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At least 739 records · Page 41

Active and Widespread Halogen Chemistry in the Tropical and Subtropical Free Troposphere

Halogens in the troposphere are increasingly recognized as playing an important role for atmospheric chemistry, and possibly climate. Bromine and iodine react catalytically to destroy ozone (O3), oxidize mercury, and modify oxidative capacity that is relevant for the lifetime of greenhouse gases. Most of the tropospheric O3 and methane (CH4) loss occurs at tropical latitudes. Here we report simultaneous measurements of vertical profiles of bromine oxide (BrO) and iodine oxide (IO) in the tropical and subtropical free troposphere (10degN to 40degS), and show that these halogens are responsible for 34% of the column-integrated loss of tropospheric O3. The observed BrO concentrations increase strongly with altitude (approx.3.4 pptv at 13.5 km), and are 2-4 times higher than predicted in the tropical free troposphere. BrO resembles model predictions more closely in stratospheric air. The largest model low bias is observed in the lower tropical transition layer (TTL) over the tropical eastern Pacific Ocean, and may reflect a missing inorganic bromine source supplying an additional 2.5-6.4 pptv total inorganic bromine (Bry), or model overestimated Bry wet scavenging. Our results highlight the importance of heterogeneous chemistry on ice clouds, and imply an additional Bry source from the debromination of sea salt residue in the lower TTL. The observed levels of bromine oxidize mercury up to 3.5 times faster than models predict, possibly increasing mercury deposition to the ocean. The halogen-catalyzed loss of tropospheric O3 needs to be considered when estimating past and future ozone radiative effects.

Wang, Siyuan↗

The measurement, modelling and prediction of traction forces in a rocket propellant

Traction tests were performed on RPI, a common kerosene-based rocket propellant. Traction data on this fluid are required for purposes of turbopump bearing design, using such codes as SHABERTH. To obtain the traction data, an existing twin disk machine was used, operating under the side slip mode and using elliptical contacts. The resulting traction curves were reduced to fundamental fluid property parameters using the Johnson and Tevaarwerk traction model. Theoretical traction predictions were performed by back substitution of the fundamental properties into the traction model. Comparison of the predicted with the measured curves gives a high degree of confidence in the correctness of the traction model.

Tevaarwerk, J. L.↗

Static Loads Testing of a High Aspect Ratio Tow-Steered Wingbox

Static loads testing was performed on a 39-foot, high-aspect-ratio wingbox comprising carbon fiber tow-steered wing skins that were tailored for aircraft fuel efficiency under aeroelastic loads. The test article was designated the Passive Aeroelastic Tailored (PAT) wing. To date, the PAT wing, which has an aspect ratio of 13.5, is the largest wingbox designed and built to employ variably oriented carbon fibers along the span of the wing. During testing, distributed point loads were applied to the wingbox to simulate both -1g and 2.5g maneuver loads. To determine the wingbox’s flexural axis location, individual point loads were applied. The global response of the wing (displacement and rotation measurements) showed similar trends compared to the finite element model predictions, though discrepancies of up to 17% were observed when comparing actual values between model and test. It was concluded that the boundary conditions and nonstructural features of the wingbox were the likely cause of the inconsistencies. The local response of the wingbox (strain measurements), which was much less affected by factors unrelated to tow-steering, exhibited good agreement with the model predictions, validating the modelling techniques employed for tow-steered composites.

Tow-steered composites↗

Role of ion temperature anisotropy in multistage refilling of the outer plasmasphere

The refilling processes predicted by the ion temperature anisotropy (TAN) model and those of a model based on the assumption of temperature isotropy (TISO) are compared. It is noted that the TISO model predicts that a flux tube with L = 4 undergoes a substantial refilling in about 12 hours after a severe depletion, while the TAN model predicts much longer refilling time divided in two stages, with the supersonic flows from the conjugate ionospheres in the early stage, lasting over a few hours. The plasma in the flux tube develops an anisotropy causing a downward force, which balances the upward electric and pressure forces on ions keeping the flux tube depleted. The second stage starts when the temperature anisotropy begins to relax due to Coulomb collisions at high altitudes and is characterized by a subsonic flow.

