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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 487 records · Page 27

The Precision Segmented Reflector program - On-orbit thermal behavior of the Submillimeter Imager and Line Survey telescope

The Precision Segmented Reflector program and the Submillimeter Imager and Line Survey mission are overviewed. The temperature requirements, thermal design and environment, as well as the on-orbit thermal performance of a 3.65-m-diameter passively-cooled submillimeter-wavelength telescope are discussed, and focus is placed on the geometric and thermal mathematical models employed in the study. Attention is given to an inflatable space-rigidized sunshade protecting the primary mirror thermally and the highly elliptical orbit chosen to reduce heat input from the earth. Primary-reflector temperature predictions are shown to indicate that a large spatial gradient can exist and the magnitude of the gradient is a strong function of the telescope pitch angle. It is suggested that the cryostat outer-shell temperature may be further lowered with the introduction of a rectangular shield between a solar array and the cryostat.

Tsuyuki, G.↗

Implementation of a Hybrid Edge Node-Centroid Node Approach for the Generation of Reduced Thermal Models

Reduced thermal models are often required for delivery to organizations that manage observatory or launch models at the highest levels of assembly. However, the effort to generate reduced models, and verify against their detailed counterparts, is a challenge that has not yet been conclusively solved. Higher level organizations often place a limit on the number of nodes for delivered models with the assumption that smaller models generally result in less computation time. However, the burden of producing and verifying the accuracy of the reduced models is placed primarily on the lower-level organizations, which in turn consumes resources needed to produce these models. Limiting the total number of allowable nodes may also prevent users from taking full advantage of software capabilities that allow for faster generation of models, such as finite elements, which generally require more nodes than older centroid based models. A methodology using Thermal Desktop was described in 2010 which used: (1) finite elements and edge nodes for a conduction matrix, (2) centroid nodes for capacitance and radiative computations, and (3) the super network feature to produce a conduction matrix based only on the centroid nodes. At that time, the methodology was clear, but the implementation would have had to be done manually; however, with the inclusion of the OpenTD Application Programming Interface, this methodology can now be implemented programmatically and for the first time, be a viable approach for the generation of reduced models. The approach was implemented and developed at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) for the Capture, Containment, and Return System (CCRS) payload on the Earth Return Orbiter (ERO) as part of the Mars Sample Return mission, resulting in the TCYEE tool. ERO features a spacecraft bus provided by Airbus through the European Space Agency with node limitations on the delivered CCRS model provided by GSFC. TCYEE was used to generate the reduced model for this delivery and the predictions compared favorably to the detailed model currently in use for the thermal performance evaluation. Furthermore, TCYEE is being explored for potential use on the Roman Space Telescope (RST) for the generation of reduced models for delivery to the launch provider, which also has node limit requirements on the RST observatory model for use in launch simulation analyses. This paper describes the methodology, its implementation, and compares the performance of reduced models generated by TCYEE to their detailed counterparts.

Thermal Desktop↗

Performance evaluation of an air solar collector

Indoor tests on signal-glazed flat-plate collector are described in report. Marhsall Space Flight Center solar simulator is used to make tests. Test included evaluations on thermal performance under various combinations of flow rate, incident flux, inlet temperature, and wind speed. Results are presented in graph/table form.

Source record↗

Conceptual design for scaled truss antenna flight experiment

The conceptual design for a scaled truss antenna structures experiment program (STASEP) is presented. The hardware analysis of the scaled truss antenna structure (STAS) was performed by interactive design and evaluation of advanced spacecraft (IDEAS) computer aided, interactive, design and analysis program. Four STAS's were designed to be launched by the Shuttle, tested by using the space technology experiments platform (STEP) and space transportation system (STS), and then free flown in short lifetime orbits. Data were gathered on deployment, structural characteristics, geometric accuracies, thermal performance, and drag and lifetime as an orbiting spacecraft. Structural and thermal properties were determined for the STAS, including mass properties, thermal loading, structural natural frequencies, and mode shapes. The necessary analysis, scaling, and ground testing are discussed.

