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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 145 records · Page 8

Risk-Averse Control of Fractional Diffusion with Uncertain Exponent

In this paper, we introduce and analyze a new class of optimal control problems constrained by elliptic equations with uncertain fractional exponents. We utilize risk measures to formulate the resulting optimization problem. We develop a functional analytic framework, study the existence of solution and rigorously derive the first-order optimality conditions. Additionally, we employ a sample-based approximation for the uncertain exponent and the finite element method to discretize in space. Further, we prove the rate of convergence for the optimal risk neutral controls when using quadrature approximation for the uncertain exponent and conclude with illustrative examples.

finite element method↗

Levoglucosan data from five coastal streams impacted by the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fires, California, United States

This dataset includes levoglucosan data for five coastal California (United States) streams impacted by the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fires which burned from August 16th through September 22nd. Levoglucosan is a highly soluble and biolabile fraction of pyrogenic carbon. The five watersheds (San Lorenzo River, Pescadero Creek, Majors Creek, Laguna Creek, and Scott Creek) were impacted by the fires with watersheds experiencing a range of burn severity and extents. Grab samples were collected from each stream between October 2020 and May 2021, targeting both baseflow and event flow hydrologic conditions. Additional biogeochemistry data (i.e., organic and black carbon concentrations) can be found in a separate data package (https://doi.org/10.4211/hs.421c0226bb38460c8393d67fe0c4f802). This data package consists of one main data folder that contains (1) readme; (2) file-level metadata; (3) data dictionary; (4) field metadata with international generic sample numbers (IGSN); (5) methods codes; and (6) levoglucosan data. All files are .csv or .pdf.

2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fires↗

Domestic Supply Chain of Medical Consumables Needed During COVID-19 Pandemic

This report is an assessment of the availability, demand, and production capability of medical consumables needed to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. We focus here on the ability of the supply chain to increase production to meet demand during peak pandemic conditions. In addition, we report on domestic production efforts and supply chain issues, as well as the propensity of other countries to limit export of needed medical supplies to the United States. In brief, the domestic supply chain and production capability vary greatly depending on the consumable. Some consumables, such as N95 masks or face shields, can likely be nearly fully supplied by domestic production, while other consumables, such as gloves or surgical masks, have little domestic production and thus will depend on imports to meet demand. The assessment pulls primarily from published news sources and company press releases. As such, the demand and production numbers are not precisely known, and some degree of uncertainty exists in them. The total production capability is also often difficult to ascertain from these reports especially as other industries have begun to supplement existing supply chains. In addition, local conditions (including company financial decisions, local public health issues, and political aspects) can vary throughout the pandemic which will affect future production. The report also pulls from estimates of demand and domestic production of some consumables compiled by the White House COVID-19 Supply Chain Taskforce (SCTF) presented by Rear Admiral John Polowczyk before a June 9, 2020 hearing of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. These numbers, where applicable, are likely to be more accurate than those found in public news sources since they are more directly tied to private companies’ actual orders and actual production estimates, as opposed to publicly released estimates. Finally, we note that other issues with the supply chain, including the production of raw materials, increase demand due to industries that have not previously used PPE now using it, and increased domestic production from non-traditional suppliers, make complete picture of a rapidly changing supply chain difficult to obtain. This report attempts to produce an accurate image of the supply and estimated demand, as understood by the authors who are not experts in the medical supply chain.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Final Status Report Confirming Completion of Mechanical Testing of HFIR Irradiated Nanocomposite Materials

This report provides a final status report on the in-cell mechanical testing of High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR)-irradiated nanodispersion-strengthened materials at the Irradiated Materials Examination and Testing (IMET) facility. All tension tests were performed at room temperature with a nominal strain rate of 0.018 mm/mm/min using shoulder-loading grip sets by following the standard testing procedure in ASTM E8/E8M. Round 1 (unirradiated) and round 2 (0.7 dpa) testing was completed in FY 2021. This report confirms completion of round 3 (1.4 dpa) and round 4 (2.1 dpa) tensile testing in FY 2022 with examples of test data collected on select sample conditions. Additionally, the report includes IDs of samples selected for shipment to Idaho National Laboratory (INL) for additional characterization.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Wind Turbine Generator Reliability Analysis to Reduce Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Costs

