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At least 541 records · Page 30

A penny-shaped crack in a filament reinforced matrix. 1: The filament model

The electrostatic problem of a penny-shaped crack in an elastic matrix which reinforced by filaments or fibers perpendicular to the plane of the crack was studied. The elastic filament model was developed for application to evaluation studies of the stress intensity factor along the periphery of the crack, the stresses in the filaments or fibers, and the interface shear between the matrix and the filaments or fibers. The requirements expected of the model are a sufficiently accurate representation of the filament and applicability to the interaction problems involving a cracked elastic continuum with multi-filament reinforcements. The technique for developing the model and numerical examples of it are shown.

Erdogan, F.↗

A Model for Ice Accretion Roughness Evolution and Spatial Variations

Over the past decade, multiple investigations of ice accretion roughness and spatial variations have been performed in the Icing Research Tunnel (IRT) at the NASA Glenn Research Center. The early investigations used models of NACA 0012 airfoils with different chord sizes and focused on temporal scaling and primary cloud scaling parameters such as stagnation point collection efficiency. Subsequent investigations included the effects of model sweep, airfoil shape, airfoil lifting condition, and freestream static temperature. To develop a predictive model for roughness evolution in generalized icing situations, the maximum roughness values for the airfoils and conditions used in the angle of attack and freestream temperature investigations were scaled to eliminate the temporal variations. LEWICE simulations were employed to identify the local collection efficiency at the locations of maximum roughness, and a two-dimensional panel-method code was used to identify the local static pressure at the location of the maximum roughness. Because of the stochastic nature of ice accretion roughness, a physics-directed approach was employed to develop a multi-dimensional correlation based on the local pressure coefficient, the local total temperature, the cloud properties, and the cloud exposure time. The resulting correlation predictions are compared to ice shapes measured in the IRT for both a 21-in. NACA 0012 airfoil model and a 60-in. HAARP-II model. The resulting predictions indicate that the local freezing fraction must be included in the roughness predictive model. Implications regarding icing heat transfer predictions using the resulting roughness model are also discussed.

Icing↗

Metal hydride differential scanning calorimetry as an approach to compositional determination of mixtures of hydrogen isotopologues and helium

Gaseous mixtures of diatomic hydrogen isotopologues and helium are often encountered in the nuclear energy industry and in analytical chemistry. Compositions of stored mixtures can vary due to interactions with storage and handling materials. When tritium is present, it decays to form ions and helium-3, both of which can lead to further compositional variation. Monitoring of composition is typically achieved by mass spectrometry, a method that is bulky and energy-intensive. Mass spectrometers disperse sample material through vacuum pumps, which is especially troublesome if tritium is present. Moreover, our ultimate goal is to create a compact, fast, low-power sensor that can determine composition with minimal gas consumption and waste generation, as a complement to mass spectrometry that can be instantiated more widely. We propose calorimetry of metal hydrides as an approach to this, due to the strong isotope effect on gas absorption, and demonstrate the sensitivity of measured heat flow to atomic composition of the gas. Peak shifts are discernible when mole fractions change by at least 1%. A mass flow restriction results in a unique dependence of the measurement on helium concentration. We present a mathematical model as a first step toward prediction of the peak shapes and positions. The model includes a useful method to compute estimates of phase diagrams for palladium in the presence of arbitrary mixtures of hydrogen isotopologues. As a result, we expect that this approach can be used to deduce unknown atomic compositions from measured calorimetric data over a useful range of partial pressures of each component.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Updates on the Debrisat Hypervelocity Experiment and Characterization of Fragments in Support of Environmental Models

