Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “technical levels”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 55 records · Page 3

CarbonSAFE Rocky Mountain Phase I: Ensuring Safe Subsurface Storage of Carbon Dioxide in the Intermountain West

An integrated CCS pre-feasibility study, CarbonSAF E Rocky Mountain Phase I, was conducted by the U niversity of Utah and its partners as part of the US D epartment of Energy’s Carbon Storage Assurance a nd Facility Enterprise (CarbonSAFE) program. The a ssembled project team consisted of academic, indus try and governmental agencies covering the technic al and non- technical challenges of a commercial-sc ale CO 2 storage facility capable of storing 50 million tonnes of anthropogenically-sourced CO 2 . The Rock y Mountain CarbonSAFE team identified the Hunter Power Plant in central Utah as the primary source of CO 2 on which this study would be focused. The nea rby Huntington power plant, also operated by Rocky Mountain Power, was evaluated as a secondary sou rce of CO 2 . The Hunter plant was chosen because o f an interest in CO 2 capture technology by the plant operator, Rocky Mountain Power, and also because i t is a representative example of a typical coal-fired g enerating station in the Rocky Mountain west. Amine -based and cryogenic-based capture assessments w ere performed for approximately 3 million tonnes per year for one of the boiler units at the Hunter plant, yi elding cost of capture estimates of $\$56$/tonne and $\$4 1.50$/tonne. Transportation and intermediate compre ssion would increase the per tonne costs, but will be highly dependent on specific injection locations and available rights-of-way. A high-level technical sub-ba sinal evaluation was performed on the area surround ing the Hunter and Huntington power plants to verify CO 2 storage capacity and integrity. Initial geologic c haracterization efforts focused on sites immediately adjacent to the Hunter plant, including the deep eolia n Permian White Rim Sandstone, which in outcrop a nd core from other locations indicates high permeabi lity and high porosity. However, petrophysical logs fr om wells near Hunter indicate porosity of only 2-4%. As a result, potential injection sites were moved stru cturally down-dip (to the west), into the high permea bility (~200 mD) and high porosity (20%) Navajo san dstone. A comprehensive analysis of the reservoir a nd seals was conducted, providing data to the model , simulation and risk assessment groups on the proje ct. CO 2 capacity estimates for the Navajo Sandston e approximately 18 kilometers from the Hunter plant are well in excess of the 50 million tonnes goal of the project. Area of Review Delineation and Risk Asse ssment on the Navajo, associated seals and shallow groundwater aquifers identified the most significant risks and mitigation options. A non-technical assessment to a commercial-scale CO 2 storage facility in central Utah was conducted. EPA Underground Injection Control Class VI and National Environmental Policy Act permitting present particularly challenging issues related to the development of any saline aquifer for CO 2 storage, including the area around the Hunter plant. While surface and subsurface ownership and ri ghts are not straightforward, especially on any privat e land, many of the stakeholders in central Utah are accustomed and open to oil/gas/mineral-related activities similar to what would be required for CO 2 storage sites.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗

Factorization at subleading power and endpoint-divergent convolutions in h → γγ decay

t is by now well known that, at subleading power in scale ratios, factorization theorems for high-energy cross sections and decay amplitudes contain endpoint-divergent convolution integrals. The presence of endpoint divergences hints at a violation of simple scale separation. At the technical level, they indicate an unexpected failure of dimensional regularization and the $\overline{MS}$ subtraction scheme. In this work, we start a detailed discussion of factorization at subleading power within the framework of soft-collinear effective theory. As a concrete example, we factorize the decay amplitude for the radiative Higgs-boson decay h → γγ mediated by a b-quark loop, for which endpoint-divergent convolution integrals require both dimensional and rapidity regulators. We derive a factorization theorem for the decay amplitude in terms of bare Wilson coefficients and operator matrix elements. We show that endpoint divergences caused by rapidity divergences cancel to all orders of perturbation theory, while endpoint divergences that are regularized dimensionally can be removed by rearranging the terms in the factorization theorem. We use our result to resum the leading double-logarithmic corrections of order $α^n_sln^{2n+2}(-M^2_h/m^2_b)$ to the decay amplitude to all orders of perturbation theory.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Six-point functions and collisions in the black hole interior