Wind turbine major systems (blades, pitch, main bearing, gearbox, and generator) are integrated into a composite system. Specifications for these systems and components are developed to achieve symmetry of operation, avoiding negative interaction. For instance, the main bearing, gearbox, and generator (drivetrain) components are interdependent, functioning in unison for efficient energy production. Hence, wind resource and grid interactions affecting the drivetrain impact the performance and reliability of the turbine generator. This paper discusses generator reliability covering the technology evolution over the last 20 years. EPRI's Wind Network for Enhanced Reliability (WinNER) web-based tool and Shermco Industries databases are presented, and conclusions are drawn regarding failures specific to generator design, manufacturing, and operating conditions. Additionally, this paper compares the life expectancy of stator-fed configurations and doubly fed generator systems.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

Optimization of Conditions for Photoluminescence-Based Sensing of Critical Minerals: Strategies and Outlook

Economically critical minerals and metals are vital to America’s security, with application areas in energy, advanced technologies, and defense systems. The growing implementation of renewable energy sources such as electric vehicles is expected to significantly increase demand for these minerals, while the global supply is monopolistic, with most of the production occurring in a few countries outside of the US. To mitigate potential supply chain vulnerabilities, the domestic production of economically critical metals has become a bipartisan priority of the US government, and unconventional sources such as coal and its utilization byproducts such as fly ash and acid mine drainage are being actively explored as an alternative method for meeting domestic demand. Slow and expensive characterization methods for critical metals present a significant pain point for domestic production, which has led to the exploration of alternative low-cost, portable platforms capable of detecting target metals during resource prospecting and downstream process monitoring. The National Energy Technology Laboratory has developed a portable fiber optic-based luminescence spectrometer that utilizes a metal-organic framework (MOF) material to detect and distinguish parts-per-billion levels of the visible-emitting rare earth elements terbium, dysprosium, samarium, and europium, which are all economically critical metals. Although preliminary results with this system are promising, a crucial barrier to practical deployment is the ability to operate in low pH, high ionic strength environments, as acidic conditions and the presence of other metal ions can significantly reduce luminescence signal. Here, current strategies related to sample treatment, material design, and sensor configuration are discussed in the context of improving sensor performance in application-relevant conditions. Additionally, future opportunities, such as the optimization of the sensing binding environment through computational methods and specific metals to be removed for treatment will be discussed, presenting a forward-looking view for innovation in luminescent sensing of critical metals.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Emergent Quantum Magnetism and Cryogenic Spin-Memory in Twisted Bilayer Graphene

Recently developed techniques for assembling moiré heterostructures have enabled unprecedented control of the interlayer interactions within the heterostructure, allowing for the realization of strongly correlated electronic states. The experimentally realized states, to date, include a variety of topological states, superconductivity, and strange metal behavior. However, the phenomenology varies significantly from sample to sample. Here we will present microscopy techniques for further characterization of both the progenitor exfoliated materials and the composite moiré heterostructure. The application of these techniques has allowed for an unprecidented degree of characterization in ambient conditions. Additionally we will explore the use of resistively detected electron spin resonance (ESR) as a novel probe for spin order in moirés. While our results do not show clearly dispersive features that would unambiguously evince spin excitations within the sample, the technique is still promising.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Enhancement of operational Flexibility of Power Plants Using IN740

