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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
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

Impact of particle size and particle-flow-wall coupling on pressurized oxy-combustion in the down-fired burner

Concerns over climate change have led to numerous efforts in developing low-carbon energy technologies. Pressurized oxy-combustion (POC) is a promising candidate to reduce carbon emissions in power generation. Designing an effective burner plays a vital role in developing new coal combustion technologies. Because of the high pressure, the volume fraction of coal particles at the fuel inlet of the burner of a pressurized oxy-combustor is close or even higher than the maximum limit that commercial CFD codes (e.g., ANSYS FLUENT) can handle. At this high particle volume fraction, the interactions among particles, fluid flow, and wall need to be re-evaluated. The present computational work is the first step of a systematic analysis of the particle influence, like releasing method, releasing locating, and particle size, in a pilot-scale POC combustor, developed at Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL). In a POC process, pulverized coal is burned under elevated pressure and O2-CO2 environment. Specifically, a 15-bar, 100 kWth, POC combustor is modeled employing ANSYS FLUENT, using Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) modeling. It is revealed that for this pilot-scale, pressurized burner, velocity profiles of the near-wall region in this POC facility exhibit some discrepancy against the near-wall turbulent flow velocity profile. In order to investigate the particle influence in the near-wall region, particle releasing location will be investigated. Numerical simulation results exhibit the coupling effect of turbulence flow and particles in this case. The particle size also demonstrates a great effect on particle trajectory, then further has an impact on flame stability and temperature.

Li, Lei↗
NASA NTRS1985

The local characteristic function of interplanetary particle propagation

An easily measurable intensity function which characterizes the interplanetary propagation of charged solar flare particles is presented. This function is nearly time invariant during a solar event despite the large variations of intensity and anisotropy, but varies from event to event. It characterizes the systematic and stochastic forces of the interplanetary magnetic field which focus and scatter the particles in pitch angle. The model of focused transport shows that this function is essentially determined by the local shape and amplitude of the pitch angle diffusion coefficient kappa (mu) and by the local value of the focusing length. The time profile of the solar particle injection is typically of negligible influence. The local characteristic function may be used as a powerful new tool for a systematic analysis of flare particle angular distributions, Examples are given.

Green, G.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Mineralogy of Stardust Track 112 Particle: Relation to Amoeboid Olivine Aggregates

The successful analysis of comet 81P/Wild 2 particles returned by the Stardust mission has revealed that the Wild 2 dust contains abundant silicate grains that are much larger than interstellar grains and appear to have formed in the inner regions of the solar nebula [1]. Wild 2 particles include minerals which are isotopically and mineralogically similar to CAIs [e.g., 2, 3] and chondrules [e.g., 4] in chondrites. In addition, particles similar to amoeboid olivine aggregates (AOAs) also have been discovered [5, 6,7]. C2067,2,112,1 is a terminal particle recovered from track #112 (T112). Nakamura-Messenger et al. [7] showed that the forsterite grain in T112 has O-16 enrichment of approximately 40 0/00 (vs. SMOW) and possibly formed together with AOAs. In this study, we have examined the mineralogy of the T112 particle and compared the possible relationships between T112 and AOAs in primitive meteorites.

Komatsu, M.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Partial wave analysis of 𝑒 + ⁢𝑒 − → 𝜋 + ⁢𝜋 − ⁢𝐽/𝜓 and cross section measurement of 𝑒 + ⁢𝑒 − → 𝜋 ± ⁢𝑍 𝑐 ⁢(3900) ∓ from 4.1271 to 4.3583 GeV

