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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 595 records · Page 33

Low soot stoichiometric compression-ignition combustion

A combustion system including a combustion mechanism that injects oxygenated fuel into a combustion chamber. The oxygenated fuel mixes with the intake air in the combustion chamber where the air-fuel ratio in a portion of the combustion chamber is stoichiometric. The combustion mechanism includes an ignition mechanism that ignites the air-fuel mixture that generates a threshold number of particulates during combustion of the air-fuel mixture. The combustion system further includes an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) device that recirculates a portion of the exhaust gases back into the combustion chamber. The EGR device recirculates the portion of the exhaust to lower combustion temperature resulting in reduced amount of nitrogen oxide in the exhaust. The combustion system further includes a three-way catalytic converter in line with the exhaust channel to convert a second portion of the exhaust gases, leading to lower pollutant emissions than conventional combustion systems.

Pickett, Lyle M.↗

Numerical simulation of excited jet mixing layers

A numerical simulation of unsteady flow in jet mixing layers, both with and without external excitation, has been performed by solving the time-dependent compressible Navier-Stokes equations. Computations were performed on a CRAY X-MP computer using MacCormick's explicit finite difference algorithm. Different excitation methods were investigated and were shown to be very effective in controlling the well organized periodic production, shedding and pairing of large scale vortex structures. It is found that pressure excitation was generally more effective than temperature excitation, and that grid refinement results in substantial improvement in the resolution of unsteady features. The location and orientation, in addition to the frequency, of the excitation source are shown to have a significant influence on the production and interaction of large scale vortex structures in the jet mixing layer.

Scott, J. N.↗

Immobilization of organic radioactive and non-radioactive liquid waste in a composite matrix

A method for immobilizing liquid radioactive waste is provided, the method having the steps of mixing waste with polymer to form a non-liquid waste; contacting the non-liquid waste with a solidifying agent to create a mixture, heating the mixture to cause the polymer, waste, and filler to irreversibly bind in a solid phase, and compressing the solid phase into a monolith. The invention also provides a method for immobilizing liquid radioactive waste containing tritium, the method having the steps of mixing liquid waste with polymer to convert the liquid waste to a non-liquid waste, contacting the non-liquid waste with a solidifying agent to create a mixture, heating the mixture to form homogeneous, chemically stable solid phase, and compressing the chemically stable solid phase into a final waste form, wherein the polymer comprises approximately a 9:1 weight ratio mixture of styrene block co-polymers and cross linked co-polymers of acrylamides.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Siloxane-modified polycarbosilane flexible Prepregs for fabrication of ceramic matrix composites via compression molding and PIP densification

For this work, the development of ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) using 5 harness satin carbon fiber fabric impregnated with commercial polycarbosilane precursor plasticized by siloxane copolymer was investigated aiming to improve wetting behavior and shape conformability. The polycarbosilane precursor and polysiloxane plasticizer were mixed at varying weight ratios to obtain flexible preceramic resin prepreg cloths. 13 plies of preceramic polymer prepreg cloths were stacked in 0/90° layup and cured by compression molding, followed by densified via PIP process. The CMCs were densified with eight PIP cycles followed by final crystallization at 1600 °C. The CMCs made with 10 wt% polysiloxane loading showed lower viscosity of the prepreg resin as well as higher strength and displacement to failure compared to those fabricated from unplasticized polycarbosilane prepolymer. In contrast, at higher concentration of plasticizer, viscosity of the prepreg resin increased, and the CMC became more brittle; however, it exhibited considerably higher thermal conductivity.

Carbosilane↗

Calculations of the unsteady, three-dimensional flow field inside a motored Wankel engine

A computer program (referred to as UF-LRC-3D) was developed for studying the unsteady, three-dimensional flow field inside the combustion chambers of motored Wankel engines as a function of engine design and operating parameters. This paper presents the details of the governing equations and the numerical method used by UF-LRC-3D. Also presented are numerical solutions generated by UF-LRC-3D showing the velocity field inside a motored Wankel engine, the mixing of nonhomogeneous fuel-air mixtures that enter through the intake port, and the mixing that takes place when a gaseous fuel is injected into the combustion chamber during compression.

