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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 577 records · Page 32

Simulations of Zero Boiloff, Densification, and Solidification in a Large-Scale Liquid Hydrogen Tank

The current research utilizes an Energy of Fluid (EOF) approach to develop a finite volume-based Computation Fluid Dynamic (CFD) model to create a benchmark simulation of the densification of liquid hydrogen (LH2) in an experimental Integrated Refrigeration and Storage (IRAS) tank at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC). The computational code will incorporate the FLUENT pressure-based model with User Defined Functions (UDF) to implement the EOF model. The enhanced model will solve the energy equation in terms of internal energy and provide temperature and pressure calculations for a given tank geometry. Specifically, a convection term will be added to an already existing code for a more accurate simulation of LH2 densification. However, currently the research focuses on utilizing User Defined Scalars (UDS) with FLUENT to show the built-in solvers are as accurate as the written UDS. This will reduce the computational time down significantly by utilizing an already built in solver for the momentum equation. A custom UDF has been written to solve transient and steady state conduction, and results obtained using the UDF agree with results obtained using the built-in FLUENT solver. Currently, a convection UDF is being added and will be verified using known solutions for solidification and validated with the experimental results from the Cryogenics Test Laboratory (CTL) at KSC for the IRAS densification process.

Colin Philip Mahony↗

Summary of Model-based Attitude Control of LUVOIR in Modular Dynamic Analysis (MDA) Simulink Environment

This document overviews the work I completed in the second half of my summer 2018 internship experience in Code 591 at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. Please see the former memorandum for additional context on the project. The take away point is that LUVOIR A has been modeled as three rigid bodies linked by 1-DOF rotary joints. An LQR attitude controller was designed for precision pointing of the spacecraft with the design requirement that steady state oscillations have amplitude less than a miliarcsecond. The performance of the algorithm was tested in the Modular Dynamic Analysis Simulink library developed by J. Roger Chen at NASA Goddard. While the initial simulations were of rigid bodies, subsequent simulations included flexible body modes on all three bodies of the model. The simulated structural deformations initially destabilized the LQR controller thus requiring a redesign of the K gain matrix. The final simulation demonstrated a stabilizing feedback gain with miliarcsecond precision within 400 minutes. This run used 20 modes on the spacecraft, 9 on the bus, and 100 on the payload. Future recommended work includes the development of a Vibration Isolation and Precision Pointing System (VIPPS) Simulink model. Armed with this model, the system should be modeled as four bodies whose associated flexible files must be generated from the spacecraft through Gimbal 1, Gimbal 1 through Gimbal 2, Gimbal 2 through the VIPPS interface, and the VIPPS interface through the payload.

William Bentz↗

How Auroral Electron Precipitations Contribute to the Formation of Electron Heat Fluxes to the Ionosphere?

Electron heat fluxes (also called electron thermal fluxes) in the ionosphere are carried by thermal electrons whose energy is below a few eV. Electron heat fluxes greatly impact on electron temperature, which is a fundamental parameter in the ionospheric dynamics. At the high latitude in the auroral regions electron heat flux is originated dominantly from the magnetosphere through high-energy electron energy fluxes. High-energy electron fluxes in the diffuse auroral region can undergo multiple backscatters between the magnetically conjugated regions of both hemispheres, and different kind of wave-particle interactions along the magnetic field line. High-energy electron fluxes in discrete auroral region can be trapped below the auroral acceleration region and can also undergo backscatter and multiple reflection. These processes, in turn, amplify super-thermal electrons (<~500-600 eV) that dominantly form electron heat fluxes through Coulomb collision between thermal electrons. Such electron heat fluxes play an important role to determine electron temperature profile in the ionosphere, which is one of the key parameters that controls the ionospheric dynamics. Thus, it is necessary to include electron heat flux as a topside energy input in all global ionospheric models. We demonstrate all above results based on Superthermal Electron Transport (STET), Superthermal Proton, Electron and Atomic Hydrogen tRansport in the Ionosphere and Thermosphere (SPEAH-RIT), and Comprehensive Inner Magnetosphere and Ionospheres (CIMI) codes developed at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.

