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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 1,639 records · Page 91
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Global Climate Impacts of Greenland and Antarctic Glacial Melt: A Comparative Study

A 10-member ensemble simulation using the NASA GISS-E2-1-G climate model shows a clear bifurcation in the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) strength under the SSP2-4.5 future scenario, leading to 8 stable AMOC-on and 2 stable AMOC-off climate states after 400 years of integration, despite identical forcing of each ensemble member. Ocean models have previously shown a tipping point where sufficient forcing (e.g. by freshwater inputs) can shut down the AMOC. A variety of fully coupled models have demonstrated this, either through hosing experiments or increased precipitation and warming at high latitudes due to increased concentrations of greenhouse gases. In the GISS simulations, there are no external freshwater perturbations. The bifurcation arises freely in the coupled system and is the result of stochastic variability associated with sea-ice transport and melting in the Irminger Sea following a slowing of the GHG concentration increase at the end of the twenty-first century. We believe this is the first time that a CMIP-class model has shown such a bifurcation across an initial condition ensemble.

GISS ModelE2.1↗
DOE OSTI2024

Detonation structure in the presence of mixture stratification using reaction-resolved simulations

Many investigations of detonation-based combustors have identified reactant mixture inhomogeneity as having a leading-order impact on wave dynamics and combustion efficiency. To examine this phenomenon in a simplified context, an array of two- and three-dimensional channel detonation simulations are conducted in the present work. The reactant mixture consists of stratified fuel and air, wherein the randomly distributed equivalence ratio field features a characteristic stratification length scale. Detailed chemical kinetics are implemented in an adaptive mesh refinement solution framework where the region near the shock front is resolved with Ο (100) cells per representative ZND induction length. The results show that in comparison to baseline cases with uniform reactant mixtures, reactant stratification has a marked impact on the detonation structure. Increasing the stratification length scale increases the size and irregularity of the detonation cells, yielding larger variations in wave speed. Triple point collisions in fuel-rich regions lead to local wave speeds above the notional mean CJ speed, but wave passage through inert regions causes the local wave speed and strength to diminish. Further, conditional statistics show that increasing the stratification length scale increases the variance in pressure and temperature in the primary reaction zone, as well as the variance in heat release over a range of mixture conditions. In addition to the reactant mixture, the impact of the boundary condition behind the detonation is also investigated. The results show that an inflow boundary condition acts to over-drive the wave, leading to higher peak pressures, smaller detonation cells, and increased reactant consumption. On the other hand, cases with a wall behind the wave exhibit weaker waves with lower peak pressures and heat release rates, as well as greater variance in conditional quantities. Comparisons between complementary two- and three-dimensional simulations show reasonable qualitative agreement in wave structure, speed, and conditional statistics.

42 ENGINEERING↗
NASA NTRS1984

Studies of extreme-ultraviolet emission from Rydberg series of H2 by electron impact

Calibrated laboratory measurements of H2 bands in the 70-170-nm region using crossed neutral and electron beams have allowed the estimation of the cross sections for H2 bands which account for virtually all of the H2 EUV band emission. It is found, in general, that the internal population structure of the directly excited EUV band systems, B-X, B'-X, C-X, D-X, and D'-X, is modeled accurately by theoretical collision strengths. Moreover, the analysis of the measurements indicates that the same constant factor at a given electron energy at or above 100 eV, relates the theoretical oscillator strengths of the systems to the cross sections to within about 15 percent. The higher-Rydberg series band systems measured have been found to be a significant factor in the analysis of EUV planetary spectra. The prominence of the E,F-B contribution at low electron impact energies is also of astrophysical importance and further work is recommended to better define the excitation parameters of the E,F system.

Ajello, J. M.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Tungsten fiber reinforced copper matrix composites: A review

Tungsten fiber reinforced copper matrix (W/Cu) composites have served as an ideal model system with which to analyze the properties of metal matrix composites. A series of research programs were conducted to investigate the stress-strain behavior of W/Cu composites; the effect of fiber content on the strength, modulus, and conductivity of W/Cu composites; and the effect of alloying elements on the behavior of tungsten wire and of W/Cu composites. Later programs investigated the stress-rupture, creep, and impact behavior of these composites at elevated temperatures. Analysis of the results of these programs as allows prediction of the effects of fiber properties, matrix properties, and fiber content on the properties of W/Cu composites. These analyses form the basis for the rule-of-mixtures prediction of composite properties which was universally adopted as the criteria for measuring composite efficiency. In addition, the analyses allows extrapolation of potential properties of other metal matrix composites and are used to select candidate fibers and matrices for development of tungsten fiber reinforced superalloy composite materials for high temperature aircraft and rocket engine turbine applications. The W/Cu composite efforts are summarized, some of the results obtained are described, and an update is provided on more recent work using W/Cu composites as high strength, high thermal conductivity composite materials for high heat flux, elevated temperature applications.

