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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 163 records · Page 9
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

Ab-Initio molecular dynamics simulations of binary NaCl-ThCl 4 and ternary NaCl-ThCl 4 -UCl 3 molten salts

Molten salt reactor (MSR) with Thorium (Th) fuel cycle has attracted growing attention due to its merits such as safety, low radioactive waste production, and non-proliferation. The design and safe operation of MSR rely on a thorough understanding of the thermophysical properties of molten salts over a wide range of composition and temperature. However, experimental data of Th-based molten salts are limited due to the inherent challenges of dealing with corrosive molten salts and the radioactive nature of actinides. Here, in this work, thermophysical properties including density, heat capacity, thermal expansion coefficient, and mixing energy of binary NaCl-ThCl 4 and ternary NaCl-ThCl 4 -UCl 3 molten salts are explored using ab-initio molecular dynamic simulations (AIMD) with the dDsC dispersion correction. The calculated mixing energy of binary NaCl-ThCl 4 exhibits a minimum close to the eutectic composition. The heat capacity of the mixtures is linearly dependent on the mole fraction of each component. 7-fold and 6-fold coordinated Th complexes are dominant in the mixtures. 8-fold coordinated Th complex increases with ThCl 4 fraction due to the formation of network structures. The average coordination number of Th exhibits a minimum near the eutectic composition. The minimum mixing energy for the ternary mixtures is observed in systems with a composition close to [NaCl] 0.5 [ThCl 4 ] 0.25 [UCl 3 ] 0.25 . The density positively deviates from the ideal solution in mixtures near this composition. These results are important to fill the data and knowledge gap of ThCl 4 molten salts.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2016

BLACK HOLE MERGERS AND BLUE STRAGGLERS FROM HIERARCHICAL TRIPLES FORMED IN GLOBULAR CLUSTERS

Hierarchical triple-star systems are expected to form frequently via close binary–binary encounters in the dense cores of globular clusters (GCs). In a sufficiently inclined triple, gravitational interactions between the inner and outer binary can cause large-amplitude oscillations in the eccentricity of the inner orbit (“Lidov–Kozai (LK) cycles”), which can lead to a collision and merger of the two inner components. In this paper we use Monte Carlo models of dense star clusters to identify all triple systems formed dynamically and we compute their evolution using a highly accurate three-body integrator which incorporates relativistic and tidal effects. We find that a large fraction of these triples evolve through a non-secular dynamical phase which can drive the inner binary to higher eccentricities than predicted by the standard secular perturbation theory (even including octupole-order terms). We place constraints on the importance of LK-induced mergers for producing: (i) gravitational wave sources detectable by Advanced LIGO (aLIGO), for triples with an inner pair of stellar black holes (BHs); and (ii) blue straggler stars, for triples with main-sequence-star components. We find a realistic aLIGO detection rate of BH mergers due to the LK mechanism of ∼1 yr{sup −1}, with about 20% of these having a finite eccentricity when they first chirp into the aLIGO frequency band. While rare, these events are likely to dominate among eccentric compact object inspirals that are potentially detectable by aLIGO. For blue stragglers, we find that the LK mechanism can contribute up to ∼10% of their total numbers in GCs.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2016

Feasibility Study for Electrical Discharge Machining of Large DU-Mo Castings

U-10 wt. % Mo (U-10Mo) alloys are being developed as low enrichment monolithic fuel for the CONVERT program. Optimization of processing for the monolithic fuel is being pursued with the use of electrical discharge machining (EDM) under CONVERT HPRR WBS 1.2.4.5 Optimization of Coupon Preparation. The process is applicable to manufacturing experimental fuel plate specimens for the Mini-Plate-1 (MP-1) irradiation campaign. The benefits of EDM are reduced machining costs, ability to achieve higher tolerances, stress-free, burr-free surfaces eliminating the need for milling, and the ability to machine complex shapes. Kerf losses are much smaller with EDM (tenths of mm) compared to conventional machining (mm). Reliable repeatability is achievable with EDM due to its computer-generated machining programs.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2016

