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At least 559 records · Page 31

A Tabletop Tool for Modeling Life Support Systems

This paper describes the development plan for a comprehensive research and diagnostic tool for aspects of advanced life support systems in space-based laboratories. Specifically it aims to build a high fidelity tabletop model that can be used for the purpose of risk mitigation, failure mode analysis, contamination tracking, and testing reliability. We envision a comprehensive approach involving experimental work coupled with numerical simulation to develop this diagnostic tool. It envisions a 10% scale transparent model of a space platform such as the International Space Station that operates with water or a specific matched index of refraction liquid as the working fluid. This allows the scaling of a 10 ft x 10 ft x 10 ft room with air flow to 1 ft x 1 ft x 1 ft tabletop model with water/liquid flow. Dynamic similitude for this length scale dictates model velocities to be 67% of full-scale and thereby the time scale of the model to represent 15% of the full- scale system; meaning identical processes in the model are completed in 15% of the full- scale time. The use of an index matching fluid (fluid that matches the refractive index of cast acrylic, the model material) allows making the entire model (with complex internal geometry) transparent and hence conducive to non-intrusive optical diagnostics. So using such a system one can test environment control parameters such as core flows (axial flows), cross flows (from registers and diffusers), potential problem areas such as flow short circuits, inadequate oxygen content, build up of other gases beyond desirable levels, test mixing processes within the system at local nodes or compartments and assess the overall system performance. The system allows quantitative measurements of contaminants introduced in the system and allows testing and optimizing the tracking process and removal of contaminants. The envisaged system will be modular and hence flexible for quick configuration change and subsequent testing. The data and inferences from the tests will allow for improvements in the development and design of next generation life support systems and configurations.

Ramachandran, N.↗

Theoretical Basis for Estimated Test Times and Conditions for Drop Tower and Space-Based Droplet Burning Experiments With Methanol and N-Heptane

In order to develop an extensive envelope of test conditions for NASA's space-based Droplet Combustion Experiment (DCE) as well those droplet experiments which can be performed using a drop tower, the transient vaporization and combustion of methanol and n-heptane droplets were simulated using a recently developed fully time-dependent, spherically symmetric droplet combustion model. The transient vaporization of methanol and n-heptane was modeled to characterize the instantaneous gas phase composition surrounding the droplet prior to the introduction of an ignition source. The results for methanol/air showed that the entire gas phase surrounding a 2 mm methanol droplet deployed in zero-g .quickly falls outside the lean flammability limit. The gas phase surrounding an identically-sized n-heptane droplet, on the other hand, remains flammable. The combustion of methanol was then modeled considering a detailed gas phase chemical kinetic mechanism (168 steps, 26 species) and the effect of the dissolution of flame-generated water into the liquid droplet. These results were used to determine the critical ignition diameter required to achieve quasi-steady droplet combustion in a given oxidizing environment. For droplet diameters greater than the critical ignition diameter, the model predicted a finite diameter at which the flame would extinguish. These extinction diameters were found to vary significantly with initial droplet diameter. This phenomenon appears to be unique to the transient heat transfer, mass transfer and chemical kinetics of the system and thus has not been reported elsewhere to date. The extinction diameter was also shown to vary significantly with the liquid phase Lewis number since the amount of water present in the droplet at extinction is largely governed by the rate at which water is transported into the droplet via mass diffusion. Finally, the numerical results for n-heptane combustion were obtained using both 2 step and 96 step semi-emperical chemical kinetic mechanisms. Neither mechanism exhibited the variation of extinction diameter with initial diameter.

