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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 649 records · Page 36
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2020

Demonstration and Evaluation of an Advanced Integrated Operations Concept for Hybrid Control Rooms

The U.S. nuclear industry has an urgent need to reduce operations and maintenance costs to remain economically competitive in today’s energy market. Measures to improve efficiency in operations will need to leverage technology in a way that safely transforms how plants are operated. This work describes the Evaluation of an integrated operations concept that draws together data from existing Instrumentation and Control (I&C) infrastructure, upgraded I&C systems, new sensors, and field technologies such as computer-based procedures to provide operators with centralized, streamlined instructions. The concept was developed to allow for an operator to remotely supervise many plant activities and to dramatically streamline plant operations and maintenance. This describes the methods, results, and design recommendations for the concept based on an operator workshop to evaluate the concept.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2012

Some Issues in Uncertainty Quantification and Parameter Tuning: A Case Study of Convective Parameterization Scheme in the WRF Regional Climate Model

The current tuning process of parameters in global climate models is often performed subjectively, or treated as an optimization procedure to minimize the difference between model fields and observations. The later approach may be generating a set of tunable parameters that approximate the observed climate but via an unrealistic balance of physical processes and/or compensating errors over different regions in the globe. In this study, we run the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) regional model constrained by the reanalysis data over the Southern Great Plains (SGP) where abundant observational data from various resources are available for calibration of the input parameters and validation of the model results. Our goal is to quantify the uncertainty ranges and identify the optimal values of five key input parameters in a new Kain-Frisch (KF) convective parameterization scheme incorporated in the WRF model. A stochastic sampling algorithm, Multiple Very Fast Simulated Annealing (MVFSA), is employed to efficiently sample the input parameters in KF scheme based on the skill score so that the algorithm progressively moves toward regions of the parameter space that minimize model errors. The results based on the WRF simulations with 25-km grid spacing over the SGP show that the model bias for precipitation can be significantly reduced by using five optimal parameters identified by the MVFSA algorithm. The model performance is very sensitive to downdraft and entrainment related parameters and consumption time of Convective Available Potential Energy (CAPE). Simulated convective precipitation decreases as the ratio of downdraft to updraft flux increases. Larger CAPE consumption time results in less convective but more stratiform precipitation. The simulation using optimal parameters obtained by only constraining precipitation generates positive impact on the other output variables, such as temperature and wind. By using the optimal parameters obtained at 25 km simulation, both the magnitude and spatial pattern of simulated precipitation are improved at 12-km spatial resolution. The optimal parameters identified from the SGP region have also improved the simulation of precipitation when moving model domain to another region with a different climate regime (i.e. North America monsoon region). These results suggest the improvement of precipitation simulation by using the optimal parameters remains when the model domain or spatial resolution is changed.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1973

Evaluation of computer-aided procedure for detecting surface water

Results from an evaluation of a computer-aided procedure for processing ERTS-1 data to detect and locate surface water are presented. The procedure was evaluated using data from a study area in the vicinity of the Lake Somerville area in Washington County, Texas. The procedure consisted of (1) selecting water training fields, (2) aggregating the training samples together and clustering them into unimodal clusters, (3) computing the mean vector and covariance matrix for each cluster, (4) classifying all of the study area into classes corresponding to the clusters using the maximum likelihood classifier, and (5) thresholding out the nonwater pixels.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1975

Study of growth of single crystal ribbon in space

The technical feasibility is studied of growing single-crystal silicon ribbon in the space environment. Procedures are described for calculating the electromagnetic fields produced in a silicon ribbon by an rf shaping coil. The forces on the ribbon and the degree of shaping to be expected are determined. The expected steady-state temperature distribution in the ribbon is calculated in the one-dimensional approximation. Calculations on simplified models indicate, that lack of flatness of the shaped ribbon and excessive heating of the melt by the eddy currents induced by the shaping fields may pose problems. An analysis of the relative effects of various kinds of forces other than electromagnetic showed that in the space environment capillarity forces would dominate, and that the shape of the melt is thus principally determined by the shape of any solids with which it comes in contact. This suggests that ribbon may be produced simply by drawing between parallel wires. A concept is developed for a process of off-angle growth, in which the ribbon is pulled at an angle to the solidification front. Such a process promises to offer increased growth rate, better homogeneity, and thinner ribbon.

Wood, V. E.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Optimum coherent imaging of a limited field of view in the presence of angular and aperture noise

The question of image distribution reconstruction for coherent illumination of an object located in the aperture far zone is considered from first principles without postulating any particular optical spread function. The object function is mathematically modeled as a complex random function of angular coordinates, and it is assumed that the object distribution of interest is angularly limited to a certain a priori assigned field of view (FOV). A linear reconstruction procedure that is uniformly optimal in the FOV is established by using the methods of statistical estimation. Two special cases are examined: imaging a limited sector of a wide-angle random scene and objects in the FOV immersed in a wide-angle background of angular noise. It is noted that the domain of application of the reconstruction method is restricted to microwave frequencies.

