Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Solid angle”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 991 records · Page 55

Modeling of lithium granule injection in NSTX using M3D-C1

In this paper, we present simulations of pedestal control by lithium granule injection (LGI) in NSTX. A model for small granule ablation has been implemented in the M3D-C1 code (Jardin et al 2012 Comput. Sci. Discovery 5 014002), allowing the simulation of realistic lithium granule injections. 2D and 3D simulations of Li injections in NSTX H-mode plasmas are performed and the effect of granule size, injection angle and velocity on the pedestal gradient increase is studied. The amplitude of the local pressure perturbation caused by the granules is found to be highly dependent on the solid granule size. Adjusting the granule injection velocity allows one to inject more particles at the pedestal top. 3D simulations show the destabilization of high order MHD modes whose amplitude is directly linked to the localized pressure perturbation, which is found to depend on the toroidal localization of the granule density source.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Measurement of the π - -Ar total hadronic cross section at the LArIAT experiment

We present the first measurement of the negative pion total hadronic cross section on argon in a restricted phase space, which we performed at the Liquid Argon In A Testbeam (LArIAT) experiment. All hadronic reaction channels, as well as hadronic elastic interactions with scattering angle greater than 5° are included. The pions have kinetic energies in the range 100–700 MeV and are produced by a beam of charged particles impinging on a solid target at the Fermilab test beam facility. LArIAT employs a 0.24 ton active mass liquid argon time projection chamber (LArTPC) to measure the pion hadronic interactions. For this measurement, LArIAT has developed the “thin slice method,” a new technique to measure cross sections with LArTPCs. While moderately higher, our measurement of the π - -Ar total hadronic cross section is generally in agreement with the geant4 prediction.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

SU-G-IeP4-06: Feasibility of External Beam Treatment Field Verification Using Cherenkov Imaging

Purpose: Cherenkov light emission has been shown to correlate with ionizing radiation (IR) dose delivery in solid tissue. In order to properly correlate Cherenkov light images with real time dose delivery in a patient, we must account for geometric and intensity distortions arising from observation angle, as well as the effect of monitor units (MU) and field size on Cherenkov light emission. To test the feasibility of treatment field verification, we first focused on Cherenkov light emission efficiency based on MU and known field size (FS). Methods: Cherenkov light emission was captured using a PI-MAX4 intensified charge coupled device(ICCD) system (Princeton Instruments), positioned at a fixed angle of 40° relative to the beam central axis. A Varian TrueBeam linear accelerator (linac) was operated at 6MV and 600MU/min to deliver an Anterior-Posterior beam to a 5cm thick block phantom positioned at 100cm Source-to-Surface-Distance(SSD). FS of 10×10, 5×5, and 2×2cm{sup 2} were used. Before beam delivery projected light field images were acquired, ensuring that geometric distortions were consistent when measuring Cherenkov field discrepancies. Cherenkov image acquisition was triggered by linac target current. 500 frames were acquired for each FS. Composite images were created through summation of frames and background subtraction. MU per image was calculated based on linac pulse delay of 2.8ms. Cherenkov and projected light FS were evaluated using ImageJ software. Results: Mean Cherenkov FS discrepancies compared to light field were <0.5cm for 5.6, 2.8, and 8.6 MU for 10×10, 5×5, and 2×2cm{sup 2} FS, respectably. Discrepancies were reduced with increasing field size and MU. We predict a minimum of 100 frames is needed for reliable confirmation of delivered FS. Conclusion: Current discrepancies in Cherenkov field sizes are within a usable range to confirm treatment delivery in standard and respiratory gated clinical scenarios at MU levels appropriate to standard MLC position segments.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

The main peculiarities of the processes of the deformation and destruction of lunar soil

The main results of study of the physical and mechanical properties of lunar soil, obtained by laboratory study of samples returned from the moon by Luna 16 and Luna 20, as well as by operation of the self-propelled Lunokhod 1 and Lunokhod 2 on the surface of the moon, are analyzed in the report. All studies were carried out by single methods and by means of unified instruments, allowing a confident comparison of the results obtained. The investigations conducted allowed the following values of the main physical-mechanical properties of lunar soil to be determined: in the natural condition the solid density corresponds to the porosity of 0.8; the modal value of the carrying capacity is 0.4 kg/square cm; adhesion is 0.04 to 0.06 kg/square cm; and the internal angle of friction is 20 to 25 degree. The main mechanisms of deformation and destruction of the soil are analyzed in the report, and the relationships between the mechanical properties and physical parameters of the soil are presented.

