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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 937 records · Page 52

Differential Power Processing for Ultra-Efficient Data Storage

Here this paper presents the hardware, software, and power codesign of an ultra-efficient data storage server with differential power processing (DPP). DPP can reduce the power conversion stress, improve the efficiency, and enhance the functionality of modular power electronics systems. The power inputs of a large number of hard disk drives (HDDs) were connected in series and supported by a multiport ac-coupled differential power processing (MAC-DPP) converter through a multiwinding transformer. Methods for controlling the multi-input multi-output power flow in the multiwinding transformer while avoiding core saturation were investigated. A ten-port MAC-DPP prototype with 700-W/in 3 power density was built to support a 450-W HDD storage system with ten series-stacked voltage domains. The prototype was tested on a 50-HDD server testbench, and the overall system loss is below 1 W (99.77% system efficiency). The server was able to maintain high-speed reading and writing operation of all 50 HDDs against the worst hot-swapping scenarios. A variety of hardware/software configurations and many cloud storage techniques were tested on the fully functioning server. Experimental results show that the energy efficiency of large-scale information systems (CPU/GPU clusters, memory banks, HDD arrays, etc.) can be greatly improved by software, hardware, and power codesign.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Mitigation of PtCo/C Cathode Catalyst Degradation via Control of Relative Humidity

Maintaining the high performance of proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) over the course of its lifetime is a key enabling factor for its successful commercialization as a primary power source in zero-emission transportation applications. In this context, it is important to mitigate the degradation of PtCo-alloy based cathode catalysts used for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). PtCo-alloy catalysts exhibit high activity at beginning-of-life (BOL) which tends to decrease during operation due to loss of electrochemical surface area (ECSA) and dissolution-contamination related effects of the Co-alloying component. Here, we demonstrate the use of relative humidity (RH) of the inlet gases as a controllable parameter to mitigate the degradation of PtCo-alloy catalyst degradation. We employ a catalyst-specific voltage cycling accelerated stress test (AST) durability protocol as a function of inlet RH to degrade PtCo catalysts. A series of in situ electrochemical diagnostics and ex situ characterizations have been carried out to investigate the catalyst layer characteristics at end-of-test (EOT). Our results show that at sub-saturated conditions of durability protocol operation, PtCo catalyst sustains higher EOT H 2 /air performance due to better retention of ECSA and smaller impact of Co 2+ dissolution/contamination.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Sample problems for Section III, Division 5 design by inelastic analysis of Grade 91 components

This report works through two sample design analyses of representative Grade 91 components using the ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code Section III, Division 5, Appendix HBB-T rules for the strain and deformation and creep-fatigue design criteria using a design by inelastic analysis approach. The component geometries and loadings were selected to span a wide variety of potential applications. The sample components are an endplate geometry, which is fairly representative of typical pressure vessel construction, and a core block, representing a critical component in a heat pipe microreactor, which has a complicated geometry and complex thermal stress history. These sample problems serve several functions. First, they are complete worked examples of how to apply the current design by inelastic analysis rules. Second, they serve as test cases to evaluate the current rules and provide feedback on how they could be optimized to deal with complicated component geometries or to be better automated in modern finite element analysis software. Finally, the analysis here uses an inelastic constitutive model for Grade 91 developed by Argonne National Laboratory and proposed for inclusion in the ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code Section III, Division 5 rules as a reference constitutive model. Using this constitutive model in the sample problem analyses tests the model in the context of the ASME Code rules. The final conclusions of this report are that the material model and the current Code rules are satisfactory, but that the Code rules could be optimized to simplify automation and reduce over conservatism. Future work should address the specific optimization topics discussed in this report.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Sensing and Control During Bulk SPP

In this work, we use the thermoelectricity to directly measure the temperature at different radial positions within instrumented Al1100 billets during friction extrusion. Site-specific and uninterrupted temperature measurements were possible by measuring the local voltages at several thermoelectric junctions consisting of aluminum-nickel pairs during extrusion. Measurements were conducted for a constant die rotation speed of 150 RPM and different extrusion feed rates of 2, 8, 32, and 80 mm.min-1. X-ray computed tomography was used to locate the positions of the thermoelectric junctions inside the processed billet, thus allowing for site-specific microstructural characterization at the precise measurement points. Smooth particle hydrodynamic modeling allowed to determine the thermal, strain, and strain rate fields developing during FE. The applicability and limitations of this temperature measurement approach are discussed as a function of the peak extrusion and torsion stresses relative to the matrix of extrusion feed rates.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Pulmonary-impedance power spectral analysis: A facile means of detecting radiation-induced gastrointestinal distress and performance decrement in man

Changes in respiratory variance revealed by power spectral analysis of the pulmonary impedance pneumogram can be used to detect and measure stresses directly or indirectly affecting human respiratory function. When gastrointestinal distress occurred during a series of 5 total-body exposures of 30 R at a rate of 1.5 R/min, it was accompanied by typical shifts in pulmonary impedance power spectra. These changes did not occur after protracted exposure of 250 R (30 R daily) at 1.5 R/hr that failed to cause radiation sickness. This system for quantitating respiratory effort can also be used to detect alterations in one's ability to perform under controlled exercise conditions.

Rick, R. C.↗

Protective coatings for columbium applied in the field.

The various aspects of field repair of columbium alloy panels with protective coatings designed as part of the Space Shuttle thermal protection system are examined. The field repair of the coatings is accomplished by employing ceramic cement repairs, and reapplying the fused slurry silicide coating. Techniques are described which improve the practicality of these repairs by employing torch heating. The repair coating quality is demonstrated by testing which simulates flight temperature, pressure, stress and acoustic vibration conditions as a function of time. Conclusions on the present status of field repair coatings are presented and recommendations are given for appropriate future activities relative to the use on an operational Space Shuttle system.

