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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 325 records · Page 18

A modified VAPEPS method for predicting vibroacoustic response of unreinforced mass loaded honeycomb panels

VAPEPS (vibroAcoustic Payload Environment Prediction System) is a computer program used to predict the vibroacoustic response of a structure. An alternate VAPEPS modeling technique, the Modified NASA Lewis Method, is an improvement for modeling unreinforced mass loaded honeycomb panels. The Modified NASA Lewis Method prediction is compared to the standard ASMS VAPEPS prediction, and the acoustic test data for three spacecraft panels. An analytical method of computing variance is presented and used to compute 95 percent confidence levels. These levels are compared to the standard VAPEPS confidence levels and to the envelope of the test data. As a result of using the new methodology suggested in the paper, both the mean prediction and the 95 percent confidence level prediction agree well with the test data in both spectral shape and magnitude. Therefore, the Modified NASA Lewis Method prediction methodology may be used to define more realistic random vibration test levels.

Mcnelis, Mark E.↗

Dynamic analysis of multimesh-gear helicopter transmissions

A dynamic analysis of multimesh-gear helicopter transmission systems was performed by correlating analytical simulations with experimental investigations. The two computer programs used in this study, GRDYNMLT and PGT, were developed under NASA/Army sponsorship. Parametric studies of the numerical model with variations on mesh damping ratios, operating speeds, tip-relief tooth modifications, and tooth-spacing errors were performed to investigate the accuracy, application, and limitations of the two computer programs. Although similar levels of dynamic loading were predicted by both programs, the computer code GRDYNMLT was found to be superior and broader in scope. Results from analytical work were also compared with experimental data obtained from the U.S. Army's UH-60A Black Hawk 2240-kW (3000-hp) class, twin-engine helicopter transmission tested at the NASA Lewis Research Center. Good correlation in gear stresses was obtained between the analytical model simulated by GRDYNMLT and the experimental measurements. More realistic mesh damping can be predicted through experimental data correlation.

Choy, Fred K.↗

Measurement of airfoil heat transfer coefficients on a turbine stage

The primary basis for heat transfer analysis of turbine airfoils is experimental data obtained in linear cascades. A detailed set of heat transfer coefficients was obtained along the midspan of a stator and a rotor in a rotating turbine stage. The data are to be compared to standard analyses of blade boundary layer heat transfer. A detailed set of heat transfer coefficients was obtained along the midspan of a stator located in the wake of a full upstream turbine stage. Two levels of inlet turbulence (1 and 10 percent) were used. The analytical capability will be examined to improve prediction of the experimental data.

Dring, R. P.↗

Spatial-frequency response of the Limb Infrared Monitor of the Stratosphere /LIMS/ radiometer

The Limb Infrared Monitor of the Stratosphere (LIMS), an experiment on the Nimbus-7 satellite, is designed to scan the earth's limb vertically and measure spectral emission profiles of trace atmospheric gases believed to be important in processes controlling the stratospheric ozone distribution. Experiment objectives are reviewed and several analyses and measurements are described which were performed to determine the adequacy of the system for satisfying these objectives. Adequate spatial-frequency response for all the spectral channels is required to provide, through inversion of the measured limb-radiance profiles, important information about the temperature, structure, and composition of the atmosphere. From the LIMS design-model data, the MTF was calculated for the optical system, the detector field mask, the electronics, and the overall system, for each channel. The signal output performance of the instrument was predicted from the system MTF data model input radiance data for each channel. MTF measurements made on the flight sensor confirmed the analytical results. The predictions indicate that the instrument can satisfy the basic measurement objectives of the experiment.

