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At least 487 records · Page 27

Thermal Analysis of the X-band 34-meter Antenna Feedcone

A thermal analysis was done to describe feedcone shell temperature profiles and induced thermal stresses in waveguide components. IMP-SS, a steady-state version of the thermal analysis computer program employing the implicit alterating-direction numerical technique documented in a previous report, was used to analyze the two dimensional regions of the feedcone. This portion of the analysis determined the free relative displacement of the feedcone for a worst-case thermal condition.

Hughes, R. D.↗

Heat Shield And Axial Retainer For Turbopump Blade

Modified configuration for axial retention of blades of cryogenic turbopump expected to reduce dynamic and thermal stresses, thereby increasing operating life. Expected to overcome some of structural limitations in which various components of "fir-tree" blade/disk attachments shaped in such way as to concentrate stresses. Advantages include: No overhung loading on attachment faces of disk or blades; No additional stress concentrators added to attachment faces of disk or blades; and No large axial thermal gradients on edges of disk and blades.

Moore, Jerry H.↗

Development of Ti 3 SiC 2 MAX phase tubular structures for solar receiver applications

Solar receiver tubes are key components of concentrating solar-thermal power (CSP) systems that harvest solar energy. For better efficiency, the Gen3 CSP receivers, which collect heat into a heat transfer fluid, require a temperature exceeding 700 °C during operation and need to perform under extreme conditions of high temperature and high thermal stress. Operators are seeking CSP designs using new high-temperature structural materials with high thermal conductivity and high creep resistance to achieve a design life of 30 years and thus help recover the plant capital cost sooner. MAX phase materials, which consist of an early transition metal element, an A-group element, and carbon or nitrogen, are expected to exhibit high creep resistance as well as high fracture toughness. Here, in this paper, we describe fabricating both (1) dense Ti 3 SiC 2 MAX phase disks and (2) short-length tubes using field-assisted sintering technology (FAST). First, the disk samples that we fabricated are fully dense and contain ≈90 % Ti 3 SiC 2 MAX phase materials and ≈10 % TiC phase materials. We determined a flexure strength of 519 ± 32 MPa by conducting a four-point bending test at room temperature with rectangular bar samples of ≈100 % density. The thermal conductivity of the Ti 3 SiC 2 MAX phase samples, measured by light flashing analysis, decreases linearly from a value of 41 W . m -1 . K -1 at room temperature to a value of 36 W . m -1 . K -1 at 650 °C. A solar reflectance measurement of the Ti 3 SiC 2 MAX phase revealed that, temperature increases from 400 to 1400 °C, thermal emittance increases from 0.39 to 0.49, while selectivity decreases from 1.8 to 1.4, respectively. Whereas the surface oxidized MAX phase samples after 100 h exposure to air at 1000 °C exhibit that of SiC. Next, we discuss fabrication of the crack-free Ti 3 SiC 2 MAX phase tubular structures accomplished by using FAST processing in graphite bedding. A Ti 3 SiC 2 MAX phase content of > 95 % with traceable ≈3% remaining TiC phase and ≈15 % porosity were demonstrated after high-temperature annealing. An average fracture strength of ≈250 MPa was determined with Ti 3 SiC 2 MAX phase tubes of ≈85 % density by diametral compression testing at room temperature. Our work demonstrated that using FAST processing to produce Ti 3 SiC 2 MAX phase tubular structures for CSP receiver applications is a viable approach.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Stability of several oxide dispersion strengthened alloys and a directionally solidified gamma/gamma prime-alpha eutectic alloy in a thermal gradient

Thermal gradient testing of three oxide dispersion strengthened alloys (two Ni-base alloys, MA 754 and MA 6000 E, and the Fe-base MA 956) and the directionally solidified eutectic alloy, gamma/gamma prime-alpha, have been conducted. Experiments were carried out with maximum temperatures up to 1200 C and thermal gradients on the order of 100 C/mm. The oxide dispersion strengthened alloys were difficult to test because the thermal stresses promoted crack nucleation and growth; thus the ability of these alloys to maintain a thermal gradient may be limited. The stability of individual fibers in gamma/gamma prime-alpha was excellent; however, microstructural changes were observed in the vicinity of grain boundaries. Similar structures were also observed in isothermally annealed material; therefore thermal gradients do not affect the microstructure of gamma/gamma prime-alpha in any significant manner.

