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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 289 records · Page 16
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1984

Real-time hybrid computer simulation of a small turboshaft engine and control system

The development of an analytical model of a small turboshaft engine designed for helicopter propulsion systems is described. The model equations were implemented on a hybrid computer system to provide a real time nonlinear simulation of the engine performance over a wide operating range. The real time hybrid simulation of the engine was used to evaluate a microprocessor based digital control module. This digital control module was developed as part of an advanced rotorcraft control program. After tests with the hybrid engine simulation the digital control module was used to control a real engine in an experimental program. A hybrid simulation of the engine's electrical hydromechanical control system was developed. This allowed to vary the fuel flow and torque load inputs to the hybrid engine simulation for simulating transient operation. A steady-state data and the experimental tests are compared. Analytical model equations, analog computer diagrams, and a digital computer flow chart are included.

Hart, C. E.↗
NASA NTRS2011

Underexpanded Supersonic Plume Surface Interactions: Applications for Spacecraft Landings on Planetary Bodies

Numerical and experimental investigations of both far-field and near-field supersonic steady jet interactions with a flat surface at various atmospheric pressures are presented in this paper. These studies were done in assessing the landing hazards of both the NASA Mars Science Laboratory and Phoenix Mars spacecrafts. Temporal and spatial ground pressure measurements in conjunction with numerical solutions at altitudes of approx.35 nozzle exit diameters and jet expansion ratios (e) between 0.02 and 100 are used. Data from steady nitrogen jets are compared to both pulsed jets and rocket exhaust plumes at Mach approx.5. Due to engine cycling, overpressures and the plate shock dynamics are different between pulsed and steady supersonic impinging jets. In contrast to highly over-expanded (e <1) and underexpanded exhaust plumes, results show that there is a relative ground pressure load maximum for moderately underexpanded (e approx.2-5) jets which demonstrate a long collimated plume shock structure. For plumes with e much >5 (lunar atmospheric regime), the ground pressure is minimal due to the development of a highly expansive shock structure. We show this is dependent on the stability of the plate shock, the length of the supersonic core and plume decay due to shear layer instability which are all a function of the jet expansion ratio. Asymmetry and large gradients in the spatial ground pressure profile and large transient overpressures are predominantly linked to the dynamics of the plate shock. More importantly, this study shows that thruster plumes exhausting into martian environments possess the largest surface pressure loads and can occur at high spacecraft altitudes in contrast to the jet interactions at terrestrial and lunar atmospheres. Theoretical and analytical results also show that subscale supersonic cold gas jets adequately simulate the flow field and loads due to rocket plume impingement provided important scaling parameters are in agreement. These studies indicate the critical importance of testing and modeling plume-surface interactions for descent and ascent of spacecraft and launch vehicles.

Mehta, M.↗
NASA NTRS2004

2003 NASA Seal/Secondary Air System Workshop

The following reports were included in the 2003 NASA Seal/Secondary Air System Workshop:Low Emissions Alternative Power (LEAP); Overview of NASA Glenn Seal Developments; NASA Ultra Efficient Engine Technology Project Overview; Development of Higher Temperature Abradable Seals for Industrial Gas Turbines; High Misalignment Carbon Seals for the Fan Drive Gear System Technologies; Compliant Foil Seal Investigations; Test Rig for Evaluating Active Turbine Blade Tip Clearance Control Concepts; Controls Considerations for Turbine Active Clearance Control; Non-Contacting Finger Seal Developments and Design Considerations; Effect of Flow-Induced Radial Load on Brush Seal/Rotor Contact Mechanics; Seal Developments at Flowserve Corporation; Investigations of High Pressure Acoustic Waves in Resonators With Seal-Like Features; Numerical Investigations of High Pressure Acoustic Waves in Resonators; Feltmetal Seal Material Through-Flow; "Bimodal" Nuclear Thermal Rocket (BNTR) Propulsion for Future Human Mars Exploration Missions; High Temperature Propulsion System Structural Seals for Future Space Launch Vehicles; Advanced Control Surface Seal Development for Future Space Vehicles; High Temperature Metallic Seal Development for Aero Propulsion and Gas Turbine Applications; and BrazeFoil Honeycomb.

