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At least 55 records · Page 3

Warm Pressurant Gas Effects on the Static Bubble Point Pressure for Cryogenic LADs

This paper presents experimental results for the liquid hydrogen and nitrogen bubble point tests using warm pressurant gases conducted at the NASA Glenn Research Center. The purpose of the test series was to determine the effect of elevating the temperature of the pressurant gas on the performance of a liquid acquisition device (LAD). Three fine mesh screen samples (325x2300, 450x2750, 510x3600) were tested in liquid hydrogen and liquid nitrogen using cold and warm non-condensable (gaseous helium) and condensable (gaseous hydrogen or nitrogen) pressurization schemes. Gases were conditioned from 0K - 90K above the liquid temperature. Results clearly indicate degradation in bubble point pressure using warm gas, with a greater reduction in performance using condensable over non-condensable pressurization. Degradation in the bubble point pressure is inversely proportional to screen porosity, as the coarsest mesh demonstrated the highest degradation. Results here have implication on both pressurization and LAD system design for all future cryogenic propulsion systems. A detailed review of historical heated gas tests is also presented for comparison to current results.

Warm pressurant gas↗

Wavenumber-frequency Spectra of Pressure Fluctuations Measured via Fast Response Pressure Sensitive Paint

The recent advancement in fast-response Pressure-Sensitive Paint (PSP) allows time-resolved measurements of unsteady pressure fluctuations from a dense grid of spatial points on a wind tunnel model. This capability allows for direct calculations of the wavenumber-frequency (k-ω) spectrum of pressure fluctuations. Such data, useful for the vibro-acoustics analysis of aerospace vehicles, are difficult to obtain otherwise. For the present work, time histories of pressure fluctuations on a flat plate subjected to vortex shedding from a rectangular bluff-body were measured using PSP. The light intensity levels in the photographic images were then converted to instantaneous pressure histories by applying calibration constants, which were calculated from a few dynamic pressure sensors placed at selective points on the plate. Fourier transform of the time-histories from a large number of spatial points provided k-ω spectra for pressure fluctuations. The data provides first glimpse into the possibility of creating detailed forcing functions for vibro-acoustics analysis of aerospace vehicles, albeit for a limited frequency range.

Pressure Sensitive Paint↗

Spectral Analysis of Integrated Pressures on Patches with Unsteady Pressure-Sensitive Paint Measurements

This paper describes the spectral analysis of integrated pressures on patches of the scale model of the Space Launch System (SLS) Block 1B crew vehicle with the Unsteady Pressure-Sensitive Paint (uPSP) measurements, which were collected in the ascent transient aerodynamics tests with the Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel 11-by-11-foot Transonic Wind Tunnel in September 2019 at NASA Ames Research Center. Recent research has demonstrated that uPSP can be an essential tool for the assessment of the unsteady, aerodynamic phenomena. The work described in this paper is a part of NASA’s development of a new state-of-the-art uPSP capability in production wind tunnels. In this paper, 108 patches are defined with x station values and azimuth angles of the scale model. For each patch, the polygons are determined from the surface cells of the grid of the model, clipped with the edges of the patch, and each of the polygons is divided into triangles. The inputs of the pressure integration algorithm are the time series of pressure coefficients on the vertices of the grid of the model, generated by the uPSP data processing program from the videos taken with 4 Phantom high-speed cameras during the wind tunnel tests. The integrated pressure of the patch is determined as the ratio of the sum of the forces on the triangles over the sum of the areas of the triangles. For each of the test cases, the Cross Power Spectral Density (CPSD) and Magnitude-Squared Coherence (msCohere) are computed for frequencies over 1/3 octave bands from the time series of the integrated pressures on the patches. The spectral analysis outputs of different cases of the wind tunnel tests are analyzed and the coherence of patches is investigated over frequencies, x station values, azimuth angles, Mach numbers and SLS vehicle attitudes. The pressure integration and spectral analysis described in this paper were executed on the NASA Pleiades supercomputer. Funding for this research was provided by the NASA Aeroscience Evaluation and Test Capabilities (AETC) Project.