Lee, W. H.↗

Testing of materials for passive thermal control of space suits

An effort is underway to determine the coating material of choice for the AX-5 prototype hard space suit. Samples of 6061 aluminum have been coated with one of 10 selected metal coatings, and subjected to corrosion, abrasion, and thermal testing. Changes in reflectance after exposure are documented. Plated gold exhibited minimal degradation of optical properties. A computer model is used in evaluating coating thermal performance in the EVA environment. The model is verified with an experiment designed to measure the heat transfer characteristics of coated space suit parts in a thermal vacuum chamber. Details of this experiment are presented.

Squire, Bernadette↗

Liquid solar collector-performance tests

Report describes comprehensive performances test on commercially-available modular nonmetallic single-glazed liquid solar collector to verify compliance with U. S. Housing and Urban Development Department standards for thermal stability. Program includes tests of initial thermal performance, 30 day stagnation, and final external performance.

Source record↗

Thermal math model analysis of FRSI test article subjected to cold soak and entry environments

A multi-objective test program was conducted at the NASA/JSC Radiant Heat Test Facility in which an aluminum skin/stringer test panel insulated with FRSI (Flexible Reusable Surface Insulation) was subjected to 24 simulated Space Shuttle Orbiter ascent/entry heating cycles with a cold soak in between in the 10th and 20th cycles. A two-dimensional thermal math model was developed and utilized to predict the thermal performance of the FRSI. Results are presented which indicate that the modeling techniques and property values have been proven adequate in predicting peak structure temperatures and entry thermal responses from both an ambient and cold soak condition of an FRSI covered aluminum structure.

Gallegos, J. J.↗

Composite flexible insulation for thermal protection of space vehicles

A composite flexible blanket insulation (CFBI) system considered for use as a thermal protection system for space vehicles is described. This flexible composite insulation system consists of an outer layer of silicon carbide fabric, followed by alumina mat insulation, and alternating layers of aluminized polyimide film and aluminoborosilicate scrim fabric. A potential application of this composite insulation would be as a thermal protection system for the aerobrake of the aeroassist space transfer vehicle (ASTV). It would also apply to other space vehicles subject to high convective and radiative heating during atmospheric entry. The thermal performance of this composite insulation as exposed to a simulated atmospheric entry environment in a plasma arc test facility is described. Other thermophysical properties which affect the thermal response of this composite insulation is included. It shows that this composite insulation is effective as a thermal protection system at total heating rates up to 30.6 W/sq cm.

Kourtides, Demetrius A.↗

Composite flexible insulation for thermal protection of space vehicles

A composite flexible blanket insulation (CFBI) system considered for use as a thermal protection system for space vehicles is described. This flexible composite insulation system consists of an outer layer of silicon carbide fabric, followed by alumina mat insulation, and alternating layers of aluminized polyimide film and aluminoborosilicate scrim fabric. A potential application of this composite insulation would be as a thermal protection system for the aerobrake of the aeroassist space transfer vehicle (ASTV). It would also apply to other space vehicles subject to high convective and radiative heating during atmospheric entry. The thermal performance of this composite insulation as exposed to a simulated atmospheric entry environment in a plasma arc test facility is described. Other thermophysical properties which affect the thermal response of this composite insulation is included. It shows that this composite insulation is effective as a thermal protection system at total heating rates up to 30.6 W/sq cm.

