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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

Controls-structures-interaction dynamics during RCS control of the Orbiter/SRMS/SSF configuration

During the assembly flights of the Space Station Freedom (SSF), the Orbiter will either dock with the SSF and retract to the final berthed position, or will grapple the SSF using the Shuttle Remote Manipulator System (SRMS) and maneuver the SRMS coupled vehicles to their final berthed position. The SRMS method is expected to take approximately one to one and a half hours to complete and require periodic attitude corrections by either the Orbiter or the SSF reaction control system (RCS) or continuous control by a control moment gyro (CMG) system with RCS desaturation as required. Free drift of the attached vehicles is not currently thought to be acceptable because the desired system attitude will quickly deteriorate due to unbalanced gravity gradient and aerodynamic torques resulting in power generation problems, thermodynamic control problems, and communications problems. This paper deals with the simulation and control of the SRMS during trunnion/latch interaction dynamics and during RCS maneuvers. The SRMS servo drive joints have highly non-linear elastic characteristics which tend to degrade sensitive control strategies. In addition the system natural frequencies are extremely low and depend on the drive joint deflections and SRMS geometric position. The lowest mean period of oscillation for the Orbiter/SRMS/SSF(MB6) system in brakes hold mode positioned near the final berthed position is approximately 120 seconds. A detailed finite element model of the SRMS has been developed and used in a newly developed SRMS systems dynamics simulation to investigate the non-linear transient response dynamics of the Orbiter/SRMS/SSF systems. The present SRMS control strategy of brakes only recommended by the Charles Draper Labs is contrasted with a robust controller developed by the authors. The robust controller uses an optimal inear quadratic regulator (LQR) to optimally place the closed-loop poles of a multivariable continuous-time system within the common region of an open sector with the sector angle plus or minus 45 degrees from the negative real axis, and the left-hand side of a parallel to the imaginary axis in the complex s-plane. This guarantees that the critical damping ratio for the desired control modes is equal to or in excess of 0.707. The matrix sign function is used for solving the Riccati equations which appear in the controller design procedure. Fast and stable algorithms have recently been developed for the computation of the matrix sign function. Simulation results are given which demonstrate the potential CSI involvement for the current SRMS control system and the proposed control system.

Schliesing, J. A.↗

The role of sea ice dynamics in global climate change

The topics covered include the following: general characteristics of sea ice drift; sea ice rheology; ice thickness distribution; sea ice thermodynamic models; equilibrium thermodynamic models; effect of internal brine pockets and snow cover; model simulations of Arctic Sea ice; and sensitivity of sea ice models to climate change.

Hibler, William D., III↗

COLD-SAT Dynamic Model Computer Code

COLD-SAT Dynamic Model (CSDM) computer code implements six-degree-of-freedom, rigid-body mathematical model for simulation of spacecraft in orbit around Earth. Investigates flow dynamics and thermodynamics of subcritical cryogenic fluids in microgravity. Consists of three parts: translation model, rotation model, and slosh model. Written in FORTRAN 77.

Bollenbacher, G.↗

Loci/STREAM Sharp Interface Model Validation of Cryogenic Propellant Tank Self-Pressurization