Wilson, R. G.↗

Benchmarking magnetised three-wave coupling for laser backscattering: analytic solutions and kinetic simulations

Understanding magnetised laser–plasma interactions is important for controlling magneto-inertial fusion experiments and developing magnetically assisted radiation and particle sources. For nanosecond pulses at non-relativistic intensities, interactions are dominated by coherent three-wave interactions, whose nonlinear coupling coefficients became known only recently when waves propagate at oblique angles with the magnetic field. In this paper, backscattering coupling coefficients predicted by warm-fluid theory are benchmarked using particle-in-cell simulations in one spatial dimension, and excellent agreements are found for a wide range of plasma temperatures, magnetic field strengths and laser propagation angles, when the interactions are mediated by electron-dominant hybrid waves. Systematic comparisons between theory and simulations are made possible by a rigorous protocol. On the theory side, the initial boundary value problem of linearised three-wave equations is solved, and the transient-time solutions allow the effects of growth and damping to be distinguished. On the simulation side, parameters are carefully chosen and calibration runs are performed to ensure that comparisons are well controlled. Fitting simulation data to analytical solutions yields numerical growth rates that match theory predictions within error bars. Although warm-fluid theory is found to be valid for a wide parameter range, genuine kinetic effects have also been observed.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Mechanical and analytical screening of braided composites for transport fuselage applications

The mechanics of materials progress in support of the goal of understanding the application of braided composites in a transport aircraft fuselage are summarized. Composites consisting of both 2-D and 3-D braid patterns are investigated. Both consolidation of commingled graphite/PEEK and resin transfer molding of graphite-epoxy braided composite processes are studied. Mechanical tests were used to examine unnotched tension, open hole tension, compression, compression after impact, in-plane shear, out-of-plane tension, bearing, and crippling. Analytical methods are also developed and applied to predict the stiffness and strengths of test specimens. A preliminary study using the test data and analytical results is performed to assess the applicability of braided composites to a commercial aircraft fuselage.

Fedro, Mark J.↗

Spacecraft Priming Analysis and Research Test Apparatus: Number 1 (SPARTAN 1), Test and Analysis Results

Spacecraft with Earth-storable propellants are required by range safety to launch with propellant isolated from the thrusters for ground operations, which is often accomplished by placing a pyrotechnic, or a latching isolation valve between the tank and the thrusters. Once on-orbit, downstream lines are vented out to space through the thrusters and are left evacuated and at vacuum pressure. Propellant isolation valve then opens and floods the lines with high velocity propellant which can lead to a significant pressure surge upon filling. Replicating this event during ground testing using water as a propellant simulant has always been difficult and costly to accurately perform due to the low vacuum pressure targeted on the downstream side of the system. This report describes the Spacecraft Priming Analysis and Research Test Apparatus (SPARTA) at Marshall Space Flight Center’s (MSFC) Component Development Area (CDA) and the initial test series meant to be a pathfinder for construction methods and test procedures to reduce the cost of future testing. The test data collected are critical to analytical models as the details to replicate prior ground tests are often lacking in enough detail to adequately model the test that was conducted. This report also describes the Thermal Desktop/FloCAD analysis that was performed alongside the test series. The test methods defined for this campaign showed a dramatic improvement on heritage test procedures. Test pace increased due to faster drying and pulling vacuum more effectively. Results generated in this test matched analytical predictions very well and provide a releasable set of test data to be leveraged on future NASA and commercial partner spacecraft development programs.

spacecraft↗

Measured pressure distributions, aerodynamic coefficients and shock shapes on blunt bodies at incidence in hypersonic air and CF4

Pressure distributions, aerodynamic coefficients, and shock shapes were measured on blunt bodies of revolution in Mach 6 CF4 and in Mach 6 and Mach 10 air. The angle of attack was varied from 0 deg to 20 deg in 4 deg increments. Configurations tested were a hyperboloid with an asymptotic angle of 45 deg, a sonic-corner paraboloid, a paraboloid with an angle of 27.6 deg at the base, a Viking aeroshell generated in a generalized orthogonal coordinate system, and a family of cones having a 45 deg half-angle with spherical, flattened, concave, and cusp nose shapes. Real-gas effects were simulated for the hperboloid and paraboloid models at Mach 6 by testing at a normal-shock density ratio of 5.3 in air and 12 CF4. Predictions from simple theories and numerical flow field programs are compared with measurement. It is anticipated that the data presented in this report will be useful for verification of analytical methods for predicting hypersonic flow fields about blunt bodies at incidence.

