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At least 127 records · Page 7

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NASA NTRS1990

Absorption coefficients for the 6190-A CH4 band between 290 and 100 K with application to Uranus' atmosphere

A novel laser intracavity photoacoustic spectroscopy method allowing high sample control accuracy due to the small sample volume required has been used to obtain absorption coefficients for the CH4 6190 A band as a function of temperature, from 290 to 100 K. The peak absorption coefficient is found to increase from 0.6 to 1.0/cm, and to be accompanied by significant band shape changes. When used to further constrain the Baines and Bergstrahl (1986) standard model of the Uranus atmosphere, the low-temperature data yield an excellent fit to the bandshape near the 6190 A band's minimum.

Smith, Wm. Hayden↗

NASA NTRS1989

Finite element analysis in fluids; Proceedings of the Seventh International Conference on Finite Element Methods in Flow Problems, University of Alabama, Huntsville, Apr. 3-7, 1989

Recent advances in computational fluid dynamics are examined in reviews and reports, with an emphasis on finite-element methods. Sections are devoted to adaptive meshes, atmospheric dynamics, combustion, compressible flows, control-volume finite elements, crystal growth, domain decomposition, EM-field problems, FDM/FEM, and fluid-structure interactions. Consideration is given to free-boundary problems with heat transfer, free surface flow, geophysical flow problems, heat and mass transfer, high-speed flow, incompressible flow, inverse design methods, MHD problems, the mathematics of finite elements, and mesh generation. Also discussed are mixed finite elements, multigrid methods, non-Newtonian fluids, numerical dissipation, parallel vector processing, reservoir simulation, seepage, shallow-water problems, spectral methods, supercomputer architectures, three-dimensional problems, and turbulent flows.

Chung, T. J.↗

DOE OSTI2018

Generating porosity during olivine carbonation via dissolution channels and expansion cracks

Abstract. The olivine carbonation reaction, in which carbon dioxide is chemically incorporated to form carbonate, is central to the emerging carbon sequestration method using ultramafic rocks. The rate of this retrograde metamorphic reaction is controlled, in part, by the available reactive surface area: as the solid volume increases during carbonation, the feasibility of this method ultimately depends on the maintenance of porosity and the creation of new reactive surfaces. We conducted in situ dynamic X-ray microtomography and nanotomography experiments to image and quantify the porosity generation during olivine carbonation. We designed a sample setup that included a thick-walled cup (made of porous olivine aggregates with a mean grain size of either ∼ 5 or ∼ 80 µm) filled with loose olivine sands with grain sizes of 100–500 µm. The whole sample assembly was reacted with a NaHCO 3 aqueous solution at 200 °C, under a constant confining pressure of 13 MPa and a pore pressure of 10 MPa. Using synchrotron-based X-ray microtomography, the three-dimensional (3-D) pore structure evolution of the carbonating olivine cup was documented until the olivine aggregates became disintegrated. The dynamic microtomography data show a volume reduction in olivine at the beginning of the reaction, indicating a vigorous dissolution process consistent with the disequilibrium reaction kinetics. In the olivine cup with a grain size of ∼ 80 µm (coarse-grained cup), dissolution planes developed within 30 h, before any precipitation was observed. In the experiment with the olivine cup of ∼ 5 µm mean grain size (fine-grained cup), idiomorphic magnesite crystals were observed on the surface of the olivine sands. The magnesite shows a near-constant growth throughout the experiment, suggesting that the reaction is self-sustained. Large fractures were generated as the reaction proceeded and eventually disintegrated the aggregate after 140 h. Detailed analysis show that these are expansion cracks caused by the volume mismatch in the cup walls, between the expanding interior and the near-surface which keeps a nearly constant volume. Nanotomography images of the reacted olivine cup reveal pervasive etch pits and wormholes in the olivine grains. We interpret this perforation of the solids to provide continuous fluid access, which is likely key to the complete carbonation observed in nature. Reactions proceeding through the formation of nano- to micron-scale dissolution channels provide a viable microscale mechanism in carbon sequestration practices. For the natural peridotite carbonation, a coupled mechanism of dissolution and reaction-induced fracturing should account for the observed self-sustainability of the reaction.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2019

Formulation analysis and computation of an optimization-based local-to-nonlocal coupling method

We present an optimization-based coupling method for local and nonlocal continuum models. Our approach couches the coupling of the models into a control problem where the states are the solutions of the nonlocal and local equations, the objective is to minimize their mismatch on the overlap of the local and nonlocal problem domains, and the virtual controls are the nonlocal volume constraint and the local boundary condition. We present the method in the context of Local-to-Nonlocal diffusion coupling. Numerical examples illustrate the theoretical properties of the approach.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

