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At least 37 records · Page 2

The communications industry's requirements and interests

Of interest to the communications industry are the amplitude, waveshape, duration and frequency of lightning-originated voltage surges and transients on the communications network, including the distribution system and AC power supply circuits. The cloud-to-ground lightning discharge and its characteristics are thought to be most meaningful. Of specific interest are peak current, waveshape, number of flashes, strokes per flash, and zone of influence. Accurate and meaningful lightning data at the local level (telephone district office) is necessary for a decision on the appropriate protection level. In addition to lightning, the protection engineer must consider other factors such as: AC induction, switching surges, ground potential rise, soil resistivity, bonding and grounding techniques, shielding and isolation, and exposure of the telephone loop.

Wanaselja, O.

Fail-Safe Pressure Plug

Protective plug resists slowly built-up pressure or automatically releases itself if pressure rises suddenly. Seals out moisture at pressures ranging from 50 micrometers of mercury to 200 pounds per square inch. Designed to seal throat of 38 Reaction Control Thrusters on Space Shuttle protecting internal components from corrosion. Plug conforms to contour of nozzle throat, where O-ring forms pressure seal. After plug inserted, cover attached by use of cover-fitting assembly. Modified versions useful in protecting engines, pumps, reaction vessels, and other industrial equipment during shipment and maintenance.

Svejkovsky, Paul A.

SSME Propellant Path Leak Detection

The primary objective of this phase of the investigation is the experimental validation of techniques for detecting and analyzing propellant path external leaks which have a high probability of occurring on the SSME. The selection of candidate detection methods requires a good analytic model for leak plumes which would develop from external leaks and an understanding of radiation transfer through the leak plume. One advanced propellant path leak detection technique is obtained by using state-of-art technology of infrared (IR) thermal imaging systems combined with computer, digital image processing and expert systems for the engine protection. The feasibility of the IR leak plume detection will be evaluated on subscale simulated laboratory plumes to determine sensitivity, signal to noise, and general suitability for the application. The theoretical analysis was undertaken with the objective of developing and testing simple, easy-to-use models to predict the amount of radiation coming from a radiation source, background plate (BP), which can be absorbed, emitted and scattered by the gas leaks.

Roger Crawford

SSME Propellant Path Leak Detection

The complicated high-pressure cycle of the space shuttle main engine (SSME) propellant path provides many opportunities for external propellant path leaks while the engine is running. This mode of engine failure may be detected and analyzed with sufficient speed to save critical engine test hardware from destruction. The leaks indicate hardware failures which will damage or destroy an engine if undetected; therefore, detection of both cryogenic and hot gas leaks is the objective of this investigation. The primary objective of this phase of the investigation is the experimental validation of techniques for detecting and analyzing propellant path external leaks which have a high probability of occurring on the SSME. The selection of candidate detection methods requires a good analytic model for leak plumes which would develop from external leaks and an understanding of radiation transfer through the leak plume. One advanced propellant path leak detection technique is obtained by using state-of-the-art technology infrared (IR) thermal imaging systems combined with computer, digital image processing, and expert systems for the engine protection. The feasibility of IR leak plume detection is evaluated on subscale simulated laboratory plumes to determine sensitivity, signal to noise, and general suitability for the application.

Roger Crawford

Thermal Conductivity and Temperature Limits of Electron-Beam Physical-Vapor-Deposited ZrO2-7wt%Y2O3 Thermal Barrier Coating

The electron-beam physical-vapor-deposited (EB-PVD) ZrO2-7wt%Y2O3 thermal barrier coating has been widely used to protect engine hot section components in modem aircraft engines. Thermal conductivity and the conductivity increases due to sintering and phase changes are important coating design parameters. There is a need to characterize the coating thermal conductivity behavior and temperature limits, in order to potentially take full advantage of the coating capability. In addition, since the ZrO2-7wt%Y2O3 coating is often used as a baseline coating for the development of advanced lower thermal conductivity and higher temperature capability coatings, a thorough evaluation of the coating conductivity behavior at future higher engine operating temperatures will be useful for more accurately assessing the benefit gained from the new coating systems. In this study, thermal conductivity behavior of EB-PVD ZrO2-7wt%Y2O3 coating has been systematically investigated as a function of temperature (up to 2600 F) and time under steady-state and cyclic test conditions using a laser heat-flux technique. Thermal conductivity change kinetics were determined under realistic engine high temperature thermal gradient conditions, and correlated to the coating microstructural and phase changes. The thermal conductivity prediction models have been established in terms of heat flux, time, and testing temperatures.

Zhu, Dongming

Bayesian Framework For Bioburden Density Calculations To Perform Planetary Protection Probabilistic Risk Assessment

The planetary protection discipline aims to minimize the microbial contamination on spacecraft to prevent the inadvertent contamination of other planetary bodies, known as forward planetary protection (PP). Planetary protection probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) relies on two core methodologies-the contamination probability event tree analysis and statistical parameter estimation. Planetary protection engineers combine several techniques to estimate the bioburden present on spacecraft components. A direct assay to enumerate CFU (colony forming units) is the preferred methodology, but given a similar processing environment the bioburden present on certain components is inferred using: (1) a NASA defined bioburden estimate based upon the biological cleanliness of the manufacturing/assembly environment or (2) sampled data from a similar spacecraft component. The paper presents an empirical Bayesian framework to systematically treat bioburden estimation and its uncertainties on different levels starting with measurement procedures to combining different components to subsystems and whole spacecraft. It is shown that the Bayesian approach can effectively handle estimations and their uncertainties at different levels and produce a reliable estimate for bioburden to be used to evaluate the probability of contamination.

