relocation, and dispersal (FFRD) phenomenon in which pulverized fuel fragments can axially relocate and escape through a burst in the cladding formed during a loss-of-coolant accident. In this work, we demonstrate an approach for automating core design employing an optimization tool based on a penalty-free, parallel simulated annealing algorithm to produce pressurized water reactor core designs with two different optimization objectives. The two objectives were to produce core designs with (1) mitigated FFRD susceptibility while achieving 24-month cycle lengths (2) maximum cycle length with no regard for the likelihood of FFRD. Batch size was considered in tandem with both cases to maximize economic viability. The PARCS nodal model was the primary reactor physics tool used in the optimizations and used nuclear cross sections calculated with 2D Polaris lattice physics models. Reactor performance and safety characteristics of the optimized cores were verified using high-fidelity Virtual Environment for Reactor Applications models. The core designs produced by the optimization tool are compared with each other and to a high-burnup core design produced and analyzed in previous works to highlight the fuel management strategies that may enhance high-burnup reactor safety and economic viability. The optimized cores satisfied their respective objective functions, producing a maximum cycle length of 720 effective full-power days in one core design and one that may reduce FFRD susceptibility by up to 50% based on the first-order approximation to FFRD risk formulated in this work. The optimized cores met most constraints but exceeded the hot channel factor limit, especially in FFRD cases where fresh fuel carried more power. Furthermore, this highlights the need for future lattice-level optimizations and broader assembly options.

Cycle length↗

Energy-Storage Modeling: State-of-the-Art and Future Research Directions

Given its physical characteristics and the range of services that it can provide, energy storage raises unique modeling challenges. This paper summarizes capabilities that operational, planning, and resource-adequacy models that include energy storage should have and surveys gaps in extant models. Existing models that represent energy storage differ in fidelity of representing the balance of the power system and energy-storage applications. Modeling results are sensitive to these differences. The importance of capturing chronology can raise challenges in energy-storage modeling. Some models ‘decouple’ individual operating periods from one another, allowing for natural decomposition and rendering the models relatively computationally tractable. Energy storage complicates such a modeling approach. Improving the representation of the balance of the system can have major effects in capturing energy-storage costs and benefits.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