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At least 163 records · Page 9

Emission Spectroscopy and Radiometric Measurements in the NASA Ames IHF Arc Jet Facility

Plasma diagnostic measurement campaigns in the NASA Ames Interaction Heating Facility (IHF) have been conducted over the last several years with a view towards characterizing the flow in the arc jet facility by providing data necessary for modeling and simulation. Optical emission spectroscopy has been used in the plenum and in the free jet of the nozzle. Radiation incident over a probe surface has also been measured using radiometry. Plenum measurements have shown distinct radial profiles of temperature over a range of operating conditions. For cases where large amounts of cold air are added radially to the main arc-heated stream, the temperature profiles are higher by as much as 1500 K than the profiles assumed in flow simulations. Optical measurements perpendicular to the flow direction in the free jet showed significant contributions to the molecule emission through inverse pre-dissociation, thus allowing determination of atom number densities from molecular emission. This has been preliminarily demonstrated with the N2 1st Positive System. Despite the use of older rate coefficients, the resulting atom densities are reasonable and surprisingly close to flow predictions.

Winter, Michael W.↗

The Influence of Low Wall Temperature on Boundary-Layer Transition and Local Heat Transfer on 2-Inch-Diameter Hemispheres at a Mach Number of 4.95 and a Reynolds Number per Foot of 73.2 x 10(exp 6)

Measurements of the location of boundary-layer transition and the local heat transfer have been made on 2-inch-diameter hemispheres in the Langley gas dynamics laboratory at a Mach number of 4.95, a Reynolds number per foot of 73.2 x 10(exp 6), and a stagnation temperature of approximately 400 F. The transient-heating thin-skin calorimeter technique was used, and the initial values of the wall-to-stream stagnation- temperature ratios were 0.16 (cold-model tests) and 0.65 (hot-model test). During two of the four cold tests, the boundary-layer flow changed from turbulent to laminar over large regions of the hemisphere as the model heated. On the basis of a detailed consideration of the magnitude of roughness possibly present during these two cold tests, it appears that this destabilizing effect of low wall temperatures (cooling) was not caused by roughness as a dominant influence. This idea of a decrease in boundary-layer stability with cooling has been previously suggested. (See, for example, NASA Memorandum 10-8-58E.) For the laminar data obtained during the early part of the hot test, the correlation of the local-heating data with laminar theory was excellent.

Cooper, Morton↗

Analysis of heat transfer in a simulated wing-elevon cove in hypersonic flow

A simplified analytical model of leakage into a wing-elevon cove under high speed external flow conditions is presented. The model accounts for convection from the high temperature gas stream leaking into the cove, radiation exchanges between walls and with the environment, and axial conduction within the channel walls. Comparisons are made of predicted and measured wall temperatures of an experimental wing-elevon-cove model that was tested in a hypersonic wind tunnel. Analytically determined Nusselt numbers for laminar flow entrance conditions are compared with those calculated from experimentally measured gas temperatures, wall temperatures and wall heating rates. Although reasonable agreement appears to be indicated, testing times much larger than those of the present test program (5 seconds) would be desirable in evaluating the reliability and accuracy of the simplified model.

Keshock, E. G.↗

Heat Exchanger/Humidifier Trade Study and Conceptual Design for the Constellation Space Suit Portable Life Support System Ventilation Subsystem

As development of the Constellation Space Suit Element progresses, designing the most effective and efficient life support systems is critical. The baseline schematic analysis for the Portable Life Support System (PLSS) indicates that the ventilation loop will need some method of heat exchange and humidification prior to entering the helmet. A trade study was initiated to identify the challenges associated with conditioning the spacesuit breathing gas stream for temperature and water vapor control, to survey technological literature and resources on heat exchanger and humidifiers to provide solutions to the problems of conditioning the spacesuit breathing gas stream, and to propose potential candidate technologies to perform the heat exchanger and humidifier functions. This paper summarizes the results of this trade study and also describes the conceptual designs that NASA developed to address these issues.

