SEARCH · Search NASA
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.
As a part of the EET aerodynamics program an out-of-house program was developed and monitored to provide theoretical procedures useful in the design of transport aircraft. The focus of the effort was to provide tools valid in the nonlinear transonic speed range. The effort was divided into two basic areas, inviscid configuration analysis and design procedures and viscous correction procedures.
A compact modulated birefringence-measurement system has been developed for use in microgravity fluid physics applications with non-Newtonian fluids such as polymer solutions. This instrument uses a dual-crystal transverse electro-optical modulator capable of modulation frequencies in excess of 100 MHz. The two crystals are modulated 180 deg. out of phase from each other, The theoretical framework governing the development of this instrument using the Mueller-Stokes polarization matrices is discussed. Several ground-based experiments are performed to compare this system with the theoretical results. Results from this transverse electro-optical modulator-based birefringence-measurement system agree well with the theory. The instrument is also very stable and robust, making it suitable for the extreme acceleration environment to be encountered in a NASA Black Brandt sounding rocket.
The global magnificent four theory is the homological version of a maximally supersymmetric $(8+1)$-dimensional gauge theory on a Calabi-Yau fourfold fibered over a circle. In the case of a toric fourfold we conjecture the formula for its twisted Witten index. String-theoretically we count the BPS states of a system of $D0$-$D2$-$D4$-$D6$-$D8$-branes on the Calabi-Yau fourfold in the presence of a large Neveu-Schwarz $B$-field. Mathematically, we develop the equivariant $K$-theoretic DT4 theory, by constructing the four-valent vertex with generic plane partition asymptotics. Physically, the vertex is a supersymmetric localization of a non-commutative gauge theory in $8+1$ dimensions.
Low-pressure conditions required for operation of helium cryogenic systems below the normal boiling point (i.e. 4.2 K) are established through a transient process, commonly referred to as ‘pump-down’. This process is defined as the transition from pressures above atmospheric conditions to the saturation pressure which corresponds to a specified operational temperature. The FRIB 2 K system consists of five cryogenic centrifugal compressors which are operated in series. Historically, the pump-down process path has been established through empirical methods and system operator experience. Investigation into the pump-down process at FRIB aimed to develop a pump-down methodology which relies on theoretical model predictions rather than empirically developed process paths. Ensuring stable operation during the pump-down process involved application of a centrifugal compressor performance prediction model, which is described in Part 1 of this paper. Compressor performance maps can be directly used to evaluate the stability of a selected pump-down path and anticipate the overall reliability of the selected path. In conjunction with the compressor performance maps, a system pressure model was developed to estimate the transient pressure response during the pump-down process. Lastly, an explicit equation was developed to establish a mass flow rate profile for the pump-down process. Implementation of the presented methodology (including the developed models) allows for the system operator to determine a continuous pump-down path which maintains compressor stability while conforming to overall system capabilities. Altogether, the methodology presented has resulted in simplification of transient pump-down operations and increased the reliability, stability and efficiency of the pump-down process.
Random quantities from continuous time stochastic process with application to reliability and probability
This report describes the development of prediction methods for broadband fan noise from aircraft engines. First, experimental evidence of the most important source mechanisms is reviewed. It is found that there are a number of competing source mechanism involved and that there is no single dominant source to which noise control procedures can be applied. Theoretical models are then developed for: (1) ducted rotors and stator vanes interacting with duct wall boundary layers, (2) ducted rotor self noise, and (3) stator vanes operating in the wakes of rotors. All the turbulence parameters required for these models are based on measured quantities. Finally the theoretical models are used to predict measured fan noise levels with some success.
A model is developed that provides a theoretical basis for previous numerical results showing a feedback instability with frequencies characteristic of Alfven travel times within the region of the large increase of Alfven speed above the ionosphere. These results have been extended to arbitrary ionospheric conductivity by developing a numerical solution of the cavity dispersion relation that involves Bessel functions of complex order and argument. It is concluded that the large contrast between the magnetospheric and ionospheric Alfven speed leads to the formation of resonant cavity modes with frequencies ranging from 0.1 to 1 Hz. The presence of the cavity leads to a modification of the reflection characteristics of Alfven waves with frequencies that compare to the cavity's normal modes.
