Engineering topics
Publications and source records attributed to Laumann, E. A..
Heat loss by convection reduced. Simplified solar receiver concept involves inwardly directed flow of cooling air and "air door" to reduce loss by convection. Receiver is constructed from inexpensive materials.
A hydrogen-oxygen fueled internal combustion engine is described, which utilizes an inert gas, such as argon, as a working fluid to increase the efficiency of the engine, eliminate pollution, and facilitate operation of a closed cycle energy system. In a system where sunlight or other intermittent energy source is available to separate hydrogen and oxygen from water, the oxygen and inert gas are taken into a diesel engine into which hydrogen is injected and ignited. The exhaust is cooled so that it contains only water and the inert gas. The inert gas in the exhaust is returned to the engine for use with fresh oxygen, while the water in the exhaust is returned to the intermittent energy source for reconversion to hydrogen and oxygen.
Innovation avoids pollution by retaining combustion products. Potential uses include applicability to pollution-free powerplant using intermittent solar energy. Engine parts are fabricated from silicon carbide, silicon nitride, stainless steel, and other high-tensile strength materials.
The results and conclusions of the study, which found a significant current usage of hydrogen, dominated by chemical-industry needs and supplied mostly from natural gas and petroleum feedstocks are discussed. These needs are expected to increase significantly in the remainder of this century and to largely outgrow the current means of supply. Several hydrogen production methods were evaluated. Those not dependent on fossil resources were found to be presently more costly and technically more difficult than fossil-feedstock-based technologies, but it is clear that they will eventually need to be implemented.
This study is concerned with: hydrogen use, alternatives and comparisons, hydrogen production, factors affecting application, and technology requirements. Two scenarios for future use are explained. One is called the reference hydrogen use scenario and assumes continued historic uses of hydrogen along with additional use for coal gasification and liquefaction, consistent with the Ford technical fix baseline (1974) projection. The expanded scenario relies on the nuclear electric economy (1973) energy projection and assumes the addition of limited new uses such as experimental hydrogen-fueled aircraft, some mixing with natural gas, and energy storage by utilities. Current uses and supply of hydrogen are described, and the technological requirements for developing new methods of hydrogen production are discussed.
Mariner attitude control system limit cycle operation during cruise, noting variation from ideal case to single side operation
Mariner attitude control system limit cycle operation during cruise, noting variation from ideal case to single side operation
Free flight multibody test techniques, discussing drogue body testing, mechanized free flight models and salvo launches
Convective aerodynamic heating estimates for air- carbon dioxide gas mixtures
A simple transducer is used to measure low rates of convective and conductive heat transfer from a fluid to a cooled surface under steady-state conditions. Temperature drop is measured by two thermocouples imbedded in a rod of low thermal conductivity.
Performance characteristics of data acquisition system for wind tunnel digital data function