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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 109 records · Page 6
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1992

Direct numerical simulations of a reacting turbulent mixing layer by a pseudospectral-spectral element method

An account is given of the implementation of the spectral-element technique for simulating a chemically reacting, spatially developing turbulent mixing layer. Attention is given to experimental and numerical studies that have investigated the development, evolution, and mixing characteristics of shear flows. A mathematical formulation is presented of the physical configuration of the spatially developing reacting mixing layer, in conjunction with a detailed representation of the spectral-element method's application to the numerical simulation of mixing layers. Results from 2D and 3D calculations of chemically reacting mixing layers are given.

Mcmurtry, Patrick A.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Development of Innovative Measurement Techniques for Fission Product Transport Quantification

This document provides the progress of a research project at Texas A&M University (TAMU), led by Idaho National Laboratory (INL), in support of the Versatile Test Reactor (VTR) program and work scope area of gas-cooled fast reactors. The VTR TAMU INL project started in October 2018. The document includes the main objectives of the project, scaling analysis applied to the experimental facilities, experimental methodology including instrumentation and techniques applied, and up-to-date results from the experimental and numerical studies.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Metasurfaces with Multipolar Resonances and Enhanced Light–Matter Interaction

Metasurfaces, composed of engineered nanoantennas, enable unprecedented control over electromagnetic waves by leveraging multipolar resonances to tailor light–matter interactions. This review explores key physical mechanisms that govern their optical properties, including the role of multipolar resonances in shaping metasurface responses, the emergence of bound states in the continuum (BICs) that support high-quality factor modes, and the Purcell effect, which enhances spontaneous emission rates at the nanoscale. These effects collectively underpin the design of advanced photonic devices with tailored spectral, angular, and polarization-dependent properties. This review discusses recent advances in metasurfaces and applications based on them, highlighting research that employs full-wave numerical simulations, analytical and semi-analytic techniques, multipolar decomposition, nanofabrication, and experimental characterization to explore the interplay of multipolar resonances, bound and quasi-bound states, and enhanced light–matter interactions. A particular focus is given to metasurface-enhanced photodetectors, where structured nanoantennas improve light absorption, spectral selectivity, and quantum efficiency. By integrating metasurfaces with conventional photodetector architectures, it is possible to enhance responsivity, engineer photocarrier generation rates, and even enable functionalities such as polarization-sensitive detection. The interplay between multipolar resonances, BICs, and emission control mechanisms provides a unified framework for designing next-generation optoelectronic devices. This review consolidates recent progress in these areas, emphasizing the potential of metasurface-based approaches for high-performance sensing, imaging, and energy-harvesting applications.

Kerker effect↗
NASA NTRS1977

Probe corrected far-field reconstruction from measurements on a cylinder: A novel formulation and efficient algorithm

A novel and numerically efficient method of far field evaluation from measurements taken on a cylinder is based on the representation of both the antenna and the probe fields as superpositions of plane waves. A system of two integral equations are established whose unknown functions are the azimuthal and elevation components of the antenna pattern and whose known terms are the set of measurement data taken with two different probes - the second probe in most practical instances being simply the same probe with a different geometrical orientation. The equations express the known data - for each angular position of the antenna under measurement - as the integrals of the products of the corresponding components of the unknown antenna and known probe patterns multiplied by a phase term. The convolutional nature of the integral equations makes their solutions straight-forward. If, as is virtually always the case, the probe is small or of moderate size so that the axis of rotation of the antenna mount is in the far field of the probe, the intervention of asymptotic techniques makes the solution numerically very efficient. The agreement of calculated and experimental patterns is excellent.

Borgiotti, G. V.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Numerical and experimental investigations of rarefied nozzle and plume flows of nitrogen

Numerical and experimental investigations are performed for the rarefied flow of nitrogen through a small nozzle which is expanded into near-vacuum conditions. Two different numerical studies are undertaken: the first employs a continuum approach in solving the Navier-Stokes equations, and the second employs a particle approach through use of the direct simulation Monte Carlo method (DSMC). The experimental investigation concerns the measurement of pressure, using a Pitot tube, in the nozzle exit plane and near-field of the plume. Comparison of the experimental and numerical data at the nozzle exit reveals that the DSMC technique provides the more accurate description of the expanding flow. It is discovered that the DSMC solutions are quite sensitive to the model employed to simulate the interaction between the gas and the nozzle wall surface. It is concluded that the simplistic fully diffuse model is quite satisfactory for the present application.

Boyd, Iain D.↗
NASA NTRS1993

An evaluation of excitation techniques for time domain based flutter data processing

Numerically simulated, wind tunnel and flight test experimental data were used to evaluate various types of system excitation sources for subcritical flutter testing. Emphasis was placed upon the determination of modal frequencies and damping from relatively short time series records. Parameter identification based upon digital time series models was used to predict modal characteristics from subcritical test data. Various types of excitation were considered. These were: 1) impulsive loading and the resulting transient free vibration response, 2) random forced response, in which the 'mechanical' forcing function could be directly measured, 3) sine sweep forced response, in which the 'mechanical' forcing function could be directly measured, and 4) forced response from unsteady aerodynamic excitation or turbulence, in which the excitation could only be indirectly inferred from other measurements.