Theoretical analyses and computer codes are being developed for predicting compressible unsteady inviscid and viscous flows through blade rows. Such analyses are needed to determine the impact of unsteady flow phenomena on the structural durability and noise generation characteristics of turbomachinery blading. Emphasis is being placed on developing analyses based on asymptotic representations of unsteady flow phenomena. Thus, flow driven by small-amplitude unsteady excitations in which viscous effects are concentrated in thin layers are being considered. The resulting analyses should apply in many practical situations, lead to a better understanding of the relevent physics, and they will be efficient computationally, and therefore, appropriate for aeroelastic and aeroacoustic design applications. Under the present phase (Task 3), the effort was focused on providing inviscid and viscid prediction capabilities for subsonic unsteady cascade flows.
Multichannel restoration using both within- and between-channel deterministic information is considered. A multichannel image is a set of image planes that exhibit cross-plane similarity. Existing optimal restoration filters for single-plane images yield suboptimal results when applied to multichannel images, since between-channel information is not utilized. Multichannel least squares restoration filters are developed using the set theoretic and the constrained optimization approaches. A geometric interpretation of the estimates of both filters is given. Color images (three-channel imagery with red, green, and blue components) are considered. Constraints that capture the within- and between-channel properties of color images are developed. Issues associated with the computation of the two estimates are addressed. A spatially adaptive, multichannel least squares filter that utilizes local within- and between-channel image properties is proposed. Experiments using color images are described.
The chemistry group within the U.S. Department of Energy Molten Salt Reactor Campaign is developing a model for the molten salt reactor system for assessing the suitability of various used fuel processing schemes. In the long run, the developed model is expected to be a tool for better understanding the interplay between the components of the molten salt reactor system including uranium resources, the molten salt reactor, the used fuel processor (e.g., reprocessing plant), and waste management. In this regard, the report proposes a theoretical framework for integrating the various components of the molten salt reactor system. Rather than being buried in implementation details for seemingly heterogeneous components of the reactor system asking for various modeling techniques, this report proposes to approximate and integrate all components with a unified mathematical framework, a discrete-time linear system. An abstracted molten salt reactor system is given as an example to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed theoretical framework. A fully developed molten salt reactor system model (based on the proposed framework) is expected to be beneficial for various objectives including the transient and equilibrium analysis of fuel cycle scenarios and the identification of potential technology bottlenecks.
Major activities described include development and evaluation of theoretical models that describe both active and passive microwave sensing of soil moisture, the evaluation of these models for their applicability, the execution of a controlled field experiment during which passive microwave measurements were acquired to validate these models, and evaluation of previously acquired aircraft microwave measurements. The development of a root zone soil water and soil temperature profile model and the calibration and evaluation of gamma ray attenuation probes for measuring soil moisture profiles are considered. The analysis of spatial variability of soil information as related to remote sensing is discussed as well as the implementation of an instrumented field site for acquisition of soil moisture and meteorologic information for use in validating the soil water profile and soil temperature profile models.
Important developments of both in theoretical and observational cosmology have fueled considerable interest in searches for variations of the fine structure constant. Experimentally, Webb et. al. have found evidence for a cosmological variation of the fine structure constant through an analysis of the absorption lines in galactic halos from quasar-emitted light. Recently developed small ion atomic clocks enable Solar System tests for equivalence principle (EP) violating (alpha)-variations by way of rate-comparisons of three ultra-stable atomic clocks near-to and far-from the sun where gravitational red-shift changes are more than 10(exp 4) larger than in low Earth orbit. No space tests of the EP have been made in nearly 30 years, since the GP-A hydrogen maser reached a 10,000 km apogee confirming EP red-shift predictions ~1 part in 10(exp 4). Today's small ion clocks, nearly 100x more stable and 100x smaller then the GP-A H-maser, could probe for EP violating scalar fields near the sun for mission costs comparable to low Earth orbiters and improve the GP-A sensitivity by 5 to 6 orders of magnitude.
