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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 919 records · Page 51

A stochastic damage model for the rupture prediction of a multi-phase solid. I - Parametric studies. II - Statistical approach

A stochastic damage model for predicting the rupture of a brittle multiphase material is developed, based on the microcrack-macrocrack interaction. The model, which incorporates uncertainties in locations, orientations, and numbers of microcracks, characterizes damage by microcracking and fracture by macrocracking. A parametric study is carried out to investigate the change of the stress intensity at the macrocrack tip by the configuration of microcracks. The inherent statistical distribution of the fracture toughness arising from the intrinsic random nature of microcracks is explored using a statistical approach. For this purpose, a computer simulation model is introduced, which incorporates a statistical characterization of geometrical parameters of a random microcrack array.

Lua, Yuan J.↗

Phase-space quantum mechanics study of two identical particles in an external oscillatory potential

This simple example is used to show how the formalism of Moyal works when it is applied to systems of identical particles. The symmetric and antisymmetric Moyal propagators are evaluated for this case; from them, the correct energy levels of energy are obtained, as well as the Wigner functions for the symmetric and antisymmetric states of the two identical particle system. Finally, the solution of the Bloch equation is straightforwardly obtained from the expressions of the Moyal propagators.

Nieto, Luis M.↗

Study of two-phase flow and heat transfer in reduced gravities

Design of the two-phase systems which are anticipated to be utilized in future spacecraft thermal management systems requires a knowledge of two-phase flow and heat transfer parameters in reduced gravities. A program has been initiated by NASA to design a two-phase test loop and perform a series of experiments to generate the data for the Critical Heat Flux (CHF) and onset of instability under reduced gravities. In addition to low gravity airplane trajectory testing, the experimental program consists of a set of laboratory tests with vertical upflow and downflow configurations. Modularity is considered in the design of this experiment and the test loop in instrumented to provide data for two-phase pressure drop and flow regime behavior. Since the program is in the final stages of the design and construction task, this article is intended to discuss the phenomena, design approach, and the description of the test loop.

Abdollahian, Davood↗

Experimental and Analytical Study of Two-Phase Flow in Microgravity

A two-phase test loop has been designed and constructed to generate the necessary data for two-phase pressure drop and Critical Heat Flux (CHF) under reduced gravity conditions. A series of airplane trajectory tests aboard NASA KC-135 were performed and the data was used to evaluate the applicability of the earth gravity models for prediction of the reduced gravity data. Several commonly used correlations for the two-phase friction multiplier and critical heat flux were used to predict the data. It was generally concluded that the two-phase pressure drop can be predicted by the earth gravity correlations. The critical heat flux under reduced gravity conditions did not show a strong dependence on mass flow rate and the measured CHF were generally lower than the equivalent 1g conditions. The earth gravity models need to be modified for application to reduced gravities.

Abdollahian, D.↗

Fundamental Studies on Two-Phase Gas-Liquid Flows Through Packed Beds in Microgravity

In the typical operation of a packed-bed reactor, gas and liquid flow simultaneously through a fixed bed of solid particles. Depending on the application, the particles can be of various shapes and sizes and provide for intimate contact and high rates of transport between the phases needed to sustain chemical or biological reactions. The packing may also serve as either a catalyst or as a support for growing biological material. NASA has flown two of these packed-bed systems in a microgravity environment with limited or no success. The goal of this research is to develop models (with scale-up capability) needed for the design of the physicochemical equipment to carry out these unit operations in microgravity. New insight will also lead to improvements in normal gravity operations. Our initial experiment was flown using an existing KC-135 two-phase flow rig with a modified test section. The test section is a clear polycarbonate rectangular column with a depth of 2.54 cm, a width of 5.08 cm, and 60 cm long. The column was randomly packed with spherical glass beads by slowly dropping the beads into the bed. Even though care was taken in handling the column after it was filled with packing, the alternating high and low gravity cycles with each parabola created a slightly tighter packed bed than is typically reported for this type. By the usual method of comparing the weight difference of a completely dry column versus a column filled with water, the void fraction was found to be .345 for both sizes of beads used. Five flush mounted differential pressure transducers are spaced at even intervals with the first location 4 cm from the inlet port and the subsequent pressure transducers spaced at 13 cm intervals along the column. Differential pressure data was acquired at 1000 Hz to adequately observe pulse formation and characteristics. Visual images of the flow were recorded using a high-speed SVHS system at 500 frames per second. Over 250 different test conditions were evaluated along with a companion set of tests in normal gravity. The flow rates, fluid properties and packing properties were selected to provide a range of several orders-of-magnitude for the important dimensionless parameters. Additional information is included in the original extended abstract.

Balakotaiah, Vemuri↗

A Study of the Opposition Phase Curve in Low Albedo Media

The Opposition Effect, the pronounced non-linear intensity increase in the reflectance phase curve with decreasing phase angle,theta , has long been observed in solar system bodies and in laboratory investigations of the angular scattering properties of particulate media. The size and shape of the phase curve, and the change in linear polarization with theta, have been related to the physical properties of planetary regolith scattering materials. Near zero degrees the increase in reflectance with decreasing phase angle has been attributed to two distinct processes. The first is the elimination of shadows cast between the regolith grains as the phase angle decreases. This is called the shadow hiding opposition effect (SHOE). The second is coherent constructive interference between rays of light traveling along identical but opposite paths in multiply scattering media. This is called the coherent backscattering opposition effect (CBOE).

