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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 91 records · Page 5

Code verification for practically singular equations

We report the method-of-moments implementation of the electric-field integral equation (EFIE) yields many code-verification challenges due to the various sources of numerical error and their possible interactions. Matters are further complicated by singular integrals, which arise from the presence of a Green's function. To address these singular integrals, an approach is presented in wherein both the solution and Green's function are manufactured. Because the arising equations are poorly conditioned, they are reformulated as a set of constraints for an optimization problem that selects the solution closest to the manufactured solution. In this paper, we demonstrate how, for such practically singular systems of equations, computing the truncation error by inserting the exact solution into the discretized equations cannot detect certain orders of coding errors. On the other hand, the discretization error from the optimal solution is a more sensitive metric that can detect orders less than those of the expected convergence rate.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Slicing Solutions for Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing

Both commercial and research applications of wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) have seen considerable growth in the additive manufacturing of metallic components. However, there remains a clear lack of a unified paradigm for toolpath generation when slicing parts for WAAM deposition. Existing toolpath generation options typically lack the appropriate features to account for all complexities of the WAAM process. This manuscript explores the key slicing challenges specific to toolpaths for WAAM geometry and pairs each consideration with multiple solutions to mitigate most negative effects on completed components. These challenges must be addressed to minimize voids, prevent bead collapse, and ensure deposited components accurately approximate the desired geometry. Slicing considerations are grouped into four general categories: geometric, process, thermal, and productivity. Geometric considerations are addressed with overhang compensation, corner-sharpening, and toolpath-smoothing features. Process considerations are addressed with start point configuration and controls for the bead lengths and end points. Thermal and productivity considerations are addressed with island optimization, multi-material printing, and connected insets. Finally, tools for the post-processing of generated G-code are explored. Overall, these solutions represent a critical set of slicing features used to improve generated toolpaths and the quality of the components deposited with those toolpaths.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Code-verification techniques for the method-of-moments implementation of the combined-field integral equation

Code verification plays an important role in establishing the credibility of computational simulations by assessing the correctness of the implementation of the underlying numerical methods. In computational electromagnetics, the numerical solution to integral equations incurs multiple interacting sources of numerical error, as well as other challenges, which render traditional code-verification approaches ineffective. In this paper, we provide approaches to separately measure the numerical errors arising from these different error sources for the method-of-moments implementation of the combined-field integral equation. Here, we demonstrate the effectiveness of these approaches for cases with and without coding errors.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Development of a Lower Cost, High Volume, Commercially Available, Precursor for Lower Cost Carbon Fiber for Automotive and Wind Blade Applications

Essentially all carbon fibers used in structural applications are presently manufactured from solution spun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) precursor. Solution spinning is accomplished at relatively low temperatures using very large amounts of environmentally unfriendly solvents that impart major impact to line speed and costs involved with handling and reclaiming the solvents and associated “waste streams” required in spinning and extracting those solvents. Dralon and others have demonstrated the dry spinning of PAN in the production of some acrylic fibers for textile applications, but to this point it has not been demonstrated in the production of carbon fibers. In dry spinning, the PAN polymer is also dissolved into similar solvents, although typically less solvent is utilized to maintain a somewhat higher solids content of 20-50%. The use of lower overall solvent quantities and elimination of the need for solvent/water separation simplifies and reduces the cost of solvent recovery operations. Other portions of the precursor production and carbon fiber manufacturing processes are quite similar. The work described in this report demonstrated that dry spun acrylic fiber can be an attractive candidate for carbon fiber precursor of potential interest to applications looking to capture the specific stiffness (stiffness per unit mass) and specific strength (strength per unit mass) of carbon fiber when produced at a discount relative to commercial carbon fibers in the market today. Dralon has determined that the dry spinning process utilized for producing fibers used as precursors in this project requires 27% less energy versus producing comparable fibers via the industry standard wet spinning process. Identification of carbon fiber manufacturers, as well as applications development and targeted marketing, will be required to achieve significant in-roads into mission areas of interest to DOE, such as automotive applications and wind turbine blades. In support of that activity, initial data produced in this project indicate the innovative approach as described in this report can meet at least the baseline property requirements identified for these applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Simultaneous optimization of hatching orientations and lattice density distribution for residual warpage reduction in laser powder bed fusion considering layerwise residual stress stacking