Leonovich, A. K.↗

Probabilistic simulation of fragment dynamics and their surface impacts in the SSME turbopump

Numerical simulations are used to model the dynamics of solid fragments in the high-pressure fuel turbopump of the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME HPFTP). The simulations are conducted in a probabilistic structure in order to simulate the variance in the geometrical configuration, material properties and initial conditions of the solid fragments. The results of the particle dynamics simulations are presented in the form of the probability of surface impacts, and probability distributions of the impacting velocity and impingement angle.

Hamed, A.↗

Probabilistic simulation of fragment dynamics and their surface impacts in the SSME turbopump

Numerical simulations are used to model the dynamics of solid fragments in the high pressure fuel turbopump of the space shuttle main engine (SSME HPFTP). The simulations are conducted in a probabilistic structure in order to simulate the variance in the geometrical configuration, material properties and initial conditions of the solid fragments. The results of the particle dynamics simulations are presented in the form of the probability of surface impacts, and probability distributions of the impacting velocity and impingement angle.

Hamed, A.↗

Stacking optimization of compressor blades of gas turbine engines

A procedure is presented to obtain optimal designs of axial compressor blades with structural design constraints. Coefficients of the polynomials defining the circumferential tilting angles and the axial leaning distances of the airfoil cross sections from the initial design geometry are used as design variables. The compressor blades are modeled by 20-node solid elements. An efficient finite element method is developed for modal analysis and sensitivity analysis with respect to the design variables. Based on this information, a sequential linear programming method is applied to calculate the required change of geometry for the desired structural design constraints.

Cheu, Tsu-Chien↗

Strength Variation in Processing Multiport Extrusion Tubes of A1100 and A3102 Alloys

The manufacturing process of multiport extrusion tubes generally includes homogenization, extrusion, roll leveling and heat treatment. In order to investigate the influence of the manufacturing procedures on strength variation of multiport extrusion tubes made of A1100 and A3102 alloys, the tube fabrication experiments and following materials characterization are carried out. The alloys’ stress–strain curves after every processing procedure are measured, and pressure-bearing capacity of the tubes is tested. The tubes’ strength and pressure-bearing capacity reach the peak values after straightening process and drop to the minimum after annealing. The contributions of solid solution hardening, grain boundary hardening and constituent particle strengthening to yield strength are evaluated. It is deduced that cluster hardening is the dominant strengthening mechanism for the as-homogenized and as-extruded samples; the contribution of clusters is second to work hardening after straightening process; slight cold work in conjunction with high-temperature annealing accelerates abnormal grain growth. The loss of strength increment from clusters can be interpreted by the remarkable reduction of high-angle grain boundaries after abnormal grain growth.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Quantitative x ray phase contrast imaging of oblique shock wave–interface interactions