Pinkelman, J. K.↗
NASA NTRS1983

An algorithm for the empirical optimization of antenna arrays

A numerical technique is presented to optimize the performance of arbitrary antenna arrays under realistic conditions. An experimental-computational algorithm is formulated in which n-dimensional minimization methods are applied to measured data obtained from the antenna array. A numerical update formula is used to induce partial derivative information without requiring special perturbations of the array parameters. The algorithm provides a new design for the antenna array, and the method proceeds in an iterative fashion. Test case results are presented showing the effectiveness of the algorithm.

Blank, S.↗
NASA NTRS1993

A consistent model reduction of measured modal parameters for reduced-order active control

The problem of synthesizing reduced-order linear models of vibrating structures for the design of fixed-order dynamic feedback control is investigated. The present technique builds on a recently developed procedure for constructing an objective set of mass and stiffness matrices from measured modal parameters that are akin to the Craig-Bampton synthesized ones obtained from finite element models. The constructed mass and stiffness matrices are determined directly from the identification of experimental data, however, rather than through correlation or reconciliation of a finite element model. A model truncation criterion is then applied to the identified minimum-order mass and stiffness model to satisfy certain observability/controllability requirements for the reduced model. Numerical examples illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed technique for synthesizing reduced-order controllers from system realizations of experimental data. The dynamic performance of the resulting closed-loop models is assessed using the known full-order structural dynamics and compared with existing model reduction techniques.

Alvin, K. F.↗
NASA NTRS1997

Rotordynamic Instability Problems in High-Performance Turbomachinery 1996

The first rotordynamics workshop proceedings emphasized a feeling of uncertainty in predicting the stability of characteristics of high-performance turbomachinery. In the second workshop proceedings these uncertainties were reduced through programs established to systematically resolve problems, with emphasis on experimental validation of the forces that influence rotordynamics. In the third proceedings many programs for predicting or measuring forces and force coefficients in high-performance turbomachinery produced results. Data became available for designing new machines with enhanced stability characteristics or for upgrading existing machines. In the fourth proceedings there emerged trends towards a more unified view of rotordynamic instability problems and several encouraging new analytical developments. The fifth workshop supported the continuing trend toward a unified view with several new developments in the design and manufacture of new turbomachineries with enhanced stability characteristics along with new data and associated numerical/theoretical results. The sixth workshop report provided field experience and experimental results, and expanded the use of computational and control techniques with integration of damper, bearing, and eccentric seal operation results. The seventh workshop report provided field experiences, numerical, theoretical, and experimental results and control methods for seals, bearings, and dampers with some attention given to variable thermophysical properties and turbulence measurements, and introduction of two-phase flow results. In the present workshop, active magnetic bearings (AMB's) evolve into a new method of measuring rotordynamic coefficients with discussions on honeycomb seals, drop of magnetically supported rotors, seals, bearings and dampers with new data being reported. The intent of the workshop and this proceedings is to provide a continuing impetus for an understanding and resolution of these problems.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1978

The spanwise lift distribution on a wing from flow-field velocity surveys

The application of the incompressible three-dimensional momentum integral equation to a finite wing is reviewed. The objective is to interpret the resulting equations in a way that suggests an alternate experimental method for determining the span-wise distribution of lift. Consideration is given to constraints that must be placed on the character of the vortex wake of the wing to provide the familiar relationship between lift and bound vorticity. A novel technique is then presented for obtaining, from behind the wing, the spanwise lift distribution from velocity surveys that are made over only a short distance above and below the wing trailing edge. The necessary formalism is developed to use these measured values to obtain the actual span loading by using an equivalent single horseshoe vortex model to account for the unmeasured portion of the downward (or upward) momentum. The results of a numerical simulation are presented for a typical loading distribution. The technique is then verified experimentally using laser velocimeter data for the flow field around a model wing.

Orloff, K. L.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Strength of porous α-SiO 2 in a shock loaded environment: Calibration via Richtmyer–Meshkov instability and validation via Mach lens

The strength of brittle porous media is of concern in numerous applications, for example, earth penetration, crater formation, and blast loading. Thus, it is of importance to possess techniques that allow for constitutive model calibration within the laboratory setting. The goal of the current work is to demonstrate an experimental technique allowing for strength assessment of porous media subjected to shock loading, which can be implemented into pressure-dependent yield surfaces within numerical simulation schemes. As a case study, the deviatoric response of distended α-SiO 2 has been captured in a tamped Richtmyer–Meshkov instability (RMI) environment at a pressure regime of 4–10 GPa. Hydrocode simulations were used to interpret RMI experimental data, and a resulting pressure-dependent yield surface akin to the often employed modified Drucker–Prager model was calibrated. Simulations indicate that the resulting jet length generated by the RMI is sensitive to the porous media strength, thereby providing a feasible experimental platform capable of capturing the pressurized granular deviatoric response. Furthermore, in efforts to validate the RMI-calibrated strength model, a set of Mach-lens experiments was performed and simulated with the calibrated pressure-dependent yield surface. Excellent agreement between the resulting Mach-lens length in experiment and simulation provides additional confidence to the RMI yield-surface calibration scheme.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Terahertz conductivity of two-dimensional materials: a review

