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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

Transient Torque Method: A Fast and Nonintrusive Technique to Simultaneously Determine Viscosity and Electrical Conductivity of Semiconducting and Metallic Melts

A transient torque method was developed to rapidly and simultaneously determine the viscosity and electrical conductivity of liquid metals and molten semiconductors. The experimental setup of the transient torque method is similar to that of the oscillation cup method. The melt sample is sealed inside a fused silica ampoule, and the ampoule is suspended by a long quartz fiber to form a torsional oscillation system. A rotating magnetic field is used to induce a rotating flow in the conductive melt, which causes the ampoule to rotate around its vertical axis. A sensitive angular detector is used to measure the deflection angle of the ampoule. Based on the transient behavior of the deflection angle as the rotating magnetic field is applied, the electrical conductivity and viscosity of the melt can be obtained simultaneously by numerically fitting the data to a set of governing equations. The transient torque viscometer was applied successfully to measure the viscosity and electrical conductivity of high purity mercury at 53.4 C. The results were in excellent agreement with published data. The method is nonintrusive; capable of rapid measurement of the viscosity of toxic, high vapor pressure melts at elevated temperatures. In addition, the transient torque viscometer can also be operated as an oscillation cup viscometer to measure just the viscosity of the melt or as a rotating magnetic field method to determine the electrical conductivity of a melt or a solid if desired.

Li, C.↗

The Influence of Anomalous Biomass Emissions on ENSO in CESM2

Abstract The influence of biomass burning (BB) aerosols arising from wildfires and agricultural fires on the transient coupled evolution of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is explored in Community Earth System Model, version 2 (CESM2). For both El Niño and La Niña, two 20-member ensembles are generated from initial states that are predisposed to evolve into ENSO events. For each ENSO phase, one ensemble is forced with the observed BB emissions during satellite-era ENSO events while the other is forced with a climatological annual cycle, with the responses to anomalous BB emissions estimated from interensemble differences. It is found that the regional responses to anomalous BB emissions occur mainly during boreal fall, which is also the time of the climatological seasonal maximum in emissions. Transient responses are identified in precipitation, clouds, and radiation in both the tropics and extratropics. At the onset of El Niño, these include increased precipitation in the northern branch of the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) and an enhancement of cloud albedo and amount across the Maritime Continent and eastern subtropical Pacific Ocean. Additional responses are identified through the course of El Niño and successive La Niña events, the net effect of which is to strengthen sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies in the eastern Pacific Ocean during El Niño and warm the tropical Pacific Ocean during La Niña. These responses improve the simulation of ENSO power, diversity, and asymmetry in CESM2. Significance Statement Biomass burning emissions from both wildfires and agricultural fires during ENSO act as a climate feedback, as they are both driven by fire weather anomalies tied to ENSO and influence clouds, radiation, and precipitation on a global scale. While the largest biomass burning (BB) emissions emanate mainly from Indonesia, other regions also exhibit systematic responses. When simulated in CESM2, the emissions collectively impact the flows of energy across the tropical Pacific Ocean in a spatially and temporally complex fashion, with the net effect of improving CESM2’s simulation of ENSO events.

Fasullo, John T. [National Center for Atmospheric ↗

Study of Convective Flow Effects in Endwall Casing Treatments in Transonic Compressor Rotors

The unsteady convective flow effects in a transonic compressor rotor with a circumferential-groove casing treatment are investigated in this paper. Experimental results show that the circumferential-groove casing treatment increases the compressor stall margin by almost 50% for the current transonic compressor rotor. Steady flow simulation of the current casing treatment, however, yields only a 15% gain in stall margin. The flow field at near-stall operation is highly unsteady due to several self-induced flow phenomena. These include shock oscillation, vortex shedding at the trailing edge, and interaction between the passage shock and the tip clearance vortex. The primary focus of the current investigation is to assess the effects of flow unsteadiness and unsteady flow convection on the circumferential-groove casing treatment. Unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (URANS) and Large Eddy Simulation (LES) techniques were applied in addition to steady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) to simulate the flow field at near-stall operation and to determine changes in stall margin. The current investigation reveals that unsteady flow effects are as important as steady flow effects on the performance of the circumferential grooves casing treatment in extending the stall margin of the current transonic compressor rotor. The primary unsteady flow mechanism is unsteady flow injection from the grooves into the main flow near the casing. Flows moving into and out of the grooves are caused due to local pressure difference near the grooves. As the pressure field becomes transient due to self-induced flow oscillation, flow injection from the grooves also becomes unsteady. The unsteady flow simulation shows that this unsteady flow injection from the grooves is substantial and contributes significantly to extending the compressor stall margin. Unsteady flows into and out of the grooves have as large a role as steady flows in the circumferential grooves. While the circumferential-groove casing treatment seems to be a steady flow device, unsteady flow effects should be included to accurately assess its performance as the flow is transient at near-stall operation.

