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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1951

Viscous Effects on Impact Probes in a Subsonic Rarified Gas Flow

The problem of time response of pressure gaging systems used with low density flows has been discussed in Ref ]4, and the effect of outgassing on pressure magnitudes was indicated in the same reference. Briefly, gases or vapors adhering to the internal walls of the pressure gaging system behave like gas sources and produce a pressure rise in the gage system which has no relation to the external flow. The effect can also occur in the reverse direction, with "in-gassing" or the action of an effective sink in the gage system as gases entering through the probe orifice are adsorbed to the walls. For given surface conditions, the magnitude of the pressure error to be expected due to out-gassing depends on the dimensions of the probe system. In the present tests, it was desirable to use the smallest possible probe to yield the lowest possible Reynolds number. The lower limit on size was fixed by outgassing effects, evaluated by the following procedure. 2.0 PROCEDURE The pumping system was adjusted to give a pressure, measured at the reservoir, of 9 microns Hg with no flow into the wind tunnel. The upstream metering valve was then opened and the air flow rate adjusted to give a pressure of 100 microns in the reservoir under steady flow conditions, The pressure read by one of the impact tubes, inserted into the flow, was measured. The upstream metering valve was then closed rapid)y, and the reservoir pressure, p0, and the impact probe pressure, Pj, were measured simultaneously at definite time intervals. Another probe was inserted into the flow and the procedure repeated, until the pressure-time data had been obtained for each probe investigated. The results for a series of tests Involving probe Nos.l, 2 and 3 are shown on HYD 2616 300 RESULTS From HYD 2616, It is clear that the smallest probe (No.3) requires the longest time to reach equilibrium. After a sufficient time has elapsed (about 180 seconds), this probe read the same, within the accuracy of measurement, as the other two, When a similar experiment was performed utilizing a probe which was one-half the size of probe No.2, it indicated a pressure, after 180 seconds, which was almost 10 microns Hg higher than the other probes. Accordingly, only probe Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4 were employed in the experiments, and a time of at least 180 seconds was allowed to elapse between a change of setting and the reading of the instruments0

