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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 1,711 records · Page 95

Electrochromic Window Demonstration at the 911 Federal Building, 911 Northeast 11th Avenue, Portland, Oregon

Switchable electrochromic (EC) windows are part of a new class of dynamic, energy-efficient technologies that enable real-time, active load management in response to weather conditions and the unique operating conditions of individual buildings. Owners can now specify a solid-state technology that reacts to various stimuli like the skin of a living entity. The technology can be controlled to address multiple criteria to achieve a more optimal energy-efficient and comfortable indoor environment than one with static or manually operated technologies. Inputs can include data on outdoor solar conditions, utility rates, occupancy status, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), or operating emergency or security mode. The outputs then dictate how the EC window is controlled, whether as a self-contained autonomous unit that achieves specific zonal objectives or as a part of an integrated system designed to address whole building, campus and grid-related goals. Since windows typically have a 30-year life, these dynamic qualities enable the building to be adaptable and more resilient as the environmental, operating and economic context evolves.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

The Case for Reducing Emissions from Heavy-Duty Off-Road Applications via Ducted Fuel Injection

Designers of heavy-duty diesel engines use a variety of techniques to improve efficiency and reduce pollutant emissions. Ducted fuel injection (DFI), high fuel injection pressures, optimized injection orifices, multiple injection sites, and oxygenated fuels are a few techniques used by designers to improve fuel/charge-gas mixtures within the combustion chamber to improve efficiency and emissions results. Ducted fuel injection (DFI) has been proven to substantially reduce soot for low- and mid-load conditions in heavy duty engines, without significantly increasing nitrogen oxides (NO x ). This study investigates the performance of DFI utilizing conventional diesel fuel and the potential the technique has for future research utilizing varieties of test fuels and operating parameter values. Optimization for high engine efficiency and low emissions will help facilitate DFI deployment for substantial environmental benefits in heavy-duty sectors where electrification and/or carbon-free fuels aren’t feasible.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

Effects of icing on the aerodynamic performance of high lift airfoils

A 2D compressible Navier-Stokes solver capable of analyzing multi-element airfoils is described. The flow field is divided into multiple zones. In each zone, the governing equations are solved using an implicit finite difference scheme. The flow solver is validated through a study of the aerodynamic characteristics of a GA(W)-1 configuration, for which good quality measured surface pressure data and load data are available. The solver is next applied to a study of the effects of icing on an iced 5-element airfoil configuration, experimentally studied at NASA Lewis Research Center. It is demonstrated that the formation of ice over the leading edge slat and the main airfoil can lead to significant flow separation, and a significant loss in lift, compared to clean configurations.

Sankar, L. N.↗

Is skeletal muscle ready for long-term spaceflight and return to gravity?

It is now clear that prevention of muscle debilitation during spaceflight will require a broader approach than simple exercise aimed at strengthening of the muscle fibers. The levels of several hormones and receptors are altered by unloading and must be returned to homeostasis. Pharmacotherapy and gene transfer strategies to raise the relative level of structural proteins may minimize the problems faced by astronauts in readapting to Earth-gravity. Up to now, we have only minimally exploited microgravity for advancing our understanding of muscle biology. A research laboratory in the space station with a centrifuge facility (gravity control) is essential for conducting basic research in this field. Microgravity has proven an excellent tool for noninvasively perturbing the synthesis of muscle proteins in the search for molecular signals and gene regulatory factors influencing differentiation, growth, maintenance and atrophy of muscle. Understanding the relation between blood flow and interstitial edema and between workload and subsequent structural failure are but two important problems that require serious attention. The roles of hormones and growth factors in regulating gene expression and their microgravity-induced altered production are other urgent issues to pursue. These types of studies will yield information that advances basic knowledge of muscle biology and offers insights into countermeasure design. This knowledge is likely to assist rehabilitation of diseased or injured muscles in humans on Earth, especially individuals in the more vulnerable aging population and persons participating in strenuous sports. Will the skeletal muscle system be prepared for the increased exposure to microgravity and the return to gravity loading without injury when space station is operational? The answer depends in large part on continued access to space and funding of ground-based models and flight experiments. The previous two decades of spaceflight research have described the effects of microgravity on multiple systems. The next generation of experiments promises to be even more exciting as we are challenged to define the cellular and molecular mechanisms of microgravity-induced changes.