Singh, Nagendra↗

A Reduced Model for Prediction of Thermal and Rotational Effects on Turbine Tip Clearance

This paper describes a dynamic model that was developed to predict changes in turbine tip clearance the radial distance between the end of a turbine blade and the abradable tip seal. The clearance is estimated by using a first principles approach to model the thermal and mechanical effects of engine operating conditions on the turbine sub-components. These effects are summed to determine the resulting clearance. The model is demonstrated via a ground idle to maximum power transient and a lapse-rate takeoff transient. Results show the model demonstrates the expected pinch point behavior. The paper concludes by identifying knowledge gaps and suggesting additional research to improve the model.

Kypuros, Javier A.↗

Modeling and Prediction of the Noise from Non-Axisymmetric Jets

The new source model was combined with the original sound propagation model developed for rectangular jets to produce a new version of the rectangular jet noise prediction code. This code was validated using a set of rectangular nozzles whose geometries were specified by NASA. Nozzles of aspect ratios two, four and eight were studied at jet exit Mach numbers of 0.5, 0.7 and 0.9, for a total of nine cases. Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes solutions for these jets were provided to the contactor for use as input to the code. Quantitative comparisons of the predicted azimuthal and polar directivity of the acoustic spectrum were made with experimental data provided by NASA. The results of these comparisons, along with a documentation of the propagation and source models, were reported in a journal article publication (Ref. 4). The complete set of computer codes and computational modules that make up the prediction scheme, along with a user's guide describing their use and example test cases, was provided to NASA as a deliverable of this task. The use of conformal mapping, along with simplified modeling of the mean flow field, for noise propagation modeling was explored for other nozzle geometries, to support the task milestone of developing methods which are applicable to other geometries and flow conditions of interest to NASA. A model to represent twin round jets using this approach was formulated and implemented. A general approach to solving the equations governing sound propagation in a locally parallel nonaxisymmetric jet was developed and implemented, in aid of the tasks and milestones charged with selecting more exact numerical methods for modeling sound propagation, and developing methods that have application to other nozzle geometries. The method is based on expansion of both the mean-flowdependent coefficients in the governing equation and the Green's function in series of orthogonal functions. The method was coded and tested on two analytically prescribed mean flows which were meant to represent noise reduction concepts being considered by NASA. Testing (Ref. 5) showed that the method was feasible for the types of mean flows of interest in jet noise applications. Subsequently, this method was further developed to allow use of mean flow profiles obtained from a Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) solution of the flow. Preliminary testing of the generalized code was among the last tasks completed under this contract. The stringent noise-reduction goals of NASA's Fundamental Aeronautics Program suggest that, in addition to potentially complex exhaust nozzle geometries, next generation aircraft will also involve tighter integration of the engine with the airframe. Therefore, noise generated and propagated by jet flows in the vicinity of solid surfaces is expected to be quite significant, and reduced-order noise prediction tools will be needed that can deal with such geometries. One important source of noise is that generated by the interaction of a turbulent jet with the edge of a solid surface (edge noise). Such noise is generated, for example, by the passing of the engine exhaust over a shielding surface, such as a wing. Work under this task supported an effort to develop a RANS-based prediction code for edge noise based on an extension of the classical Rapid Distortion Theory (RDT) to transversely sheared base flows (Refs. 6 and 7). The RDT-based theoretical analysis was applied to the generic problem of a turbulent jet interacting with the trailing edge of a flat plate. A code was written to evaluate the formula derived for the spectrum of the noise produced by this interaction and results were compared with data taken at NASA Glenn for a variety of jet/plate configurations and flow conditions (Ref. 8). A longer-term goal of this task was to work toward the development of a high-fidelity model of sound propagation in spatially developing non-axisymmetric jets using direct numerical methods for solving the relevant equations. Working with NASA Glenn Acoustics Branch personnel, numerical methods and boundary conditions appropriate for use in a high-resolution calculation of the full equations governing sound propagation in a steady base flow were identified. Computer codes were then written (by NASA) and tested (by OAI) for an increasingly complex set of flow conditions to validate the methods. The NASA-supplied codes were ported to the High-End Computing resources of the NASA Advanced Supercomputing facility for testing and validation against analytical (where possible) and independent numerical solutions. The cases which were completed during the course of this contract were solutions of the two-dimensional linearized Euler equations with no mean flow, a uniform mean flow and a nonuniform mean flow representative of a parallel flow jet.

