Engineering topics

Elkins, R.

Publications and source records attributed to Elkins, R..

4 records

NASA NTRS1984

Laser thermal propulsion

Laser thermal propulsion (LTP) is studied for the case in which laser power is absorbed by a small very high-temperature plasma (about 20,000 K) and transferred to the remainder of the pure hydrogen propellant by radiation and mixing. This concept could lead to the realization of a lightweight orbital transfer vehicle propulsion system having a specific impulse in the range 1000-2000 s. Approximately 12 percent of the input power may be radiated to the thruster walls, and 15 percent of the total propellant flow must be heated to 20,000 K to provide a bulk temperature of 5000 K prior to expansion. Three principal research issues identified are: (1) conditions for hydrogen plasma ignition, (2) control of the plasma position within the laser beam, plasma stability, and plasma absorption efficiency, and (3) characterization of the mixing of the plasma and buffer flows.

Keefer, D.↗

NASA NTRS1982

A two-dimensional model of the hydrogen plasma for a laser powered rocket

A two-dimensional, closed-form model originally developed by Batteh and Keefer (1974) is modified and applied to the absorption of laser radiation by a hydrogen plasma. The model is used to predict the power absorbed by plasmas at one- and ten-atmosphere pressure as a function of laser beam radius. Predicted isotherms are given for one- and ten-atmosphere plasmas, together with thermal loading of the absorption chamber wall. The model is also used in predicting the laser power required to sustain a hydrogen plasma as a function of the absorption coefficient.

Keefer, D.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Solar Brayton engine/alternator set

Work on the Mod O solar Brayton engine/alternator set is redirected to utilize solarized components of the automotive advanced gas turbine (AGT). The new configuration is referred to as the Mod I. Commercialization of solar Brayton engines thus should be enhanced not only by relating the design to an engine expected to reach the high quantity, low cost production rates associated with the automotive market, but also by the potential the AGT components provide for growth of efficiency and power rating. This growth would be achieved through use of ceramics in later versions making operation possible at temperatures up to 2500 F. The longer program duration and higher cost of the Mod I is considered.

Six, L.↗

NASA NTRS1980

A hybrid Brayton engine concept

A first generation open cycle Brayton engine concept for use in full scale solar module testing was defined. The concept extended to include solar/fossil hybrid capability. The combustion system defined for hybrid operation consists of a wide range combustor liner, a single airblast atomizer, an ignitor and a high-voltage ignition unit. Wide range combustor operation would be achieved through combining pilot and primary zones. The hybrid control mode and the solar only control mode are both based on the concept of maintaining constant turbine inlet temperature and varying the engine speed for part-power operation. In addition, the hybrid control concept will allow the operator to set a minimum thermal power input to the engine by setting a corresponding minimum engine speed. When the solar thermal power input falls below this minimum, fossil fuel would be utilized to augment the solar thermal power input.

Six, L. D.↗