manned↗

Evaluation of Aerosol Properties over Ocean from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) during ACE-Asia

The Aerosol Characterization Experiment-Asia (ACE-Asia) was conducted in March-May 2001 in the western North Pacific in order to characterize the complex mix of dust, smoke, urban/industrial pollution, and background marine aerosol that is observed in that region in springtime. The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) provides a large-scale regional view of the aerosol during the ACE-Asia time period. Focusing only on aerosol retrievals over ocean, MODIS data show latitudinal and longitudinal variation in the aerosol characteristics. Typically, aerosol optical depth (tau(sub a)) values at 0.55 micrometers are highest in the 30 deg. - 50 deg. latitude band associated with dust outbreaks. Monthly mean tau(sub a) in this band ranges approx. 0.40-70, although large differences between monthly mean and median values indicate the periodic nature of these dust outbreaks. The size parameters, fine mode fraction (eta), and effective radius (r(sub eff)) vary between monthly mean values of eta = 0.47 and r(sub eff)= 0.75 micrometers in the cleanest regions far offshore to approximately eta = 0.85 and r(sub eff) =.30 micrometers in near-shore regions dominated by biomass burning smoke. The collocated MODIS retrievals with airborne, ship-based, and ground-based radiometers measurements suggest that MODIS retrievals of spectral optical depth fall well within expected error (DELTA tau(sub a) = plus or minus 0.03 plus or minus 0.05 tau(sub a)) except in situations dominated by dust, in which cases MODIS overestimate both the aerosol loading and the aerosol spectral dependence. Such behavior is consistent with issues related to particle nonsphericity. Comparisons of MODIS-derived r(sub eff) with AERONET retrievals at the few occurrences of collocations show MODIS systematically underestimates particle size by 0.2 micrometers. Multiple-year analysis of MODIS aerosol size parameters suggests systematic differences between the year 2001 and the years 2000 and 2002, which are traced to instrumental electronic cross talk. Sensitivity studies show that such calibration errors are negligible in tau(sub a) retrievals but are more pronounced in size parameter retrievals, especially for dust and sea salt.

Chu, D. A.↗

Interactive Display of Scenes with Annotations

ThreeDView is a computer program that enables high-performance interactive display of real-world scenes with annotations. ThreeDView was developed primarily as a component of the Science Activity Planner (SAP) software, wherein it is to be used to display annotated images of terrain acquired by exploratory robots on Mars and possibly other remote planets. The images can be generated from sets of multiple-texture image data in the Visible Scalable Terrain (ViSTa) format, which was described in "Format for Interchange and Display of 3D Terrain Data" (NPO-30600) NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 28, No. 12 (December 2004), page 25. In ThreeDView, terrain data can be loaded rapidly, the geometric level of detail and texture resolution can be selected, false colors can be used to represent scientific data mapped onto terrain, and the user can select among navigation modes. ThreeDView consists largely of modular Java software components that can easily be reused and extended to produce new high-performance, application-specific software systems for displaying images of three-dimensional real-world scenes.

Vona, Marsette↗

Lightweight Thrust Chamber Composite Overwrap Lessons Learned

The manufacturing, design, and analysis of filament wound carbon fiber/polymer composite overwraps for additively manufactured, copper combustion chambers are a critical part of NASA’s Rapid Analysis and Manufacturing Propulsion Technology (RAMPT) project. Ideally, the composite overwrap acts as a light-weight structural jacket and allows significant weight reduction of the high pressure thrust chamber assembly, reduction of overall cost, and reduced fabrication schedules. Chamber assemblies for 2000 lb. (2k) and 7000 lb. (7k) of thrust have been successfully tested at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. Multiple lessons were learned throughout the overwrap process development and manufacturing trials. The lessons learned on small scale hardware, such as the 2k and 7k chambers, will guide further composite manufacturing technologies and enable a progression to larger scale assemblies with greater structural loads. Material performance requirements, manufacturing process development, and surface preparation were evaluated during the small chamber trials, with the broad thermal requirements of the resin being the primary driver for material selection and processing. Both epoxy and bismaleimide (BMI) materials were evaluated with respect to both performance in the hot-fire test and ease of fabrication. Separately, surface preparation procedures were studied with the goal of providing a smooth chamber surface to promote a non-bonded overwrap. Recent testing of the 7k trust chamber has provided data in Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) and processing in order to continue to evaluate the performance requirements stated.

