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Quadratic eigenvalue problems

Walsh, Timothy W.; Day, David M.

In this report we will describe some nonlinear eigenvalue problems that arise in the areas of solid mechanics, acoustics, and coupled structural acoustics. We will focus mostly on quadratic eigenvalue problems, which are a special case of nonlinear eigenvalue problems. Algorithms for solving the quadratic eigenvalue problem will be presented, along with some example calculations.

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TYPE SAND Report YEAR 2007
DOIOSTI

Thermomechanical indentation of shape memory polymers

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are receiving increasing attention because of their ability to store a temporary shape for a prescribed period of time, and then when subjected to an environmental stimulus, recover an original programmed shape. They are attractive candidates for a wide range of applications in microsystems, biomedical devices, deployable aerospace structures, and morphing structures. In this paper we investigate the thermomechanical behavior of shape memory polymers due to instrumented indentation, a loading/deformation scenario that represents complex multiaxial deformation. The SMP sample is indented using a spherical indenter at a temperature T{sub 1} (>T{sub g}). The temperature is then lowered to T{sub 2} (<T{sub g}) while the indenter is kept in place. After removal of the indenter at T{sub 2}, an indentation impression exists. Shape memory is then activated by increasing the temperature to T{sub 1} (>T{sub g}) during free recovery the indentation impression disappears and the surface of the SMP recovers to its original profile. A recently-developed three-dimensional finite deformation constitutive model for the thermomechanical behavior of SMPs is then used with the finite element method to simulate this process. Measurement and simulation results are compared for cases of free and constrained recovery and good agreement is obtained, suggesting the appropriateness of the simulation approach for complex multiaxial loading/deformations that are likely to occur in applications.

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TYPE Conference YEAR 2007
OSTI

Characterization of thermal-hydraulic and ignition phenomena in prototypic, full-length boiling water reactor spent fuel pool assemblies after a complete loss-of-coolant accident

Lindgren, Eric R.

The objective of this project was to provide basic thermal-hydraulic data associated with a SFP complete loss-of-coolant accident. The accident conditions of interest for the SFP were simulated in a full-scale prototypic fashion (electrically-heated, prototypic assemblies in a prototypic SFP rack) so that the experimental results closely represent actual fuel assembly responses. A major impetus for this work was to facilitate code validation (primarily MELCOR) and reduce questions associated with interpretation of the experimental results. It was necessary to simulate a cluster of assemblies to represent a higher decay (younger) assembly surrounded by older, lower-power assemblies. Specifically, this program provided data and analysis confirming: (1) MELCOR modeling of inter-assembly radiant heat transfer, (2) flow resistance modeling and the natural convective flow induced in a fuel assembly as it heats up in air, (3) the potential for and nature of thermal transient (i.e., Zircaloy fire) propagation, and (4) mitigation strategies concerning fuel assembly management.

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TYPE SAND Report YEAR 2007
DOIOSTI

Collective systems:physical and information exergies

Robinett, R.D.; Wilson, David G.

Collective systems are typically defined as a group of agents (physical and/or cyber) that work together to produce a collective behavior with a value greater than the sum of the individual parts. This amplification or synergy can be harnessed by solving an inverse problem via an information-flow/communications grid: given a desired macroscopic/collective behavior find the required microscopic/individual behavior of each agent and the required communications grid. The goal of this report is to describe the fundamental nature of the Hamiltonian function in the design of collective systems (solve the inverse problem) and the connections between and values of physical and information exergies intrinsic to collective systems. In particular, physical and information exergies are shown to be equivalent based on thermodynamics and Hamiltonian mechanics.

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TYPE SAND Report YEAR 2007
DOIOSTI

Autothermal reforming of natural gas to synthesis gas:reference: KBR paper #2031

Mann, David; Rice, Steven

This Project Final Report serves to document the project structure and technical results achieved during the 3-year project titled Advanced Autothermal Reformer for US Dept of Energy Office of Industrial Technology. The project was initiated in December 2001 and was completed March 2005. It was a joint effort between Sandia National Laboratories (Livermore, CA), Kellogg Brown & Root LLC (KBR) (Houston, TX) and Sued-Chemie (Louisville, KY). The purpose of the project was to develop an experimental capability that could be used to examine the propensity for soot production in an Autothermal Reformer (ATR) during the production of hydrogen-carbon monoxide synthesis gas intended for Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) applications including ammonia, methanol, and higher hydrocarbons. The project consisted of an initial phase that was focused on developing a laboratory-scale ATR capable of reproducing conditions very similar to a plant scale unit. Due to budget constraints this effort was stopped at the advanced design stages, yielding a careful and detailed design for such a system including ATR vessel design, design of ancillary feed and let down units as well as a PI&D for laboratory installation. The experimental effort was then focused on a series of measurements to evaluate rich, high-pressure burner behavior at pressures as high as 500 psi. The soot formation measurements were based on laser attenuation at a view port downstream of the burner. The results of these experiments and accompanying calculations show that soot formation is primarily dependent on oxidation stoichiometry. However, steam to carbon ratio was found to impact soot production as well as burner stability. The data also showed that raising the operating pressure while holding mass flow rates constant results in considerable soot formation at desirable feed ratios. Elementary reaction modeling designed to illuminate the role of CO{sub 2} in the burner feed showed that the conditions in the burner allow for the direct participation of CO{sub 2} in the oxidation chemistry.

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TYPE SAND Report YEAR 2007
DOIOSTI
Results 80301–80400 of 96,771
Results 80301–80400 of 96,771