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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 685 records · Page 38

Adding In-Plane Flexibility to the Equations of Motion of a Single Rotor Helicopter

This report describes a way to add the effects of main rotor blade flexibility in the in- plane or lead-lag direction to a large set of non-linear equations of motion for a single rotor helicopter with rigid blades(l). Differences between the frequency of the regressing lag mode predicted by the equations of (1) and that measured in flight (2) for a UH-60 helicopter indicate that some element is missing from the analytical model of (1) which assumes rigid blades. A previous study (3) noted a similar discrepancy for the CH-53 helicopter. Using a relatively simple analytical model in (3), compared to (1), it was shown that a mechanical lag damper increases significantly the coupling between the rigid lag mode and the first flexible mode. This increased coupling due to a powerful lag damper produces an increase in the lowest lag frequency when viewed in a frame rotating with the blade. Flight test measurements normally indicate the frequency of this mode in a non-rotating or fixed frame. This report presents the additions necessary to the full equations of motion, to include main rotor blade lag flexibility. Since these additions are made to a very complex nonlinear dynamic model, in order to provide physical insight, a discussion of the results obtained from a simplified set of equations of motion is included. The reduced model illustrates the physics involved in the coupling and should indicate trends in the full model.

Curtiss, H. C., Jr.↗

First Measurement of Z Opacity Sample Evolution near Solar Interior Conditions Using Time-Resolved Spectroscopy

Opacity model differences with Fe opacity measurements at high temperature (T>1⁢8⁢0 eV ) and high electron density (𝑛 𝑒 >3×10 22 cm −3 ) at nearly solar interior conditions have remained unresolved [Bailey et al., Nature 517, 56 (2015) and Nagayama et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 122, 235001 (2019)]. Systematic errors from temporal gradients are one hypothesis for the discrepancy. Past data recorded on x-ray film provided spectral measurements over a time determined by the 2.8-ns backlighter duration. Here, we present the first measurements of opacity sample temporal evolution using novel hCMOS ultrafast x-ray camera technology. The measured conditions, measured backlighter time history, and modeled opacities are used to show that temporal gradients do not resolve the model-data discrepancy. The methods demonstrated provide potential advantages, including opacities at more extreme conditions, spectral line shift measurements, and improved measurements at other facilities.

atomic spectra↗

Enhancing materials property prediction by leveraging computational and experimental data using deep transfer learning

Abstract The current predictive modeling techniques applied to Density Functional Theory (DFT) computations have helped accelerate the process of materials discovery by providing significantly faster methods to scan materials candidates, thereby reducing the search space for future DFT computations and experiments. However, in addition to prediction error against DFT-computed properties, such predictive models also inherit the DFT-computation discrepancies against experimentally measured properties. To address this challenge, we demonstrate that using deep transfer learning, existing large DFT-computational data sets (such as the Open Quantum Materials Database (OQMD)) can be leveraged together with other smaller DFT-computed data sets as well as available experimental observations to build robust prediction models. We build a highly accurate model for predicting formation energy of materials from their compositions; using an experimental data set of $$1,643$$ 1 , 643 observations, the proposed approach yields a mean absolute error (MAE) of $$0.07$$ 0.07 eV/atom, which is significantly better than existing machine learning (ML) prediction modeling based on DFT computations and is comparable to the MAE of DFT-computation itself.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

On-Orbit Structural Dynamics Performance of the Roll-Out Solar Array

The Roll-Out Solar Array (ROSA) flight experiment was launched to the International Space Station (ISS) on June 3rd, 2017. ROSA is an innovative, lightweight solar array with a flexible substrate that makes use of the stored strain energy in its composite structural members to provide deployment without the use of motors. This paper will discuss the results of various structural dynamics experiments conducted on the ISS during the weeks following launch. Data gathered from instrumentation on the solar array wing during the experiments are compared with pre-flight predictions from two different finite element modeling efforts. Two distinct methods were used to reconstruct the modal characteristics of ROSA from the data collected on orbit. Of particular interest in this effort are the first few system modes and mode shapes of the array, the amount of structural damping present, and degree of structural thermal interaction seen during eclipse exit. Discrepancies between the behavior predicted by the models and that observed on orbit are identified and discussed. The goal in this effort was to better understand the performance of ROSA and to improve modeling efforts for future designs of similar solar arrays.

