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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 181 records · Page 10

Development of advanced high-temperature heat flux sensors. Phase 2: Verification testing

A two-phase program is conducted to develop heat flux sensors capable of making heat flux measurements throughout the hot section of gas turbine engines. In Phase 1, three types of heat flux sensors are selected; embedded thermocouple, laminated, and Gardon gauge sensors. A demonstration of the ability of these sensors to operate in an actual engine environment is reported. A segmented liner of each of two combustors being used in the Broad Specification Fuels Combustor program is instrumented with the three types of heat flux sensors then tested in a high pressure combustor rig. Radiometer probes are also used to measure the radiant heat loads to more fully characterize the combustor environment. Test results show the heat flux sensors to be in good agreement with radiometer probes and the predicted data trends. In general, heat flux sensors have strong potential for use in combustor development programs.

Atkinson, W. H.↗

Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) for planetary surface exploration

Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) is the quantitative measurement of the enthalpic response of a material to a systematic change in temperature. In practice, the heat flow into or outward from a sample is measured as the sample is heated or cooled at a carefully controlled rate. DSC superficially resembles, but is not the same as differential thermal analysis (DTA), which is the measurement of temperature differences between a sample and reference material as the pair is heated or cooled. The fundamental properties measured by DSC are enthalpies and temperatures of phase transitions and constant-pressure heat capacities. Depending on instrument design and the nature of the sample, high-quality DSC analyses can be obtained on only a few milligrams of solid materials. DSC requires direct contact with the sample and generally degrades, if not destroys, the sample as a consequence of heating. In laboratory applications, it is common to subject the gaseous effluent from the DSC to analysis by a separate evolved-gas analyzer (EGA).

Gooding, James L.↗

Advanced High-Lift Leading-Edge (AHLLE) Technologies for Laminar Wings

This is the Northrop Grumman final report for the Advanced High-Lift Leading-Edge Technologies for Laminar Wings conceptual design and demonstration program performed for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Langley Research Center. Northrop Grumman conducted conceptual aerodynamic CFD and QFD analysis to downselect two leading-edge concepts for high lift. The effort included aerodynamic analysis to examine instrumentation placement and propulsion analysis to design internal cavity geometry of the high-pressure blown slot configurations. A wind tunnel model design created a 7-foot span model of the complex configuration. A wind tunnel test plan, which included baseline, deflected trailing-edge, blown deflected trailing-edge, blown leading-edge, morphed leading-edge, and blown/morphed leading-edge airfoil configurations was developed. As a result of this program approach, a successful demonstration of high-lift leading-edge technology was reached, and the target goals for improved lift were exceeded by 30% with a maximum section lift coefficient (Cl) of 5.2. Incremental lift coefficient (DCl) of 3.5 and 3.1 was achieved on the two laminar compatible airfoil configurations (at cruise). Our high-lift design yielded a massive 94% lift improvement over conventional high-lift Krueger flap configurations while providing laminar flow capability on the cruise configuration.

High-lift↗

Left ventricular, systemic arterial, and baroreflex responses to ketamine and TEE in chronically instrumented monkeys

Effects of prescribed doses of ketamine five minutes after application and influences of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) on left ventricular, systemic arterial, and baroreflex responses were investigated to test the hypothesis that ketamine and/or TEE probe insertion alter cardiovascular function. Seven rhesus monkeys were tested under each of four randomly selected experimental conditions: (1) intravenous bolus dose of ketamine (0.5 ml), (2) continuous infusion of ketamine (500 mg/kg/min), (3) continuous infusion of ketamine (500 mg/kg/min) with TEE, and (4) control (no ketamine or TEE). Monkeys were chronically instrumented with a high fidelity, dual-sensor micromanometer to measure left ventricular and aortic pressure and a transit-time ultrasound probe to measure aortic flow. These measures were used to calculate left ventricular function. A 4-element Windkessel lumped-parameter model was used to estimate total peripheral resistance and systemic arterial compliance. Baroreflex response was calculated as the change in R-R interval divided by the change in mean aortic pressure measured during administration of graded concentrations of nitroprusside. The results indicated that five minutes after ketamine application heart rate and left ventricular diastolic compliance decreased while TEE increased aortic systolic and diastolic pressure. We conclude that ketamine may be administered as either a bolus or continuous infusion without affecting cardiovascular function 5 minutes after application while the insertion of a TEE probe will increase aortic pressure. The results for both ketamine and TEE illustrate the classic "Hawthorne Effect," where the observed values are partly a function of the measurement process. Measures of aortic pressure, heart rate, and left ventricular diastolic pressure should be viewed as relative, as opposed to absolute, when organisms are sedated with ketamine or instrumented with a TEE probe.

