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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 73 records · Page 4

An interactive, discipline-independent data visualization system

The data visualization techniques used by National Space Science Data Center Graphics System are discussed. The system includes a self-describing data abstraction for the storage and manipulation of multidimensional data for discipline-independent scientific applications. The system's data format and graphics display are described. Consideration is given to techniques developed for the rapid display and manipulation of large, complex data sets and for manipulating algorithms with portable implementations which can operate on any data object or geometry. The processes of operating the system are given and examples are presented from applying the system to various types of data, including TOMS data, data from the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project, and IRAS data.

Treinish, Lloyd A.↗

Composite Blade Structural Analyzer (COBSTRAN) theoretical/programmer's manual

This manual describes the organization and flow of data and analysis in the computer code, COBSTRAN (COmposite Blade STRuctural ANalyzer). This code combines composite mechanics and laminate theory with an internal data base of fiber and matrix properties and was developed for the design and analysis of composite turbofan and turboprop blades and composite wind turbine blades. Inputs to the code are constituent fiber and matrix material properties, factors reflecting the fabrication process, composite geometry and blade geometry. COBSTRAN performs the micromechanics and laminate analyses of these fiber composites and generates a NASTRAN finite element model of the blade. This manual describes the equations formulated and solved in the code and the function of each of the seventy-two subroutines. COBSTRAN is written in FORTRAN 77.

Aiello, Robert A.↗

Thermocapillary convection in a model float-zone

A finite-element method has been used to study thermocapillary convection in a model of relevance to the float-zone, crystal-growth process. The geometry consists of a pair of horizontal isothermal surfaces with a Boussinesq liquid suspended between them. Because of the variation of surface tension with temperature, the temperature gradient along the free surface drives thermocapillary convection. The free surface is allowed to deform and its location is calculated along with the velocity and temperature fields. Cases in which thermocapillarity dominates and others in which it interacts with an unstable axial buoyancy gradient are treated. In order to obtain information of possible interest to potential microgravity applications, the influence of the Grashof number is investigated.

Neitzel, G. P.↗

X-Ray Variability in M87

We present the evidence for X-ray variability from the core and from knot A in the M87 jet based on data from two observations with the Einstein Observatory High Resolution Imager (HRI) and three observations with the ROSAT HRI. The core intensity showed a 16% increase in 17 months ('79-'80); a 12% increase in the 3 years '92 to '95; and a 17% drop in the last half of 1995. The intensity of knot A appears to have decreased by 16% between 92Jun and 95Dec. Although the core variability is consistent with general expectations for AGB nuclei, the changes in knot A provide constraints on the x-ray emission process and geometry. Thus we predict that the x-ray morphology of knot A will differ significantly from the radio and optical structure.

Harris, Daniel E.↗

X-ray Variability in M87

We present evidence for X-ray variability from the core and from knot A in the M87 jet based on data from two observations with the Einstein Observatory High Resolution Imager (HRI) and three observations with the ROSAT HRI. The core intensity showed a 16 per cent increase in 17 months (1979-80); a 12 per cent increase in the 3 years 1992 to 1995; and a 17 per cent drop in the last half of 1995. The intensity of knot A appears to have decreased by 16 per cent between 1992 June and 1995 December. Although the core variability is consistent with general expectations for AGN, the changes in knot A provide constraints on the X-ray emission process and geometry. Thus we predict that the X-ray morphology of knot A will differ significantly from the radio and optical structure.

Harris, D. E.↗

The Development of Si and SiGe Technologies for Microwave and Millimeter-Wave Integrated Circuits

Historically, microwave technology was developed by military and space agencies from around the world to satisfy their unique radar, communication, and science applications. Throughout this development phase, the sole goal was to improve the performance of the microwave circuits and components comprising the systems. For example, power amplifiers with output powers of several watts over broad bandwidths, low noise amplifiers with noise figures as low as 3 dB at 94 GHz, stable oscillators with low noise characteristics and high output power, and electronically steerable antennas were required. In addition, the reliability of the systems had to be increased because of the high monetary and human cost if a failure occurred. To achieve these goals, industry, academia and the government agencies supporting them chose to develop technologies with the greatest possibility of surpassing the state of the art performance. Thus, Si, which was already widely used for digital circuits but had material characteristics that were perceived to limit its high frequency performance, was bypassed for a progression of devices starting with GaAs Metal Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors (MESFETs) and ending with InP Pseudomorphic High Electron Mobility Transistors (PHEMTs). For each new material or device structure, the electron mobility increased, and therefore, the high frequency characteristics of the device were improved. In addition, ultra small geometry lithographic processes were developed to reduce the gate length to 0.1 pm which further increases the cutoff frequency. The resulting devices had excellent performance through the millimeter-wave spectrum.