Staniek, G.↗

Nonlinear Transient Thermal Analysis by the Force-Derivative Method

High-speed vehicles such as the Space Shuttle Orbiter must withstand severe aerodynamic heating during reentry through the atmosphere. The Shuttle skin and substructure are constructed primarily of aluminum, which must be protected during reentry with a thermal protection system (TPS) from being overheated beyond the allowable temperature limit, so that the structural integrity is maintained for subsequent flights. High-temperature reusable surface insulation (HRSI), a popular choice of passive insulation system, typically absorbs the incoming radiative or convective heat at its surface and then re-radiates most of it to the atmosphere while conducting the smallest amount possible to the structure by virtue of its low diffusivity. In order to ensure a successful thermal performance of the Shuttle under a prescribed reentry flight profile, a preflight reentry heating thermal analysis of the Shuttle must be done. The surface temperature profile, the transient response of the HRSI interior, and the structural temperatures are all required to evaluate the functioning of the HRSI. Transient temperature distributions which identify the regions of high temperature gradients, are also required to compute the thermal loads for a structural thermal stress analysis. Furthermore, a nonlinear analysis is necessary to account for the temperature-dependent thermal properties of the HRSI as well as to model radiation losses.

Balakrishnan, Narayani V.↗

Thermal Analysis Methods for an Earth Entry Vehicle

Thermal analysis of a vehicle designed to return samples from another planet, such as the Earth Entry vehicle for the Mars Sample Return mission, presents several unique challenges. The Earth Entry Vehicle (EEV) must contain Martian material samples after they have been collected and protect them from the high heating rates of entry into the Earth's atmosphere. This requirement necessitates inclusion of detailed thermal analysis early in the design of the vehicle. This paper will describe the challenges and solutions for a preliminary thermal analysis of an Earth Entry Vehicle. The aeroheatina on the vehicle during entry would be the main driver for the thermal behavior. and is a complex function of time, spatial position on the vehicle, vehicle temperature, and trajectory parameters. Thus. the thermal analysis must be closely tied to the aeroheating analysis in order to make accurate predictions. Also, the thermal analysis must account for the material response of the ablative thermal protection system TPS. For the exo-atmospheric portion of the mission, the thermal analysis must include the orbital radiation fluxes on the surfaces. The thermal behavior must also be used to predict the structural response of the vehicle (the thermal stress and strains) and whether they remain within the capability of the materials. Thus, the thermal analysis requires ties to the three-dimensional geometry, the aeroheating analysis, the material response analysis, the orbital analysis. and the structural analysis. The goal of this paper is to describe to what degree that has been achieved.

Amundsen, Ruth M.↗

Thermal Analysis Methods For Earth Entry Vehicle

Thermal analysis of a vehicle designed to return samples from another planet, such as the Earth Entry vehicle for the Mars Sample Return mission, presents several unique challenges. The Earth Entry Vehicle (EEV) must contain Martian material samples after they have been collected and protect them from the high heating rates of entry into the Earth's atmosphere. This requirement necessitates inclusion of detailed thermal analysis early in the design of the vehicle. This paper will describe the challenges and solutions for a preliminary thermal analysis of an Earth Entry Vehicle. The aeroheating on the vehicle during entry would be the main driver for the thermal behavior, and is a complex function of time, spatial position on the vehicle, vehicle temperature, and trajectory parameters. Thus, the thermal analysis must be closely tied to the aeroheating analysis in order to make accurate predictions. Also, the thermal analysis must account for the material response of the ablative thermal protection system (TPS). For the exo-atmospheric portion of the mission, the thermal analysis must include the orbital radiation fluxes on the surfaces. The thermal behavior must also be used to predict the structural response of the vehicle (the thermal stress and strains) and whether they remain within the capability of the materials. Thus, the thermal analysis requires ties to the three-dimensional geometry, the aeroheating analysis, the material response analysis, the orbital analysis, and the structural analysis. The goal of this paper is to describe to what degree that has been achieved.

Amundsen, Ruth M.↗

Analysis for stresses and buckling of heated composite stiffened panels and other structures, phase 3

Analytical methods based on linear theory are presented for predicting the thermal stresses in and the buckling of heated structures with arbitrary uniform cross section. The structure is idealized as an assemblage of laminated plate-strip elements, curved and planar, and beam elements. Uniaxially stiffened plates and shells of arbitrary cross section are typical examples. For the buckling analysis the structure or selected elements may be subjected to mechanical loads, in additional to thermal loads, in any desired combination of inplane transverse load and axial compression load. The analysis is also applicable to stiffened structures under inplane loads varying through the cross section, as in stiffened shells under bending. The buckling analysis is general and covers all modes of instability. The analysis has been applied to a limited number of problems and the results are presented. These while showing the validity and the applicability of the method do not reflect its full capability.

Viswanathan, A. V.↗

Large-area sheet task advanced dendritic web growth development

The thermal models used for analyzing dendritic web growth and calculating the thermal stress were reexamined to establish the validity limits imposed by the assumptions of the models. Also, the effects of thermal conduction through the gas phase were evaluated and found to be small. New growth designs, both static and dynamic, were generated using the modeling results. Residual stress effects in dendritic web were examined. In the laboratory, new techniques for the control of temperature distributions in three dimensions were developed. A new maximum undeformed web width of 5.8 cm was achieved. A 58% increase in growth velocity of 150 micrometers thickness was achieved with dynamic hardware. The area throughput goals for transient growth of 30 and 35 sq cm/min were exceeded.