Oblique shock wave–interface interactions of gases and liquids have been extensively studied in shock tubes using optical methods to measure equation-of-state (EOS) parameters. However, this is difficult with solids due to their opaqueness to visible light. X ray phase contrast imaging (XPCI) has the penetrative strength to probe solids while still being sensitive to mass density and enhancing the visibility of material boundaries. We investigate the accuracy and repeatability of measuring the mean value of the average mass density (areal density divided by thickness) over region S (B S ) and flow deflection angle (θ) from XPCI images of a sample. To that end, a Hough transform-based method for measuring θ is developed. To measure B S , the XPCI image intensity probability density function (PDF) is modeled accounting for the spatial distribution of x ray energy, scintillator response, and pulse-to-pulse variation in the x ray intensity. In addition, a Monte Carlo-based algorithm for computing the B S PDF is developed. Both methods are validated on an impact-generated oblique shock wave interacting at a solid polymer-to-polymer interface. Furthermore this is accomplished through a comparison to hydrodynamic simulations using well-established EOS. Under the modeling framework for the XPCI image intensity, B S is computed with an accuracy of < 0.1% and precision of 3%–5%, while θ has an uncertainty of 0.2°, respectively. This shows that the XPCI-based model that is developed here could be an invaluable tool for high-fidelity testing of hydrodynamic models in shock polar configurations.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Dissecting Disorder: Defect-Driven Structural Complexity in Layered Li3InCl6 Solid Electrolyte

Halide solid electrolytes have emerged as promising candidates for solid-state batteries owing to their high oxidative stability and ionic conductivity. Among them, Li3InCl6 (LIC) has attracted significant attention. However, diffraction patterns of LIC synthesized via different methods exhibit distinct differences particularly at low-angle reflectionsindicative of underlying structural disorder. These variations are attributed to deviations from ideal crystallographic order, especially stacking faults, whose impact on structure and ion transport remains poorly understood. Here, we identify and quantify stacking faults in LIC samples prepared under different synthetic conditions. Using X-ray diffraction and time-of-flight neutron diffraction, we construct and refine stacking fault models that accurately reproduce the experimental diffraction features. LIC samples with higher degrees of stacking faults exhibit only negligible differences in ionic conductivities and activation energies. This indicates that stacking faults have a limited impact on altering the Li+ diffusion pathway along the c-axis, likely due to the high concentration of vacancies in the In layers, while Li+ diffusion remains nearly unchanged in the ab-plane. Our results account for the observed differences in diffraction patterns across samples and provide a quantitative assessment of faulting probabilities and stacking sequences. The insights gained from this study are expected to be broadly applicable to other layered halide solid electrolytes and contribute to a deeper understanding of the role of structural disorder in ion transport.

Liu, Jue [ORNL] (ORCID:000000024453910X)↗

Preferential flow systems amended with biogeochemical components: imaging of a two-dimensional study

The vadose zone is a highly interactive heterogeneous system through which water enters the subsurface system by infiltration. This paper details the effects of simulated plant exudate and soil component solutions upon unstable flow patterns in a porous medium (ASTM silica sand; US Silica, Ottawa, IL, USA) through the use of two-dimensional tank light transmission method (LTM). The contact angle (θ) and surface tension (γ) of two simulated plant exudate solutions (i.e., oxalate and citrate) and two soil component solutions (i.e., tannic acid and Suwannee River natural organic matter, SRNOM) were analyzed to determine the liquid–gas and liquid–solid interface characteristics of each. To determine if the unstable flow formations were dependent on the type and concentration of the simulated plant exudates and soil components, the analysis of the effects of the simulated plant exudate and soil component solutions were compared to a control solution (Hoagland nutrient solution with 0.01 M NaCl). Fingering flow patterns, vertical and horizontal water saturation profiles, water saturation at the fingertips, finger dimensions and velocity, and number of fingers were obtained using the light transmission method. Significant differences in the interface properties indicated a decrease between the control and the plant exudate and soil component solutions tested; specifically, the control (θ = 64.5° and γ = 75.75mNm -1 ) samples exhibited a higher contact angle and surface tension than the low concentration of citrate (θ = 52.6° and γ = 70.8mNm -1 ). Wetting front instability and fingering flow phenomena were reported in all infiltration experiments. The results showed that the plant exudates and soil components influenced the soil infiltration as differences in finger geometries, velocities, and water saturation profiles were detected when compared to the control. Among the tested solutions and concentrations of soil components, the largest finger width (10.19cm) was generated by the lowest tannic acid solution concentration (0.1mgL -1 ), and the lowest finger width (6.00cm) was induced by the highest SRNOM concentration (10mgL -1 ). Similarly, for the plant exudate solutions, the largest finger width (8.36cm) was generated by the lowest oxalate solution concentration (0.1mgL -1 ), and the lowest finger width (6.63cm) was induced by the lowest citrate concentration (0.1mgL -1 ). The control solution produced fingers with average width of 8.30cm. Additionally, the wettability of the medium for the citrate, oxalate, and SRNOM solutions increased with an increase in concentration. Our research demonstrates that the plant exudates and soil components which are biochemical compounds produced and released in soil are capable of influencing the process of infiltration in soils. The results of this research also indicate that soil wettability, expressed as cosθ 1/2 , should be included in the scaling of the finger dimension, i.e., finger width, when using the Miller and Miller (1956) scaling theory for the scaling of flow in porous media.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