Allison Clark↗

What is “First Ply Failure” in a Unidirectionally Loaded Quasi-Isotropic Composite (and does it exist)?

This study presents experimental results of unidirectional tension tests on quasi-isotropic laminates to observe so called “first ply failure” (FPF). The modulus of the laminates was measured throughout the test to observe any ply degradation. Quasi-isotropic (QI) laminates were tested since this is the most common layup sequence of a laminate in industry and FPF, if it exists to any practical extent, should be observed. The authors are unaware of any claim that only bi-axial loads are needed to cause FPF, thus uniaxial testing was performed since this is much simpler than bi-axial testing. Laminates can be engineered to cause anomalies (“knees” or abrupt change in modulus) in a stress-strain curve (such as sandwiching multiple 90° plies between a couple of 0° plies) but such laminates should never be used in practice. The search for FPF was examined in simple 8 ply QI laminates by stopping tension tests at various levels post predicted FPF and examining the specimen for “ply failure” and ascertaining its effect (if any) on the modulus of the laminate. The ultimate strength values were found for some specimens. Results showed that for 8 ply QI laminates, no FPF of note was found and challenges the whole notion of FPF and thus “progressive failure”.

First ply failure↗

Large-scale scenarios of electric vehicle charging with a data-driven model of control

Transportation electrification is forecast to bring millions of new electric vehicles to roads worldwide this decade. Planning to support those vehicles depends on detailed scenarios of their electricity demand in both uncontrolled and controlled or smart charging scenarios. In this work, we present a novel modeling approach to enable rapid generation of demand estimates that represent the impact of controlled charging for large-scale scenarios with millions of individual drivers. To model the effect of load modulation control on aggregate charging profiles, we propose a novel machine learning approach that replaces traditional optimization approaches. We demonstrate its performance modeling workplace charging control under a range of electricity rate schedules, achieving small errors (2.5%–4.5%) while accelerating computations by more than 4000 times. To generate the uncontrolled charging demand for scenarios with residential, workplace, and public charging we use statistical representations of a large data set of real charging sessions. We demonstrate the methodology by generating diverse sets of scenarios for California's charging demand in 2030 which consider multiple charging segments and controls, each run locally in under 50 s. We further demonstrate support for rate design by modeling the large-scale impact of a new, custom rate schedule for workplace charging.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

Efficient dynamic simulation for multiple chain robotic mechanisms

An efficient O(mN) algorithm for dynamic simulation of simple closed-chain robotic mechanisms is presented, where m is the number of chains, and N is the number of degrees of freedom for each chain. It is based on computation of the operational space inertia matrix (6 x 6) for each chain as seen by the body, load, or object. Also, computation of the chain dynamics, when opened at one end, is required, and the most efficient algorithm is used for this purpose. Parallel implementation of the dynamics for each chain results in an O(N) + O(log sub 2 m+1) algorithm.

Lilly, Kathryn W.↗

Performance of a High-Speed Compression-Ignition Engine Using Multiple Orifice Fuel Injection Nozzles

This report presents test results obtained at the Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics during an investigation to determine the relative performance of a single-cylinder, high-speed, compression-ignition engine when using fuel injection valve nozzles with different numbers, sizes, and directions of round orifices. A spring-loaded, automatic injection valve was used, centrally located at the top of a vertical disk-type combustion chamber formed between horizontally opposed inlet and exhaust valves of a 5 inch by 7 inch engine.

Spanogle, J A↗

Comparison of REMIX vs. MOX fuel characteristics in multiple recycling in VVER reactor

