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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 55 records · Page 3
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2001

Characterization of a Laminate Flat Plate Diffusion Flame in Microgravity using PIV, Visible and CH Emissions

Motivated by fire safety concerns and the advent of long-term micro-gravity facilities, a cooperative program has been developed to study the mechanisms and material properties that control flow assisted (co-current) flame spread. This program has used as a common fire scenario a reacting steady-state boundary layer. Preliminary studies explored the aerodynamics of a reacting boundary layer by simulating a condensed fuel by means of a gas burner. Stability curves for ethane air flames were obtained and different burning regimes were identified. An important feature of this study was the independent identification of the different mechanisms leading to the instability of the flow. It was observed that fuel injection velocity and thermal expansion independently contributed to the separation of the flow at the leading edge of the burner. The occurrence of separation resulted in complex three-dimensional flow patterns that have a dominant effect on critical fire safety parameters such as the stand-off distance and flame length. This work was extended to a solid fuel (PMMA) leading to a Sounding Rocket experiment (Mini-Texus-6). The solid phase showed similar flow patterns, mostly present at low flow velocities (<100 mm/s) but the results clearly demonstrated that the thermal balance at the pyrolyzing fuel surface is the dominant mechanism that controls both stand-off distance and flame length. This thermal balance could be described in a global manner by means of a total mass transfer or "B" number. This "B" number incorporates surface re-radiation, radiative feedback and in-depth heat conduction as first prescribed by Emmons. The mass transfer number becomes the single parameter that determines the evolution of these fire safety variables (flame length, stand-off distance) and therefore can be used as a ranking criterion to assess the flammability of materials. The particular configuration is representative of the NASA upward flame spread test (Test 1) therefore this approach can be used in the interpretation of the results obtained from this test. Nevertheless, complete validation of this approach has not been fully achieved due, mainly because all the measurements necessary to compare with the theoretical predictions have not been obtained. Following these studies two different directions have been taken. The first attempts to elucidate the details of the gas phase combustion reaction and the associated flow field by means of quantitative and qualitative measurements. The second approach, a more practical one, is to apply this methodology to the assessment of material flammability. The former is currently being conducted with a gas burner because it allows for easier control and longer experimentation time. The results obtained so far will be presented in more detail. The latter is a new program therefore only a brief summary of the objectives will be presented.

Joulain, P.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Nucleation and Growth According to Lysozyme

How does one take a molecule, strongly asymmetric in both shape and charge distribution, and assemble it into a crystal? We propose a model for the nucleation and crystal growth process for tetragonal lysozyme that may be very germane to other monomeric proteins. The first species formed is postulated to be a dimer. Through repeating associations involving the same intermolecular interactions this becomes the 4(sub 3) helix, that in turn serves as the basic unit for nucleation and crystal growth. High salt attenuates surface charges while promoting hydrophobic interactions. Symmetry facilitates helix self-association. Assembly stability is enhanced when a four helix structure is obtained, with each bound to two neighbors. Only two unique interactions are required. The first are those for helix formation, where the dominant interaction is the intermolecular bridging anion. The second is the anti-parallel side-by-side helix-helix interaction, guided by alternating pairs of symmetry related salt bridges along each side. At this stage all eight unique positions of the P4(sub 3)2(sub 1)2(sub 1) unit cell are filled. From the above, the process is one of a) attenuating the most strongly interacting groups, such that b) the molecules begin to self-associate in defined patterns, so that c) symmetry is obtained, which d) propagates as a growing crystal. Simple and conceptually obvious in hindsight, this tells much about what we are empirically doing when we crystallize macromolecules. By adjusting the solution parameters we are empirically balancing the intermolecular interactions, preferentially attenuating the dominant strong (for lysozyme the charged groups) while strengthening the lesser strong (hydrophobic) interactions. Lysozyme is atypical in the breadth of its crystallization conditions; many proteins only crystallize under narrowly defined conditions, pointing to the criticality of the empirical balancing process. Lack of a singularly defined association pathway leads to formation of multiple species, i.e., amorphous precipitation. Weak interactions, such as hydrogen bonds, are promiscuous, serving to strengthen rather than define specific interactions. Participation in an interaction sequesters that surface from subsequent interactions, and we expect the strongest bonds to form first. When two molecules self associate the resulting species will have an axis of symmetry. Subsequent interactions between two associated species having equivalent interactions will also have symmetry. Only a few unique sets of interactions are required to give any of the commonly found space groups for monomeric proteins. This model and what it suggests will be discussed.

