Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Selection pressure”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 253 records · Page 14

A Remote Sensing/Geographic Information Systems Approach in the Selection of Mars Sites of Biological Interest

The search for extinct or extant life on Mars is the search for past or present liquid water, respectively. There are numerous signs of past liquid water on Mars in the form of dry river valleys, paleolakes, and their associated flow and sediment patterns. While some of these features are recent (Amazonian, 1.8 billion years ago to present), there is no evidence that any are currently flowing. Liquid water on the surface would only be possible at those sites with sufficiently high temperatures and pressure. The key to the selection of sites on Mars to search for evidence of life is the search for the presence of water. An approach to this problem is the use of remotely sensed data incorporated in a geographic information system (GIS). A GIS is a computer-based system capable of assembling, storing, manipulating, and displaying geographically referenced information, i.e., data identified according to their locations. In planetary studies these data are acquired from remote sensing (RS) platforms (orbiters). These data are co-registered layers and, through the use of GIS analysis functions, areas on these layers can be selected as a function of the information desired. Our work used existing data layers from the Viking and Mars Global Surveyor missions to determine where water could be possible in liquid form on the Martian surface, based on the phase diagram for water.

Lobitz, B. M.↗

Shuttle Entry Air Data System concepts applied to Space Shuttle Orbiter flight pressure data to determine air data - STS 1-4

The Shuttle Entry Air Data System (SEADS) is the implementation of a new concept in air data systems, with application to entry vehicles. This concept incorporates an array of flush orifices in the nose and forward fuselage of the vehicle and a new flowfield modeling concept for the analysis of flight data and the determination of the required air data parameters. Although the SEADS has not been fully demonstrated, a developmental analysis capability has been assembled and demonstrated. This analytical capability has been used to analyze selected Development Flight Instrumentation (DFI) pressure data from STS-1 through STS-4 and determine angle of attack and freestream dynamic pressure. The results of this study verify the potential of the SEADS as a highly fault tolerant operational air data system. In addition, the transition of SEADS from its present status as an experimental system to an operational system is shown to be readily achievable.

Siemers, P. M., III↗

Progress report - Advanced cryogenic OTV engine technology

New technologies for space-based, reusable, throttleable, cryogenic orbit transfer propulsion are being evaluated. A variable-thrust (200 to 3000 lbF), 2000 psi chamber pressure, LO2/LH2 engine has been selected to demonstrate the 20-hour, 500-restart life goal, and a specific impulse in excess of 480 lbF-sec/lbM. The results of recent vehicle-engine integration analyses and the progress in design, fabrication, and testing are provided. Emphasis is placed on the following technology areas being investigated in support of the advanced engine design: LOX hydrostatic bearings; burn-resistant materials for high-pressure GOX turbines and valves; high surface-low flux annular combustion chambers for the dual propellant expander cycle; improved cooling approaches for high-pressure combustion chambers, new concepts in integrated controls; and engine health diagnostics.

Schoenman, L.↗

Superconducting energy storage magnet

A superconducting magnet is formed having composite conductors arrayed in coils having turns which lie on a surface defining substantially a frustum of a cone. The conical angle with respect to the central axis is preferably selected such that the magnetic pressure on the coil at the widest portion of the cone is substantially zero. The magnet structure is adapted for use as an energy storage magnet mounted in an earthen trench or tunnel where the strength the surrounding soil is lower at the top of the trench or tunnel than at the bottom. The composite conductor may be formed having a ripple shape to minimize stresses during charge up and discharge and has a shape for each ripple selected such that the conductor undergoes a minimum amount of bending during the charge and discharge cycle. By minimizing bending, the working of the normal conductor in the composite conductor is minimized, thereby reducing the increase in resistance of the normal conductor that occurs over time as the conductor undergoes bending during numerous charge and discharge cycles.

Boom, Roger W.↗

Ablative material testing for low-pressure, low-cost rocket engines

The results of an experimental evaluation of ablative materials suitable for the production of light weight, low cost rocket engine combustion chambers and nozzles are presented. Ten individual specimens of four different compositions of silica cloth-reinforced phenolic resin materials were evaluated for comparative erosion in a subscale rocket engine combustion chamber. Gaseous hydrogen and gaseous oxygen were used as propellants, operating at a nominal chamber pressure of 1138 kPa (165 psi) and a nominal mixture ratio (O/F) of 3.3. These conditions were used to thermally simulate operation with RP-1 and liquid oxygen, and achieved a specimen throat gas temperature of approximately 2456 K (4420 R). Two high-density composition materials exhibited high erosion resistance, while two low-density compositions exhibited approximately 6-75 times lower average erosion resistance. The results compare favorably with previous testing by NASA and provide adequate data for selection of ablatives for low pressure, low cost rocket engines.