Marchese, Anthony J.↗

The generation of a multiphase medium in ‘Splash’ bridge systems: towards an understanding of star formation suppression in turbulent galaxy systems

ABSTRACT Cloud–cloud collisions in splash bridges produced in gas-rich disc galaxy collisions offer a brief but interesting environment to study the effects of shocks and turbulence on star formation rates in the diffuse intergalactic medium, far from the significant feedback effects of massive star formation and active galactic nucleus. Expanding on our earlier work, we describe simulated collisions between counter-rotating disc galaxies of relatively similar mass, focusing on the thermal and kinematic effects of relative inclination and disc offset at the closest approach. This includes essential heating and cooling signatures, which go some way towards explaining the luminous power in H$_2$ and [C ii] emission in the Taffy bridge, as well as providing a partial explanation of the turbulent nature of the recently observed compact CO-emitting clouds observed in Taffy by the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA). The models show counter-rotating disc collisions result in swirling, shearing kinematics for the gas in much of the post-collision bridge. Gas with little specific angular momentum due to collisions between counter-rotating streams accumulates near the centre of mass. The disturbances and mixing in the bridge drive continuing cloud collisions, differential shock heating, and cooling throughout. A wide range of relative gas phases and line-of-sight velocity distributions are found in the bridges, depending sensitively on initial disc orientations, and the resulting variety of cloud collision histories. Most cloud collisions can occur promptly or persist for quite a long duration. Cold and hot phases can largely overlap throughout the bridge or can be separated into different parts of the bridge.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Step-by-Step Simulation of Radiation Chemistry Using Green Functions for Diffusion-Influenced Reactions

Radiolytic species are formed approximately 1 ps after the passage of ionizing radiation through matter. After their formation, they diffuse and chemically react with other radiolytic species and neighboring biological molecules, leading to various oxidative damage. Therefore, the simulation of radiation chemistry is of considerable importance to understand how radiolytic species damage biological molecules [1]. The step-by-step simulation of chemical reactions is difficult, because the radiolytic species are distributed non-homogeneously in the medium. Consequently, computational approaches based on Green functions for diffusion-influenced reactions should be used [2]. Recently, Green functions for more complex type of reactions have been published [3-4]. We have developed exact random variate generators of these Green functions [5], which will allow us to use them in radiation chemistry codes. Moreover, simulating chemistry using the Green functions is which is computationally very demanding, because the probabilities of reactions between each pair of particles should be evaluated at each timestep [2]. This kind of problem is well adapted for General Purpose Graphic Processing Units (GPGPU), which can handle a large number of similar calculations simultaneously. These new developments will allow us to include more complex reactions in chemistry codes, and to improve the calculation time. This code should be of importance to link radiation track structure simulations and DNA damage models.

Plante, Ianik↗

Flight test investigation of the vortex wake characteristics behind a Boeing 727 during two-segment and normal ILS approaches

A series of flight tests were performed to evaluate the vortex wake characteristics of a Boeing 727 (B727-200) aircraft during conventional and two-segment ILS approaches. Flights of the B727, equipped with smoke generators for vortex marking, were flown wherein its vortex wake was intentionally encountered by a Lear Jet model 23 (LR-23) or a Piper Twin Comanche (Pa-30); and its vortex location during landing approach was measured using a system of photo-theodolites. The tests showed that at a given separation distance there were no differences in the upsets resulting from deliberate vortex encounters during the two types of approaches. Timed mappings of the position of the landing configuration vortices showed that they tended to descend approximately 91 meters (300 feet) below the flight path of the B727. The flaps of the B727 have a dominant effect on the character of the trailed wake vortex. The clean wing produces a strong, concentrated vortex. As the flaps are lowered, the vortex system becomes more diffuse. Pilot opinion and roll acceleration data indicate that 4.5 nautical miles would be a minimum separation distance at which roll control could be maintained during parallel encounters of the B727's landing configuration wake by small aircraft.

Garodz, L. J.↗

A Modified Sand’s Time Incorporating Li-Ion Transport Across the SEI: Basis for Understanding Li Dendrite Formation and Li-Metal Battery Electrolyte Selection

Abstract Understanding the initiation of lithium dendrites remains elusive, largely due to the intricate role of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) which forms on the Li surface during electrodeposition. Many studies have utilized the classical Sand’s equation to estimate the onset time when lithium dendrites begin to form. The Sand’s equation provides the time when the cation (Li+) concentration at the electrode-electrolyte interface approaches zero under diffusion-limited conditions in galvanostatic Li electrodeposition. However, recent experimental studies have revealed that the observed lithium dendrite onset time deviates considerably from the Sand’s time. Here, we show that this deviation from classical theory is likely due to the transport of Li+ ions through the SEI - a transport limitation that is much more dominant in controlling dendrite formation. We develop a ‘modified’ Sand's equation, incorporating the SEI layer and the diffusional transport across it to predict Li dendrite onset times. To validate this approach, we conducted Li electrodeposition experiments at various current densities using two distinct organic electrolytes. Analysis of the results demonstrates that the modified Sand's equation provides a more accurate prediction of dendrite onset times, highlighting the importance of incorporating SEI into transport models of Li plating in next-generation rechargeable Li-metal batteries.