Miller, C. G., III↗

Low-Earth Orbit Trajectory Optimization in the Presence of Atmospheric Uncertainty

The previous 20 to 25 years have seen a tremendous increase in space exploration, and with that an increase in the level of logistics planning needed to ensure mission success. For spacecraft that are designed to be periodically re-supplied, a key logistics consumable is propellant, as it constitutes the greatest up-mass on re-supply vehicles. A trajectory design strategy is therefore desired that minimizes propellant usage in order to ease the demand for propellant re-supply missions. This thesis develops such a strategy in three stages, and uses the International Space Station (ISS) as its testbed, as no other LEO spacecraft is more challenging from a space logistics standpoint. First, the ISS trajectory planning problem is formulated as a constrained burn optimization problem assuming a deterministic atmosphere. The cost function is total ∆v, with constraints imposed on longitude of ascending viii node (LAN) and semi-major axis (SMA) altitude. Analytic derivatives are constructed for both the cost and constraints, which are necessary given the 6-week to 2-year time frames being considered. A gradient-based optimizer is then utilized to find locally-optimal solutions to real-world ISS trajectory planning problems. Second, atmospheric uncertainty is addressed by constructing a probabilistic model of space weather data using Gaussian Processes (GPs). Bayesian inference is performed using the GP model to generate mean and covariance estimates for space weather predictions, whose pedigree is assessed against test data. The predictions are then mapped into atmospheric density via the analytic Jacchia-Roberts density model, and the effect of space weather uncertainty on orbital lifetime is examined. Third, an ISS burn execution uncertainty model is developed. This model, along with the space weather uncertainty model, are deployed in a linear covariance analysis to ascertain their combined effect on LAN and SMA altitude dispersions. The deterministic constraints from the original problem are re-formulated as stochastic constraints, where now the constraint uncertainty interval is required to fall within specified bounds. An updated optimization framework is constructed using the original ∆v cost function along with the stochastic constraints to solve the trajectory optimization problem under atmospheric uncertainty. Finally, the complete architecture is summarized for deployment in an operational setting.

Trajectory Optimization↗

Evaluation of Lightning Induced Effects in a Graphite Composite Fairing Structure

Defining the electromagnetic environment inside a graphite composite fairing due to lightning is of interest to spacecraft developers. This paper is the first in a two part series and studies the shielding effectiveness of a graphite composite model fairing using derived equivalent properties. A frequency domain Method of Moments (MoM) model is developed and comparisons are made with shielding test results obtained using a vehicle-like composite fairing. The comparison results show that the analytical models can adequately predict the test results. Both measured and model data indicate that graphite composite fairings provide significant attenuation to magnetic fields as frequency increases. Diffusion effects are also discussed. Part 2 examines the time domain based effects through the development of a loop based induced field testing and a Transmission-Line-Matrix (TLM) model is developed in the time domain to study how the composite fairing affects lightning induced magnetic fields. Comparisons are made with shielding test results obtained using a vehicle-like composite fairing in the time domain. The comparison results show that the analytical models can adequately predict the test and industry results.

Trout, Dawn H.↗

Synthesized airfoil data method for prediction of dynamic stall and unsteady airloads

The synthesized unsteady airfoil data method, which accurately describes the unsteady aerodynamic characteristics of stalled airfoils in the time domain, is expanded and improved. Nine sets of unsteady drag data are synthesized, providing a basis for the successful expansion of the method to include the computation of unsteady pressure drag of airfoils and rotor blades. An improved prediction model for airfoil flow reattachment is incorporated into the method. Application of the model results in a better correlation of analytic predictions with measured full-scale helicopter blade loads and stress data. The results show that it is feasible to generalize the empirical parameters embedded in the method over a range of angles of attack, Mach number, airfoil shape, and sweep angle.

Gangwani, S. T.↗

Lithium-Ion Battery Diagnostics Using Electrochemical Impedance via Machine-Learning