Ponchak, George E.↗

Emissions Prediction and Measurement for Liquid-Fueled TVC Combustor with and without Water Injection

An investigation is performed to evaluate the performance of a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tool for the prediction of the reacting flow in a liquid-fueled combustor that uses water injection for control of pollutant emissions. The experiment consists of a multisector, liquid-fueled combustor rig operated at different inlet pressures and temperatures, and over a range of fuel/air and water/fuel ratios. Fuel can be injected directly into the main combustion airstream and into the cavities. Test rig performance is characterized by combustor exit quantities such as temperature and emissions measurements using rakes and overall pressure drop from upstream plenum to combustor exit. Visualization of the flame is performed using gray scale and color still photographs and high-frame-rate videos. CFD simulations are performed utilizing a methodology that includes computer-aided design (CAD) solid modeling of the geometry, parallel processing over networked computers, and graphical and quantitative post-processing. Physical models include liquid fuel droplet dynamics and evaporation, with combustion modeled using a hybrid finite-rate chemistry model developed for Jet-A fuel. CFD and experimental results are compared for cases with cavity-only fueling, while numerical studies of cavity and main fueling was also performed. Predicted and measured trends in combustor exit temperature, CO and NOx are in general agreement at the different water/fuel loading rates, although quantitative differences exist between the predictions and measurements.

Brankovic, A.↗

Modeling Creep Effects within SiC/SiC Turbine Components

Anticipating the implementation of advanced SiC/SiC ceramic composites into the hot section components of future gas turbine engines, the primary objective of this on-going study is to develop physics-based analytical and finite-element modeling tools to predict the effects of constituent creep on SiC/SiC component service life. A second objective is to understand how to possibly select and manipulate constituent materials, processes, and geometries in order to minimize these effects. In initial studies aimed at SiC/SiC components experiencing through-thickness stress gradients, creep models were developed that allowed an understanding of detrimental residual stress effects that can develop globally within the component walls. It was assumed that the SiC/SiC composites behaved as isotropic visco-elastic materials with temperature-dependent creep behavior as experimentally measured in-plane in the fiber direction of advanced thin-walled 2D SiC/SiC panels. The creep models and their key results are discussed assuming state-of-the-art SiC/SiC materials within a simple cylindrical thin-walled tubular structure, which is currently being employed to model creep-related effects for turbine airfoil leading edges subjected to through-thickness thermal stress gradients. Improvements in the creep models are also presented which focus on constituent behavior with more realistic non-linear stress dependencies in order to predict such key creep-related SiC/SiC properties as time-dependent matrix stress, constituent creep and content effects on composite creep rates and rupture times, and stresses on fiber and matrix during and after creep.

DiCarlo, J. A.↗

Parameters Impacting Columnated Granular Soil Pneumatic Seal Performance

The ability of a column of loose granular soil to form a pneumatic seal was investigated by varying the diameter of the soil column, the effective column height, and the level of compaction in the soil. The data generated by this test campaign is intended to inform the design of various volatiles-extracting regolith reactor systems by investigating the viability of sealing system inlets using the soil hopper and feed tube without the use of any mechanical valves. This ‘soil column seal’ concept could be applied regardless of reactor geometry or process. Initial data was collected in ambient lab conditions using both GRC-1 and OB-1a regolith simulants. This data is intended to serve as a baseline –no attempt has been made yet to begin optimizing column parameters to achieve highest possible ∆𝑃.

Jack Stewart↗

Extreme high vacuum for polarized electron sources

Nuclear physics experiments often require highly polarized electron beams to do precise measurements of the structure and size of nucleons and the nucleus, as well as for searches for physics beyond the standard model. Jefferson Lab?s electron source, with polarization near 90%, has been providing polarized electron beams for CEBAF for over two decades. Development is underway for polarized electron sources at MESA at Mainz and the Electron Ion Collider at Brookhaven National Lab, and there is potential for polarized electron beam in the future at facilities including the International Linear Collider, an electron upgrade at CERN, and the SuperKEKB collider in Japan. At Jefferson Lab there are even plans to make use of polarized electrons to make a polarized positron source for experimental nuclear physics. High polarization electron beams are generated using photoemission from strained superlattice GaAs based photocathodes, and photocathode lifetime is limited by the ionization of residual gas in the system, which is then accelerated into the photocathode. Extreme high vacuum (near 1x10-10 Pa) is required to operate the Jefferson Lab polarized electron source with an acceptable lifetime, and the upcoming projects will need various combinations of higher current, higher bunch charge and longer photocathode lifetimes. To meet the vacuum requirements for polarized electron sources, every component for a polarized electron source must be optimized, including chamber materials, pumps, bakeout procedure and the high voltage electrode geometry and processing. Each change in these components must be evaluated offline before being used in the accelerator, and effects on pressure are difficult to evaluate even using XHV-optimized hot filament ionization gauges. In fact, we do not get a final evaluation of system modifications until an electron source is built, installed and lifetime measurements are made over the course of months or years of operation. I will be discussing the evolution of vacuum in the Jefferson Lab polarized source system toward XHV pressures and discuss the characterization and limitations measured for commercially available XHV vacuum gauges. Finally, I?ll present the effect of system pressure on photocathode lifetime and highlight how XHV pressure standards can benefit the ongoing efforts to improve vacuum for the next generation of polarized electron sources.