Ma, Yuanman (ORCID:0000000200444811)↗

An MPMD approach coupling electromagnetic continuum mechanics approximations in ALEGRA

In this work, two complementary approximations for describing aspects of continuum electromagnetics in moving media are discussed: electroquasistatic and magnetoquasistatic. Each has been implemented in the finite element shock code ALEGRA for modeling dynamic electromechanical phenomena on typical engineering time scales, with fully integrated circuit coupling. The approximations can be obtained by consistent asymptotic balancing of Maxwell’s equations relative to timescales associated with magnetic diffusion, charge relaxation, and electromagnetic wave propagation. In ALEGRA, the electroquasistatic approximation is used for ferroelectric (FE) modeling, while the magnetoquasistatic approximation is used for magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) modeling. In this paper we introduce for the first time a detailed derivation of a useful quasi-steady “low-R m ” variant of the MHD approximation applicable for cases, such as with detonators, where the thermodynamic pressure arising from Joule heating dominates over magnetic forces. An additional purpose of this paper is to present a coupling mode using Multiple Program-Multiple Data (MPMD) message passing communication that allows the user to run 3D FE problems together with 2D and/or 3D MHD problems with the respective simulation domains coupled through a common circuit equation. The MPMD coupling capability is used here to model the dynamic coupling of a notional ferroelectric generator with an RP-87 exploding bridgewire detonator. The simulated bridgewire heats up and bursts under current generated by simulated depoling of the ferroelectric generator, as a demonstration of the MPMD capability.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Optimization of Thin-Film Solar Cells for Lunar Surface Operations

Thin-film solar cells have been in production for decades, but technology has only recently advanced enough to allow for comparable efficiencies to traditional rigid cells. Some of the benefits of thin-films, such as lighter weight and being foldable, are particularly advantageous to space applications since mass and volume are key considerations of any flight project. Using these thin-film cells in space, however, is outside of their ground-based design criteria. This requires special care to be taken in designing the power generation system of a spacecraft around a thin-film solar cell, particularly in regards to thermal management. Without the diffusion of an atmosphere to mitigate solar load, the temperature of the panels can rapidly exceed their design specification. In this paper a design solution is presented that allows for thin-film solar cells to be used in a robotic lunar lander. Due to the low thermal mass and in-plane conductivity of thin films, it is difficult to remove waste heat by any other method than radiation. On the lunar surface this means angling the arrays to increase their view factor to space, which has the negative consequence of decreasing their power generation. An optimization was developed to balance the heat rejection and power generation of the cells, using constraints on the maximum cell temperature and minimum spacecraft power requirements. The resulting solar panel angle was then used as an input to the Thermal Desktop model to verify the final panel temperatures.

Breeding, Shawn↗

Characteristics of wake vortex generated by a Boeing 727 jet transport during two-segment and normal ILS approach flight paths

A series of flight tests was conducted to evaluate the vortex wake characteristics of a Boeing 727 (B727-200) aircraft during conventional and two-segment ILS approaches. Twelve flights of the B727, which was equipped with smoke generators for vortex marking, were flown and its vortex wake was intentionally encountered by a Lear Jet model 23 (LR-23) and a Piper Twin Comanche (PA-30). Location of the B727 vortex during landing approach was measured using a system of photo-theodolites. The tests showed that at a given separation distance there were no readily apparent differences in the upsets resulting from deliberate vortex encounters during the two types of approaches. Timed mappings of the position of the landing configuration vortices showed that they tended to descend approximately 91 m(300 ft) below the flight path of the B727. The flaps of the B727 have a dominant effect on the character of the trailed wake vortex. The clean wing produces a strong, concentrated vortex but as the flaps are lowered, the vortex system becomes more diffuse. Pilot opinion and roll acceleration data indicate that 4.5 n.mi. would be a minimum separation distance at which roll control of light aircraft (less than 5,670 kg (12,500 lb) could be maintained during parallel encounters of the B727's landing configuration wake. This minimum separation distance is generally in scale with results determined from previous tests of other aircraft using the small roll control criteria.