Mcdanels, David L.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Quantifying the Multi-Objective Cost of Uncertainty

Various real-world applications involve modeling complex systems with immense uncertainty and optimizing multiple objectives based on the uncertain model. Quantifying the impact of the model uncertainty on the given operational objectives is critical for designing optimal experiments that can most effectively reduce the uncertainty that affect the objectives pertinent to the application at hand. In this paper, we propose the concept of mean multi-objective cost of uncertainty (multi-objective MOCU) that can be used for objective-based quantification of uncertainty for complex uncertain systems considering multiple operational objectives. We provide several illustrative examples that demonstrate the concept and strengths of the proposed multi-objective MOCU. Furthermore, we present a real-world example based on the mammalian cell cycle network to demonstrate how the multi-objective MOCU can be used for quantifying the operational impact of model uncertainty when there are multiple, possibly competing, objectives.

42 ENGINEERING↗
NASA NTRS2022

Impact of 3D Structure on Magnetic Reconnection

Results from 2.5D and 3D studies of the onset and development of the tearing instability are presented, using high fidelity resistive MHD simulations. A limited parameter study of the strength of the reconnecting field (or shear angle) was performed. An initially simple 1D equilibrium was used, consisting of a modified force-free current sheet, with periodic boundary conditions in all directions. In all cases, the linear and nonlinear evolution led to a primary current sheet between two large flux ropes. The global reconnection rate during this later stage was analyzed in all simulations. It was found that in 2.5D the primary current sheet fragmented owing to plasmoids, and as expected, the global reconnection rate, calculated using multiple methods, increases with the strength of the reconnecting field owing to a stronger Alfvén speed. In 3D, the presence of interacting oblique modes of the tearing instability complicates the simple 2.5D picture, entangling the magnetic field of the inflow and introducing a negative effect on the reconnection rate. The two competing effects of stronger Alfvén speed and entangling, which both increase with the strength of the reconnecting field, resulted in a decrease in the reconnection rate with increasing reconnecting field. For all simulations, the 3D rates were less than in 2.5D but suggest that as one goes to weak reconnecting field (or strong guide field) the system becomes more 2.5D-like and the 2.5D and 3D rates converge. These results have relevance to situations like nanoflare heating and flare current sheets in the corona.

Lars K S Daldorff↗
DOE OSTI2014

Pulsed Joining Of Body-In-White Components

The objective of this project was to develop cost efficient high quality pulsed welding (PW) technology for joining 6xxx Aluminum and High Strength Steel (with tensile strength above 580MPa) components enabling broad usage of hydroformed parts and leading to substantial weight reduction of cars and trucks to reduce US demand on petroleum, lower carbon emissions and energy expenditures. In general, pulsed welding is a form of impact welding where two dissimilar metal pieces are joined by accelerating one to velocities exceeding 300m/s at which point the first piece strikes the second and forms a weld. In this work, two methods were used to accelerate the flyer material: Electro-Magnetic (EM) pulse and Electro-Hydraulic (EH) pulse launching. The advantage of pulsed welding techniques is that welds can be formed between two materials that cannot otherwise be welded: high strength aluminum and high strength steel. The technical objectives of the project included: 1) developing cost affordable production feasible tooling design for PW of 6xxx aluminum to High Strength steel with strengths above 580MPa; 2) demonstrating that fabricated joints can exceed the required service load strength initially at the coupon level and then at the component level; 3) developing fundamental understanding of the mechanisms of joint formation and conditions leading to formation of high quality PW joint; and 4) creating a numerical model predicting the tooling and electric discharge parameters necessary for the joint formation and that satisfy the targeted strength parameters. The project successfully developed: 1) EM and EH pulsed welds between high strength aluminum with tensile strengths exceeding 240MPa and steels exceeding 580MPa; 2) pulsed welds of extrusions with strengths exceeding project requirements; 3) EM and EH flyer launch models and 4) weld interface formation models. However, the grant holder, Ford Motor Company, could see no path to commercialization and the work was discontinued at the end of the first budget period.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2019

Microstructure Evolution, Structural Integrity, and Hot Corrosion Performance of Nitrogen-Enhanced Stainless Steel Welds