Carter, J.↗

Elasto-plastic analysis of a mode I edge crack with application to a surface notch.

A finite element analysis has been undertaken of the mechanical state of a plate containing a crack subjected to mode I loading. Specifically, a localized, well-defined surface depression (dimple) previously observed on the back surface of plate specimens immediately behind the plane of the crack was examined. The approach taken is concerned with defining more precisely the dimpling behavior as a function of relative flaw depth and applied stress level, as well as the development of the plastic zone at the crack tip.

Francis, P. H.↗

Stress-intensity factors for a surface crack in a finite solid.

A solution to the problem of a circular crack partially embedded in a solid of finite thickness is presented. A superposition and iteration technique is used to determine the stress-intensity factor numerically. The stress-intensity factor is determined as a function of position around the crack front for a variety of crack depths. The results of this study are compared with experimental data for a semielliptical surface flaw in a brittle material.

Thresher, R. W.↗

A film-rupture model of hydrogen-induced, slow crack growth in alpha-beta titanium

The appearance of the terrace like fracture morphology of gaseous hydrogen induced crack growth in acicular alpha-beta titanium alloys is discussed as a function of specimen configuration, magnitude of applied stress intensity, test temperature, and hydrogen pressure. Although the overall appearance of the terrace structure remained essentially unchanged, a distinguishable variation is found in the size of the individual terrace steps, and step size is found to be inversely dependent upon the rate of hydrogen induced slow crack growth. Additionally, this inverse relationship is independent of all the variables investigated. These observations are quantitatively discussed in terms of the formation and growth of a thin hydride film along the alpha-beta boundaries and a qualitative model for hydrogen induced slow crack growth is presented, based on the film-rupture model of stress corrosion cracking.

Nelson, H. G.↗

The semi-elliptical surface crack - A solution by the alternating method

A numerical solution to the three-dimensional equations of elasticity is presented for the problem of a semi-elliptical surface crack in the surface of a finite thickness solid. The alternating method is used to develop the numerical results which incorporate the effects on the stress intensity factor due to the presence of both the front and the back surfaces. The stress intensity factor is presented as a function of position along the crack border for a variety of crack shapes and crack depths. A comparison of the results of this study is made with previous theoretical and experimental work.

Smith, F. W.↗

The influence of growth speed, orientation and environment on fracture of aligned Al-CuAl2

There has been considerable interest in the mechanical properties of aligned eutectics as functions of microstructure, orientation between reinforcement and stress axis, and temperature of testing. However, little is known about the behavior of these alloys in aggressive environments, such as liquid metals, with the exception of a recent paper on embrittlement of several eutectic alloys in gallium and gallium-indium alloys. This paper is concerned with the effects of a liquid Ga-16%In solution on tensile behavior of an aligned Al-CuAl2 eutectic.

Skiff, P. K.↗

Strength of adhesive-bonded hybrid structures

Structures prepared from materials with different thermal and mechanical properties by means of fiber-strengthened binders can fail in a number of ways. The present lecture is focused on failures through debonding at the metal or at the fiber-reinforced plastic. A method for calculating the stress distribution in adhesive layers as a function of the load is outlined, and its usefulness in providing insight into the behavior of bonds in hybrid structures is noted. Means of eliminating the unfavorable effects of temperature, humidity, creep and relaxation on the bonds in the manufacture of hybrid structures are examined, along with test methods developed for such structures.

Kirschke, L.↗

Hormone supply of the organism in prolonged emotional stress

The effect of prolonged emotional stress of varying genesis on the hormonal function of the pancreas, thyroid gland, and adrenal cortex was studied. The amount of the hormonal secretion was found to depend on the type of adaptation activity and its duration. High secretion of the hormones observed outside the adaptation activity was examined as an index of the phase transition of defense reactions to the phase of overstress.

Amiragova, M. G.↗

A low-order global gravity field of Venus and dynamical implications

An estimate of sixth-degree and sixth-order harmonic coefficients of the global gravity field of Venus is obtained by processing the long periodic variations of the mean orbital elements of the Pioneer Venus orbiter. Approximately 220 days of data are included in this reduction, which provides almost complete longitudinal coverage. Oblateness is estimated to be -5.97 + or - 3.2 x 10 to the -6. It is noted that the amplitudes of other coefficients are similar to the predicted coefficients using Kaula's rule under equal stress assumption. Atmospheric density values as a function of altitude are obtained to help model drag perturbation. A radial acceleration map at 100 km above the Venus surface is generated, and correlation between gravity anomalies and major topographic features is observed. Spectral analysis of the harmonic model suggests that the interior density anomalies are like those on earth. The orientation angles of the principal axes of the moments of inertia are computed, and deviation of the maximum moment of inertia axis from the spin axis is observed to be small (less than 5 deg). It is found that the minimum moment of inertia axis passes through the Aphrodite and Beta regions.

Ananda, M. P.↗

Materials characterization and fracture mechanics of a space grade dielectric silicone insulation

The present investigation is concerned with the DC 93-500 high voltage silicone insulation material employed to pot the gun and the collector end of a traveling wave tube (TWT) used on the Landsat D Satellite. The fracture mechanics behavior of the silicone resin was evaluated by measuring the slow crack velocity as a function of the opening mode of the stress intensity factor at +25 and -10 C, taking into account various uniaxial discrete strain values. It was found that the silicone resins slow crack growth is faster than that for a high voltage insulation polyurethane material at the same stress intensity factor value and room temperature.

Abdel-Latif, A. I.↗