To develop, maintain, and update orbital debris environmental and break-up models, such as the NASA Orbital Debris Engineering Model (ORDEM) and the NASA Standard Satellite Breakup Model (SSBM), the NASA Orbital Debris Program Office (ODPO) relies on the most recent validated datasets from various measurement sources, both laboratory and environmental. One key project that will provide insight for break-up events using modern-day spacecraft materials and construction techniques is the DebriSat laboratory hypervelocity-impact test. Based on the mass of the target, the projectile, and the impact velocity, the expected number of fragments greater than 2 mm, generated using the NASA SSBM, was estimated to be close to 85,000. To date, the DebriSat fragment database continues to grow, with over 200,000 fragments collected that will help inform updates to the SSBM. Additionally, the growing fragment ensemble will support key parameters for the next release of NASA’s environmental models, employing fragment shapes, densities, and size distributions. To further support these environmental models, specifically the size parameter used in ground-based optical measurements, optical characterization on a subset of DebriSat fragments is being conducted in ODPO’s Optical Measurement Center (OMC). Broadband bidirectional reflectance distribution (BRDF) measurements will provide insight into the optical-based NASA Size Estimation Model (OSEM). The OSEM equates an object’s brightness to size (e.g., diameter of a disk or sphere) given several assumed parameters, including a defined phase function, albedo, and range. To address the first defined parameter, the ODPO has been using ray-tracing software to simulate light conditions in the OMC and to generate phase functions (i.e., specular, Lambertian, and experimentally-derived) of known shapes, materials, and sizes. This simulated data, in addition to the experimentally derived measurements collected in the OMC, will aid in determining whether a new phase function would be suitable for an updated OSEM. The OSEM also assumes a single-value albedo, thus pre-impact spectral measurements on a subset of DebriSat materials were acquired for baseline material characterization and to provide insight into spacecraft material taxonomies. This DebriSat spectral data, along with spectral measurements from other known spacecraft material samples, will allow for better analyses of albedo variations and the effect on size calculations of defined laboratory targets, thus further supporting OSEM updates. This paper provides an overview of DebriSat, the status of the project, updates on the parameter distributions, an overview of the NASA SSBM, and ongoing fragment characterization efforts within the OMC.

Heather Cowardin↗

Updates on the DebriSat Hypervelocity Experiment and Characterization of Fragments in Support of Environmental Models

To develop, maintain, and update orbital debris environmental and break-up models, such as the NASA Orbital Debris Engineering Model (ORDEM) and the NASA Standard Satellite Breakup Model (SSBM), the NASA Orbital Debris Program Office (ODPO) relies on the most recent validated datasets from various measurement sources, both laboratory and environmental. One key project that will provide insight for break-up events using modern-day spacecraft materials and construction techniques is the DebriSat laboratory hypervelocity-impact test. Based on the mass of the target, the projectile, and the impact velocity, the expected number of fragments greater than 2 mm, generated using the NASA SSBM, was estimated to be close to 85,000. To date, the DebriSat fragment database continues to grow, with over 200,000 fragments collected that will help inform updates to the SSBM. Additionally, the growing fragment ensemble will support key parameters for the next release of NASA’s environmental models, employing fragment shapes, densities, and size distributions. To further support these environmental models, specifically the size parameter used in ground-based optical measurements, optical characterization on a subset of DebriSat fragments is being conducted in ODPO’s Optical Measurement Center (OMC). Broadband bidirectional reflectance distribution (BRDF) measurements will provide insight into the optical-based NASA Size Estimation Model (OSEM). The OSEM equates an object’s brightness to size (e.g., diameter of a disk or sphere) given several assumed parameters, including a defined phase function, albedo, and range. To address the first defined parameter, the ODPO has been using ray-tracing software to simulate light conditions in the OMC and to generate phase functions (i.e., specular, Lambertian, and experimentally-derived) of known shapes, materials, and sizes. This simulated data, in addition to the experimentally derived measurements collected in the OMC, will aid in determining whether a new phase function would be suitable for an updated OSEM. The OSEM also assumes a single-value albedo, thus preimpact spectral measurements on a subset of DebriSat materials were acquired for baseline material characterization and to provide insight into spacecraft material taxonomies. This DebriSat spectral data, along with spectral measurements from other known spacecraft material samples, will allow for better analyses of albedo variations and the effect on size calculations of defined laboratory targets, thus further supporting OSEM updates. This paper provides an overview of DebriSat, the status of the project, updates on the parameter distributions, an overview of the NASA SSBM, and ongoing fragment characterization efforts within the OMC.