This paper documents a model validation effort for the prediction of cryogenic propellant tank selfpressurization physics using the Loci/STREAM sharp interface CFD model developed at NASA MSFC. Cryogenic fluid management (CFM) applications for long duration spaceflight missions require accurate modeling of heat transfer and thermodynamics. Therefore, detailed validation of those physics is important to ensure simulation accuracy. In the past, the MSFC Propulsion Fluid Dynamics Branch has validated and used the Loci/STREAM Volume of Fluid (VOF) module extensively for propellant slosh applications, which are dominated by fluid motion. For cases where the interface gas/liquid interface is essentially static, the Loci/STREAM sharp interface was developed for more rapid and efficient CFM analysis. In the present study, Loci/STREAM sharp interface simulations were compared with the NASA K-site self-pressurization experiment of a flight weight, partially full, LH2 tank in normal gravity. This study investigated several parametric effects and made a number of important observations on the performance of the Loci/STREAM sharp interface method: - First, a homogeneous model was derived to verify the CFD model. The homogeneous model assumes both gas and liquid phases are uniform and are at saturation temperature. The predicted pressure rise rates at 3.5 W/m2 and 2.0 W/m2 with a 49% fill level are all lower than the experimental measurement. This is expected due to the observed temperature stratification near the gas-liquid interface during testing. - The k-w and k-e turbulence models predict comparable pressurization rates, which are much lower than the experiment measurement. On the other hand, the pressure values and pressurization rates from both models are almost the same as those of the homogeneous model. The current turbulence model is too diffusive and is not capable of capturing the thermal stratification in the liquid and ullage. - When using the laminar flow model, the pressurization rate is found to be very close to the experimental value when a quasi-steady flow field is allowed to develop by continuously venting the tank prior to pressurization as was done during testing. On the other hand, without initial venting, the rate is not constant. Additionally, the development time to reach a quasi-steady flow field differed from the experiment due to the lack of turbulent mixing away from the gas-liquid interface that is expected in reality. - Using the laminar flow model and appropriate initial conditioning, the pressurization rate is within 15% of the experimental value for 49% fill level at 3.5 W/m 2 and is within 18% for 2.0 W/m 2 heat loading. - Using the laminar flow model and appropriate initial conditioning, the pressurization rate is within 18% of the experimental value for a 29% fill level and within 15% for an 83% fill level.

H. Q. Yang↗

Improving Boundary Layer Data Assimilation Using Observation Data from Multiple Observing Systems in the NASA GEOS System

The Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL) is a complex interface that mediates energy and moisture exchanges between the Earth’s surface and atmosphere. Accurate simulation and observation of PBL characteristics, such as PBL height and thermodynamic structure, have proven to be a challenge. In our latest efforts, we have focused on improving PBL thermodynamic structure using data from multiple observing systems in the Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS), developed by the NASA Global Modeling and Assimilation Office (GMAO). We present strategies and results from assimilating PBL height data derived from radiosondes, GNSS radio occultation, space-based lidar (CALIPSO, CATS, IceSat-2), ground-based lidar (MPLNET), and radar wind profilers, including a novel global PBL height analysis dataset. We also discuss the impacts of better representing capping inversions by using PBL height data together with other observations in GEOS through adjustments to the background error covariance. Long-term statistics of the impact of assimilating and utilizing PBL height data in GEOS are presented. In addition, we explore an innovative approach to assimilate GNSS-RO refractivity data in the lower troposphere.

Eun-Gyeong Yang↗

Thermodynamic modeling of the Nb-Ni system with uncertainty quantification using PyCalphad and ESPEI

Here, the Nb–Ni system is remodeled with uncertainty quantification (UQ) using software tools of PyCalphad and ESPEI (the Extensible, Self-optimizing Phase Equilibria Infrastructure) with the presently implemented capability of modeling site fraction based on Wyckoff positions. The five- and three-sublattice models are used to model the topologically close pack (TCP) μ-Nb 7 Ni 6 and δ-NbNi 3 phases according to their Wyckoff positions. The inputs for CALPHAD-based thermodynamic modeling include the thermochemical data as a function of temperature predicted by first-principles and phonon calculations based on density functional theory (DFT), ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations, together with phase equilibrium and site fraction data in the literature. In addition to phase diagram and thermodynamic properties, the CALPHAD-based predictions of site fractions of Nb in μ-Nb 7 Ni 6 agree well with experimental data. Furthermore, the UQ estimation using the Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method as implemented in ESPEI is applied to study the uncertainty of site fraction in μ-Nb 7 Ni 6 and enthalpy of mixing (ΔH mix ) in liquid.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Probing the Structure and Dynamics of Fluid Mixtures in Porous Materials Through Ultrafast Vibrational Spectro-Microscopy and Many-Body Molecular Dynamics

