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At least 667 records · Page 37

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NASA NTRS2013

Elastic-Plastic J-Integral Solutions or Surface Cracks in Tension Using an Interpolation Methodology

No closed form solutions exist for the elastic-plastic J-integral for surface cracks due to the nonlinear, three-dimensional nature of the problem. Traditionally, each surface crack must be analyzed with a unique and time-consuming nonlinear finite element analysis. To overcome this shortcoming, the authors have developed and analyzed an array of 600 3D nonlinear finite element models for surface cracks in flat plates under tension loading. The solution space covers a wide range of crack shapes and depths (shape: 0.2 less than or equal to a/c less than or equal to 1, depth: 0.2 less than or equal to a/B less than or equal to 0.8) and material flow properties (elastic modulus-to-yield ratio: 100 less than or equal to E/ys less than or equal to 1,000, and hardening: 3 less than or equal to n less than or equal to 20). The authors have developed a methodology for interpolating between the goemetric and material property variables that allows the user to reliably evaluate the full elastic-plastic J-integral and force versus crack mouth opening displacement solution; thus, a solution can be obtained very rapidly by users without elastic-plastic fracture mechanics modeling experience. Complete solutions for the 600 models and 25 additional benchmark models are provided in tabular format.

Allen, P. A.↗

NASA NTRS2013

Elastic-Plastic J-Integral Solutions or Surface Cracks in Tension Using an Interpolation Methodology. Appendix C -- Finite Element Models Solution Database File, Appendix D -- Benchmark Finite Element Models Solution Database File

Allen, Phillip A.↗

NASA NTRS2015

Meteor Entry and Breakup Based on Evolution of NASAs Entry Capsule Design Tools

Physics of atmospheric entry of meteoroids was an active area of research at NASA ARC up to the early 1970s (e.g., the oft-cited work of Baldwin and Sheaffer). However, research in the area seems to have ended with the Apollo program, and any ties with an active international meteor physics community seem to have significantly diminished thereafter. In the decades following the 1970s, the focus of entry physics at NASA ARC has been on improvement of the math models of shock-layer physics (especially in chemical kinetics and radiation) and thermal response of ablative materials used for capsule heatshields. With the overarching objectives of understanding energy deposition into the atmosphere and fragmentation, could these modern analysis tools and processes be applied to the problem of atmospheric entry of meteoroids as well? In the presentation we will explore: (i) the physics of atmospheric entries of meteoroids using our current state-of-the-art tools and processes, (ii) the influence of shape (and shape change) on flow characteristics, and (iii) how multiple bodies interact.

Prabku, Dinesh K.↗

NASA NTRS2010

Regenerative Blower for EVA Suit Ventilation Fan

Portable life support systems in future space suits will include a ventilation subsystem driven by a dedicated fan. This ventilation fan must meet challenging requirements for pressure rise, flow rate, efficiency, size, safety, and reliability. This paper describes research and development that showed the feasibility of a regenerative blower that is uniquely suited to meet these requirements. We proved feasibility through component tests, blower tests, and design analysis. Based on the requirements for the Constellation Space Suit Element (CSSE) Portable Life Support System (PLSS) ventilation fan, we designed the critical elements of the blower. We measured the effects of key design parameters on blower performance using separate effects tests, and used the results of these tests to design a regenerative blower that will meet the ventilation fan requirements. We assembled a proof-of-concept blower and measured its performance at sub-atmospheric pressures that simulate a PLSS ventilation loop environment. Head/flow performance and maximum efficiency point data were used to specify the design and operating conditions for the ventilation fan. We identified materials for the blower that will enhance safety for operation in a lunar environment, and produced a solid model that illustrates the final design. The proof-of-concept blower produced the flow rate and pressure rise needed for the CSSE ventilation subsystem while running at 5400 rpm, consuming only 9 W of electric power using a non-optimized, commercial motor and controller and inefficient bearings. Scaling the test results to a complete design shows that a lightweight, compact, reliable, and low power regenerative blower can meet the performance requirements for future space suit life support systems.

Izenson, Michael G.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Elastohydrodynamic lubrication of rectangular contacts

An isothermal elastohydrodynamically lubricated rectangular contact was evaluated numerically. This required the simultaneous solution of the elasticity and Reynolds equations. In the elasticity analysis the contact zone was divided into equal rectangular areas, and it was assumed that a uniform pressure was applied over each area. The elastohydrodynamic lubrication theory thus developed was used to investigate the influence of the dimensionless speed, load, and materials parameters on minimum film thickness. Ten cases were used in obtaining the minimum film thickness formula. Plots are shown that indicate the details of the pressure distribution, film shape, and flow. The characteristic pressure spike is clearly in evidence as is the parallel film shape through the central portion of the contact, with a minimum film thickness occurring near the outlet of the contact.