The reduction in the residual warpage generated via fabrication is an emerging issue in metals’ laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing (AM). One solution from a design for additive manufacturing (DfAM) perspective is to arrange a hatching strategy that utilizes the asymmetry of the residual stress generated from a molten pool. Another approach is to arrange the geometry of the parts, such as forming an inner lattice structure to arrange the effective stiffness. In this study, the simultaneous optimization of the laser hatching orientation and lattice density distribution was conducted to minimize the residual warpage in lattice infill structures and confirm their synergetic effect. The mutual effect of each layer was highlighted when considering the mechanical background of the optimal results because an imbalance in the residual stress caused the warpage of the AM parts between the layers. The proposed methodology was validated via experimental verification using a quasi-2D plate, 3D bracket, and 3D connecting-rod design problems. The residual warpage in the quasi-2D study, measured as the edge’s vertical deformation, was reduced from 23.4% to 39.4% compared with the benchmark design. In the 3D studies, the warpage reductions ranged from 13.1% to 20.7%.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Code-verification techniques for hypersonic reacting flows in thermochemical nonequilibrium

The study of hypersonic flows and their underlying aerothermochemical reactions is particularly important in the design and analysis of vehicles exiting and reentering Earth's atmosphere. Computational physics codes can be employed to simulate these phenomena; however, code verification of these codes is necessary to certify their credibility. To date, few approaches have been presented for verifying codes that simulate hypersonic flows, especially flows reacting in thermochemical nonequilibrium. In this work, we present our code-verification techniques for verifying the spatial accuracy and thermochemical source term in hypersonic reacting flows in thermochemical nonequilibrium. Additionally, we demonstrate the effectiveness of these techniques on the Sandia Parallel Aerodynamics and Reentry Code (SPARC).

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Code-verification techniques for the method-of-moments implementation of the magnetic-field integral equation

For computational physics simulations, code verification plays a major role in establishing the credibility of the results by assessing the correctness of the implementation of the underlying numerical methods. In computational electromagnetics, surface integral equations, such as the method-of-moments implementation of the magnetic-field integral equation, are frequently used to solve Maxwell's equations on the surfaces of electromagnetic scatterers. These electromagnetic surface integral equations yield many code-verification challenges due to the various sources of numerical error and their possible interactions. In this paper, we provide approaches to separately measure the numerical errors arising from these different error sources. We demonstrate the effectiveness of these approaches for cases with and without coding errors.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Advanced manufacturing provides tailor-made solutions for crystallography with x-ray free-electron lasers

Serial crystallography at large facilities, such as x-ray free-electron lasers and synchrotrons, evolved as a powerful method for the high-resolution structural investigation of proteins that are critical for human health, thus advancing drug discovery and novel therapies. However, a critical barrier to successful serial crystallography experiments lies in the efficient handling of the protein microcrystals and solutions at microscales. Microfluidics are the obvious approach for any high-throughput, nano-to-microliter sample handling, that also requires design flexibility and rapid prototyping to deal with the variable shapes, sizes, and density of crystals. Here, we discuss recent advances in polymer 3D printing for microfluidics-based serial crystallography research and present a demonstration of emerging, large-scale, nano-3D printing approaches leading into the future of 3D sample environment and delivery device fabrication from liquid jet gas-dynamic virtual nozzles devices to fixed-target sample environment technology.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Melt-Spun PAN Precursor for Cost-Effective Carbon Fibers in High Pressure Compressed Gas Tankage

The objective of this program was to synthesize melt-spinnable polyacrylonitrile (PAN) precursor that will lead to carbon fiber 25% less expensive than carbon fiber produced from conventional PAN precursor when produced in large volumes. The carbon fiber produced from this precursor needs to achieve ≥ 700 ksi tensile strength with this cost reduction to replace the incumbent fiber. In this program, the technology for producing precursor and then converted carbon fiber (CF) capable of meeting the 700 ksi target was to be demonstrated at a small scale in tows, containing ≥ 100 filaments. If this program moved on to a “Phase 2”, the processes would be scaled up to produce and test Type IV compressed gas storage tanks capable of meeting the 700-bar ultimate targeted FOA performance level. Precursor fiber production typically contributes a large fraction (~50%) to finished CF manufactured cost. Presently, all high strength CFs are manufactured from solution spun PAN precursor, accomplished at low temperatures using large amounts of environmentally unfriendly solvents that impart major impact to line speed and costs involved with handling and reclaiming the solvents and associated “waste streams” required in spinning and extracting those solvents. PAN melt spinning was demonstrated by the company BASF in CF precursor production and used in production of some other acrylic fibers, but significant production challenges remain for meeting the established CF metrics. Melt spinning requires use of plasticizers to suppress the melt temperature of the predominantly PAN formulation to a point sufficiently below the temperature of significant cross-linking. Fortunately, BASF and this team’s earlier work had demonstrated acrylic formulations melt spun with combinations of plasticizing solvents at much lower solvent levels. This project team made significant progress in understanding technical issues and identifying formulation pathways in earlier work in this area where >250ksi strength was achieved. The goal of this program was to pursue a more comprehensive approach with a larger, more diverse team having greater equipment design and overall production capabilities to push rapidly beyond the science to resolve remaining “engineering” issues associated with establishing stable, continuous processes for precursor fiber leading to enhanced, cost-effective CF and composite tank production.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Electrochemical Production of Calcium Hydroxide from Calcium Carbonate