This research program focused on the characterization of both molecular structure and dynamics of aqueous solutions in various metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and organic polymers that have recently been proposed for applications in water treatment technologies. This was accomplished by integrating ultrafast vibrational spectroscopy and microscopy, which are sensitive to local environments, molecular orientation, and dynamical couplings, with many-body molecular dynamics (MB-MD) simulations, which enable realistic modeling of aqueous systems and porous materials under different thermodynamic conditions. Our studies allowed for identifying the physical mechanisms and characterizing the underlying molecular interactions between water and host materials that determine the adsorption and transport processes of water in various MOFs and β-cyclodextrin polymers – prototypical examples of porous materials and polymers, that have recently been proposed for technological applications in water purification. By combining bulk- and surface-sensitive, spatially resolved ultrafast vibrational spectroscopy with MB-MD simulations, it was possible to gain broad insight into the structure and mobility of water under heterogeneous confinement at various length scales. In particular, measurements of surface- and bulk-sensitive vibrational spectra at single crystal level, integrated with MB-MD simulations were used to characterize domain-specific, structure–binding affinity relationships. Besides providing specific information about the behavior of aqueous solutions in prototypical MOFs and organic polymers for potential applications in water treatment technologies, our studies also provided fundamental insights into the properties of aqueous solutions in confined heterogeneous environments, which have broad implications in many areas, ranging from heterogeneous catalysis to oil recovery, ion transport processes, and reaction-diffusion processes in crowded systems.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Integrating Experiments and Simulations to Reveal Anisotropic Growth Mechanisms and Interfaces of a One-Dimensional Zeolite

Zeolites are nanoporous crystalline materials critical for diverse industrial applications, yet their growth mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, this study presents a novel integrated framework combining experimental synthesis, high-resolution imaging, coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations, and computer vision to uncover the mechanisms of growth of SSZ-24, a 1D channel zeolite. We demonstrate how synthesis conditions, such as temperature and reactant concentration, govern crystal anisotropy and surface roughness with growth dynamics differing markedly by crystallographic orientation. Along the channels, growth involves minimal energy barriers and rapid nucleation, resulting in rough surfaces. In contrast, growth perpendicular to the channels requires cooperative molecular organization and is highly sensitive to thermodynamic and kinetic conditions, yielding smooth anisotropic surfaces under low driving forces. By simulating transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images, we bridge molecular-scale simulations with experimental observations, identifying distinct growth mechanisms along different crystal planes. This work offers molecular-level insights into zeolite crystallization, advancing the rational design of nanoporous materials. The integration of cross-disciplinary methodologies establishes a transformative framework for optimizing zeolite synthesis, with implications for broader classes of materials.

Bertolazzo, Andressa A. [Univ. of Utah, Salt Lake ↗

Deep learning for NLTE spectral opacities

Computer simulations of high energy density science experiments are computationally challenging, consisting of multiple physics calculations including radiation transport, hydrodynamics, atomic physics, nuclear reactions, laser–plasma interactions, and more. To simulate inertial confinement fusion (ICF) experiments at high fidelity, each of these physics calculations should be as detailed as possible. However, this quickly becomes too computationally expensive even for modern supercomputers, and thus many simplifying assumptions are made to reduce the required computational time. Much of the research has focused on acceleration techniques for the various packages in multiphysics codes. In this work, we explore a novel method for accelerating physics packages via machine learning. The non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (NLTE) package is one of the most expensive calculations in the simulations of indirect drive inertial confinement fusion, taking several tens of percent of the total wall clock time. We explore the use of machine learning to accelerate this package, by essentially replacing the physics calculation with a deep neural network that has been trained to emulate the physics code. Overall, we demonstrate the feasibility of this approach on a simple problem and perform a side-by-side comparison of the physics calculation and the neural network inline in an ICF Hohlraum simulation. We show that the neural network achieves a 10× speed up in NLTE computational time while achieving good agreement with the physics code for several quantities of interest.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Designing, synthesizing, and modeling active fluids