Leib, Stewart J.↗

Planetary atmosphere modeling and predictions

The capability to generate spacecraft frequency predictions which include the refractive bending effects induced during signal passage through a planetary atmosphere is a pivotal element of the DSN Radio Science System. This article describes the current implementation effort to develop planetary atmosphere modeling and prediction capability.

Berman, A. L.↗

A Hybrid CFD/Engineering Model for Predicting Plume Induced Erosion and Cratering

The Descent Interpolated Gas-Granular Erosion Model (DIGGEM) is a hybrid computational fluid dynamics (CFD) / engineering model calibrated with flight data from Apollo. It is used for the prediction of plume induced viscous erosion and cratering during the descent of landing vehicles. The model assumes a functional relationship between local shear stress and eroded mass flux. It is used along with a suite of other tools to predict complex plume induced environments for Human Landing System (HLS) and Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPSS) vehicles.

PSI↗

Multi-Parameter Yield Zone Model for Predicting Spectrum Crack Growth

A systematic technique is presented for modeling crack growth load interaction effects due to spectrum loading. The Multi-Parameter Yield Zone (MPYZ) model accounts for crack growth retardation, acceleration, and underload effects. The load interactions are attributed to the residual stress intensity due to the plastic deformation at the crack tip. Fatigue crack growth was predicted and compared with test data for a variety of spectrum loadings.

Johnson, W. S.↗

The Implications of ACTS Technology on the Requirements of Rain Attenuation Modeling for Communication System Specification and Analysis at 30/20 GHz and Beyond

The advent of the use of the Ka-Band for space communications, coupled with the introduction of digital modulation techniques as well as multiple-beam methodology for satellites, has deemed it necessary to reassess the plethora of rain attenuation prediction models in use. The Advanced Communication Technology Satellite (ACTS) Project, undertaken by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in 1983, offered such challenges to rain attenuation prediction modeling. Up to 1983, no such single modeling formalism existed that could fill such requirements. Not even the work done by the NASA Propagation Experimenters (NAPEX) Group had envisioned such requirements, so no dynamic Ka-Band data existed from which one could draw conclusions. In this paper, the basic rudiments of what has become to be known as the 'ACTS Rain Attenuation Prediction Model' will be presented. The concept of rain fade mitigation control availability will be introduced. A new evaluation is then presented for the performance of satellite communication systems, in particular, those to be operating within the Ka-Band and above, that will necessarily employ some type of dynamic rain fade mitigation procedure.

Manning, Robert M.↗

Durability/life of fiber composites in hygrothermomechanical environments

Statistical analysis and multiple regression were used to determine and quantify the significant hygrothermomechanical variables which influence the tensile durability/life (cycle loading, fatigue) of boron-fiber/epoxy-matrix (B/E) and high-modulus-fiber/epoxy-matrix (HMS/E) composites. The use of the multiple regression analysis reduced the variables from fifteen, assumed initially, to six or less with a probability of greater than 0.999. The reduced variables were used to derive predictive models for compression and intralaminar shear durability/life of B/E and HMS/E composites assuming isoparametric fatigue behavior. The predictive models were subsequently generalized to predict the durability/life of graphite/fiber-r generalized model is of simple form, predicts conservative values compared with measured data and should be adequate for use in preliminary designs. Previously announced in STAR as N82-14287