Chamberlain, Matthew K.↗

Predictability of planetary waves - Interhemispheric differences and the effects of stationary forcing

An attempt is made to determine the way in which errors appear in the ultralong waves of numerical weather prediction models, as well as the means by which such errors may be alleviated. Such efforts to improve the numerical forecasting of planetary waves derive their importance from the fact that energetic large scale phenomena are the basis for prospective improvements in extended range forecasting. A simple, linear, quasi-geostrophic and barotropic model is presently used in real data forecast simulations to explore, in an idealized context, several effects that may clarify discrepancies betweeen predictability theory and the performance of current numerical weather prediction models. Attention is given to the degree to which discrepancies may be accounted for by linear theory.

Roads, J. O.↗

High Precision Magnetic Field Measurement for the Muon g-2 Experiment

The Muon g-2 experiment at Fermilab will measure the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon, aµ with a precision of 140 ppb, a four-fold improvement over the former BNL E821 result. If the current discrepancy of about 3.5σ between the Standard Model value for aµ and the former experiments was real, then the new experiment would verify the deviation with >7σ significance. The experiment uses muons with the magic momentum of 3.09 GeV/c stored in a very homogeneous magnetic field of a 45 m long storage ring. The determination of aµ requires the precise knowledge of both the anomalous muon spin precession, ωa, and the magnetic field, ωp, expressed in terms of the free-proton Larmor frequency. The field measurement uses the high precision tool of pulsed Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (pNMR) and requires cross-calibrating a set of probes: a very accurate NMR probe calibrates the 17 probes on the in-vacuum field mapping system (the so-called trolley). This trolley in turn is used to map the field over the full azimuth of the storage ring. The trolley measurement also provides the calibration of the 378 fixed probes around the ring that constantly monitor the field drift. This article presents the summary of the entire field measurement system needed to determine ωp. This work was supported in part by the US DOE, Fermilab and US DOE OHEP under contract No. KA2201020.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Independent Verification and Validation for Artemis I Ascent Integrated Flight Performance Simulation

The NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) has performed independent model development to support cross-model verification for the Space Launch System (SLS) Program since 2012 which culminated, for Artemis I, in a postflight reconciliation analysis of the Artemis I ascent trajectory (validation). This post-flight analysis was completed by both the NESC and the SLS Program. Upon successful completion of the Artemis I mission, multiple preflight simulations of the nominal ascent trajectory were updated with Day of Launch (DOL) conditions and simulated results were compared to reconstructed flight data derived from telemetry measurements. Dispersed trajectories were also produced using a combination of DOL conditions and preflight uncertainties, which ideally should bound the Artemis I flight data. Finally, multibody dynamics were simulated for some of the separation events to support clearance analyses. This paper focuses on validating and understanding the accuracy of the models by comparing simulated results against the Artemis I flight data. In addition, discrepancies uncovered between simulations led to opportunities to investigate areas for potential model improvement to refine preflight simulations for future Artemis missions. Included in this paper is background on the flight performance simulation tools, the postflight analysis approach, and a comparison of simulation results against the Artemis I flight data. Simulated results were found to generally be in close agreement with each other and the Artemis I flight data.

Jacob Fleck↗

Measurement of the Muon Magnetic Anomaly $\boldsymbol{a}_{\boldsymbol{\mu}}$ in the Muon $\boldsymbol{g-2}$ Experiment at Fermilab

The Fermilab Muon g-2 experiment measures the muon anomalous magnetic moment with high precision. Together with recent improvements on the theory front, the first results of the experiment confirm the long-standing discrepancy between the experimental measurements and the Standard Model predictions. The observed value of $a_{\mu}({\textrm{FNAL}})=116\,592\,040(54)\times 10^{-11}(\text{0.46 ppm})$, combined with the previous experimental measurement, results in a discrepancy of $(251\pm 59)\times 10^{-11}$ with the theoretical prediction, corresponding to $4.2\sigma$. This note presents the first results, the current status and the future prospects of the Muon $g-2$ experiment at Fermilab.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Implications of the GSFC Q3 model for trapped particle motion

