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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 1,207 records · Page 67
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

Analytical Modeling of Biomass Transport and Feeding Systems

The processing of biomass solids in a biorefinery consists of pretreatment, enzyme hydrolysis / concurrent fermentation of sugars to ethanol, product recovery, and drying. Sustainable operation requires a front end that transforms wet solids into a pumpable slurry. Otherwise the biorefinery will suffer unscheduled shut-downs and inefficient operation due to solids that obstruct pumps and other equipment and resist mixing in a bioreactor. Downtime in pioneer biorefineries due to interruptions from materials handling problems has been 50% or more, leading to unsustainable manufacturing processes. This work addresses new technology, predictive computational models, and definition of operational conditions that result in formation of slurries of corn stover at up to 300 g/L using low enzyme loadings (1 to 3 FPU cellulase/g) before the biomass (corn stover) enters the pretreatment step. A team of researchers from Purdue University, Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Forest Concepts, AdvanceBio, Argonne National Laboratory, and DOE BETO have combined their knowledge in agricultural and biological engineering, bioprocess engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, agricultural economics, materials engineering and enzyme and microbial technology to address the challenge of making lignocellulose flow. This team effort has resulted in the development and validation of conditions that employ low levels of commercial enzyme in an agitated bioreactor to which corn stover pellets are added resulting in formation of slurries at high solids loadings, before pretreatment. This approach overcomes challenges caused by handling of dry, particulate biomass materials at the front end of the biorefinery. The subsequent materials handling issues cause obstruction at pumps, pipes and valves. Formation of high loadings slurries with low yield stress, as reported here, significantly decreases the potential for process interruption and enhances plant operability. Key advances in the knowledge of how slurry formation occurs is reported here and in recently published journal papers. We found that pellets are needed to achieve high solids loading, and that commercial enzymes are effective in forming slurries of corn stover particles from pellets that have not been pretreated. Our work has resulted in models that predict solids behavior for formation of compressed solids and pellets that in turn facilitate slurries made of high concentrations of corn stover particles. A computational model was developed that gives mechanistic insights into properties of particles and mixing process that gives the slurry rheology needed to facilitate pumping. Hence, the corn stover may be pumped into a pretreatment reactor in place of auguring in solids against high pressure which is a root cause of interruptions at the front end of a biorefinery. Subsequent mixing in enzyme and microbial bioreactors results in conversion of lignocellulose to sugars in a biorefinery in agitated bioreactors, with flows in and out of the vessels being less likely to be interrupted due to plugging or materials handling problems. The obtained data coupled to process models, techno-economic assessment (TEA) and Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) were used to assess whether this approach is practical. These results are based on a foundation of laboratory characterization and pilot runs. The NREL biochemical sugar model was utilized to carry out techno-economic analysis of enzyme catalyzed liquefaction followed by enzyme hydrolysis. The minimum sugar selling price was between 17.5 and 18.3 ¢/pound or about the same as calculated by the NREL model for dilute acid pretreatment followed by enzyme hydrolysis. Life cycle analysis (LCA) based on Argonne’s Greet Model showed the enzyme catalyzed route had the lowest greenhouse gas emissions of the three combinations studied (i.e., enzyme, enzyme mimetic, and enzyme + mimetic combined). GHG emissions for enzyme-based corn stover liquefaction step, alone, were about 21 g CO 2 -equivalent/kg of liquefied slurry. We believe this approach will further enhance operability of a pioneer biorefinery, and bring large-scale conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to low carbon footprint biofuels closer to implementation.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
NASA NTRS1984

Computer-Aided Geometry Modeling

Techniques in computer-aided geometry modeling and their application are addressed. Mathematical modeling, solid geometry models, management of geometric data, development of geometry standards, and interactive and graphic procedures are discussed. The applications include aeronautical and aerospace structures design, fluid flow modeling, and gas turbine design.