George V. Khazanov↗

What Processes are Defining the Ionospheric Conductivity and its Variability During Geomagnetic Disturbances?

Modeling of electrodynamic coupling between the magnetosphere, ionosphere, and upper atmosphere (MIA) depends on accurate specification of ionospheric conductance produced by auroral precipitation of high-energy electrons and ions. The precipitation of energetic electrons into the ionosphere is the result of a three-step process that relies on the proper selections of the simulation tools for the ionospheric conductivity studies, while observation can only measure the results of the three steps. In the region of diffuse aurora, the first step is the initiation of electron precipitation into both magnetically conjugate foot points from the Earth’s magnetosphere via wave-particle interactions. The second step is the multiple atmospheric backscatters (or reflections) of electrons at the two magnetic conjugate points, which produces secondary superthermal electron fluxes. The third step is namely the self-consistent electric and magnetic fields that influence magnetospheric particle transport and re-distribute precipitating electrons and ions through the ionospheric electrodynamics. These steps are especially important for revealing electron precipitation dynamics that carry most of the energy in the aurora, resulting also from ion precipitation production and the formation of ionospheric conductance during geomagnetic disturbances. We demonstrate all above results based on SuperThermal Electron Transport (STET), Superthermal Proton, Electron and Atomic Hydrogen tRansport in the Ionosphere and Thermosphere (SPEAH-RIT), and Comprehensive Inner Magnetosphere and Ionospere (CIMI) codes developed at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.

George V. Khazanov↗

Nodal Modeling of Liquid Propellant Feed and Pressurization System

Nodal or network flow modeling plays an important role in the design and operation of the feed and pressurization system of a liquid rocket engine. Model development and execution time is relatively short for nodal codes in comparison to the Navier-Stokes based CFD codes. Nodal models also allow the inclusion of several components into one model to predict the behavior of a larger system. Unlike CFD models, the nodal models do not need very fine discretization of the flow field because they use empirical correlations to model fluid friction and heat transfer. This paper presents several applications of nodal modeling of liquid propellant feed and pressurization systems using the Generalized Fluid System Simulation Program (GFSSP), a nodal code developed at NASA/ Marshall Space Flight Center. GFSSP discretizes the flow field into nodes which are connected by branches. The mass and energy conservation equations and the equation of state are solved to calculate pressure, temperature, and resident mass at the nodes. The momentum equations are solved at the branches to calculate flow rates. Applications include a) tank pressurization by inert gas as well as autogenous pressurization by gaseous propellant, b) submerged pressurization by helium, c) self-pressurization due to boil-off of cryogenic propellant, d) chilldown of a transfer line of a cryogenic propellant feed system, and e) chilldown and filling of a cryogenic tank. Each of the above-mentioned models was verified and validated by comparing with test data.

Nodal Model↗

Nodal Modeling of Liquid Propellant Feed and Pressurization System

Nodal or network flow modeling plays an important role in the design and operation of the feed and pressurization system of a liquid rocket engine. Model development and execution time is relatively short for nodal codes in comparison to the Navier-Stokes based CFD codes. Nodal models also allow the inclusion of several components into one model to predict the behavior of a larger system. Unlike CFD models, the nodal models do not need very fine discretization of the flow field because they use empirical correlations to model fluid friction and heat transfer. This paper presents several applications of nodal modeling of liquid propellant feed and pressurization systems using the Generalized Fluid System Simulation Program (GFSSP), a nodal code developed at NASA/ Marshall Space Flight Center. GFSSP discretizes the flow field into nodes which are connected by branches. The mass and energy conservation equations and the equation of state are solved to calculate pressure, temperature, and resident mass at the nodes. The momentum equations are solved at the branches to calculate flow rates. Applications include a) tank pressurization by inert gas as well as autogenous pressurization by gaseous propellant, b) submerged pressurization by helium, c) self-pressurization due to boil-off of cryogenic propellant, d) chilldown of a transfer line of a cryogenic propellant feed system, and e) chilldown and filling of a cryogenic tank. Each of the above-mentioned models was verified and validated by comparing with test data.

