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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 1,297 records · Page 72

Heat and Mass Transfer in Cesium Evaporation from Graphite Surface in Argon

The aim of the present work is mathematical modeling of the heat and mass transfer of {sup 137}Cs under the action of low-temperature equilibrium plasma flow on sections of graphite contaminated by radionuclides. The methods of investigation are calculation of the temperature and mass rate of evaporation of radiocesium by solving a system of quasi-homogeneous nonstationary heat conduction equations with boundary conditions of the first and third kind, which take account of mass transfer, by means of finite-difference elements using the ANSYS package.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Investigation of the effect of noise parameters of a 3D lidar on the error in estimating relief signatures of distant objects from 2D field intensity distributions of reflected radiation

We consider the influence of noise parameters of a 3D lidar and external background radiation on the error in estimating the relief signatures of distant objects from 2D field intensity distributions of the reflected radiation. A physical and mathematical model is developed to analyse the effect of noise. The dependence of the error in estimating the relief signatures at various signal-to-noise ratios is investigated taking into account the parameters of real multi-element photodetectors (MEPDs). The obtained results indicate the possibility of evaluating relief signatures of distant objects with high accuracy based on standard MEPDs simultaneously for a large number of points on the object’s surface with a signal-to-noise ratio of more than 4. (paper)

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Investigation on the Fluid Flow and Decarburization Process in the RH Process

In the current study, mathematical models were developed to predict the fluid flow and motion of gas bubbles in the RH degasser. The multiphase model volume of fluid was employed to simulate the free surface in the vacuum chamber, while injected argon bubbles were treated as discrete-phase particles and tracked using the discrete-phase model. The expansion of argon bubbles was considered. The variation of the liquid level in the vacuum chamber and the effect of the number of nozzles on the recirculation rate were discussed in detail. The optimal number of nozzles was 6. Furthermore, the decarburization process was simulated by considering three reaction sites: the free surface, inner sites of the liquid steel in the vacuum chamber, and the bubble surface. The carbon contents predicted by the decarburization model were well validated by the measured results in the literature. The effect of the gas flow rate on the decarburization process was also investigated. With the increasing gas flow rate, the carbon content gradually decreased, and then reached the steady state. The optimal gas flow rate was 2400 L/min, which was explained by the comparison of the decarburization rate constants. Meanwhile, the decarburization reaction was in a quick decarburization stage for the first 7 minutes, and for the next 13 minutes, the decarburization rate constant rapidly decreased.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Generation of double giant pulses in actively Q-switched lasers

Generation of a second giant pulse in a longitudinal mode neighbouring to the longitudinal mode possessing minimal losses is theoretically and experimentally studied in actively Q-switched lasers. A mathematical model is suggested for explaining the giant pulse generation in a laser with multiple longitudinal modes. The model makes allowance for not only a standing, but also a running wave for each cavity mode. Results of numerical simulation and data of experiments with a Nd : YLF laser explain the effect of second giant pulse generation in a neighbouring longitudinal mode. After a giant pulse in the mode with minimal losses is generated, the threshold for the neighbouring longitudinal mode is still exceeded due to the effect of burning holes in the population inversion spatial distribution. (paper)

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Features in simulation of crystal growth using the hyperbolic PFC equation and the dependence of the numerical solution on the parameters of the computational grid

We investigate the three-dimensional mathematical model of crystal growth called PFC (Phase Field Crystal) in a hyperbolic modification. This model is also called the modified model PFC (originally PFC model is formulated in parabolic form) and allows to describe both slow and rapid crystallization processes on atomic length scales and on diffusive time scales. Modified PFC model is described by the differential equation in partial derivatives of the sixth order in space and second order in time. The solution of this equation is possible only by numerical methods. Previously, authors created the software package for the solution of the Phase Field Crystal problem, based on the method of isogeometric analysis (IGA) and PetIGA program library. During further investigation it was found that the quality of the solution can strongly depends on the discretization parameters of a numerical method. In this report, we show the features that should be taken into account during constructing the computational grid for the numerical simulation.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

On the Theory of Acoustic Sounding of Tubular Channels Containing Depressurization Portions