DOE OSTI2016

Image Guided Planning for Prostate Carcinomas With Incorporation of Anti-3-[18F]FACBC (Fluciclovine) Positron Emission Tomography: Workflow and Initial Findings From a Randomized Trial

Purpose: {sup 18}F-Fluciclovine (anti-1-amino-3-[{sup 18}F]fluorocyclobutane-1-carboxylic acid) is a novel positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) radiotracer that has demonstrated utility for detection of prostate cancer. Our goal is to report the initial results from a randomized controlled trial of the integration of {sup 18}F-fluciclovine PET-CT into treatment planning for defining prostate bed and lymph node target volumes. Methods and Materials: We report our initial findings from a cohort of 41 patients, of the first enrolled on a randomized controlled trial, who were randomized to the {sup 18}F-fluciclovine arm. All patients underwent {sup 18}F-fluciclovine PET-CT for the detection of metabolic abnormalities and high-resolution CT for treatment planning. The 2 datasets were registered first by use of a rigid registration. If soft tissue displacement was observable, the rigid registration was improved with a deformable registration. Each {sup 18}F-fluciclovine abnormality was segmented as a percentage of the maximum standard uptake value (SUV) within a small region of interest around the lesion. The percentage best describing the SUV falloff was integrated in planning by expanding standard target volumes with the PET abnormality. Results: In 21 of 55 abnormalities, a deformable registration was needed to map the {sup 18}F-fluciclovine activity into the simulation CT. The most selected percentage was 50% of maximum SUV, although values ranging from 15% to 70% were used for specific patients, illustrating the need for a per-patient selection of a threshold SUV value. The inclusion of {sup 18}F-fluciclovine changed the planning volumes for 46 abnormalities (83%) of the total 55, with 28 (51%) located in the lymph nodes, 11 (20%) in the prostate bed, 10 (18%) in the prostate, and 6 (11%) in the seminal vesicles. Only 9 PET abnormalities were fully contained in the standard target volumes based on the CT-based segmentations and did not necessitate expansion. Conclusions: The use of {sup 18}F-fluciclovine in postprostatectomy radiation therapy planning was feasible and led to augmentation of the target volumes in the majority (30 of 41) of the patients studied.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

NASA NTRS1987

Prediction of tip vortex self-induced motion parameters in terms of rotor blade loading

The self-induced motion of curved vortex filaments at the tip of a helicopter rotor blade is investigated analytically. The derivation of a method for inviscid roll-up (IRU) is presented in detail, with attention to the cutoff-distance reformulation of the problem, a control-volume analysis of the self-induction properties of the vortex core, the adaptation of the roll-up method of Betz (1932) to IRU in three dimensions, the treatment of linear and elliptic loading, vortices with turbulent central cores, and the effect of cutoff distance on helicopter free-wake computations. Numerical results showing the significant effect of core properties on the geometry of a rotor wake in hover are presented in graphs and briefly characterized.

Bliss, Donald B.↗

NASA NTRS2010

Pyrolyzed thin film carbon

A method of making carbon thin films comprises depositing a catalyst on a substrate, depositing a hydrocarbon in contact with the catalyst and pyrolyzing the hydrocarbon. A method of controlling a carbon thin film density comprises etching a cavity into a substrate, depositing a hydrocarbon into the cavity, and pyrolyzing the hydrocarbon while in the cavity to form a carbon thin film. Controlling a carbon thin film density is achieved by changing the volume of the cavity. Methods of making carbon containing patterned structures are also provided. Carbon thin films and carbon containing patterned structures can be used in NEMS, MEMS, liquid chromatography, and sensor devices.

Tai, Yu-Chong↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Validation of Two-phase Flow Modeling Techniques in Loci-Stream using Axial Jet Pressure Control and Autogenous Pressurization Experiment

Improvements to computational fluid dynamics modeling of cryogenic fluid management operations are presented with experimental validations. Modeling improvements includes utilizing improved delayed detaches eddy simulation to more effectively model turbulence compared to the Reynolds-averaged Navier Stokes modeling, modeling temperature dependent tank solid properties to capture large variation in thermodynamic properties at cryogenic conditions, modeling real gas equation of state for hydrogen instead of ideal gas behavior, and an on-going effort to improve interface turbulence transport for the volume of fluid method. Two flight-scale ground tests, five K-site tank axial jet pressure control experiments and an Engineering Design Unit tank autogenous pressurization experiment are validated and show the effectiveness of the improved modeling techniques. The successful validation establishes further trust in these models for flight project support and provides a pathway for maturation of in-development interface turbulence damping model for the volume of fluid method for more generalized applications.

