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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 37 records · Page 2

Assimilation of TES Water Vapor Observations

The Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES) on the Mars Global Surveyor has made extensive observations of the Martian atmospheric water vapor column since the beginning of its mapping mission in early 1999. The results show broad agreement with the earlier Viking Mars Atmospheric Water Detector (MAWD) results (though column amounts in southern summer are higher, perhaps due to dust obscuration during the Viking mission). General circulation model (GCM) simulations of the annual Martian water cycle also show broad agreement with the TES observations. Details of the simulations depend on cloud and boundary layer parameterizations and on the adsorbing properties of the regolith. In order to make quantitative assessments of this agreement and to obtain observational values for the required physical parameters, a tracer transport data assimilation model has been developed. Model winds are derived from both tracer measurements and retrieved atmospheric temperature structures, providing a useful check of the underlying dynamical core of the GCM. By allowing detailed intercomparison between spacecraft and ground-based observations of Martian water vapor, the model should also contribute significantly to our understanding of the diurnal water cycle.

Houben, Howard↗

Full Aerothermal Characterization of the 6- by 9-Foot Icing Research Tunnel (2019 Test)

A full aerothermal characterization of the NASA Glenn Icing Research Tunnel (IRT) was completed in August 2019. A mandatory maintenance period required the test entry to be separated into two phases: the first occurring in April 2019 and the second in August 2019. The hardware used during this test entry consisted of the 6-foot quick-check rake, 6-foot traversing rake, RTD array, and hot-wire rake. The 6-foot quick check rake collects static pressure, total pressure, total temperature, and flow angularity data along the centerline of the test section. The data from the 6-foot quick-check rake were used to generate test section calibration relationships for total and static pressure as well as implement statistical process control. The 6-foot traversing rake collects flow uniformity data across the test section for various flow parameters, such as static pressure, total pressure, and flow angularity. Total temperature flow uniformity data is mapped by the RTD array and is used to generate the test section calibration relationship for total temperature. The hot-wire rake measures turbulence intensity at three lateral locations and characterizes airspeed unsteadiness in the test section. The test entry resulted in updated calibration relationships and a full characterization of test section flow quality and flow uniformity in the IRT.

Wind↗

Determination of the distribution of sound source intensities in subsonic and supersonic jets

Equations relating crossed beam space-time correlations to the sound source strength per unit length of an idealized jet are presented and applied to actual measurements in unheated jets at M = 0.71 and M = 1.0. The infrared crossed beam system was assembled and checked out. The prediction of the system's insensitivity to temperature fluctuations when set at 4.31 microns with a 0.08 micron bandpass was checked. Relative intensity profiles of density fluctuations for jets at M = 0.71, 1.0 and 1.94 were measured. These profiles differ considerably from velocity fluctuation profiles measured by other investigators with hotwires. The convection speeds also differ. Finally, the sound source strengths per unit length are obtained at various axial distances for the subsonic and sonic jet. The sonic jet shows peak source strength at an axial distance of six diameters.

Damkevala, R. J.↗

Digital temperature sensor performance assessment report

Performance assessment data accumulated during exposure of the digital temperature sensor to simulated shuttle flight type environments are presented. The test parameters were specifically designed to check the sensor for its: (1) ability to resolve temperature relative to the design specifications; (2) ability to maintain accuracy after interchanging the temperature probes with each electronics interface assembly; (3) stability (i.e., satisfactory operation and accuracy during and after exposure to flight environments); and (4) repeatability, or its ability to produce the same output on subsequent exposures to the identical stimulus. Equipment list, test descriptions, data summary, and conclusions are included.

Canniff, J. H.↗

Simulator produces physiological waveforms

Physiological waveform simulator is capable of producing signals to simulate an axiliary and a sternal electrocardiogram, blood pressure, respiratory rate and body temperature. This may be used to check out bioinstrumentation.

Ekeroot, S.↗

A neutral particle wake method for measuring the atmospheric temperature from a satellite

A method is described that permits a satellite-borne neutral mass spectrometer to perform measurements of the atmospheric temperature. The method employs the spectrometer to examine the partial pressure variations that occur as the wake of a small rectangular baffle is swept across the entrance orifice of the spectrometer. For a given baffle size and mounting distance from the orifice the depth of the resulting pressure minimum depends only upon the thermal velocity, or temperature, of the observed species. A check upon the validity of the method is obtained by measuring the wake characteristics of more than one species and/or by employing each of several baffle sizes.