Pusey, Marc L.↗
NASA NTRS2002

A Proposed Model for Protein Crystal Nucleation and Growth

How does one take a molecule, strongly asymmetric in both shape and charge distribution, and assemble it into a crystal? We propose a model for the nucleation and crystal growth process for tetragonal lysozyme, based upon fluorescence, light, neutron, and X-ray scattering data, size exclusion chromatography experiments, dialysis kinetics, AFM, and modeling of growth rate data, from this and other laboratories. The first species formed is postulated to be a 'head to side' dimer. Through repeating associations involving the same intermolecular interactions this grows to a 4(sub 3) helix structure, that in turn serves as the basic unit for nucleation and subsequent crystal growth. High salt attenuates surface charges while promoting hydrophobic interactions. Symmetry facilitates subsequent helix-helix self-association. Assembly stability is enhanced when a four helix structure is obtained, with each bound to two neighbors. Only two unique interactions are required. The first are those for helix formation, where the dominant interaction is the intermolecular bridging anion. The second is the anti-parallel side-by-side helix-helix interaction, guided by alternating pairs of symmetry related salt bridges along each side. At this stage all eight unique positions of the P4(sub3)2(sub 1),2(sub 1) unit cell are filled. The process is one of a) attenuating the most strongly interacting groups, such that b) the molecules begin to self-associate in defined patterns, so that c) symmetry is obtained, which d) propagates as a growing crystal. Simple and conceptually obvious in hindsight, this tells much about what we are empirically doing when we crystallize macromolecules. By adjusting the growth parameters we are empirically balancing the intermolecular interactions, preferentially attenuating the dominant strong (for lysozyme the charged groups) while strengthening the lesser strong (hydrophobic) interactions. In the general case for proteins the lack of a singularly defined association pathway may lead to formation of multiple species, i.e., amorphous precipitation. Weak interactions, such as hydrogen bonds, are promiscuous, serving to strengthen rather than define specific interactions. Participation in an interaction sequesters that surface from subsequent interactions, and we expect the strongest bonds to form first. This model, its basis, how it fits into the currently understood osmotic second virial coefficient approach to crystallization, and what it suggests will be discussed.

Pusey, Marc↗
NASA NTRS1993

Diffusion effects on the helium abundance of the solar transition region and corona

The diffusion of helium in the solar transition region is studied by solving the mass and momentum conservation equations for a hydrogen-helium plasma given a representative temperature profile. Steady state solutions show that two distinct atmospheres may result. In cases where the thermal force on alpha-particles is balanced by the partial pressure gradient force, helium is the dominant coronal species. On the other hand, if it is the frictional force between protons and alpha-particles which balances the thermal force on alpha-particles then hydrogen is the major coronal component. In order to explore which of these solutions are attainable within reasonable time scales, the time-dependent equations are solved, starting from an initial state with a uniform helium abundance of 10 percent. The atmosphere as a whole is close to hydrostatic equilibrium, but due the thermal forces the individual elements are not. This force inbalance leads to a differential flow between species. It is found that this differential flow leads to a significant enhancement of the coronal helium abundance. Even for the relatively shallow temperature gradient used the helium abundance in the lower corona increases to 30 percent over a 24 hr period.

Hansteen, Viggo H.↗
NASA NTRS1997

Flow and Crystallization in Two-Layer Liquid Systems with and without a Magnetic Field

Flow, heat and mass transfer in a two-layer liquid system is investigated when the layers are subjected to a static magnetic field. The physical system consists of two immiscible liquids in a layer configuration with a free surface and an interfacial layer simulating two crystal growth configurations, namely, floating zone and horizontal zone melting. Mass transfer effects due to crystallization of one of the layers is also considered. The resulting flows are categorized into three types depending on: (a) the dominance of the free surface effect top layer, (b) a balance between the thermocapillary effect on the free surface and the interface effect between the two layers, or (c) the dominance of interfacial effects, in determining the system thermo-fluid characteristics. The use of an additional liquid layer atop the crystallizing layer leads to a reduction of the radial dopant inhomogeneity in comparison to the one-layer case. The effect an externally imposed magnetic field on dopant distribution in this two-layer configuration is rather ambiguous and depends on its direction and intensity resulting in the necessity of optimizing the applied magnetic field for a specific situation. In case of electrically non-conducting melts, the calculations show that some measure of flow control can be achieved by using an electrically conducting encapsulant layer of the desired thickness.