Hah, Chunill↗

Theoretical and experimental investigations of collective microwave phenomena in solids

Methods of generating microwave shear waves efficiently were studied. A new technique of mode conversion from a longitudinal wave to a shear wave was investigated and virtually 100% conversion efficiency could be obtained. Several aspects of Gunn oscillators were studied. One involved the detailed study of domains in Gunn oscillators using long samples of bulk gallium arsenide. Several new techniques were devised for measuring the properties of the domains. A fundamental theory of the efficiency of a Gunn oscillator was worked out. A computer program was devised to study the transient effect of domains passing through Gunn diodes. Some of the first planar epitaxial Gunn oscillators were made using liquid epitaxial material grown by liquid phase techniques on semi-insulating substrate. A new theory which predicted the properties of RF signals propagating in a thin film layer of GaAs was developed. The theory of the operation of a traveling wave amplifier is described.

Kino, G. S.↗

High Efficiency Waste Heat Harvesting Using Novel Thermal Oscillators

The aim of this project was to enable practical energy generation from waste heat using pyroelectric (PE) materials with unprecedented efficiency. This aim was accomplished by engineering novel heat switches that overcome the current roadblock to pyroelectric energy harvesting. The heat switches produce a sustain temporal temperature differences from a constant flux heat source. Pyroelectric materials produce transient voltages in response to this generated temperature oscillation. The project solved the inability to generate sustained temperature cycles by utilizing LCEs to achieve passive thermal switching, or EDH of thermal fluid to actively bridging/de-bridging between heat source and pyroelectric layer.

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION↗

A Participation Factor-Based Approach for Defining the EMT Model Boundary for Power System Simulations with Inverter-Based Resources

The increasing penetration of inverter-based resources (IBRs) introduces new challenges to power system simulations, particularly with the emergence of fast electromagnetic transient (EMT) dynamics and sub-synchronous oscillations (SSO) that require time-consuming EMT simulations. To reduce the time cost for simulating a large-scale power grid with IBRs, this paper proposes a novel participation factor-based approach for defining a critical zone for detailed EMT modeling and simulations, which includes the IBRs, synchronous generators, and the network components participating significantly in simulated contingencies. Both model-based and response-based methods are introduced for the estimation of participation factors (PFs). The case study on the 240-bus Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC) system demonstrates that the EMT zone determined by the proposed approach can effectively capture power system dynamics involving IBRs.

EMT simulation↗

A schematic model of crater modification by gravity

The morphology of craters found on planets and moons of the solar system is examined and a development model which can account for the observed crater characteristics is discussed. The prompt collapse of craters to form flat floors, terraced walls, and central peak structures is considered to be the result of an approximate Bingham plastic rheology of the material surrounding the crater. This rheology is induced dynamically by the strong incoherent acoustic 'noise' accompanying excavation of the crater. Central pits, peak rings, and other multiple symmetric-profile rings originate by oscillation of this fluid. Large craters with transient depths comparable to the lithosphere thickness are subject to collapse by fragmentation of the lithosphere as well as fluidization. The considered concepts are developed mathematically. A model emerges which appears capable of explaining most of the qualitative features of large impact structures.

Melosh, H. J.↗

XTE J1550-564

A quasiperiodic oscillation (QPO) in the flux of this transient x-ray source is seen in power spectra of the BATSE 20-50-keV discriminator rates. On Sept. 9.0 UT, the QPO was centered on 271 +/- 2 mHz, and it had a FWHM of 30 +/- 5 mHz and a fractional rms of 19.2 +/- 2.5 percent. The QPO was first detected on Sept. 7.45 near 55 mHz and has been steadily increasing in frequency, reaching 350 mHz by Sept. 9.3. The QPO appears to have reached the Nyquist frequency (488 mHz) of our discriminator rates before the end of Sept. 9, and is no longer detectable in them.