Non-NASA Center↗

Advances in cryogenic engineering. Volume 27 - Proceedings of the Cryogenic Engineering Conference, San Diego, CA, August 11-14, 1981

Applications of superconductivity are considered, taking into account MHD and fusion, generators, transformers, transmission lines, magnets for physics, cryogenic techniques, electrtronics, and aspects of magnet stability. Advances related to heat transfer in He I are discussed along with subjects related to theat transfer in He II, refrigeration of superconducting systems, refrigeration and liquefaction, dilution and magnetic refrigerators, refrigerators for space applications, mass transfer and flow phenomena, and the properties of fluids. Developments related to cryogenic applications are also explored, giving attention to bulk storage and transfer of cryogenic fluids, liquefied natural gas operations, space science and technology, and cryopumping. Topics related to cryogenic instrumentation and controls include the production and use of high grade silicon diode temperature sensors, the choice of strain gages for use in a large superconducting alternator, microprocessor control of cryogenic pressure, and instrumentation, data acquisition and reduction for a large spaceborne helium dewar.

Fast, R. W.↗

A Low Cost Thermal Control Method for Testing in a Mars Environment

Due to the unique thermal vacuum testing requirements for a Mars Rover instrument, NASA Goddard developed a low cost, high fidelity thermal control system utilizing Thermal Electric Coolers (TECs) combined with a heat rejection fluid loop to actively control 8 independent payload thermal boundary zones in a simulated Mars pressure vacuum chamber with a Carbon Dioxide atmosphere. These zones could control instrument components to a specific temperature as a function of time to simulate exact temporal flight boundary predictions.The Mars Organic Molecule Analyzer (MOMA) instrument is a dual source (pyrolysis gas chromatograph and laser desorption) mass spectrometer (MS) based package that detects and characterizes organic molecules, as part of ESA's 2020 ExoMars Rover mission to seek the signs of life on Mars.Due to the unique thermal vacuum testing requirements for a Mars Rover instrument, NASA Goddard developed a low cost, high fidelity thermal control system utilizing Thermal Electric Coolers (TECs) combined with a heat rejection fluid loop to actively control 8 independent payload thermal boundary zones in a simulated Mars pressure vacuum chamber with a Carbon Dioxide atmosphere. These zones could control instrument components to a specific temperature as a function of time to simulate exact temporal flight boundary predictions.The Mars Organic Molecule Analyzer (MOMA) instrument is a dual source (pyrolysis gas chromatograph and laser desorption) mass spectrometer (MS) based package that detects and characterizes organic molecules, as part of ESA's 2020 ExoMars Rover mission to seek the signs of life on Mars.

MOMA↗

Sample Handling in Extreme Environments

Harsh environments, such as that on Venus, preclude the use of existing equipment for functions that involve interaction with the environment. The operating limitations of current high temperature electronics are well below the actual temperature and pressure found on Venus (460 deg C and 92 atm), so proposed lander configurations typically include a pressure vessel where the science instruments are kept at Earth-like temperature and pressure (25 deg C and 1 atm). The purpose of this project was to develop and demonstrate a method for sample transfer from an external drill to internal science instruments for a lander on Venus. The initial concepts were string and pneumatically driven systems; and the latter system was selected for its ability to deliver samples at very high speed. The pneumatic system was conceived to be driven by the pressure difference between the Venusian atmosphere and the inside of the lander. The pneumatic transfer of a small capsule was demonstrated, and velocity data was collected from the lab experiment. The sample transfer system was modeled using CAD software and prototyped using 3D printing. General structural and thermal analyses were performed to approximate the proposed system's mass and effects on the temperature and pressure inside of the lander. Additionally, a sampler breadboard for use on Titan was tested and functionality problems were resolved.