Kurkowski, R. L.↗

Time-integrated Southern-sky Neutrino Source Searches with 10 yr of IceCube Starting-track Events at Energies Down to 1 TeV

In the IceCube Neutrino Observatory, a signal of astrophysical neutrinos is obscured by backgrounds from atmospheric neutrinos and muons produced in cosmic-ray interactions. IceCube event selections used to isolate the astrophysical neutrino signal often focus on the morphology of the light patterns recorded by the detector. The analyses presented here use the new IceCube Enhanced Starting Track Event Selection (ESTES), which identifies events likely generated by muon–neutrino interactions within the detector geometry, focusing on neutrino energies of 1–500 TeV with a median angular resolution of 1.4°. Selecting for starting-track events filters out not only the atmospheric-muon background but also the atmospheric-neutrino background in the southern sky. This improves IceCube’s muon–neutrino sensitivity to southern-sky neutrino sources, especially for Galactic sources that are not expected to produce a substantial flux of neutrinos above 100 TeV. In this work, the ESTES sample was applied for the first time to search for astrophysical sources of neutrinos, including a search for diffuse neutrino emission from the Galactic plane. No significant excesses were identified from any of the analyses; however, constraining limits are set on the hadronic emission from TeV gamma-ray Galactic plane objects and models of the diffuse Galactic plane neutrino flux.

Abbasi, R. [Loyola University, Chicago, IL (United↗

Spatiotemporal Methane Emissions from Global Lakes and Reservoirs

Inland aquatic systems, such as lakes and reservoirs, contribute substantially to global methane (CH4) emissions; yet are among the most uncertain components of the total CH4 budget. Lakes and reservoirs have received recent attention as they may generate high CH4 fluxes. Improved quantification of these CH4 fluxes, particularly their spatiotemporal distribution, is key to realistically incorporating them in CH4 modeling and budget studies. Here we report on a new global, gridded (0.25° lat × 0.25° lon) study of lake and reservoir CH4 emissions, accounting for new knowledge regarding lake and reservoir areal extent and distribution, and spatiotemporal emission patterns influenced by diurnal variability, temperature-dependent seasonality, satellite-derived freeze-thaw dynamics, and eco-climatic and physical CH4-centric type classification. The results of this new data set comprise daily CH4 emissions from lake and reservoirs throughout the full annual cycle and are tightly anchored to field observations, in situ measurements, and remote-sensing observations. Results show that reservoirs cover 297 × 103 km2 globally and emit 10.1 Tg CH4 yr-1 from diffusive (1.2 Tg CH4 yr-1) and ebullitive (8.9 Tg CH4 yr-1) emission pathways. On a global scale, CH4 emitting areas of lakes cover 1853 × 103 km2 and emit 37.1 Tg CH4 yr-1 from diffusive (17.1 Tg CH4 yr-1) and ebullitive (23.0 Tg CH4 yr-1) emission pathways and an additional ebullition flux of 5.2 Tg CH4 yr-1 upon ice-melt due to the accumulation of bubbles during the freeze period. This analysis of lakes and reservoir CH4 emission addresses multiple gaps and uncertainties in previous studies and represents an important contribution to studies of the global CH4 budget. The new data sets and methodologies from this study provide a framework to better understand and model the current and future role of lakes and reservoirs in the global CH4 budget and to guide efforts to mitigate inland aquatic system CH4 emissions. This presentation will describe the methodologies applied and the major results of this study focusing on the spatiotemporal distribution of lake and reservoir type classification, processes driving lake and reservoir emission seasonality, and the contribution of individual lake and reservoir types to the annual cycle of inland aquatic CH4 emissions.

