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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
DOE OSTI2024

Probabilistic Analysis of Long-Term Degradation of Microwave Cavity Flow Sensor

We are investigating a microwave resonant cavity transducer for flow sensing in the vessel of a high temperature fluid advanced reactor (AR), such as a molten salt cooled reactor (MSCR) or a sodium fast reactor (SFR). This transducer is a hollow metallic cylindrical cavity, with the flat wall of the cylinder flexible enough to undergo microscopic deflection due to dynamic fluid pressure. Membrane deflection leads to a shift in the resonant frequency, which can be detected with a spectrum analyzer. We have performed a proof-of-concept experiment of flow sensing with the transducer in liquid sodium at 340°C in impinging liquid jet geometry. The transducer remained in liquid sodium for 70 days. After removal, no structural damage was observed, and the expected transducer response was verified in a water test. Because long-term (multi-year) experimental tests of transducer resilience to harsh environment are not practical, we have developed a probabilistic model of creep to estimate transducer resilience to the harsh environment. The probabilistic model considers diffusion creep under the condition of high temperature and low stress, where the stress and temperature are allowed to be random variables with Gaussian distributions. Using the probabilistic model, we estimate inelastic membrane deflections due to creep for several temperature ranges. We conclude that for temperatures less than 650°C, creep has negligible long-term effect on the transducer performance. Since a yellowish residue was observed on the transducer surface after 70 days of immersion in liquid sodium, we have investigated possible evidence of corrosion. Chromium depletion is a typical indicator of the corrosion process in stainless steel. Scraping off a residue from the transducer and performing scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive analysis (EDS) did not find any chromium in the residue. Approximately 60% of the residue consisted of copper, which can be attributed to contamination of sodium due to powder residue from machining of copper and brass components of the transducer.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Final Report on Development of Microwave Resonant Cavity Transducer for Fluid Flow Sensing: Development of Microwave Cavity Flow Meter for Advanced Reactor High Temperature Fluids

We are investigating a microwave resonant cavity transducer for flow sensing in the vessel of a high temperature fluid advanced reactor (AR), such as a molten salt cooled reactor (MSCR) or a sodium fast reactor (SFR). This transducer is a hollow metallic cylindrical cavity, with one of the flat walls of the cylinder flexible enough to undergo microscopic deflection due to dynamic fluid pressure. Membrane deflection leads to a shift in the microwave resonant frequency, which can be detected with a spectrum analyzer. We have developed a continuum electromechanics model of the microwave resonant cavity transducer performance. The deflection of the membrane is calculated using equations from the theory of plates and shells for deflection of radially constrained thin circular disk under uniform load. The microwave frequency shift is calculated using the equations from the microwave cavity perturbation theory. The transducer model was validated with proof-of-concept experimental data of water flow sensing with a Brass 360 right circular cylinder with 22.2mm diameter and 203µm thick wall. The cavity was excited through a subwavelength hole in TE 011 mode with resonant frequency f ≈ 17.8GHz. Subsequently, we have performed a preliminary proof-of-principle test of flow sensing in high temperature liquid sodium in environment. For this test, we have developed a cylindrical resonator with the same dimensions as for the Brass 360 cavity. The resonator for high temperature liquid sodium test was machined from stainless steel 316 and electroplated with silver on the interior surfaces. We have also developed and insertion probe consisting of a 50cm WR-42 brass waveguide enclosed in a protective SS316 tube. The cavity was excited through a subwavelength hole on the side of the wall of the cylinder in the TE 011 mode with resonant frequency f ≈ 17.8GHz. The liquid sodium setup consists of a cylindrical vessel with a center feed line, where a transducer inserted through the top cap of the vessel measures velocity of the impinging liquid jet. The sodium flow sensing study was performed in a liquid sodium vessel at 340°C temperature and ambient pressure. The flow rate was changed by varying sodium pump power, and a frequency shift of several hundred kHz was observed. The transducer was removed after 70 days of testing. No visual damage was observed, and the electromagnetic response remained the same. As a calibration experiment, we have assembled a water vessel with a center feed, and with dimensions similar to those of the liquid sodium setup. Water flow sensing was performed before and after liquid sodium test. The responses in both cases are similar and agree with COMSOL computer simulations. Because long-term (multi-year) experimental tests of transducer resilience to harsh environment are not practical, we have developed a probabilistic model of creep to estimate transducer resilience to the harsh environment. The probabilistic model considers diffusion creep under the condition of high temperature and low stress, where the stress and temperature are allowed to be random variables with Gaussian distributions. Using the probabilistic model, we estimate inelastic membrane deflections due to creep for several temperature ranges. We conclude that for temperatures less than 650°C, creep has negligible long-term effect on the transducer performance.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Near-Field Passive Wireless Sensor for High-Temperature Metal Corrosion Monitoring