In the eternal AdS black hole geometry, we consider two signals sent from the boundaries into the black hole interior shared between the two asymptotic regions. We compute three different out-of-time-order six-point functions to quantify various properties of the collision of these signals behind the horizons: (i) We diagnose the strength of the collision by probing the two-signal state on a late time slice with boundary operators. (ii) We quantify two-sided operator growth, which provides a dual description of the signals meeting in the black hole interior, in terms of the quantum butterfly effect and quantum circuits. (iii) We consider an explicit coupling between the left and right CFTs to make the wormhole traversable and extract information about the collision product from behind the horizon. At a technical level, our results rely on the method of eikonal resummation to obtain the relevant gravitational contributions to Lorentzian six-point functions at all orders in the GN-expansion. We observe that such correlation functions display an intriguing factorization property. We corroborate these results with geodesic computations of six-point functions in two- and three-dimensional gravity.

2D Gravity↗

Disorder in the early universe

Little is known about the microscopic physics that gave rise to inflation in our universe. There are many reasons to wonder if the underlying description requires a careful arrangement of ingredients or if inflation was the result of an essentially random process. At a technical level, randomness in the microphysics of inflation is closely related to disorder in solids. We develop the formalism of disorder for inflation and investigate the observational consequences of quenched disorder. We find that a common prediction is the presence of additional noise in the power spectrum or bispectrum. At a phenomenological level, these results can be recast in terms of a modulating field, allowing us to write the quadratic maximum likelihood estimator for this noise. Preliminary constraints on disorder can be derived from existing analyses but significant improvements should be possible with a dedicated treatment.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Thermodynamic Capacity of Quantum Processes

Thermodynamics imposes restrictions on what state transformations are possible. In the macroscopic limit of asymptotically many independent copies of a state—as for instance in the case of an ideal gas—the possible transformations become reversible and are fully characterized by the free energy. In this Letter, we present a thermodynamic resource theory for quantum processes that also becomes reversible in the macroscopic limit, a property that is especially rare for a resource theory of quantum channels. We identify a unique single-letter and additive quantity, the thermodynamic capacity, that characterizes the “thermodynamic value” of a quantum channel, in the sense that the work required to simulate many repetitions of a quantum process employing many repetitions of another quantum process becomes equal to the difference of the respective thermodynamic capacities. On a technical level, we provide asymptotically optimal constructions of universal implementations of quantum processes. A challenging aspect of this construction is the apparent necessity to coherently combine thermal engines that would run in different thermodynamic regimes depending on the input state. Furthermore, our results have applications in quantum Shannon theory by providing a generalized notion of quantum typical subspaces and by giving an operational interpretation to the entropy difference of a channel.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Dataset for Biorefinery-specific feedstock price variability, Part 1: Corn stover

This dataset was utilized in a report to highlight parameters that affect near-term sustainable supply of corn stover and forest resources at $56 and $74 per dry ton delivered. While the report focus is restricted to 2018, the modeling runs are available from 2016-2022. In the 2016 Billion-ton Report (BT16), two stover cases were presented. In this dataset, we vary technical levels of those assumptions to measure stover supply response and to evaluate the major determinants of stover supply. In each of these cases, the supply is modeled first at the farmgate at prices up to $80 per dry ton for five deterministic scenarios. Building on this dataset, a supplementary dataset of delivered supply was modeled for 800k dry ton per year capacity facilities in two facility siting approaches. Results were summarized across delivered supply curves for twelve scenarios. The resulting supply curves are highly elastic, resulting in a range of potential supplies across scenarios at specified prices. Interactive visualization of these data allows exploration into any specified nth plant supply sensitivity to key variables and spatial distribution of stover resources. The analysis is economic supply risk and doesn’t account for disruptions from competing demands, namely livestock feed and bedding markets. Scenario ending in _BC3080 is a reference scenario consistent with BT16 Basecase (BC1), but with corn stover price isolation. Scenario ending in _OHB080 includes high operational efficiency constraints for corn stover. Scenario ending in _OLB080 includes low operational efficiency constraints for corn stover. Scenario ending in _PLB080 includes low opportunity cost. Scenario ending in _PHB080 includes high opportunity cost. No Land Rental costs are applied to these scenarios. All scenarios were under an exogenous price simulation using POLYSYS (v2017).

