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At least 487 records · Page 27

Cavitation Performance of a Centrifugal Pump with Water and Mercury

The cavitation performance of a given centrifugal pump with water (hot and cold) and mercury is compared. It is found that there are significant scale effects with all fluids tested, with the Thoma cavitation parameter decreasing in all cases for increased pump speed or fluid Reynolds' number. The data for a fixed flow coefficient fall into a single curve when plotted against pump speed (or fluid velocity), rather than against Reynolds' number. Conversely, the Thoma parameter for a given Reynolds' number is approximately twice as large for mercury as for water. The direction of this variation is as predicted from consideration of the cavitation thermodynamic parameters which vary by a factor of 10(exp 7) between these fluids. No difference in cavitation performance between hot and cold water (approximately 160 F and 80 F) was observed, However, the thermodynamic parameters vary only by a factor of 5.

Hammitt, F. G.↗

Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) Refrigerant Pump

An electrohydrodynamic (EHD) pump increases refrigerant flow rate and the resulting pressure in a vapor compression based cooling system for permitting reduced compressor sizes and power demands. The EHD pump disposes electrodes in a liquid path of the refrigerant flow, and increases fluid flow and resulting pressure by an induced liquid flow between a pair of asymmetric electrodes. Voltage applied to these electrodes results in a conduction pumping mechanism associated with heterocharge layers in the vicinity of the electrodes based on disassociation of a neutral electrolyte species in the refrigerant fluid and recombination of the generated ions. The induced flow draws the liquid due to a net fluid flow toward one of the electrodes based on the asymmetry of the electrode pair. Electrodes are disposed on an inner surface of a refrigerant vessel, in communication with an annular liquid film that forms around the inner circumference in two-phase fluid systems.

Yagoobi, Jamal S.↗

Novel concept for detection of a fluid flow fault in a pumped fluid heat rejection system

A pumped fluid heat rejection system (HRS) requires continuous flow of the working fluid to ensure that the components controlled by the HRS stay within their allowable temperature limits. An interruption of flow could result in violations of hardware qualification limits and mission failure. Some of these violations can happen within a few hours. Hence, quick detection of a flow fault to invoke mitigation measures is very critical. In typical pumped fluid HRS, dual or triple pumps are employed to switch the backup units in case the primary unit were to fail. The key metric for the selection of a fault detection system is that it should detect the fault much before the fault’s impact on the thermal health of the HRS controlled components is realized. A trade study was conducted to select such a system for the Europa Clipper Mission to Europa, a moon of Jupiter that is planned for a launch in 2023. Out of the several concepts studied, the most attractive one was a novel and simple concept that uses a low power film heater attached to a section of the HRS tubing. While the fluid flows at its nominal rate, the high thermal coupling of the flowing fluid leads to the tube being close to the fluid’s temperature. However, when the flow stops, the heater warms the small thermal mass of the tubing to a high temperature in a short span of time (~15 minutes). This large temperature rise would then imply that the flow must have stopped. This paper will describe the various concepts considered, the chosen concept, its implementation, and the results of developments tests to validate its performance.

Schmidt, Tyler↗

Development of an evaporator using porous wick structure for a two-phase mechanically pumped fluid loop

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is developing a two-phase mechanically pumped fluid loop (2PMPFL) thermal control system to enable novel mission designs and greater science return for NASA. Pumped two-phase fluid loops have the potential to provide robust and effective thermal control that combine the best aspects of passive two-phase systems (heat pipes) and mechanically pumped single-phase fluid loops. The current requirements include the development of a system with multiple 1 m2 evaporators, each of which is capable of remaining spatially and temporally isothermal while accommodating heat loads of up to 500 W and local fluxes of up to 5 W/cm2. The goal is to attain this using less than 5 W of power. Such a system would be able to accommodate the next generation of payload and bus electronics while using minimal resources.

Birur, Gajanana↗

Modeling Electro-Optic Frequency Comb Generation as a Pump Source for Quantum Communications

The Quantum Communications group at NASA GRC is focused on developing technologies and system architectures to enable future space-based quantum networks. High-repetition rate pulsed pump lasers are needed because the signal on the quantum channel cannot be amplified, hence entanglement generation rates can only be increased through high-rate pumping. Additionally, tunability in center frequency, pulse width, and repetition rate allows for a wider parameter space over which to optimize quantum channel frequency conversion efficiency, joint spectral engineering, and channel synchronization for high-fidelity entanglement swapping –a necessary stepping-stone towards quantum repeater development. One of the most flexible methods for high-repetition rate pulse generation is through spectral shaping–generating a frequency comb from a continuous-wave(CW)laser using electro-optic modulators (EOMs). As a result, this project focuses on analytically modeling and simulating the effects various EOMs such as phase and intensity modulators have on a CW source. Generating a tunable frequency comb as the pump source allows us to conveniently fine-tune the central frequency, repetition rate, and the spectral shape of our source to match the strict optimal parameters for any given entanglement source considered in the future. These models and simulations are to be used for comparison purposes for future experiments as well as for providing the Quantum Communications group a convenient tool to understand the effects of manipulating various parameters have on the outgoing frequency comb.