Kane, E. D.↗
DOE OSTI2016

Integral Reactor Containment Condensation Model and Experimental Validation

This NEUP funded project, NEUP 12-3630, is for experimental, numerical and analytical studies on high-pressure steam condensation phenomena in a steel containment vessel connected to a water cooling tank, carried out at Oregon State University (OrSU) and the University of Wisconsin at Madison (UW-Madison). In the three years of investigation duration, following the original proposal, the planned tasks have been completed: (1) Performed a scaling study for the full pressure test facility applicable to the reference design for the condensation heat transfer process during design basis accidents (DBAs), modified the existing test facility to route the steady-state secondary steam flow into the high pressure containment for controllable condensation tests, and extended the operations at negative gage pressure conditions (OrSU). (2) Conducted a series of DBA and quasi-steady experiments using the full pressure test facility to provide a reliable high pressure condensation database (OrSU). (3) Analyzed experimental data and evaluated condensation model for the experimental conditions, and predicted the prototypic containment performance under accidental conditions (UW-Madison). A film flow model was developed for the scaling analysis, and the results suggest that the 1/3 scaled test facility covers large portion of laminar film flow, leading to a lower average heat transfer coefficient comparing to the prototypic value. Although it is conservative in reactor safety analysis, the significant reduction of heat transfer coefficient (50%) could under estimate the prototypic condensation heat transfer rate, resulting in inaccurate prediction of the decay heat removal capability. Further investigation is thus needed to quantify the scaling distortion for safety analysis code validation. Experimental investigations were performed in the existing MASLWR test facility at OrST with minor modifications. A total of 13 containment condensation tests were conducted for pressure ranging from 4 to 21 bar with three different static inventories of non-condensable gas. Condensation and heat transfer rates were evaluated employing several methods, notably from measured temperature gradients in the HTP as well as measured condensate formation rates. A detailed mass and energy accounting was used to assess the various measurement methods and to support simplifying assumptions required for the analysis. Condensation heat fluxes and heat transfer coefficients are calculated and presented as a function of pressure to satisfy the objectives of this investigation. The major conclusions for those tests are summarized below: (1) In the steam blow-down tests, the initial condensation heat transfer process involves the heating-up of the containment heat transfer plate. An inverse heat conduction model was developed to capture the rapid transient transfer characteristics, and the analysis method is applicable to SMR safety analysis. (2) The average condensation heat transfer coefficients for different pressure conditions and non-condensable gas mass fractions were obtained from the integral test facility, through the measurements of the heat conduction rate across the containment heat transfer plate, and from the water condensation rates measurement based on the total energy balance equation. 15 (3) The test results using the measured HTP wall temperatures are considerably lower than popular condensation models would predict mainly due to the side wall conduction effects in the existing MASLWR integral test facility. The data revealed the detailed heat transfer characteristics of the model containment, important to the SMR safety analysis and the validation of associated evaluation model. However this approach, unlike separate effect tests, cannot isolate the condensation heat transfer coefficient over the containment wall, and therefore is not suitable for the assessment of the condensation heat transfer coefficient against system pressure and noncondensable gas mass fraction. (4) The average condensation heat transfer coefficients measured from the water condensation rates through energy balance analysis are appropriate, however, with considerable uncertainties due to the heat loss and temperature distribution on the containment wall. With the consideration of the side wall conduction effects, the results indicate that the measured heat transfer coefficients in the tests is about 20% lower than the prediction of Dehbi’s correlation, mainly due to the side wall conduction effects. The investigation also indicates an increase in the condensation heat transfer coefficient at high containment pressure conditions, but the uncertainties invoked with this method appear to be substantial. (5) Non-condensable gas in the tests has little effects on the condensation heat transfer at high elevation measurement ports. It does affect the bottom measurements near the water level position. The results suggest that the heavier non-condensable gas is accumulated in the lower portion of the containment due to stratification in the narrow containment space. The overall effects of the non-condensable gas on the heat transfer process should thus be negligible for tall containments of narrow condensation spaces in most SMR designs. Therefore, the previous correlations with noncondensable gas effects are not appropriate to those small SMR containments due to the very poor mixing of steam and non-condensable gas. The MELCOR simulation results agree with the experimental data reasonably well. However, it is observed that the MELCOR overpredicts the heat flux for all analyzed tests. The MELCOR predicts that the heat fluxes for CCT’s approximately range from 30 to 45 kW/m2 whereas the experimental data (averaged) ranges from about 25 to 40 kW/m2. This may be due to the limited availability of liquid film models included in MELCOR. Also, it is believed that due to complex test geometry, measured temperature gradients across the heat transfer plate may have been underestimated and thus the heat flux had been underestimated. The MELCOR model predicts a film thickness on the order of 100 microns, which agrees very well with film flow model developed in this study for scaling analysis. However, the expected differences in film thicknesses for near vacuum and near atmospheric test conditions are not significant. Further study on the behavior of condensate film is expected to refine the simulation results. Possible refinements include but are not limited to, the followings: CFD simulation focusing on the liquid film behavior and benchmarking with experimental analyses for simpler geometries. 16 1 INTRODUCTION This NEUP funded project, NEUP 12-3630, is for experimental, numerical and analytical studies on high-pressure steam condensation phenomena in a steel containment vessel connected to a water cooling tank, carried out at Oregon State University (OrSU) and the University of Wisconsin at Madison (UW-Madison). The experimental results are employed to validate the containment condensation model in reactor containment system safety analysis code for integral SMRs. Such a containment condensation model is important to demonstrate the adequate cooling. In the three years of investigation, following the original proposal, the following planned tasks have been completed: (1) Performed a scaling study for the full pressure test facility applicable to the reference design for the condensation heat transfer process during design basis accidents (DBAs), modified the existing test facility to route the steady-state secondary steam flow into the high pressure containment for controllable condensation tests, and extended the operations at negative gage pressure conditions (OrSU). (2) Conducted a series of DBA and quasi-steady experiments using the full pressure test facility to provide a reliable high pressure condensation database (OrSU). (3) Analyzed experimental data and evaluated condensation model for the experimental conditions, and predicted the prototypic containment performance under accidental conditions (UW-Madison). The results are applicable to integral Small Modular Reactor (SMR) designs, including NuScale, mPower, Westinghouse SMR, Holtec-160 and other integral reactors with small containments of relatively high pressures under accidental conditions. Testing has been conducted at the OrSU laboratory in the existing MASLWR (Multi-Application Small Light Water Reactor) integral test facility sponsored by the US Department of Energy. Its highpressure stainless steel containment model (~2 MPa) is scaled to the NuScale SMR currently under development at NuScale Power, Inc.. Minor modifications to the model containment have been made to control the non-condensable gas fraction and to utilize the secondary loop stable steam flow for condensation testing. UW-Madison has developed a containment condensation model, which leveraged previous validated containment heat transfer work carried out at UW-Madison, and extended the range of applicability of the model to integral SMR designs that utilize containment vessels of high heat transfer efficiencies. In this final report, the research background and literature survey are presented in Chapter 2 and 3, respectively. The test facility description and modifications are summarized in Chapter 4, and the scaling analysis is introduced in Chapter 5. The tests description, procedures, and data analysis are presented in Chapter 6, while the numerical modeling is presented in Chapter 7, followed by a conclusion section in Chapter 8.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗
NASA NTRS1977