Nelson, R. M.↗

A FIRE-ACE/SHEBA Case Study of Mixed-Phase Arctic Boundary Layer Clouds: Entrainment Rate Limitations on Rapid Primary Ice Nucleation Processes

Observations of long-lived mixed-phase Arctic boundary layer clouds on 7 May 1998 during the First International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) Regional Experiment (FIRE)Arctic Cloud Experiment (ACE)Surface Heat Budget of the Arctic Ocean (SHEBA) campaign provide a unique opportunity to test understanding of cloud ice formation. Under the microphysically simple conditions observed (apparently negligible ice aggregation, sublimation, and multiplication), the only expected source of new ice crystals is activation of heterogeneous ice nuclei (IN) and the only sink is sedimentation. Large-eddy simulations with size-resolved microphysics are initialized with IN number concentration N(sub IN) measured above cloud top, but details of IN activation behavior are unknown. If activated rapidly (in deposition, condensation, or immersion modes), as commonly assumed, IN are depleted from the well-mixed boundary layer within minutes. Quasi-equilibrium ice number concentration N(sub i) is then limited to a small fraction of overlying N(sub IN) that is determined by the cloud-top entrainment rate w(sub e) divided by the number-weighted ice fall speed at the surface v(sub f). Because w(sub c)< 1 cm/s and v(sub f)> 10 cm/s, N(sub i)/N(sub IN)<< 1. Such conditions may be common for this cloud type, which has implications for modeling IN diagnostically, interpreting measurements, and quantifying sensitivity to increasing N(sub IN) (when w(sub e)/v(sub f)< 1, entrainment rate limitations serve to buffer cloud system response). To reproduce observed ice crystal size distributions and cloud radar reflectivities with rapidly consumed IN in this case, the measured above-cloud N(sub IN) must be multiplied by approximately 30. However, results are sensitive to assumed ice crystal properties not constrained by measurements. In addition, simulations do not reproduce the pronounced mesoscale heterogeneity in radar reflectivity that is observed.

Fridlin, Ann↗

CAMELOT 2: Personnel transport between Earth and Mars

A summary of the second phase of a design study fo a cycling spacecraft for regular and frequency personnel transport between Earth and a Mars base is presented. The first-phase study, called project CAMELOT, was a mission analysis and configuration design and was completed by the Space Systems Design class at the University of Michigan in the winter term, 1987. In the second phase, the configuration and component design has been developed by the Space Systems Design class in the winter term, 1988, beyond the initial configuration study. Analysis has led to numerous design modifications and improvements, as well as providing more detailed system definition. Major components of the second phase study include innovative detailed designs such as an interface between the rotating and non-rotating portions of the spacecraft, an elevator system that changes orientation to eliminate Coriolis forces, an electromagnetic radiation shield that significantly reduces the mass of the spacecraft, and a detailed assembly sequence and cost analysis. In addition, modifications to the propulsion and the power generation subsystems, taxi-docking facilities, and internal layout design have led to a more efficient, more reliable, and more comfortable vehicle. Finite-element stress and dynamic analysis has verified much of the system and indicates the validity of the design. Computer simulation of many moving components, including torus rotation, elevator and interface operations, and attitude control mechanisms further validate and support the various systems.

Source record↗

Two-Phase Annular Flow in Helical Coil Flow Channels in a Reduced Gravity Environment

A brief review of both single- and two-phase flow studies in curved and coiled flow geometries is first presented. Some of the complexities of two-phase liquid-vapor flow in curved and coiled geometries are discussed, and serve as an introduction to the advantages of observing such flows under a low-gravity environment. The studies proposed -- annular two-phase air-water flow in helical coil flow channels are described. Objectives of the studies are summarized.

Keshock, Edward G.↗

Femtosecond diffraction studies of solid and liquid phase changes in shock-compressed bismuth

Abstract Bismuth has long been a prototypical system for investigating phase transformations and melting at high pressure. Despite decades of experimental study, however, the lattice-level response of Bi to rapid (shock) compression and the relationship between structures occurring dynamically and those observed during slow (static) compression, are still not clearly understood. We have determined the structural response of shock-compressed Bi to 68 GPa using femtosecond X-ray diffraction, thereby revealing the phase transition sequence and equation-of-state in unprecedented detail for the first time. We show that shocked-Bi exhibits a marked departure from equilibrium behavior - the incommensurate Bi-III phase is not observed, but rather a new metastable phase, and the Bi-V phase is formed at significantly lower pressures compared to static compression studies. We also directly measure structural changes in a shocked liquid for the first time. These observations reveal new behaviour in the solid and liquid phases of a shocked material and give important insights into the validity of comparing static and dynamic datasets.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

The High-Pressure Melt Curve and Phase Diagram of Lithium

This study investigates the phase diagram of lithium at temperatures of 200K to 400 K, to pressures over 100GPa using X-ray diffraction in diamond anvil cells, covering the region in which the melting curve is disputed. To overcome degradation of the diamond anvils by dense lithium we utilize a rapid compression scheme taking advantage of the high flux available at modern synchrotrons. Our results show the hR1 and cI16 phases to be stable to higher temperature than previously reported. The melting minima of lithium is found to be close to room temperature between 40GPa and 60GPa, below which the solid is crystalline. Finally, analysis of the stability fields of the cI16 and oC88 phases suggest the existence of a triple point between these and an undetermined solid phase at 60GPa between 220K and 255 K.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