Brace, L. H.↗

One-millimeter brightness temperatures of the planets

Results are reported for a bolometric determination of the relative brightness at a wavelength of 1 mm of Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. The relative measurements are converted to absolute temperatures by using a thermal model for Mars, which was checked by observations of Mars and Jupiter at two different epochs. The mean planetary disk temperatures are found to be 320 + or 16 K for Mercury, 276 + or - 14 K for Venus, 145 + or - 7 K for Saturn, 168 + or - 8 K for Jupiter, 87 + or - 7 K for Uranus, and 96 + or - 10 K for Neptune. These results are compared with previous determinations at other wavelengths, and some aspects of the observations of the individual planets are briefly discussed.

Werner, M. W.↗

Thematic mapper protoflight model preshipment review data package. Volume 4: Appendix. Part A: Multiplexer data book 2

Final performance test data for the thematic mapper flight model multiplexer are presented in tables. Aspects covered include A/D thresholds for bands 5, 6, and 7; cross talk; the thermistor; bilevel commands signal parameters; A/D threshold ambient, voltage margin low bus; serial data and bit clock parameters; and the wire check. Tests were conducted at ambient temperature.

Source record↗

Structure of steady state accretion shocks with several cooling functions: Closed integral-form solution

We present, for the first time, a closed integral-form solution to the accretion shock structures for the case where the cooling is due to optically thin bremsstrahlung emission and a series of power-law cooling functions of density and temperature. Our results can provide useful checks on numerical calculations and simple accurate estimates for valuable parameters such as the shock height. For the case where the cooling rate j = (2/3)Arho(exp 2)(P/rho)(exp 1/2)(1 + epsilon (sub s)(P/P(sub s)(exp alpha)(rho(sub s)/rho)(exp beta)), we find that a substantial amount of the accretion energy is released at the base of the accretion shock in the form of bremsstrahlung radiation. This implies that for a cyclotron-dominated shock (qualitatively given by alpha = 2.0, beta = 3.85, and epsilon(sub s) is much greater than 1), bremsstrahlung cooling still plays a crucial role in determining the shock structure. Our results are shown to be consistent with detailed numerical calculations.

Wu, Kinwah↗

Development of thermal stratification and destratification scaling concepts. Volume 1: Definition of thermal stratification scaling parameters and experimental investigations

The dimensionless parameters associated with the thermal stratification and pressure history of a heated container of liquid and its vapor were examined. The Modified Grashof number, the Fourier number, and an Interface number were parameterized using a single test liquid, Freon 113. Cylindrical test tanks with spherical dome end caps were built. Blanket heaters covered the tanks and thermocouples monitored the temperatures of the liquid, the ullage, the tank walls, and the foam insulation encapsulating the tank. A centrifuge was used for the 6 inch tank to preserve the same scaling parameter values between it and the larger tanks. Tests were conducted over a range of Gr* values and the degree of scaling was checked by comparing the dimensionless pressures and temperatures for each scaled pair of tests. Results indicate that the bulk liquid temperature, the surface temperature of the liquid, and the tank pressure can be scaled with the three dimensionless parameters. Some deviation was, however, found in the detailed temperature profiles between the scaled pairs of tests.