CFD↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Validation of Two-Phase Flow Modeling Techniques in Loci-Stream Using Axial Jet Pressure Control and Autogenous Pressurization Experiments

CFD↗

NASA NTRS1996

Active Control of Fan Noise: Feasibility Study: Numerical Computation of Acoustic Mode Reflection Coefficients for an Unflanged Cylindrical Duct - Volume 5

A computational method to predict modal reflection coefficients in cylindrical ducts has been developed based on the work of Homicz, Lordi, and Rehm, which uses the Wiener-Hopf method to account for the boundary conditions at the termination of a thin cylindrical pipe. The purpose of this study is to develop a computational routine to predict the reflection coefficients of higher order acoustic modes impinging on the unflanged termination of a cylindrical duct. This effort was conducted wider Task Order 5 of the NASA Lewis LET Program, Active Noise Control of aircraft Engines: Feasibility Study, and will be used as part of the development of an integrated source noise, acoustic propagation, ANC actuator coupling, and control system algorithm simulation. The reflection coefficient prediction will be incorporated into an existing cylindrical duct modal analysis to account for the reflection of modes from the duct termination. This will provide a more accurate, rapid computation design tool for evaluating the effect of reflected waves on active noise control systems mounted in the duct, as well as providing a tool for the design of acoustic treatment in inlet ducts. As an active noise control system design tool, the method can be used preliminary to more accurate but more numerically intensive acoustic propagation models such as finite element methods. The resulting computer program has been shown to give reasonable results, some examples of which are presented. Reliable data to use for comparison is scarce, so complete checkout is difficult, and further checkout is needed over a wider range of system parameters. In future efforts the method will be adapted as a subroutine to the GEAE segmented cylindrical duct modal analysis program.

Kraft, R. E.↗

NASA NTRS1994

The Flux-integral Method for Multidimensional Convection and Diffusion

The flux-integral method is a procedure for constructing an explicit, single-step, forward-in-time, conservative, control volume update of the unsteady, multidimensional convection-diffusion equation. The convective plus diffusive flux at each face of a control-volume cell is estimated by integrating the transported variable and its face-normal derivative over the volume swept out by the convecting velocity field. This yields a unique description of the fluxes, whereas other conservative methods rely on nonunique, arbitrary pseudoflux-difference splitting procedures. The accuracy of the resulting scheme depends on the form of the subcell interpolation assumed, given cell-average data. Cellwise constant behavior results in a (very artificially diffusive) first-order convection scheme. Second-order convection-diffusion schemes correspond to cellwise linear (or bilinear) subcell interpolation. Cellwise quadratic subcell interpolants generate a highly accurate convection-diffusion scheme with excellent phase accuracy. Under constant-coefficient conditions, this is a uniformly third-order polynomial interpolation algorithm (UTOPIA).

Leonard, B. P.↗

DOE OSTI2024

In vivo evaluation of an adaptive resuscitation controller using whole blood and crystalloid infusates for hemorrhagic shock

Introduction Hemorrhage remains the leading cause of preventable death on the battlefield. The most effective means to increase survivability is early hemorrhage control and fluid resuscitation. Unfortunately, fluid resuscitation requires constant adjustments to ensure casualty is properly managed, which is often not feasible in the pre-hospital setting. In this study, we showed how an adaptive closed-loop controller for hemorrhage resuscitation can be used to automate hemodynamic management using a swine hemorrhagic shock injury model. Methods The adaptive resuscitation controller (ARC) was previously developed to track pressure–volume responsiveness in real time and adjust its infusion rate to reach the target mean arterial pressure (MAP). Swine while maintained under a surgical plane of anesthesia and analgesia underwent a splenectomy, followed by two hemorrhage and resuscitation events. For the first resuscitation event, hemorrhage was induced to reduce the MAP to 35 mmHg until arterial lactate reached 4 mmol/L. The ARC system then infused whole blood (WB) to reach the target MAP and maintained the subject using crystalloids for 120 min. For the second resuscitation event, the subjects were hemorrhaged again but resuscitated using only crystalloid infusion to reach the target MAP and 120-min maintenance. Results The ARC was effective at WB resuscitation, reaching the target MAP in 2.0 ± 1.0 min. The median performance error was 1.1% ± 4.6%, and target overshoot was 14.4% ± 7.0% of the target MAP. The ARC maintained all animals throughout the 120 min maintenance period. For the second crystalloid-based resuscitation, ARC required a longer time to reach the target MAP, at an average rise time of 4.3 ± 4.0 min. However, target overshoot was reduced to 8.4% ± 7.3% of the target MAP. Much higher flow rates were required to maintain the target MAP during the second resuscitation event than during the first resuscitation event. Discussion The ARC was able to rapidly reach and maintain the target MAP effectively. However, this sometimes required large volumes of fluid as the ARC’s only goal was to reach the target MAP. Further clinical insight is needed regarding the preferred aggression level to achieve the target MAP. In conclusion, the ARC was successful in its programmed objective of reaching and maintaining the target MAP for extended periods of time in vivo , a critical next step toward improving hemorrhage treatment in the pre-hospital environment.