A study is made of the evolution of pressure perturbations that propagate in a tubular channel filled with liquid or gas and having a damaged portion in the form of fairly large slots when their hydraulic resistance is minor. For this purpose, the authors have adopted a mathematical model taking account of viscous friction and of the transfer of heat in a thin layer of the liquid (or the gas) near the wall. Based on this model, dispersion relations have been obtained for the processes of propagation and reflection of harmonic waves from the damaged portion. An analysis has been made of the dependences of the phase velocity, the attenuation factor, and also the coefficients of reflection and transmission on the circular frequency, the physical properties of the liquid or the gas, and also the size of damage. The authors have presented results illustrating the dynamics of pulsed signals as a function of the distance to the damaged portion from the inlet cross section of the channel, the damage scale, and of the form of the medium (liquid or a gas) in the channel.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Engine Load Path Calculations - Project Neo

A mathematical model of the engine and actuator geometry was developed and used to perform a static force analysis of the system with the engine at different pitch and yaw angles. This analysis yielded the direction and magnitude of the reaction forces at the mounting points of the engine and actuators. These data were used to validate the selection of the actuators installed in the system and to design a new spherical joint to mount the engine on the test fixture. To illustrate the motion of the system and to further interest in the project, a functional 3D printed version of the system was made, featuring the full mobility of the real system.

geometry↗

Determination of the Charge Materials Range in Multistage Charge Burden Optimization for Foundry Furnaces

Optimization of charge burden for foundry furnaces lies in determining a percentage or mass (kg, t) of the share of each charge material in the burden with the lowest unit cost. A classic task of charge burden optimization requires a definition of an objective function, which most often defines the cost of the charge burden and a system of constraints, including technological assumptions such as the balance of chemical elements for the required chemical composition of the charge or molten metal, limitations of the mass fraction of the individual elements of the charge, and others. The solution for such an optimization task is a set of starting values for the devices which weigh and proportion the charge materials for a foundry furnace. The consequences of deviations from proper values, causes by inaccurate weighing or proportioning and human error as well, can be limited by using an appropriately designed and implemented multistage optimization algorithm. This article presents a mathematical model of such an algorithm and discussion of its practical application. The algorithm as described below can be an important element of computer-aided decision to be made by employees in the process of batch compilation or automatically control devices dosing individual batch components. An IT system with an implemented algorithm may significantly increase the efficiency of charge preparation for a foundry furnace, guaranteeing its correct chemical composition despite batch materials dosing errors. It will contribute to a significant improvement of economic indicators of liquid metal production, with the effect of boosting the competitiveness of the foundry industry.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Experimental and Mathematical Simulation Study on the Granulation of a Modified Basic Oxygen Furnace Steel Slag

Basic oxygen furnace (BOF) steel slag is a major waste of the steelmaking industry. Utilization of BOF slag contributes to the sustainability of the steel industry by alleviating its environmental impact. Vitrification during cooling is an effective method to promote the cementitious activity of slags with the aim to apply slags in high value-added applications. In the present study, an Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}- and SiO{sub 2}-modified BOF slag was water granulated at a pilot scale. The amorphous and mineral fractions were measured quantitatively. The critical cooling rate to vitrify the modified slag was calculated through the Time-Temperature-Transformation diagrams constructed using in situ confocal scanning laser microscopy. To provide an insight into the crystallization behavior during the granulation process, a mathematical model was developed. The model was validated by comparing the amorphous fraction obtained from experiments with that from simulation. Temperature profiles of the slag particles with varied sizes were calculated with the aid of COMSOL Multiphysics software. The effect of particle size on the vitrified fraction was discussed in detail and the temperature gradient from surface to center of the particle was identified. The results provide novel fundamental understanding of the vitrification process regarding to the slag valorization, which will help the industrial implementation of granulation for pollution remediation and other engineered environmental systems such as chemical industry and pharmaceutical industry.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Analysys of the performance a PEM-type electrolyzer in variable energy supply conditions

Here in this article, the main variables related to the performance of a proton exchange membrane-type electrolyzer are analyzed along with the risk of explosion for different operating conditions, notably when the electrolyzer works with a variable solar energy power supply and at high pressure. A novel mathematical model was developed that considers all mass transport phenomena through the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) for water, hydrogen, and oxygen, as well as the water evaporation in the anode and cathode channels. The main findings of this work are that for a solar energy supply operating at high pressure, the electrolyzer cannot function safely throughout the day, since in the hours when solar irradiation is lower, low current densities favor high hydrogen concentrations at the anode. Finally, it was found that greater thicknesses of the membrane increased the explosion risk due to the increase in the MEA temperature and therefore the hydrogen solubility.