John N. Shoosmith↗
NASA NTRS1987

Transient heat transfer and thermophysical properties measurements in low gravity

Theoretical computer models and correlations which describe phenomena important in the design of transient heat transfer systems are verified and extended. Attention is given to heat transfer to a fluid near the thermodynamic critical point, i.e., a highly compressible fluid. The validity of the computer model is tested by conducting heat-transfer experiments in a low gravity environment where gravity-driven motion is essentially eliminated. It is noted that the NASA KC135 aircraft provides a useful low-g platform for experimental work and provides valuable experience and background for experiments ultimately designed to fly on the Space Shuttle.

Giarratano, P. J.↗
DOE OSTI2016

SU-F-T-114: A Novel Anatomically Predictive Extension Model of Computational Human Phantoms for Dose Reconstruction in Retrospective Epidemiological Studies of Second Cancer Risks in Radiotherapy Patients

Purpose: Recent advances in cancer treatments have greatly increased the likelihood of post-treatment patient survival. Secondary malignancies, however, have become a growing concern. Epidemiological studies determining secondary effects in radiotherapy patients require assessment of organ-specific dose both inside and outside the treatment field. An essential input for Monte Carlo modeling of particle transport is radiological images showing full patient anatomy. However, in retrospective studies it is typical to only have partial anatomy from CT scans used during treatment planning. In this study, we developed a multi-step method to extend such limited patient anatomy to full body anatomy for estimating dose to normal tissues located outside the CT scan coverage. Methods: The first step identified a phantom from a library of body size-dependent computational human phantoms by matching the height and weight of patients. Second, a Python algorithm matched the patient CT coverage location in relation to the whole body phantom. Third, an algorithm cut the whole body phantom and scaled them to match the size of the patient. Then, merged the two anatomies into one whole body. We entitled this new approach, Anatomically Predictive Extension (APE). Results: The APE method was examined by comparing the original chest-abdomen-pelvis CT images of the five patients with the APE phantoms developed from only the chest part of the CAP images and whole body phantoms. We achieved average percent differences of tissue volumes of 25.7%, 34.2%, 16.5%, 26.8%, and 31.6% with an average of 27% across all patients. Conclusion: Our APE method extends the limited CT patient anatomy to whole body anatomy by using image processing and computational human phantoms. Our ongoing work includes evaluating the accuracy of these APE phantoms by comparing normal tissue doses in the APE phantoms and doses calculated for the original full CAP images under generic radiotherapy simulations. This research was supported by the NIH Intramural Research Program.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2020

Thermal / structural analysis of the HB 650 thermal shield

Fermilab’s PIP-II project’s superconducting linear accelerator will drive the next generation of particle accelerators through a revolution in beam intensity. Key to beam intensification are the high efficiencies of niobium-tin superconducting radiofrequency (SRF) cavities operating at cryogenic temperatures near 5 Kelvin. A multifaceted approach is employed to achieve and maintain the extreme temperature. Vacuum provides the first barrier to thermal convection. Physical thermal intercept zones further isolate the exterior shell vacuum vessel at 300 Kelvin from the supercooled beamline. The first thermal intercept lies just inside the exterior vacuum vessel forming the 40 Kelvin zone. This 40K thermal shield is the focus of this investigation. In preparation for operation, the thermal shield is cooled from 300K to 40K in a slow process over 2-1/2 days. The factors limiting the cooling rate are a high thermal gradient which produces thermal strain and high mechanical stress. D ecreasing the time required to reach operational temperatures is the desired research goal. Physical testing data and finite element method (FEM) computer models from the Single Spoke Resonator – 1 (SSR1) and Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS-II) cryomodules will be evaluated to determine needed design changes. The thermal shield design for the High Beta 650 MHz (HB650) will be modified and analyzed using FEM computer models to determine maximum cooling rate with a target of 50 thermal cycles of life. Maximum allowable stress will be determined through low cycle fatigue calculations.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
NASA NTRS1998