Calcium hydroxide is electrochemically synthesized to address SRNL core competency of Creating Manufacturing & Energy Solutions. This process is energy efficient compared to high temperature calcium carbonate decomposition to produce calcium oxide for the cement industry. Ultrasonic dehydration coupled with induction heating can further reduce the energy need for cement production.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Coupling Finite Element and Finite Volume Simulation Within MOOSE

This work focuses on adding capability to couple finite element (FE) variables into finite volume (FV) physics within INL’s Multiphysics Object-Oriented Simulation Environment (MOOSE). This coupling can allow for improvement of multiphysics simulations where one set of physics is best suited for an FE discretization, while another set is best suited for an FV discretization. Electrohydrodynamics, which govern liquid metal reactor concepts and plasma dynamics, is a fitting example where the electromagnetic field equations are solved with FE and the fluid flow is solved with FV. The new FE to FV coupling method can be summarized as taking the element or face average of the FE variable value or gradient and applying that quantity directly in the FV equation objects.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Additive manufacturing of power poles using bamboo-polymer composites: A quick solution for power grid restoration

Polymer additive manufacturing (AM) technology is rapidly growing and its transition to become an advanced manufacturing technique now offers possibilities for unconventional applications. One of these potential applications is on site additive manufacturing of power poles. During natural incidents such as storms and hurricanes, power lines can be severely damaged and there may not be sufficient spare power poles to replace. In such situations, additive manufacturing of power poles on site can offer a fast, temporary solution during emergencies. The ability of freeform manufacturing of parts with complex geometries makes large scale AM attractive for various applications; however, due to residual stress build up and need for different mechanical requirements for different applications, reinforcement of the AM feedstock is necessary. In addition to carbon and glass fibers, bio-derived fibers can also be used as a reinforcing phase, both to utilize the natural resources at the emergency area and in terms of long-term sustainability. In this project, design and additive manufacturing of a 13.1 m power pole was demonstrated. Three different feedstock material options (polystyrene, cellulose ester and polycarbonate reinforced with glass and bamboo fibers) and two different pole designs were investigated. As-printed part tensile properties both in printing and interlayer directions were measured and a power pole was printed as six pieces and put together successfully. Finally, a conceptual design of a portable power pole manufacturing approach was proposed.

Tekinalp, Halil↗

Freeform Hybrid Manufacturing: Binderjet, Structured Light Scanning, Confocal Microscopy, and CNC Machining

This paper describes a hybrid manufacturing approach for silicon carbide (SiC) freeform surfaces using binder jet additive manufacturing (BJAM) to print the preform and machining to obtain the design geometry. Although additive manufacturing (AM) techniques such as BJAM allow for the fabrication of complex geometries, additional machining or grinding is often required to achieve the desired surface finish and shape. Hybrid manufacturing has been shown to provide an effective solution. However, hybrid manufacturing also has its own challenges, depending on the combination of processes. For example, when the subtractive and additive manufacturing steps are performed sequentially on separate systems, it is necessary to define a common coordinate system for part transfer. This can be difficult because AM preforms do not inherently contain features that can serve as datums. Additionally, it is important to confirm that the intended final geometry is contained within the AM preform. The approach described here addresses these challenges by using structured light scanning to create a stock model for machining. Results show that a freeform surface was machined with approximately 70 µm of maximum deviation from that which was planned.