08 HYDROGEN↗

New Approach in Fissile Assay Using LSDS - 17076

A quantitative assay of isotopic fissile materials (U{sup 235}, Pu{sup 239}, Pu{sup 241}) was conducted at the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), using a lead slowing down spectrometer (LSDS). Using a uranium rod and plutonium, the actual measurement of induced fission neutrons was performed in the RPI (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute) LSDS facility. In the simulation, a content of U{sup 235}, Pu{sup 239}, and Pu{sup 241} was changed. The detected signal has a direct relationship with the mass of the existing fissile isotopes. The mathematical model for fissile assay was applied to the measured and simulated detection data. The assay results show that the isotopic content was consistent with 2 to 3% uncertainty for Pu{sup 239}. The simulation indicated that the assay result was affected by the self-shielding correction. Usually, in highly enriched plutonium, the correction plays an important role and good understanding of it is required in order to increase assay accuracy. The combination of LSDS technique measurement and simulation is a very powerful and direct way to analyze the isotopic fissile content. The information provided by such analysis is applicable to nuclear fuel cycle development and spent fuel management for safety and economics. (authors)

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Study of Non-Newtonian Behavior of CaO-SiO{sub 2}-Based Mold Slag and Its Effect on Lubrication in Continuous Casting of Steel

To understand the effect of the non-Newtonian behavior of mold slag on lubrication during continuous casting of steel, the current study investigated the rheology of CaO-SiO{sub 2}-based mold slag using a rotational viscometer with variable rotating speed. The constitutive equations at different temperatures were determined. Subsequently, the obtained viscosity as a function of temperature and shear rate was incorporated into a validated mathematical model. The main results demonstrated that slag viscosity decreased dramatically with increased shear rate as the experimental temperature approached the break temperature of mold slag, meaning that the mold slag had a property of shear thinning. The predicted evolution of slag viscosity during mold oscillation was consistent with the shear thinning as the shear rate exerted on the slag channel varied. The calculated slag consumption was higher than that for slag treated as a Newtonian fluid, which agreed well with measurements using a miniature continuous caster. This study finds that the consideration of the non-Newtonian behavior of mold slag is significant to understand the lubrication mechanism and optimize related parameters via simulation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Numerical Simulation of Slag Eye Formation and Slag Entrapment in a Bottom-Blown Argon-Stirred Ladle

A transient mathematical model is developed for simulating the bubble-steel-slag-top gas four-phase flow in a bottom-blown argon-stirred ladle with a 70-ton capacity. The Lagrangian discrete phase model (DPM) is used for describing the moving behavior of bubbles in the steel and slag. To observe the formation process of slag eye, the volume of fluid (VOF) model is used to track the interfaces between three incompressible phases: metal/slag, metal/gas, and slag/gas. The complex multiphase turbulent flow induced by bubble-liquid interactions is solved by a large eddy simulation (LES) model. Slag eye area and slag droplet dispersion are investigated under different gas flow rates. The results show that the movement of bubbles, formation and collapse of slag eye, volatility of steel/slag interface and behavior of slag entrapment can be properly predicted in the current model. When the gas flow rate is 300 L/min, the circulation driven by the bubble plume will stir the entire ladle adequately and form a slag eye of the right size. At the same time, it will not cause strong erosion to the ladle wall, and the fluctuation of the interface is of adequate intensity, which will be helpful for improving the desulfurization efficiency; the slag entrapment behavior can also be decreased. Interestingly, with the motion of liquid steel circulation, the collision and coalescence of dispersed slag droplets occur during the floating process in the vicinity of the wall.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

A revised dynamic otolith model

Control theory applied to analysis of vestibular function for obtaining mathematical model of semicircular canals and otolith organs

Meiry, J. L.↗

A probabilistic model of insolation for the Mojave Desert area

A discussion of mathematical models of insolation characteristics suitable for use in analysis of solar energy systems is presented and shows why such models are essential for solar energy system design. A model of solar radiation for the Mojave Desert area is presented with probabilistic and deterministic components which reflect the occurrence and density of clouds and haze, and mimic their effects on both direct and indirect radiation. Multiple comparisons were made between measured total energy received per day and the corresponding simulated totals. The simulated totals were all within 11 percent of the measured total. The conclusion is that a useful probabilistic model of solar radiation for the Goldstone, California, area of the Mojave Desert has been constructed.

Hester, O. V.↗