Finger, Mark H.↗

Experience with transonic unsteady aerodynamic calculations

Comparisons of calculated and experimental transonic unsteady pressures and airloads for four of the AGARD Two Dimensional Aeroelastic Configurations and for a rectangular supercritical wing are presented. The two dimensional computer code, XTRAN2L, implementing the transonic small perturbation equation was used to obtain results for: (1) pitching oscillations of the NACA 64A010A; NLR 7301 and NACA 0012 airfoils; (2) flap oscillations for the NACA 64A006 and NRL 7301 airfoils; and (3) transient ramping motions for the NACA 0012 airfoils. Results from the three dimensional code XTRAN3S are compared with data from a rectangular supercritical wing oscillating in pitch. These cases illustrate the conditions under which the transonic inviscid small perturbation equation provides reasonable predictions.

Edwards, J. W.↗

Experience with transonic unsteady aerodynamic calculations

Comparisons of calculated and experimental transonic unsteady pressures and airloads for four of the AGARD Two Dimensional Aeroelastic Configurations and for a rectangular supercritical wing are presented. The two dimensional computer code, XTRAN2L, implementing the transonic small perturbation equation was used to obtain results for: (1) pitching oscillations of the NACA 64A010A; NLR 7301 and NACA 0012 airfoils; (2) flap oscillations for the NACA 64A006 and NRL 7301 airfoils; and (3) transient ramping motions for the NACA 0012 airfoils. Results from the three dimensional code XTRAN3S are compared with data from a rectangular supercritical wing oscillating in pitch. These cases illustrate the conditions under which the transonic inviscid small perturbation equation provides reasonable predictions.

Edwards, J. W.↗

Marine phytoplankton downregulate core photosynthesis and carbon storage genes upon rapid mixed layer shallowing

Marine phytoplankton are a diverse group of photoautotrophic organisms and key mediators in the global carbon cycle. Phytoplankton physiology and biomass accumulation are closely tied to mixed layer depth, but the intracellular metabolic pathways activated in response to changes in mixed layer depth remain less explored. Here, metatranscriptomics was used to characterize the phytoplankton community response to a mixed layer shallowing (from 233 to 5 m) over the course of two days during the late spring in the Northwest Atlantic. Most phytoplankton genera downregulated core photosynthesis, carbon storage, and carbon fixation genes as the system transitioned from a deep to a shallow mixed layer and shifted towards catabolism of stored carbon supportive of rapid cell growth. In contrast, phytoplankton genera exhibited divergent transcriptional patterns for photosystem light harvesting complex genes during this transition. Active virus infection, taken as the ratio of virus to host transcripts, increased in the Bacillariophyta (diatom) phylum and decreased in the Chlorophyta (green algae) phylum upon mixed layer shallowing. A conceptual model is proposed to provide ecophysiological context for our findings, in which integrated light limitation and lower division rates during transient deep mixing are hypothesized to disrupt resource-driven, oscillating transcript levels related to photosynthesis, carbon fixation, and carbon storage. Our findings highlight shared and unique transcriptional response strategies within phytoplankton communities acclimating to the dynamic light environment associated with transient deep mixing and shallowing events during the annual North Atlantic bloom.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Discovery of a Neutron Star with Spin Frequency 530 Hz in A1744-361

We report the detection with the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) Proportional Counter Array (PCA) of 530 Hz burst oscillations in a thermonuclear (Type I) burst from the transient X-ray source A1744-361. This is only the second burst ever observed from this source, and the first to be seen in any detail. Our results confirm that A1744-361 is a low mass X-ray binary (LMXB) system harboring a rapidly rotating neutron star. The oscillations are first detected along the rising edge of the burst, and show evidence for frequency evolution of a magnitude similar to that seen in other burst sources. The modulation amplitude and its increase with photon energy are also typical of burst oscillations. The lack of any strong indication of photospheric radius expansion during the burst suggests a 9 kpc upper limit of the source distance. We also find energy dependent dips, establishing A1744-361 as a high inclination, dipping LMXB. The timescale between the two episodes of observed dips suggests an orbital period of approx. 97 min. We have also detected a 2 - 4 Hz quasi-periodic-oscillation (QPO) for the first time from this source. This QPO appears consistent with approx. 1 Hz QPOs seen from other high inclination systems. We searched for kilohertz QPOs, and found a suggestive 2.3 sigma feature at 800 Hz in one observation. The frequency, strength and quality factor are consistent with that of a lower frequency kilohertz QPO, but the relatively low significance argues for caution, so we consider this a tentative detection requiring confirmation.