Borgiotti, G. V.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Development of flightweight static face seals for 75.84 MPa /11 000 psi/ pressure and cryogenic temperatures

The development of a static seal configuration to meet the lightweight low-leakage requirements of the Space Shuttle Main Engine (pressure carrying capability of up to 75.84 MPa) is discussed. The design features, fabrication methods, lab testing, and performance of seal are examined. Flange and bolt details of the joint assembly are considered with attention to an ultrasonic technique for measuring preload in the bolts. Methods used for leak testing in the laboratory and in the field are described; the practicality of the procedures is considered. Attention is directed to hydrogen-environment embrittlement and its influence on seal and joint design.

Daniels, C. M.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Verification approach for the Shuttle/Payload Contamination Evaluation computer program - Spacelab induced environment

The paper presents a compilation of the results of a systems level Shuttle/payload contamination analysis and related computer modeling activities. The current technical assessment of the contamination problems anticipated during the Spacelab program are discussed and recommendations are presented on contamination abatement designs and operational procedures based on experience gained in the field of contamination analysis and assessment, dating back to the pre-Skylab era. The ultimate test of the Shuttle/Payload Contamination Evaluation program will be through comparison of predictions with measured levels of contamination during actual flight.

Bareiss, L. E.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Compression ignition sensitivity of NOS-365 under rapid propellant fill conditions

The ullage compression ignition sensitivity of NOS-365 monopropellant under the pressure condition expected to be found in a medium caliber regenerative liquid propellant gun is evaluated. The results from the rapidly loaded propellant tests performed to date are presented. For this case, the physical state of the propellant is characterized by the presence of turbulence and a finely distributed ullage field. A description of the test fixtures, procedures and results is given. It is argued that the results to date indicate that with relatively simple precautionary measures NOS-365 can be rendered sufficiently immune to the ullage compression ignition mechanism to permit it to be safely used in a regenerative liquid propellant gun.

Mandzy, J.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Feasibility study: Atmospheric general circulation experiment, volume 1

The atmospheric general circulation experiment (AGCE) uses a rotating fluid flow cell assembly. The key technical areas affecting the feasibility of the design and operation of the AGCE are investigated. The areas investigated include materials for the flow cell assembly, thermal design, high voltage power supply design, effective retrieval and handling of experiment data and apparatus configuration. Several materials, DMSO and m-tolunitrile, were selected as candidate fluids for the flow cell principally for their high dielectric constant which permits the high voltage power supply design to be held to 15 kV and still simulate terrestrial gravity. Achievement of a low dissipation factor in the fluid to minimize internal heating from the applied electrical field depends strongly on purification and handling procedures. The use of sapphire as the outer hemisphere for the flow cell provides excellent viewing conditions without a significant impact on attaining the desired thermal gradients. Birefringent effects from sapphire can be held to acceptably low limits. Visualization of flow fluid is achieved through the motion of a dot matrix formed by photochromic dyes. Two dyes found compatible with the candidate fluids are spiropyran and triarylmethane. The observation of the dot motion is accomplished using a flying spot scanner.

Homsey, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Contrast reduction by the atmosphere and retrieval of nonuniform surface reflectance

A radiative transfer model is developed which gives the upward radiance at nadir for any 1-D Lambertian surface reflectance. This model is used to depict the atmospheric effect on the transmittance of contrast for any 1-D surface reflectance. Here by contrast we mean a general variation of the radiation field across the image. With the aid of this model an inversion algorithm is developed for retrieval of true surface reflectance from high resolution satellite data (e.g., Landsat). This inversion technique can be a useful tool for extraction of surface reflectance from satellite data in the case of a surface reflectance variable in one dimension only (e.g., seashore or near borders of big fields). A sensitivity study of the inversion procedure on the knowledge of atmospheric parameters and sensor calibration was performed. It is shown that this inversion technique is stable even in the presence of errors in the sensor calibration and the atmospheric parameters. The method was applied to Landsat data in two wavelengths. The results show reasonable dependence of the derived surface reflectance on the distance from the seashore.

Mekler, Y.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Spatial Resolution Estimation of LANDSAT-4 TM Data

Experiments to determine overall radiometric resolution are discussed. Scene structures, such as roads and field edges, are used with numerical estimation procedures to predict resolution in LANDSAT 4 Thematic Mapper imagery. A nominal resolution of 39 meters is determined rather than the predicted 30 meter prelaunch estimates.

