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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 883 records · Page 49

Modeling Co2 Flow Through Faulted/Fractured Reservoirs Using Tedfm in Corner-Point Grids

Interest in underground CO2 storage has increased significantly over the last decade, driven by growing concern about global warming and rising levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Given that CO2 accounts for 80% of these greenhouse gases, carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) is considered one of the most direct approaches to achieving the net-zero carbon target. Although CO2 storage in deep saline aquifers and depleted gas reservoirs has been studied extensively, most studies use commercial simulators that model faults/fractures by simply modifying the transmissibility in the direction perpendicular to the fault surfaces. This work shows that this simplistic approach ignores the accelerated flow in the directions parallel to the fault plane, leading to significantly higher leakage along the fault surface. To accurately model CO2 flow in faulted reservoirs, we present the first transient embedded discrete-fracture model for corner-point grids (tEDFM-CPG). By comparing the tEDFM-CPG results with high-resolution reference solutions, we show that this approach is accurate and efficient at predicting CO2 flow in faulted/fractured reservoirs. In conclusion, this work presents the use of mixed reality (MR) to efficiently observe CO2 gas migration in the interior of these corner-point grid systems.

02 PETROLEUM↗

Uranium (VI) Adsorbate Structures on Portlandite [Ca(OH)2] Type Surfaces Determined by Computational Modelling and X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy

Portlandite [Ca(OH) 2 ] is a potentially dominant solid phase in the high pH fluids expected within the cementitious engineered barriers of Geological Disposal Facilities (GDF). This study combined X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy with computational modelling in order to provide atomic-scale data which improves our understanding of how a critically important radionuclide (U) will be adsorbed onto this phase under conditions relevant to a GDF environment. Such data are fundamental for predicting radionuclide mass transfer. Surface coordination chemistry and speciation of uranium with portlandite [Ca(OH) 2 ] under alkaline groundwater conditions (ca. pH 12) were determined by both in situ and ex situ grazing incidence extended X-ray absorption fine structure analysis (EXAFS) and by computational modelling at the atomic level. Free energies of sorption of aqueous uranyl hydroxides, [UO 2 (OH) n ] 2–n (n = 0–5) with the (001), (100) and (203) or (101) surfaces of portlandite are predicted from the potential of mean force using classical molecular umbrella sampling simulation methods and the structural interactions are further explored using fully periodic density functional theory computations. Although uranyl is predicted to only weakly adsorb to the (001) and (100) clean surfaces, there should be significantly stronger interactions with the (203/101) surface or at hydroxyl vacancies, both prevalent under groundwater conditions. The uranyl surface complex is typically found to include four equatorially coordinated hydroxyl ligands, forming an inner-sphere sorbate by direct interaction of a uranyl oxygen with surface calcium ions in both the (001) and (203/101) cases. In contrast, on the (100) surface, uranyl is sorbed with its axis more parallel to the surface plane. The EXAFS data are largely consistent with a surface structural layer or film similar to calcium uranate, but also show distinct uranyl characteristics, with the uranyl ion exhibiting the classic dioxygenyl oxygens at 1.8 Å and between four and five equatorial oxygen atoms at distances between 2.28 and 2.35 Å from the central U absorber. These experimental data are wholly consistent with the adsorbate configuration predicted by the computational models. These findings suggest that, under the strongly alkaline conditions of a cementitious backfill engineered barrier, there would be significant uptake of uranyl by portlandite to inhibit the mobility of U(VI) from the near field of a geological disposal facility.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Mapping the monoceros ring in 3D with Pan-STARRS1