This work articulated the multi-pass, gas tungsten arc welding by adopting pulsating current for joining nitrogen-enhanced, low-carbon austenitic stainless steel, AISI 316L(N). An austeno-ferrite stainless steel (ER2594) and an over-alloyed (ERNiCrMo-3) fillers were employed to join 6-mm-thick plates of AISI 316L(N). Acicular and lathy ferrite in the weld zone of ER2594 and the occurrence of secondary phases in the fusion zone of over-alloyed filler were observed. The notch tensile strength data attested that the joint strength was greater for the welds employing an over-alloyed filler. This study also affirms that the welds obtained with ER2594 filler resulted in better impact toughness (144 J) compared with ERNiCrMo-3 filler and base metal. Also the notch impact toughness of ER2594 weldment is increased to 60% in comparison with that of candidate metal. Corrosion studies were also performed by exposing the coupons in a eutectic salt mixture comprising of 40%K{sub 2}SO{sub 4}-60%NaCl for 50 cycles at 650 °C. It is observed that the weld zone employing over-alloyed filler experienced better high-temperature corrosion resistance compared to the base metal. The specific results of this investigation will be of greater demand to the nuclear and marine applications utilizing these joints.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Molecular Dynamics Study of the Effect of Grafting Density on Ion Diffusivity in a MARTINI Coarse-Grained Strong Polyelectrolyte Brush

Because surface-grafted polyelectrolyte brushes (PEBs) are responsive to external stimuli, such as electric fields and ionic strength, PEBs are attractive for applications ranging from drug delivery to separation technologies. Essential to PEB utilization is understanding how critical parameters like grafting density (σ) impact the PEB structure and the dynamics of the PEB and counterions. To study the effect of σ on PEB and the counterion structure and dynamics, we fine-tune a coarse-grained model that retains the chemical specificity of a strong polyelectrolyte, poly[(2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl) trimethylammonium chloride] (PMETAC), using the MARTINI force field. Using “salt-free” conditions where the counterion concentration balances the charge on the brush, we build coarse-grained (CG) molecular dynamics simulations for MARTINI PMETAC brushes (N = 150 monomers; M W = 31.2 kg/mol) at experimentally relevant values of σ = 0.05, 0.10, 0.20, and 0.40 chains/nm 2 . Using 5 μs simulations, we investigate the effects of grafting density on the PEB structure, ion dissociation dynamics, polymer mobility, and counterion diffusivity. Results show that competition between electrostatic interactions, steric hindrance, and polymer mobility controls counterion diffusivity. Finally, the interplay of these factors leads to diffusivity that depends non-monotonically on σ, with counterion diffusivity peaking at an intermediate σ = 0.10 chains/nm 2 .

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Selective and Stable In-Promoted Fe Catalyst for Syngas Conversion to Light Olefins

A selective and stable alumina-supported In-promoted Fe catalyst (10 mol % In based on Fe) was discovered for converting syngas (2:1 H 2 /CO ratio) to olefins with high selectivity (45% with CO 2 included) and a remarkable stability (72 h run) at a CO conversion of 10% at 400 °C and 5 bar. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results indicated that incorporating In into Fe catalysts changed the chemical bonding state of Fe and Fe/In composition near the surface layers, which affected the catalytic reactivity. Steady-state isotopic transient kinetic analysis showed that more stable CHx fragments are present on the catalyst surface when incorporating In into Fe, which can promote C–C coupling reaction toward olefins. Our study demonstrates that introducing In into Fe catalysts on Al 2 O 3 support can lower CO activation abilities. It has more impacts on lowering hydrogenation activity, which permits more C–C couplings and like of “ene” hydrogenation. Furthermore, weakening CO adsorption both in terms of sites and strength encouraged CO toward hydrocarbons rather than CO 2 .

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2019

Regional Moisture Budget and Land-Atmosphere Coupling Over the U.S. Southern Great Plains Inferred From the ARM Long-Term Observations

Ten–year warm–season (May–August) observations at the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Southern Great Plains (SGP) site are used to examine the large–scale atmospheric moisture budget and the strength of land–atmosphere coupling. Atmospheric moisture budget components, computed from the ARM variational analysis data, are compared between different wet/dry scenarios and convection regimes. Consistent with previous studies, large–scale moisture flux convergence dominates the SGP regional moisture budget on the daily time scale, but surface evaporation does play a more prominent role on late–afternoon deep convection days. Moreover, the relationship between moisture flux convergence and precipitation increases significantly from dry year to wet years. The land–atmosphere coupling strength is quantified for local convective events within the “Local L–A Coupling Process Chain” (Santanello et al., 2018, https://doi.org/10.1175/BAMS–D–17–0001.1). The impact of land surface on the evolution of planetary boundary layer is highly dependent on the vegetation leaf area index. A significantly larger surface sensible heat flux is found over the SGP forest region in midsummer, which is accompanied by a much higher planetary boundary layer development and a large increase in shallow cumulus cloud fraction. Here the significant relationship between afternoon precipitation and surface turbulent flux only exists in the northeast part of the ARM SGP site, which is mainly covered by grassland/pasture.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2020