Two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals materials are shaping the landscape of next-generation devices, offering significant technological value thanks to their unique, tunable, and layer-dependent electronic and optoelectronic properties. Time-domain spectroscopic techniques at terahertz (THz) frequencies offer noninvasive, contact-free methods for characterizing the dynamics of carriers in 2D materials. They also pave the path toward the applications of 2D materials in detection, imaging, manufacturing, and communication within the increasingly important THz frequency range. In this paper, we overview the synthesis of 2D materials and the prominent THz spectroscopy techniques: THz time-domain spectroscopy, optical-pump THz-probe technique, and optical pump–probe THz spectroscopy. Through a confluence of experimental findings, numerical simulation, and theoretical analysis, we present the current understanding of the rich ultrafast physics of technologically significant 2D materials: graphene, transition metal dichalcogenides, MXenes, perovskites, topological 2D materials, and 2D heterostructures. Finally, we offer a perspective on the role of THz characterization in guiding future research and in the quest for ideal 2D materials for new applications.

2D materials↗
NASA NTRS1988

Material parameter measurements at high temperatures

Alternate fixtures of techniques for the measurement of the constitutive material parameters at elevated temperatures are presented. The technique utilizes scattered field data from material coated cylinders between parallel plates or material coated hemispheres over a finite size groundplane. The data acquisition is centered around the HP 8510B Network Analyzer. The parameters are then found from a numerical search algorithm using the Newton-Ralphson technique with the measured and calculated fields from these canonical scatters. Numerical and experimental results are shown.

Dominek, A.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Eigensystem realization algorithm modal identification experiences with mini-mast

This paper summarizes work performed under a collaborative research effort between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the German Aerospace Research Establishment (DLR, Deutsche Forschungsanstalt fur Luft- und Raumfahrt). The objective is to develop and demonstrate system identification technology for future large space structures. Recent experiences using the Eigensystem Realization Algorithm (ERA), for modal identification of Mini-Mast, are reported. Mini-Mast is a 20 m long deployable space truss used for structural dynamics and active vibration-control research at the Langley Research Center. A comprehensive analysis of 306 frequency response functions (3 excitation forces and 102 displacement responses) was performed. Emphasis is placed on two topics of current research: (1) gaining an improved understanding of ERA performance characteristics (theory vs. practice); and (2) developing reliable techniques to improve identification results for complex experimental data. Because of nonlinearities and numerous local modes, modal identification of Mini-Mast proved to be surprisingly difficult. Methods were available, ERA, for obtaining detailed, high-confidence results.

Pappa, Richard S.↗
NASA NTRS1990

NASA Aeronautics: Research and Technology Program Highlights

This report contains numerous color illustrations to describe the NASA programs in aeronautics. The basic ideas involved are explained in brief paragraphs. The seven chapters deal with Subsonic aircraft, High-speed transport, High-performance military aircraft, Hypersonic/Transatmospheric vehicles, Critical disciplines, National facilities and Organizations & installations. Some individual aircraft discussed are : the SR-71 aircraft, aerospace planes, the high-speed civil transport (HSCT), the X-29 forward-swept wing research aircraft, and the X-31 aircraft. Critical disciplines discussed are numerical aerodynamic simulation, computational fluid dynamics, computational structural dynamics and new experimental testing techniques.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1993

A Novel Method for Characterization of Superconductors: Physical Measurements and Modeling of Thin Films

A method for characterization of granular superconducting thin films has been developed which encompasses both the morphological state of the sample and its fabrication process parameters. The broad scope of this technique is due to the synergism between experimental measurements and their interpretation using numerical simulation. Two novel technologies form the substance of this system: the magnetically modulated resistance method for characterizing superconductors; and a powerful new computer peripheral, the Parallel Information Processor card, which provides enhanced computing capability for PC computers. This enhancement allows PC computers to operate at speeds approaching that of supercomputers. This makes atomic scale simulations possible on low cost machines. The present development of this system involves the integration of these two technologies using mesoscale simulations of thin film growth. A future stage of development will incorporate atomic scale modeling.

Kim, B. F.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Random search optimization based on genetic algorithm and discriminant function

The general problem of optimization with arbitrary merit and constraint functions, which could be convex, concave, monotonic, or non-monotonic, is treated using stochastic methods. To improve the efficiency of the random search methods, a genetic algorithm for the search phase and a discriminant function for the constraint-control phase were utilized. The validity of the technique is demonstrated by comparing the results to published test problem results. Numerical experimentation indicated that for cases where a quick near optimum solution is desired, a general, user-friendly optimization code can be developed without serious penalties in both total computer time and accuracy.

Kiciman, M. O.↗