High Pressure Induced in Situ Solid-State Phase Transformation of Nonepitaxial Grown Metal@Semiconductor Nanocrystals

Considering the large lattice mismatch induced interface strain between nonepitaxial grown monocrystalline semiconductor shell and metal core, we studied the solid-state phase transformation of such nonepitaxial grown Au@CdS core/shell NCs under high pressure in this paper. Consistent with HRTEM characterizations, the high resolution Raman spectra and synchrotron angle-dispersive X-ray diffraction (ADXRD) spectra evolution were utilized to investigate the hydrostatic pressure (0–24 GPa) induced gradual phase transformation. Here, due to the strong lattice interactions between Au core and CdS shell, the different behavior and improved stability under high pressure appeared compared to single quantum dots (QDs).

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Editors’ Choice—Flooded by Success: On the Role of Electrode Wettability in CO 2 Electrolyzers that Generate Liquid Products

Economic operation of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) electrolyzers generating liquid products will likely require high reactant conversions and product concentrations, conditions anticipated to challenge existing gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs). Notably, electrode wettability will increase as lower surface tension products (e.g., formic acid, alcohols) are introduced into electrolyte streams, potentially leading to flooding. To understand the hydraulically stable operating envelopes in mixed aqueous-organic liquid domains, we connect intrinsic electrode wettability descriptors to operating parameters such as electrolyte flow rate and current. We first measure contact angles of water-organic product dilutions on polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and graphite surfaces as planar analogues for GDE components. We then use material balances around the reactive gas-liquid-solid interface to calculate product mass fractions as functions of water sweep rate and current. Product composition maps visualize the extent to which changes in cell performance influence capillary pressure, a determinant of GDE saturation. Analyses suggest that formic acid mixtures pose little risk for GDE flooding across a wide range of conditions, but effluents containing <30% alcohol by mass may cause flooding. This study reveals opportunities to integrate microstructural features and oleophobic surface treatments into GDEs to repel aqueous-organic mixtures and expand the window of stable operating conditions.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Dual Atmosphere Isothermal Aging and Rapid Thermal Cycling of Ag-Ni and Ag-CuO Stainless Steel to Zirconia Braze Joints

Silver—copper oxide brazes are commonly used to bond zirconia to stainless steel (SS) for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) and other high temperature joining applications. In fact, conventional Ag-CuO compositions (where Cu segregates to the surface, oxidizes, and reduces the silver wetting angle on zirconia from ~85 to ~40°) allow brazing to be performed in air. Unfortunately, the relatively high ~40° wetting angles of these reactive air brazes, and the ability of SOFC anode gases to reduce the CuO in them, produce pores during SOFC manufacturing and operation that reduce joint strength, impermeability, and longevity. Recently, Ag brazes utilizing transient porous nickel layers, instead of CuO additions, have been shown to produce high quality braze joints between SS and yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ). Here, the microstructural and compositional evolution of SS|Ag-3CuO|YSZ and SS|Ag-Ni|YSZ braze joints exposed to air on one side and humidified 4%H 2 -96%N 2 on the other side for either ~300 hours of ~750°C aging or ~300 25°C/min 35–830°C rapid thermal cycles are compared. While both brazes display considerable microstructural and compositional evolution, only the Ag-Ni brazes remain pore free and well bonded, indicating that Ag-Ni brazes may be more suitable for long term SOFC operation.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Study of growth of single crystal ribbon in space