Kourtides, Demetrius A.↗

Multi-hundred kW solar arrays for space

A system-level approach has been applied in designing a cost-effective 300-1000 kW solar array for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) application with a mission time frame of mid-1980's. Technology investigations and performance and cost prognoses in the area of solar cells and reflector material form a key influence on array design and performance. Major tradeoffs were conducted between planar and concentrator concepts and between silicon and GaAs solar cells. Three baseline design concepts emerged: planar, low-CR concentrator (CR = 5), and high-CR concentrator (CR = 125). Combinations of these concepts with silicon and GaAs solar cells were analyzed in terms of electrical performance, thermal behavior, structural configuration, weight, stowed and deployed volume, and installation/deployment method. To identify the most cost-effective designs, a cost analysis of the candidate arrays was performed. The low-CR/GaAs array and the planar/silicon array demonstrate the greatest cost-effectiveness of the candidate arrays in terms of dollars/watt and energy life-cycle cost. Due to the high uncertainty of GaAs cell-cost prognoses, the sensitivity of the results to the GaAs cell cost is discussed.

Woodcock, W. G., III↗

Solar Stirling power generation - Systems analysis and preliminary tests

The feasibility of an electric power generation system utilizing a sun-tracking parabolic concentrator and a Stirling engine/linear alternator is being evaluated. Performance predictions and cost analysis of a proposed large distributed system are discussed. Design details and preliminary test results are presented for a 9.5 ft diameter parabolic dish at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (Caltech) Table Mountain Test Facility. Low temperature calorimetric measurements were conducted to evaluate the concentrator performance, and a helium flow system is being used to test the solar receiver at anticipated working fluid temperatures (up to 650 or 1200 C) to evaluate the receiver thermal performance. The receiver body is designed to adapt to a free-piston Stirling engine which powers a linear alternator assembly for direct electric power generation. During the next phase of the program, experiments with an engine and receiver integrated into the concentrator assembly are planned.

Selcuk, M. K.↗

Liquid Nitrogen Removal of Critical Aerospace Materials

Identification of innovative solutions to unique materials problems is an every-day quest for members of the aerospace community. Finding a technique that will minimize costs, maximize throughput, and generate quality results is always the target. United Space Alliance Materials Engineers recently conducted such a search in their drive to return the Space Shuttle fleet to operational status. The removal of high performance thermal coatings from solid rocket motors represents a formidable task during post flight disassembly on reusable expended hardware. The removal of these coatings from unfired motors increases the complexity and safety requirements while reducing the available facilities and approved processes. A temporary solution to this problem was identified, tested and approved during the Solid Rocket Booster (SRB) return to flight activities. Utilization of ultra high-pressure liquid nitrogen (LN2) to strip the protective coating from assembled space shuttle hardware marked the first such use of the technology in the aerospace industry. This process provides a configurable stream of liquid nitrogen (LN2) at pressures of up to 55,000 psig. The performance of a one-time certification for the removal of thermal ablatives from SRB hardware involved extensive testing to ensure adequate material removal without causing undesirable damage to the residual materials or aluminum substrates. Testing to establish appropriate process parameters such as flow, temperature and pressures of the liquid nitrogen stream provided an initial benchmark for process testing. Equipped with these initial parameters engineers were then able to establish more detailed test criteria that set the process limits. Quantifying the potential for aluminum hardware damage represented the greatest hurdle for satisfying engineers as to the safety of this process. Extensive testing for aluminum erosion, surface profiling, and substrate weight loss was performed. This successful project clearly demonstrated that the liquid nitrogen jet possesses unique strengths that align remarkably well with the unusual challenges that space hardware and missile manufacturers face on a regular basis. Performance of this task within the confines of a critical manufacturing facility marks a milestone in advanced processing.

Noah, Donald E.↗

The performance of multilayer insulation in a rapidly depressurizing environment

The performance of multilayer insulation in a rapidly depressurizing environment is determined by the variation of heat transfer with internal pressure and the pressure history of the interstitial gas. Measurements of thermal performance were made on three multilayer insulation configurations at room temperature and steady state pressures from 10(exp -6) to 10(exp -1) torr. The heat transfer due to gas conduction alone correlated with the kinetic theory of gases in the molecular flow regime. Pressure histories were measured in a unique apparatus which simulated the depressurization rate of a boost vehicle. The pressure histories on both sides of two of the configurations were measured to bound the actual interstitial pressure. The results of the two types of measurements agreed with earlier work and were combined to make performance predictions using an actual ascent pressure history.

