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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

Heat transfer in water under laser heating through fibres for endovenous laser coagulation

We report the results of studying heat transfer in water heated by a cw laser with wavelengths of 1.55 and 1.94 μm through optical fibres with end-face and radial outputs. It is shown that, depending on the power and wavelength of the radiation, heat transfer is implemented via convection, bubble boiling, or explosive boiling and occurs asymmetrically, mainly in the forward − upward direction for the fibre with the end-face output and upward for the radial output. (laser medicine)

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Numerical Simulation of No-Vent Chill and Fill of a Large Liquid Hydrogen Tank

To enable the design of future in-space cryogenic propellant transfer vehicles, high accuracy models of the cryogenic propellant transfer process are desired. For in-space refueling applications, accurate simulations are desired of the propellant tank chilldown and no-vent fill (NVF) process in order to estimate the amount of propellant required, to determine the maximum sustainable flow rate to fill the tank, and to establish a timeline for the filling process. NVF is a complex process that involves numerous two-phase heat and mass transfer phenomena, such as boiling at the wall and evaporation and condensation at the liquid/vapor interface. In recent years, progress has been made in developing a numerical modeling technique using the Generalized Fluid System Simulation Program (GFSSP) that has been validated against several small-scale liquid nitrogen NVF tests. This paper presents GFSSP numerical model validation against three liquid hydrogen NVF tests on a large-scale propellant tank. Comparing the GFSSP model to the data for pressure, fill level, and wall temperature, the mean absolute percentage error is below 20% across the range of simulated conditions, indicating very good predictive agreement for this large-scale hydrogen NVF test series.

Alok Majumdar↗

Numerical Simulation of No-Vent Chill and Fill of a Large Liquid Hydrogen Tank

To enable the design of future in-space cryogenic propellant transfer vehicles, high accuracy models of the cryogenic propellant transfer process are desired. For in-space refueling applications, accurate simulations are desired of the propellant tank chilldown and no-vent fill (NVF) process in order to estimate the amount of propellant required, to determine the maximum sustainable flow rate to fill the tank, and to establish a timeline for the filling process. NVF is a complex process that involves numerous two-phase heat and mass transfer phenomena, such as boiling at the wall and evaporation and condensation at the liquid/vapor interface. In recent years, progress has been made in developing a numerical modeling technique using the Generalized Fluid System Simulation Program (GFSSP) that has been validated against several small-scale liquid nitrogen NVF tests. This paper presents GFSSP numerical model validation against three liquid hydrogen NVF tests on a large-scale propellant tank. Comparing the GFSSP model to the data for pressure, fill level, and wall temperature, the mean absolute percentage error is below 20% across the range of simulated conditions, indicating very good predictive agreement for this large-scale hydrogen NVF test series.

Alok Majumdar↗

On falling film evaporator – A review of mechanisms and critical assessment of correlation on a horizontal tube bundle with updated development

Optimization of the energy efficiency and reduction of the greenhouse gas emission for the heat pump system is imperative to meet the net-zero goals at 2050. Chillers with falling film evaporator design not only possess better system performance but also contain less refrigerant inventory. Hence, accurate prediction of the evaporator performance is pivotal especially when charged with low-GWP refrigerant. Here, the study reviews the correlations for falling film evaporator with a horizontal tube bundle configuration. The major efforts of this study include four tasks: (a) literature review of the experimental studies and available empirical correlations; (b) comprehensive discussion of the falling film evaporation heat transfer mechanism; (c) development of a new rationally based correlation based on available literature; and (d) comparison of different correlations based on the existing data. The collected data includes 4114 data points from 8 sources, 6 refrigerants (R-600a, R-290, R-245fa, R-134a, R-1234ze(E), R-123), 5 types of the tubes (Plain, Turbo-GII-HP, GEWA-B, Low-fin, High-Flux), liquid Weber number from 2.2 × 10 –6 to 0.7, imposed vapor Weber number from 0 to 37.2, heat flux from 2.5 to 151.5 kW/m 2 , and film Reynolds number from 1 to 3159.8. The new correlation gives a MAD of 28.3%, and an R 2 of 0.86. Yet, the developed correlation considers various heat transfer mechanisms, including the transition point from falling film evaporation to the nucleate boiling, local evaporation, dry-out, mist flow, imposed flow, and enhanced tube effects.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Heating of foods in space-vehicle environments