Feonychev, Alexander I.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Low-g simulation testing of propellant systems using neutral buoyancy

A two liquid, neutral buoyancy technique is being used to simulate propellant behavior in a weightless environment. By equalizing the density of two immiscible liquids within a container (propellant tank), the effect of gravity at the liquid interface is balanced. Therefore the surface-tension forces dominate to control the liquid/liquid system configuration in a fashion analogous to a liquid/gas system in a zero gravity environment.

Balzer, D. L.↗
NASA NTRS1980

The effect of clouds on the earth's solar and infrared radiation budgets

The effect of global cloudiness on the solar and infrared components of the earth's radiation balance is studied in general circulation model experiments. A wintertime simulation is conducted in which the cloud radiative transfer calculations use realistic cloud optical properties and are fully interactive with model-generated cloudiness. This simulation is compared to others in which the clouds are alternatively non-interactive with respect to the solar or thermal radiation calculations. Other cloud processes (formation, latent heat release, precipitation, vertical mixing) were accurately simulated in these experiments. It is concluded that on a global basis clouds increase the global radiation balance by 40 W/sq m by absorbing longwave radiation, but decrease it by 56 W/sq m by reflecting solar radiation to space. The net cloud effect is therefore a reduction of the radiation balance by 16 W/sq m, and is dominated by the cloud albedo effect. Changes in cloud frequency and distribution and in atmospheric and land temperatures are also reported for the control and for the non-interactive simulations. In general, removal of the clouds' infrared absorption cools the atmosphere and causes additional cloudiness to occur, while removal of the clouds' solar radiative properties warms the atmosphere and causes fewer clouds to form. It is suggested that layered clouds and convective clouds over water enter the climate system as positive feedback components, while convective clouds over land enter as negative components.

Herman, G. F.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Proceedings for the ICASE Workshop on Heterogeneous Boundary Conditions

Domain Decomposition is a complex problem with many interesting aspects. The choice of decomposition can be made based on many different criteria, and the choice of interface of internal boundary conditions are numerous. The various regions under study may have different dynamical balances, indicating that different physical processes are dominating the flow in these regions. This conference was called in recognition of the need to more clearly define the nature of these complex problems. This proceedings is a collection of the presentations and the discussion groups.

Perkins, A. Louise↗
NASA NTRS2010

Suprathermal Ion Pressure in the Local Interstellar Medium

The first published results from IBEX and Cassini, and the earlier termination shock crossings by the Voyagers, are strongly suggestive of geometric relation of the local interstellar magnetic field to the outer boundary region of the heliosphere. The inferred pressure of the magnetic field is not, however, high enough to balance the heliosheath particle pressure computed from the IBEX and Cassini measurements. Since the interstellar ram pressure is also relatively low, and higher energy Ge V cosmic ray ions are not trapped on the local interstellar field lines, the pressure balance at the heliopause is more likely dominated by suprathermal keV-MeV particles on both sides. This should not be surprising in view of the long history of early work by Parker and others on cosmic ray particle pressure in interstellar space but with the new insight that the dominant contribution may be at suprathermal keV-MeV energies. Supporting pressure calculations are reviewed for a model interstellar proton spectrum from earlier work of Cooper et al. (2003, 2006, 2008).

Cooper, John F.↗
NASA NTRS2015

Dynamics of CMEs in the LASCO Field of View

A large set (16000) of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) observed during 1996-2011 was selected to study their dynamics in the LASCO field of view (LFOV). These events were selected based on the criterion that at least three height-time measurements were available for each CME. The height-time measurements included in the SOHO/LASCO catalog were used to determine velocities and accelerations of the respective CMEs at successive distances from the Sun. Next, these parameters were sorted into 30 subsamples depending on the distance from the Sun at which they were determined. The mean velocities and accelerations calculated for the successive distance-dependent subsamples of CMEs were used to study their dynamics. We demonstrate that CMEs in the LFOV manifest three distinct phases of propagation: (i) The propelling Lorentz force dominates the dynamics of CMEs in the inner (C2 LASCO) FOV, (ii) a stable propagation occurs as a result of the balance between the propelling and drag forces, (iii) the drag force dominates at the outer edge of the LFOV. When we considered different categories of CME separately, we found different acceleration distance profiles for different categories.