We review recent advances in the design, synthesis, and modeling of active fluids. Active fluids have been at the center of many technological innovations and theoretical advances over the past two decades. Research on this new class of fluids has been inspired by the fascinating and remarkably efficient strategies that biological systems employ, leading to the development of biomimetic nano- and micro-machines and swimmers. The review encompasses active fluids on both the nano- and micro-scale. We start with examples of biological active systems before we discuss how experimentalists leverage novel propulsion mechanisms to power nano- and micro-machines. Furthermore, we then examine how the study of these far-from-equilibrium systems has prompted the development of new simulation methods and theoretical models in nonequilibrium physics to account for their mechanical, thermodynamic, and emergent properties. Recent advances in the field have paved the way for the design, synthesis, and modeling of autonomous systems at the nano- and micro-scale and opened the door to the development of soft matter robotics.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

A Generalized Fluid System Simulation Program to Model Flow Distribution in Fluid Networks

This paper describes a general purpose computer program for analyzing steady state and transient flow in a complex network. The program is capable of modeling phase changes, compressibility, mixture thermodynamics and external body forces such as gravity and centrifugal. The program's preprocessor allows the user to interactively develop a fluid network simulation consisting of nodes and branches. Mass, energy and specie conservation equations are solved at the nodes; the momentum conservation equations are solved in the branches. The program contains subroutines for computing "real fluid" thermodynamic and thermophysical properties for 33 fluids. The fluids are: helium, methane, neon, nitrogen, carbon monoxide, oxygen, argon, carbon dioxide, fluorine, hydrogen, parahydrogen, water, kerosene (RP-1), isobutane, butane, deuterium, ethane, ethylene, hydrogen sulfide, krypton, propane, xenon, R-11, R-12, R-22, R-32, R-123, R-124, R-125, R-134A, R-152A, nitrogen trifluoride and ammonia. The program also provides the options of using any incompressible fluid with constant density and viscosity or ideal gas. Seventeen different resistance/source options are provided for modeling momentum sources or sinks in the branches. These options include: pipe flow, flow through a restriction, non-circular duct, pipe flow with entrance and/or exit losses, thin sharp orifice, thick orifice, square edge reduction, square edge expansion, rotating annular duct, rotating radial duct, labyrinth seal, parallel plates, common fittings and valves, pump characteristics, pump power, valve with a given loss coefficient, and a Joule-Thompson device. The system of equations describing the fluid network is solved by a hybrid numerical method that is a combination of the Newton-Raphson and successive substitution methods. This paper also illustrates the application and verification of the code by comparison with Hardy Cross method for steady state flow and analytical solution for unsteady flow.

Majumdar, Alok↗

Thermodynamically consistent incorporation of the Langmuir adsorption model into compressible fluctuating hydrodynamics

For a gas–solid interfacial system where chemical species undergo reversible adsorption, we develop a mesoscopic stochastic modeling method that simulates both gas-phase hydrodynamics and surface coverage dynamics by coupling the Langmuir adsorption model with compressible fluctuating hydrodynamics. To this end, we derive a thermodynamically consistent mass–energy update scheme that accounts for how the mass and energy variables in the gas and surface subsystems should be updated according to the changes in the number of molecules of each species in each subsystem due to adsorption and desorption events. By performing a stochastic analysis for the ideal Langmuir model and the full hydrodynamic system, we analytically confirm that our mass–energy update scheme captures thermodynamic equilibrium predicted by equilibrium statistical mechanics. We find that an internal energy correction term is needed, which is attributed to the difference in the mean kinetic energy of gas molecules colliding with the surface from that computed from the Maxwell–Boltzmann distribution. By performing an equilibrium simulation study for an ideal gas mixture of CO and Ar, with CO undergoing reversible adsorption, we validate our overall simulation method and implementation.