Heather Cowardin↗

Effects of Polymer Morphology on Proton Solvation and Transport in Proton-Exchange Membranes

The effects of polymer morphology on proton solvation and transport in hydrated Nafion are investigated by using a novel reactive molecular dynamics approach. Three of the most significant morphological models of Nafion, the lamellar model, the cylinder model, and the cluster-channel model, are studied. The three models exhibit distinct proton transport (PT) patterns, which result in different proton diffusion rates. In both the lamellar and the cylinder models, the interaction between protons and the sulfonate groups is shown to be the key factor in determining PT behavior. For the cluster-channel model, the geometrical shape also plays an important role in influencing the PT behavior. The change in the excess proton solvation structure as a function of the distance between protons and sulfonate groups is also analyzed. It is found that the increase of the water cylinder radius or water layer height leads to the presence of more protons around the sulfonate groups, while, for the cluster model, an increase in the water sphere radius leads to the presence of fewer protons around the sulfonate groups. Furthermore, for the lamellar and cylinder models, the hydrated protons around the sulfonate groups consist of more Zundel-like (H 5 O 2 + ) structures when the hydration levels decrease, which is also influenced by the different morphological structures of Nafion.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

L{sub CO}{sup ′}/L{sub FIR} relations with CO rotational ladders of galaxies across the Herschel spire archive

We present a catalog of all CO (J = 4−3 through J = 13−12), [C i], and [N ii] lines available from extragalactic spectra from the Herschel SPIRE Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS) archive combined with observations of the low-J CO lines from the literature and from the Arizona Radio Observatory. This work examines the relationships between L {sub FIR}, L{sub CO}{sup ′}, and L {sub CO}/L {sub CO,1−0}. We also present a new method for estimating probability distribution functions from marginal signal-to-noise ratio Herschel FTS spectra, which takes into account the instrumental “ringing” and the resulting highly correlated nature of the spectra. The slopes of log(L {sub FIR}) versus log(L{sub CO}{sup ′}) are linear for all mid- to high-J CO lines and slightly sublinear if restricted to (ultra)luminous infrared galaxies ((U)LIRGs). The mid- to high-J CO luminosity relative to CO J = 1−0 increases with increasing L {sub FIR}, indicating higher excitement of the molecular gas, although these ratios do not exceed ∼180. For a given bin in L {sub FIR}, the luminosities relative to CO J = 1−0 remain relatively flat from J = 6−5 through J = 13−12, across three orders of magnitude of L {sub FIR}. A single component theoretical photodissociation region (PDR) model cannot match these flat SLED shapes, although combinations of PDR models with mechanical heating added qualitatively match the shapes, indicating the need for further comprehensive modeling of the excitation processes of warm molecular gas in nearby galaxies.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Drivers of Dry Day Sensitivity to Increased CO 2

Persistent precipitation deficits are among the most impactful consequences of global warming. Here we focus on changes in the annual number of dry days (NDD) and in the annual maximum length of dry spells due to a quadrupling of atmospheric CO 2 . We use atmosphere-only simulations to decompose the projected changes into additive contributions. A fast adjustment leads to a global increase in NDD despite notable regional exceptions (e.g., South Asia and Sahel). The effect of the uniform component of the surface ocean warming is model-dependent but shapes the regional distribution of the NDD response in each model. Finally, the ocean warming pattern also contributes to large uncertainties, likely through contrasting changes in large-scale circulation. Our results thus highlight the complexity of the NDD response, with policy-relevant practical implications for mitigation and adaptation strategies.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