sample handling↗

Particle Seeding Method for Small-Scale, High-Pressure Nozzles

NASA tests new launch and reentry vehicle configurations in wind tunnels, where flow visualizations and quantitative flowfield measurements are often desired. Some of these vehicles have rocket motors for propulsion, retro-propulsion, or reaction control. High-pressure air is used to supply these rocket motor plumes. However, it is difficult to make off-body measurements in these regions, for several reasons. First, the plumes themselves lack seeding particles for flow diagnostics, and at the low pressures after expansion, Rayleigh scattering or other molecular techniques yield insufficient signal for flow velocity measurements. Second, the plumes displace particle-seeded tunnel air, preventing measurements in the vicinity of the plume. Third, the plumes force shock waves ahead of the vehicle, which melts the ice crystal fog commonly used for visualization and measurement techniques in certain facilities. In the current work, a novel method for seeding the flow in these small-scale, high-pressure nozzles has been devised and initially demonstrated, potentially enabling quantitative and qualitative measurements with particle-based instruments such as Doppler global velocimetry or particle image velocimetry. The method involves a Venturi contraction to draw the seed liquid out of a reservoir and into the nozzle channel, wherein shearing forces atomize the seed into particles. The concept was tested with a laser sheet visualization, which demonstrated that the flow rate of liquid spray was controllable; a valve could be adjusted to drop the flow rate by up to 65%. This relatively inexpensive and simple technique may prove useful in wind tunnel experiments involving particle-based laser diagnostics and small, high-pressure nozzles.

Aditya S. Acharya↗

Particle Seeding Method for Small-Scale, High-Pressure Nozzles

NASA tests new launch and reentry vehicle configurations in wind tunnels, where flow visualizations and quantitative flowfield measurements are often desired. Some of these vehicles have rocket motors for propulsion, retro-propulsion, or reaction control. High-pressure air is used to supply these rocket motor plumes. However, it is difficult to make off-body measurements in these regions, for several reasons. First, the plumes themselves lack seeding particles for flow diagnostics, and at the low pressures after expansion, Rayleigh scattering or other molecular techniques yield insufficient signal for flow velocity measurements. Second, the plumes displace particle-seeded tunnel air, preventing measurements in the vicinity of the plume. Third, the plumes force shock waves ahead of the vehicle, which melts the ice crystal fog commonly used for visualization and measurement techniques in certain facilities. In the current work, a novel method for seeding the flow in these small-scale, high-pressure nozzles has been devised and initially demonstrated, potentially enabling quantitative and qualitative measurements with particle-based instruments such as Doppler global velocimetry or particle image velocimetry. The method involves a Venturi contraction to draw the seed liquid out of a reservoir and into the nozzle channel, wherein shearing forces atomize the seed into particles. The concept was tested with a laser sheet visualization, which demonstrated that the flow rate of liquid spray was controllable; a valve could be adjusted to drop the flow rate by up to 65%. This relatively inexpensive and simple technique may prove useful in wind tunnel experiments involving particle-based laser diagnostics and small, high-pressure nozzles.

lasers↗

An Evaluation of Ultra-High Pressure Regulator for Robotic Lunar Landing Spacecraft

The Robotic Lunar Lander Development (RLLD) Project Office at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) has studied several lunar surface science mission concepts. These missions focus on spacecraft carrying multiple science instruments and power systems that will allow extended operations on the lunar surface. Initial trade studies of launch vehicle options for these mission concepts indicate that the spacecraft design will be significantly mass-constrained. To minimize mass and facilitate efficient packaging, the notional propulsion system for these landers has a baseline of an ultra-high pressure (10,000 psig) helium pressurization system that has been used on Defense missiles. The qualified regulator is capable of short duration use; however, the hardware has not been previously tested at NASA spacecraft requirements with longer duration. Hence, technical risks exist in using this missile-based propulsion component for spacecraft applications. A 10,000-psig helium pressure regulator test activity is being carried out as part of risk reduction testing for MSFC RLLD project. The goal of the test activity is to assess the feasibility of commercial off-the-shelf ultra-high pressure regulator by testing with a representative flight mission profile. Slam-start, gas blowdown, water expulsion, lock-up, and leak tests are also performed on the regulator to assess performance under various operating conditions. The preliminary test results indicated that the regulator can regulate helium to a stable outlet pressure of 740 psig within the +/- 5% tolerance band and maintain a lock-up pressure less than +5% for all tests conducted. Numerous leak tests demonstrated leakage less than 10-3 standard cubic centimeters per second (SCCS) for internal seat leakage at lock-up and less than10-5 SCCS for external leakage through the regulator ambient reference cavity. The successful tests have shown the potential for 10,000 psig helium systems in NASA spacecraft and have reduced risk associated with hardware availability and hardware ability to meet RLL mission requirements.