Headers are crucial components within diverse industries, especially in the energy sector, as they enable the efficient transfer of fluids. The selection of materials for headers is determined by their specific applications; for example, Grade 91 and Grade 92 steels are commonly utilized. In our research, we recommend the adoption of INCONEL alloy 740 due to its exceptional robustness and heat-resistant characteristics. One critical parameter in header systems is the heat transfer coefficient, which directly influences the efficiency of heat exchange processes and can thereby impact the structural integrity of the headers. This coefficient is closely linked with factors such as the Nusselt number, which is influenced by fluid flow characteristics and thermal properties. The flow direction within headers, whether unidirectional or multidirectional—significantly affects the overall dynamics of heat transfer. This research focuses on exploring the behavior of headers, a specific pipeline system component, using ANSYS simulation software. The study aims to predict heat transfer and mechanical behavior within headers under various conditions through steady-state and transient simulations (parts 1 and 2 of the report). Key parameters such as heat transfer coefficient, velocity, and temperature are examined with the goal of optimizing header design. Part 3 of the report addresses the critical yet underexplored relationship between pressure drop and heat transfer coefficients in the transient flow regime within headers, specifically focusing on smooth horizontal circular tubes. Limited experimental work has been conducted in this area, prompting the need for comprehensive analysis. By leveraging machine learning techniques, this research aims to establish a correlation between pressure drop and heat transfer across various flow conditions, including laminar, transient, quasi-turbulent, and turbulent regimes. The data utilized for this analysis were meticulously gathered from existing literature, capturing simultaneous measurements of pressure drops and heat transfer. Part 4: In the context of power plants, header pipes are essential components that significantly influence system performance by facilitating the collection and distribution of steam. This report highlights the critical role of header pipes in enhancing reliability, efficiency, and overall power plant performance. A key aspect of this investigation is shape optimization, which aims to maximize performance while minimizing material usage. By focusing on shape optimization, this research contributes to improved efficiency and a reduced environmental footprint for power plant installations. The methodology developed in this study emphasizes optimizing header shapes to decrease reliance on expensive alloy materials and lower maintenance costs. Furthermore, a case study was conducted using a header from an operational power plant to validate the proposed optimization techniques. Finally, part 5 addresses the challenges associated with flexible operations in boiler systems, the study outlines several strategies for enhancing the durability and reliability of steam headers. Key approaches include material selection, which involves utilizing advanced materials with superior high-temperature properties and enhanced fatigue resistance to extend the lifespan of steam headers. Design modifications are also recommended, focusing on implementing changes that mitigate thermal stress and cyclic loading to reduce the likelihood of failures under varying operating conditions. Additionally, the study emphasizes the importance of regular inspection and monitoring by establishing rigorous protocols to detect early signs of damage, allowing for timely maintenance and minimizing the risks of catastrophic failures. Furthermore, operational guidelines are developed to minimize the frequency and severity of thermal transients, ensuring stable and efficient operations. Collectively, these strategies provide a robust framework for overcoming the unique challenges posed by flexible operation in boiler systems, ultimately contributing to improved reliability and performance in power plant operations. Through this comprehensive approach, the study not only enhances the understanding of pressure drop and heat transfer relationships but also promotes advancements in design and operation that will benefit the entire power generation industry.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗

Heat Transfer of Supercritical Carbon Dioxide in 3D-Printed Tubes with Internal Ribs and Yttria Stabilized Zirconia Coating

This technical report describes measurements performed in NETL’s Heat Exchanger Experimental Test (HEET) facility using supercritical carbon dioxide as the working fluid. 3D printed tubes with internal ribs and yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) exterior coatings were employed in the heat exchanger. Heat transfer and friction factor enhancements from the internal ribs were characterized over a range of flow conditions. Additionally, the thermal resistance from the YSZ coating was characterized for both a freshly applied coating and a coating subjected to thermal aging.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

An Impedance-Loaded Surface Acoustic Wave Corrosion Sensor for Infrastructure Monitoring