Steinthorsson, Erlendur↗

Second-order closure models for supersonic turbulent flows

Recent work on the development of a second-order closure model for high-speed compressible flows is reviewed. This turbulent closure is based on the solution of modeled transport equations for the Favre-averaged Reynolds stress tensor and the solenoidal part of the turbulent dissipation rate. A new model for the compressible dissipation is used along with traditional gradient transport models for the Reynolds heat flux and mass flux terms. Consistent with simple asymptotic analyses, the deviatoric part of the remaining higher-order correlations in the Reynolds stress transport equations are modeled by a variable density extension of the newest incompressible models. The resulting second-order closure model is tested in a variety of compressible turbulent flows which include the decay of isotropic turbulence, homogeneous shear flow, the supersonic mixing layer, and the supersonic flat-plate turbulent boundary layer. Comparisons between the model predictions and the results of physical and numerical experiments are quite encouraging.

Speziale, Charles G.↗

Second-order closure models for supersonic turbulent flows

Recent work by the authors on the development of a second-order closure model for high-speed compressible flows is reviewed. This turbulence closure is based on the solution of modeled transport equations for the Favre-averaged Reynolds stress tensor and the solenoidal part of the turbulent dissipation rate. A new model for the compressible dissipation is used along with traditional gradient transport models for the Reynolds heat flux and mass flux terms. Consistent with simple asymptotic analyses, the deviatoric part of the remaining higher-order correlations in the Reynolds stress transport equation are modeled by a variable density extension of the newest incompressible models. The resulting second-order closure model is tested in a variety of compressible turbulent flows which include the decay of isotropic turbulence, homogeneous shear flow, the supersonic mixing layer, and the supersonic flat-plate turbulent boundary layer. Comparisons between the model predictions and the results of physical and numerical experiments are quite encouraging.

Speziale, Charles G.↗

PDF methods for combustion in high-speed turbulent flows

This report describes the research performed during the second year of this three-year project. The ultimate objective of the project is extend the applicability of probability density function (pdf) methods from incompressible to compressible turbulent reactive flows. As described in subsequent sections, progress has been made on: (1) formulation and modelling of pdf equations for compressible turbulence, in both homogeneous and inhomogeneous inert flows; and (2) implementation of the compressible model in various flow configurations, namely decaying isotropic turbulence, homogeneous shear flow and plane mixing layer.

Pope, Stephen B.↗

A critique of some recent second-order turbulence closure models for compressible boundary layers

Computations based on two recently developed second-order turbulence closure models are compared with a series of boundary-layer experiments and with predictions of these experiments using an algebraic mixing length model. One of the models employs an eddy viscosity, whereas the other evaluates components of the Reynolds stress tensor. For flat plates, the computations are compared with the van Driest skin-friction transformation to assess the handling of compressibility. For boundary layers in pressure gradients, four experiments at Mach 4 and one at Mach 6.7 are used as the bases for comparison. In general, both models represent mean velocities and skin friction reasonably well, but represent the turbulence shear stress less accurately.