During the course of the present contract we developed an 'evolutionary technique' for the determination of force-free coronal magnetic fields from vector magnetograph observations. The method can successfully generate nonlinear force- free fields (with non-constant-a) that match vector magnetograms. We demonstrated that it is possible to determine coronal magnetic fields from photospheric measurements, and we applied it to vector magnetograms of active regions. We have also studied theoretical models of coronal fields that lead to disruptions. Specifically, we have demonstrated that the determination of force-free fields from exact boundary data is a well-posed mathematical problem, by verifying that the computed coronal field agrees with an analytic force-free field when boundary data for the analytic field are used; demonstrated that it is possible to determine active-region coronal magnetic fields from photospheric measurements, by computing the coronal field above active region 5747 on 20 October 1989, AR6919 on 15 November 1991, and AR7260 on 18 August 1992, from data taken with the Stokes Polarimeter at Mees Solar Observatory, University of Hawaii; started to analyze active region 7201 on 19 June 1992 using measurements made with the Advanced Stokes Polarimeter at NSO/Sac Peak; investigated the effects of imperfections in the photospheric data on the computed coronal magnetic field; documented the coronal field structure of AR5747 and compared it to the morphology of footpoint emission in a flare, showing that the 'high- pressure' H-alpha footpoints are connected by coronal field lines; shown that the variation of magnetic field strength along current-carrying field lines is significantly different from the variation in a potential field, and that the resulting near-constant area of elementary flux tubes is consistent with observations; begun to develop realistic models of coronal fields which can be used to study flare trigger mechanisms; demonstrated that magnetic nonequilibrium can disrupt sheared coronal arcades, and that helmet streamers can disrupt, leading to coronal mass ejections. Our model has significantly extended the realism with which the coronal magnetic field can be inferred from actual observations. In a subsequent contract awarded by NASA, we have continued to apply and improve the evolutionary technique, to study the physical properties of active regions, and to develop theoretical models of magnetic fields.
This project covered theoretical studies in particle physics, particle astrophysics and cosmology, aiming to bridge theoretical models with observable phenomena. The central focus was on exploring innovative mechanisms that could simultaneously address several outstanding puzzles in these areas, including the nature of dark matter, the muon g-2 anomaly, the existence of topologically stable monopoles, the generation of observable gravitational waves from early universe phenomena and high energy cosmic rays. One of the major achievements of this project was the development of models that predict new physics accessible through current and forthcoming experimental setups, both in particle colliders and astrophysical observations. These models have been instrumental in proposing verifiable predictions concerning supersymmetric extensions, the dynamics of cosmic strings and monopoles, and the intricate processes underpinning baryogenesis and reheating post-inflation. In tackling the dark matter conundrum, the project proposed several candidates within extended frameworks, such as light Z' models, pseudo-Goldstone dark matter, and scenarios integrating dark matter with inflationary cosmology. Each model outlined pathways for detection through direct, indirect, and collider search strategies, marking significant strides in the hunt for dark matter. Another cornerstone of the project was the in-depth analysis of inflationary models compliant with the Trans-Planckian Censorship Conjecture, highlighting the compatibility of axion dark matter within such frameworks. This not only provided a coherent picture of early universe cosmology but also delineated clear experimental signatures. The exploration of grand unified theories yielded insights into the potential discovery of monopoles and novel particle configurations at energy scales accessible to current and future colliders. This endeavor expanded the predictive power of these theories, particularly in the context of proton decay and the properties of Higgs-portal dark matter. Throughout the project, significant emphasis was placed on ensuring the theoretical developments were grounded in experimental testability. This led to a series of publications across prestigious journals, each contributing to the vibrant discourse at the intersection of particle physics and cosmology. In summary, this project has elucidated pathways beyond the Standard Model that are ripe for exploration through both ongoing and upcoming experimental efforts. The comprehensive approach adopted herein not only enhances our understanding of the fundamental forces and constituents of the universe but also propels the field towards new frontiers in high-energy physics and cosmology.
In this work, we studied the oxidation of neo-pentane by combining experiments, theoretical calculations, and mechanistic developments to elucidate the impact of the 3rd O 2 addition reaction network on ignition delay time predictions. The experiments are based on photoionization mass spectrometry in jet-stirred and time-resolved flow reactors allowing for sensitive detection of the keto-hydroperoxide (KHP) and keto-dihydroperoxide (KDHP) intermediates. With neo-pentane exhibiting a unique symmetric molecular structure, which consequently results only in single KHP and KDHP isomers, theoretical calculations of ionization and fragment appearance energies and of absolute photoionization cross sections enabled the unambiguous identification and quantification of the KHP intermediate. Its temperature and time-resolved profiles together with calculated and experimentally observed KHP-to-KDHP signal ratios were compared to simulation results based on a newly developed mechanism that describes the 3rd O 2 addition reaction network. A satisfactory agreement has been observed between the experimental data points and the simulation results, thus adding confidence to the model's overall performance. Finally, this mechanism was used to predict ignition delay times reported previously in shock tube and rapid compression machine experiments (J. Bugler et al., Combust. Flame 163 (2016) 138–156). While the model accurately reproduces the experimental data, simulations with and without the 3rd O 2 addition reaction network included reveal only a negligible effect on the predicted ignition delay times at 10 and 20 atm. According to model calculations, low temperatures and high pressures promote the importance of the 3rd O2 addition reactions.