Stutzman, Marcy↗

Initial Process Planning of a Hybrid Multi-Tasking Platform

Abstract Applications of hybrid technology are expanding from refurbishment and repair to low quantity, specialty part production, which are staple characteristics in medical implant, energy, and aerospace industry sectors, among others. This expansion has led to the development of the Mazak VC-500A/5X AM HWD, a wire fed laser cladding unit equipped with a standard 5 axis CNC. This unit is capable of building near net geometry of complex medium to large parts within a profitable timeframe, due to its comparatively high rate of deposition to that of a powder fed hybrid system. In this study, deposition and machining capabilities of the VC-500A/5X AM HWD are assessed through the production of three different test geometries by different process plans. Production of these test geometries is supported by an open loop sensor package primarily for monitoring machine health, data collection, and machine operator aid. The viability of extended deposition followed by machining is evaluated against a more cyclical strategy of reoccurring deposition and machining operations. Lastly, common defects in as-built geometries are evaluated and addressed through revisions to original process plans and toolpaths, indicating the need for continued innovation in hybrid manufacturing specific CAM/CAD software, as well as closed loop machine monitoring and quality control.

DeWitte, Lisa N.↗

Predictive process mapping for laser powder bed fusion: A review of existing analytical solutions

One of the main challenges in the laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) process is making dense and defect-free components. These porosity defects are dependent upon the melt pool geometry and the processing conditions. Power-velocity (PV) processing maps can aid in visualizing the effects of LPBF processing variables and mapping different defect regimes such as lack-of-fusion, under-melting, balling, and keyholing. This work presents an assessment of existing analytical equations and models that provide an estimate of the melt pool geometry as a function of material properties. The melt pool equations are then combined with defect criteria to provide a quick approximation of the PV processing maps for a variety of materials. Finally, the predictions of these processing maps are compared with experimental data from the literature. Here, the predictive processing maps can be computed quickly and can be coupled with dimensionless numbers and high-throughput (HT) experiments for validation. The present work provides a boundary framework for designing the optimal processing parameters for new metals and alloys based on existing analytical solutions.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Developing AlMn Films for Argonne TES Fabrication

The reference design for the next-generation cosmic microwave background (CMB) experiment, CMB-S4, relies on large arrays of transition-edge sensor (TES) bolometers coupled to Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID)-based readout systems. Mapping the CMB to near cosmic variance limits will enable the search for signatures of inflation and constrain dark energy and neutrino physics. AlMn TESes provide simple film manufacturing and highly uniform arrays over large areas to meet the requirements of the CMB-S 4 experiment. TES parameters such as critical temperature and normal resistance must be tuned to experiment specifications and can be varied based on geometry and steps in the fabrication process such as deposition layering, geometry, and baking time and temperature. Using four-terminal sensing, we measured T C and R N of AlMn 2000 ppm films and devices of varying thicknesses fabricated at Argonne National Laboratory to motivate device geometries and fabrication processes to tune T C to 150–200 mK and R N to ~10 mΩ. Furthermore, measurements of IV curves and time constants for the resulting devices of varying leg length were made using time-division SQUID multiplexing and determined TC, G, k, f 3db , and RN. We present the results of these tests along with the geometries and fabrication steps used to tune the device parameters to the desired limits.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Demonstrating Advanced Sensors for In-Situ Monitoring Towards Qualification of Nuclear Relevant Components