Richter, G. Paul↗

Choked flow of fluid nitrogen with emphasis on the thermodynamic critical region.

Results of experimental measurements of critical flow rate and pressure ratio for nitrogen flowing through a nozzle. Data for selected stagnation isotherms from 87.5 to 234 K with pressures to 9.3 MN/sq m are compared to an equilibrium model with real fluid properties and also a nonequilibrium model. Critical flow pressure ratio along an isotherm tends to peak while the flow rate indicates an inflection. The point is closely associated with the transposed critical temperature and represents a change in the fluid structure.

Hendricks, R. C.↗

Interaction of central venous pressure, intramuscular pressure, and carotid baroreflex function

Seven healthy volunteer men participated in an experiment involving lower body positive pressure (LBPP) of 30 Torr and acute volume expansions of 5-6% (VE-I) and 9-10% (VE-II) of their total blood volume (TBV) to differentiate the effect of increased intramuscular pressure and central venous pressure (CVP) on the maximal gain (Gmax) of the carotid baroreflex. During each experimental condition, the heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP; intraradial artery or Finapres), and CVP (at the 3rd-4th intercostal space) were monitored continuously. Gmax was derived from the logistic modeling of the HR and MAP responses to ramped changes in carotid sinus transmural pressure using a protocol of pulsatile changes in neck chamber pressure from +40 to -65 Torr. The increase in CVP during +30-Torr LBPP was 1.5 mmHg (P < 0.05) and was similar to that observed during VE-I (1.7 mmHg, P > 0.05). The Gmax of the carotid baroreflex of HR and MAP was significantly decreased during LBPP by -0.145 +/- 0.039 beats x min(-1) x mmHg(-1) (38%) and -0.071 +/- 0.013 mmHg/mmHg (25%), respectively; however, VE-I did not affect Gmax. During VE-II, CVP was significantly greater than that elicited by LBPP, and the Gmax of the carotid baroreflex of the HR and MAP responses was significantly reduced. We conclude that carotid baroreflex responsiveness was selectively inhibited by increasing intramuscular pressure, possibly resulting in an activation of the intramuscular mechanoreceptors during LBPP. Furthermore, it would appear that the inhibition of the carotid baroreflex, via cardiopulmonary baroreceptor loading (increased CVP), occurred when a threshold pressure (CVP) was achieved.

NASA Discipline Cardiopulmonary↗

Pneumatic load compensating or controlling system

A pneumatic load compensating or controlling system for restraining a load with a predetermined force or applying a predetermined force to the load is described; it includes a source of pressurized air, a one-way pneumatic actuator operatively connected to a load, and a fluid conduit fluidically connecting the actuator with the source of pressurized air. The actuator is of the piston and cylinder type, and the end of the fluid conduit is connected to the upper or lower portion of the cylinder whereby the actuator alternatively and selectively restrains the load with a predetermined force or apply a predetermined force to the load. Pressure regulators are included within the system for variably selectively adjusting the pressurized fluid to predetermined values as desired or required; a pressure amplifier is included within the system for multiplying the pressurized values so as to achieve greater load forces. An accumulator is incorporated within the system as a failsafe operating mechanism, and visual and aural alarm devices, operatively associated with pressure detecting apparatus, readily indicate the proper or improper functioning of the system.

Rogers, J. R.↗

High-Pressure Transducer Package

Enclosure for silicon device ensures accurate measurements of cryogenic liquids. Package holds silicon sensor in uniform compression around periphery and helps ensure accurate, stable, and repeatable pressure measurements. Mounting assembly housed in package of stainless steel. Materials selected for equality of thermal expansion and for pressure-sealing properties. Besides its high-pressure, low-temperature characteristics, package withstands vibrations as severe as 400 times standard gravitational acceleration at 0 to 2,000 Hz.

Wamstad, D.↗

Melt infiltration of silicon carbide compacts. II - Evaluation of solidification microstructures

Microstructural aspects of alloy solidification within the interstices of porous compacts of platelet-shaped single crystals of alpha-SiC, when the latter are infiltrated with a hot metal under pressure, have been described. Microstructural evidence is presented of selective reorientation of platelets and nonhomogeneous solute distribution under shear of pressurized melt, of constrained growth of primary solid within finite width zones, and of the modulation of coring due to microsegregation as a result of variations in the pore size of compacts.

Asthana, Rajiv↗

Development of an oxygen impact-testing method

The development of a gaseous oxygen impact test method to aid in the selection of materials for high pressure oxygen systems is discussed. The objectives of the tests and the test equipment used are described. It is concluded that the impact test procedures are adequate for present purposes, but cannot be depended upon for establishing future standards.