Based on 12.0 fb −1 of 𝑒 + ⁢𝑒 − collision data samples collected by the BESIII detector at center-of-mass energies from 4.1271 to 4.3583 GeV, a partial wave analysis is performed for the process 𝑒 + ⁢𝑒 − → 𝜋 + ⁢𝜋 − ⁢𝐽/𝜓. The cross sections for the subprocesses 𝑒 + ⁢𝑒 − → 𝜋 + ⁢𝑍 𝑐 ⁢(3900) − + c.c. → 𝜋 + ⁢𝜋 − ⁢𝐽/𝜓, 𝑓 0 ⁡(980)⁢(→ 𝜋 + ⁢𝜋 − )⁢𝐽/𝜓, and (𝜋 + ⁢𝜋 − ) S−wave⁢ 𝐽/𝜓 are measured for the first time. The mass and width of the 𝑍 𝑐 ⁢(3900) ± are determined to be 3884.6 ± 0.7 ± 3.3 MeV/𝑐 2 and 37.2 ± 1.3 ± 6.6 MeV, respectively. The first errors are statistical and the second systematic. The final state (𝜋 + ⁢𝜋 − ) S−wave ⁢𝐽/𝜓 dominates the process 𝑒 + ⁢𝑒 − → 𝜋 + ⁢𝜋 − ⁢𝐽/𝜓. By analyzing the cross sections of 𝜋 ±⁢ 𝑍 𝑐 ⁢(3900) ∓ and 𝑓 0 ⁡(980)⁢𝐽/𝜓, 𝑌⁡(4220) has been observed. Its mass and width are determined to be 4225.7 ± 4.1 ± 3.4 MeV/𝑐 2 and 57.5 ± 9.4 ± 12.1 MeV, respectively.

lepton colliders↗
DOE OSTI2023

Decomposition of multi-particle azimuthal correlations in Q-cumulant analysis*

Abstract The method of Q -cumulants is a powerful tool for studying the fine details of azimuthal anisotropies in high energy nuclear collisions. This paper presents a new method, based on mathematical induction, to evaluate the analytical form of high-order Q -cumulants. The capability of this method is demonstrated via a toy model that uses the elliptic power distribution to simulate the anisotropic emission of particles, quantified in terms of Fourier flow harmonics . The method can help in studying the large amount of event statistics that can be collected in the future and allow measurements of the very high central moments of the distribution. This can, in turn, facilitate progress in understanding the initial geometry, the input to the hydrodynamic calculations of medium expansion in high energy nuclear collisions, and the constraints on it.

Physics↗
DOE OSTI2021

Study of the decay D s + → π + π + π - η and observation of the W -annihilation decay D s + → a 0 ( 980 ) + ρ 0

The decay $D^+_s$ → $π^+π^+π^-η$ is observed for the first time, using e + e - collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 6.32 fb -1 collected by the BESIII detector at center-of-mass energies between 4.178 and 4.226 GeV. The absolute branching fraction for this decay is measured to be $\mathscr{B}$($D^+_s$ → $π^+π^+π^-η$) = (3.12 ± 0.13 stat ± 0.90 syst )%. The first amplitude analysis of this decay reveals the substructures in $D^+_s$ → $π^+π^+π^-η$ nd determines the relative fractions and the phases among these substructures. The dominant intermediate process is $D^+_s$ → $a_1$(1260) + $η,a_1$(1260) + → ρ(770) 0 $π^+$ with a branching fraction of (1.73 ± 0.14 stat ±0.08 syst )%. We also observe the W-annihilation process $D^+_s$ → $a_0$(980) + ρ(770) 0 , $a_0$(980) + → $π^+η$ with a branching fraction of (0.21 ± 0.08 stat ± 0.05 syst )%, which is larger than the branching fractions of other measured pure W-annihilation decays by 1 order of magnitude.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Vertical Lunar Regolith Conveying as a Flight Experiment in Simulated Lunar-Gravity