Adsorption↗

Data-guided Multi-Map variables for ensemble refinement of molecular movies

Driving molecular dynamics simulations with data-guided collective variables offer a promising strategy to recover thermodynamic information from structure-centric experiments. In this study, the three-dimensional electron density of a protein, as it would be determined by cryo-EM or x-ray crystallography, is used to achieve simultaneously free-energy costs of conformational transitions and refined atomic structures. Unlike previous density-driven molecular dynamics methodologies that determine only the best map-model fits, our work employs the recently developed Multi-Map methodology to monitor concerted movements within equilibrium, non-equilibrium, and enhanced sampling simulations. Construction of all-atom ensembles along the chosen values of the Multi-Map variable enables simultaneous estimation of average properties, as well as real-space refinement of the structures contributing to such averages. Using three proteins of increasing size, we demonstrate that biased simulation along the reaction coordinates derived from electron densities can capture conformational transitions between known intermediates. The simulated pathways appear reversible with minimal hysteresis and require only low-resolution density information to guide the transition. The induced transitions also produce estimates for free energy differences that can be directly compared to experimental observables and population distributions. The refined model quality is superior compared to those found in the Protein Data Bank. We find that the best quantitative agreement with experimental free-energy differences is obtained using medium resolution density information coupled to comparatively large structural transitions. Practical considerations for probing the transitions between multiple intermediate density states are also discussed.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Thermodynamics of Tritium Trapping by Point Defects at Interfacial Cr-based Phases of the Al Coating

Density functional theory (DFT) simulations have been carried out to evaluate the potential for tritium trapping by metal vacancies in four phases Cr-containing phases (i.e., Cr3Si, Al0.3Cr0.7, Al8Cr5-HT, and Al8Cr5) identified near the interface between the Al coating and 316 stainless steel (316 SS) cladding. In addition, an ab initio thermodynamics approach has been employed to predict the temperature and T2-partial pressure dependence on the thermodynamics of singly tritiated defects. Key results in this work suggest that metal vacancies in the four phases have the potential to favorably trap tritium species, especially Si vacancies in Cr3Si phase. This overall thermodynamic trend can be correlated to the energy cost of having an interstitial tritium in the lattice, which has been calculated to range from 0.17 eV in Al8Cr5-HT to 0.89 eV in Cr3Si. A comparison of the results from this study with previous theoretical works investigating tritium behavior in other Fe-Al phases identified in the aluminide coating, suggests that metal vacancies are generally able to trap tritium in various Fe-Al aluminide phases. Especially, it was found that Si and Al vacancies would be the most efficient to trap for tritium, followed by Cr vacancies, then Fe and Ni vacancies. In the four Cr-based material phases investigated in this work, it is interesting to note that, in the absences of Fe or Ni species, strong interactions between tritium and the metal vacancies are always occurring by the formation of preferential Cr—T bonds (i.e., no Si—T or Al—T bonds were formed).

Sassi, Michel J.↗

Iodine recombination in xenon solvent: Clusters in the gas to liquid-like state transition

Supercritical fluids (SCFs) have attracted significant attention as solvents for chemical reactions due to their unique properties, such as high diffusivity, low viscosity, and tunable solvation properties. These properties profoundly influence reaction kinetics and are often attributed to the formation of molecular clusters within SCFs. To study the effect of supercritical solvent on chemical reactivity and dynamics of reactions, one needs to understand the dynamics of clusters in supercritical fluid. Extensive experiments on the photodissociation and recombination of iodine in supercritical fluids served as a model system for understanding these effects. Experimental studies have been complemented by theoretical and computational investigations, which mostly employ Monte Carlo or empirical molecular dynamics simulations. However, computational studies using non-reactive force fields and ab initio approaches present challenges in capturing reactive processes at larger scales within supercritical fluids. Here, in this work, we developed the ReaxFF parameters by training against quantum mechanics data. ReaxFF reactive force field based molecular dynamics simulations were performed, studying the dynamics of a xenon solvent and cage effect at different thermodynamic conditions for the iodine recombination reaction. We show that the conditions near the critical point are the optimal conditions to study the cage effect. We show that the average lifetime of xenon clusters ranging between 5 and 11 ps is comparable to iodine geminate recombination. Our simulation results of iodine recombination in xenon solvent demonstrate the higher probability of iodine molecule formation in the presence of xenon clusters. Finally, we show that the supercritical condition exhibits the highest recombination rate for iodine atoms.