In extended space missions, foods will be heated to enhance the psychological as well as the physiological well-being of the crew. In the low-gravity space environment natural convection is essentially absent so that the heat transfer within the food is by conduction alone. To prevent boiling in reduced pressure environments the maximum temperature of the heating system is severely limited. The Skylab food-heating system utilizes a tray with receptables for the food containers. The walls of the receptacles are lined with thermally controlled, electrical-resistance, blanket-type heating elements. A finite difference model is employed to perform parametric studies on the food-heating system. The effects on heating time of the (1) thermophysical properties of the food, (2) heater power level, (3) initial food temperatures, (4) container geometry, and (5) heater control temperature are presented graphically. The optimal heater power level and container geometry are determined.

Bannerot, R. B.↗

Advanced rocket engine cryogenic turbopump bearing thermal model

A lumped node thermal model was developed representing the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) liquid oxygen (LOX) turbopump turbine end bearings operating in a cryogenically cooled bearing tester. Bearing elements, shaft, carrier, housing, cryogen flow characteristics, friction heat, and fluid viscous energy are included in the model. Heat transfer characteristics for the regimes of forced convection boiling are modeled for liquid oxygen (LOX) and liquid nitrogen (LN2). Large temperature differences between the cryogenic fluid and baring contact surfaces require detailed nodal representation in these areas. Internal loads and friction heat are affected by temperature dependent operating clearances requiring iterations between bearing thermal and mechanical models. Analyses indicate a thermal-mechanical coupling resulting in reduced operating clearances, increased loading and heating which can contribute to premature bearing failure. Contact surfaces operate at temperatures above local saturation resulting in vapor rather than liquid in the contacts, precluding possible liquid film lubrication. Elevated temperatures can reduce lubrication, increase friction, and reduce surface hardness supporting a surface failure mode rather than subsurface fatigue.

Cody, J. C.↗

High-fidelity pool boiling simulations on multiple nucleation sites using interface capturing method

Boiling has proved to be one of the most efficient means for heat transfer and is a very important phenomenon during severe accident scenarios in light water reactors. High-fidelity pool boiling simulations can provide a numerical database for improving mechanistic boiling models by allowing for specific evaluation of interactions among bubbles. Previously published pool boiling simulations investigated two nucleation sites in which bubble growth at one site suppressed nucleation at the other site. Based on previous study results, more complicated interface-capturing simulations on pool boiling were conducted using PHASTA code with locally refined unstructured mesh. First, different boundary conditions (BCs) were assessed to support robustness and reproducibility of the boiling model. Then, a scale study was conducted at a larger domain with nine nucleation sites where either nine or four nucleation sites are activated. Involving more nucleation sites increased the complexity of bubble interactions from surrounding sites. Finally, bubble departure behavior influenced by wall heat flux was investigated. In this work, when heat flux was increased, the order of bubble departure changed, but diagonal bubbles always departed after one another. The departure time interval between the first and second bubble reduced as heat flux increased. The corresponding frequency was almost linearly proportional to the heat flux. In addition, bubble departure behavior was found to be greatly influenced by the nucleation site pattern. Multiple nucleation sites resulted in superimposed inhibitive effects from surrounding sites to each bubble, which extensively delayed the departure. This new observation was not discussed in previously published works. The work presented here provides new insight on the fundamental understanding of boiling phenomena, contributes to the development of a 3D multiphase computational fluid dynamics (M-CFD) model, and provides a more comprehensive database for data-driven pool boiling studies.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Helium jet dispersion to atmosphere

On the event of loss of vacuum guard of superinsulated helium dewar, high rate of heat transfer into the tank occurs. The rapid boiling of liquid helium causes the burst disk to rupture at four atmospheres and consequently the helium passes to the atmosphere through vent lines. The gaseous helium forms a vertical buoyant jet as it exits the vent line into a stagnant environment. Characterization of the gaseous jet is achieved by detailed analysis of the axial and radial dependence of the flow parameters.