Mcgillem, C. D.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Overview of remote sensing field research - Requirements and status

The history of the development of remote sensing is briefly discussed, taking into account the study of the optical spectral properties of plants in the early 1950s, the concept of 'spectral signature', the multispectral scanner, and the Thematic Mapper scanner. The present state of development of remote sensing is examined. It is found that the requirements for field measurements for remote sensing field research are the same as the requirements envisioned in the 1960s. However, improved models for predicting scene reflectance and considerable field experience have clarified the aims and procedures. Information related to the status of optical measurements for crops and soils research is presented.

Robinson, B. F.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Thermomechanically induced pre- and postbuckling of general structure

An algorithmic solution strategy which enables handling the positive/indefinite stiffness characteristics associated with the pre and postbuckling of structures subject to complex thermomechanical loading fields was developed. The flexibility of the procedure is such that it can be applied to both finite difference and element type simulations. Due to the generality of the algorithmic approach developed, both kinematic and thermal/mechanical type material nonlinearity including inelastic effects can be treated. This includes the possibility of handling completely general thermomechanical boundary conditions. To demonstrate the scheme, the results of several benchmark problems are presented.

Padovan, J.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Practical preventive reliability using matrix forms

This paper describes a practical new tool to improve the reliability of equipment. It uses a matrix form to help monitor anticipated component faults precisely. The tool provides the practical measures necessary to generate matrix tables that accurately display all causes of failure and all planned programmatic analyses, tests, processes, and inspections. When completed, the matrix tables give users in-depth visibility of the degree of protection against component failure that is provided by the program's preventive measure plans. The matrix form is an excellent technique for tracking, and thereby influencing, the reliability of nonelectronic spacecraft subsystems or components. No electronic applications have been tried, but the procedure can be useful in the electronics field, e.g., in integrated circuit production planning, and perhaps in process control, inspection or test lines for other electronic components. The drawing of forms, and the recording/manipulation of the data can be computerized.

Johnson, S. A.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Application of a panel code to unsteady wing-propeller interference

Attention is given to the predictions of unsteady, incompressible, potential flow, on the basis of an extension of Maskew's (1982) low-order paneling method. This approach, which is a nonlinear one in that the small-perturbation approximation is not made, is able to arrive at solutions for such general problems as that of the interference between a two-bladed propeller and a wing. Due to the geometry and flow field in question, a wake-snipping procedure is introduced.

Rangwalla, A. A.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Mapping electrodynamic features of the high-latitude ionosphere from localized observations - Technique

This paper describes a novel procedure for mapping high-latitude electric fields and currents and their associated magnetic variations, using sets of localized observational data derived from different types of measurements. The technique provides a formalism for incorporating simultaneously such different classes of data as electric fields from radars and satellites, electric currents from radars, and magnetic perturbations at the ground and at satellite heights; the technique also uses available statistical information on the averages and variances of electrodynamic fields. The technique provides a more rigorous way of quantitatively estimating high-latitude electric field and current patterns than other methods and has a capability to quantify the errors in the mapped fields, based on the distribution of available data, their errors, and the statistical variances of the fields. The technique is illustrated by an application to a substorm which was analyzed by Kamide et al. (1982) by an earlier technique.

Richmond, A. D.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Nongeostrophic theory of zonally averaged circulation. II - Eliassen-Palm flux divergence and isentropic mixing coefficient

A diagnostic study of Eliassen-Palm flux divergence and isentropic mixing coefficient (Kyy) in the stratosphere is performed for different seasons and for both hemispheres, based on the nongeostrophic theory of zonally averaged circulation of Tung (1986). An easily implementable procedure is described which yields a Kyy field that is consistent with advective transport. It is shown that the resultant time- and space-varying structure of Kyy leads to improved simulation of stratospheric species whose distributions are affected by dynamical transport. In particular, it is shown that the simulation of nitric acid is more satisfactory than previous model calculations.

Yang, H.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Flight test and numerical simulation of transonic flow around YAV-8B Harrier II wing

A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method is used to study the aerodynamics of the YAV-8B Harrier II wing in the transonic region. A numerical procedure is developed to compute the flow field around the complicated wing-pylon-fairing geometry. The surface definition of the wing and pylons were obtained from direct measurement using theodolite triangulation. A thin-layer Navier-Stokes code with the Chimera technique is used to compute flow solutions. The computed pressure distributions at several span stations are compared with flight test data and show good agreement. Computed results are correlated with flight test data that show the flow is severely separated in the vicinity of the wing-pylon junction. Analysis shows that shock waves are induced by pylon swaybrace fairings, that the flow separation is much stronger at the outboard pylon and that the separation is caused mainly by the crossflow passing the geometry of wing-pylon junction.

Gea, Lie-Mine↗