Cage effect↗

Relating phase transitions to pore size distributions and mechanical mortar properties in CSA-OPC-C$ based systems – The potential impact of delayed straetlingite formation

The scope of this research is to investigate the performance evolution of five ternary CSA-OPC-Cs systems. Time resolved thermodynamic modeling was employed to gain insight into changes in the volume fractions of the hydrating pastes and link these changes to trends in the pore size distributions of the mortars. Pore solution analyses were performed to investigate which hydrates have the potential to exert high crystallization pressures. In three out of five blends the resulting tensile stress exceeded the tensile strength of the materials, resulting in the occurrence of coarse pores, which could be linked to the measured compressive strengths. Two damaging crystallization processes were identified in the investigated blends. One is the continuous precipitation of ettringite at high supersaturation in a system with high anhydrite addition. The other is the delayed crystallization of straetlingite at high supersaturation and crystallization pressure in the confined environment of mature pastes.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Mechanistic understanding of catalytic conversion of ethanol to 1-butene over 2D-pillared MFI zeolite

Ethanol is an important C2 platform molecule for producing value-added chemicals and distillate hydrocarbon fuels (e.g., jet and diesel). Among these, catalytic upgrading of ethanol to butenes can generate valuable commodity chemicals (e.g., 1-butene) and provide C4 olefin intermediates that can be further upgraded to jet/diesel fuels. 2D zeolites offer hierarchical mesoporous structures, leading to improved mass transport and reduced diffusion length, which can help to address the coking challenges faced by ethanol conversion to hydrocarbons over 3D zeolites. In this study, we investigate the acid-catalyzed conversion of ethanol to 1-butene over the Brønsted acid sites (BAS) in 2D-pillared MFI zeolite (2D-PMFI) using ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations, in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS), and calorimetric measurements. A detailed thermodynamic analysis, using quasi-harmonic approximation (QHA), on the Gibbs free energy pathway of ethanol conversion shows that the consideration of entropy is critical to accurately capture the detailed thermodynamic profiles. The formation of bulky ethoxy-ethene complex is found to be a potential rate-determining step (RDS), proceeding via stepwise mechanism. The reactivity of 2D-PMFI can be further tuned by manipulating RDS through a careful control of number of BAS and operating temperatures. The accuracy of computational model is confirmed through the comparison of calculated vibrational density of states (VDOS) against the experimental DRIFTS measurements. Overall, our study provides mechanistic insights into ethanol upgrading over the 2D-PMFI and shows the importance of evaluating entropic effects in such confined system.

Ethanol conversion, 2D-pillared zeolite, MFI, Anha↗

Acceleration of Solvation Free Energy Calculation via Thermodynamic Integration Coupled with Gaussian Process Regression and Improved Gelman–Rubin Convergence Diagnostics

The determination of the solvation free energy of ions and molecules holds profound importance across a spectrum of applications spanning chemistry, biology, energy storage, and the environment. Molecular dynamics simulations are powerful tools for computing this critical parameter. Nevertheless, the accurate and efficient calculation of the solvation free energy becomes a formidable endeavor when dealing with complex systems characterized by potent Coulombic interactions and sluggish ion dynamics and, consequently, slow transition across various metastable states. Here, in the present study, we expose limitations stemming from the conventional calculation of the statistical inefficiency g in the thermodynamic integration method, a factor that can hinder the determination of convergence of the solvation free energy and its associated uncertainty. Instead, we propose a robust scheme based on Gelman–Rubin convergence diagnostics. We leverage this improved estimation of uncertainties to introduce an innovative accelerated thermodynamic integration method based on the Gaussian Process regression. This methodology is applied to the calculation of the solvation free energy of trivalent rare-earth elements immersed in ionic liquids, a scenario in which the aforementioned challenges render standard approaches ineffective. The proposed method proves to be effective in computing solvation free energy in situations where traditional thermodynamic integration methods fall short.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