Correlation of self-contamination experiments in orbit and scattering return flux calculations

Gaseous emissions from a spacecraft modify the orbital environment degrade the observations of distant radiation sources, and provide contamination fluxes induced by self-scattering and scattering with ambient particles. Experiments were carried out on the orbiting Atmospheric Explorer-D satellite (AE-D) to verify the calculated return fluxes of a neon source. Known rates of neon were emitted in the direction of the velocity on command to the Molecular Return Measurement Unit (MRMU). At 250 km, the neutral mass spectrometer indicated a total neon return flux of .0246 times the emitted flux. The calculated fraction was .0123, including .00354 for the ambient scatter and .00354 for the altitude independent self-scatter. The pressure gages indicated return pressure less than .000933Pa .000007 at altitudes from 161 to 210 km. The maximum return pressure for 161-km orbit was calculated as 7.3 x 10-7 including a self scattering contribution of .000024 Pa .000000018.

Scialdone, J. J.↗
NASA NTRS1981

A Jet-diffuser ejector for a V/STOL fighter

A single ejector equipped with only one vector control jet and a diffuser flap was installed close to the leading edge of the strake of a one-fifth scale, semi-span model of the aircraft, without wing, canard, or tail surface. Tests of the system at a nozzle pressure ratio of 1.24 indicated a thrust augmentation of 1.92 and a thrust in the flight direction of about 12% of the total thrust under static conditions. An ejector stall occured at a ratio of tunnel dynamic pressure to nozzle gage pressure of about 0.008. Ejector stall speed can be delayed by using a boundary layer control jet at the front inlet lip of the ejector.

Alperin, M.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

CFD Simulations of the IHF 13-Inch Nozzle Flow: 55° Sphere-Cone Model, Manufactured Fences and Gaps

This paper reports computational analyses of tests in a high enthalpy arc-jet facility at NASA Ames Research Center. These tests were conducted using 23.6-cm diameter, 55° sphere-cone models placed in a free jet downstream of the 33.0-cm diameter conical nozzle in the 60-MW Interaction Heating Facility. Some of the sphere-cone models include surface features such as manufactured fences and gaps intended to simulate effects of differential recession, all of which disturb the flow, producing augmented heating locally and downstream. Test calibration data were obtained using slug and Gardon gage stagnation calorimeters, and a sphere-cone calorimeter model with six Gardon heat flux gages and five pressure gages. The present analysis comprises computational fluid dynamics simulations of the nonequilibrium flowfield in the facility nozzle and test box, including the models tested, and comparisons with the experimental measurements. Various issues related to testing are considered: diffuser flow capture, flow characterization based on the calorimeter data, effects of the model surface recession, and prediction of surface quantities for the models with surface features. These simulations take into account nonuniform total enthalpy profiles at the nozzle inlet as well as the expansion waves emanating from the nozzle exit and their effects on the model flowfields.

Arc-jets↗
NASA NTRS1965

Differential pressure gauge has fast response

Differential pressure gage with semiconductor type strain gage elements measures rapidly changing pressure. Output of the strain gage elements is a dc voltage that is directly proportional to the pressure difference being measured.

Weber, H. S.↗
NASA NTRS1991

In-space experiment on thermoacoustic convection heat transfer phenomenon-experiment definition

The definition phase of an in-space experiment in thermoacoustic convection (TAC) heat transfer phenomenon is completed and the results are presented and discussed in some detail. Background information, application and potential importance of TAC in heat transfer processes are discussed with particular focus on application in cryogenic fluid handling and storage in microgravity space environment. Also included are the discussion on TAC space experiment objectives, results of ground support experiments, hardware information, and technical specifications and drawings. The future plans and a schedule for the development of experiment hardware (Phase 1) and flight tests and post-flight analysis (Phase 3/4) are also presented. The specific experimental objectives are rapid heating of a compressible fluid and the measurement of the fluid temperature and pressure and the recording and analysis of the experimental data for the establishment of the importance of TAC heat transfer process. The ground experiments that were completed in support of the experiment definition included fluid temperature measurement by a modified shadowgraph method, surface temperature measurements by thermocouples, and fluid pressure measurements by strain-gage pressure transducers. These experiments verified the feasibility of the TAC in-space experiment, established the relevance and accuracy of the experimental results, and specified the nature of the analysis which will be carried out in the post-flight phase of the report.