Duncan, C. S.↗

BUCLASP 3: A computer program for stresses and buckling of heated composite stiffened panels and other structures, user's manual

The use of the computer program BUCLASP3 is described. The code is intended for thermal stress and instability analyses of structures such as unidirectionally stiffened panels. There are two types of instability analyses that can be effected by PAINT; (1) thermal buckling, and (2) buckling due to a specified inplane biaxial loading. Any structure that has a constant cross section in one direction, that may be idealized as an assemblage of beam elements and laminated flat and curved plate strip-elements can be analyzed. The two parallel ends of the panel must be simply supported, whereas arbitrary elastic boundary conditions may be imposed along any one or both external longitudinal side. Any variation in the temperature rise (from ambient) through the cross section of a panel is considered in the analyses but it must be assumed that in the longitudinal direction the temperature field is constant. Load distributions for the externally applied inplane biaxial loads are similar in nature to the permissible temperature field.

Tripp, L. L.↗

Design and Analysis of Mirror Modules for IXO and Beyond

Advancements in X-ray astronomy demand thin, light, and closely packed thin optics which lend themselves to segmentation of the annular mirrors and, in turn, a modular approach to the mirror design. The functionality requirements of such a mirror module are well understood. A baseline modular concept for the proposed International X-Ray Observatory (IXO) Flight Mirror Assembly (FMA) consisting of 14,000 glass mirror segments divided into 60 modules was developed and extensively analyzed. Through this development, our understanding of module loads, mirror stress, thermal performance, and gravity distortion have greatly progressed. The latest progress in each of these areas is discussed herein. Gravity distortion during horizontal X-ray testing and on-orbit thermal performance have proved especially difficult design challenges. In light of these challenges, fundamental trades in modular X-ray mirror design have been performed. Future directions in module X-ray mirror design are explored including the development of a 1.8 m diameter FMA utilizing smaller mirror modules. The effect of module size on mirror stress, module self-weight distortion, thermal control, and range of segment sizes required is explored with advantages demonstrated from smaller module size in most cases.

McClelland, Ryan S.↗

Flow Instabilities in boiling channels and their suppression methodologies—A review

Small modular reactors (SMRs) are gaining significant attention as a promising solution for clean and sustainable nuclear-power generation. However, the operation of SMRs is subject to various challenges, including two-phase flow instabilities. Flow instability has the potential to trigger flow-induced vibration and cyclic fluctuations in local thermal stress. These instabilities frequently manifest because of the complex interplay among a multitude of factors, encompassing thermal-hydraulic conditions, the geometric configuration of the steam generator, and operational parameters. These conditions could subsequently lead to premature critical heat flux, equipment malfunctions, and other safety concerns. Here, the endeavor to address steam-generator flow instabilities is of utmost importance in augmenting the sustainability and efficiency of contemporary energy production. This study offers a comprehensive review of instabilities in two-phase flow, with a particular focus on the influential factors impacting the stability of flow boiling. Furthermore, it delves into the processes of identifying, characterizing, and ameliorating these instabilities, emphasizing pivotal findings, methodologies employed, and avenues for prospective research. The primary parameters of concern encompass the efficient transfer of thermal energy, the optimization of mass-flow rates, and the establishment of favorable boundary conditions, all in the context of steam generator design to alleviate instability for water-cooled SMRs. These discernments bear substantial ramifications for enhancing reactor performance and ensuring operational safety.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

Design of a SiC-Si moving packed-bed particle-to-sCO 2 heat exchanger for high temperature concentrating solar power applications

Particle-based concentrating solar power systems integrated with sCO 2 power cycles offer high thermal efficiencies but require durable heat exchangers to transfer heat from high-temperature particles to the sCO 2 working fluid. Here, this study presents the design and optimization of a silicon carbide-silicon moving packed-bed heat exchanger for fabrication via binder jetting additive manufacturing. The heat exchanger was designed to withstand a 20 MPa sCO 2 pressure and operate at particle inlet temperatures up to 750 °C. The final design features 152 sCO 2 channels distributed across 19 plates, with elliptical corners and a minimum wall thickness of 3 mm. Flow restrictors at the sCO 2 channel inlets significantly improved flow uniformity, reducing thermal stresses and achieving a structural reliability of 99 % under representative operating conditions. The heat exchanger delivers a thermal duty of 9 kW and a volumetric power density of approximately 1 MW/m 3 in the channel region. Sensitivity studies confirmed the heat exchanger’s robustness under varying operating conditions, demonstrating its viability as a high-performance alternative to metallic heat exchangers for particle-based high-temperature concentrating solar power applications.