Regolith conveying will be an essential task for supplying regolith feedstock to In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) reactor systems for regolith processing on the Moon and Mars. The Vertical Lunar Regolith Conveyor (VLRC) is a technology being developed at NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC) as a regolith transport task for the GCD ISRU FLEET project led by NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC). Single test loop versions of the VLRC are being developed at NASA KSC as a technology demonstration for a flight experiment. The NASA Flight Opportunities program selected the VLRC for a technology demonstration opportunity on a future Blue Origin New Shepard suborbital launch vehicle to study regolith transport physics in a relevant environment in a vacuum chamber under simulated lunar gravity conditions in order to advance its technology readiness level (TRL) for future space applications. The VLRC system includes four primary subsystems to achieve the objectives of the lunar gravity (Lunar-G) flight experiment. (1) An eccentric vibratory conveyor stack to convey regolith particles consisting of three single-loop helical surface conveyors with each actuated by two vibratory motors that vibrate in unison. One of the three single-loops contains a 0.8°-3.1° inclined helical path and the other two contain a 1.6°-6.2° incline. (2) A stick-slip conveyor stack to convey regolith particles consisting of three single-loop helical surface conveyors with each actuated by the same motor to move in unison in a stick-slip motion. One of the three single-loops contains a 0.8°-3.1° inclined helical path and the other two contain a 1.6°-6.2° incline. (3) A regolith containment system to contain the regolith in each single-loop track during launch before the start of the experiment using containment caps that will be lifted in unison at the start of Lunar-G. (4) COTS cameras will record the motion of regolith and tracer particles. Post-flight analysis of the videos will be used to determine convey speeds and flow rates. The VLRC experiment will use the well-known technique of Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) image analysis to determine the velocity of tracer particles entrained in the regolith flow. This velocity will be used to calculate the mass flow rate of the regolith being conveyed.

ISRU↗
NASA NTRS1979

Analysis of suspended solids by single-particle scattering

Light scattering by individual particulates is used in a multiple-detector system to categorize the composition of suspended solids in terms of broad particulate categories. The scattering signatures of red clay and taconite tailings, the two primary particulate contaminants in western Lake Superior, along with two types of asbestiform fibers, amphibole and chrysolite, were studied in detail. A method was developed to predict the concentration of asbestiform fibers in filtration plant samples for which electron microscope analysis was done concurrently. Fiber levels as low as 50,000 fibers/liter were optically detectable. The method has application in optical categorization of samples for remote sensing purposes and offers a fast, inexpensive means for analyzing water samples from filtration plants for specific particulate contaminants.

Diehl, S. R.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Decoupling the Role of Particle Inertia and Gravity on Particle Dispersion

Particle dispersion and the influence that particle momentum exchange has on the properties of a turbulent carrier flow in micro-gravity environments challenge present understanding and predictive schemes. The objective of this effort has been to develop and assess high-fidelity simulation tools for predicting particle transport within micro-gravity environments suspended in turbulent flows. The computational technique is based on Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) of the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations. The particular focus of the present work is on the class of dilute flows in which particle volume fractions and inter-particle collisions are negligible. Particle motion is assumed to be governed by drag with particle relaxation times ranging from the Kolmogorov scale to the Eulerian timescale of the turbulence and particle mass loadings up to one. The velocity field was made statistically stationary by forcing the low wavenumbers of the flow. The calculations were performed using 96(exp 3) collocation points and the Taylor-scale Reynolds number for the stationary flow was 62. The effect of particles on the turbulence was included in the Navier-Stokes equations using the point-force approximation in which 96(exp 3) particles were used in the calculations. DNS results show that particles increasingly dissipate fluid kinetic energy with increased loading, with the reduction in kinetic energy being relatively independent of the particle relaxation time. Viscous dissipation in the fluid decreases with increased loading and is larger for particles with smaller relaxation times. Fluid energy spectra show that there is a non-uniform distortion of the turbulence with a relative increase in small-scale energy. The non-uniform distortion significantly affects the transport of the dissipation rate, with the production and destruction of dissipation exhibiting completely different behaviors. The spectrum of the fluid-particle energy exchange rate shows that the fluid drags particles at low wavenumbers while the converse is true at high wavenumbers for small particles. A spectral analysis shows that the increase of the high wavenumber portion of the fluid energy spectrum can be attributed to transfer of the fluid-particle covariance by the fluid turbulence. This in turn explains the relative increase of small-scale energy caused by small particles observed in the present simulations as well as those of others.