Spatiotemporal↗

Dynamical Ion Correlations in Polymer and Membrane Electrolytes: Recent Advances and Open Questions

Ion transport in polymer and membrane electrolytes is often described using uncorrelated models like the Nernst–Einstein (NE) approximation, which link conductivity, transference number, and salt diffusivity to individual ion mobilities. However, growing evidence shows that dynamical ion correlations─arising from ion pairing, polymer-mediated coupling, confinement, and electrostatic interactions─can substantially alter macroscopic transport properties. The Onsager transport formalism offers a rigorous framework to quantify these effects via cross-correlated ionic displacements. This Perspective highlights how such correlations manifest across dry and hydrated systems, including salt-doped polymers, block copolymers, hydrogels, and ion-exchange membranes. Here, we examine key physical origins, the influence of salt chemistry and polymer structure, and open questions in measuring and controlling correlated motion. Embracing correlation-aware design enables new pathways to optimize conductivity, transference number, and selectivity─shifting the focus from individual ion mobility to engineered collective dynamics for next-generation electrolytes in energy storage and separations.

Charge transport↗

Ab-initio molecular dynamics study of eutectic chloride salt: MgCl2–NaCl–KCl

Ionic liquid materials are viable candidates as a heat transfer fluid (HTF) in a wide range of applications, notably within concentrated solar power (CSP) technology and molten salt reactors (MSRs). For next-generation CSP and MSR technologies that strive for higher power generation efficiency, a HTF with wide liquid phase range and energy storage capabilities is crucial. Studies have shown that eutectic chloride salts exhibit thermal stability at high temperatures, high heat storage capacity, and are less expensive than nitrate and carbonate salts. However, the experimental data needed to fully evaluate the potential of eutectic chloride salts as a HTF contender are scarce and entail large uncertainties. Considering the high cost and potential hazards associated with the experimental methods used to determine the properties of ionic liquids, molecular modeling can be used as a viable alternative resource. In this study, the eutectic ternary chloride salt MgCl 2 –NaCl–KCl is modeled using ab-initio molecular dynamics simulations (AIMDs) in the liquid phase. Using the simulated data, the thermophysical and transport properties of eutectic chloride salt can be calculated: density, viscosity, heat capacity, diffusion coefficient, and ionic conductivity. For an initial model validation, experimental pair-distribution function data were obtained from X-ray total scattering techniques and compared to the theoretical pair-distribution function. Additionally, theoretical viscosity values are compared to experimental viscosity values for a similar system. The results provide a starting foundation for a MgCl 2 –NaCl–KCl model that can be extended to predict other fundamental properties.

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗

Thermodynamics of Liquid Uranium from Atomistic and Ab Initio Modeling

We present thermodynamic properties for liquid uranium obtained from classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and the first-principles theory. The coexisting phases method incorporated within MD modeling defines the melting temperature of uranium in good agreement with the experiment. The calculated melting enthalpy is in agreement with the experimental range. Classical MD simulations show that ionic contribution to the total specific heat of uranium does not depend on temperature. The density of states at the Fermi level, which is a crucial parameter in the determination of the electronic contribution to the total specific heat of liquid uranium, is calculated by ab initio all electron density functional theory (DFT) formalism applied to the atomic configurations generated by classical MD. The calculated specific heat of liquid uranium is compared with the previously calculated specific heat of solid γ-uranium at high temperatures. The liquid uranium cannot be supercooled below T sc ≈ 800 K or approximately about 645 K below the calculated melting point, although, the self-diffusion coefficient approaches zero at T D ≈ 700 K. Uranium metal can be supercooled about 1.5 times more than it can be overheated. The features of the temperature hysteresis are discussed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Characterization of supersonic mixing in a nonreacting Mach 2 combustor

Planar measurements of the injection mole fraction distribution and the velocity field within a nonreacting model SCRAMJET combustor have been made using laser-induced iodine fluorescence. The combustor geometry investigated in this work is staged transverse injection of air into a Mach 2 freestream. A complete three-dimensional survey of the injectant mole fraction distribution has been generated and a single planar velocity measurement has been completed. The measurements reveal the dramatic effect of streamwise vortices on the mixing of the injectant in the near field of the injectors, as well as the rapid mixing generated by staging two field injectors. Analysis of the downstream decay of the maximum injectant mole fraction in this and other nonreacting combustor geometries indicates that the relative rate of injectant mixing well downstream of the injectors is independent of combustor geometry, combustor Mach number, and injectant molecular weight. Mixing within this region of the combustor is dominated by turbulent diffusion within the injectant plume. The transition of the dominant mixing mechanism, from vortex-driven mixing in the near field to turbulent diffusion in the far field, was found to occur in the region between 10 and 20 jet diameters downstream of the injectors.