A Cognitive-System Model for En Route Air Traffic Management

NASA Ames Research Center has been engaged in the development of advanced air traffic management technologies whose basic form is cognitive aiding systems for air traffic controller and flight deck operations. In the design and evaluation of such systems the dynamic interaction between the airborne aiding system and the ground-based aiding systems forms a critical coupling for control. The human operator is an integral control element in the system and the optimal integration of human decision and performance parameters with those of the automation aiding systems offers a significant challenge to cognitive engineering. This paper presents a study in full mission simulation and the development of a predictive computational model of human performance. We have found that this combination of methodologies provide a powerful design-aiding process. We have extended the computational model Man Machine Integrated Design and Analysis System (N13DAS) to include representation of multiple cognitive agents (both human operators and intelligent aiding systems), operating aircraft airline operations centers and air traffic control centers in the evolving airspace. The demands of this application require the representation of many intelligent agents sharing world-models, and coordinating action/intention with cooperative scheduling of goals and actions in a potentially unpredictable world of operations. The operator's activity structures have been developed to include prioritization and interruption of multiple parallel activities among multiple operators, to provide for anticipation (knowledge of the intention and action of remote operators), and to respond to failures of the system and other operators in the system in situation-specific paradigms. We have exercised this model in a multi-air traffic sector scenario with potential conflict among aircraft at and across sector boundaries. We have modeled the control situation as a multiple closed loop system. The inner and outer loop alerting structure of air traffic management has many implications that need to be investigated to assure adequate design. First, there are control and stability factors implicit in the design. As the inner loop response time approaches that of the outer loop, system stability may be compromised in that controllers may be solving a problem the nature of which has already been changed by pilot action. Second, information exchange and information presentation for both air and ground must be designed to complement as opposed to compete with each other. Third, the level of individual and shared awareness in trajectory modification and flight conformance needs to be defined. Fourth, the level of required awareness and performance impact of mixed fleet operations and failed-mode recovery must be explored.

Corker, Kevin M.↗
DOE OSTI2022

FutureTense

Protective vaccines and reliable diagnostics are essential tools for controlling viral diseases. However, the efficacy of these tools can be diminished by mutations in viral genomes. The delay between the emergence of new viral strains and the redesign of vaccines and diagnostics allows for continued viral transmission. Is it possible to address this challenge by computationally predicting viral genome sequence evolution? Can we “future-proof” vaccines and diagnostics by targeting both current and anticipated future sequence variants? While predicting viral evolution is still an unsolved, “grand challenge” problem in biology, the large, and rapidly growing, number of SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences provide an opportunity to quantify the ability of machine learning to predict viral genome sequence evolution. Towards this end, we have developed a simple computational model for predicting viral evolution at the level of individual nucleotides. The key metric for quantifying the per-base, prediction accuracy for viral evolution is the Mann-Whitney U statistic (or, equivalently, the area under the receiver operator curve). Since the Mann-Whitney U statistic is not a differentiable function, existing deep leaning packages (like Pytorch and Keras/TensorFlow) are not useful, as they require that the accuracy metric/objective function be analytically differentiable with respect to the model parameters. To overcome this challenge, we have implemented custom software, “FutureTense”, that can train a machine learning model by maximizing the non-differentiable Mann-Whitney U statistic. This software trains a machine learning model by exploring along the direction of the discrete gradient of the Mann-Whitney U statistic in the model parameter space. Parallel computing and genome sequence-specific optimizations are used to accelerate model training. The resulting machine learning model learns the observed high C->U mutation rates in the SARS-CoV-2 genome (which are potentially induced by host defenses) and provides prediction accuracies that are significantly better than one would expect from random chance. While predicting viral evolution is still quite far from a solved problem, the surprising performance of this simple model gives hope that the accuracy of predicting viral genome evolution can be further increased by more sophisticated approaches.