Passive surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices are attractive candidates for continuous wireless monitoring of corrosion in large infrastructures. However, acoustic loss in the aqueous medium and limited read range usually create challenges in their widespread use for monitoring large systems such as oil and gas (O&G) pipelines, aircraft, and processing plants. This paper presents the investigation of impedance-loaded reflective delay line (IL-RDL) SAW devices for monitoring metal corrosion under O&G pipeline-relevant conditions. Specifically, we studied the effect of change in resistivity of a reflector on the backscattered signal of an RDL and investigated an optimal range through simulation. This was followed by the experimental demonstrations of real-time monitoring of Fe film corrosion in pressurized (550 psi) humid CO 2 conditions. Additionally, remote monitoring of Fe film corrosion in an acidic solution inside a 70 m carbon steel pipe was demonstrated using guided waves. This paper also suggests potential ways to improve the sensing response of IL-RDLs.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Adapter Signaling Evaluations on EVs [Slides]

In case J3400 and J3400/1 define a basic analog signaling approach for DC charging adapters to communicate over-temperature events to both the EV and EVSE. They also require the EV to implement mitigation and corrective actions in cases where the EVSE does not respond to adapter thermal signals. In this study, multiple production vehicles were evaluated for responsiveness to assess field readiness and ensure consistent performance in accordance with the SAE J1772, J3400 and J3400/1 standards. A series of test cases were developed and executed across different vehicles, using an adapter thermal breakout fixture designed by NLR for evaluations. The results revealed notable variations in behavior: some vehicles expected to comply with J1772 were found to be non-responsive under certain conditions. Additionally, while some EV OEMs appear to align with the J3400 standard, discrepancies exist due to its evolving nature, resulting in inconsistent implementation of the latest requirements. These findings highlight the need for alignment within standards organizations to ensure consistent interpretation, encourage compliance, and reduce potential confusion across implementations.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

A study of psychrophilic organisms isolated from the manufacture and assembly areas of spacecraft to be used in the Viking mission

The ability of psychrophilic microorganisms to grow in some of the environmental conditions suggested for Mars is studied with particular attention given to the effects of moisture and nutrients on growth. Results of growth with the slide culture technique are presented and indicate that this technique can be a rapid and sensitive technique for demonstration of microbial growth under various environmental conditions. Additional soil samples have been obtained from Cape Kennedy, and results of these assays at various low temperatures for psychrophilic populations are presented. The heat resistance of some of the psychrophilic sporeformers have been determined. Psychrophilic organisms were isolated from the teflon ribbons at Cape Kennedy and characterization of these was begun. In addition, heat survivors from the teflon ribbons are being investigated, and partial characterizations of these are presented.

Foster, T. L.↗

Optimal guidance and control for investigating aircraft noise-impact reduction

A methodology for investigating the reduction of community noise impact is reported. This report is concerned with the development of two models to provide data: a guidance generator and an aircraft control generator suitable for various current and advanced types of aircraft. The guidance generator produces the commanded path information from inputs chosen by an operator from a graphic scope display of a land-use map of the terminal area. The guidance generator also produces smoothing at the junctions of straight-line paths.The aircraft control generator determines the optimal set of the available controls such that the aircraft will follow the commanded path. The solutions for the control functions are given and shown to be dependent on the class of aircraft to be considered, that is, whether the thrust vector is rotatable and whether the thrust vector affects the aerodynamic forces. For the class of aircraft possessing a rotatable thrust vector, the solution is redundant; this redundancy is removed by the additional condition that the noise inpact be minimized. Information from both the guidance generator and the aircraft control generator is used by the footprint program to construct the noise footprint.

Stewart, E. C.↗

Evaluation of composite flattened tubular specimen

Flattened tubular specimens of graphite/epoxy, S-glass/epoxy, Kevlar-49/epoxy, and graphite/S-glass/epoxy hybrid materials were evaluated under static and cyclic uniaxial tensile loading and compared directly with flat coupon data of the same materials generated under corresponding loading conditions. Additional development for the refinement of the flattened specimen configuration and fabrication was required. Statically tested graphite/epoxy, S-glass/epoxy, and Kevlar 49/epoxy flattened tube specimens exhibit somewhat higher average strengths than their corresponding flat coupons. Flattened tube specimens of the graphite/S-glass/epoxy hybrid and the graphite/epoxy flattened tube specimens failed in parasitic modes with consequential lower strength than the corresponding flat coupons. Fatigue tested flattened tube specimens failed in parasitic modes resulting in lower fatigue strengths than the corresponding flat coupons.