Snider, Eric J.↗

NASA NTRS1999

High Order Approximations for Compressible Fluid Dynamics on Unstructured and Cartesian Meshes

The development of high-order accurate numerical discretization techniques for irregular domains and meshes is often cited as one of the remaining challenges facing the field of computational fluid dynamics. In structural mechanics, the advantages of high-order finite element approximation are widely recognized. This is especially true when high-order element approximation is combined with element refinement (h-p refinement). In computational fluid dynamics, high-order discretization methods are infrequently used in the computation of compressible fluid flow. The hyperbolic nature of the governing equations and the presence of solution discontinuities makes high-order accuracy difficult to achieve. Consequently, second-order accurate methods are still predominately used in industrial applications even though evidence suggests that high-order methods may offer a way to significantly improve the resolution and accuracy for these calculations. To address this important topic, a special course was jointly organized by the Applied Vehicle Technology Panel of NATO's Research and Technology Organization (RTO), the von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics, and the Numerical Aerospace Simulation Division at the NASA Ames Research Center. The NATO RTO sponsored course entitled "Higher Order Discretization Methods in Computational Fluid Dynamics" was held September 14-18, 1998 at the von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics in Belgium and September 21-25, 1998 at the NASA Ames Research Center in the United States. During this special course, lecturers from Europe and the United States gave a series of comprehensive lectures on advanced topics related to the high-order numerical discretization of partial differential equations with primary emphasis given to computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Additional consideration was given to topics in computational physics such as the high-order discretization of the Hamilton-Jacobi, Helmholtz, and elasticity equations. This volume consists of five articles prepared by the special course lecturers. These articles should be of particular relevance to those readers with an interest in numerical discretization techniques which generalize to very high-order accuracy. The articles of Professors Abgrall and Shu consider the mathematical formulation of high-order accurate finite volume schemes utilizing essentially non-oscillatory (ENO) and weighted essentially non-oscillatory (WENO) reconstruction together with upwind flux evaluation. These formulations are particularly effective in computing numerical solutions of conservation laws containing solution discontinuities. Careful attention is given by the authors to implementational issues and techniques for improving the overall efficiency of these methods. The article of Professor Cockburn discusses the discontinuous Galerkin finite element method. This method naturally extends to high-order accuracy and has an interpretation as a finite volume method. Cockburn addresses two important issues associated with the discontinuous Galerkin method: controlling spurious extrema near solution discontinuities via "limiting" and the extension to second order advective-diffusive equations (joint work with Shu). The articles of Dr. Henderson and Professor Schwab consider the mathematical formulation and implementation of the h-p finite element methods using hierarchical basis functions and adaptive mesh refinement. These methods are particularly useful in computing high-order accurate solutions containing perturbative layers and corner singularities. Additional flexibility is obtained using a mortar FEM technique whereby nonconforming elements are interfaced together. Numerous examples are given by Henderson applying the h-p FEM method to the simulation of turbulence and turbulence transition.

Barth, Timothy↗

NASA NTRS2000

A New Clinical Instrument for The Early Detection of Cataract Using Dynamic Light Scattering and Corneal Topography

A growing cataract can be detected at the molecular level using the technique of dynamic light scattering (DLS). However, the success of this method in clinical use depends upon the precise control of the scattering volume inside a patient's eye and especially during patient's repeat visits. This is important because the scattering volume (cross-over region between the scattered fight and incident light) inside the eye in a high-quality DLS set-up is very small (few microns in dimension). This precise control holds the key for success in the longitudinal studies of cataract and during anti-cataract drug screening. We have circumvented these problems by fabricating a new DLS fiber optic probe with a working distance of 40 mm and by mounting it inside a cone of a corneal analyzer. This analyzer is frequently used in mapping the corneal topography during PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) and LASIK (laser in situ keratomileusis) procedures in shaping of the cornea to correct myopia. This new instrument and some preliminary clinical tests on one of us (RRA) showing the data reproducibility are described.