Nodal Model↗

ON THE LANGUAGE OF RELIABILITY: A SYSTEM ENGINEER PERSPECTIVE

In its classical definition, risk is defined by three elements: what can go wrong, what are its consequences and how likely is it to occur. While this definition makes sense in a regulatory based framework to estimate risk associated to power plants (in terms of core damage frequency and large early release frequency), this approach does not provide a useful snapshot of the health of the plant. A possible alternate path can start by redefining the word “risk” to a broader meaning that better reflects the needs of a system health and asset management decision making process. Rather than asking how likely an event can occur (in probabilistic terms), we can ask how far this event is from occurring. We will show how, given the data available from plant equipment reliability and monitoring/diagnostic/prognostic centers, a margin can be described and determined for all type of maintenance approaches (e.g., corrective or predictive maintenance). We will show how to link SSC margin-based reliability models to system reliability models (i.e., fault trees) in order to assess system/plant health and how to perform margin-based system calculations. These calculations are not solved using classical probabilistic calculations applied to sets (as performed by any PRA code) but, instead, through metric spaces operations (i.e., distance/margin based approach).

97 - MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Theoretical hypervelocity ballistic limit for single or double plates using nonlinear modal analysis

The original research on the use on nonlinear vibration technique to solve for the hypervelocity ballistic limit for double plates is examined. Such structure is commonly found in typical Space Station design where the incoming space or man-made debris would be fragmented upon hitting the outer plate (shield) and the subsequent impact on the main wall would result in a much reduced damge of the space station or spacecraft. The existing few theoretical impact equations do not agree well with each other. The existing computer code bumper used at NASA-Johnson Space Center appears to predict an unconservative ballistic limit when compared with experimental data where the velocity ranges from 3 km/s to 8 km/s. Such unconservative prediction is unacceptable from a practical safe design point of view. The bumper code is based on Wilkinson's (1968) paper and his equations have not been improved nor modified even though they are viewed with suspicion due to lack of agreement with experiments. To make matters worse, there is not another theory which is better than Wilkinson's equation and the designers are forced to use purely empirical Nysmith (1969) or semiempirical equations developed by Cour-Palais in 1969. The Cour-Palais equations were later modified empirically in 1989. The purpose of the present investigation is to examine the many assumptions of the Wilkinson equation. An attempt is made to present design charts based on the modified-Wilkinson equation so that the designer can get a feel of the ranges of the parameters which are of interest and discard a huge range of parameters, thus, significantly reducing the number of test shots required. The analysis is based on a solution of the governing nonlinear differential equations for a plate, assuming axisymmetric behavior using polar coordinates.

Hui, David↗

Magic State Distillation using Asymptotically Good Codes on Qudits

Qudits offer the potential for low-overhead magic state distillation, although previous results for asymptotically good codes have required qudit dimension $q\gg 100$ or code length $\mathcal{N}\gg 100$. These parameters far exceed experimental demonstrations of qudit platforms, and thus motivate the search for better codes. Using a novel lifting procedure, we construct the first family of good triorthogonal codes on the $\mathbb{F}_{2^{2m}}$ alphabet with $m \geq 3$ that lies above the Tsfasman-Vladut-Zink bound. These codes yield a family of asymptotically good quantum codes with transversal CCZ gates, enabling constant space overhead magic state distillation with qudit dimension as small as $q=64$. Further, we identify a promising code with parameters $[[42,14,6]]_{64}$. Finally, we show that a distilled $|{CCZ}\rangle_{2^{2m}}$ can be reduced to a $|{CCZ}\rangle_{2^n}$ state for arbitrary $n$ with a constant-depth Clifford circuit of at most 9 computational basis measurements, 12 single-qudit and 9 two-qudit Clifford gates.