On the stability of Schwarzschild's triaxial galaxy model

The numerical model for a triaxial galaxy constructed by Schwartzschild (1979) has been tested by means of fully self-consistent three-dimensional n-body numerical experiments that use a representation of this model to start the integration. The integration, study models, initial load, and correcting potential of the experiment are detailed. Preliminary checks included density values, potential values, and integration in potential of an ideal model. The results showed some particle loss and no significant shape change. The model is rugged and robust, and no growing disturbances with growth rate in excess of 0.5 per crossing time could be detected. Runs were done at 50 percent excess halo and with tube orbits reversed.

Smith, B. F.↗

Cirrus microphysics and radiative transfer: Cloud field study on October 28, 1986

The radiative properties of cirrus clouds present one of the unresolved problems in weather and climate research. Uncertainties in ice particle amount and size and, also, the general inability to model the single scattering properties of their usually complex particle shapes, prevent accurate model predictions. For an improved understanding of cirrus radiative effects, field experiments, as those of the Cirrus IFO of FIRE, are necessary. Simultaneous measurements of radiative fluxes and cirrus microphysics at multiple cirrus cloud altitudes allows the pitting of calculated versus measured vertical flux profiles; with the potential to judge current cirrus cloud modeling. Most of the problems in this study are linked to the inhomogeneity of the cloud field. Thus, only studies on more homogeneous cirrus cloud cases promises a possibility to improve current cirrus parameterizations. Still, the current inability to detect small ice particles will remain as a considerable handicap.

Kinne, Stefan↗

Assessing the Heat Transfer Modeling Capabilities of CFD Software for Involute-Shaped Plate Research Reactors

The ongoing efforts to convert High-Performance Research Reactors (HPRRs) using Highly Enriched Uranium (HEU) to Low-Enriched Uranium (LEU) fuel require reliable thermal–hydraulic assessments of modified core designs. The involute-shaped fuel plates used in several major HPRRs present unique modeling challenges due to their compact core geometries and high heat flux conditions. This study evaluates the capability of three commercial CFD tools, STAR-CCM+, COMSOL, and ANSYS CFX, to predict cladding-to-coolant heat transfer using Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) methods within the thermal–hydraulic regimes of involute-shaped plate reactors. Broad sensitivity analysis was conducted across a range of reactor-relevant parameters using two turbulence models (k−ϵ and k−ω SST) and different near-wall treatment strategies. The results were benchmarked against the Sieder–Tate correlation and experimental data from historic studies. The codes produced consistent results, showing good agreement with the empirical correlation of Sieder–Tate and the experimental measurements. The findings support the use of these commercial CFD codes as effective tools for assessing the thermal–hydraulic performance of involute-shaped plate HPRRs and guide future LEU core development.

CFD↗

Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator (HIAD) Technology Development Overview