Paul, Heather L.↗

Heat Exchanger/Humidifier Trade Study and Conceptual Design for the Constellation Space Suit Portable Life Support System Ventilation Subsystem

As development of the Constellation Space Suit Element progresses, designing the most effective and efficient life support systems is critical. The baseline schematic analysis for the Portable Life Support System (PLSS) indicates that the ventilation loop will need some method of heat exchange and humidification prior to entering the helmet. A trade study was initiated to identify the challenges associated with conditioning the spacesuit breathing gas stream for temperature and water vapor control, to survey technological literature and resources on heat exchanger and humidifiers to provide solutions to the problems of conditioning the spacesuit breathing gas stream, and to propose potential candidate technologies to perform the heat exchanger and humidifier functions. This paper summarizes the results of this trade study and also describes the conceptual designs that NASA developed to address these issues.

Paul, Heather L.↗

Optimization of a Nafion Membrane-Based System for Removal of Chloride and Fluoride from Lunar Regolith-Derived Water

A long-term human presence in space will require self-sustaining systems capable of producing oxygen and potable water from extraterrestrial sources. Oxygen can be extracted from lunar regolith, and water contaminated with hydrochloric and hydrofluoric acids is produced as an intermediate in this process. We investigated the ability of Nafion proton exchange membranes to remove hydrochloric and hydrofluoric acids from water. The effect of membrane thickness, product stream flow rate, and acid solution temperature and concentration on water flux, acid rejection, and water and acid activity were studied. The conditions that maximized water transport and acid rejection while minimizing resource usage were determined by calculating a figure of merit. Water permeation is highest at high solution temperature and product stream flow rate across thin membranes, while chloride and fluoride permeation are lowest at low acid solution temperature and concentration across thin membranes. The figure of merit varies depending on the starting acid concentration; at low concentration, the figure of merit is highest across a thin membrane, while at high concentration, the figure of merit is highest at low solution temperature. In all cases, the figure of merit increases with increasing product stream flow rate.

Anthony, Stephen M.↗

Similitude requirements for hypersonic, rarefied, nonequilibrium flow

Similitude requirements for hypersonic, rarefied flow with nonequilibrium chemistry and vibration are presented. The full Navier-Stokes equations with catalytic or noncatalytic walls and with or without slip conditions are nondimensionalized. The heat transfer coefficient is written in terms of fourteen dimensionless parameters and reduced to four by making the binary scaling assumption. Duplication of blunt and sharp nose heat transfer requires the use of air over a geometrically similar model with the same free stream velocity, wall temperature and product of free stream density and characteristic length. Estimates of this heat transfer coefficient are also presented.

Hendricks, W. L.↗

Analysis of an effusive sampling device for analysis of boundary layer gases

The effect of suction, through an opening in a surface, upon a stream of flowing gas is determined. The quantity of interest is the maximum distance, Y, from the surface that the main stream is affected by the applied suction. The fraction of this distance Y of the boundary layer thickness sigma is determined as a function of tubing radius and length, gas pressure, temperature and stream velocity. The shape of the flow in the high velocity stream is assumed to be determined by means of a parameter which is an unknown function of the distance from the leading edge of the surface.

Brown, K. G.↗

Hybrid Cooling and Water Treatment for Resilient, Water-Self-Sufficient Data Centers