Squires, Kyle D.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Optical and Probe Diagnostics Applied to Reacting Flows

We plan to explore three major threads during the fellowship period. The first interrogates the flame synthesis of carbon nanotubes using aerosol catalysts. Laser light scattering will reveal changes in particle size at various heights above the burner. Analysis of the flame gas by mass spectroscopy will reveal the chemical composition of the mixture. Finally, absorption measurements will map the nanotube concentration within the flow. The second thread explores soot oxidation kinetics. Cavity ring-down absorption measurements of the carbonaceous aerosol can provide a measure of the mass concentration with time and, hence, an oxidation rate. Spectroscopic and direct probe measurements will provide the temperature of the system needed for subsequent modeling. The third thread will explore the details of turbulent flame dynamics. Laser induced incandescence will be applied to measurements of soot volume fraction in a 2-d configuration. Analysis of seed tracer particles by planar laser light MIE scattering will reveal the elemental fuel mixture fraction in the flames. Cavity ring-down spectroscopy, a pulsed transient absorption method, will determine the instantaneous mass loading and its fluctuation. Finally, fluorescence measurements will investigate the formation of PAH's in these flames.

Ticich, Thomas M.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Distribution function representation of energy spectra of H, He, C, O and Fe in corotating particle streams

From an analysis of nine corotating events observed near 1 AU during the 1974-1976 solar minimum, the spectral parameters for H, He, C, O and Fe and relative abundances of these elements and of Ne, Mg, Si, and S-Ca were determined. The distribution functions of H, He, O and Fe are well represented by an exponential in particle speed over the energy range of the measurements from 0.3 to 5 MeV/nucleon. The composition resembles that of the solar corona, particularly in the O/C ratio which is 0.95 + or - 0.19, and the He/H and He/Ne ratios are similar to the respective ratios in the solar wind. The results are consistent with interplanetary statistical acceleration of these particles out of the high-energy tail of the high-speed solar wind.

Gloeckler, G.↗
NASA NTRS1993

The wavelength dependence of Martian atmospheric dust radiative properties

One of the key radiative agents in the atmosphere of Mars is the suspended dust particles. A new analysis of two data sets of the Martian atmosphere is being carried out in order to better evaluate the radiative properties of the atmospheric dust particles. The properties of interest are the size distribution, optical constants, and other radiative properties, such as the single-scattering albedo and phase function. Of prime importance is the wavelength dependence of these radiative properties throughout the visible and near-infrared wavelengths. Understanding the wavelength dependence of absorption and scattering characteristics will provide a good definition of the influence that the atmospheric dust has on heating of the atmosphere.

Pollack, J. B.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Economic Analysis of an Electric Thermal Energy Storage System Using Solid Particles for Grid Electricity Storage

As renewable power generation becomes the mainstream new-built energy source, energy storage will become an indispensable need to complement the uncertainty of renewable resources to firm the power supply. When phasing out fossil-fuel power plants to meet the carbon neutral utility target in the midcentury around the world, large capacity of energy storage will be needed to provide reliable grid power. The renewable power integration with storage can support future carbon-free utility and has several significant impacts including increasing the value of renewable generation to the grid, improving the peak-load response, and balancing the electricity supply and demand. Long-duration energy storage (10–100 hours duration) can potentially complement the reduction of fossil-fuel baseload generation that otherwise would risk grid security when a large portion of grid power comes from variable renewable sources. Current energy storage methods based on pumped storage hydropower or batteries have many limitations. Thermal energy storage (TES) has unique advantages in scale and siting flexibility to provide grid-scale storage capacity. A particle-based TES system has promising cost and performance for the future growing energy storage needs. This paper introduces the system and components required for the particle TES to be technically and economically competitive. A technoeconomic analysis based on preliminary component designs and performance shows that the particle TES integrated with an efficient air-Brayton combined cycle power system can provide power for several days by low-cost, high-performance storage cycles. It addresses grid storage needs by enabling large-scale grid integration of intermittent renewables like wind and solar, thereby increasing their grid value. The design specifications and cost estimations of major components in a commercial scale system are presented in this paper. The cost model provides insights for further development and cost comparison with competing technologies.