Bhattacharyya, Sudip↗

Investigation of Abnormal Level Control Oscillations in a BWR Feedwater System

In the long-term operation of nuclear power plants, the aging of systems, structures, and components can lead to maintenance issues that must be dealt with to maintain cost-effective plant operations. One common issue affecting the currently operated boiling water reactors is the onset of unexpected level oscillations in feedwater heaters. This phenomenon can cause excessive cycling of drain valves and lead to premature failures. In this work, we develop a dynamic model of a set of feedwater heaters to determine the root cause of oscillations observed in an operating plant. Simulation results of various transient scenarios were used to investigate the effects of the controller parameters, boundary conditions, and possible valve and instrument issues. The analysis led to the conclusion that the most likely causes of the observed self-sustained oscillations in the system are the nonlinear behaviors of the drain valve and the level transmitter induced by degraded equipment condition. In conclusion, a partial plug of the pressure line used for level sensing in the system can account for a significant deadtime in the level transmitter, a nonlinear effect shown to induce self-sustained oscillatory behaviors.

Boiling water reactors↗

Nozzle Modification Suppresses Flow Transients

Proposal for steadying flow from rocket nozzle on Space Shuttle main engine could be applied to other large-area-ratio contoured nozzles. Oscillations and pulsations in boundary-layer flow would be reduced by flaring nozzle exit. Transient side loads on nozzle would be suppressed. Large pressure gradients and eddies that can lead to fluctuations are suppressed. Exact radius of curvature of corner would depend on shear-layer thickness.

Rao, G. V. R.↗

Characterization of Impedance and Stability for Doubly-Fed Induction Generator Based on Voltage-Modulated Direct Power Control

Voltage-modulated direct power control (VM-DPC) applied to the doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) offers superior steady-state and transient performance but remains underexplored for suppressing wideband oscillations. Here, this article proposes a comprehensive impedance for the VM-DPC-based DFIG, analyzing its impedance characteristics and stability mechanisms compared with the DFIG based on vector-oriented control (VOC). The unified power transfer function is defined for DFIGs employing VM-DPC or VOC to ensure consistent comparison benchmarks. The comprehensive impedance of VM-DPC-based DFIG, incorporating mechanical and grid-side converter (GSC) dynamics, is derived using complex vector modeling in the αβ -frame. Furthermore, the influence of VM-DPC parameters and grid strength on the stability of grid-connected DFIG systems is assessed through eigenvalue trajectory analysis. Impedance analysis reveals the significant contributions of mechanical and GSC dynamics to DFIG impedance, as well as the narrower frequency range of negative resistance in the VM-DPC-based DFIG compared to the VOC-based DFIG. Stability analysis identifies the VM-DPC parameters of the rotor-side converter as dominant factors affecting system stability and confirms that the VM-DPC-based DFIG achieves better stability under weak grid conditions than its VOC-based counterpart. These findings are validated through simulations and experiments.

42 ENGINEERING↗

A Laplace-Domain Circuit Model for Fault and Stability Analysis Considering Unbalanced Topology

For systems subject to unbalanced faults, analytical model building for stability assessment is a challenging task. This letter presents a straightforward modeling approach. A generalized dynamic circuit representation is achieved by use of the Laplacian transform variable s . Here, we translate the voltage and current relationship at the fault location into the relationship of three subsystems. The final circuit model is an interconnected sequence network with impedances in the Laplace domain. This circuit can be directly converted from a steady-state sequence network. This modeling procedure is illustrated by an example case of an induction motor served by a grid through a series compensated line. Electromagnetic transient simulation results demonstrate that sub-synchronous oscillations can be mitigated when a single-line to ground fault is applied at the motor terminal. Stability analysis results based on the dynamic circuit corroborate the simulation results. What's more, the derived circuit effortlessly reveals why unbalance can enhance stability.

42 ENGINEERING↗