U-10Mo/Zr Interface Modeling using a Microstructure-Based FEM Approach

The U-10Mo in low enrichments (LEU) has been identified as the most promising alternative to the current highly enriched uranium (HEU) used in the United States’ fleet of high performance research reactors (USHPRRs). The nominal configuration of the new LEU U-10Mo plate fuel comprises a U-10Mo fuel foil enriched to slightly less than 20% U-235 (0.08” to 0.02” thick), a thin Zr interlayer/diffusion barrier (25 m thick) and a relatively thick outer can of 6061 aluminum. Currently, the Zr interlayer is clad by hot roll bonding. Previous studies and observations revealed a thinning of the zirconium (Zr) layer during this fuel fabrication process, which is not desirable from the fuel performance perspective. Coarse UMo grains, dendritic structures, Mo concentration segregation, carbides, and porosity are present in the as-cast material and can lead to a nonuniform UMo/Zr interface. The purpose of the current work is to investigate the effects of these microstructural parameters on the Zr coating variation. A microstructure-based finite-element method model was used in this work, and a study on the effect of homogenization on the interface between U-10Mo and Zr was conducted. The model uses actual backscattered electron–scanning electron microscopy microstructures, Mo concentrations, and mechanical properties to predict the behavior of a representative volume element under compressive loading during the rolling process. The model successfully predicted the experimentally observed thinning of the Zr layer in the as-cast material. The model also uses results from a homogenization model as an input, and a study on the effect of different levels of homogenization on the interface indicated that homogenization helps decrease this thinning. This model can be considered a predictive tool representing a first step for model integration and an input into a larger fuel fabrication performance model.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2015

Effects of Ignition and Injection Perturbation under Lean and Dilute GDI Engine Operation

Turbocharged gasoline direct injection (GDI) engines are quickly becoming more prominent in light-duty automotive applications because of their potential improvements in efficiency and fuel economy. While EGR dilute and lean operation serve as potential pathways to further improve efficiencies and emissions in GDI engines, they also pose challenges for stable engine operation. Tests were performed on a single-cylinder research engine that is representative of current automotive-style GDI engines. Baseline cases were performed under steady-state operating conditions where combustion phasing and dilution were varied to determine the effects on indicated efficiency and combustion stability. Sensitivity studies were then carried out by introducing binary low-high perturbation of spark timing and injection duration on a cycle-by-cycle basis under EGR dilute and lean operation to determine dominant feedback mechanisms. Ignition perturbation was phased early/late of MBT timing, and injection perturbation was set fuel rich/lean of the given air-fuel ratio. COVIMEP was used to define acceptable operation limits when comparing different perturbation cases. Overall results suggests that combustion phasing is very important for dilute operation while the impact of perturbation is reduced due to increased burn duration compared to the stoichiometric baseline without EGR. Lean operation was found to be very sensitive to injection perturbation, with the effect of perturbations amplified by next-cycle feedback. Due to the longer timescale EGR operation was shown to be less sensitive to next-cycle changes in fueling.

Wallner, Thomas↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Moon Burst Energetics All-sky Monitor: A Beyond Earth-orbit Gamma-ray Burst Detector for Multi-Messenger Astronomy

- Moon Burst Energetics All-sky Monitor is 3-year gamma-ray mission in cislunar orbit to explore the behavior of matter and energy under extreme conditions by observing relativistic astrophysical explosions. - MoonBEAM provides key capabilities that are difficult to achieve in Low Earth Orbit: - instantaneous all-sky gamma-ray field of view - uninterrupted observations with >96% duty cycle - background radiation stability - 3 years of mission operation will provide observations of: - 1600 binary compact mergers - 5900 optically discovered core collapse supernovae - 140 magnetar giant flares - and enables 55 very high energy gamma-ray and 360 optical follow-up

gamma-ray burst↗
DOE OSTI2015

Effects of Ignition and Injection Perturbation under Lean and Dilute GDI Engine Operation

Turbocharged gasoline direct injection (GDI) engines are quickly becoming more prominent in light-duty automotive applications because of their potential improvements in efficiency and fuel economy. While EGR dilute and lean operation serve as potential pathways to further improve efficiencies and emissions in GDI engines, they also pose challenges for stable engine operation. Tests were performed on a single-cylinder research engine that is representative of current automotive-style GDI engines. Baseline cases were performed under steady-state operating conditions where combustion phasing and dilution levels were varied to determine the effects on indicated efficiency and combustion stability. Sensitivity studies were then carried out by introducing binary low-high perturbation of spark timing and injection duration on a cycle-by-cycle basis under EGR dilute and lean operation to determine dominant feedback mechanisms. Ignition perturbation was phased early/late of MBT timing, and injection perturbation was set fuel rich/lean of the given air-to-fuel ratio. COVIMEP was used to define acceptable operation limits when comparing different perturbation cases. Overall sensitivity data shows COVIMEP is more sensitive to injection perturbation over ignition perturbation. This is because of the greater effect injection perturbation has on combustion phasing, ignition delay, and combustion duration.