Seuylemezian, Arman

Space Shuttle Main Engine nozzle thermal protection system

Two of the three Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) nozzles are exposed to significant reentry aeroheating loads. To ensure reusability of the Nozzle Assembly, the nozzle primary structure must not exceed specific temperature limits. Due to the thermal, pressure, and dynamic flexing of the nozzle during a mission cycle, an appropriate insulating system must have significant flexibility. Recent missions have demonstrated nozzle reentry aeroheating rates and heat loads much higher than predictions, higher than the capability of the original insulating system. A new insulating system has been developed using similar materials in an aerodynamically 'smooth' shape to both reduce the incoming heating and increase radiation cooling.

Nordlund, R. M.

Planetary Protection is Not a One Size Fits All Missions Approach: Enabling the Planetary Protection Programmatic and Engineering Process

Missions have a wide range of variables that change their management and engineering structure (e.g., competed vs directed missions, multiple NASA centers, international partnerships, increased commercial collaborations, etc.). Why would an identical planetary protection approach and structure for each mission make sense in this evolving landscape? Missions do not fit in a one-size-fits-all approach, likewise their planetary protection process should not be a one-size-fits-all approach. During the significant update to NPR 8715.24 and NASA-STD-8719.27 planetary protection policies, the programmatic execution and engineering implementation processes were changed to provide clarification, streamlining, and expansion to include alternative approaches. From a programmatic perspective, these changes include the flexibility in timing and combination of gate products in addition to providing varying levels of technical depth commensurate and appropriate with the mission categorization. From a technical perspective, these changes include the ability to A) leverage either a performance-based and/or a prescriptive-based approach, B) identify applicable international consensus standards for verification, and C) propose alternative methods that adhere to sound scientific and engineering consensus. This presentation will directly highlight the culture shift in planetary protection, areas of flexibility available to the technical community for mission program and engineering execution, and feature some of the specific mission scenarios that have already leveraged such processes.

Nick Benardini

Apollo experience report: Thermal protection from engine-plume environments

Portions of the combined Apollo spacecraft (the command and service module and the lunar module) are subjected to the impingement of hot exhaust gases from the various propulsion systems of the modules. The configurations of the vehicles and the sources of impinging engine plumes are described. A typical Apollo mission is outlined. Protection and design-verification methods are discussed. Finally, recommendations are made for future spacecraft programs.

Taylor, J. T.

Ice Protection of Turbojet Engines by Inertia Separation of Water I : Alternate-duct System

Aerodynamic and icing investigations of internal water-inertia separation inlets designed to prevent automatically entrance of large quantities of water into a turbojet engine in icing conditions was conducted on a one-half scale model. A simplified analytical approach to the design of internal water-inertia separation inlets is included. Results show that in order to be effective in preventing screen and guide-vane icing for an inlet of this type, a ram-pressure recovery of 75 percent was attained at design inlet-velocity ratio in an icing condition. For nonicing operation, ram-pressure recovery is comparable to direct-ram inlet.

INLETS, NOSE - CENTRAL

Ice Protection of Turbojet Engines by Inertia Separation of Water II : Single-offset-duct System

Investigation of a single-offset-duct system designed to prevent entrance of water into a turbojet engine was conducted on a half-scale nacelle model. An investigation was made to determine ram-pressure recovery and radial velocity profiles at the compressor section and icing characteristics of such a duct system. At a design inlet velocity of 0.77, the maximum ram-pressure recovery attained with effective water-separating inlet was 77 percent, which is considerably less than attainable with a direct-ram inlet. Continuous heating of the accessory-housing surface would be required for inlets that have a small ice storage space.

NOSE SHAPE - DUCTED BODIES

Ice Protection of Turbojet Engines by Inertia Separation of Water III : Annular Submerged Inlets

Aerodynamic and icing studies were conducted on a one-half-scale model of an annular submerged inlet for use with axial-flow turbojet engines. Pressure recoveries, screen radial-velocity profiles, circumferential mass-flow variations, and icing characteristics were determined at the compressor inlet. In order to be effective in maintaining water-free induction air, the inlet gap must be extremely small and ram-pressure recoveries consequently are low, the highest achieved being 65 percent at inlet-velocity ratio of 0.86. All inlets exhibited considerable screen icing. Severe mass-flow shifts occurred at angles of attack.

ICE PREVENTION AND REMOVAL - PROPULSION SYSTEMS

Electrical Engineering Medium Voltage Protection and Coordination

This presentation covers the basics of the medium voltage electrical system on the Kennedy Space Center. The material will include the process of selective coordination between protective devices and the analysis of a fault that occurred in the electrical system. I will discuss the most common causes of faults found and how the system reacts to the faults at different locations in the subsystem. Explain the importance of the sensitivity and coordination between the devices to protect the equipment it is supplying.

Wessner, Jason R.