Michalek, G.↗
NASA NTRS2005

The application of support vector machines to analysis of global satellite data sets from MlSR

The Multi-angle Imaging Spectro Radiometer (MISR) is one of a suite of five instruments onboard NASA's Terra EOS satellite, launched in December 1999. Typical satellite imagers view the earth from a single direction, but MISR's cameras image the earth simultaneously from nine different directions in four spectral bands. In this way, MISR provides unique multiangle information about solar radiation scattered from clouds, aerosols and other terrestrial surfaces. One of the primary goals of the MISR mission is to improve our understanding of how clouds and aerosols affect the earth's global energy balance.

support vector machines↗
NASA NTRS1984

The near Earth current sheet: ISEE-1 and -2 case studies

Two crossings of the near Earth current sheet are examined using magnetic field and plasma data from ISEE-1 and 2. The current sheet thickness is measured to be 0.9 Re using a 2 satellite technique which greatly reduces the ambiguity of such measurements. Approximate pressure balance is found to exist between the diamagnetically dominated current sheet and surrounding, already high beta, plasma sheet. The accurate calculation of the sheet normal velocity with the two satellite technique allows the calculation of the current density distribution in the sheet. The crosstail current density is found to peak about an ion-gyroradius on both sides of the center of the sheet. A simple model consistent with these results is discussed.

Mccomas, D. J.↗
NASA NTRS1992

The effect of cloud type on Earth's energy balance - Global analysis

The role of fractional area coverage by cloud types in the energy balance of the earth is investigated through joint use of International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) C1 cloud data and Earth Radiation Budget Experiment (ERBE) broadband energy flux data for the one-year period March 1985 through February 1986. Multiple linear regression is used to relate the radiation budget data to the cloud data. Comparing cloud forcing estimates obtained from the ISCCP-ERBE regression with those derived from the ERBE scene identification shows generally good agreement except over snow, in tropical convective regions, and in regions that are either nearly cloudless or always overcast. It is suggested that a substantial fraction of the disagreement in longwave cloud forcing in tropical convective regions is associated with the fact that the ERBE scene identification does not take into account variations in upper-tropospheric water vapor. On a global average basis, low clouds make the largest contribution to the net energy balance of the Earth, because they cover such a large area and because their albedo effect dominates their effect on emitted thermal radiation. High, optically thick clouds can also very effectively reduce the energy balance, however, because their very high albedos overcome their low emission temperatures.

Hartmann, Dennis L.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Prediction of Bubble Diameter at Detachment from a Wall Orifice in Liquid Cross Flow Under Reduced and Normal Gravity Conditions

Bubble formation and detachment is an integral part of the two-phase flow science. The objective of the present work is to theoretically investigate the effects of liquid cross-flow velocity, gas flow rate embodied in the momentum flux force, and orifice diameter on bubble formation in a wall-bubble injection configuration. A two-dimensional one-stage theoretical model based on a global force balance on the bubble evolving from a wall orifice in a cross liquid flow is presented in this work. In this model, relevant forces acting on the evolving bubble are expressed in terms of the bubble center of mass coordinates and solved simultaneously. Relevant forces in low gravity included the momentum flux, shear-lift, surface tension, drag and inertia forces. Under normal gravity conditions, the buoyancy force, which is dominant under such conditions, can be added to the force balance. Two detachment criteria were applicable depending on the gas to liquid momentum force ratio. For low ratios, the time when the bubble acceleration in the direction of the detachment angle is greater or equal to zero is calculated from the bubble x and y coordinates. This time is taken as the time at which all the detaching forces that are acting on the bubble are greater or equal to the attaching forces. For high gas to liquid momentum force ratios, the time at which the y coordinate less the bubble radius equals zero is calculated. The bubble diameter is evaluated at this time as the diameter at detachment from the fact that the bubble volume is simply given by the product of the gas flow rate and time elapsed. Comparison of the model s predictions was also made with predictions from a two-dimensional normal gravity model based on Kumar-Kuloor formulation and such a comparison is presented in this work.