Using the Pan-STARRS1 survey, we derive limiting magnitude, spatial completeness, and density maps that we use to probe the three-dimensional structure and estimate the stellar mass of the so-called Monoceros Ring. The Monoceros Ring is an enormous and complex stellar sub-structure in the outer Milky Way disk. It is most visible across the large Galactic Anticenter region, 120{sup ∘}<l<240{sup ∘}, −30{sup ∘}<b<+40{sup ∘}. We estimate its stellar mass density profile along every line of sight in 2° × 2° pixels over the entire 30,000 deg{sup 2} Pan-STARRS1 survey using the previously developed match software. By parsing this distribution into a radially smooth component and the Monoceros Ring, we obtain its mass and distance from the Sun along each relevant line of sight. The Monoceros Ring is significantly closer to us in the south (6 kpc) than in the north (9 kpc). We also create 2D cross-sections parallel to the Galactic plane that show 135° of the Monoceros Ring in the south and 170° of the Monoceros Ring in the north. We show that the northern and southern structures are also roughly concentric circles, suggesting that they may be waves rippling from a common origin. Excluding the Galactic plane ∼±4{sup ∘}, we observe an excess mass of 4×10{sup 6}M{sub ⊙} across 120{sup ∘}<l<240{sup ∘}. If we interpolate across the Galactic plane, we estimate that this region contains 8×10{sup 6}M{sub ⊙}. If we assume (somewhat boldly) that the Monoceros Ring is a set of two Galactocentric rings, its total mass is 6×10{sup 7}M{sub ⊙}. Finally, if we assume that it is a set of two circles centered at a point 4 kpc from the Galactic center in the anti-central direction, as our data suggests, we estimate its mass to be 4×10{sup 7}M{sub ⊙}.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

The Mechanism of Electron Injection and Acceleration in Transrelativistic Reconnection

Electron acceleration during magnetic reconnection is thought to play a key role in time-variable high-energy emission from astrophysical systems. By means of particle-in-cell simulations of transrelativistic reconnection, we investigate electron injection and acceleration mechanisms in low-β electron–proton plasmas. We set up a diversity of density and field structures (e.g., X-points and plasmoids) by varying the guide field strength and choosing whether to trigger reconnection or let it spontaneously evolve. We show that the number of X-points and plasmoids controls the efficiency of electron acceleration, with more X-points leading to a higher efficiency. Using on-the-fly acceleration diagnostics, we also show that the nonideal electric fields associated with X-points play a critical role in the first stages of electron acceleration. As a further diagnostic, we include two populations of test particles that selectively experience only certain components of electric fields. We find that the out-of-plane component of the parallel electric field determines the hardness of the high-energy tail of the electron energy distribution. These results further our understanding of electron acceleration in this regime of magnetic reconnection and have implications for realistic models of black hole accretion flows.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Analysis of proton and electron spectrometer data from OGO-5 spacecraft

The interaction between the geomagnetic and interplanetary magnetic fields is studied through its effects upon the intensities of solar electrons reaching the polar caps during times of strongly anisotropic electron fluxes in the magnetosheath. During the particle event of November 18, 1968, electrons of solar origin were observed outside the magnetopause with detectors aboard OGO-5. Correlative studies of these satellite observations and concurrent measurements by riometers and ionospheric forward scatter systems in both polar regions revealed that the initial stage of the associated polar cap absorption event is attributable to the arrival of solar electrons. Evidence of a north-south asymmetry in the solar electron flux, at a time when the interplanetary magnetic field vector was nearly parallel with the ecliptic plane, supports an open magnetospheric model. The analysis indicates that an anisotropic electron flux may be isotropized at the magnetopause before propagating into the polar regions.

Pomerantz, M. A.↗

Pioneer 11's encounter with Jupiter and mission to Saturn

Plans for Pioneer 11's approach to Saturn are described. A flyby somewhat parallel to the ring plane is being proposed as an interim target, with a future option held for a possible high risk (or suicide) plunge through the nearly transparent space between Saturn and its rings.