Algorithms based on the global optimization technique of simulated annealing (SA) have proven useful in designing traveling-wave tube (TWT) slow-wave circuits for high RF power efficiency. The characteristic of SA that enables it to determine a globally optimized solution is its ability to accept non-improving moves in a controlled manner. In the initial stages of the optimization, the algorithm moves freely through configuration space, accepting most of the proposed designs. This freedom of movement allows non-intuitive designs to be explored rather than restricting the optimization to local improvement upon the initial configuration. As the optimization proceeds, the rate of acceptance of non-improving moves is gradually reduced until the algorithm converges to the optimized solution. The rate at which the freedom of movement is decreased is known as the annealing or cooling schedule of the SA algorithm. The main disadvantage of SA is that there is not a rigorous theoretical foundation for determining the parameters of the cooling schedule. The choice of these parameters is highly problem dependent and the designer needs to experiment in order to determine values that will provide a good optimization in a reasonable amount of computational time. This experimentation can absorb a large amount of time especially when the algorithm is being applied to a new type of design. In order to eliminate this disadvantage, a variation of SA known as discrete-state simulated annealing (DSSA), was recently developed. DSSA provides the theoretical foundation for a generic cooling schedule which is problem independent, Results of similar quality to SA can be obtained, but without the extra computational time required to tune the cooling parameters. Two algorithm variations based on DSSA were developed and programmed into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet graphical user interface (GUI) to the two-dimensional nonlinear multisignal helix traveling-wave amplifier analysis program TWA3. The algorithms were used to optimize the computed RF efficiency of a TWT by determining the phase velocity profile of the slow-wave circuit. The mathematical theory and computational details of the DSSA algorithms will be presented and results will be compared to those obtained with a SA algorithm.
The induced drag polar is developed for wt-ngs capable of attaining extremely high loadings while possessing an elliptical distribution of circulation. This development is accomplished through a theoretical investigation of the vortex-wake deformation process and the deduction of the airfoil forces from the impulse and kinetic energy contents of the ultimate wake form. The investigation shows that the induced velocities of the wake limit the maximum lift coefficient to a value of 1.94 times the wing aspect ratio, for aspect ratios equal to or less than 6.5, and that the section properties of the airfoil limit the lift coefficient to 12.6 for aspect ratios greater than 6.5. Relations are developed for the rate of deformation of the vortex wake. It is also shown that linear wing theory is app1icable up to lift coefficients equal to 1.1 times the aspect ratio.
In this work, we report on the discovery on NSTX-U of a qualitatively new type of non-thermal emission from plasmas in the ion-cyclotron frequency range (ICE). This new type of ICE is weakly damped, γ damp /ω ICE ≈ 0.14%, low order eigenmodes, excited by a fast ion population radially located near an internal transport barrier. The ICE appears as repetitive bursts with durations of ≈1 ms, and the bursts exhibit frequency chirps upwards and/or downwards with maximum δf/f ≈ 1%. We refer to this chirping ICE as ch-ICE. The bursts are longer than the typical ICE bursts of ≈100 μs reported previously for NSTX and NSTX-U, for simplicity, NSTX(-U). The chirping resembles that seen in modeling of weakly unstable fast particle driven instabilities (cf, Berk et al 1997 Phys. Lett. A 234 213). These data also provide some preliminary indications of non-linear coupling between the ch-ICE harmonics. Despite extensive experimental and theoretical studies of ICE, theoretical understanding of ICE remains qualitative at best. The detailed experimental observations of ICE from NSTX(-U) find a wide variation in the ICE characteristics. The new observations of ch-ICE presented here, combined with the characteristics of ICE on NSTX(-U) previously reported (Fredrickson et al 2019 Phys. Plasmas 26 032111), could guide the development of more complete theoretical models of ICE.