27 ARPA - Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy↗
DOE OSTI2021

Economic Analysis of a Novel Thermal Energy Storage System Using Solid Particles for Grid Electricity Storage: Preprint

As renewable power generation becomes the mainstream new-built energy source, energy storage will become an indispensable need to complement the uncertainty of renewable resources to firm the power supply. When phasing out fossil-fuel power plants to meet the carbon neutral utility target in the midcentury around the world, large capacity of energy storage will be needed to provide reliable grid power. The integration of renewable power and storage to support future carbon-free utility has several significant and positive impacts including expanding the renewable generation into the grid, improving the peak-load response, and balancing the electricity supply and demand. Long-duration energy storage (10–100 hours duration) can potentially complement the reduction of fossil-fuel baseload generation that otherwise would risk grid security when a large portion of grid power comes from variable renewable sources. Current energy storage methods based on pumped storage hydropower or batteries have many limitations. Thermal energy storage (TES) has unique advantages in scale and siting flexibility to provide grid-scale storage capacity. A particle-based TES system has promising cost and performance for the future growing energy storage needs. This paper introduces the system and components required for the particle TES to be technically and economically competitive. A technoeconomic analysis based on preliminary component designs and performance shows that the particle TES integrated with an efficient air-Brayton combined cycle power system can provide power for several days by low-cost, high-performance storage cycles. It addresses grid storage needs by enabling large-scale grid integration of intermittent renewables like wind and solar, thereby increasing their grid value. The design specifications and cost estimations of major components in a commercial scale system are presented in this paper. The cost model provides insights for further development and cost comparison with competing technologies.

27 ARPA - Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy↗
NASA NTRS2008

New Insights into the Composition and Texture of Lunar Regolith Using Ultrafast Automated Electron-Beam Analysis

Sieved grain mounts of Apollo 16 drive tube samples have been examined using QEMSCAN - an innovative electron beam technology. By combining multiple energy-dispersive X-ray detectors, fully automated control, and off-line image processing, to produce digital mineral maps of particles exposed on polished surfaces, the result is an unprecedented quantity of mineralogical and petrographic data, on a particle-by-particle basis. Experimental analysis of four size fractions (500-250 microns, 150-90 microns, 75-45 microns and < 20 microns), prepared from two samples (64002,374 and 64002,262), has produced a robust and uniform dataset which allows for the quantification of mineralogy; texture; particle shape, size and density; and the digital classification of distinct particle types in each measured sample. These preliminary data show that there is a decrease in plagioclase modal content and an opposing increase in glass modal content, with decreasing particle size. These findings, together with data on trace phases (metals, sulphides, phosphates, and oxides), provide not only new insights into the make-up of lunar regolith at the Apollo 16 landing site, but also key physical parameters which can be used to design lunar simulants, and compute Figures of Merit for each material produced.

Rickman, Doug↗
DOE OSTI2023

An introduction to the significance of sample size in particle analyses for nuclear forensics and radiological investigations

Particulate isotopic analysis in nuclear forensics has developed rapidly during the past two decades due to technical advances in determining the isotopic composition of individual particles. This paper introduces basic statistical concepts that can be applied by analysts to understand the importance of statistical adequacy when interpretating particle data. While these basic statistical methods provide a useful point-of-entry to particle data analysis, more sophisticated statistical and modeling approaches are needed to extract maximal information from such datasets in the future.

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