Pressure-Sensitive Paint↗

Minimum pressure for a zero-prebreathe pressure suit

There are two current approaches to reducing the risk of decompression sickness during repeated extravehicular activity (EVA) without prebreathing 100 percent oxygen. One approach suggests the use of different pressures in the transfer vehicle, the station, and the suit. The other would use advanced pressure-suit technology to build a suit that will make different pressures unnecessary provided the bends-free suit pressure is reasonable and can be readily determined. Research at the USAF School of Aerospace Medicine since November 1982 has been directed at determining this suit pressure using human subjects at simulated altitudes of 16,500 to 10,000 feet (7.8 to 10 psia). An earlier report of this ongoing research showed that bends is not totally eliminated at 7.8 psia. The present study is a continuation of this effort to define a 'bends-free' suit pressure with the initial results suggesting that this pressure begins at around 9.5 psia (from a 14.7 psia station).

Krutz, R. W., Jr.↗

Numerical simulations of the bending of narrow-angle-tail radio jets by ram pressure or pressure gradients

Three-dimensional numerical hydrodynamic simulations are used to study the bending of radio jets. The simulations are compared with observations of jets in narrow-angle-tail radio sources. Two mechanisms for the observed bending are considered: direct bending of quasi-continuous jets by ram pressure from intergalactic gas and bending by pressure gradients in the interstellar gas of the host galaxy, the pressure gradients themselves being the result of ram pressure by intergalactic gas. It is shown that the pressure gradients are much less effective in bending jets, implying that the jets have roughly 30 times lower momentum fluxes if they are bent by this mechanism. Ram-pressure bending produces jets with 'kidney-shaped' cross sections; when observed from the side, these jets appear to have diffuse extensions on the downstream side. On the other hand, pressure-gradient bending causes the jets to be densest near their upstream side.

Soker, Noam↗

Comparisons of peak ionosphere pressures at Mars and Venus with incident solar wind dynamic pressure

Radio occultation measurements of electron density profiles from Mariner 6 and 7, the Mariner 9 extended mission, and the U.S. Viking orbiters, together with model ion and electron temperature profiles, are used to derive thermal pressure profiles in the Mars ionosphere. The comparison of the Mars peak ionosphere pressure with the incident solar and dynamic pressure suggests that at solar maximum the Mars ionosphere, like that of Venus, should generally be sufficient to balance the incident solar wind pressure. At solar minimum, when the ionosphere is weakest and the solar wind dynamic pressure is highest, only the peak pressures at high solar zenith angles (SZAs) at Mars appear to be strong enough to balance the incident solar wind pressure. This is similar to the situation at Venus at solar minimum.

Zhang, M. H. G.↗

A comparison of the experimental subsonic pressure distributions about several bodies of revolution with pressure distributions computed by means of the linearized theory

An analysis is made of the effects of compressibility on the pressure coefficients about several bodies of revolution by comparing experimentally determined pressure coefficients with corresponding pressure coefficients calculated by the use of the linearized equations of compressible flow. The results show that the theoretical methods predict the subsonic pressure-coefficient changes over the central part of the body but do not predict the pressure-coefficient changes near the nose. Extrapolation of the linearized subsonic theory into the mixed subsonic-supersonic flow region fails to predict a rearward movement of the negative pressure-coefficient peak which occurs after the critical stream Mach number has been attained. Two equations developed from a consideration of the subsonic compressible flow about a prolate spheroid are shown to predict, approximately, the change with Mach number of the subsonic pressure coefficients for regular bodies of revolution of fineness ratio 6 or greater.