Electro-optic modulator↗

A Review of Pump Package Assembly Anomalies and Demonstration to Gain Motor Controller Replacement Capability

The International Space Station (ISS) generates heat within the US modules from systems used to operate the station, maintain crew health, and conduct science experiments in the orbiting laboratory. The Internal Thermal Control System (ITCS) collects this heat in water loops and transfers it to the external ammonia system for rejection to space. The ITCS uses six Pump Package Assemblies (PPA) as the motive force to circulate the water within the Lab, Node 2, and Node 3 (Node 1 is parasitic to the Lab and Node 3 ITCS loops). In the life of ISS, 3 PPAs have had to be replaced and 2 PPAs are currently showing signs of degradation. The first PPA to fail in 2003 was due to early coolant chemistry issues; the remaining pump failures and current pump degradations are determined to be related to the Pump/Fan Motor Controller (PFMC), with their individual signatures all being unique to this point. The PFMC of one of the failed PPAs was returned and testing confirmed its sub-components to be the root cause of the PPA failure. Due to the relative size and weight of the standalone PFMC in comparison to the integrated assembly, it is desired, from a launch and on-orbit stowage perspective, to replace the PFMC component of the degraded PPA instead of the entire PPA. The PPA was not designed for this capability, so on the ground demonstrations are planned using crew tools to show that the PFMC can be replaced on-orbit while maintaining full functionality. This paper will focus on the signatures of the two most recent PPA failures and the two PPAs showing signs of degradation, in addition to presenting the findings from the PFMC demonstration effort.

Aaron Rodriguez↗

A Review of Pump Package Assembly Anomalies and Demonstration to Gain Motor Controller Replacement Capability

The International Space Station (ISS) generates heat within the US modules from systems used to operate the station, maintain crew health, and conduct science experiments in the orbiting laboratory. The Internal Thermal Control System (ITCS) collects this heat in water loops and transfers it to the external ammonia system for rejection to space. The ITCS uses six Pump Package Assemblies (PPA) as the motive force to circulate the water within the Lab, Node 2, and Node 3 (Node 1 is parasitic to the Lab and Node 3 ITCS loops). In the life of ISS, 3 PPAs have had to be replaced and 2 PPAs are currently showing signs of degradation. The first PPA to fail in 2003 was due to early coolant chemistry issues; the remaining pump failures and current pump degradations are determined to be related to the Pump/Fan Motor Controller (PFMC), with their individual signatures all being unique to this point. The PFMC of one of the failed PPAs was returned and testing confirmed its sub-components to be the root cause of the PPA failure. Due to the relative size and weight of the standalone PFMC in comparison to the integrated assembly, it is desired, from a launch and on-orbit stowage perspective, to replace the PFMC component of the degraded PPA instead of the entire PPA. The PPA was not designed for this capability, so on the ground demonstrations are planned using crew tools to show that the PFMC can be replaced on-orbit while maintaining full functionality. This paper will focus on the signatures of the two most recent PPA failures and the two PPAs showing signs of degradation, in addition to presenting the findings from the PFMC demonstration effort.

Aaron Rodriguez↗

High temperature mechanically pumped fluid loop for space applications : working fluid selection

Mechanically pumped single-phase fluid loops are well suited for transporting and rejecting large amounts of waste heat from spacecraft electronics and power supplies. While past implementations of these loops on spacecraft have used moderate operating temperatures (less than 6OoC), higher operating temperatures would allow equivalent heat loads to be rejected by smaller and less massive radiators. A high temperature (100 to 15OOC) mechanically pumped fluid loop is currently being investigated at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory for use on future Mars missions. This paper details the trade study used to select the high temperature working fluid for the system and the initial development testing of loop components.

thermal control↗

Mechanically Pumped Fluid Loop (MPFL) Technologies for Thermal Control of Future Mars Rovers

Mechanically pumped fluid loop has been the basis of thermal control architecture for the last two Mars lander and rover missions and is the key part of the MSL thermal architecture. Several MPFL technologies are being developed for the MSL rover include long-life pumps, thermal control valves, mechanical fittings for use with CFC-11 at elevated temperatures of approx.100 C. Over three years of life tests and chemical compatibility tests on these MPFL components show that MPFL technology is mature for use on MSL. The advances in MPFL technologies for MSL Rover will benefit any future MPFL applications on NASA s Moon, Mars and Beyond Program.

mechanically pumped fluid loop↗

Fine-particle filter prevents damage to vacuum pumps

A filter system for mechanical pumps is designed with a baffle assembly that rotates in a circulating oil bath which traps destructive particles. This prevents severe damage to the pump and is serviceable for long periods before it requires cleaning.

Harlamert, P., Jr.↗

Closed loop operation eliminates need for auxiliary gas in high pressure pumping station

Closed loop system for a liquid nitrogen high pressure pump feeds back gaseous nitrogen generated by heat leak into the reservoir to maintain the pressure in the storage tank. This safer, more efficient system eliminates the need for auxiliary gas to maintain the tank pressure and can be used on relatively high cryogenic pumping systems.

Landy, D. G.↗

Negative feedback system reduces pump oscillations

External negative feedback system counteracts low frequency oscillations in rocket engine propellant pumps. The system uses a control piston to sense pump discharge fluid on one side and a gas pocket on the other.

Rosenmann, W.↗

Flow tube used to cool solar-pumped laser

A flow tube has been designed and constructed to provide two major functions in the application of a laser beam for transmission of both sound and video. It maintains the YAG laser at the proper operating temperature of 300 degrees K under solar pumping conditions, and it serves as a pump cavity for the laser crystal.

Source record↗

Cb-1zr Pumped Sodium Loop

Cb-1Zr pumped sodium loop tests to evaluate loop components, EM pump, pressure transducers, and instrumentation techniques

Hoffman, E. E.↗