Wallner, Thomas↗
NASA NTRS1999

High Energy Observations of X-Ray Binaries and Gamma-Ray Blazars

The report discusses the CGRO observation of X-ray binary systems and studies of gamma-ray blasars. Numerous authors have suggested mechanisms for particle acceleration within X-Ray Binary (XRB) systems. Among the acceleration mechanisms that have been applied are pulsar acceleration, shock acceleration at an accretion shock front, shock acceleration at a pulsar wind termination shock, plasma turbulence excited by the accretion flow, and a number of electrodynamic mechanisms. There are therefore many mechanisms which are capable of generating very energetic particles in the XRB environment. If the reports of TeV/PeV gamma-ray generation in XRBs are correct, then one can show that the accelerated particles must be hadrons and that the most likely gamma-ray production mechanism is the decay of collisionally-produced (or photoproduced) neutral pions. At these ultra-high energies, the emission is so strongly beamed that the target conditions are constrained by the requirement that the column depth be large enough to efficiently generate gamma-rays, but not so large that the gamma-rays are absorbed. These constraints naturally lead to models that explain the periodic, narrow duty-cycle pulses observed at TeV/PeV energies as arising from interactions with, either, the atmosphere of the binary companion, an accretion column, or an accretion disk. The production of these TeV/PeV gamma-rays by the decay of pions from "leading isobars" must also be accompanied by a more isotropic emission component in the EGRET energy band from the decay of slower pions (i.e. the "pionization" component). Since the attenuation of 35 MeV-1 GeV photons by photon-photon pair production is not likely to be significant in most XRBs, the TeV/PeV reports therefore strongly suggest sporadic emission in the EGRET energy band. One of the key unresolved issues for understanding AGN is the relationship between XBLs and RBLs.To test the "reunification" hypothesis, authors conducted a multiwavelength campaign during Cycle 7 of the CGRO observing program. The analysis of the cycle 4 through cycle 6 CGRO measurements was completed. Two previously unknown EGRET sources was discovered.

Vestrand, W. Thomas↗
NASA NTRS2004

Discrete X-Ray Source Populations and Star-Formation History in Nearby Galaxies

This program aims in understanding the connection between the discrete X-ray source populations observed in nearby galaxies and the history of star-formation in these galaxies. The ultimate goal is to use this knowledge in order to constrain X-ray binary evolution channels. For this reason although the program is primarily observational it has a significant modeling component. During the first year of this study we focused on the definition of a pilot sample of galaxies with well know star-formation histories. A small part of this sample has already been observed and we performed initial analysis of the data. However, the majority of the objects in our sample either have not been observed at all, or the detection limit of the existing observations is not low enough to probe the bulk of their young X-ray binary populations. For this reason we successfully proposed for additional Chandra observations of three targets in Cycle-5. These observations are currently being performed. The analysis of the (limited) archival data for this sample indicated that the X-ray luminosity functions (XLF) of the discrete sources in these galaxies may not have the same shape as is widely suggested. However, any solid conclusions are hampered by the small number of detected sources. For this reason during the second year of this study, we will try to extend the sample in order to include more objects in each evolutionary stage. In addition we are completing the analysis of the Chandra monitoring observations of the Antennae galaxies. The results from this work, apart from important clues on the nature of the most luminous sources (Ultra-luminous X-ray sources; ULXs) provide evidence that source spectral and/or temporal variability does not significantly affect the shape of their X-ray luminosity functions. This is particularly important for comparisons between the XLFs of different galaxies and comparisons with predictions from theoretical models. Results from this work have been presented in several conferences. Refereed journal papers presenting these conclusions are currently in preparation. An important part of this study is the Chandra survey of the Small Magellanic Cloud, our second nearest star- forming galaxy. So far we have been awarded 5 Chandra observations of the central youngest part of the galaxy. These observations will help to study the very faint end of the young X-ray binary populations which is not possible to probe in more distant objects. Results from this study have been presented in several conferences and two papers are in preparation. In addition during year-2 we are planning of undertaking the task of identifying optical counterparts to the X-ray sources, which will help us to isolate interlopers (sources not associated with the SMC) and classify the X-ray binaries which are found to be associated with the SMC. In the theoretical front, the Star-Track X-ray binary population synthesis code which will be used for the modeling of the X-ray binary populations (led by co-I V. Kalogera and C. Belczynski), is complete. A first test using the XLF of the star-forming galaxy NGC-1569 showed remarkable agreement between the observed and the modeled XLF. These results are presented in an ApJ. Letters paper (Belczynski et al, 2004, 601, 147). During year-2 of this study we are planning of performing a parameter study in order to investigate which parameters are most important for the shape of the XLF. In addition we will perform comparisons with observations of other galaxies from our sample as they become available.