Hollo, Steven D.↗

Vibroacoustic Characterization of a New Hybrid Wing-Body Fuselage Concept

A lighter, more robust airframe design is required to withstand the loading inherent to next generation non cylindrical commercial airliners. The Pultruded Rod Stitched Efficient Unitized Structure concept, a highly integrated composite design involving a stitched and co-cured substructure, has been developed to meet such requirements. While this structure has been shown to meet the demanding out-of-plane loading requirements of the flat-sided pressurized cabin design, there are concerns that the stiff co-cured details will result in relatively high acoustic radiation efficiencies at frequencies well below the thin skin acoustic coincidence frequency. To address this concern and establish a set of baseline vibroacoustic characteristics, a representative test panel was fabricated and a suite of tests were conducted that involved measurements of panel vibration and radiated sound power during point force and diffuse acoustic field excitations. Experimental results are shown and compared with Finite Element and Statistical Energy Analysis model predictions through the use of modal and energy correlation techniques among others. The behavior of the structure subject to turbulent boundary layer excitation is also numerically examined.

Allen, Albert R.↗

Investigation of Drift Effects in UEDGE Simulations of NSTX-U Edge Plasma With Lithium Divertors

Lithium is a low-Z material, and lithium-based plasma-facing components (PFCs) are planned for the National Spherical Torus Experiment Upgrade (NSTX-U) to explore potential benefits for divertor power exhaust and core plasma management. NSTX-U is a medium-sized spherical tokamak with up to 12 MW of auxiliary heating, capable of generating reactor-relevant plasma conditions. This work presents boundary plasma simulations for NSTX-U with lithium PFCs using the UEDGE code, incorporating full magnetic and 𝐄 ×𝐁 drift physics. The simulations show that drifts strongly influence heat and particle transport: they enhance convective transport, broaden the scrape-off layer heat-flux width 𝜆 𝑞 , and reduce the anomalous heat diffusivity 𝜒 required to reproduce predicted SOL heat-flux width. 𝐄 ×𝐁 drifts provide poloidal transport, while ∇𝐵 (which includes both gradB and curvature) drifts provide radial heat and particle transport. Lithium transport is also affected by drifts, with lithium ions migrating from the outer divertor to the inner divertor through the private flux region (PFR) following the 𝐄 ×𝐁 drifts flow, lowering upstream impurity lithium densities. UEDGE is self-consistently coupled with the Wall-Li model to study plasma lithium PFC interactions depending on the local lithium sourcing based on local plasma conditions and lithium surface temperature. In these simulations, lithium evaporation shows a vapor-shielding effect that reduces divertor heat flux and increases radiative losses once surface temperatures exceed 450°C. This research work provides a first step toward self-consistent modeling of lithium PFCs in NSTX-U, demonstrating the impact of drift-driven plasma transport in SOL and divertor regions.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Experimentally determined aeroacoustic performance and control of several sonic inlets

Low speed wind tunnel tests were conducted to determine the aeroacoustic performance of several model sonic inlets. The results were analyzed to indicate how inlet aeroacoustic characteristics were affected by inlet design and operating conditions. A system for regulating sonic inlet noise reduction was developed and tested. Results indicate that pressure losses at forward velocity may be substantially less than those at static conditions. This is particularly true for translating centerbody inlets with the centerbody extended in the approach and landing position. Operation to simulated take-off incidence angles of 50 deg was demonstrated with good inlet performance. Results suggest that at takeoff, with 0 deg incidence angle, sonic inlet total pressure losses need not exceed those generated by skin friction for sound pressure level reductions to at least 15 dB. Inlet sound pressure level reduction was regulated to within approximately plus or minus 1 dB by controlling inlet surface static pressure measured at the diffuser exit.

Miller, B. A.↗