Rubesin, M. W.↗

Dynamical structure factors of warm dense matter from time-dependent orbital-free and mixed-stochastic-deterministic density functional theory

Abstract We present the first calculations of the inelastic part of the dynamical structure factor (DSF) for warm dense matter (WDM) using time-dependent orbital-free density functional theory (TD-OF-DFT) and mixed-stochastic-deterministic (mixed) Kohn Sham TD-DFT (KS TD-DFT). WDM is an intermediate phase of matter found in planetary cores and laser-driven experiments, where the accurate calculation of the DSF is critical for interpreting x-ray Thomson scattering measurements. Traditional TD-DFT methods, while highly accurate, are computationally expensive, motivating the exploration of TD-OF-DFT and mixed TD-KS-DFT as more efficient alternatives. We applied these methods to experimentally measured WDM systems, including solid-density aluminum and beryllium, compressed beryllium, and carbon–hydrogen mixtures. Our results show that TD-OF-DFT requires a dynamical kinetic energy potential in order to qualitatively capture the plasmon response. Additionally, it struggles with capturing bound electron contributions. In contrast, mixed TD-KS-DFT offers greater accuracy in distinguishing bound and free electron effects, aligning well with experimental data, though at a higher computational cost. This study highlights the trade-offs between computational efficiency and accuracy, demonstrating that TD-OF-DFT remains a valuable tool for rapid scans of parameter space, while mixed TD-KS-DFT should be preferred for high-fidelity simulations. Our findings provide insight into the future development of DFT methods for WDM and suggest potential improvements for TD-OF-DFT.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Annual Research Briefs - 1996, Center for Turbulence Research

Partial contents include: (1) Simulation of jet impingement heat transfer with the k-e-V2 model; (2) A new methodology for turbulence modelers using Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) database analysis; (3) A particle representation model for the deformation of homogeneous turbulence; (4) Modeling of inhomogeneous compressible turbulence using a two-scale statistical theory; (5) Lewis number effects on partially premixed flames; (6) Conditional moment closure of mixing and reaction in turbulent non-premixed combustion; (7) Dynamic models for LES of turbulent front propagation with a spectral method; (8) Jet noise using large eddy simulation; (9) Towards numerical simulations of trailing-edge aeroacoustics; (10) A model for the onset of vortex breakdown; (11) Compressing an elliptic vortex: transition to turbulence by tumble breakdown; (12) A new method for the adaptive control of vortex-wall interactions; (13) Symmetries in turbulent boundary layer flows; (14) Near-wall models in large eddy simulations of flow behind a backward-facing step; (15) Assessment of the subgrid-scale models at low and high Reynolds numbers; (16) Large-eddy simulations of flow around a NACA 4412 airfoil using unstructured grids; (17) Progress on LES of flow past a circular cylinder; (18) Experimental investigation of flow through an asymmetric plane diffuser; (19) Progress in the large-eddy simulation of an asymmetric plane diffuser; (20) A numerical study of self-similarity in a turbulent plane wake using large-eddy simulation; (21) On the generation of turbulent inflow conditions for boundary layer simulations, and (22) A new class of finite difference schemes.

COMPUTATIONAL FLUID DYNAMICS↗

Fully-coupled analysis of jet mixing problems. Part 1. Shock-capturing model, SCIPVIS

A computational model, SCIPVIS, is described which predicts the multiple cell shock structure in imperfectly expanded, turbulent, axisymmetric jets. The model spatially integrates the parabolized Navier-Stokes jet mixing equations using a shock-capturing approach in supersonic flow regions and a pressure-split approximation in subsonic flow regions. The regions are coupled using a viscous-characteristic procedure. Turbulence processes are represented via the solution of compressibility-corrected two-equation turbulence models. The formation of Mach discs in the jet and the interactive analysis of the wake-like mixing process occurring behind Mach discs is handled in a rigorous manner. Calculations are presented exhibiting the fundamental interactive processes occurring in supersonic jets and the model is assessed via comparisons with detailed laboratory data for a variety of under- and overexpanded jets.