Burnside, Christopher↗

Instrumentation systems for the Langley Research Center 8-foot high temperature tunnel

A description is presented of the 8-foot high-temperature tunnel, a Mach 7 blowdown-type facility in which methane is burned in air under pressure, with the resulting combustion products utilized as the test medium. The instrumentation environment and requirements are identified, and instrumentation design, including wiring, sensors, and data acquisition system are described. The design and installation of a fast oxygen monitoring system to maintain the partial pressure of oxygen at 21 percent in the tunnel test section is included. Also, the new data acquisition system hardware details and data-reduction capabilities are defined.

Walsh, James J., Jr.↗

High spatial resolution measurements of ram accelerator gas dynamic phenomena

High spatial resolution experimental tube wall pressure measurements of ram accelerator gas dynamic phenomena are presented. The projectile resembles the centerbody of a ramjet and travels supersonically through a tube filled with a combustible gaseous mixture, with the tube acting as the outer cowling. Pressure data are recorded as the projectile passes by sensors mounted in the tube wall at various locations along the tube. Data obtained by using a special highly instrumented section of tube has allowed the recording of gas dynamic phenomena with a spatial resolution on the order of one tenth the projectile length. High spatial resolution tube wall pressure data from the three regimes of propulsion studied to date (subdetonative, transdetonative, and superdetonative) are presented and reveal the 3D character of the flowfield induced by projectile fins and the canting of the projectile body relative to the tube wall. Also presented for comparison to the experimental data are calculations made with an inviscid, 3D CFD code.

Hinkey, J. B.↗

Photoelastic transducer for high-temperature applications

A design for a birefringence transducer for high-temperature applications is described. The spring element and the readout instrumentation are addressed. A pressure transducer based on the concept has been built and successfully tested at temperatures up to 600 C.

Redner, A. S.↗

A LEX blowing technique for post-stall lateral control of trapezoidal wings

An exploratory low-speed wind-tunnel investigation of a pneumatic technique for LEX-induced lift augmetation on a low-aspect-ratio trapezoidal wing near C sub L, MAX is reported. The technique involved lateral sheet ejection from LEX edge-slots, with emphasis on nonsymmetrical blowing to obtain incremental roll control at high angles of attack when the aileron power is declining. Preliminary experiments on a pressure instrumented semispan wing model followed by force/moment measurements on a full-span LEX-wing configuration confirmed the effectiveness of LEX blowing for lateral control improvement up to an angle of attack of 45 deg and with a momentum coefficient of less than 02.

Rao, Dhanvada M.↗

Laboratory Studies of Chemical and Photochemical Processes Relevant to Stratospheric Ozone

This is the final report for this project. Its purpose is to reduce the uncertainty in rate coefficients for key gas-phase kinetic processes which impact our understanding of stratospheric ozone. The main emphasis of this work is on measuring the rate coefficients for the reactions of HO2 + O3, and HO2 + NO2 in the temperature range (200-240 K) relevant to the lower stratosphere. In order to accomplish this, a high pressure turbulent flow tube reactor was built and its flow characteristics were quantified. The instrument was coupled with tunable diode laser spectroscopy for HO2 detection. Room temperature measurements of the HO2 + NO2 rate coefficients over the pressure range of 50-300 torr agree well with previous measurements. Preliminary measurements of the HO2 + O, rate coefficients at 50 - 300 Torr over the temperature range of 208-294 K agree with the NASA evaluation from 294-225 K but deviate significantly (50 % higher) at approximately 210 K.

Villalta, P. W.↗

SSME Investment in Turbomachinery Inducer Impeller Design Tools and Methodology

Within the rocket engine industry, SSME turbomachines are the de facto standards of success with regard to meeting aggressive performance requirements under challenging operational environments. Over the Shuttle era, SSME has invested heavily in our national inducer impeller design infrastructure. While both low and high pressure turbopump failures/anomaly resolution efforts spurred some of these investments, the SSME program was a major benefactor of key areas of turbomachinery inducer-impeller research outside of flight manifest pressures. Over the past several decades, key turbopump internal environments have been interrogated via highly instrumented hot-fire and cold-flow testing. Likewise, SSME has sponsored the advancement of time accurate and cavitating inducer impeller computation fluid dynamics (CFD) tools. These investments together have led to a better understanding of the complex internal flow fields within aggressive high performing inducers and impellers. New design tools and methodologies have evolved which intend to provide confident blade designs which strike an appropriate balance between performance and self induced load management.

Zoladz, Thomas↗