Hamrock, B. J.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Elastohydrodynamic lubrication of line contacts

Hamrock, B. J.↗

NASA NTRS1999

Hot Gas Testing Results of Stagnant Volume Filling Through a Back-Filled RSRM Nozzle Joint

Silicone rubber is back-filled into RSW nozzle joints after assembly. A possible artifact of this process is the formation of small pathways through this filter leading to sensitive sealing materials within the joint. At motor ignition, hot gases fill the stagnant volumes within the joint through this path. A series of 14 test has been completed studying this scenario and providing anchoring data for thermal/flow models. Parameters such as gas path cross section, gas path length, gas path materials, fill volume size, and post path gas spreading prior to unpingement on seal material, have been investigated. Tests were accomplished using geometry similar to RSRM nozzle joint 4 with attached volumes replicating the free volume and flow friction in the actual hardware. The test hardware simulated 8 inches of the full-scale circumference. Testing has pointed to changes required in model boundary condition assumptions and gas dynamics corrections for gas paths of this size and geometry. Areas ,where this date has provided improvement in analysis models will be covered as well as model inadequacies that require separate specialized efforts. Questions remaining after this testing and a possible direction for future testing will be suggested.

Prince, Andrew S.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Friction and wear properties of three hard refractory coatings applied by radiofrequency sputtering

The adherence, friction, and wear properties of thin hard refractory compound coatings applied to 440C bearing steel by radiofrequency sputtering were investigated. Friction and wear tests were done with nonconforming pin on disk specimens. The compounds examined were chromium carbide, molybdenum silicide, and titanium carbide. The adherence, friction, and wear were markedly improved by the application of a bias voltage to the bearing steel substrate during coating deposition. Analysis by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicated that the improvement may be due to a reduction in impurities in bias deposited coatings. A fivefold reduction in oxygen concentration in MoSi2 coating by biasing was noted. Chromium carbide was not effective as an antiwear coating. Molybdenum silicide provided some reduction in both friction and wear. Titanium carbide exhibited excellent friction and antiwear properties at light loads. Plastic flow and transfer of the coating material onto the pin specimen appears to be important in achieving low friction and wear.

Brainard, W. A.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Propagation of sound in highly porous open-cell elastic foams

This work presents both theoretical predictions and experimental measurements of attenuation and progressive phase constants of sound in open-cell, highly porous, elastic polyurethane foams. The foams are available commercially in graded pore sizes for which information about the static flow resistance, thermal time constant, volume porosity, dynamic structure factor, and speed of sound is known. The analysis is specialized to highly porous foams which can be efficient sound absorbers at audio frequencies. Negligible effect of internal wave coupling on attenuation and phase shift for the frequency range 16-6000 Hz was predicted and no experimentally significant effects were observed in the bulk samples studied. The agreement between predictions and measurements in bulk materials is excellent. The analysis is applicable to both the regular and compressed elastic open-cell foams.

Lambert, R. F.↗

NASA NTRS1995

Preliminary control system design and analysis for the Space Station Furnace Facility thermal control system

This report presents the Space Station Furnace Facility (SSFF) thermal control system (TCS) preliminary control system design and analysis. The SSFF provides the necessary core systems to operate various materials processing furnaces. The TCS is defined as one of the core systems, and its function is to collect excess heat from furnaces and to provide precise cold temperature control of components and of certain furnace zones. Physical interconnection of parallel thermal control subsystems through a common pump implies the description of the TCS by coupled nonlinear differential equations in pressure and flow. This report formulates the system equations and develops the controllers that cause the interconnected subsystems to satisfy flow rate tracking requirements. Extensive digital simulation results are presented to show the flow rate tracking performance.

Jackson, M. E.↗

NASA NTRS2007

Thermal Testing and Analysis of an Efficient High-Temperature Multi-Screen Internal Insulation

Conventional multi-layer insulations exhibit excellent insulation performance but they are limited to the temperature range to which their components reflective foils and spacer materials are compatible. For high temperature applications, the internal multi-screen insulation IMI has been developed that utilizes unique ceramic material technology to produce reflective screens with high temperature stability. For analytical insulation sizing a parametric material model is developed that includes the main contributors for heat flow which are radiation and conduction. The adaptation of model-parameters based on effective steady-state thermal conductivity measurements performed at NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) allows for extrapolation to arbitrary stack configurations and temperature ranges beyond the ones that were covered in the conductivity measurements. Experimental validation of the parametric material model was performed during the thermal qualification test of the X-38 Chin-panel, where test results and predictions showed a good agreement.