Parang, M.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Measuring unsteady pressure on rotating compressor blades

Miniature semiconductor strain gage pressure transducers mounted in several arrangements were studied. Both surface mountings and recessed flush mountings were tested. Test parameters included mounting arrangement, blade material, temperature, local strain in the acceleration normal to the transducer diaphragm, centripetal acceleration, and pressure. Test results show no failures of transducers or mountings and indicate an uncertainty of unsteady pressure measurement of approximately + or - 6 percent + 0.1 kPa for a typical application. Two configurations were used on a rotating fan flutter program. Examples of transducer data and correction factors are presented.

Englund, D. R.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Optical zero-differential pressure switch and its evaluation in a multiple pressure measuring system

The design of a clamped-diaphragm pressure switch is described in which diaphragm motion is detected by a simple fiber-optic displacement sensor. The switch was evaluated in a pressure measurement system where it detected the zero crossing of the differential pressure between a static test pressure and a tank pressure that was periodically ramped from near zero to fullscale gage pressure. With a ramping frequency of 1 hertz and a full-scale tank pressure of 69 N/sq cm gage (100 psig), the switch delay was as long as 2 milliseconds. Pressure measurement accuracies were 0.25 to 0.75 percent of full scale. Factors affecting switch performance are also discussed.

Powell, J. A.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

CFD Simulations of the Truncated IHF Semi-Elliptical Nozzle Flow: Convective Calibration Plate

This paper reports computational simulations of a high-enthalpy panel test facility at NASA Ames Research Center. The recently developed facility configuration uses a truncated version of an existing semi-elliptical nozzle in the 60-MW Interaction Heating Facility, and it provides testing capability for panel test articles as large as 43.2 cm x 43.2 cm (17 in x 17 in). A water-cooled calibration plate, which is attached to the semi-elliptical nozzle bottom surface and instrumented with twenty Gardon-gage heat flux calorimeters and twelve pressure gages, is used to characterize the convective heating environment over the panel test articles. The present analysis comprises computational fluid dynamics simulations of the nonequilibrium flowfield in the facility nozzle and test box, and flowfield over panel test articles. Both laminar and turbulent simulations are performed, and the computational results are compared with the calibration plate measurements. Comparisons of computed and measured heat fluxes indicate that the boundary layer in the semi-elliptical nozzle is transitional at certain conditions (relatively higher arc-heater pressures or mass flow rates).

Arc-jets↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

CFD Simulations of the Truncated IHF Semi-Elliptical Nozzle Flow: Convective Calibration Plate

This paper reports computational simulations of a high-enthalpy panel test facility at NASA Ames Research Center. The recently developed facility configuration uses a truncated version of an existing semi-elliptical nozzle in the 60-MW Interaction Heating Facility, and it provides testing capability for panel test articles as large as 43.2 cm x 43.2 cm (17 in x 17 in). A water-cooled calibration plate, which is attached to the semi-elliptical nozzle bottom surface and instrumented with twenty Gardon-gage heat flux calorimeters and twelve pressure gages, is used to characterize the convective heating environment over the panel test articles. The present analysis comprises computational fluid dynamics simulations of the nonequilibrium flowfield in the facility nozzle and test box, and the flowfields over panel test articles. Both laminar and turbulent simulations are performed, and the computational results are compared with the calibration plate measurements. Comparisons of computed and measured heat fluxes indicate that the boundary layer in the semi-elliptical nozzle is transitional at certain conditions (relatively higher arc-heater pressures or mass flow rates).