Khan, Hasna J.↗

Oxygen rich gas generator design and performance analysis

The present oxygen-rich combustion research investigates oxygen gas generator concepts. The theoretical and modeling aspects of a selected concept are presented, together with a refined concept resulting from the findings of the study. This investigation examined a counter-flow gas generator design for O2/H2 mass ratios of 100-200, featuring a near-stoichiometric combustion zone followed by downstream mixing. The critical technologies required to develop a performance model are analyzed and include the following: (1) oxygen flow boiling; (2) two-phase oxygen flow heat transfer; (3) film-cooling in the combustion zone; (4) oxygen-rich combustion with hydrogen; and (5) mixing and dilution.

Gloyer, P. W.↗

Computational modeling of magnetically actuated propellant orientation

Unlike terrestrial applications where gravity positions liquid at the 'bottom' of the tank, the location of liquid propellant in spacecraft tanks is uncertain unless specific actions are taken or special features are built into the tank. Some mission events require knowledge of liquid position prior to a particular action: liquid must be positioned over the tank outlet prior to starting the main engines and must be moved away from the tank vent before vapor can be released overboard to reduce pressure. It may also be desirable to positively position liquid to improve propulsion system performance: moving liquid away from the tank walls will dramatically decrease the rate of heat transfer to the propellant, suppressing the boil-off rate, thereby reducing overall mission propellant requirements. The process of moving propellant to a desired position is referred to as propellant orientation or reorientation. Several techniques have been developed to positively position propellant in spacecraft tanks and each technique imposes additional requirements on vehicle design. Propulsive reorientation relies on small auxiliary thrusters to accelerate the tank. The inertia of the liquid causes it to collect in the aft-end of the tank if the acceleration is forward. This technique requires that additional thrusters be added to the vehicle, that additional propellant be carried in the vehicle, and that an additional operational maneuver be executed. Another technique uses Liquid Acquisition Devices (LAD's) to positively position propellants. These devices rely on surface tension to hold the liquid within special geometries (i.e. vanes, wire-mesh channels, start-baskets). While avoiding some of the penalties of propulsive orientation, this technique requires the addition of complicated hardware inside the propellant tank and performance for long duration missions is uncertain. The subject of the present research is an alternate technique for positively positioning liquid within spacecraft propellant tanks: magnetic fields.