Lovrich, T. N.↗

Thermal Behaviour of Unusual Local-Scale Surface Features on Vesta

On Vesta, the region of the infrared spectrum beyond approximately 3.5 micrometers is dominated by the thermal emission of the asteroid's surface, which can be used to determine surface temperature by means of temperature-retrieval algorithms. The thermal behavior of areas of unusual albedo seen at the local scale can be related to physical properties that can provide information about the origin of those materials. Dawn's Visible and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (VIR) hyperspectral cubes are used to retrieve surface temperatures, with high accuracy as long as temperatures are greater than 180 K. Data acquired in the Survey phase (23 July through 29 August 2011) show several unusual surface features: 1) high-albedo (bright) and low-albedo (dark) material deposits, 2) spectrally distinct ejecta, 3) regions suggesting finer-grained materials. Some of the unusual dark and bright features were re-observed by VIR in the subsequent High-Altitude Mapping Orbit (HAMO) and Low-Altitude Mapping Orbit (LAMO) phases at increased pixel resolution. To calculate surface temperatures, we applied a Bayesian approach to nonlinear inversion based on the Kirchhoff law and the Planck function. These results were cross-checked through application of alternative methods. Here we present temperature maps of several local-scale features that were observed by Dawn under different illumination conditions and different local solar times. Some bright terrains have an overall albedo in the visible as much as 40% brighter than surrounding areas. Data from the IR channel of VIR show that bright regions generally correspond to regions with lower thermal emission, i.e. lower temperature, while dark regions correspond to areas with higher thermal emission, i.e. higher temperature. This behavior confirms that many of the dark appearances in the VIS mainly reflect albedo variations. In particular, it is shown that during maximum daily insolation, dark features in the equatorial region may rise to temperatures greater than 270 K. However, individual features may show different thermal behaviours, as a result of differences in composition and/or structure (e.g, average grain size of the surface regolith, porosity, etc.). To complement the temperature and near-infrared emissivity derived from the infrared spectra, a separate work is devoted to calculate thermal inertia and other thermal properties using theoretical models which solve the heat equation for airless bodies, and model the distribution of temperatures due to surface roughness variations.

Tosi, F.↗

Fitting Leak Test Report: Ground-Based Cryogenic Leak Test of Fittings for Cryogenic Fluid Management

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Mechanically connected joints used in cryogenic fluid lines as part of space flight elements need to survive launch vibrations and remain leak-free to minimize the loss of on-board commodity and hazardous gas accumulation. In 2020, a cryogenic test apparatus was developed which can evaluate the leak performance of pressurized threaded fluid fittings. The fittings were mounted in the TVAC and cooled to cryogenic test temperature and pressurized with helium while the leak rate was measured using a calibrated GHe leak detector. The test articles for the initial proof of concept testing were ¼ and 1 inch Swagelok VCR fittings with three different types of seal rings copper, nickel, and Ni. Each fitting configuration (size/seal material) was subjected to two consecutive cryogenic thermal cycles, followed by exposure to a launch vibration profile at ambient temperature, after which two additional TVAC cycle tests were performed. The testing reported here is a continuation of the 2020 tests with a statistically significant large number of samples and test runs. Three Swagelok VCR fitting sizes were tested ¼, ½ and 1 inch, and five (5) samples of each fitting size, each sample was tested with SST and Ni seal rings (Total of 30 unique test articles). Each test article was subjected to four (4) thermal cycles. Half of these cycles were performed before vibration testing and half were performed after vibration testing. The vibration testing was performed to evaluate the ability of the fittings to survive launch-type vibration profiles and remain leak-free. Leak checking of each fitting was completed at temperatures between 20K – 30K. The test procedure in Section 8.0 was designed to facilitate a qualification test program by allowing a higher test throughput rate coupled with repeatable test profiles. Results were very positive and show that out of the 30 samples they all passed with leak rates a factor of 2-3 lower than the established 10-6sccs GHe leak threshold. The result showed the Ni seals had lower leak rate, but the SST was more rugged. There were two deviations where damage to the Ni seal ring during assembly resulted in a leaky fitting, this is discussed in Section 10.7 Test Deviations. These fittings show great promise for space flight use and further testing is recommended to fully qualify the fittings per the ASTM F1387-19 and/or other relevant NASA specifications. The test equipment hardware and software capability developed for this testing is generic and not restricted to VCR fittings. It can be employed to evaluate/qualify the leak performance of other types of fittings and a wide range of other cryogenic fluid components such as valves, gages, connectors, etc.

Cryogenic↗

Application of a Temperature-Dependent Load Prediction Method to a RUAG Six-Component Block-Type Balance