The continued growth of data center infrastructure is intensifying demand for freshwater resources, particularly in water-stressed regions, and is increasingly limiting sustainable capacity expansion. This work investigates a conceptual hybrid system that integrates freeze desalination with ultrasonic-assisted ice separation to enable on-site production of pure water from diverse sources, including seawater, brackish groundwater, and reclaimed industrial or agricultural wastewater. Simultaneously, the system produces low-temperature cooling streams that enhance heat removal in high power density computing environments. A process-level thermodynamic analysis is performed across a range of boundary and operating conditions, including variations in feed concentration, freezing temperature, and mass flow rate. The results are presented as performance curves relating feedwater concentration and target purified water output to the corresponding intake flow requirements, enabling estimation of source water demand per unit of Information Technology Equipment (ITE) energy consumption (kWh) across varying data center scales and operational scenarios. The corresponding electrical energy consumption for integrated cooling and water treatment is also evaluated as a function of system operating parameters and target water production levels. These results provide a basis for evaluating system feasibility across different conditions and for identifying parameter ranges in which integrated water treatment and cooling improve resource efficiency, thermal performance, and operational flexibility in data centers.

Elhefny, Aly [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000284907923)↗

Effect of a semi-annular thermal acoustic shield on jet exhaust noise

The effect of a semi-annular acoustic shield on jet exhaust noise is investigated with the rationale that such a configuration would reduce or eliminate the multiple reflection mechanism. A limited range of flow conditions for one nozzle/shield configuration were studied at model scale. Noise measurements for a 10 cm conical nozzle with a semi-annular acoustical shield are presented in terms of lossless free field data at various angular locations with respect to the nozzle. Measurements were made on both the shielded and unshielded sides of the nozzle. Model scale overall sound pressure level directivity patterns and comparisons of model scale spectral data are provided. The results show that a semi-annular thermal acoustic shield consisting of a low velocity, high temperature gas stream partially surrounding a central jet exhibits lower noise levels than when the central jet is operated alone. The results are presented parametrically, showing the effects of various shield and central system velocities and temperatures.

Goodykoontz, J.↗

SHOTEAM: Superalloy Heat exchangers Optimized for Temperature Extremes and Additive Manufacturability (Final Technical Report)

UCLA developed an extreme-condition heat exchanger technology targeted to ultra-high efficiency hybrid aviation power cycles. The heat exchanger targeted operation at 50 kW (thermal) at supercritical CO 2 pressures of 80 and 250 bar (1160 and 3626 psi) in hot and cold streams, respectively and at a hot-stream inlet temperature of 800°C (1472°F). A metallic superalloy capable of withstanding high temperature and pressure was used to fabricate a microtube shell-and-tube-based design supplemented with 3D-printed tube augmentations. The optimized design enhanced overall heat transfer while maintaining a small overall form factor and low weight. This class of heat exchanger could dramatically improve efficiency, power density, and cost effectiveness for new hybrid aviation power cycles, thus enabling economically feasible routes to air vehicle propulsion with substantially less CO 2 emissions to the environment.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

Contaminant Removal from Oxygen Production Systems for In Situ Resource Utilization

The In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) project has been developing technologies to produce oxygen from lunar regolith to provide consumables to a lunar outpost. The processes developed reduce metal oxides in the regolith to produce water, which is then electrolyzed to produce oxygen. Hydrochloic and hydrofluoric acids are byproducts of the reduction processes, as halide minerals are also reduced at oxide reduction conditions. Because of the stringent water quality requirements for electrolysis, there is a need for a contaminant removal process. The Contaminant Removal from Oxygen Production Systems (CROPS) team has been developing a separation process to remove these contaminants in the gas and liquid phase that eliminates the need for consumables. CROPS has been using Nafion, a highly water selective polymeric proton exchange membrane, to recover pure water from the contaminated solution. Membrane thickness, product stream flow rate, and acid solution temperature and concentration were varied with the goal of maximizing water permeation and acid rejection. The results show that water permeation increases with increasing solution temperature and product stream flow rate, while acid rejection increases with decreasing solution temperature and concentration. Thinner membranes allowed for higher water flux and acid rejection than thicker ones. These results were used in the development of the hardware built for the most recent Mars ISRU demonstration project.