Chamis, C. C.↗

Model Effects on GLAS-Based Regional Estimates of Forest Biomass and Carbon

ICESat/GLAS waveform data are used to estimate biomass and carbon on a 1.27 million sq km study area. the Province of Quebec, Canada, below treeline. The same input data sets and sampling design are used in conjunction with four different predictive models to estimate total aboveground dry forest biomass and forest carbon. The four models include nonstratified and stratified versions of a multiple linear model where either biomass or (square root of) biomass serves as the dependent variable. The use of different models in Quebec introduces differences in Provincial biomass estimates of up to 0.35 Gt (range 4.942+/-0.28 Gt to 5.29+/-0.36 Gt). The results suggest that if different predictive models are used to estimate regional carbon stocks in different epochs, e.g., y2005, y2015, one might mistakenly infer an apparent aboveground carbon "change" of, in this case, 0.18 Gt, or approximately 7% of the aboveground carbon in Quebec, due solely to the use of different predictive models. These findings argue for model consistency in future, LiDAR-based carbon monitoring programs. Regional biomass estimates from the four GLAS models are compared to ground estimates derived from an extensive network of 16,814 ground plots located in southern Quebec. Stratified models proved to be more accurate and precise than either of the two nonstratified models tested.

Nelson, Ross↗

Nasa GEOS Model for Sub-Seasonal to Seasonal Predictions: The Major Teleconnections, Tropical Cyclone Activity, and ENSO

Ability of the NASA GEOS seasonal prediction model system (the latest version) in predicting the large-scale teleconnections, tropical cyclone (TC) activity, and ENSO are validated. The major large-scale teleconnections include the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), the Arctic Oscillation (AO), and the Pacific North American (PNA) that span vast geographical area across the North Pacific/Atlantic and North America. Predictive skill of TC activity is assessed by Genesis potential index (GPI). Anomaly correlations are greater than 0.5 for winter teleconnections at up to 2 month lead and for the first four month (June- July-August-September) GPIs over the North Atlantic and the Western Pacific. Correlation for the long-range prediction of the ENSO (Nino3.4 SST) maturity reaches 0.9 at 6 month lead and 0.8 at 9 month lead.

Lim, Young-Kwon↗

The use of a block diagram simulation language for rapid model prototyping

The research performed this summer focussed on the development of a predictive model for the loading of liquid oxygen (LO2) into the external tank (ET) of the shuttle prior to launch. A predictive model can greatly aid the operational personnel since instrumentation aboard the orbiter and ET is limited due to weight constraints. The model, which focuses primarily on the orbiter section of the system was developed using a block diagram based simulation language known as VisSim. Simulations were run on LO2 loading data for shuttle flights STS50 and STS55 and the model was demonstrated to accurately predict the sensor data recorded for these flights. As a consequence of the simulation results, it can be concluded that the software tool can be very useful for rapid prototyping of complex models.

Whitlow, Jonathan E.↗

A model to predict the degradation of a SiGe thermopile.

Discussion of the various phenomena which affect the available output power of a typical radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG), including estimates of the magnitude of these effects. Power degradation, as well as the corresponding changes in operating temperature, are calculated by means of a computer code which systematically accounts for the time- and temperature-dependent variables. A model for predicting available output power of an RTG is developed which includes changes in performance due to fuel decay, alteration of bulk thermoelectric properties, changes in electrode contacts, geometry changes due to material sublimation, and degradation of the thermal insulation.

Stapfer, G.↗

Generative large language models for predictive maintenance planning

Maintenance planning and the generation of necessary components for tasks can prove time-consuming and complex. Automating the creation of recurring or similar tasks by leveraging previous planning packages and data, while uncovering insights to automate planning package generation, presents an opportunity to conserve valuable time and resources. This work aims to harness the textual and probabilistic capabilities of large language models (LLMs) to automate the generation of planning packages. Utilizing diverse data sources ranging from raw data to handwritten text, both singular and collaborative LLMs are trained and tested. Results demonstrate their capability to generate essential planning package components, effectively replicating the statistical patterns in the data. This demonstrates the use of these tools inside a digital asset for automated planning. This work outlines a methodology for constructing datasets, a training suite, and evaluation methods for LLM-based textual and conversational planning tools utilized in an asset digital twin. Results indicate that the fine-tuned models generate estimated planning information within the statistical ranges observed in real maintenance data. The models achieve high accuracy (>90%) in document question-answering and instruction generation tasks. Furthermore, the conversational retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) assistant system achieves 100% document retrieval accuracy, while conversational information capture exceeds 98% across the majority of work-package assistant modules.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