Temperature-dependent data of a RUAG six-component block-type balance was analyzed to assess the accuracy of two load prediction methods for temperature-dependent balance data. The supplied data was prepared for the analysis by splitting it into calibration and check load data subsets. The first calibration data subset was obtained at a temperature of 294 Kelvin. The second calibration data subset was obtained at a temperature of 315 Kelvin. A subset of 38 points was extracted from the second data set and used as check loads so that the accuracy of the two load prediction methods could be tested. First, the Iterative Method in combination with an extended independent and dependent variable set was used for the balance load prediction. This approach fits electrical outputs as a function of loads and the temperature and, afterwards, constructs a load iteration scheme from the regression coefficients so that loads can be predicted from outputs and the temperature during a wind tunnel test. The Non-Iterative Method was also used for the load prediction. This alternate method can more easily be implemented in a data system as loads are directly fitted as a function of electrical outputs and the temperature. Analysis results for the axial force are only discussed in the paper as similar results were obtained for the other five load components. Results for both methods clearly show that the cross-product term constructed from either a primary gage load or a primary gage output and the temperature explains the majority of the temperature-dependent part of the predicted balance load. This term models the temperature dependent nature of the gage sensitivity. Therefore, it is recommended to apply primary gage loadings at different temperatures during a balance calibration whenever temperature effects need to be described. These loadings will contain information about the temperature-dependent nature of the gage sensitivities that can be quantified by related cross-product terms in regression models of the data.

strain-gage balance↗

Experimental investigation of coolant-flow characteristics of a sintered porous turbine blade

Local cooling-air flow rates through the walls of a sintered porous-metal turbine blade were measured at room temperature for a range of pressure drops. In order to check the validity of the correlation procedure, this procedure was used to correlate air-flow rates thorough two porous disks at temperatures up to 600 degrees F.245:00:Experimental investigation of coolant Data indicate the method permits room-temperature flow data to be used for heat-transfer work at elevated temperatures with reasonable accurach. Cooling-air flow distribution around the periphery of the test blade is presented for two internal cooling air pressures with the blade in a 1000 degrees Fahrenheit gas stream at a cascade-inlet Mach number of 0.45.

Bartoo, Edward R↗

Vapor transport mechanisms

The Raman scattering furnace for investigating vapor transport mechanisms was completed and checked out. Preliminary experiments demonstate that a temperature resolution of plus and minus 5 C is possible with this system operating in a backscatter mode. In the experiments presented with the GeI 4 plus excess Ge system at temperatures up to 600 C, only the GeI4 band at 150 cm superscript minus 1 was observed. Further experiments are in progress to determine if GeI2 does become the major vapor species above 440 C.

Workman, G. L.↗

A study of methods to investigate nozzle boundary layer transition

To further investigate nozzle flow, numerical computations are employed. The computations produce complete flow velocity and temperature fields within the nozzle. As a check, these results can be compared with experimental data at the wall. Once an accurate numerical scheme has been validated, it can be used as a design tool to predict the performance of other nozzle designs without the cost of experimental testing. Typically, the numerical analysis assumes either a laminar boundary layer or a fully turbulent boundary layer which is steady and two-dimensional. Boundary layer transition is not considered. Computing both the completely laminar boundary layer and the completely turbulent boundary layer conditions gives the minimum and maximum wall heat flux possible for a specified geometry. When the experimental heat flux measurements lie between these two values, the nature of the boundary layer is unknown. The boundary layer may have transitioned from laminar to turbulent; three-dimensional structures may be present in the boundary layer, or the inlet flow conditions may not be correctly specified in the computation.

Pauley, Laura L.↗

Experimental verification of scaling parameters for thermal stratification

A study to determine important dimensionless parameters associated with thermal stratification of a heated container of liquid, and the pressure history of its vapor, was performed. Analysis of the governing equations identified the modified Grashoff number, the modified Fourier number, and the interface number as the dominant dimensionless parameters associated with this process. A test program designed to verify the validity of these scaling parameters was executed. The quality of scaling was checked by comparing the dimensionless pressures and temperatures for scaled pairs of tests. Results indicate that the bulk liquid temperature, the surface temperature of the liquid, and the tank pressure can be scaled with the three dimensionless parameters. Some deviations were found in the detailed temperature profiles between the scaled pairs of tests.

Ji, H.-C.↗

Status of the cryogenic inertial reference system for the Gravity Probe B mission

We describe the status of the development and testing program for the inertial reference system for the Gravity Probe B gyroscopes. The gyroscope housings are attached to a cryogenic telescope with a 14 cm aperture that continuously points at a guide star. The star image is split to provide quadrant pointing information which is used to steer the spacecraft. This data is also combined with the gyro readout data to provide an absolute precession measurement. Motion of the guide star is independently checked by reference to background galaxies. Room temperature testing of a prototype telescope has been completed and preparations are being made for low temperature tests.

Lipa, J. A.↗