Anthony, Stephen M.↗

The Role of Snowmelt and Subsurface Heterogeneity in Headwater Hydrology of a Mountainous Catchment in Colorado: A Model‐Data Integration Approach

Mountainous headwater streams are sustained by both snowmelt‐driven streamflow and groundwater discharge in the Upper Colorado River Basin. However, predicting headwater stream discharge magnitude and peak flow timing is challenging in mountainous terrains, where snowmelt rates vary with vegetation type and elevation, and heterogeneous subsurface physical properties influence groundwater storage and its release. We used a model‐data integration approach to investigate the roles of snowmelt and subsurface structure in stream discharge and groundwater level. We ran an ensemble of 100 integrated surface‐subsurface hydrologic models for a mountainous headwater catchment near Crested Butte, Colorado, USA. We also evaluated and calibrated these models against observed data sets, including snow depth measurements using distributed temperature probes, stream discharge, and groundwater levels. Calibration with multiple data sources using neural density estimators has further constrained uncertainty in subsurface properties and snowmelt rates. Results indicated that observed slower snowmelt rates in evergreen forests delayed the peak flow and baseflow onset. In upstream areas with lower subsurface permeability, water was stored within the subsurface but was not released as interflow or shallow groundwater flow, and thereby not contributing to downstream streamflow during recession limb periods. Double peaks in groundwater occurred in areas with spatial subsurface heterogeneity, in our case due to the contrast between granodiorite and Mancos shale. These process‐based insights into groundwater and snowmelt dynamics in mountainous headwaters will help improve predictions of headwater hydrology.

Wang, Lijing [University of Connecticut, Storrs, C↗

Thermodynamics conditions of matter in the neutrino decoupling region during neutron star mergers

In this work we investigate the thermodynamics conditions at which neutrinos decouple from matter in neutron star merger remnants by post-processing results of merger simulations. We find that the matter density and the neutrino energies are the most relevant quantities in determining the decoupling surface location. For mean energy neutrinos (~9, 15 and 24 MeV for ν e , $\bar{ν}$ e and ν μ,τ , respectively) the transition between diffusion and free-streaming conditions occurs around 10 11 g cm -3 for all neutrino species. Weak and thermal equilibrium freeze-out occurs deeper (several 10 12 g cm -3 ) for heavy-flavor neutrinos than for $\bar{ν}$ e and ν e (≳10 11 g cm -3 ). Decoupling temperatures are broadly in agreement with the average neutrino energies, with softer equations of state characterized by ~1 MeV larger decoupling temperatures. Neutrinos streaming at infinity with different energies come from different remnant parts. While low-energy neutrinos (~3 MeV) decouple at ρ~10 13 g cm -3 , T~10 MeV and Y e ≲0.1 close to weak equilibrium, high-energy ones (~50 MeV ) decouple from the disk at ρ~10 9 g cm -3 , T~2 MeV and Y e ≳0.25. The presence of a massive NS or a BH influences the neutrino thermalization. While in the former case decoupling surfaces are present for all relevant energies, the lower maximum density ( ≲10 12 g cm -3 ) in BH-torus systems does not allow softer neutrinos to thermalize and diffuse.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Wind Energy Forecasting with the Weather Research and Forecasting Model

This was a collaborative effort between Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC as manager and operator of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) and Siemens Energy, Inc. (Siemens) to develop a wind resource forecasting tool. LLNL was to develop an independent high-resolution mesoscale modeling capability forecasting tool that could be implemented in conjunction with existing wind farm control and monitoring software to provide forecasting of wind resources using local observations of winds and temperature. Research with LLNL’s state-of-the-art large-eddy simulation meteorological prediction model, based on the community WRF model and innovative turbulence parameterizations, would improve that model’s applicability to large wind farms offshore and in complex terrain. The modeling capability would include uncertainty quantification. Finally, the application of the modeling tool and existing global climate change predictions would enable the delineation of the likely effects of climate change on wind resources. Siemens was to provide high time resolution hub-height wind speed and other meteorological data streams, including temperature profiles from wind farms, for LLNL to incorporate into the modeling system, to validate and tune this forecasting model for their locations of interest. These data streams would also be used for longer-term studies of correlations of wind resources to climate oscillations to indicate how long-term climate change trends may affect the available wind resource. Siemens would also provide information and observations of turbine wakes for incorporation into the modeling tool. By implementing state-of-the-art turbulence parameterizations into a simulation model and/or ensembles of simulation models, and by integrating real-time hub height wind speed and other meteorological datastreams from wind farms into that model or ensemble of models, LLNL would develop a forecasting tool that could be implemented by Siemens as an add-on to existing wind farm control and monitoring software to provide owners with useful resource forecasting. The desired outcome was that the accuracy level of the output would be sufficient to substantiate power output commitments. The final deliverable for this work would consist of a document outlining the algorithms and software tools that could be integrated into Siemens Wind Park Supervisor.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