The successful flight of the Inflatable Reentry Vehicle Experiment (IRVE)-3 has further demonstrated the potential value of Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator (HIAD) technology. This technology development effort is funded by NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) Game Changing Development Program (GCDP). This paper provides an overview of a multi-year HIAD technology development effort, detailing the projects completed to date and the additional testing planned for the future. The effort was divided into three areas: Flexible Systems Development (FSD), Mission Advanced Entry Concepts (AEC), and Flight Validation. FSD consists of a Flexible Thermal Protection Systems (FTPS) element, which is investigating high temperature materials, coatings, and additives for use in the bladder, insulator, and heat shield layers; and an Inflatable Structures (IS) element which includes manufacture and testing (laboratory and wind tunnel) of inflatable structures and their associated structural elements. AEC consists of the Mission Applications element developing concepts (including payload interfaces) for missions at multiple destinations for the purpose of demonstrating the benefits and need for the HIAD technology as well as the Next Generation Subsystems element. Ground test development has been pursued in parallel with the Flight Validation IRVE-3 flight test. A larger scale (6m diameter) HIAD inflatable structure was constructed and aerodynamically tested in the National Full-scale Aerodynamics Complex (NFAC) 40ft by 80ft test section along with a duplicate of the IRVE-3 3m article. Both the 6m and 3m articles were tested with instrumented aerodynamic covers which incorporated an array of pressure taps to capture surface pressure distribution to validate Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model predictions of surface pressure distribution. The 3m article also had a duplicate IRVE-3 Thermal Protection System (TPS) to test in addition to testing with the Aerocover configuration. Both the Aerocovers and the TPS were populated with high contrast targets so that photogrammetric solutions of the loaded surface could be created. These solutions both refined the aerodynamic shape for CFD modeling and provided a deformed shape to validate structural Finite Element Analysis (FEA) models. Extensive aerothermal testing has been performed on the TPS candidates. This testing has been conducted in several facilities across the country. The majority of the testing has been conducted in the Boeing Large Core Arc Tunnel (LCAT). HIAD is continuing to mature testing methodology in this facility and is developing new test sample fixtures and control methodologies to improve understanding and quality of the environments to which the samples are subjected. Additional testing has been and continues to be performed in the NASA LaRC 8ft High Temperature Tunnel, where samples up to 2ft by 2ft are being tested over representative underlying structures incorporating construction features such as sewn seams and through-thickness quilting. With the successful completion to the IRVE-3 flight demonstration, mission planning efforts are ramping up on the development of the HIAD Earth Atmospheric Reenty Test (HEART) which will demonstrate a relevant scale vehicle in relevant environments via a large-scale aeroshell (approximately 8.5m) entering at orbital velocity (approximately 7km/sec) with an entry mass on the order of 4MT. Also, the Build to Print (BTP) hardware built as a risk mitigation for the IRVE-3 project to have a "spare" ready to go in the event of a launch vehicle delivery failure is now available for an additional sub-orbital flight experiment. Mission planning is underway to define a mission that can utilize this existing hardware and help the HIAD project further mature this technology.

Hughes, Stephen J.↗

On the shape and albedo variegation of asteroids - Results from Fourier analysis of synthetic and observed asteroid lightcurves

Fourier analyses have been conducted of those asteroids in the Lagerkvist et al. (1987) lightcurves with substantially complete phase coverage and point density, and for which a unique period has been identified. Fourier coefficients are thereby obtained for 188 lightcurves of 91 asteroids, as well as for 868 synthetic lightcurves from a set of models different in shape and albedo markings; by comparing model and asteroid lightcurve coefficients, the possible shape and albedo variations for 18 asteroids are derived. An attempt is made to define the general distribution of shapes of all asteroid samples analyzed.

Barucci, M. Antonietta↗

Discrete element modeling of granular hopper flow of irregular-shaped deformable particles

Many natural and engineered granular materials have relatively deformable particles. Besides particle size and shape, particle deformability is another salient factor that significantly impacts the material’s flow behavior. Here, in this work, the flow of irregular-shaped deformable particles in a wedge-shaped hopper is investigated using discrete element simulations. A bonded-sphere model is developed to simultaneously capture irregular particle shapes and particle-wise deformations (e.g., compression, deflection, and distortion). Quantitative analysis of the effects of irregular shapes and particle deformations shows that the increase in particle stiffness tends to increase initial packing porosity and decrease the flow rate in the hopper. Rigid particles tend to have clogging issues, whereas deformable particles have less chance to, indicating particle deformation reduces the critical bridging width in the hopper flow. Detailed analysis of stress fields is also conducted to provide insights into the mechanism of particle flow and clogging. Stresses and discharge rates calculated from numerical simulations are compared and show good agreement with Walker’s theory and the extended Beverloo formula. Simulations with various particle shape combinations are also performed and show that the initial packing porosity decreases with an increasing percentage of fibers while the discharge rate has a complex dependency on particle shapes.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