Dyer, J. W.↗

X-ray measurements of stresses and defects in EFG and large grained polycrystalline silicon ribbons

The Bond method was employed to measure the lattice parameter in an area of 0.4 mm in diameter of EFG Si-ribbons to an accuracy of + or - 0.00008 A. A Bond goniometer was built which included a goniostat with a special specimen holder to mount ribbons 1 m in length and 75 mm in width which could be rotated about two orthogonal axes, and a Leitz microscope for precision alignment of a particular area into the center of the goniostat and the small primary X-ray beam. The (321) planes were found to be parallel to the surface of the ribbons with an angular spread of about 15 deg. The poles of the (111) planes clustered about an angle of 25 deg away from the surface normal, again with a spread of 10 deg. The lattice parameter of a small piece of ribbon material was found to be a sub o = 5.43075 A. A maximum stress of 115 MPa was observed in a fractured ribbon which corresponded to the fracture stress of single crystals of Si.

Wagner, C. N. J.↗

Fine-scale characteristics of interplanetary sector

The structure of the interplanetary sector boundaries observed by Helios 1 within sector transition regions was studied. Such regions consist of intermediate (nonspiral) average field orientations in some cases, as well as a number of large angle directional discontinuities (DD's) on the fine scale (time scales 1 hour). Such DD's are found to be more similar to tangential than rotational discontinuities, to be oriented on average more nearly perpendicular than parallel to the ecliptic plane to be accompanied usually by a large dip ( 80%) in B and, with a most probable thickness of 3 x 10 to the 4th power km, significantly thicker previously studied. It is hypothesized that the observed structures represent multiple traversals of the global heliospheric current sheet due to local fluctuations in the position of the sheet. There is evidence that such fluctuations are sometimes produced by wavelike motions or surface corrugations of scale length 0.05 - 0.1 AU superimposed on the large scale structure.

Behannon, K. W.↗

Polarimetry of Pluto

The polarization of Pluto has been measured for a range of solar phase angles from 0.8 to 1.8 deg. A mean linear polarization of 0.29 + or - 0.01% (error of the mean) was found. No dependence of both the amount of polarization and position angles with rotational phase or solar phase angle could be detected. The positional angles of polarization agree with calculated position angles of the defect of illumination and are therefore parallel to the scattering plane. The observed polarization cannot be explained as resulting purely from a surface material which is similar to asteroidal surfaces. A hypothesis of polarization from a thin atmosphere, in addition to the surface polarization, is advanced.

Breger, M.↗

Fine-scale structure of the Jovian magnetotail current sheet

During the outbound leg of its passage through the Jovian magnetosphere in the Voyager 2 spacecraft observed 50 traversals of the magnetotail current sheet during a 10 day period at distances between 30 and 130 R sub j. Analysis of these observations shown that the Jovian tail sheet tends to lie approximately parallel to the ecliptic plane and to oscillate about the tail axis with the 10 hour planetary rotation period. The magnetic structure near and within the current sheet was variable with time and distance from Jupiter, but generally corresponded to one of the following: (1) simple rotation of field across the sheet, with an approximately southward direction in the sheet (generally northward beyond a distance from Jupiter of approximately 84 R sub j; (2) field having a southward component in a broad region near the sheet, but northward in a restricted region at the sheet itself; or (3) a clear bipolar variation of the sheet normal field component as the sheet was crossed (i.e., the field became northward and then southward, or vice versa, in crossing the sheet).

Behannon, K. W.↗

Basic experimental study of the coupling between flow instabilities and incident sound

Whether a solid trailing edge is required to produce efficient coupling between sound and instability waves in a shear layer was investigated. The differences found in the literature on the theoretical notions about receptivity, and a need to resolve them by way of well-planned experiments are discussed. Instability waves in the shear layer of a subsonic jet, excited by a point sound source located external to the jet, were first visualized using an ensemble averaging technique. Various means were adopted to shield the sound reaching the nozzle lip. It was found that the low frequency sound couples more efficiently at distances downstream of the nozzle. To substantiate the findings further, a supersonic screeching jet was tested such that it passed through a small opening in a baffle placed parallel to the exit plane. The measured feedback or screech frequencies and also the excited flow disturbances changed drastically on traversing the baffle axially thus providing a strong indication that a trailing edge is not necessary for efficient coupling between sound and flow.