This work focuses on the fabrication and evaluation of a passive wireless sensor for the monitoring of the temperature and corrosion of a metal material at high temperatures. An inductor–capacitor (LC) resonator sensor was fabricated through the screen printing of Ag-based inks on dense polycrystalline Al 2 O 3 substrates. The LC design was modeled using the ANSYS HFSS modeling package, with the LC passive wireless sensors operating at frequencies from 70 to 100 MHz. The wireless response of the LC was interrogated and received by a radio frequency signal generator and spectrum analyzer at temperatures from 50 to 800 °C in real time. The corrosion kinetics of the Cu 110 was characterized through thermogravimetric (TGA) analysis and microscopy images, and the oxide thickness growth was then correlated to the wireless sensor signal under isothermal conditions at 800 °C. The results showed that the wireless signal was consistent with the corrosion kinetics and temperature, indicating that these two characteristics can be further deconvoluted in the future. In addition, the sensor also showed a magnitude- and frequency-dependent response to crack/spallation events in the oxide corrosion layer, permitting the in situ wireless identification of these catastrophic events on the metal surface at high temperatures.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

ARES. V. No Evidence For Molecular Absorption in the HST WFC3 Spectrum of GJ 1132 b

We present a study on the spatially scanned spectroscopic observations of the transit of GJ 1132 b, a warm (∼500 K) super-Earth (1.13 R {sub ⊕}) that was obtained with the G141 grism (1.125–1.650 μm) of the Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3) on board the Hubble Space Telescope. We used the publicly available Iraclis pipeline to extract the planetary transmission spectra from the five visits and produced a precise transmission spectrum. We analyzed the spectrum using the TauREx3 atmospheric retrieval code, with which we show that the measurements do not contain molecular signatures in the investigated wavelength range and are best fit with a flat-line model. Our results suggest that the planet does not have a clear primordial, hydrogen-dominated atmosphere. Instead, GJ 1132 b could have a cloudy hydrogen-dominated atmosphere, have a very enriched secondary atmosphere, be airless, or have a tenuous atmosphere that has not been detected. Due to the narrow wavelength coverage of WFC3, these scenarios cannot be distinguished yet, but the James Webb Space Telescope may be capable of detecting atmospheric features, although several observations may be required to provide useful constraints.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
NASA NTRS1966

Highly sensitive solids mass spectrometer uses inert-gas ion source

Mass spectrometer provides a recorded analysis of solid material surfaces and bulk. A beam of high-energy inert-gas ions bombards the surface atoms of a sample and converts a percentage into an ionized vapor. The mass spectrum analyzer separates the vapor ionic constituents by mass-to-charge ratio.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1969

Sweep frequency detector

Sweep detector or passive spectrum analyzer provides a positive monitoring of the bandwidth of the input amplifier of a tracking receiver. Used with an oscilloscope, it provides a visual display of a microwave amplifier bandpass.

Clauss, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1972

The shadow band phenomenon.

Observation of shadow bands during the solar eclipse of Mar. 7, 1970. Data were gathered by recording onto magnetic tape of the output from six collimated photocells whose spectral responses ranged from the ultraviolet to the infrared, and by visual and mechanical measurement of the orientation and motion of the bands. The recorded data were later processed using the output from a frequency spectrum analyzer. Most of the energy of the shadow bands ranges between 1 and 25 Hz, and appears not unlike plots of scintillation spectra. The onset, amplitude, and duration of the shadow bands seem to be spectrally related to the limb darkening of the sun's photosphere. Other results of the experiment conclusively indicate that the shadow band phenomenon is a manifestation of atmospheric turbulence in the form of air packets of different density from that of their environment (density schlieren), made visible by the light from the crescent sun.

Quann, J. J.↗
NASA NTRS1973

A potential means of using acoustic emission for crack detection under cyclic-load conditions

A preliminary investigation was conducted to assess the feasibility of monitoring acoustic emission signals from fatigue cracks during cyclic bend tests. Plate specimens of 6A1-4V titanium, 2219-T87 aluminum, and 18-Ni maraging steel were tested with and without crack starter notches. It was found that significant acoustic emission signals could be detected in the frequency range from 100 kHz to 400 kHz. Cracks emanating from starter notches were monitored by the ultrasonic pulse-echo technique and periodically measured by micro-optical examination. Methods used to reduce the effects of extraneous noises (i.e., machine noises, fretting) are described. A frequency spectrum analyzer was used to characterize the emissions and to evaluate methods used to acquire the signals (i.e., transducer location, bandwidth selection). The investigation indicated that it was possible to extract meaningful acoustic emission signals in a cyclic bend machine environment.

Vary, A.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Processing of the laser Doppler velocimeter signals

The laser Doppler velocimeter (LDV) is a probeless technique that provides a remote measurement of mean and fluctuating velocities. The measurement is actually obtained from small particles embedded in the flow which scatter light from an illuminating laser beam interference pattern. A portion of this scattered light is collected by a photomultiplier which yields an electronic signal whose frequency is directly proportional to the velocity of the small particles. The purpose of this paper is to describe and critically compare three techniques most used to process this electronic signal. These techniques are: (1) spectrum analyzer - a frequency scanning filter (frequency domain instrument), (2) wide-band frequency tracker - a frequency lock loop (frequency domain instrument), and (3) high-speed frequency counter - an interval timer (time domain instrument). The study determines the ability of each technique to process the LDV signal and yield velocity data to be used in determining the flow characteristics.