Nahra, Henry K.↗
NASA NTRS1995

The 5-8 Micron Infrared Spectrum of the Galactic Center and the Composition of Interstellar Dust

Interstellar dust is an important component of the interstellar medium which dominates the opacity and, hence, regulates radiative transfer, molecule formation, and thermal balance of the ISM. Much of our knowledge on the composition of interstellar dust results from infrared spect,oscopy. The extinction along the line of sight towards the galactic center is believed to be dominated by dust in the diffuse ISM. Because of the high extinction and high IR flux, IR spectra of galactic center sources have been a prime sampling ground for the characteristics of interstellar dust. We have obtained 5-8 micrometer spectra of the galactic center using the KAO. These spectra show absorption features at 5.5, 5.8, 6.1, and 6.8 micrometers. Together with features in the 3 micrometer region previously observed by us using the IRTF, these features are compared to laboratory spectra of candidate materials. We conclude that the 3.0 and 6.1 micrometer feature are carried by H2O, likely in the form of water of hydration in interstellar silicates. The 3.4, 5.5, 5.8, and 6.8 micrometer features are due to CH2, CH3 and C=O stretching and deformation modes in a hydrocarbon grain component. Comparing derived dust abundances, we conclude that silicates dominate the interstellar dust volume. Hydrocarbon and (small) graphite grains contribute each about 0.1. The remainder of the interstellar dust volume does not show strong IR absorption features and is likely in the form of large graphite, amorphous, carbon, or diamond grains.

Tielens, A. G. G. M.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Magnetospheric plasma modeling (0-100 keV)

Spacecraft surface charging, which is primarily a current balance phenomenon, is in general a function of the dominant currents to and from the vehicle's surface. Within the near-earth magnetosphere the dominant currents to the surface are the ambient space plasma fluxes between approximately 0 and 100 keV. A major effort to understand the near-earth environment was initiated when spacecraft charging became a major issue. The present paper has the objective to summarize the basic features of the models which have resulted from this effort. A description is given of four categories of models, based primarily on the degree of empirical and theoretical input. Types of quantitative models are discussed, taking into account definitions, statistical models, analytic models, static models, and time-dependent models. Engineering models are also considered, giving attention to baseline models and 'worst-case' models.

Garrett, H. B.↗
NASA NTRS2000

Carbon and Oxygen Budgets of Subtidal and Intertidal Cyanobacterial Mats

Intertidal cyanobacterial mats (Lyngbya-dominated) are contrasted with mats (Microcoleus-dominated) that grow in subtidal (0.7m water depth) hypersaline (90-110 permil) environments. In benthic chamber experiments conducted in Oct., 1999, mats exhibited greater net uptake of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) from overlying water during the daylight period than Microcoleus mats (e.g., 200 vs 120 mmol C/m. at 26 deg C, respectively). Net DIC release at night was similar for both mats (approx. 80 mmol C/m). Daytime net O2 release by Lyngby mats exceeded that by Microcoleus mats (150 vs 100 mmol O2/m), and O2 uptake at night was comparable for both mats (60-80 mmol O2/m). Nonphotosynthetic populations are more prominent within the subtidal versus intertidal mats, and accordingly exhibited greater internal 02 uptake and DIC production during the day. Over 24 hours, Lyngby-dominated mats exhibited greater net uptake of DIC than subtidal Microcoleus mats, consistent with these intertidal mats being "pioneer" communities that constantly recover from periodic physical disruption in energetic environments. The Microcoleus-dominated mats achieve steady-state mat thicknesses by balancing primary production against diagenetic decomposition of cellular and extracellular organic constituents.

DesMarais, David J.↗
NASA NTRS2014

Evaluating the Dominant Components of Warming in Pliocene Climate Simulations

The Pliocene Model Intercomparison Project (PlioMIP) is the first coordinated climate model comparison for a warmer palaeoclimate with atmospheric CO2 significantly higher than pre-industrial concentrations. The simulations of the mid-Pliocene warm period show global warming of between 1.8 and 3.6 C above pre-industrial surface air temperatures, with significant polar amplification. Here we perform energy balance calculations on all eight of the coupled ocean-atmosphere simulations within PlioMIP Experiment 2 to evaluate the causes of the increased temperatures and differences between the models. In the tropics simulated warming is dominated by greenhouse gas increases, with the cloud component of planetary albedo enhancing the warming in most of the models, but by widely varying amounts. The responses to mid-Pliocene climate forcing in the Northern Hemisphere midlatitudes are substantially different between the climate models, with the only consistent response being a warming due to increased greenhouse gases. In the high latitudes all the energy balance components become important, but the dominant warming influence comes from the clear sky albedo, only partially offset by the increases in the cooling impact of cloud albedo. This demonstrates the importance of specified ice sheet and high latitude vegetation boundary conditions and simulated sea ice and snow albedo feedbacks. The largest components in the overall uncertainty are associated with clouds in the tropics and polar clear sky albedo, particularly in sea ice regions. These simulations show that albedo feedbacks, particularly those of sea ice and ice sheets, provide the most significant enhancements to high latitude warming in the Pliocene.

climate models↗