Steinetz, Bruce M.↗
NASA NTRS2008

Transient Three-Dimensional Side Load Analysis of a Film Cooled Nozzle

Transient three-dimensional numerical investigations on the side load physics for an engine encompassing a film cooled nozzle extension and a regeneratively cooled thrust chamber, were performed. The objectives of this study are to identify the three-dimensional side load physics and to compute the associated aerodynamic side load using an anchored computational methodology. The computational methodology is based on an unstructured-grid, pressure-based computational fluid dynamics formulation, and a transient inlet history based on an engine system simulation. Ultimately, the computational results will be provided to the nozzle designers for estimating of effect of the peak side load on the nozzle structure. Computations simulating engine startup at ambient pressures corresponding to sea level and three high altitudes were performed. In addition, computations for both engine startup and shutdown transients were also performed for a stub nozzle, operating at sea level. For engine with the full nozzle extension, computational result shows starting up at sea level, the peak side load occurs when the lambda shock steps into the turbine exhaust flow, while the side load caused by the transition from free-shock separation to restricted-shock separation comes at second; and the side loads decreasing rapidly and progressively as the ambient pressure decreases. For the stub nozzle operating at sea level, the computed side loads during both startup and shutdown becomes very small due to the much reduced flow area.

Wang, Ten-See↗
NASA NTRS1979

Use of arc-jet hypersonic blunted wedge flows for evaluating performance of Orbiter TPS

Arc-jet tests at NASA/JSC have been conducted recently to evaluate the performance of the Orbiter Thermal Protection System (TPS) on three critical areas of the side and top of the Orbiter fuselage: (1) cargo bay door, (2) crew access door, and (3) LRSI/FRSI joint regions. Test articles corresponding to these three areas on the Orbiter were mounted in an arc-jet test chamber in a blunted-wedge holder and exposed to hypersonic flow at various angles of attack. The effects of flow direction, heating load, and overtemperature were investigated. In addition, the reuse capability of the TPS materials was evaluated, along with the protection of the pressure seals within the test articles. Thermal match model predictions correlated well with primary structure thermocouple data. Heating rate and pressure predictions based on a nonequilibrium flow field computer program showed good agreement with arc-jet test data and existing hypersonic flow theories.

Rochelle, W. C.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Dynamic heave-pitch analysis of air cushion landing systems

A program to develop analytical tools for evaluating the dynamic performance of Air Cushion Landing Systems (ACLS) is described. The heave (vertical) motion of the ACLS was analyzed, and the analysis was extended to cover coupled heave-pitch motions. The mathematical models developed are based on a fundamental analysis of the body dynamics and fluid mechanics of the aircraft-cushion-runway interaction. The air source characteristics, flow losses in the feeding ducts, trunk and cushion, the effects of fluid compressibility, and dynamic trunk deflections, including ground contact are considered. A computer program, based on the heave-pitch analysis, was developed to simulate the dynamic behavior of an ACLS during landing impact and taxi over an irregular runway. The program outputs include ACLS motions, loadings, pressures, and flows as a function of time. To illustrate program use, three basic types of simulations were carried out. The results provide an initial indication of ACLS performance during (1) a static drop, (2) landing impact, and (3) taxi over a runway irregularity.

Captain, K. M.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Flow processes in overexpanded chemical rocket nozzles. Part 2: Side loads due to asymmetric separation

Methods for measuring the lateral forces, occurring as a result of asymmetric nozzle flow separation, are discussed. The effect of some parameters on the side load is explained. A new method was developed for calculation of the side load. The values calculated are compared with side load data of the J-2 engine. Results are used for predicting side loads of the space shuttle main engine.

Schmucker, R. H.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Wetlands Geoprocessor (v 1.0)

Wetlands have often been described as the “Earth’s kidneys” because wetlands have the ability filter pollutants and purify water. Based upon wetland storage capacity, average daily flow, and inflow nutrient loading this model estimates potential load reductions of nitrate and orthophosphate) from a constructed surface flow wetland (CW). The model relies upon equations, coefficients, and models provided by Cheng et al. 2020 and Cheng & Basu 2017. Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus are important nutrients to ecosystems, but high concentrations can lead to water quality issues. Major sources of these nutrients come from agricultural areas where fertilizer is applied in large quantitates and/or animal waste is present. Excess nitrate and phosphorus may result in overgrowth of algae, which can decrease the dissolved oxygen in water, thereby harming and killing fish and other aquatic species. This model evaluates water purification results and estimates cost to install a surface flow constructed wetlands.

Davis, Cleve↗
NASA NTRS1961

Normal-Force and Hinge-Moment Characteristics at Transonic Speeds of Flap-Type Ailerons at Three Spanwise Locations on a 4-Percent-Thick Sweptback-Wing-Body Model and Pressure-Distribution Measurements on an Inboard Aileron

An investigation has been conducted at the Langley 16-foot transonic tunnel to determine the loading characteristics of flap-type ailerons located at inboard, midspan, and outboard positions on a 45 deg. sweptback-wing-body combination. Aileron normal-force and hinge-moment data have been obtained at Mach numbers from 0.80 t o 1.03, at angles of attack up to about 27 deg., and at aileron deflections between approximately -15 deg. and 15 deg. Results of the investigation indicate that the loading over the ailerons was established by the wing-flow characteristics, and the loading shapes were irregular in the transonic speed range. The spanwise location of the aileron had little effect on the values of the slope of the curves of hinge-moment coefficient against aileron deflection, but the inboard aileron had the greatest value of the slope of the curves of hinge-moment coefficient against angle of attack and the outboard aileron had the least. Hinge-moment and aileron normal-force data taken with strain-gage instrumentation are compared with data obtained with pressure measurements.