Dvorak, Jake (ORCID:0000000260989944)↗

Automated Luminaire Design and Local Manufacturing for Highly Efficient, Customized Lighting Solutions

In response to the growing demand for tailorable and energy-efficient lighting solutions, Eaton and partners Synopsys and Rensselaer Polytechnical Institute were funded to develop an automated luminaire design method that was capable of achieving best in class efficiency while being locally manufactured at an affordable cost. This program was broken into four key technology areas, automated optics design, additively manufactured optical material characterization, printed electronics, and additively manufactured mechanical components.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗

Identification and mitigation of memory block timing issue in ITk ABCStar during ASIC production

The ABCStar is a mixed-signal front-end readout ASIC for the strips sensor portion of the ATLAS ITk detector being developed as part of the High-Luminosity LHC upgrade. In pre-production testing, a subtle design flaw was uncovered in the ABCStar that was reducing wafer yields in some manufactured lots from the expected 90% to as low as 2%. The root cause was determined to be a timing issue in the logic synthesized to control previously silicon proven memory blocks re-used for this ASIC. The solutions proposed included manufacturing process changes by the wafer foundry, changes to the operating parameters for the ABCStar in the detector, and the possibility that a redesign might be required. The two mitigation efforts were undertaken in parallel, with the process modification route a less desirable solution since already manufactured wafers would need to be scrapped in favour of the new ones. Based on a knowledge of the existing process, and testing done on the worst performing wafers, it was proposed that raising the core operating voltage of the ABCStar from 1.20V to 1.25V could address the timing issue by sufficiently speeding up its transistors. An extensive testing program that included the effects of temperature and radiation expected over the lifetime of the ITk detector was conducted to validate that approach. Those tests and studies proved that even the worst performing wafers would have yields over 80% with the 1.25V core voltage, and neither the modified process nor redesign would be required for ensuring reliable operation of the ITk. Based on testing, a further timing mitigation was implemented to provide an additional margin of reliability by increasing the duty cycle of the clock to the ABCStar. Testing of all ABCStar wafers has been completed and the production of the detector modules using these ASICs is now well underway as a result of the efforts detailed herein.

FOS: Physical sciences↗

Improve Performance and Cost for Steam Turbine Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul Using Additive Manufacturing

The overall objective was to develop additive-manufacturing-enabled repair solutions for last stage bucket (LSB) and additive-manufacturing-enabled packing rings (PRs) for coal-fired steam turbines with the goal of reducing routine maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) cost and improving the operating efficiency of steam turbines. GE Steam Power (GESP) and GE Gas Power (GEGP) provided technical and commercial consulting to GER with insights on steam turbine MRO design requirements, MRO duration and costs, and an overall commercialization strategy for the additive manufacturing technologies developed in the proposed effort.

20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS↗

A Review on Progress, Challenges, and Prospects of Material Jetting of Copper and Tungsten

Copper (Cu) and tungsten (W) possess exceptional electrical and thermal conductivity properties, making them suitable candidates for applications such as interconnects and thermal conductivity enhancements. Solution-based additive manufacturing (SBAM) offers unique advantages, including patterning capabilities, cost-effectiveness, and scalability among the various methods for manufacturing Cu and W-based films and structures. In particular, SBAM material jetting techniques, such as inkjet printing (IJP), direct ink writing (DIW), and aerosol jet printing (AJP), present a promising approach for design freedom, low material wastes, and versatility as either stand-alone printers or integrated with powder bed-based metal additive manufacturing (MAM). Thus, this review summarizes recent advancements in solution-processed Cu and W, focusing on IJP, DIW, and AJP techniques. The discussion encompasses general aspects, current status, challenges, and recent research highlights. Furthermore, this paper addresses integrating material jetting techniques with powder bed-based MAM to fabricate functional alloys and multi-material structures. Finally, the factors influencing large-scale fabrication and potential prospects in this area are explored.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Indirect additive manufacturing process using amine-containing adhesive polymers

A method for binder jetting additive manufacturing of an object, the method comprising: (i) separately feeding a powder from which said object is to be manufactured and a solution comprising an adhesive polymer dissolved in a solvent into an additive manufacturing device, wherein said adhesive polymer is an amine-containing polymer having a molecular weight of at least 200 g/mole and is present in said solution in a concentration of 1-30 wt % to result in said solution having a viscosity of 2-25 mPa·s and a surface tension of 25-45 mN/m at room temperature; and (ii) dispensing selectively positioned droplets of said adhesive polymer, from a printhead of said additive manufacturing device, into a bed of said powder to bind particles of said powder with said adhesive polymer to produce a preform having a shape of the object to be manufactured.

Saito, Tomonori↗