BOTTLE: Hybrid Chemical-Mechanical Separation and Upcycling of Mixed Plastic Waste

The main objective of this project is to develop a hybrid mechanical-chemical recycling technology for multilayered and laminated plastics. We aimed to separate and upcycle up to more than 80% of the two main constituents of such structures, polyolefins and polyesters, for a significantly lower cost and at higher energetic efficiency and much larger throughputs than chemical recycling. At the end of the project, the team was able to: a) Develop an extrusion-based separation technology that resorts to polyester depolymerizaton and extraction and allows for more than 90% of the polyester to be separated in the melt from the main polyolefin stream. b) Depolymerize the separated PET to more than 90%, which facilitates its posterior repolymerization and guarantees its retention in the polymer value-chain. c) Develop a zeolite-induced extrusion-based technology able to conduct continuous catalytic cracking of polyolefins, including highly contaminated PCR streams, at temperatures as low as 350 OC. d) Show, using LCA/TEA analysis that the two technologies are much more advantageous techno-economically and over the material’s life cycle than existing recycling technologies.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

NASA Lewis Research Center's Preheated Combustor and Materials Test Facility

The Preheated Combustor and Materials Test Facility (PCMTF) in the Engine Research Building (ERB) at the NASA Lewis Research Center is one of two unique combustor facilities that provide a nonvitiated air supply to two test stands, where the air can be used for research combustor testing and high-temperature materials testing. Stand A is used as a research combustor stand, whereas stand B is used for cyclic and survivability tests of aerospace materials at high temperatures. Both stands can accommodate in-house and private industry research programs. The PCMTF is capable of providing up to 30 lb/s (pps) of nonvitiated, 450 psig combustion air at temperatures ranging from 850 to 1150 g F. A 5000 gal tank located outdoors adjacent to the test facility can provide jet fuel at a pressure of 900 psig and a flow rate of 11 gal/min (gpm). Gaseous hydrogen from a 70,000 cu ft (CF) tuber is also available as a fuel. Approximately 500 gpm of cooling water cools the research hardware and exhaust gases. Such cooling is necessary because the air stream reaches temperatures as high as 3000 deg F. The PCMTF provides industry and Government with a facility for studying the combustion process and for obtaining valuable test information on advanced materials. This report describes the facility's support systems and unique capabilities.

Nemets, Steve A.↗

Effects of surface temperature and Reynolds number on heat transfer to the Shuttle Orbiter leeward fuselage

Heat-transfer data obtained at hypersonic shock tunnel conditions and three-dimensional flow field computations were used to study the influence of surface temperature and Reynolds number on the heating experienced by the leeward fuselage area of the Space Shuttle Orbiter configuration. The basic results of this study indicate that systematic variations in the average total enthalpy within a boundary layer (as obtained through controlled nonadiabatic processes) has an influence on the heat transfer to downstream areas which can be correlated; even in three-dimensional separated flow areas. Specifically, the average separated-flow Stanton number for the fuselage leeward surface is shown to be moderately dependent on the windward-wall to free-stream total temperature ratio.

Bertin, J. J.↗