Meyers, J. F.↗
NASA NTRS1974

A detector for high frequency modulation in auroral particle fluxes

A high time resolution electron detector has been developed for use in sounding rocket studies of the aurora. The detector is used to look for particle bunching in the range 50 kHz-10 MHz. The design uses an electron multiplier and an onboard frequency spectrum analyzer. By using the onboard analyzer, the data can be transmitted back to ground on a single 93-kHz voltage-controlled oscillator. The detector covers the 50 kHz-10 MHz range six times per second and detects modulation on the order of a new percent of the total electron flux. Spectra are presented for a flight over an auroral arc.

Spiger, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS1974

A feasibility test of the laser velocimeter in the Mach 5 nozzle test chamber

A one-component, fringe type laser velocimeter in the backscatter mode was used to measure flow velocities from 732 to 792 m/sec about a shock from an inclined flat plate in a Mach 5 tunnel. This test was chosen to determine system characteristics in applying the laser velocimeter to measure velocities in hypersonic flow fields. The seeding particles, less than 20 microns in diameter, were injected into the tunnel supply pipe, approximately 1 meter upstream of the nozzle throat, through a rake along the diameter. The LV signals were processed by two methods, a scanning spectrum analyzer and a high-speed counter. The measured velocity distributions obtained were analyzed to determine the errors due to particle lag, transit time broadening and high-speed counter quantizing error.

Meyers, J. F.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Laser velocimeter measurement of developing and periodic flows

The transmitting-receiving lens system of a two-component backscatter laser-velocimeter optical package currently in operation is discussed. It is basically a Galilean-type telescope which provides for spatial translation of the focal volume along the optical axis, but it also has certain optical constraints which are discussed. This scanning feature of the unit has been used with spectrum analyzer processing for the measurement of (1) trailing vortices in a wind tunnel and (2) a developing (decaying) vortex that was generated by towing a wing model through a water towing tank. The optical system has also been interfaced with period counting electronics and has been applied to the periodic flow generated by a model helicopter rotor. Results are presented and the techniques of data acquisition and the 'strobing' of the processor are discussed.

Orloff, K. L.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Remote intensity fluctuation measurements with a laser Doppler radar

A coaxial focused CW scanning laser Doppler velocimeter (SLDV) radar equipment applying heterodyne detection at 10.6 microns can measure intensity fluctuations under field conditions. The set includes a 20 W CO2 laser, a coaxial Cassegrainian telescope, standard heterodyne equipment, and a SAW spectrum analyzer with 100 kHz signal resolution. Operation of the equipment and techniques for taking remote measurements are described briefly. Applications to remote measurements of transverse component of wind speed, as a complement to the traditional Doppler method of determining axial velocity, are under study. SLDV equipment has been used in detection, tracking, and measurements of atmospheric turbulence associated with aircraft wing-tip vortices or with dust devils, and in measurement of general atmospheric wind profiles.

Kennedy, L. Z.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Investigation of possible lower hybrid emission from the NASA Lewis bumpy torus plasma

Radio frequency emission has been detected near the power hybrid frequency of a bumpy torus plasma by using a responsive detection system that consists of a spectrum analyzer and a 50 ohm miniature coaxial antenna concentrically located in a re-entrant quartz tube. The frequency shift of a broad emission peak was monitored as a function of background pressure, electrode voltage, and the strength of the dc magnetic field. Simultaneous measurements of the average plasma density were made with a polarization diplexing microwave interferometer. The information derived from the experiment is discussed with particular reference to the following: (1) whether the emissions are dominated by atomic or molecular species of deuterium; (2) the strength of the dc magnetic field in the emitting region; (3) the geometric location of the emitting region of the plasma; (4) comparison of the lower hybrid plasma density with the average plasma density; and (5) relation of ion spoke geometry to lower hybrid emission.

Mallavarpu, R.↗
NASA NTRS1977

An improved digital algorithm for fast amplitude approximations of quadrature pairs

A computationally fast algorithm for approximating the amplitude (A) of a quadrature pair (I,Q) has been discovered. The piecewise linear formula, the unbiased estimate of A=X+1/8y when X or = 3Y and 7/8X + 1/2Y when X or = 3Y applies where X is congruent to the maximum absolute value of (I,Q) and Y is congruent to the minimum absolute value of (I,Q). This algorithm has been proven to be far more accurate then currently used approximations. An immediate application is the wideband digital spectrum analyzer under development for monitoring radio frequency interference at Deep Space Network stations.

Levitt, B. K.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Introduction to charge transfer device discrete time processing

This tutorial paper reviews some of the advantages and disadvantages of a discrete time representation of a signal. Also reviewed are some of the recent theoretical advances in digital signal processing which can be implemented by the use of charge transfer signal processing devices. In particular, the design and implementation of transversal filters and spectrum analyzers will be discussed.

Brodersen, R. W.↗