Dash, S. M.↗

Three-Dimensional (3D) Additive Construction: Printing with Regolith

Three dimensional (3D) printing is a new and booming topic in many realms of research and engineering technology. When it comes to space science and aerospace engineering, it can be useful in numerous ways. As humans travel deeper into space and farther from Earth, sending large quantities of needed supplies from Earth for a mission becomes astronomically expensive and less plausible. In order to reach further to new places, In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU), a project that pushes for technologies to use materials already present in the destination's environment, is necessary. By using materials already available in space such as regolith from the Moon, Mars, or an asteroid's surface, fewer materials need to be brought into space on a launched vehicle. This allows a vehicle to be filled with more necessary supplies for a deep space mission that may not be found in space, like food and fuel. This project's main objective was to develop a 3D printer that uses regolith to "print" large structures, such as a dome, to be used as a heat shield upon a vehicle's reentry into the atmosphere or even a habitat. 3D printing is a growing technology that uses many different methods to mix, heat, and mold a material into a specific shape. In order to heat the regolith enough to stick together into a solid shape, it must be sintered at each layer of material that is laid. Sintering is a process that heats and compresses a powdered material until it fuses into a solid, which requires a lot of energy input. As an alternative, a polymer can be mixed with the regolith before or as it is sent to the 3D printer head to be placed in the specific shape. The addition of the polymer, which melts and binds at much lower temperatures than sintering temperatures, greatly decreases the required heating temperature and energy input. The main task of the project was to identify a functional material for the printer. The first step was to find a miscible. polymer/solvent solution. This solution was added to the regolith and the solvent was evaporated essentially leaving polymer-coated regolith particles. This material would be sent through the printer head and heated layer by layer to melt the polymer and bind the regolith. This method was one of many in a large goal to utilize materials in space with a custom-made 3D printer that builds dome-shaped habitats and other essential equipment for future deep space missions.

Tsoras, Alexandra↗

Flowfield-Dependent Mixed Explicit-Implicit (FDMEL) Algorithm for Computational Fluid Dynamics

Despite significant achievements in computational fluid dynamics, there still remain many fluid flow phenomena not well understood. For example, the prediction of temperature distributions is inaccurate when temperature gradients are high, particularly in shock wave turbulent boundary layer interactions close to the wall. Complexities of fluid flow phenomena include transition to turbulence, relaminarization separated flows, transition between viscous and inviscid incompressible and compressible flows, among others, in all speed regimes. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a new approach, called the Flowfield-Dependent Mixed Explicit-Implicit (FDMEI) method, in an attempt to resolve these difficult issues in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). In this process, a total of six implicitness parameters characteristic of the current flowfield are introduced. They are calculated from the current flowfield or changes of Mach numbers, Reynolds numbers, Peclet numbers, and Damkoehler numbers (if reacting) at each nodal point and time step. This implies that every nodal point or element is provided with different or unique numerical scheme according to their current flowfield situations, whether compressible, incompressible, viscous, inviscid, laminar, turbulent, reacting, or nonreacting. In this procedure, discontinuities or fluctuations of an variables between adjacent nodal points are determined accurately. If these implicitness parameters are fixed to certain numbers instead of being calculated from the flowfield information, then practically all currently available schemes of finite differences or finite elements arise as special cases. Some benchmark problems to be presented in this paper will show the validity, accuracy, and efficiency of the proposed methodology.

Garcia, S. M.↗

Experimental platforms for investigating feature-driven jets for HED mix model validation

High-energy-density (HED) systems, such as inertial confinement fusion (ICF), are susceptible to hydrodynamic instabilities that can significantly affect both experimental results and modeling predictions. Isolated features, such as fill tubes or divots in the capsule, can cause material to jet as a result of the compressive shock exciting the Richtmyer–Meshkov instability, and serve as one of the primary degradation mechanisms in ICF yield. Simulations of feature-driven jets and how they mix require extensive experimental validation, particularly for understanding to what degree the initial size and shape of a feature influence jet dynamics, and how much instability feeds through downstream layers. A better understanding of feature-driven jetting can improve our mix modeling capabilities and increase hydrodynamic simulation accuracy. This manuscript describes a series of experimental platforms fielded by Los Alamos National Laboratory as a part of the Mshock Omega 60 and ModCons Omega EP campaigns to explore feature-driven jetting. These platforms are designed to benchmark jet evolution and growth as a function of initial feature size and shape, investigate jet-layer interactions leading to instability feedthrough, and will be used to characterize jet-jet interactions resulting from clusters of features. In conclusion, preliminary results for both platforms are shown. The ModCons experiments are on-going, and a discussion of future work directions is included.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Studies of localized mix and asymmetry caused by the stalk in inertial fusion experiments at OMEGA