Zezas, Andreas↗
DOE OSTI2018

The Effect of Solvent on the Capacity Retention in a Germanium Anode for Lithium Ion Batteries

A thin and mechanically stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) is desirable for a stable cyclic performance in a lithium ion battery. For the electrodes that undergo a large volume expansion such as Si, Ge and Sn, the presence of a robust SEI layer can improve the capacity retention. In this work, the role of solvent choice on the electrochemical performance of Ge electrode is presented by a systematic comparison of the SEI layers in EC-based and FEC-based electrolytes. The results show that the presence of FEC as a co-solvent in a binary or ternary solvent electrolyte results in an excellent capacity retention of ~ 85% after 200 cycles at the current density of 500 mA·g-1; while EC-based electrode suffers a rapid capacity degradation with a capacity retention of just 17% at the end of 200 cycles. Post analysis by an extensive use of x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was carried out, which showed that the presence of Li2O in FEC-based SEIs was the origin for the improved electrochemical performance.

Mishra, Kuber↗
DOE OSTI2014

Dixie Valley Bottoming Binary Unit

This binary plant is the first air cooled, high-output refrigeration based waste heat recovery cycle in the industry. Its working fluid is environmentally friendly and as such, the permits that would be required with a hydrocarbon based cycle are not necessary. The unit is largely modularized, meaning that the unit’s individual skids were assembled in another location and were shipped via truck to the plant site. The Air Cooled Condensers (ACC), equipment piping, and Balance of Plant (BOP) piping were constructed at site. This project further demonstrates the technical feasibility of using low temperature brine for geothermal power utilization. The development of the unit led to the realization of low temperature, high output, and environmentally friendly heat recovery systems through domestic research and engineering. The project generates additional renewable energy, resulting in cleaner air and reduced carbon dioxide emissions. Royalty and tax payments to governmental agencies will increase, resulting in reduced financial pressure on local entities. The major components of the unit were sourced from American companies, resulting in increased economic activity throughout the country.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS1995

Origin of condensation nuclei in the springtime polar stratosphere

An enhanced sulfate aerosol layer has been observed near 25 km accompanying springtime ozone depletion in the Antarctic stratosphere. We use a one-dimensional aerosol model that includes photochemistry, particle nucleation, condensational growth, coagulation, and sedimentation to study the origin of the layer. Annual cycles of sunlight, temperature, and ozone are incorporated into the model. Our results indicate that binary homogeneous nucleation leads to the formation of very small droplets of sulfuric acid and water under conditions of low temperature and production of H2SO4 following polar sunrise. Photodissociation of carbonyl sulfide (OCS) alone, however, cannot provide sufficient SO2 to create the observed condensation nuclei (CN) layer. When subsidence of SO2 from very high altitudes in the polar night vortex is incorporated into the model, the CN layer is reasonably reproduced. The model predictions, based on the subsidence in polar vortex, agree with in situ measurements of particle concentration, vertical distribution, and persistence during polar spring.

Zhao, Jingxia↗
NASA NTRS1995

Origin of Condensation Nuclei in the Springtime Polar Stratosphere

An enhanced sulfate aerosol layer has been observed near 25 km accompanying springtime ozone depletion in the Antarctic stratosphere. We use a one-dimensional aerosol model that includes photochemistry, particle nucleation, condensational growth, coagulation, and sedimentation to study the origin of the layer. Annual cycles of sunlight, temperature, and ozone are incorporated into the model. Our results indicate that binary homogeneous nucleation leads to the formation of very small droplets of sulfuric acid and water under conditions of low temperature and production of H2SO4 following polar sunrise. Photodissociation of carbonyl sulfide (OCS) alone, however, cannot provide sufficient SO2 to create the observed condensation nuclei (CN) layer. When subsidence of SO2 from very high altitudes in the polar night vortex is incorporated into the model, the CN layer is reasonably reproduced. The model predictions, based on the subsidence in polar vortex, agree with in situ measurements of particle concentration, vertical distribution, and persistence during polar spring.