Liber, T.↗

In-orbit evaluation of the control system/structural mode interactions of the OSO-8 spacecraft

The Orbiting Solar Observatory-8 experienced severe structural mode/control loop interaction problems during the spacecraft development. Extensive analytical studies, using the hybrid coordinate modeling approach, and comprehensive ground testing were carried out in order to achieve the system's precision pointing performance requirements. A recent series of flight tests were conducted with the spacecraft in which a wide bandwidth, high resolution telemetry system was utilized to evaluate the on-orbit flexible dynamics characteristics of the vehicle along with the control system performance. The paper describes the results of these tests, reviewing the basic design problem, analytical approach taken, ground test philosophy, and on-orbit testing. Data from the tests was used to determine the primary mode frequency, damping, and servo coupling dynamics for the on-orbit condition. Additionally, the test results have verified analytically predicted differences between the on-orbit and ground test environments, and have led to a validation of both the analytical modeling and servo design techniques used during the development of the control system.

Slafer, L. I.↗

On-orbit evaluation of the control system/structural mode interactions on OSO-8

The Orbiting Solar Observatory-8 experienced severe structural mode/control loop interaction problems during the spacecraft development. Extensive analytical studies, using the hybrid coordinate modeling approach, and comprehensive ground testing were carried out in order to achieve the system's precision pointing performance requirements. A recent series of flight tests were conducted with the spacecraft in which a wide bandwidth, high resolution telemetry system was utilized to evaluate the on-orbit flexible dynamics characteristics of the vehicle along with the control system performance. This paper describes the results of these tests, reviewing the basic design problem, analytical approach taken, ground test philosophy, and on-orbit testing. Data from the tests was used to determine the primary mode frequency, damping, and servo coupling dynamics for the on-orbit condition. Additionally, the test results have verified analytically predicted differences between the on-orbit and ground test environments. The test results have led to a validation of both the analytical modeling and servo design techniques used during the development of the control system, and also verified the approach taken to vehicle and servo ground testing.

Slafer, L. I.↗

Coherent structures and studies of perturbed and unperturbed jets

A review of known characteristics, experimental and numerical techniques, and research directions of large scale coherent structures in perturbed and unperturbed jets is presented. Attention is given to structures caused by controlled excitations, the relationship between artificially induced and natural structures, and the effects of initial and boundary conditions on structures. Studies of the coherent structures in a jet near field are explored, together with distortions described by the Taylor hypothesis, the application of the hypothesis to turbulent shear, and the dependence of the most probable coherent structure on the Reynolds number and initial conditions. Additional examination is made of jet near and far fields in the absence of excitation. It is suggested that the predominance of coherent structures in fully developed flows is probably exaggerated.

Hussain, A. K. M. F.↗

A tunable coherent CO2 lidar for measurements of atmospheric aerosol backscatter and attenuation

A coherent laser radar system using a grating-tunable, injection-locked TEA-CO2 transmitter is being used to measure the altitude dependence of atmospheric aerosol backscatter and attenuation at a variety of CO2 laser wavelengths in the 9-11 micron region. Injection control of the TEA-CO2 laser allows one to obtain Single-Longitudinal-Mode (SLM) pulses which will follow the frequency of the injected radiation if the TEA laser cavity length is adjusted so that a cavity resonance is in proximity with the injected signal frequency, and if various additional conditions are satisfied. Requirements for generation of SLM pulses in this manner from a TEA CO2 laser with an unstable resonator cavity will be discussed. Procedures used for quantitative range-gated measurements of aerosol backscatter and attenuation will also be discussed.

Menzies, R. T.↗