Agricultural residues, biomass resources, 2018, bi↗

A Primer on Phased Array Radar Technology for the Atmospheric Sciences

The scientific community has expressed interest in the potential of phased array radars (PARs) to observe the atmosphere with finer spatial and temporal scales. Although convergence has occurred between the meteorological and engineering communities, the need exists to increase access of PAR to meteorologists. Here, we facilitate these interdisciplinary efforts in the field of ground-based PARs for atmospheric studies. We cover high-level technical concepts and terminology for PARs as applied to studies of the atmosphere. A historical perspective is provided as context along with an overview of PAR system architectures, technical challenges, and opportunities. Envisioned scan strategies are summarized because they are distinct from traditional mechanically scanned radars and are the most advantageous for high-resolution studies of the atmosphere. Further, open access to PAR data is emphasized as a mechanism to educate the future generation of atmospheric scientists. Finally, a vision for the future of operational networks, research facilities, and expansion into complementary radar wavelengths is provided.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Neutron and X-ray Studies of Advanced Materials VII Symposium at the 143rd TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition

The Neutron and X-Ray Studies of Advanced Materials VII Symposium, held at the 2014, 143rd Annual Meeting of The Minerals, Metals, and Materials Society (TMS), brought together experts, young investigators, and students from this sub-discipline of materials science in order for them to share their latest discoveries and develop collaborations. This annual symposium, which is organized by The Minerals, Metals, and Materials Society, is an important event for this community of scientists. This year, over 100 high-level technical talks were delivered over the course of the four day event. In addition, the large number of students and young investigators in attendance ensured the maximum benefit to the next generation’s work force in this area of study. The science surrounding the utilization of neutrons and x-rays to study advanced materials is becoming increasingly important in increasing the understanding of how the exceptional materials properties of such materials arise. In particular, x-rays and neutrons can be used to visualize material structures at an extremely high resolution and in some cases, three dimensions—allowing unprecedented insights into the mechanisms governing certain materials properties such as strength and toughness. Moreover, some of these techniques allow materials to be visualized without damaging the material, approaches known as non-destructive evaluation or “NDE”. This allows materials to be studied in 3 dimensions while undergoing change in real time which represents an important (and long sought-after) advancement in materials science. The types of interactions afforded by this event are beneficial to society at large primarily because they provide opportunities for the leaders within this field to learn from one another and thus improve the quality and productivity of their investigations. Additionally, the presence of young investigators and students with technical interests in this field provides promise that the United States will continue to be a leader in this area. The support provided by the Department of Energy for this event directly enhanced its impact on the field by helping a number of students, young investigators, and technical experts attend and participate in this event.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

(Mis)Understanding Radiation

This set of slides discusses radiation and fears concerning it at a non-technical level. Included are some misconceptions and practical consequences resulting from these. The concept of radiation hormesis is explained. The author concludes that a number of significant societal benefits are being foregone because of overly cautious concerns about low-level radiation.

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTAN↗

Integrated Pre-Feasibility Assessment for a Northern Michigan Basin CarbonSAFE CO 2 Storage Complex

One of the key gaps in the critical path toward carbon capture and storage (CCS) deployment is the development of commercial-scale (50+ million metric tons carbon dioxide [CO2]) geologic storage sites for CO 2 from industrial sources. There has been relatively little effort by the private sector to identify and certify (i.e., regulatory permit) geologic storage sites that are capable of storing commercial-scale volumes of CO 2 , primarily because of the lack of immediate economic incentives. As a result, commercial-scale CO 2 sources that want to develop CCS projects face the risk of not finding a suitable saline storage site for their captured CO 2 . Carbon Storage Assurance Facility Enterprise (CarbonSAFE) is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)-sponsored effort to develop an integrated CCS storage complex constructed and permitted for operation in the 2025 timeframe over a series of sequential phases of development: Integrated CCS Pre-Feasibility, Storage Complex Feasibility, Site Characterization, and Permitting and Construction. Subject to availability of funds, a series of funding opportunity announcements (FOAs) are planned to accomplish this mission. This document describes a project that addresses DOE FOA-1584 Phase I: Integrated Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Pre-Feasibility. The objective of this project was to take the first step in developing an integrated commercial geologic CO 2 storage complex in the Northern Michigan Basin, herein referred to as the CarbonSAFE – Northern Michigan Basin (CS-NMB) storage complex. This includes demonstrating that the storage sites within the complex have the potential to store more than 50 million metric tons (MMT) of industrially-sourced CO 2 emissions safely, permanently and economically. To achieve the overall objective of the Phase I pre-feasibility study, FOA-1584 required three activities: • Perform a high-level technical sub-basinal evaluation to identify a potential storage complex with storage site(s), including a description of the geology and risks associated with the potential storage site; identify and evaluate potential CO 2 sources. • Develop a plan for the storage complex and storage site(s) including a strategy that would enable an integrated capture and storage project to be economically feasible and publicly acceptable. • Form a CCS coordination team capable of addressing regulatory, legislative, technical, public policy, commercial, financial, etc. challenges specific to commercial-scale deployment of the CO 2 storage project.