Multiple recycling of regenerated uranium-plutonium fuel in thermal reactors of VVER-1000 type with high enriched uranium feeding (REMIX-fuel) gives a possibility to terminate the accumulation of spent nuclear fuels (SNF) and Pu and decrease the accumulation of irradiated uranium by an order of magnitude. Results of comparison of VVER-1000 nuclear fuel cycle characteristics vs different fuel types such as UOX, MOX and REMIX-fuel have been presented. REMIX fuel (Regenerated Mixture of U-, Pu oxides) is the mixture of plutonium and uranium extracted from SNF and refined from other actinides and fission products with the addition of enriched uranium to provide the power potential necessary. The savings in terms of uranium quantities and separation works in the nuclear energy system (NES) with reactors using REMIX-fuel compared to the NES with uranium-fuelled reactors are shown to be of about 30% and 8%, respectively. For the NES with thermal reactors partially loaded with MOX-fuel, the uranium and separation works saving of about 14% would be obtained. Production of neptunium and americium in reactors with REMIX-fuel in steady state increases by a factor 3, and production of curium - by 10 compared to the reactors with UOX-fuel. This increase of minor actinide buildup is owed to the multiple recycling of plutonium. It should be noted that in this case all fuel assemblies contain high-background plutonium, and their manufacturing involves an expensive technology. Besides, management of REMIX-fuel will require special protection measures even during the fresh fuel manufacturing phase. The above-said gives ground to state that the use of REMIX fuel would be questionable in economic aspect.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Filtration Performance of Simulated 200 West Area Waste Feeds

This report describes the scaled experimental system and approach used to examine dead-end filtration performance of representative 200W waste feeds. The scaled system, which was originally designed and assembled to test Tank Side Cesium Removal (TSCR) system performance with higher-than-expected solid loadings in 2021 (Schonewill et al. 2021), was repurposed to conduct the current experiments at ~1/145 of full scale (based on throughput). Six experimental runs were conducted with five different 200W waste feed simulants: three using a DEF module scaled for TSCR and three using a DEF module scaled for the 200W process modules (based on the current design for the Advanced Modular Pretreatment System). Each experiment was run continuously for multiple days with an operating approach prototypic of the full-scale system. Staff performing the experimental runs monitored performance, obtained data from calibrated process instruments, and collected samples for observation and analysis. The measured data are presented with a focus on assessing DEF performance – specifically, the filters’ differential pressure response to the five waste simulants, frequency and efficacy of backwashing, and baseline recovery between experimental runs; data related to ion exchange column performance are also discussed in cases where the opportunity arose. The experimental campaign demonstrated that the DEFs satisfied their primary function of protecting the ion exchange column from solid intrusion for all the representative simulants used. The filters readily handled solids loadings of =500 ppm (and even greater), especially the modules scaled to the 200W process modules. Adjustments to the processing flow rate and reductions in feed temperature were observed to affect the rate of differential pressure increase on the filters, but neither adversely affected the ability of the DEFs to perform their primary function. Backflushing reliably recovered filter performance in all runs, although it did not prevent irreversible fouling for one simulant. The run that exhibited irreversible fouling established that both the quantity and the nature of the solids being filtered need to be considered when projecting filter performance.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Optical Abelian lattice gauge theories

We discuss a general framework for the realization of a family of Abelian lattice gauge theories, i.e., link models or gauge magnets, in optical lattices. We analyze the properties of these models that make them suitable for quantum simulations. Within this class, we study in detail the phases of a U(1)-invariant lattice gauge theory in 2+1 dimensions, originally proposed by P. Orland. By using exact diagonalization, we extract the low-energy states for small lattices, up to 4 Multiplication-Sign 4. We confirm that the model has two phases, with the confined entangled one characterized by strings wrapping around the whole lattice. We explain how to study larger lattices by using either tensor network techniques or digital quantum simulations with Rydberg atoms loaded in optical lattices, where we discuss in detail a protocol for the preparation of the ground-state. We propose two key experimental tests that can be used as smoking gun of the proper implementation of a gauge theory in optical lattices. These tests consist in verifying the absence of spontaneous (gauge) symmetry breaking of the ground-state and the presence of charge confinement. We also comment on the relation between standard compact U(1) lattice gauge theory and the model considered in this paper. - Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer We study the quantum simulation of dynamical gauge theories in optical lattices. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer We focus on digital simulation of abelian lattice gauge theory. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer We rediscover and discuss the puzzling phase diagram of gauge magnets. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer We detail the protocol for time evolution and ground-state preparation in any phase. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer We provide two experimental tests to validate gauge theory quantum simulators.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Bandgaps and directional properties of two-dimensional square beam-like zigzag lattices