Runckel, Jack F.↗
NASA NTRS2017

Characterization, Operation and Analysis of Test Motors Containing Aluminized Hybrid Fuels

NASA Marshall Space Flight Center's Materials and Processes Department, with support from the Propulsion Systems Department, has renewed the development and maintenance of a hybrid test bed for exposing ablative thermal protection materials to an environment similar to that seen in solid rocket motors (SRM). The Solid Fuel Torch (SFT), operated during the Space Shuttle program, utilized gaseous oxygen for oxidizer and an aluminized hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) fuel grain to expose a converging section of phenolic material to a 400 psi, 2-phase flow combustion environment. The configuration allows for up to a 2 foot long, 5 inch diameter fuel grain cartridge. Wanting to now test rubber insulation materials with a turn-back feature to mimic the geometry of an aft dome being impinged by alumina particles, the throat area has now been increased by several times to afford flow similarity. Combined with the desire to maintain a higher operating pressure, the oxidizer flow rate is being increased by a factor of 10. Out of these changes has arisen the need to characterize the fuel/oxidizer combination in a higher mass flux condition than has been previously tested at MSFC, and at which the literature has little to no reporting as well. Testing for fuel regression rate comprised a two-level, full factorial design available over Aluminum loading level, mass flow rate, pressure, and diameter. The data taken significantly surpasses the previous available data on regression rate of aluminized HTPB fuel burning with gaseous oxygen. It encompasses higher mass fluxes, and appears to generate more consistent data. The good test article and facility design and testing work of the Penn State HPCL combined with careful analysis of the data and good planning has made this possible. This should be able to assist with developing rate laws that are useful both for research planning and for developing flight system sizing relationships that can help optimize hybrid rocket concepts for trade studies. The successful approach of this DOE and test setup is applicable to other propellant combinations as well.

Kibbey, Timothy P.↗
NASA NTRS2017

Characterization, Operation and Analysis of Test Motors Containing Aluminized Hybrid Fuels

NASA Marshall Space Flight Center's Materials and Processes Department, with support from the Propulsion Systems Department, has renewed the development and maintenance of a hybrid test bed for exposing ablative thermal protection materials to an environment similar to that seen in solid rocket motors (SRM). The Solid Fuel Torch (SFT), operated during the Space Shuttle program, utilized gaseous oxygen for oxidizer and an aluminized hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) fuel grain to expose a converging section of phenolic material to a 400 psi, 2-phase flow combustion environment. The configuration allows for up to a 2 foot long, 5 inch diameter fuel grain cartridge. Wanting to now test rubber insulation materials with a turn-back feature to mimic the geometry of an aft dome being impinged by alumina particles, the throat area has now been increased by several times to afford flow similarity. Combined with the desire to maintain a higher operating pressure, the oxidizer flow rate is being increased by a factor of 10. Out of these changes has arisen the need to characterize the fuel/oxidizer combination in a higher mass flux condition than has been previously tested at MSFC, and at which the literature has little to no reporting as well. Testing for fuel regression rate comprised a two-level, full factorial design available over Aluminum loading level, mass flow rate, pressure, and diameter. The data taken significantly surpasses the previous available data on regression rate of aluminized HTPB fuel burning with gaseous oxygen. It encompasses higher mass fluxes, and appears to generate more consistent data. The good test article and facility design and testing work of the Penn State HPCL combined with careful analysis of the data and good planning has made this possible. This should be able to assist with developing rate laws that are useful both for research planning and for developing flight system sizing relationships that can help optimize hybrid rocket concepts for trade studies. The successful approach of this DOE and test setup is applicable to other propellant combinations as well.