Weiland, Stefan↗

DOE OSTI2026

Cation-Diffusive Carbon Interlayers Stabilize Na Metal and Double the Current in Na-S Redox-Flow Batteries for Grid-Scale Energy Storage

The sodium-sulfur nonaqueous redox-flow batteries (Na-S NARFBs) using earth-abundant elements are highly attractive due to the low material cost and improved energy density for grid-scale energy storage. However, the low current performance, poor Na0/Na+ redox kinetics, and Na dendrite growth pose severe challenges. We introduce cation-diffusive layers (CDLs): thin and Na+ affinitive interlayers at the Na anode that direct Na+ transport and stabilize Na deposition. Benchmarking three archetypal materials—carbon paper (CP), glass microfiber paper (GF), and foam—across Na-Na and Na-Cu, and Na-S cells identifies CP as the optimum. CP reduces symmetric cell overpotential by more than 70%, achieves 98% Na plating-stripping efficiency, and doubles the Na-S cell current density from 0.5 to 1.0 mA cm−2 without sacrificing capacity or efficiency. Ex situ electrochemical and SEM/XPS analysis, combined with molecular dynamics (MD) studies, reveal that electron-rich carbon fibers disperse supporting salt aggregates, enrich near-surface Na+ density, and create ion transport pathways for fast Na0/Na+ exchange while mitigating membrane degradation. Because of the ion-centric mechanism, CDLs can be generalized to other metal-anode designs. Further, this work establishes CDL design rules—cationic affinity and appropriate micro/nanostructure—as a simple, scalable route to high-current, durable metal-anode flow batteries.

Wu, Wenda [ORNL] (ORCID:000900033307687X)↗

NASA NTRS1982

Determination of boundary shape of cooled porous region

The shape of a cooled porous wall section is found that will provide a uniform surface temperature, as dictated by material limitations, when the surface is subjected to spatially nonuniform heating. In the analysis, local temperatures and pressures in the porous material are expressed in terms of a potential function. From the imposed thermal conditions, this potential function is governed by the dual constraints of both its value and its normal derivative being specified along the heated surface. The unknown shape of this surface is obtained by meeting these dual conditions. The analytical method uses a generalized conformal mapping procedure that includes a curved boundary. The coolant flow can be compressible or incompressible, and its viscosity can depend on temperature.

Snyder, A.↗

DOE OSTI2021

Tritium Transport Phenomena in Molten-Salt Reactors: Molten Salt Tritium Transport Experiment Design

Tritium is produced from neutron interactions with both lithium and beryllium. Large quantities of tritium are generated in Molten Salt Reactors (MSRs) which use LiF/BeF2 (FLiBe) as the fuel salt. Tritium is unique among the radionuclide hazards as it readily permeates through metal structural materials at high temperatures. All metal surfaces are potential release paths for tritium. For adequate safety analysis and eventual licensing of new reactors, predictive models for tritium transport and release from MSRs must be developed. These models must account for the multiple transport phenomena involved with tritium: fuel salt phase mass transport, dissociation/recombination reactions on metal surfaces, interstitial diffusion through the metal structure, and salt or gas phase mass transport in the downstream fluid. These models also must also be validated with representative experiments. Our previous report outlined tritium transport phenomena involved in MSRs, made suggestions on gaps in the transport dataset, and proposed an experimental test stand to test combined transport effects – tritium transport through pipe walls in a convective salt flow. In this report, we summarize an updated analysis framework for tritium transport in MSRs, report our results on hydrogen and deuterium permeation through Hastelloy N, and describe the final design of the Molten Salt Tritium Transport Experiment (MSTTE, pronounced “misty”). The MSRE provides the only wholistic experimental data set for tritium transport in MSRs and understanding the transport phenomena involved in the MSRE is crucial for future model development. One set of parameters in our analysis framework was unknown for the MSRE—surface reaction rates for tritium on Hastelloy N. This warranted our hydrogen and deuterium permeation campaign to assess the permeability, diffusivity, and solubility of hydrogen isotopes in clean Hastelloy N. Surface reaction rate constants were probed by low pressure measurements, however, no surface effects were observed in the limits of our permeation apparatus. Permeation experiments on oxidized Hastelloy N were not performed for this report but are planned in future work. The experimental test stand, MSTTE, measures combined transport properties of the salt-metal system. MSTTE is a forced convection FLiBe loop with custom designed test section to measure tritium transport through candidate structural materials. We use MSRE relevant dimensionless numbers to design and scale the test section. Hastelloy N is a candidate loop and test section material due to the relevance for the MSRE and related designs, however, other metals are being considered (e.g. 316H SS) which may better align with current vendor concepts.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

NASA NTRS1985

A spectral analysis of the low temperature material in spicules

The resonance lines of Na, Sr(+), and the Mg triplet system, together with the middle H Balmer lines, are used to determine the plasma parameters in the low temperature parts of spicules. Results are presented for heights of 2100 and 2500 km according to the chromospheric line emission data reported by Dunn, et al. (1968) for the 1962 eclipse. In addition to obtaining values for the electron density, this method is unique in yielding direct results for the degree of hydrogen ionization, the hydrogen density, and the line-of-sight thickness of emitting material. Temperature, microturbulence, and vertical flow velocity are more loosely determined in ranges corresponding to allowed combinations of these quantities.