In an inertially confined fusion experiment, a capsule of fusion fuel is compressed to high temperatures and densities using lasers, creating a hot plasma in which thermonuclear fusion reactions take place. To achieve efficient conversion of laser energy to fuel heating, the implosion must be as spherically symmetric as possible. One common source of asymmetry that degrades performance is the stalk and glue spot that hold the capsule in place before the experiment. The exact nature and magnitude of this perturbation had not been previously quantified. In this work, inertially confined fusion experiments were executed with an additional stalk on the capsule to measure and quantify the effect of the stalk and glue spot on the symmetry and performance. It is found that the stalk drives low-mode asymmetry by shadowing the laser drive on the part of the shell near the glue spot, enhancing the hot-spot velocity toward the stalk by 40–80 km/s and elongating the hot-spot along the stalk axis. It is also found that localized mix due to the additional stalk has a negligible effect on implosion performance. Two-dimensional radiation-hydrodynamic simulations using the xRAGE code reproduce the direction of the experimentally observed change to hot-spot velocity and implosion performance metrics, but not the observed elongation, suggesting that this feature results from an interaction between stalk perturbations and other preexisting asymmetry seeds, such as laser drive asymmetry.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Calculation of Compressible Flows past Aerodynamic Shapes by Use of the Streamline Curvature

A simple approximate method is given for the calculation of isentropic irrotational flows past symmetrical airfoils, including mixed subsonic-supersonic flows. The method is based on the choice of suitable values for the streamline curvature in the flow field and the subsequent integration of the equations of motion. The method yields limiting solutions for potential flow. The effect of circulation is considered. A comparison of derived velocity distributions with existing results that are based on calculation to the third order in the thickness ratio indicated satisfactory agreement. The results are also presented in the form of a set of compressibility correction rules that lie between the Prandtl-Glauert rule and the von Karman-Tsien rule (approximately). The different rules correspond to different values of the local shape parameter square root sign YC sub a, in which Y is the ordinate and C sub a is the curvature at a point on an airfoil. Bodies of revolution, completely supersonic flows, and the significance of the limiting solutions for potential flow are also briefly discussed.

Perl, W↗

X-ray streaked refraction enhanced radiography for inferring inflight density gradients in ICF capsule implosions

In the quest for reaching ignition of deuterium-tritium (DT) fuel capsule implosions, experiments on the National Ignition Facility (NIF) have shown lower final fuel areal densities than simulated. Possible explanations for reduced compression are higher preheat that can increase the ablator-DT ice density jump and induce mix at that interface or reverberating shocks. We are hence developing x-ray Refraction Enhanced Radiography (RER) to infer the inflight density profiles in layered fuel capsule implosions. We use a 5 μm slit backlit by a Ni 7.8 keV He-α NIF laser driven x-ray source positioned at 20 mm from the capsule to cast refracted images of the inflight capsule onto a streak camera in a high magnification (M ~ 60×) setup. Our first experiments have validated our setup that recorded a streaked x-ray fringe pattern from an undriven high density carbon (HDC) capsule consistent with ray tracing calculations at the required ~6 μm and 25 ps resolution. Streaked RER was then applied to inflight layered HDC capsule implosions using a hydrogen-tritium fuel mix rather than DT to reduce neutron yields and associated backgrounds. The first RER of an imploding capsule revealed strong features associated with the ablation front and ice-ablator interface that are not visible in standard absorption radiographs.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