Gans, Jason↗
NASA NTRS1998

Verification of Space Station Secondary Power System Stability Using Design of Experiment

This paper describes analytical methods used in verification of large DC power systems with applications to the International Space Station (ISS). Large DC power systems contain many switching power converters with negative resistor characteristics. The ISS power system presents numerous challenges with respect to system stability such as complex sources and undefined loads. The Space Station program has developed impedance specifications for sources and loads. The overall approach to system stability consists of specific hardware requirements coupled with extensive system analysis and testing. Testing of large complex distributed power systems is not practical due to size and complexity of the system. Computer modeling has been extensively used to develop hardware specifications as well as to identify system configurations for lab testing. The statistical method of Design of Experiments (DoE) is used as an analysis tool for verification of these large systems. DOE reduces the number of computer runs which are necessary to analyze the performance of a complex power system consisting of hundreds of DC/DC converters. DoE also provides valuable information about the effect of changes in system parameters on the performance of the system. DoE provides information about various operating scenarios and identification of the ones with potential for instability. In this paper we will describe how we have used computer modeling to analyze a large DC power system. A brief description of DoE is given. Examples using applications of DoE to analysis and verification of the ISS power system are provided.

Karimi, Kamiar J.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Multiphysics Computational Fluid Dynamics for Design and Scale-Up of CO 2 /Syngas Bioreactors [Poster]

What are we trying to do? Develop validated, high fidelity computational models for gas fermentation using CO 2 , CO and H 2 . How is it done today? Microbiological advances are made at the lab scale in well mixed reactors. Process scale-up remains an open question when considering novel microorganisms/reaction systems. Why is this important? Lab-to-production scale transition is required to achieve CO 2 conversion at Mton/Gton scale and computational models can de-risk/accelerate this transition.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Nanostructure‐Derived Antireflectivity in Leafhopper Brochosomes

Understanding how insect‐derived biomaterials interact with light has led to new advances and interdisciplinary insights in entomology and physics. Leafhoppers are insects that coat themselves with highly ordered biological nanostructures known as brochosomes. Brochosomes are thought to provide a range of protective properties to leafhoppers, such as hydrophobicity and antireflectivity, which has inspired the development of synthetic brochosomes that mimic their structures. Despite recent progress, the high antireflective properties of brochosome structures are not fully understood. Herein, a combination of experiments and computational modeling is used to understand the structure‐, material‐, and polarization‐dependent optical properties of brochosomes modeled on the geometries found in three leafhopper species. The results qualitatively represent that light interference interaction with nanostructures naturally occurring in brochosomes is responsible for the spectral tuning and the asymmetric line shape of the reflectance spectra. Whereas prior work has focused on the computational modeling of idealized pitted particles, this work shows that light–matter interactions with brochosome structures can be tuned by varying the geometry of their cage‐like nanoscale features and by changing the arrangement of multiparticle assemblies. Broadly, this work establishes principles for the guided design of new optically active materials inspired by these unique insect nanostructures.

Banerjee, Progna↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

NASA HECC Geometry and Performance Review Part 2: Geometric Differences Between the as-Manufactured and Design-Intent Impeller Geometry and Their Effects on the Vaneless Diffuser Configuration Performance

An investigation of the NASA High Efficiency Centrifugal Compressor (HECC) vaneless diffuser configuration was performed. This multipart investigation focused on validating the computational model against experimental data. The validated model was then used to explore the effects of observed geometric differences between the as-manufactured and design-intent impellers. Lastly, the validated model was used for comparison against an experimental tip clearance study. Details regarding each of the parts are detailed below: This second part of a multipart investigation of the NASA HECC vaneless diffuser configuration focused on the comparison of the as-manufactured HECC vaneless computational model validated in Part I against a new model that used the same grid and solver settings but replaced the impeller section data with the design-intent sections from NASA/CR-2014-218114/Rev1. The 1D performance values showed that the as-manufactured impeller underperformed compared to the design-intent for all four speedlines that were simulated. Further investigation of radial profiles, loading and contours showed consistent underperformance of the as-manufactured. An investigation into the source of the difference led to the discovery of several geometric differences in the two impellers of magnitudes that could not be explained outside of manufacturing. The differences that were observed can be summarized into four categories: fillets, TE exit radius differences, splitter LE differences and main blade thickness differences. The investigation then shifted to attempting to isolate the geometric differences as best as possible and to understand their contribution to the observed underperformance. The investigation showed that out of the four geometric differences that were explored, the differences in the splitter blade had the largest effect.