Landman, D. A.↗

NASA NTRS2006

Analysis of Material Sample Heated by Impinging Hot Hydrogen Jet in a Non-Nuclear Tester

A computational conjugate heat transfer methodology was developed and anchored with data obtained from a hot-hydrogen jet heated, non-nuclear materials tester, as a first step towards developing an efficient and accurate multiphysics, thermo-fluid computational methodology to predict environments for hypothetical solid-core, nuclear thermal engine thrust chamber. The computational methodology is based on a multidimensional, finite-volume, turbulent, chemically reacting, thermally radiating, unstructured-grid, and pressure-based formulation. The multiphysics invoked in this study include hydrogen dissociation kinetics and thermodynamics, turbulent flow, convective and thermal radiative, and conjugate heat transfers. Predicted hot hydrogen jet and material surface temperatures were compared with those of measurement. Predicted solid temperatures were compared with those obtained with a standard heat transfer code. The interrogation of physics revealed that reactions of hydrogen dissociation and recombination are highly correlated with local temperature and are necessary for accurate prediction of the hot-hydrogen jet temperature.

Wang, Ten-See↗

DOE OSTI2021

Direct Uranium Isotopic Analysis of Swipe Surfaces by Microextraction-ICP-MS

The ability to directly measure uranium isotope ratios on environmental swipes has been achieved through a solution-based microextraction process and represents a significant advancement toward the development of a rapid method to analyze international nuclear safeguard samples. Here, a microextraction probe is lowered and sealed onto the swipe surface, and analytes within the sampling site (~8 mm2) are dissolved and extracted into a flowing solvent of 2% nitric acid (HNO 3 ). The mobilized species are subsequently directed into an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) for accurate and precise isotope ratio determination. This work highlights the novelty of the sampling mechanism, particularly with the direct coupling of the microextraction probe to the ICP-MS and measurement of uranium isotope ratios. The preliminary method detection limit for the microextraction-ICP-MS method, utilizing a quadrupole-based MS, was determined to be ~50 pg of 238 U. Additionally, precise and accurate isotope ratio measurements were achieved on uranium reference materials for both the major ( 235 U/ 238 U) and minor ( 234 U/ 238 U and 236 U/ 238 U) ratios. While the present work is focused on directly measuring uranium isotopic systems on swipe surfaces for nuclear safeguards and verification applications, the benefits would extend across many applications in which direct solid sampling is sought for elemental and isotopic analysis.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2026

Computational Thermal Hydraulics of a High-Performance Low-Enriched-Uranium Annular Target for HFIR Irradiation

Molybdenum-99 has historically been generated via isolation from fissioned highly enriched uranium (HEU) targets. Here, this isotope is in high demand due to its daily use across the world in radiopharmaceutical medical procedures. The primary objective of this work was to design and analyze an experimental target assembly containing one low-enriched-uranium (LEU) annular target for irradiation at the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR). Efforts included incorporating spatially dependent energy sources from neutron and gamma interactions, quantifying thermal contact conductance at material interfaces, performing grid-independent studies, comparing turbulence models, and simulating various steady-state and transient scenarios relevant for irradiation qualification and eventual insertion. These models provide velocity, pressure, and temperature distributions in both space and time. Such results enable the selection of an appropriate irradiation location, fission rate density, and flow-limiting orifice size and demonstrate compliance with HFIR safety requirements such that insertion into the reactor can be approved. This analysis shows that across all scenarios, wetted surface temperatures remain below the coolant saturation temperature with no net vapor formation in the coolant. In every scenario, all components stay below 30% of the aluminum 6061 melting temperature. Computational fluid dynamics and system-level models predict peak target temperatures that agree within 4%, though the predicted axial location of the peak differs by about 10% of the heated length due to differences in flow development length. These results de-risk the irradiation of LEU (annular targets) and strengthen a domestic, HEU-independent 99 Mo supply by providing important fuel performance data to form the foundation for a robust licensing basis.

Molybdenum-99↗