Cervia, Michael J. [Washington U., Seattle] (ORCID↗

CFD Simulation on the J-2X Engine Exhaust in the Center-Body Diffuser and Spray Chamber at the B-2 Facility

A computational fluid dynamic (CFD) code is used to simulate the J-2X engine exhaust in the center-body diffuser and spray chamber at the Spacecraft Propulsion Facility (B-2). The CFD code is named as the space-time conservation element and solution element (CESE) Euler solver and is very robust at shock capturing. The CESE results are compared with independent analysis results obtained by using the National Combustion Code (NCC) and show excellent agreement.

Wang, Xiao-Yen↗

Event Generators for Simulating Heavy Ion Interactions of Interest in Evaluating Risks in Human Spaceflight

Simulating the Space Radiation environment with Monte Carlo Codes, such as FLUKA, requires the ability to model the interactions of heavy ions as they penetrate spacecraft and crew member's bodies. Monte-Carlo-type transport codes use total interaction cross sections to determine probabilistically when a particular type of interaction has occurred. Then, at that point, a distinct event generator is employed to determine separately the results of that interaction. The space radiation environment contains a full spectrum of radiation types, including relativistic nuclei, which are the most important component for the evaluation of crew doses. Interactions between incident protons with target nuclei in the spacecraft materials and crew member's bodies are well understood. However, the situation is substantially less comfortable for incident heavier nuclei (heavy ions). We have been engaged in developing several related heavy ion interaction models based on a Quantum Molecular Dynamics-type approach for energies up through about 5 GeV per nucleon (GeV/A) as part of a NASA Consortium that includes a parallel program of cross section measurements to guide and verify this code development.

Wilson, Thomas L.↗

Application of Fountain Code to High-Rate Delay Tolerant Networks

Space communication poses several unique challenges that are not always present in typical terrestrial communications. Currently, communication with satellites is based on point-to-point links, and development of an interplanetary internet is an active research area. Delay Tolerant Networking (DTN) has been proposed as a way to mitigate the long delays and disruptions found in deep space. A specialized version of DTN, called High-rate Delay Tolerant Networking (HDTN), has been developed by NASA to support a variety of missions requiring store-and-forward capability. However, there are still several features that are desired for HDTN including data fragmentation, multicast, and anycast. This project proposes the application of fountain code in HDTN as a means of fragmenting, distributing, and reassembling data (in the form of bundles) across multiple nodes (i.e. satellites) to any number of receivers (i.e. ground stations). Fountain code is shown to be a promising encoding method for use with the HDTN protocol suite due to its short runtimes, small encoded file sizes, and loss tolerance.

Noah Douglass↗

Wind tunnel test IA300 analysis and results, volume 1

The analysis and interpretation of wind tunnel pressure data from the Space Shuttle wind tunnel test IA300 are presented. The primary objective of the test was to determine the effects of the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) and the Solid Rocket Booster (SRB) plumes on the integrated vehicle forebody pressure distributions, the elevon hinge moments, and wing loads. The results of this test will be combined with flight test results to form a new data base to be employed in the IVBC-3 airloads analysis. A secondary objective was to obtain solid plume data for correlation with the results of gaseous plume tests. Data from the power level portion was used in conjunction with flight base pressures to evaluate nominal power levels to be used during the investigation of changes in model attitude, eleveon deflection, and nozzle gimbal angle. The plume induced aerodynamic loads were developed for the Space Shuttle bases and forebody areas. A computer code was developed to integrate the pressure data. Using simplified geometrical models of the Space Shuttle elements and components, the pressure data were integrated to develop plume induced force and moments coefficients that can be combined with a power-off data base to develop a power-on data base.