A Mathematical Model to Predict and Maintain the Neutral Buoyancy of Suited Astronauts

A previous study reported that inadequate weigh outs of suited subjects contribute to fatigue and the risk of injury during training in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL). Another study suggested that shoulder injuries observed in suited subjects who train in the NBL may be attributed to excessive righting moments caused by a non-optimal weigh out. The purpose of this study was to develop a mathematical model to predict and maintain the neutral buoyancy of suited subjects during training operations at the NBL. Due to time constraints, one certified NBL support diver served as a subject (height: 66.54 in; weight: 182 lbs) for this study and only one complete test was conducted. The study was divided into two runs for which the first run required the NBL divers to perform a weigh out similar to a suited astronaut on a scuba diver wearing a mock Portable Life Support System and a Displays and Control Module. For the second run, the same subject and equipment were weighed out according to the mathematical model. The objective of each run was to achieve a neutrally buoyant subject floating 450 to the pool floor. Motion data was collected using two underwater cameras and analyzed using Dartfish video analysis software while force and moment data were recorded using an AMTI force plate. The results from the NBL divers visual run indicate that the subject was floating at an angle of 29.50 while the resultant force and moment data were 1.139 lb and 1.125 ft-lb respectively. The mathematical model s weigh out resulted in the subject floating at an angle of 37.40 and a resultant force of 0.765 lb and resultant moment of 1.248 ft-lb. The mathematical model was better able to orient the subject and reduce resultant moment and force as compared to the NBL divers.

Clowers, Kurt↗

Laser-Induced Fluorescence Measurements and Modeling of Nitric Oxide in Counterflow Diffusion Flames

The feasibility of making quantitative nonintrusive NO concentration ([NO]) measurements in nonpremixed flames has been assessed by obtaining laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) measurements of [NO] in counterflow diffusion flames at atmospheric and higher pressures. Comparisons at atmospheric pressure between laser-saturated fluorescence (LSF) and linear LIF measurements in four diluted ethane-air counterflow diffusion flames with strain rates from 5 to 48/s yielded excellent agreement from fuel-lean to moderately fuel-rich conditions, thus indicating the utility of a model-based quenching correction technique, which was then extended to higher pressures. Quantitative LIF measurements of [NO] in three diluted methane-air counterflow diffusion flames with strain rates from 5 to 35/s were compared with OPPDIF model predictions using the GRI (version 2.11) chemical kinetic mechanism. The comparisons revealed that the GRI mechanism underpredicts prompt-NO by 30-50% at atmospheric pressure. Based on these measurements, a modified reaction rate coefficient for the prompt-NO initiation reaction was proposed which causes the predictions to match experimental data. Temperature measurements using thin filament pyrometry (TFP) in conjunction with a new calibration method utilizing a near-adiabatic H2-air Hencken burner gave very good comparisons with model predictions in these counterflow diffusion flames. Quantitative LIF measurements of [NO] were also obtained in four methane-air counterflow partially-premixed flames with fuel-side equivalence ratios (phi(sub B)) of 1.45, 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0. The measurements were in excellent agreement with model predictions when accounting for radiative heat loss. Spatial separation between regions dominated by the prompt and thermal NO mechanisms was observed in the phi(sub B) = 1.45 flame. The modified rate coefficient proposed earlier for the prompt-NO initiation reaction improved agreement between code predictions and measurements in the region where prompt-NO dominates. Finally, LIF measurements of NO were obtained in counterflow diffusion flames at 2 to 5 atm. Comparisons between [NO] measurements and predictions show that the GRI mechanism underpredicts prompt-NO by a factor of two to three at all pressures. In general, the results indicate a need for refinement of the CH chemistry, especially the pressure-dependent CH formation and destruction reactions.

Ravikrishna, Rayavarapu V.↗