On the computation of shock shapes in nonequilibrium hypersonic flows

Several models using different descriptions of high temperature air are used to compute the bow shock shapes on experimental model configurations. The test conditions result in nonequilibrium chemical reaction and thermal excitation of the gas which has a first-order effect on the shock shapes. The computed results are compared to experiment and demonstrate that the model using seven chemical species and six temperatures predicts the experimental shock shapes very well. The other gas models, including perfect gas, equilibrium gas and one-temperature chemical nonequilibrium models are less accurate. The results illustrate the necessity of including both thermal and chemical nonequilibrium in the description of the gas. The use of these experimental data makes it possible to verify aspects of current and future chemically reacting flow algorithms.

Candler, Graham↗

Effect of Particle Shape on Mechanical Behaviors of Rocks: A Numerical Study Using Clumped Particle Model

Since rocks are aggregates of mineral particles, the effect of mineral microstructure on macroscopic mechanical behaviors of rocks is inneglectable. Rock samples of four different particle shapes are established in this study based on clumped particle model, and a sphericity index is used to quantify particle shape. Model parameters for simulation in PFC are obtained by triaxial compression test of quartz sandstone, and simulation of triaxial compression test is then conducted on four rock samples with different particle shapes. It is seen from the results that stress thresholds of rock samples such as crack initiation stress, crack damage stress, and peak stress decrease with the increasing of the sphericity index. The increase of sphericity leads to a drop of elastic modulus and a rise in Poisson ratio, while the decreasing sphericity usually results in the increase of cohesion and internal friction angle. Based on volume change of rock samples during simulation of triaxial compression test, variation of dilation angle with plastic strain is also studied.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Use of shape-preserving interpolation methods in surface modeling

In many large-scale scientific computations, it is necessary to use surface models based on information provided at only a finite number of points (rather than determined everywhere via an analytic formula). As an example, an equation of state (EOS) table may provide values of pressure as a function of temperature and density for a particular material. These values, while known quite accurately, are typically known only on a rectangular (but generally quite nonuniform) mesh in (T,d)-space. Thus interpolation methods are necessary to completely determine the EOS surface. The most primitive EOS interpolation scheme is bilinear interpolation. This has the advantages of depending only on local information, so that changes in data remote from a mesh element have no effect on the surface over the element, and of preserving shape information, such as monotonicity. Most scientific calculations, however, require greater smoothness. Standard higher-order interpolation schemes, such as Coons patches or bicubic splines, while providing the requisite smoothness, tend to produce surfaces that are not physically reasonable. This means that the interpolant may have bumps or wiggles that are not supported by the data. The mathematical quantification of ideas such as physically reasonable and visually pleasing is examined.

Ftitsch, F. N.↗

Calibrating Climate Model Ensembles for Assessing Extremes in a Changing Climate

Climate models serve as indispensable tools to investigate the effect of anthropogenic emissions on current and future climate, including extremes. However, as low-dimensional approximations of the climate system, they will always exhibit biases. Several attempts have been made to correct for biases as they affect extremes prediction, predominantly focused on correcting model-simulated distribution shapes. In this study, the effectiveness of a recently published quantile-based bias correction scheme, as well as a new subset selection method introduced here, are tested out-of-sample using model-as-truth experiments. Results show that biases in the shape of distributions tend to persist through time, and therefore, correcting for shape bias is useful for past and future statements characterizing the probability of extremes. However, for statements characterized by a ratio of the probabilities of extremes between two periods, we find that correcting for shape bias often provides no skill improvement due to the dominating effect of bias in the long-term trend. Using a toy model experiment, we examine the relative importance of the shape of the distribution versus its position in response to long-term changes in radiative forcing. It confirms that the relative position of the two distributions, based on the trend, is at least as important as the shape. We encourage the community to consider all model biases relevant to their metric of interest when using a bias correction procedure and to construct out-of-sample tests that mirror the intended application.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