Kelley, P. B.↗

Modeling Transverse Space Charge effects in IOTA with pyORBIT

The role and mitigation of space charge effects are important aspects of the beam physics research to be performed at the Integrable Optics Test Accelerator (IOTA) at Fermilab. The impact of nonlinear integrability (partial and complete) on space charge driven incoherent and coherent resonances will be a new feature of this accelerator and has the potential to influence the design of future low energy proton synchrotrons. In this report we model transverse space charge effects using the PIC code pyORBIT. First we benchmark the single particle tracking results against MADX with checks on symplecticity, tune footprints, and dynamic aperture in a partially integrable lattice realized with a special octupole string insert. Our space charge calculations begin with an examination of the 4D symplecticity. Short term tracking is done first with the initial bare lattice and then with a matching of the rms values with space charge. Next, we explore slow initialization of charge as a technique to establish steady state and reduce emittance growth and beam loss following injection into a mismatched lattice. We establish values of space charge simulation parameters so as to ensure numerical convergence. Finally, we compare the simulated space charge induced tune shifts and footprints against theory.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Ray tracing optical analysis of offset solar collector for space station solar dynamic system

OFFSET, a detailed ray tracing computer code, was developed at NASA Lewis Research Center to model the offset solar collector for the Space Station solar dynamic electric power system. This model traces rays from 50 points on the face of the Sun to 10 points on each of the 456 collector facets. The triangular facets are modeled with spherical, parabolic, or toroidal reflective surface contour and surface slope errors. The rays are then traced through the receiver aperture to the walls of the receiver. Images of the collector and of the Sun within the receiver produced by this code provide insight into the collector receiver interface. Flux distribution on the receiver walls, plotted by this code, is improved by a combination of changes to aperture location and receiver tilt angle. Power loss by spillage at the receiver aperture is computed and is considerably reduced by using toroidal facets.

Jefferies, Kent S.↗

Ray tracing optical analysis of offset solar collector for Space Station solar dynamic system

OFFSET, a detailed ray tracing computer code, was developed at NASA Lewis Research Center to model the offset solar collector for the Space Station solar dynamic electric power system. This model traces rays from 50 points on the face of the sun to 10 points on each of the 456 collector facets. The triangular facets are modeled with spherical, parabolic, or toroidal reflective surface contour and surface slope errors. The rays are then traced through the receiver aperture to the walls of the receiver. Images of the collector and of the sun within the receiver produced by this code provide insight into the collector receiver interface. Flux distribution on the receiver walls, plotted by this code, is improved by a combination of changes to aperture location and receiver tilt angle. Power loss by spillage at the receiver aperture is computed and is considerably reduced by using toroidal facets.

Jefferies, Kent S.↗

Operations analysis (study 2.6). Volume 4: Computer specification; logistics of orbiting vehicle servicing (LOVES)

The logistics of orbital vehicle servicing computer specifications was developed and a number of alternatives to improve utilization of the space shuttle and the tug were investigated. Preliminary results indicate that space servicing offers a potential for reducing future operational and program costs over ground refurbishment of satellites. A computer code which could be developed to simulate space servicing is presented.

Source record↗

Optimal technology investment strategies for a reusable launch vehicle

Within the present budgetary environment, developing the technology that leads to an operationally efficient space transportation system with the required performance is a challenge. The present research focuses on a methodology to determine high payoff technology investment strategies. Research has been conducted at Langley Research Center in which design codes for the conceptual analysis of space transportation systems have been integrated in a multidisciplinary design optimization approach. The current study integrates trajectory, propulsion, weights and sizing, and cost disciplines where the effect of technology maturation on the development cost of a single stage to orbit reusable launch vehicle is examined. Results show that the technology investment prior to full-scale development has a significant economic payoff. The design optimization process is used to determine strategic allocations of limited technology funding to maximize the economic payoff.

Moore, A. A.↗