Jamison, H. H.↗

Advanced extravehicular protective systems study, volume 2

The results of the subsystem studies are presented. Initial identification and evaluation of candidate subsystem concepts in the area of thermal control, humidity control, CO2 control/O2 supply, contaminant control and power supply are discussed. The candidate concepts that were judged to be obviously noncompetitive were deleted from further consideration and the remaining candidate concepts were carried into the go/no go evaluation. A detailed parametric analysis of each of the thermal/humidity control and CO2 control/O2 supply subsystem concepts which passed the go/no go evaluation is described. Based upon the results of the parametric analyses, primary and secondary evaluations of the remaining candidate concepts were conducted. These results and the subsystem recommendations emanating from these results are discussed. In addition, the parametric analyses of the recommended subsystem concepts were updated to reflect the final AEPS specification requirements. A detailed discussion regarding the selection of the AEPS operating pressure level is presented.

Sutton, J. G.↗

Prolonged weightlessness (300 plus days) and cardiac performance in primates. 1: Neuro-humoral mechanisms in the control of cardiac and vascular performance in conscious animals

Research during the period 1 Oct. 1971 to 1 Oct. 1972 is reported. Studies discussed include: development of techniques for instrumentation of dogs and other animals, effects of temporary application of lower body negative pressure, and effect of infusing selected drugs on ventricular performance.

Hawthorne, E. W.↗

Trajectory correction propulsion for TOPS

A blowdown-pressurized hydrazine propulsion system was selected to provide trajectory correction impulse for outer planet flyby spacecraft as the result of cost/mass/reliability tradeoff analyses. Present hydrazine component and system technology and component designs were evaluated for application to the Thermoelectric Outer Planet Spacecraft (TOPS); while general hydrazine technology was adequate, component design changes were deemed necessary for TOPS-type missions. A prototype hydrazine propulsion system was fabricated and fired nine times for a total of 1600 s to demonstrate the operation and performance of the TOPS propulsion configuration. A flight-weight trajectory correction propulsion subsystem (TCPS) was designed for the TOPS based on actual and estimated advanced components.

Long, H. R.↗

Measurements of NH3 absorption coefficients with a C-13/O-16/2 laser

Measurements of NH3 absorption coefficients are presented for several transitions of a C-13(O-16)2 laser for small concentrations of NH3(p less than 1 torr) for absorption lines broadened to 1 atm with N2. NH3 absorption coefficients were determined for laser transitions R(8)(920.2194 wavelengths/cm) to R(28)(933.8808 wavelengths/cm) of the 00 1 - (10 0,02 0)I band. The strongest absorption coefficient K = 36.09 + or - 1.43 per (atm-cm) was measured for the R(18) transition for the NH3 line, aQ(6,6), and is larger than has been found in any previous measurements with a CO2 laser. The dependence of K on total pressure was also obtained for select transitions, and the frequency separation between the R(18) laser transition and the neighboring NH3 line aQ(6,6) was determined to be 550 + or - 50 MHz. These results are significant for long path absorption monitoring of NH3 with CO2 lasers since the path length can be reduced by approximately 40% and for heterodyne detection of NH3 since the relative position of the laser transition to the NH3 absorption line is well within the bandpass of Hg-Cd-Te photomixers.

Allario, F.↗

Preliminary analysis of aircraft fuel systems for use with broadened specification jet fuels

An analytical study was conducted on the use of broadened specification hydrocarbon fuels in present day aircraft. A short range Boeing 727 mission and three long range Boeing 747 missions were used as basis of calculation for one-day-per-year extreme values of fuel loading, airport ambient and altitude ambient temperatures with various seasonal and climatic conditions. Four hypothetical fuels were selected; two high-vapor-pressure fuels with 35 kPa and 70 kPa RVP and two high-freezing-point fuels with -29 C and -18 C freezing points. In-flight fuel temperatures were predicted by Boeing's aircraft fuel tank thermal analyzer computer program. Boil-off rates were calculated for the high vapor pressure fuels and heating/insulation requirements for the high freezing point fuels were established. Possible minor and major heating system modifications were investigated with respect to heat output, performance and economic penalties for the high freezing point fuels.

Pasion, A. J.↗

Computer Program for Calculation of a Gas Temperature Profile by Infrared Emission: Absorption Spectroscopy

A computer program to calculate the temperature profile of a flame or hot gas was presented in detail. Emphasis was on profiles found in jet engine or rocket engine exhaust streams containing H2O or CO2 radiating gases. The temperature profile was assumed axisymmetric with an assumed functional form controlled by two variable parameters. The parameters were calculated using measurements of gas radiation at two wavelengths in the infrared. The program also gave some information on the pressure profile. A method of selection of wavelengths was given that is likely to lead to an accurate determination of the parameters. The program is written in FORTRAN IV language and runs in less than 60 seconds on a Univac 1100 computer.

Buchele, D. R.↗