The technical feasibility is studied of growing single-crystal silicon ribbon in the space environment. Procedures are described for calculating the electromagnetic fields produced in a silicon ribbon by an rf shaping coil. The forces on the ribbon and the degree of shaping to be expected are determined. The expected steady-state temperature distribution in the ribbon is calculated in the one-dimensional approximation. Calculations on simplified models indicate, that lack of flatness of the shaped ribbon and excessive heating of the melt by the eddy currents induced by the shaping fields may pose problems. An analysis of the relative effects of various kinds of forces other than electromagnetic showed that in the space environment capillarity forces would dominate, and that the shape of the melt is thus principally determined by the shape of any solids with which it comes in contact. This suggests that ribbon may be produced simply by drawing between parallel wires. A concept is developed for a process of off-angle growth, in which the ribbon is pulled at an angle to the solidification front. Such a process promises to offer increased growth rate, better homogeneity, and thinner ribbon.

Wood, V. E.↗

An analytical method for the ditching analysis of an airborne vehicle

A simple analytical method has been introduced for aerohydrodynamic load analysis of an airborne configuration during water ditching. The method employs an aerodynamic panel code, based on linear potential flow theory, to simulate the flow of air and water around an aircraft configuration. The free surface separating the air and water region is represented by doublet sheet singularities. Although all the theoretical load distributions are computed for air, provisions are made to correct the pressure coefficients obtained on the configuration wetted surfaces to account for the water density. As an analytical tool, the Vortex Separation Aerodynamic (VSAERO) code is chosen to carry out the present investigation. After assessing the validity of the method, its first application is to analyze the water ditching of the Space Shuttle configuration at a 12 degree attitude.

Pressure coefficient↗

Analytical method for the ditching analysis of an airborne vehicle

A simple analytical method has been introduced for aerohydrodynamic load analysis of an airborne configuration during water ditching. The method employs an aerodynamic panel code, based on linear potential flow theory, to simulate the flow of air and water around an aircraft configuration. The free surface separating the air and water region is represented by doublet" singularities. Although all the theoretical load distributions are computed for air, provisions are made to correct the pressure coefficients obtained on the configuration-wetted surfaces to account for the water density. As an analytical tool, a vortex aerodynamic code is chosen to carry out the present investigation. After assessing· the validity of the method, an application is presented for the water ditching of the Space Shuttle configuration at a 12-deg attitude.

Pressure coefficient↗

Progress Towards Extended Cycle Life Si-based Anodes: Investigation of Fluorinated Local High Concentration Electrolytes

Silicon (Si) anodes are promising candidates for Li-ion batteries due to their high specific capacity and low operating potential. Implementation has been challenged by the significant Si volume changes during (de)lithiation and associated growth/regrowth of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). In this report, fluorinated local high concentration electrolytes (FLHCEs) were designed such that each component of the electrolyte (solvent, salt, diluent) is fluorinated to modify the chemistry and stabilize the SEI of high (30%) silicon content anodes. FLHCEs were formulated to probe the electrolyte salt concentration and ratio of the fluorinated carbonate solvents to a hydrofluoroether diluent. Higher salt concentrations led to higher viscosities, conductivities, and contact angles on polyethylene separators. Electrochemical cycling of Si-graphite/NMC622 pouch cells using the FLHCEs delivered up to 67% capacity retention after 100 cycles at a C/3 rate. Post-cycling X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses of the Si-graphite anodes indicated the FLHCEs formed a LiF rich solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). The findings show that the fluorinated local high concentration electrolytes contribute to stabilizing the Si-graphite electrode over extended cycling.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