centrifugal compressor↗
DOE OSTI2023

A comprehensive model of Drosophila epithelium reveals the role of embryo geometry and cell topology in mechanical responses

In order to understand morphogenesis, it is necessary to know the material properties or forces shaping the living tissue. In spite of this need, very few in vivo measurements are currently available. Here, using the early Drosophila embryo as a model, we describe a novel cantilever-based technique which allows for the simultaneous quantification of applied force and tissue displacement in a living embryo. By analyzing data from a series of experiments in which embryonic epithelium is subjected to developmentally relevant perturbations, we conclude that the response to applied force is adiabatic and is dominated by elastic forces and geometric constraints, or system size effects. Crucially, computational modeling of the experimental data indicated that the apical surface of the epithelium must be softer than the basal surface, a result which we confirmed experimentally. Further, we used the combination of experimental data and comprehensive computational model to estimate the elastic modulus of the apical surface and set a lower bound on the elastic modulus of the basal surface. More generally, our investigations revealed important general features that we believe should be more widely addressed when quantitatively modeling tissue mechanics in any system. Specifically, different compartments of the same cell can have very different mechanical properties; when they do, they can contribute differently to different mechanical stimuli and cannot be merely averaged together. Additionally, tissue geometry can play a substantial role in mechanical response, and cannot be neglected.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1984

In-flight atmospheric and fuel tank temperature measurements

In order to maintain an adequate supply of aviation turbine fuels in the future, fuels may have properties different from those now currently produced. One possible change is an increase in the freezing point temperature. If this should occur, it will be necessary to know the low temperature flow characteristics of these fuels. Studies to date involved both the use of computer models and subscale fuel tank simulators. They indicate that steep temperature gradients occur near the upper and lower surfaces which can result in freezing at the bottom, even though the bulk fuel temperature is above the freezing point. In order to obtain flight data to verify computer model and simulator results, a Lockheed L1011 research aircraft at Palmdale, California was instrumented with a vertical thermocouple rake in an inboard tank and an outboard tank. The tests were conducted with one of the two instrumented tanks maintained full for either two or five hours at altitudes of at least 10668 meters (35000 ft). Other flight parameters such as Mach number, air temperature, fuel quantity, and heading were also recorded.

Svehla, R.↗
NASA NTRS2016

Squat Biomechanical Modeling Results from Exercising on the Hybrid Ultimate Lifting Kit

Long duration space travel will expose astronauts to extended periods of reduced gravity. Since gravity is not present to aid loading, astronauts will use resistive and aerobic exercise regimes for the duration of the space flight to minimize loss of bone density, muscle mass and aerobic capacity that occurs during exposure to a reduced gravity environment. Unlike the International Space Station (ISS), the area available for an exercise device in the next generation of spacecraft is limited and therefore compact resistance exercise device prototypes are being developed. The Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED) currently on the ISS is being used as a benchmark for the functional performance of these new devices. Biomechanical data collection and computational modeling aid the device design process by quantifying the joint torques and the musculoskeletal forces that occur during exercises performed on the prototype devices. The computational models currently under development utilize the OpenSim software, an open source code for musculoskeletal modeling, with biomechanical input data from test subjects for estimation of muscle and joint loads. The subjects are instrumented with reflective markers for motion capture data collection while exercising on the Hybrid Ultimate Lifting Kit (HULK) prototype device. Ground reaction force data is collected with force plates under the feet and device loading is recorded through load cells internal to the HULK. Test variables include applied device load, narrow or wide foot stance, slow or fast cadence and the harness or long bar interface between the test subject and the device. Data is also obtained using free weights for a comparison to the resistively loaded exercise device. This data is input into the OpenSim biomechanical model, which has been scaled to match the anthropometrics of the test subject, to calculate the body loads. The focus of this presentation is to summarize the results from the full squat exercises across the different test variables.