Ansari, Rafat R.↗

NASA NTRS1973

Analytical study to define a helicopter stability derivative extraction method, volume 1

A method is developed for extracting six degree-of-freedom stability and control derivatives from helicopter flight data. Different combinations of filtering and derivative estimate are investigated and used with a Bayesian approach for derivative identification. The combination of filtering and estimate found to yield the most accurate time response match to flight test data is determined and applied to CH-53A and CH-54B flight data. The method found to be most accurate consists of (1) filtering flight test data with a digital filter, followed by an extended Kalman filter (2) identifying a derivative estimate with a least square estimator, and (3) obtaining derivatives with the Bayesian derivative extraction method.

Molusis, J. A.↗

DOE OSTI2022

Industrialized and Robotic Construction Advances in Terrestrial Construction and Opportunities in Space Construction

Advanced Building Construction (ABC) methods such as industrialized prefabrication and robotically controlled additive deposition are becoming promising technologies to support rapid construction of buildings at volume and scale. However, apart from the structural shell of the building, optimal integration of other systems – mechanical, electrical, plumbing, thermal, power generation, storage and distribution, is key to enabling functional buildings. Leveraging ABC methods to integrate such systems in the buildings requires the building design to be optimized for constructability constraints imposed by the industrialized and robotically controlled production setups entailing such ABC methods. The Industrialized Construction Innovation (ICI) team at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has been focusing on research and development of such ABC technologies and processes that can lead to production of buildings which are resilient to extreme climatic conditions at reduced cost and time. There is a potential synergy between such advancements in terrestrial construction, which can be leveraged for the benefit of space (orbital and extra-terrestrial) construction. Similarly, advances in space construction can lend itself to accelerated adoption of robotic construction methods in terrestrial construction. This presentation will give an overview of selective research efforts of the ICI team at NREL, along with a vision for potential collaborations with agencies like NASA.

3D printing↗

NASA NTRS2012

Quality Control Method for a Micro-Nano-Channel Microfabricated Device

A variety of silicon-fabricated devices is used in medical applications such as drug and cell delivery, and DNA and protein separation and analysis. When a fluidic device inlet is connected to a compressed gas reservoir, and the outlet is at a lower pressure, a gas flow occurs through the membrane toward the outside. The method relies on the measurement of the gas pressure over the elapsed time inside the upstream and downstream environments. By knowing the volume of the upstream reservoir, the gas flow rate through the membrane over the pressure drop can be calculated. This quality control method consists of measuring the gas flow through a device and comparing the results with a standard curve, which can be obtained by testing standard devices. Standard devices can be selected through a variety of techniques, both destructive and nondestructive, such as SEM, AFM, and standard particle filtration.

Grattoni, Alessandro↗

DOE OSTI2022

Multifunctional nanopore electrode array method for characterizing and manipulating single entities in attoliter-volume enclosures

Structurally regular nanopore arrays fabricated to contain independently controllable annular electrodes represent a new kind of architecture capable of electrochemically addressing small collections of matter—down to the single entity (molecule, particle, and biological cell) level. Furthermore, these nanopore electrode arrays (NEAs) can also be interrogated optically to achieve single entity spectroelectrochemistry. Larger entities such as nanoparticles and single bacterial cells are investigated by dark-field scattering and potential-controlled single-cell luminescence experiments, respectively, while NEA-confined molecules are probed by single molecule luminescence. By carrying out these experiments in arrays of identically constructed nanopores, massively parallel collections of single entities can be investigated simultaneously. The multilayer metal–insulator design of the NEAs enables highly efficient redox cycling experiments with large increases in analytical sensitivity for chemical sensing applications. NEAs may also be augmented with an additional orthogonally designed nanopore layer, such as a structured block copolymer, to achieve hierarchically organized multilayer structures with multiple stimulus-responsive transport control mechanisms. Finally, NEAs constructed with a transparent bottom layer permit optical access to the interior of the nanopore, which can result in the cutoff of far-field mode propagation, effectively trapping radiation in an ultrasmall volume inside the nanopore. Furthermore, the bottom metal layer may be used as both a working electrode and an optical cladding layer, thus, producing bifunctional electrochemical zero-mode waveguide architectures capable of carrying out spectroelectrochemical investigations down to the single molecule level.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