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗

Grid Ready: Strategies for Interconnecting Large-Scale PV in New York City

This Grid Ready Solar project is intended to help create transparency for building owners and developers, so they can better understand and more quickly navigate the interconnection process for large-scale photovoltaic (PV) projects on Con Edison's electrical grid in New York City. Phase 1 of the project provided high-level technical screens of grid interconnection requirements in an attempt to streamline the interconnection of large-scale solar PV systems to the New York City grid. In Phase 2 of the Grid Ready project, the focus of this report, Sustainable CUNY worked with NREL to evaluate a range of solutions for improving the economics of large-scale (over 200 kW) PV within the five boroughs of New York City that are in Con Edison's service territory, as identified on the NY Solar Map.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Plant Efficiency Evaluation at Navajo Generating Station

Summary report of a high-level technical and engineering assessment of opportunities for improving the heat rate (i.e., efficiency) of the three existing coal-fueled electric generating units at the Navajo Generating Station located near Page, Arizona.

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗

Phase C aerothermodynamic data base

Summary listings of published documentation of SADSAC processed data arranged chronologically and by shuttle configuration are presented to provide an up-to-date record of all applicable aerothermodynamic data collected, processed, or summarized in the course of the space shuttle program. The various tables or listings are designed to provide survey information to the various space shuttle managerial and technical levels. The various listings of the shuttle test data information, the list contents, and the purpose are described.

Moser, M., Jr.↗

Aerothermodynamic data base. Data file contents report, phase C

Space shuttle aerothermodynamic data, collected from a continuing series of wind tunnel tests, are permanently stored with the Data Management Services (DMS) system. Information pertaining to current baseline configuration definition is also stored. Documentation of DMS processed data arranged sequentially and by space shuttle configuration is listed to provide an up-to-date record of all applicable aerothermodynamic data collected, processed, or summarized during the space shuttle program. Tables provide survey information to the various space shuttle managerial and technical levels.

Lutz, G. R.↗

The unitary group and the electron correlation problem

A survey is given of the background and development of the unitary group approach and its graphically-based implementations for electronic structure calculations. The nature of the unitary group and its relationship to the electronic many-body problem are briefly discussed, as well as the reasons, purpose, and methodology of its application to this problem. As much as possible, this discussion is on a mostly intuitive, non-technical level. Finally, recent accomplishments and expected future developments are briefly mentioned.

Shavitt, I.↗

Aerothermodynamic Data Base

Space shuttle aerothermodynamic data, collected from a continuing series of wind tunnel tests, are permanently stored with the Data Management Services (DMS) system. Information pertaining to current baseline configuration definition is also stored. A list of documentation of DMS processed data arranged sequentially and by space shuttle configuration is presented. The listing provides an up to date record of all applicable aerothermodynamic data collected, processed, or summarized during the space shuttle program. Tables are designed to provide survey information to the various space shuttle managerial and technical levels.

Source record↗

Space Shuttle aerothermodynamic data report, phase C

Space shuttle aerothermodynamic data, collected from a continuing series of wind tunnel tests, are permanently stored with the Data Management Services (DMS) system. Information pertaining to current baseline configuration definition is also stored. Documentation of DMS processed data arranged sequentially and by space shuttle configuration are included. An up-to-date record of all applicable aerothermodynamic data collected, processed, or summarized during the space shuttle program is provided. Tables are designed to provide suvery information to the various space shuttle managerial and technical levels.

Source record↗

Overview of space propulsion systems for identifying nondestructive evaluation and health monitoring opportunities

The next generation of space propulsion systems will be designed to incorporate advanced health monitoring and nondestructive inspection capabilities. As a guide to help the nondestructive evaluation (NDE) community impact the development of these space propulsion systems, several questions should be addressed. An overview of background and current information on space propulsion systems at both the programmatic and technical levels is provided. A framework is given that will assist the NDE community in addressing key questions raised during the 2 to 5 April 1990 meeting of the Joint Army-Navy-NASA-Air Force (JANNAF) Nondestructive Evaluation Subcommittee (NDES).

Generazio, Edward R.↗