Diagnosing battery states such as health, state-of-charge, or temperature is crucial for ensuring the safety and reliability of electrochemical energy storage systems. While some states, such as temperature, may be measured using cheap sensors, accurate diagnosis of battery health metrics usually requires time-consuming performance measurements, making them infeasible for use in real-world operation. These health metrics can be measured during lab-testing and then estimated on-line using predictive life models or via state observer algorithms such as Kalman filters, but these predictive methods should be supplemented by actual measurement of battery health whenever possible to ensure reliability. Rapid measurement of battery health may be done by various types of fast diagnostic techniques such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), which can be performed in only a few minutes and require only a fraction of the energy and power needed for a full charge and discharge measurement. But there is a substantial challenge for estimating battery health using EIS data, as EIS is sensitive to cell temperature, state-of-charge, current, and resting time in addition to health. Thus, utilizing EIS data to predict battery capacity requires correcting for all these additional variables, a task that is extremely difficult to handle analytically. This talk utilizes machine-learning methods to estimate the effectiveness of battery capacity prediction from EIS data, leveraging a data set of hundreds of EIS measurements recorded at varying temperature and state-of-charge throughout a 500-day aging study of 32 commercial, large-format NMC-Graphite lithium-ion batteries. Using EIS as input to machine-learning models is complicated by the nonlinear response of impedance to battery health, temperature, and state-of-charge, as well as the collinearity between the impedance response at neighboring frequencies, which can easily lead to overfit models. To train robust models, features from EIS data need to be extracted from the data or some subset of critical frequencies selected. Many approaches for extracting and selecting features from EIS data from electrochemical analysis and machine-learning fields were identified for analysis: using the entire raw spectra; selection of one, two, or many frequencies from the entire spectra; selecting interesting points from the EIS measurement using domain knowledge; fitting EIS with an equivalent-circuit model; calculating statistics on the raw impedance values; and reducing the dimensionality of the data using unsupervised linear (principal component analysis) and non-linear (uniform manifold approximation and projection) methods. These approaches were rigorously compared using a machine-learning pipeline approach, training linear, Gaussian process, and random forest regression models and quantifying performance using cross-validation as well as a held-out test set. An artificial neural network model trained on the raw spectra was also tested. Promising pipelines were fine-tuned via Bayesian hyperparameter optimization using cross-validation loss and training with class-specific weights to counter data set imbalance. The most reliable method for utilizing impedance in this work was the selection of two optimal frequencies through an exhaustive search, resulting in about 2% mean absolute error on test data for both Gaussian process and random forest model architectures. Interrogation of a variety of models reveals critical frequencies of 100 Hz and 103 Hz for this data set, though the optimal set of frequencies is not necessarily intuitive, i.e., the best performing models are not simply those that use impedance at frequencies that have the highest correlation to the relative discharge capacity. The best performing model is an ensemble model, which is able to predict battery capacity with 1.9% mean absolute error for unseen cells using impedance recorded at a variety of temperatures and states-of-charge.

battery↗

Internal low Reynolds number turbulent heat transfer

The results of a semi-analytical and experimental study of adiabatic tube flow and an analytical and experimental investigation of the thermal entrance region for gas flowing through electrically heated circular tubes are presented. Emphasis is placed on the low Reynolds number turbulent flow regime--defined as fully turbulent flow at bulk Reynolds numbers from 3,000 to about 15,000. Adiabatic air velocity and friction data and localized heat transfer measurements for air and helium, at low heating rates, are presented for this range. The adiabatic data were obtained in a 1.61 inch 1D tube for flow at bulk Reynolds numbers from 3,000 to 15,000. A continuous, Reynolds number-dependent, profile is developed from the data by using a modification of Reichardts' wall and middle law eddy diffusivity expressions. The velocity profile satisfies continuity. It is valid for all Reynolds numbers in excess of 3,000 for which the flow is fully turbulent and the Blasius friction factor expression is valid. The thermal entrance problem for a fully developed velocity profile is solved analytically by the method of Sparrow, Hallman, and Siegel. The solution is based on the profile developed from the velocity study. Tabular values of the eigenvalues and normalized Nusselt numbers for gases are presented for it range of Reynolds numbers from 3,000 to 50,000. The axial variation of Nusselt number is found to be correlated by [Nu/Nu_(∞)] = 1 + 0.8 (1+ 70,000 Re^(-3/2)) ((x/D)^(-1)) to within ± 5 per cent for x/D ≥2. The fully developed value agrees with the Dittus - Boelter correlation, Nu_(∞) = 0.021 Re^(0.8) Pr^(0.4) For the eigenvalues, λ^(2)_(n), and the associated constants, A_(n), correlations of the form λ^(2)_(n) =A_(1,n) Re^(-b_(1,n) + C_(1,n) Re^(-d_(1,n)) A_(n) = -A_(2,n) Re^(-b_(2,n) + C_(2,n) Re^(-d_(2,n)) are obtained. The coefficients and powers are presented in tabular form. Heat transfer data are presented, primarily for helium, for the low Reynolds number turbulent range. A one-quarter inch, resistively heated, vertical, circular tube was used for the study. The data cover an axial range from 1.2 to 96 diameters; wall-to-bulk temperature ratios vary from 1 to 1.4. In the low Reynolds number turbulent regime, these data clearly support the present analytical solution rather than the prediction obtained by applying the eddy diffusivity distribution used by Sparrow, Hallman, and Siegel.