Ahuja, K. K.↗

Hyperion - 13-day rotation from Voyager data

The rotation period of Hyperion is determined here on the basis of a light-curve derived from low-resolution Voyager images taken over a two-month span. The data indicate a coherent 13-day spin period over 61 days, with the spin axis nearly parallel to the orbital plane. Since Hyperion is not in synchronous rotation, it cannot be used to test the hypothesis that dark dust spiralling inward on retrograde orbits causes the pronounced leading side/trailing side albedo asymmetry observed on the surface of Iapetus.

Thomas, P.↗

Filamentary structures in the magnetotail lobes

The observations of plasmas which may be the source population for polar cap arcs are reported. This population consists of energetic plasma contained within filamentary structures aligned approximately parallel to the XZ plane. Using a combination of plasma, particle, and magnetic field data for several events, it is established that the filaments have their origin in the plasma sheet or its adjacent boundary layer, and that the structures protrude into the lobe region. In a number of cases, a correlation between the convection pattern and the IMF B(Z) can be inferred. This is in agreement with the observed characteristics of polar cap arcs, observations of which are correlated with a northward directed IMF. The presence of field-aligned currents suggests that field-aligned acceleration may occur between the observing satellite and earth.

Huang, C. Y.↗

Convex-profile inversion of asteroid lightcurves - Theory and applications

A theory for asteroid light curve interpretation is derived from the reformulation, extension, and calibration of Ostro and Connely's (1984) convex-profile inversion, and then used to constrain the shapes of selected asteroids. The ideal conditions for the estimation of an asteroid's main cross-section from a light curve are (1) that the viewing-illumination geometry be equatorial, (2) that the scattering be uniform and geometric, (3) that the asteroid surface contours parallel to the equatorial plane be convex, (4) and that the solar angle not equal zero. Results are presented from simulations calibrating the kind, severity, and predictability of systematic errors.

Ostro, Steven J.↗

Life and dynamic capacity modeling for aircraft transmissions

A computer program to simulate the dynamic capacity and life of parallel shaft aircraft transmissions is presented. Five basic configurations can be analyzed: single mesh, compound, parallel, reverted, and single plane reductions. In execution, the program prompts the user for the data file prefix name, takes input from a ASCII file, and writes its output to a second ASCII file with the same prefix name. The input data file includes the transmission configuration, the input shaft torque and speed, and descriptions of the transmission geometry and the component gears and bearings. The program output file describes the transmission, its components, their capabilities, locations, and loads. It also lists the dynamic capability, ninety percent reliability, and mean life of each component and the transmission as a system. Here, the program, its input and output files, and the theory behind the operation of the program are described.

Savage, Michael↗

Recent results concerning the stability of viscoelastic shear deformable plates under compressive edge loading

Some recent results obtained by the authors are summarized concerning the stability of transversely isotropic flat panels whose materials exhibit a viscoelastic behavior and whose edges are subjected to in-plane biaxial compressive loads. Two transversely isotropic type materials, largely used in advanced technology, are considered: (1) the pyrolytic-graphite type, used in the thermal protection of aerospace vehicles, and (2) the type corresponding to unidirectional fiber-reinforced composites. In the former case, the planes of isotropy are parallel at each point to the midplane of the plate. In the latter case, they are normal to the fiber directions. The micromechanical relations developed by Aboudi (1984, 1986, 1987) are considered in conjunction with the correspondence principle of linear viscoelastic theory in order to predict the macroscopic viscoelastic properties of a material composed of uniaxial elastic fibers embedded in a linear viscoelastic matrix.

Librescu, L.↗

Multitasking the INS3D-LU code on the Cray Y-MP

This paper presents the results of multitasking the INS3D-LU code on eight processors. The code is a full Navier-Stokes solver for incompressible fluid in three dimensional generalized coordinates using a lower-upper symmetric-Gauss-Seidel implicit scheme. This code has been fully vectorized on oblique planes of sweep and parallelized using autotasking with some directives and minor modifications. The timing results for five grid sizes are presented and analyzed. The code has achieved a processing rate of over one Gflops.

Fatoohi, Rod↗