In this paper we propose four kinds of two-dimensional square beam-like zigzag lattice structures and study their bandgaps and directional propagation of elastic waves. The band structures are calculated by using the finite element method. Both the in-plane and out-of-plane waves are investigated simultaneously via the three-dimensional Euler beam elements. The mechanism of the bandgap generation is analyzed by studying the vibration modes at the bandgap edges. The effects of the geometry parameters of the xy- and z-zigzag lattices on the bandgaps are investigated and discussed. Multiple complete bandgaps are found owing to the separation of the degeneracy by introducing bending arms. The bandgaps are sensitive to the geometry parameters of the periodic systems. The deformed displacement fields of the harmonic responses of a finite lattice structure subjected to harmonic loads at different positions are illustrated to show the directional wave propagation. An extension of the proposed concept to the hexagonal lattices is also presented. The research work in this paper is relevant to the practical design of cellular structures with enhanced vibro-acoustics performance.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

MARBLE: A Multi-GPU Aware Job Scheduler for Deep Learning on HPC Systems

Deep learning (DL) has become a key tool for solving complex scientific problems. However, managing the multi-dimensional large-scale data associated with DL, especially atop extant multiple graphics processing units (GPUs) in modern supercomputers poses significant challenges. Moreover, the latest high-performance computing (HPC) architectures bring different performance trends in training throughput compared to the existing studies. Existing DL optimizations such as larger batch size and GPU locality-aware scheduling have little effect on improving DL training throughput performance due to fast CPU-to-GPU connections. Additionally, DL training on multiple GPUs scales sublinearly. Thus, simply adding more GPUs to a system is ineffective. To this end, we design MARBLE, a first-of-its-kind job scheduler, which considers the non-linear scalability of GPUs at the intra-node level to schedule an appropriate number of GPUs per node for a job. By sharing the GPU resources on a node with multiple DL jobs, MARBLE avoids low GPU utilization in current multi-GPU DL training on HPC systems. Our comprehensive evaluation in the Summit supercomputer shows that MARBLE is able to improve DL training performance by up to 48.3% compared to the popular Platform Load Sharing Facility (LSF) scheduler. Compared to the state-of-the-art of DL scheduler, Optimus, MARBLE reduces the job completion time by up to 47%.

Han, Jingoo↗

MO-DE-BRA-06: MrRSCAL: A Radiological Simulation Tool for Resident Education

Purpose: The goal of this project was to create a readily accessible, comprehensive-yet-flexible interactive MRI simulation tool for use in training and education of radiology residents in particular. This tool was developed to take the place of an MR scanner in laboratory activities, as magnet time has become scarce while hospitals are optimizing clinical scheduling for improved throughput. Methods: MrRSCAL (Magnetic resonance Resident Simulation Console for Active Learning) was programmed and coded using Matlab on a Mac workstation utilizing OS X platform. MR-based brain images were obtained from one of the co-authors and processed to generate parametric maps. Scanner sounds are also generated via mp3 convolution of a single MR gradient slew with a time-profile of gradient waveforms. Results: MrRSCAL facilitates the simulation of multiple MR sequences with the ability to alter MR parameters via an intuitive GUI control panel. The application allows the user to gain real-time understanding of image transformation when varying these said parameters by examining the resulting images. Lab procedures can be loaded and displayed for more directed study. The panel is also configurable, providing a simple interface for elementary labs or a full array of controls for the expert user. Conclusion: Our introduction of MrRSCAL, which is readily available to users with a current laptop or workstation, allows for individual or group study of MR image acquisition with immediate educational feedback as the MR parameters are manipulated. MrRSCAL can be used at any time and any place once installed, offering a new tool for reviewing relaxometric and artifact principles when studying for boards or investigating properties of a pulse sequence. This tool promises to be extremely useful in conveying traditionally difficult and abstract concepts involved with MR to the radiology resident and other medical professionals at large.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

MG-RAVENS: Working Group Update [Slides]

Problem Statement: Users in industry, who are planning the deployment and operation of microgrids, face a multi-domain problem that requires multiple engineering tools to solve; Existing tools lack interoperability, which requires tedious recreation and conversion of equipment models, and creates opportunities for errors in translation or through inconsistent assumptions; Microgrid modelers waste time reinventing the wheel because it is challenging to reuse existing distribution, load, generation, power flow, optimization models for new use cases.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