Harold C. Reynolds, Jr.↗

Performance of continuum gas viscoseals.

Viscoseals performance as predicted by three different analytical models is compared with experimental data for air as the continuum gas sealant. An experimental investigation has been conducted on two multiple-grooved two-inch diameter viscoseals up to shaft speeds of 35,000 rpm. The two seal geometries considered differ significantly insofar as groove aspect ratio is concerned. The results of this continuum investigation of sealing coefficient for the gas viscoseals suggest that the Boon and Tal model is a good design tool for the laminar continuum regime provided it is restricted to high aspect ratio groove applications.

Wilkerson, H. J.↗

Cyclic arc plasma tests of RSI materials using a preheater

The results of a test program are reported in which a preheater was used with an arc plasma stream to study the thermal response of samples of candidate reusable surface insulation materials for the space shuttle. The preheater simulated the shuttle temperature history during the first and last portions of the test cycle, which could not be simulated by the air arc plasma flow. Pre- and post-test data taken for each of the materials included magnified views, optical properties, and chemical analyses. The test results indicate that the mullite base samples experience higher surface temperatures than the other materials at heating rates greater than 225 kw/sq m. The ceramic fibrous mullite and silica coatings show noncatalytic wall behavior. Internal temperature response data for the materials are compared and correlated with analytical predictions.

Stewart, D. A.↗

An analytical and experimental evaluation of a Fresnel lens solar concentrator

An analytical and experimental evaluation of line focusing Fresnel lenses with application potential in the 200 to 370 C range was studied. Analytical techniques were formulated to assess the solar transmission and imaging properties of a grooves down lens. Experimentation was based on a 56 cm wide, f/1.0 lens. A Sun tracking heliostat provided a nonmoving solar source. Measured data indicated more spreading at the profile base than analytically predicted, resulting in a peak concentration 18 percent lower than the computed peak of 57. The measured and computed transmittances were 85 and 87 percent, respectively. Preliminary testing with a subsequent lens indicated that modified manufacturing techniques corrected the profile spreading problem and should enable improved analytical experimental correlation.

Hastings, L. J.↗

An analytical and experimental evaluation of the plano-cylindrical Fresnel lens solar concentrator

Plastic Fresnel lenses for solar concentration are attractive because of potential for low-cost mass production. An analytical and experimental evaluation of line-focusing Fresnel lenses with application potential in the 200 to 370 C range is reported. Analytical techniques were formulated to assess the solar transmission and imaging properties of a grooves-down lens. Experimentation was based primarily on a 56 cm-wide lens with f-number 1.0. A sun-tracking heliostat provided a non-moving solar source. Measured data indicated more spreading at the profile base than analytically predicted. The measured and computed transmittances were 85 and 87% respectively. Preliminary testing with a second lens (1.85 m) indicated that modified manufacturing techniques corrected the profile spreading problem.

Hastings, L. J.↗

Analytical core loss calculations for magnetic materials used in high frequency high power converter applications

The basic magnetic properties under various operating conditions encountered in the state-of-the-art DC-AC/DC converters are examined. Using a novel core excitation circuit, the basic B-H and loss characteristics of various core materials may be observed as a function of circuit configuration, frequency of operation, input voltage, and pulse-width modulation conditions. From this empirical data, a mathematical loss characteristics equation is developed to analytically predict the specific core loss of several magnetic materials under various waveform excitation conditions.

Triner, J. E.↗