The Uranus magnetic field model of Connerney et al. (1987), designated GSFC Q3, is used to compute field geometric invariant parameters that determine the adiabatic motion of energetic charged particles trapped in the Uranian magnetosphere, performing computations only for points located along the Voyager 2 flyby trajectory. The L-shell values computed along the Voyager-2 trajectory were compared with L shell values corresponding to the orbital positions for the Uranian satellites Ariel, Umbriel, Miranda, and Titania for a time period centered on the time of the Voyager 2 closest approach to the planet. Bimodal distributions of L minima asociated with the orbital motion of the moons are obtained, thus complicating the model predictions and correlations with charged particle data. The location of charged particle absorption signatures associated with the sweeping effects of the Uranian satellites is reasonably predicted, but significant discrepancies remain which cannot be explained by Q3 model uncertainties.

Acuna, M. H.↗

A Comprehensive X-Ray Absorption Model for Atomic Oxygen

An analytical formula is developed to accurately represent the photoabsorption cross section of atomic Oxygen for all energies of interest in X-ray spectral modeling. In the vicinity of the K edge, a Rydberg series expression is used to fit R-matrix results, including important orbital relaxation effects, that accurately predict the absorption oscillator strengths below threshold and merge consistently and continuously to the above-threshold cross section. Further, minor adjustments are made to the threshold energies in order to reliably align the atomic Rydberg resonances after consideration of both experimental and observed line positions. At energies far below or above the K-edge region, the formulation is based on both outer- and inner-shell direct photoionization, including significant shake-up and shake-off processes that result in photoionization-excitation and double-photoionization contributions to the total cross section. The ultimate purpose for developing a definitive model for oxygen absorption is to resolve standing discrepancies between the astronomically observed and laboratory-measured line positions, and between the inferred atomic and molecular oxygen abundances in the interstellar medium from XSTAR and SPEX spectral models.

supernova remnants↗

Impact of beam coupling impedance on crab cavity noise induced emittance growth

Crab cavities will be deployed as a part of the High Luminosity Large Hadron Collider (HL-LHC) upgrade to mitigate the luminosity reduction induced by the crossing angle at the main experiments (ATLAS and CMS). Two prototype crab cavities have been installed in the CERN Super Proton Synchrotron (SPS) in 2018 for studies with proton beams. An issue of concern is the transverse emittance growth induced by noise in the crab cavity radio frequency (rf) system, which is anticipated to limit the performance of the HL-LHC. In measurements conducted in the SPS in 2018, the crab cavity noise-induced emittance growth was measured to be a factor of 4 lower than predicted from the existing analytical models. In this paper, it is shown that the observed discrepancy is explained by damping effects from the beam coupling impedance, which were not included in the models up to now. Using the van Kampen mode approach, a new theory is developed, suggesting that the impedance can separate the coherent tune from the incoherent spectrum leading to an effective reduction of the crab cavity rf noise-induced emittance growth. This mechanism is validated in tracking simulations using the SPS impedance model as well as in dedicated experimental measurements conducted in the SPS in 2022. The implications for the HL-LHC project are discussed. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Physics↗

Modeling of turbulent supersonic H2-air combustion with an improved joint beta PDF

Attempts at modeling recent experiments of Cheng et al. indicated that discrepancies between theory and experiment can be a result of the form of assumed probability density function (PDF) and/or the turbulence model employed. Improvements in both the form of the assumed PDF and the turbulence model are presented. The results are again used to compare with measurements. Initial comparisons are encouraging.