Arc-jets↗
NASA NTRS2013

Investigation of VEGGIE Root Mat

VEGGIE is a plant growth facility that utilizes the phenomenon of capillary action as its primary watering system. A cloth made of Meta Aramid fiber, known as Nomex is used to wick water up from a reservoir to the bottom of the plants roots. This root mat system is intended to be low maintenance with no moving parts and requires minimal crew interface time. Unfortunately, the water wicking rates are inconsistent throughout the plant life cycle, thus causing plants to die. Over-wicking of water occurs toward the beginning of the cycle, while under-wicking occurs toward the middle. This inconsistency of wicking has become a major issue, drastically inhibiting plant growth. The primary objective is to determine the root cause of the inconsistent wicking through experimental testing. Suspect causes for the capillary water column to break include: a vacuum effect due to a negative pressure gradient in the water reservoir, contamination of material due to minerals in water and back wash from plant fertilizer, induced air bubbles while using syringe refill method, and material limitations of Nomex's ability to absorb and retain water. Experimental testing will be conducted to systematically determine the cause of under and over-wicking. Pressure gages will be used to determine pressure drop during the course of the plant life cycle and during the water refill process. A debubbler device will be connected to a root mat in order to equalize pressure inside the reservoir. Moisture and evaporation tests will simultaneously be implemented to observe moisture content and wicking rates over the course of a plant cycle. Water retention tests will be performed using strips of Nomex to determine materials wicking rates, porosity, and absorptivity. Through these experimental tests, we will have a better understanding of material properties of Nomex, as well as determine the root cause of water column breakage. With consistent test results, a forward plan can be achieved to resolve the issue and give valuable insight for the next generation of VEGGIE.

Subbiah, Arun M.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

On Characterization of Laminar to Turbulent Transitional Flow in the Truncated IHF Semi-Elliptical Nozzle

This paper reports computational analysis and experimental data to characterize the laminar to turbulent flow transition in a high-enthalpy panel test facility at NASA Ames Research Center. The recently developed facility configuration uses a truncated version of an existing semi-elliptical nozzle in the 60-MW Interaction Heating Facility, and it provides testing capability for panel test articles as large as 43.2 cm x 43.2 cm (17 in x 17 in). A water-cooled calibration plate, which is attached to the semi-elliptical nozzle bottom surface and instrumented with twenty Gardon-gage heat flux calorimeters and twelve pressure gages, is used to characterize the convective heating environment over the panel test articles. The present analysis comprises computational fluid dynamics simulations of the nonequilibrium flowfield in the facility nozzle and test box, and the flowfields over panel test articles, and comparisons with the measured test data. Both laminar and turbulent simulations are performed. Constant current studies are performed: the measured data are grouped at the same arc current levels with varying mass flow rates, and they are compared with corresponding computations. For all currents studied, these studies indicate that the semi-elliptical nozzle flow is transitional at relatively higher mass flow rates within the facility operating envelope.

Arc-jets↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

On Characterization of Laminar to Turbulent Transitional Flow in the Truncated IHF Semi-Elliptical Nozzle

This paper reports computational analysis and experimental data to characterize the laminar to turbulent flow transition in a high-enthalpy panel test facility at NASA Ames Research Center. The recently developed facility configuration uses a truncated version of an existing semi-elliptical nozzle in the 60-MW Interaction Heating Facility, and it provides testing capability for panel test articles as large as 43.2 cm x 43.2 cm (17 in x 17 in). A water-cooled calibration plate, which is attached to the semi-elliptical nozzle bottom surface and instrumented with twenty Gardon-gage heat flux calorimeters and twelve pressure gages, is used to characterize the convective heating environment over the panel test articles. The present analysis comprises computational fluid dynamics simulations of the nonequilibrium flowfield in the facility nozzle and test box, and the flowfields over panel test articles, and comparisons with the measured test data. Both laminar and turbulent simulations are performed. Constant current studies are conducted: the measured data are grouped at the same arc current levels with varying mass flow rates, and they are compared with corresponding computations. For all currents considered, these studies indicate that the semi-elliptical nozzle flow is transitional at relatively higher mass flow rates within the facility operating envelope. An approximate facility map for the transitional flow characterization is developed, showing laminar and transitional to turbulent flow regions.

Arc-jets↗
NASA NTRS1983

Preliminary results of the first static calibration of the RSRA helicopter active-isolator rotor balance system

The helicopter version of the Rotor Systems Research Aircraft (RSRA) is designed to make simultaneous measurements of all rotor forces and moments in flight analogous to a wind tunnel balance. Loads are measured by a combination of load cells, strain gages, and hydropneumatic active isolators which use pressure gages to measure loads. Complete evaluation of system performance required calibration of the rotor force and moment measuring system when installed in the aircraft. Measurement system responses to rotor loads obtained during the first static calibration of the RSRA helicopter are plotted and discussed. Plots of the raw transducer data are included.

Acree, C. W., Jr.↗