Zhao, Jingxia↗
NASA NTRS1999

The Bright Gamma-Ray Transient GRO J1838-0145: Multiwavelength Studies of X-Ray Novae

We completed the observational work regarding the bright gamma-ray transient GRO J1838-014 that might be a representative of a new class of gamma-ray sources in our Galaxy. A bright gamma-ray flare was detected by EGRET in June 1996. Its time variability (approx. weeks) and the absence of a clearly identified radio-loud (-approx. 1 Jy) blazar in its error box are crucial for our interpretation of GRO J1838-014 as an object different from gamma-ray blazars or isolated pulsars. We also observed the error box with ASCA and SAX pointings without identifying obvious candidate counterparts. The X-ray flux in quiescence, if any, is quite low, and canonical X-ray binary systems are also excluded. GRO J1838-014 is not the only non-blazar gamma-ray transients detected by EGRET in the Galactic plane. An analysis of CGRO Cycle 4 data is being completed in collaboration with R. Mukherjee and J. Mattox with the discussion of other interesting unidentified sources. Pulsars embedded in transient gaseous surroundings (maybe in binary systems) or compact objects in special systems are plausible candidates. A theoretical analysis is being developed. We also continued the study of Galactic X-ray novae, in particular of systems producing radio jets such as GRS 1915+10. The use of Green Bank Interferometer data (of which the MT is the chair of the executive committee) has been of great use to GRO and other satellite missions. We completed a study of X-ray/radio outbursts of GRS 1915+10 with BSAX and Ryle radiotelescope data and CGRO/BATSE simultaneous data. We also continued our theoretical work on gamma-ray bursts.

Tavani, Marco↗
NASA NTRS2002

Latitude-Dependent Effects in the Stellar Wind of Eta Carinae

The Homunculus reflection nebula around eta Carinae provides the rare opportunity to observe the spectrum of a star from more than one direction. In the case of eta Car, the nebula's geometry is known well enough to infer how wind profiles vary with latitude. We present STIS spectra of several positions in the Homunculus, showing directly that eta Car has an aspherical and axisymmetric stellar wind. P Cygni absorption in Balmer lines depends on latitude, with relatively high velocities and strong absorption near the polar axis. Stronger absorption at high latitudes is surprising, and it suggests higher mass flux toward the poles, perhaps resulting from equatorial gravity darkening on a rotating star. Reflected profiles of He I lines are more puzzling, and offer clues to eta Car's wind geometry and ionization structure. During eta Car's high-excitation state in March 2000, the wind had a fast, dense polar wind, with higher ionization at low latitudes. Older STIS data obtained since 1998 reveal that this global stellar-wind geometry changes during eta Car's 5.5 year cycle, and may suggest that this star s spectroscopic events are shell ejections. Whether or not a companion star triggers these outbursts remains ambiguous. The most dramatic changes in the wind occur at low latitudes, while the dense polar wind remains relatively undisturbed during an event. The apparent stability of the polar wind also supports the inferred bipolar geometry. The wind geometry and its variability have critical implications for understanding the 5.5 year cycle and long-term variability, but do not provide a clear alternative to the binary hypothesis for generating eta Car s X-rays.

Smith, Nathan↗
NASA NTRS1996

Microalloying Improves the Low-Cycle Fatigue Behavior of Powder-Extruded NiAl

There is considerable interest in developing new structural materials in which high use temperatures and strength, coupled with low density, are the minimum requirements. The goal for these new materials is to provide operation well beyond the working range of conventional superalloys. Of the many intermetallics under consideration, NiAl is one of the few systems that has emerged as a promising candidate for further development. This is because of a number of property advantages--including low density, high melting temperature, high thermal conductivity, and excellent environmental resistance. However, binary NiAl lacks strength and creep resistance at elevated temperatures. Also, its poor high-temperature strength results in worse-than-predicted low-cycle fatigue (LCF) lives at low strain ranges at 727 C (1341 F) because of accelerated creep damage mechanisms that result in significant intergranular cracking. One approach for improving these properties involves microalloying NiAl with either Zr or N. As an integral part of this alloy-development program at the NASA Lewis Research Center, the low-cycle fatigue behavior of Zr- and N-doped nickel aluminides produced by extrusion of prealloyed powders was investigated and compared with similarly processed binary NiAl.

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