Baurle, R. A.↗

Predictably missing satellites: subhalo abundances in Milky Way-like haloes

ABSTRACT On small scales there have been a number of claims of discrepancies between the standard cold dark matter (CDM) model and observations. The ‘missing satellites problem’ infamously describes the overabundance of subhaloes from CDM simulations compared to the number of satellites observed in the Milky Way. A variety of solutions to this discrepancy have been proposed; however, the impact of the specific properties of the Milky Way halo relative to the typical halo of its mass has yet to be explored. Motivated by recent studies that identified ways in which the Milky Way is atypical, we investigate how the properties of dark matter haloes with mass comparable to our Galaxy’s – including concentration, spin, shape, and scale factor of the last major merger – correlate with the subhalo abundance. Using zoom-in simulations of Milky Way-like haloes, we build two models of subhalo abundance as functions of host halo properties. From these models we conclude that the Milky Way most likely has fewer subhaloes than the average halo of the same mass. We expect up to 30 per cent fewer subhaloes with low maximum rotation velocities ($V_{\rm max}^{\rm sat} \sim 10$ km s−1) at the 68 per cent confidence level and up to 52 per cent fewer than average subhaloes with high rotation velocities ($V_{\rm max}^{\rm sat} \gtrsim 30$ km s−1, comparable to the Magellanic Clouds) than would be expected for a typical halo of the Milky Way’s mass. Concentration is the most informative single parameter for predicting subhalo abundance. Our results imply that models tuned to explain the missing satellites problem assuming typical subhalo abundances for our Galaxy may be overcorrecting.

Fielder, Catherine E.↗

Comparison of Optical Modelling Tools for Sunshape and Surface Slope Error

The sunshape and mirror surface slope error are two main factors that influence the characteristics of incoming and reflected solar beams in a solar concentrator. Different optical modelling tools, however, address these two factors with different methods and simplifications. In this study, simulation methods are reviewed in five optical modelling tools, namely SolTrace, Tonatiuh, Tracer, Heliosim and SolarPILOT. A series of simple test cases are simulated in each tool to compare and verify the implementation of sunshape and slope error models separately. This strategy has successfully identified discrepancies among the tools and contributed to a better understanding of their reasons. It has also uncovered few glitches in some of those tools and contributed to improve them. It is our hope that this study will help to resolve common misconceptions, to build confidence amongst CSP researches on the accuracy of tools with which they have less experience, and to ensure better agreement in optical modelling work in future.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Pebble-Bed Reactors Running In And Transient Modeling Capabilities Demonstration

This study presents a comprehensive benchmarking and verification effort of several thermal-hydraulic and multiphysics capabilities for high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) applications. The first part of this effort focuses on the running-in verification of Griffin's multiphysics capabilities, specifically for simulating the evolution of Pebble Bed reactor cores from startup to equilibrium. In the absence of validation data, code-to-code comparisons are conducted with Kugelpy, showing good agreement for key quantities like maximum power density and fresh core k-eigenvalue predictions. However, discrepancies in equilibrium core predictions suggest potential issues with cross sections, underscoring the need for further refinement and evaluation. The HTTF system analysis code benchmark involves RELAP5-3D, SAM, and GAMMA+ to assess their predictive capabilities for HTTF behavior under both normal operation and pressurized conduction cooldown (PCC) transient conditions. While there is good agreement in predicting major parameters such as coolant temperature, solid temperature, and flow distribution, discrepancies in transient behavior highlight differences in modeling approaches, nodalizations, and heat transfer models. The HTTF lower plenum CFD benchmark employs nekRS to simulate flow mixing phenomena, successfully capturing relevant flow physics and demonstrating mesh independence in complex geometries. Preliminary results suggest a relatively uniform temperature field but significant unsteadiness in the flow, requiring time-averaging analyses. The GPBR200 system analysis code benchmark uses SAM's core channel and porous media models, incorporating an RCCS loop for decay heat removal. During steady-state and transient conditions, including protected de-pressurized and pressurized loss of forced cooling (DLOFC and PLOFC), both models show good agreement in predicting temperature profiles and key parameters. Notably, while the core channel model underpredicts convective heat transfer effects, both models maintain temperatures well below the TRISO fuel safety limit. These benchmarking efforts collectively enhance the predictive capabilities of the tools used in HTGR design and safety analysis, guiding developments to improve their accuracy and applicability.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Numerical modeling and performance analysis of a membrane-based air dehumidifier using ionic liquid desiccant