Kibbey, Timothy P.↗
NASA NTRS2007

Mechanical Vibrations Reduce the Intervertebral Disc Swelling and Muscle Atrophy from Bed Rest

Loss of functional weight bearing, such as experienced during space flight or bed rest (BR), distorts intervertebral disc (IVD) and muscle morphology. IVDs are avascular structures consisting of cells that may derive their nutrition and waste removal from the load induced fluid flow into and out of the disc. A diurnal cycle is produced by forces related to weight bearing and muscular activity, and comprised of a supine and erect posture over a 24 hr period. A diurnal cycle will include a disc volume change of approx. 10-13%. However, in space there are little or no diurnal changes because of the microgravity, which removes the gravitational load and compressive forces to the back muscles. The BR model and the etiology of the disc swelling and muscle atrophy could provide insight into those subjects confined to bed for chronic disease/injury and aging. We hypothesize that extremely low-magnitude, high frequency mechanical vibrations will abate the disc degeneration and muscle loss associated with long-term BR.

Holguin, Nilsson↗
NASA NTRS1976

Prediction of longitudinal aerodynamic characteristics of STOL configurations with externally blown high lift devices

A theoretical method has been developed to predict the longitudinal aerodynamic characteristics of engine-wing-flap combinations with externally blown flaps (EBF) and upper surface blowing (USB) high lift devices. Potential flow models of the lifting surfaces and the jet wake are combined to calculate the induced interference of the engine wakes on the lifting surfaces. The engine wakes may be circular, elliptic, or rectangular cross-sectional jets, and the lifting surfaces are comprised of a wing with multiple-slotted trailing-edge flaps or a deflected trailing-edge Coanda surface. Results are presented showing comparisons of measured and predicted forces, pitching moments, span-load distributions, and flow fields.

Mendenhall, M. R.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Overview of NASA Glenn Seal Developments

Turbine engine studies have shown that reducing high pressure turbine (HPT) blade tip clearances will reduce fuel burn, lower emissions, retain exhaust gas temperature margin and increase range. Dr. Lattime presented the design and development status of a new Active Clearance Control Test rig aimed at demonstrating advanced ACC approaches and sensors. Mr. Melcher presented controls considerations for turbine active clearance control. Mr. Geisheimer of Radatech presented an overview of their microwave blade tip sensor technology. Microwave tip sensors show promise of operation in the extreme gas temperatures present in the HPT location. Mr. Justak presented an overview of non-contacting seal developments at Advanced Technologies Group. Dr. Braun presented investigations into a non-contacting finger seal under development by NASA GRC and University of Akron. Dr. Stango presented analytical assessments of the effects of flow-induced radial loads on brush seal behavior. Mr. Flaherty presented innovative seal and seal fabrication developments at FlowServ. Mr. Chappel presented abradable seal developments at Technetics. Dr. Daniels presented an overview of NASA GRC s acoustic seal developments. NASA is investigating the ability to harness high amplitude acoustic waves, possible through a new field of acoustics called Resonant Macrosonic Synthesis, to effect a non-contacting, low leakage seal. Dr. Daniels presented early results showing the ability to restrict flow via acoustic pressures. Dr. Athavale presented numerical results simulating the flow blocking capability of a pre-prototype acoustic seal.

Steinetz, Bruce M.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Adaptive Effects on Locomotion Performance Following Exposure to a Rotating Virtual Environment

During long-duration spaceflight, astronauts experience alterations in vestibular and somatosensory cues that result in adaptive disturbances in balance and coordination upon return to Earth. These changes can pose a risk to crew safety and to mission objectives if nominal or emergency vehicle egress is required immediately following long-duration spaceflight. At present, no operational countermeasure is available to mitigate the adaptive sensorimotor component underlying the locomotor disturbances that occur after spaceflight. Therefore, the goal of this study is to develop an inflight training regimen that facilitates recovery of locomotor function after long-duration spaceflight. The countermeasure we are proposing is based on the concept of adaptive generalization. During this type of training the subject gains experience producing the appropriate adaptive motor behavior under a variety of sensory conditions and response constraints. As a result of this training a subject learns to solve a class of motor problems, rather than a specific motor solution to one problem, i.e., the subject learns response generalizability or the ability to "learn to learn." under a variety of environmental constraints. We are developing an inflight countermeasure built around treadmill exercise activities. By manipulating the sensory conditions of exercise by varying visual flow patterns, body load and speed we will systematically and repeatedly promote adaptive change in locomotor behavior. It has been shown that variable practice training increases adaptability to novel visuo-motor situations. While walking over ground in a stereoscopic virtual environment that oscillated in roll, subjects have shown compensatory torso rotation in the direction of scene rotation that resulted in positional variation away from a desired linear path. Thus, postural sway and locomotor stability in 1-g can be modulated by visual flow patterns and used during inflight treadmill training to promote adaptive generalization. The purpose of this study was to determine if adaptive modification in locomotor performance could be achieved by viewing simulated self-motion in a passive-immersive virtual ' environment over a prolonged period during treadmill locomotion.

Mulavara, A. P.↗