Impacts of Latent Energy and Snow Fall Speed on a Wintertime Midlatitude Cyclone

This study aimed to understand the impacts of latent energy as well as snow fall speeds on precipitation properties and synoptic-scale storm characteristics of a wintertime midlatitude cyclone. Simulations of a potent winter storm that impacted the Rocky Mountains and northern Great Plains of the United States in February 2017 were performed using the Weather Research and Forecasting model with latent heating or cooling from individual microphysical processes systematically turned off and fall speeds adjusted by ±50%. Results indicated substantial impacts on the microphysical characteristics of the simulated storm to fall speed, cooling from sublimation, and warming from deposition. The impacts of cooling and warming were manifested as differences in accumulated snowfall. Increased (decreased) fall speeds led to smaller (larger) ice crystals and total mass, resulting in offsetting effects on the precipitation flux, and thus minimal impacts on snowfall and large-scale characteristics of the storm. Warming and cooling associated with deposition and sublimation, respectively, impacted the synoptic-scale dynamics, whereby removing warming from deposition resulted in an increased meridional temperature gradient near the jet stream, thus increasing the jet strength and causing it to be more westerly with less curvature aloft. This in turn limited upper-level divergence, creating a weaker surface low and shifting the precipitation shield southward. The opposite occurred with the removal of latent cooling due to sublimation. This study highlights the potential importance of latent energy associated with ice sublimation and deposition and fall speeds in the larger-scale characteristics of winter storms.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2025

Investigation of the Sensitivity of Tropical Cyclogenesis to Aerosol Intervention

Abstract As risks from tropical cyclones (TCs) are fueled by climate change escalation, there is an urgent need for transformational solutions to complement traditional approaches. Seeding TCs using aerosols can be a promising method to reduce cyclone intensity, supported by theoretical understanding of the microphysical effects of aerosols on TC clouds. The ideal time to intervene effectively in TCs is likely during their initial stage, before TC wind speeds reach their peak. However, studies exploring potential aerosol effects on TC formation remain scarce. This study investigates how a TC embryo responds to the addition of aerosols of varying sizes using the Weather Research & Forecasting (WRF) model coupled with a spectral‐bin microphysics model. We found that aerosols of different sizes and concentrations distinctively affect the pre‐TC vortex's microstructure and dynamics. Fine and ultrafine aerosols enhance the latent heat of condensation, freezing, deposition, and riming, initially intensifying the vortex. However, this results in enhancement of the cold pool, thereby reducing inflow and surface fluxes, subsequently weakening the vortex. Coarse aerosols produce the opposite effect to that of fine and ultrafine aerosols. Coarse aerosols lead to a slower initial acceleration owing to enhanced warm rain. However, the resulting weaker cold pool is insufficient to effectively reduce the strength of the vortex at the later stage. This study provides critical insights into how aerosols of varying sizes and concentrations modulate the energy cascade and impact the evolution of a TC embryo, laying the groundwork for further research on TC risk management through aerosol intervention.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Self-consistent core-pedestal ITER scenario modeling

The purpose of these integrated ITER simulations is to identify dependencies that can impact the performance of ITER. The dependence of fusion power production, temperature and density pedestals, and core profiles on varying magnetic-q, edge density fueling strength, neoclassical transport, magnetic field strength, and alpha heating, are examined. It is noted that ion modes usually dominate the interior, while electron modes dominate the barrier. The electron mode without flow shear is substantially stronger. The q increase tends to cause more kinetic ballooning modes at the edge and the q decrease means that the peeling is getting worse, but the ballooning is getting better. The large edge q tends to provide hollow density while small edge q gives normal density profile. This is consistent with the observation that the density of particles is inversely proportional to the density of the plasma current. The rise in the source of the edge particle increases the density of the edge and the reaction rate close to the edge increases temperature fluxes, resulting in weak pedestal barriers. When neoclassical transport is turned off or the strength of B-field is increased, the pronounced edge barriers are identified. In addition, a distinct effect on the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) modes is observed due to the increased B-field. The interesting aspect is that the barrier collapses about q = 2 as the stability of MHD has decreased to replace the barrier with a continuous slope but with roughly the same fusion power. This would actually be good for a reactor. The slope of the H-mode pedestal is found to be reduced due to the alpha heating. It is expected that the problem of edge-localized modes causing damage to the first wall will be eased. The effects of circular, elongated, and general geometry on plasma profiles are also compared and contrasted. The circular geometry has a hollow density profile and no edge or internal thermal transport barrier (ETB or ITB). However, both ETBs and ITBs can be found in the elongated geometry. In general geometry, there is a weaker ETB, comparable ITBs, but a higher edge particle transport barrier than in elongated geometry. Higher density near the edge, on the other hand, causes more wall erosion, so elongated geometry might be the best option.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2021