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies (AMMT) program is pursuing qualification of laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) components for nuclear applications. A major focus of this effort is the use of in situ process monitoring and machine learning–based tools to establish real-time quality assurance. The primary objective of this report is to identify and evaluate the most relevant in situ sensor systems for LPBF, and to document the deployment of these systems across platforms critical to the AMMT program. This work demonstrates how in situ monitoring can detect process anomalies, track geometry-dependent flaws, and identify limiting combinations of processing parameters—particularly those related to energy density and complex geometries (e.g., overhanging structures). To support this goal, a diverse suite of sensor modalities was evaluated across LPBF platforms, including visible and near-infrared (NIR) imaging, fringe projection profilometry, long-wavelength infrared (LWIR) thermography, and high-speed photodiode/pyrometry systems. These sensor streams were integrated with Peregrine, a machine-agnostic software platform that, among other capabilities, can generate real-time process anomaly classification. This report documents sensor deployments on multiple AMMT flagship platforms, including the Concept Laser M2 and Renishaw AM400/AM250 systems. Calibration builds with complex, flaw-prone geometries such as unsupported overhangs, stepped features, and thin walls, were used to evaluate how well Peregrine and its associated sensors could detect process anomalies and other instabilities under varied energy densities. It will be shown how Peregrine reliably identifies common process anomalies such as recoater streaking, superelevation, etc., and can be used in post-build analysis for anomaly spatial distributions throughout the build height to better understand the impact of geometry and processing parameter choice on the build. This work demonstrates measurable progress toward the vision that components can be born-qualified by establishing a real-time monitoring framework, identifying limiting process conditions, and laying the foundation for sensor fusion–enabled prediction pipelines that are scalable across platforms and applicable to nuclear-relevant components.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Additive manufacturing of complex objects using refractory matrix materials

A method for the manufacture of a three-dimensional object using a refractory matrix material is provided. The method includes the additive manufacture of a green body from a powder-based refractory matrix material followed by densification via chemical vapor infiltration (CVI). The refractory matrix material can be a refractory ceramic (e.g., silicon carbide, zirconium carbide, or graphite) or a refractory metal (e.g., molybdenum or tungsten). In one embodiment, the matrix material is deposited according to a binder-jet printing process to produce a green body having a complex geometry. The CVI process increases its density, provides a hermetic seal, and yields an object with mechanical integrity. The residual binder content dissociates and is removed from the green body prior to the start of the CVI process as temperatures increase in the CVI reactor. The CVI process selective deposits a fully dense coating on all internal and external surfaces of the finished object.

Terrani, Kurt A.↗

Additive manufacturing of complex objects using refractory matrix materials

A method for the manufacture of a three-dimensional object using a refractory matrix material is provided. The method includes the additive manufacture of a green body from a powder-based refractory matrix material followed by densification via chemical vapor infiltration (CVI). The refractory matrix material can be a refractory ceramic (e.g., silicon carbide, zirconium carbide, or graphite) or a refractory metal (e.g., molybdenum or tungsten). In one embodiment, the matrix material is deposited according to a binder-jet printing process to produce a green body having a complex geometry. The CVI process increases its density, provides a hermetic seal, and yields an object with mechanical integrity. The residual binder content dissociates and is removed from the green body prior to the start of the CVI process as temperatures increase in the CVI reactor. The CVI process selective deposits a fully dense coating on all internal and external surfaces of the finished object.

Terrani, Kurt A.↗

Tracing Material Flow Paths in Friction Stir Welds

Heat and mechanical work are coupled in the friction stir welding process. The process variables are RPM, translational weld speed, and downward plunge force. The strain-temperature history of a metal element at each point on the cross-section of the weld is determined by the process variables plus the individual flow path taken by the particular filament of metal flowing around the tool and ending on flat point. The strain-temperature history determines the properties of a metal element on the weld cross-section. The strain-temperature history is carefully controlled in metal processes where direct control is feasible. Indirect estimates of the flow paths and the strain-temperature histories of filaments comprising friction stir welds can be made from a model, if the model is good enough. This paper describes marker studies of flow path geometries for various process parameters. Observed geometries are compared with geometries estimated from models.

Sanders, Johnny↗

Data-driven prediction of geometry- and toolpath sequence-dependent intra-layer process conditions variations in laser powder bed fusion

Geometrical features and toolpath sequence are two important factors that cause process condition variations, such as variations in the meltpool temperature or meltpool size, that might lead to undesired material properties in the laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) process. Due to the high dynamics and complex physics of the LPBF process, it is difficult to predict variations in process conditions with simulations alone. Advances in measurement technology and computational technologies open up new possibilities for smart manufacturing. In this paper, a data-driven method to predict intra-layer variations in the processing conditions that source from the toolpath sequence and part geometry is presented. The approach is demonstrated using two-color on-axis pyrometer measurements. Three demonstration cases are presented in which it is demonstrated (1) how the trained predictive model can be used as a filter to ease the interpretation of process variations and discover patterns related to toolpath and part geometry, and (2) how to generate predictions that can be used for feedforward control, i.e., for adjusting laser power or scanning speed along the toolpath using a meltpool temperature prediction model generated based on on-axis measurements. Results show that the developed prediction model is able to meaningfully predict process variations resulted from toolpath sequence and geometry. Predictions are aligned with the results from the related work of others and for the case of 180° laser path turnarounds in our high-speed X-ray imaging experiments. In conclusion, the potential issues related to the current maturity status of the process and measuring equipment that could in practice affect the performance of the proposed solutions are also discussed.

42 ENGINEERING↗