Efromson, Ronald A.↗

High temperature NASP engine seal development

Key to the development of advanced hypersonic engines such as those being considered for the National Aerospace Plane (NASP) is the development and evaluation of high temperature, flexible seals that must seal the many feet of gaps between the articulating and stationary engine panels. Recent seal progress made at NASA-Lewis is reviewed in the areas of seal concept maturation, test rig development, and performance tests. A test fixture was built at NASA capable of subjecting candidate 3 ft long seals to engine simulated temperatures (up to 1500 F), pressures (up to 100 psi), and engine wall distortions (up to 0.15 in only 18 in span). Leakage performance test results at high temperatures are presented for an innovative high temperature, flexible ceramic wafer seal. Also described is a joint Pratt and Whitney/NASA planned test program to evaluate thermal performance of a braided rope seal under engine simulated heat flux rates (up to 400 Btu/sq ft s), and supersonic flow conditions. These conditions are produced by subjecting the seal specimen to hydrogen oxygen rocket exhaust that flows tangent to the specimen.

Steinetz, Bruce M.↗

Thermal/Fluid Analysis of a Composite Heat Exchanger for Use on the RLV Rocket Engine

As part of efforts to design a regeneratively cooled composite nozzle ramp for use on the reusable vehicle (RLV) rocket engine, an C-SiC composites heat exchanger concept was proposed for thermal performance evaluation. To test the feasibility of the concept, sample heat exchanger panels were made to fit the Glenn Research Center's cell 22 for testing. Operation of the heat exchanger was demonstrated in a combustion environment with high heat fluxes similar to the RLV Aerospike Ramp. Test measurements were reviewed and found to be valuable for the on going fluid and thermal analysis of the actual RLV composite ramp. Since the cooling fluid for the heat exchanger is water while the RLV Ramp cooling fluid is LH2, fluid and thermal models were constructed to correlate to the specific test set-up. The knowledge gained from this work will be helpful for analyzing the thermal response of the actual RLV Composite Ramp. The coolant thermal properties for the models are taken from test data. The heat exchanger's cooling performance was analyzed using the Generalized Fluid System Simulation Program (GFSSP). Temperatures of the heat exchanger's structure were predicted in finite element models using Patran and Sinda. Results from the analytical models and the tests show that RSC's heat exchanger satisfied the combustion environments in a series of 16 tests.

Nguyen, Dalton↗

Sheet Membrane Spacesuit Water Membrane Evaporator Thermal Test

For future lunar extravehicular activities (EVA), one method under consideration for rejecting crew and electronics heat involves evaporating water through a hydrophobic, porous Teflon(Registered Trademark) membrane. A Spacesuit Water Membrane Evaporator (SWME) prototype using this membrane was successfully tested by Ungar and Thomas (2001) with predicted performance matching test data well. The above referenced work laid the foundation for the design of a compact sheet membrane SWME development unit for use in the Constellation System Spacesuit Element Portable Life Support System (Vogel and et. al., ICES 2008). Major design objectives included minimizing mass, volume, and manufacturing complexity while rejecting a minimum of 810 watts of heat from water flowing through the SWME at 91 kg/hr with an inlet temperature of 291K. The design meeting these objectives consisted of three concentric cylindrical water channels interlaced with four water vapor channels. Two units were manufactured for the purpose of investigating manufacturing techniques and performing thermal testing. The extensive thermal test measured SWME heat rejection as a function of water inlet temperatures, water flow-rates, water absolute pressures, water impurities, and water vapor back-pressures. This paper presents the test results and subsequent analysis, which includes a comparison of SWME heat rejection measurements to pretest predictions. In addition, test measurements were taken such that an analysis of the commercial-off-the-shelf vapor pressure control valve could be performed.

Trevino, Luis A.↗