Measurement of the longitudinal diffusion of ionization electrons in the MicroBooNE detector

Accurate knowledge of electron transport properties is vital to understanding the information provided by liquid argon time projection chambers (LArTPCs). Ionization electron drift-lifetime, local electric field distortions caused by positive ion accumulation, and electron diffusion can all significantly impact the measured signal waveforms. This paper presents a measurement of the effective longitudinal electron diffusion coefficient, D L , in MicroBooNE at the nominal electric field strength of 273.9 V/cm. Historically, this measurement has been made in LArTPC prototype detectors. This represents the first measurement in a large-scale (85 tonne active volume) LArTPC operating in a neutrino beam. This is the largest dataset ever used for this measurement. Using a sample of ~70,000 through-going cosmic ray muon tracks tagged with MicroBooNE's cosmic ray tagger system, we measure D L = 3.74 +0.28 -0.29 cm 2 /s.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2019

New measurement of the E α lab = 0.83 MeV resonance in Ne 22 ( α , γ ) Mg 26

The $E ^{lab}_{a}$ = 0.83 MeV resonance in the 22 Ne($α,γ$ ) 26 Mg reaction strongly impacts the reaction rates in the stellar temperature region crucial for the astrophysical s process. Herein, we report on a new measurement of the energy and strength of this resonance using techniques different from previous investigations. We use a blister-resistant 22 Ne-implanted target and employ $γγ-$coincidence detection techniques. We find values for the resonance energy and strength of $E ^{lab}_{a}$ = 835.2 ± 3.0 keV and $ωγ$ = (4.6 ± 1.2) × 10 -5 eV, respectively. Our mean values are higher compared to previous values, although the results overlap within uncertainties. The uncertainty in the resonance energy has been significantly reduced. The spin-parity assignment, based on the present and previous work, is $J$ $π$ = (0 + , 1 - , 2 + , 3 - ).

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Effects of Impact and Target Parameters on the Results of a Kinetic Impactor: Predictions for the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) Mission

Abstract The Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) spacecraft will impact into the asteroid Dimorphos on 2022 September 26 as a test of the kinetic impactor technique for planetary defense. The efficiency of the deflection following a kinetic impactor can be represented using the momentum enhancement factor, β , which is dependent on factors such as impact geometry and the specific target material properties. Currently, very little is known about Dimorphos and its material properties, which introduces uncertainty in the results of the deflection efficiency observables, including crater formation, ejecta distribution, and β . The DART Impact Modeling Working Group (IWG) is responsible for using impact simulations to better understand the results of the DART impact. Pre-impact simulation studies also provide considerable insight into how different properties and impact scenarios affect momentum enhancement following a kinetic impact. This insight provides a basis for predicting the effects of the DART impact and the first understanding of how to interpret results following the encounter. Following the DART impact, the knowledge gained from these studies will inform the initial simulations that will recreate the impact conditions, including providing estimates for potential material properties of Dimorphos and β resulting from DART’s impact. This paper summarizes, at a high level, what has been learned from the IWG simulations and experiments in preparation for the DART impact. While unknown, estimates for reasonable potential material properties of Dimorphos provide predictions for β of 1–5, depending on end-member cases in the strength regime.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1983

Si III line ratios in the sun

New atomic data for Si III have been used to predict level populations and emission-line intensity ratios for electron densities and temperatures appropriate to the solar transition region. The electron impact collision rates used here are substantially larger than those previously published owing to delineation of the complex resonance structures in the low-energy collision strengths. This together with small changes in the spontaneous radiative rates produces significant changes in the calculated intensity ratios. Generally good agreement is found with observations obtained using the Naval Research Laboratory slit spectrograph aboard Skylab, electron densities from three Si III ratios and from other methods normally agreeing to 0.2 dex or better for a wide variety of solar features. For a fourth ratio, incorporating lines with a wide wavelength separation, the agreement is less satisfactory, possibly owing to uncertainties in the observational data.

Dufton, P. L.↗