Barua, Bipul [Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), A↗

Design, fabrication and delivery of a miniature Cassegrainian concentrator solar array system

The optical design of the miniature Cassegrainian concentrator (MCC) element was improved for both offpoint and onpoint power capability. The cell stack design has shown no losses under the high short term thermal stresses imposed by component level test and is projected to be capable of greater than five years thermal cycle life in low Earth orbit. The structural design met all requirements for stiffness and flatness and requires adjustable inserts for fine tuning of the GFRP structure to meet flatness goals. The completed, fully populated small and large MCC panels deliverable under this contract perform electrically as expected. A solid acceptance inspection program to guarantee quality of all purchased parts, and continued manufacturing process improvements will make the MCC design a viable low cost alternative to standard flat panel technology. Minor improvements to the cell stack design of the MCC element can make significant improvements in both the performance and manufacturability of the MCC system.

Kruer, Mark A.↗

Skin Temperatures During Unaided Egress: Unsuited and While Wearing the NASA Launch and Entry or Advanced Crew Escape Suits

The two flight suits currently worn by crew members during Shuttle launch and landing, the Launch and Entry Suit (LES) and the Advanced Crew Escape Suit (ACES), are designed to protect crew members in the case of emergency. Although the Liquid Cooling Garment (LCG) worn under the flight suits was designed to counteract the heat storage of the suits, the suits may increase thermal stress and limit the astronaut's egress capabilities. The purpose of this study was to assess the thermal loads experienced by crew members during a simulated emergency egress before and after spaceflight. Comparisons of skin temperatures were made between the preflight unsuited and suited conditions. between the pre- and postflight suited conditions, and between the two flight suits.

Woodruff, Kristin K.↗

Low-Thermal-Conductivity Pyrochlore Oxide Materials Developed for Advanced Thermal Barrier Coatings

When turbine engines operate at higher temperatures, they consume less fuel, have higher efficiencies, and have lower emissions. The upper-use temperatures of the base materials (superalloys, silicon-based ceramics, etc.) used for the hot-section components of turbine engines are limited by the physical, mechanical, and corrosion characteristics of these materials. Thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) are applied as thin layers on the surfaces of these materials to further increase the operating temperatures. The current state-of-the-art TBC material in commercial use is partially yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ), which is applied on engine components by plasma spraying or by electron-beam physical vapor deposition. At temperatures higher than 1000 C, YSZ layers are prone to sintering, which increases thermal conductivity and makes them less effective. The sintered and densified coatings can also reduce thermal stress and strain tolerance, which can reduce the coating s durability significantly. Alternate TBC materials with lower thermal conductivity and better sintering resistance are needed to further increase the operating temperature of turbine engines.

Bansal, Narottam P.↗

Structural tailoring using the SSME/STAEBL code

Space Shuttle Main Engine/Structural Tailoring of Engine Blades (SSME/STAEBL) was developed by systematically modifying and enhancing the STAEBL code developed by Pratt and Whitney under contract to NASA Lewis Research Center. STAEBL was designed for application to gas turbine blade design. Typical design variables include blade thickness distribution and root chord. Typical constraints include resonance margins, root stress, and root to chord ratios. In this program, the blade is loaded by centrifugal forces only. Additions and modifications of STAEBL included in SSME/STAEBL include (1) thermal stress analysis; (2) gas dynamic (pressure) loads; (3) temperature dependent material and thermal properties; (4) forced vibrations; (5) tip displacement constraints; (6) single crystal material analysis; (7) blade cross section stacking offsets; and (8) direct time integration algorithm for transient dynamic response. Capabilities are also included which permit data transfer from finite element models and stand-alone analysis.

Rubinstein, Robert↗

Evaluation of bearing mounting design and excessive wear phenomena

The effect of bearing thermal growth on the effectiveness of the bearing preload springs on the space shuttle main engine high pressure oxygen turbopump (SSME HPTOP) were examined. The SSME HPTOP turbine end bearings, preload spring, and bearing mounting design were evaluated relative to spalling, excessive ball wear, possible thermal problems, and cage delamination. The magnitude of the thermal stresses required to cause high levels of ball wear were calculated. Plots of maximum sheer stress and maximum reversing shear versus the axial load for the 57 mm SSME HPTOP bearing were created. A plot of the bearing thermal growth versus preload spring deflection was generated. It was determined that metallic wear, rather than thermal growth, caused enlargement of the contact zone between ball and races, that high fatigue-inducing shear stresses are generated under increased loads, and that at temperatures between 100 and 150 deg C, the springs bottom out and very high loads are developed in the bearing. Allowance for adequate spring movement after assembly is recommended.

Kannel, J. W.↗