Bioengineering↗
NASA NTRS2008

Jet Engine Fan Blade Containment Using an Alternate Geometry

With a goal of reducing jet engine weight, simulations of a fan blade containment system with an alternate geometry were tested and analyzed. A projectile simulating a fan blade was shot at two alternate geometry containment case configurations using a gas gun. The first configuration was a flat plate representing a standard case configuration. The second configuration was a flat plate with a radially convex curve section at the impact point. The curved surface was designed to force the blade to deform plastically, dissipating energy before the full impact of the blade is received by the plate. The curved case was able to tolerate a higher impact velocity before failure. The computational model was developed and correlated with the tests and a weight savings assessment was performed. For the particular test configuration used in this study the ballistic impact velocity of the curved plate was approximately 60 m/s (200 ft/s) greater than that of the flat plate. For the computational model to successfully duplicate the test, the very high strain rate behavior of the materials had to be incorporated.

Carney, K.S.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Scaling and Benchmarking an Evolutionary Algorithm for Constructing Biophysical Neuronal Models

Single neuron models are fundamental for computational modeling of the brain's neuronal networks, and understanding how ion channel dynamics mediate neural function. A challenge in defining such models is determining biophysically realistic channel distributions. Here, we present an efficient, highly parallel evolutionary algorithm for developing such models, named NeuroGPU-EA. NeuroGPU-EA uses CPUs and GPUs concurrently to simulate and evaluate neuron membrane potentials with respect to multiple stimuli. We demonstrate a logarithmic cost for scaling the stimuli used in the fitting procedure. NeuroGPU-EA outperforms the typically used CPU based evolutionary algorithm by a factor of 10 on a series of scaling benchmarks. We report observed performance bottlenecks and propose mitigation strategies. Finally, we also discuss the potential of this method for efficient simulation and evaluation of electrophysiological waveforms.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS2017

Biomechanical Modeling Analysis of Loads Configuration for Squat Exercise

INTRODUCTION: Long duration space travel will expose astronauts to extended periods of reduced gravity. Since gravity is not present to assist loading, astronauts will use resistive and aerobic exercise regimes for the duration of the space flight to minimize loss of bone density, muscle mass and aerobic capacity that occurs during exposure to a reduced gravity environment. Unlike the International Space Station (ISS), the area available for an exercise device in the next generation of spacecraft for travel to the Moon or to Mars is limited and therefore compact resistance exercise device prototypes are being developed. The Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED) currently on the ISS is being used as a benchmark for the functional performance of these new devices. Biomechanical data collection and computational modeling aid the device design process by quantifying the joint torques and the musculoskeletal forces that occur during exercises performed on the prototype devices. METHODS The computational models currently under development utilize the OpenSim [1] software platform, consisting of open source code for musculoskeletal modeling, using biomechanical input data from test subjects for estimation of muscle and joint loads. The OpenSim Full Body Model [2] is used for all analyses. The model incorporates simplified wrap surfaces, a new knee model and updated lower body muscle parameters derived from cadaver measurements and magnetic resonance imaging of young adults. The upper body uses torque actuators at the lumbar and extremity joints. The test subjects who volunteer for this study are instrumented with reflective markers for motion capture data collection while performing squat exercising on the Hybrid Ultimate Lifting Kit (HULK) prototype device (ZIN Technologies, Middleburg Heights, OH). Ground reaction force data is collected with force plates under the feet, and device loading is recorded through load cells internal to the HULK. Test variables include the applied device load and the dual cable long bar or single cable T-bar interface between the test subject and the device. Data is also obtained using free weights with the identical loading for a comparison to the resistively loaded exercise device trials. The data drives the OpenSim biomechanical model, which has been scaled to match the anthropometrics of the test subject, to calculate the body loads. RESULTS Lower body kinematics, joint moments, joint forces and muscle forces are obtained from the OpenSim biomechanical analysis of the squat exercises under different loading conditions. Preliminary results from the model for the loading conditions will be presented as will hypotheses developed for follow on work.

Human Factors Engineering↗