Hochstein, John I.↗

Computational Modeling of Magnetically Actuated Propellant Orientation

Unlike terrestrial applications where gravity positions liquid at the "bottom" of the tank, the location of liquid propellant in spacecraft tanks is uncertain unless specific actions are taken or special features are built into the tank. Some mission events require knowledge of liquid position prior to a particular action: liquid must be positioned over the tank outlet prior to starting the main engines and must be moved away from the tank vent before vapor can be released overboard to reduce pressure. It may also be desirable to positively position liquid to improve propulsion system performance: moving liquid away from the tank walls will dramatically decrease the rate of heat transfer to the propellant, suppressing the boil-off rate, thereby reducing overall mission propellant requirements. The process of moving propellant to a desired position is referred to as propellant orientation or reorientation. Propulsive reorientation relies on small auxiliary thrusters to accelerate the tank. The inertia of the liquid causes it to collect in the aft-end of the tank if the acceleration is forward. Liquid Acquisition Devices (LAD's) rely on surface tension to hold the liquid within special geometries, (i.e. vanes, wire-mesh channels, start-baskets), to positively position propellants. Both of these technologies add significant weight and complexity to the spacecraft and can be limiting systems for long duration missions. The subject of the present research is an alternate technique for positively positioning liquid within spacecraft propellant tanks: magnetic fields. LOX is paramagnetic (attracted toward a magnet) and LH2 is diamagnetic (repelled from a magnet). Order-of-magnitude analyses, performed in the 1960's to determine required magnet size, concluded that the magnets would be prohibitively massive and this option has remained dormant during the intervening years. Recent advances in high-temperature superconducting materials hold the promise of electromagnets with sufficient performance to support cryogenic propellant management tasks. In late 1992, NASA MSFC began a new investigation in this technology commencing with the design of the Magnetically-Actuated Propellant Orientation (MAPO) experiment. A mixture of ferrofluid and water is used to simulate the paramagnetic properties of LOX and the experiment is being flown on the KC-135 aircraft to provide a reduced gravity environment. The influence of a 0.4 Tesla ring magnet on flow into and out of a subscale Plexiglas tank is being recorded on video tape. The most efficient approach to evaluating the feasibility of MAPO is to compliment the experimental program with development of a computational tool to model the process of interest. The goal of the present research is to develop such a tool. Once confidence in its fidelity is established by comparison to data from the MAPO experiment, it can be used to assist in the design of future experiments and to study the parameter space of the process. Ultimately, it is hoped that the computational model can serve as a design tool for full-scale spacecraft applications.

Hochstein, John I.↗

Reliability of Copper Inverse Opal Surfaces for Extreme-Heat-Flux Micro-Coolers in Low-Global-Warming-Potential Refrigerant R-1233zd Pool Boiling Experiments

This presentation provides a brief snapshot of the InterPACK paper InterPACK2023-113781. The paper explores copper inverse opal (CIO) surface reliability in pool boiling experiments in water and a new, low-global-warming-potential (GWP = 1) hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) refrigerant R-1233zd. The CIO-based structure is intended to develop enhanced two-phase heat transfer surfaces for extreme-heat-flux (approximately 1 kW/cm2) micro-coolers. In this study, a limited number of pool boiling experiments were performed using water and HFO-1233zd fluid, and the reliability of the CIO-based surfaces was evaluated. Critical heat flux (CHF) values in HFO-1233zd at 40 Degrees Celsius to 45 Degrees Celsius saturation temperatures and the corresponding saturation pressures were also measured. The CHF values with the refrigerant are significantly lower compared to those with water, but the refrigerant allows for a wider usable temperature range in the end application of the micro-coolers and is not limited to data centers with controlled ambient conditions. Reliability experiments with CIO surface samples - involving pool boiling with water on the CIO surfaces for approximately 48 hours and with HFO-1233zd for 144 hours - showed no structural degradation of the enhanced surface or any significant performance drop in heat transfer coefficients. The CIO surface samples in water were oxidized, most likely due to the presence of air in water and in the experimental vessel.

critical heat flux↗

Results of the CHF-SERTTA In-Pile Transient Boiling Experiments at TREAT

To advance the current understanding of heat transfer between nuclear fuel rod cladding and the surrounding coolant under transient scenarios involving critical heat flux (CHF), the CHF-Static Environment Rodlet Transient Test Apparatus (CHFSERTTA), an in-pile experiment, was developed for and irradiated in the Transient Reactor Test (TREAT) facility at Idaho National Laboratory. The CHF-SERTTA experiment consists of a hollow, borated stainless steel rod submerged in a static water pool. The rod, heated via the (n, a) reaction in boron-10, was designed for investigating in-pile transient heat transfer between the rod surface and the coolant, avoiding the complexity of including the heat transfer between the fuel, gas gap, and cladding in typical light-water reactor (LWR) fuel rods. The instrumentation package for CHF-SERTTA focused on capturing those data that best describe the heat transfer behaviour between the rod and coolant. This paper outlines the CHFSERTTA experiment design and presents the initial results of the experiment campaign.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