Membrane-based Liquid Desiccant Air Dehumidifier (MLDAD) has the potential to overcome the shortcomings of the conventional open-tower liquid desiccant air dehumidifier. The MLDAD uses membranes with high water vapor permeability to separate air stream from the liquid desiccant and thus eliminates carry-over and the resulting corrosion issues. Recently, the ionic liquid desiccant becomes a promising alternative to conventional liquid desiccant. The ionic liquid desiccant has a large potential of dehumidification, which is also non-corrosive to metals and non-crystallizable. A two-dimensional numerical heat and mass transfer model of the MLDAD using a recently identified ionic liquid desiccant, [EMIM]OAc, is presented in this paper. We report this model can simulate the performance of the MLDAD with various designs, including different selections of liquid desiccant and membrane materials, dimensions of the MLDAD, and flow patterns. For porous membranes, this model accounts for several micro-scale mass transfer mechanisms of vapor transportation across the membrane. It can also model the mass transfer performance of dehumidifiers using non-porous membranes based on the experimentally measured membrane permeance. The numerical model was validated against the performance data available from literature and experimental tests. The maximum discrepancy of the latent effectiveness between the measured and the model-predicted results was about 6% when porous membranes were used. A parametric study was conducted with the numerical model. The results indicated that the membrane permeability, air path height, and solution to air mass ratio were the most critical parameters, determining the dehumidification performance of the MLDAD.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Numerical modeling and performance analysis of a membrane-based air dehumidifier using ionic liquid desiccant

Membrane-based Liquid Desiccant Air Dehumidifier (MLDAD) has the potential to overcome the shortcomings of the conventional open-tower liquid desiccant air dehumidifier. The MLDAD uses membranes with high water vapor permeability to separate air stream from the liquid desiccant and thus eliminates carry-over and the resulting corrosion issues. Recently, the ionic liquid desiccant becomes a promising alternative to conventional liquid desiccant. The ionic liquid desiccant has a large potential of dehumidification, which is also non-corrosive to metals and non-crystallizable. A two-dimensional numerical heat and mass transfer model of the MLDAD using a recently identified ionic liquid desiccant, [EMIM]OAc, is presented here. This model can simulate the performance of the MLDAD with various designs, including different selections of liquid desiccant and membrane materials, dimensions of the MLDAD, and flow patterns. For porous membranes, this model accounts for several micro-scale mass transfer mechanisms of vapor transportation across the membrane. It can also model the mass transfer performance of dehumidifiers using non-porous membranes based on the experimentally measured membrane permeance. The numerical model was validated against the performance data available from literature and experimental tests. The maximum discrepancy of the latent effectiveness between the measured and the model-predicted results was about 6% when porous membranes were used. A parametric study was conducted with the numerical model. Finally, the results indicated that the membrane permeability, air path height, and solution to air mass ratio were the most critical parameters, determining the dehumidification performance of the MLDAD.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Application of a computable model of human spatial vision to phase discrimination

A computable model of human spatial vision is used to make predictions for phase-discrimination experiments. This model is being developed to deal with a broad range of problems in vision and was not specifically formulated to deal with phase discrimination. In the model, cross-correlation of the stimuli with an array of sensors produces feature vectors that are operated on by a position-uncertain ideal observer to simulate detection and discrimination experiments. In this report, the stimuli are compound sinusoidal gratings composed of a fundamental and a higher-frequency component added in various phases. Model predictions are compared with three key results from the literature: (1) the effect of the contrast of the fundamental on phase discrimination, (2) threshold phase difference as a function of the fundamental frequency, and (3) the contrast required for phase discrimination as a function of the frequency ratio of the two grating components. In the first two cases, the predictions capture the main features of the data, although quantitative discrepancies remain. In the third case, the model fails, and this failure suggests additional restrictions on the combination of information across sensors.

Nielsen, K. R. K.↗