Matthews, Clarence W↗

Increases in intramuscular pressure raise arterial blood pressure during dynamic exercise

This investigation was designed to determine the role of intramuscular pressure-sensitive mechanoreceptors and chemically sensitive metaboreceptors in affecting the blood pressure response to dynamic exercise in humans. Sixteen subjects performed incremental (20 W/min) cycle exercise to fatigue under four conditions: control, exercise with thigh cuff occlusion of 90 Torr (Cuff occlusion), exercise with lower body positive pressure (LBPP) of 45 Torr, and a combination of thigh cuff occlusion and LBPP (combination). Indexes of central command (heart rate, oxygen uptake, ratings of perceived exertion, and electromyographic activity), cardiac output, stroke volume, and total peripheral resistance were not significantly different between the four conditions. Mechanical stimulation during LBPP and combination conditions resulted in significant elevations in intramuscular pressure and mean arterial pressure from control at rest and throughout the incremental exercise protocol (P < 0.05). Conversely, there existed no significant changes in mean arterial pressure when the metaboreflex was stimulated by cuff occlusion. These findings suggest that under normal conditions the mechanoreflex is tonically active and is the primary mediator of exercise pressor reflex-induced alterations in arterial blood pressure during submaximal dynamic exercise in humans.

Non-NASA Center↗

Performance of 19XB-2A Gas Turbine: Effect of Pressure Ratio and Inlet Pressure on Turbine Performance for an Inlet Temperature of 800 degree R - 1

An investigation of the 19XB-2A gas turbine is being conducted at the Cleveland laboratory to determine the effect on turbine performance of various inlet pressures, inlet temperatures, pressure ratios, and wheel speeds. The engine of which this turbine is a component is designed to operate at an air flow of 30 pounds per second at a compressor rotor speed of 17,000 rpm at sea-level conditions. At these conditions the total-pressure ratio is 2.08 across the turbine and the turbine inlet total temperature is 2000 degrees R. Runs have been made with turbine inlet total pressures of 20, 30, 40, and 45 inches of mercury absolute for a constant total pressure ratio across the turbine of 2.40, the maximum value that could be obtained. Additional runs have been made with total pressure ratios of 1.50 and 2.00 at an inlet total pressure of 45 inches of mercury absolute. All runs were made with an inlet total temperature of 800 degrees R over a range of corrected turbine wheel speeds from 40 to 150 percent of the corrected speed at the design point. The turbine efficiencies at these conditions are presented.

Kohl, Robert C.↗

CFD Modeling of the Multipurpose Hydrogen Test Bed (MHTB) Self-Pressurization and Spray Bar Mixing Experiments in Normal Gravity: Effect of the Accommodation Coefficient on the Tank Pressure

A CFD model for simulating the self-pressurization of a large scale liquid hydrogen storage tank is utilized in this paper to model the MHTB self-pressurization experiment. The kinetics-based Schrage equation is used to account for the evaporative and condensi ng interfacial mass flows in this model. The effect of the accommodation coefficient for calculating the interfacial mass transfer rate on the tank pressure during tank selfpressurization is studied. The values of the accommodation coefficient which were considered in this study vary from 1.0e-3 to 1.0e-1 for the explicit VOF model and from 1.0e-4 to 1.0e-3 for the implicit VOF model. The ullage pressure evolutions are compared against experimental data. A CFD model for controlling pressure in cryogenic storage tanks by spraying cold liquid into the ullage is also presented. The Euler-Lagrange approach is utilized for tracking the spray droplets and for modeling the interaction between the droplets and the continuous phase (ullage). The spray model is coupled with the VOF model by performing particle tracking in the ullage, removing particles from the ullage when they reach the interface, and then adding their contributions to the liquid. Droplet-ullage heat and mass transfer are modeled. The flow, temperature, and interfacial mass flux, as well as droplets trajectories, size distribution and temperatures predicted by the model are presented. The ul lage pressure and vapor temperature evolutions are compared with experimental data obtained from the MHTB spray bar mixing experiment. The effect of the accommodation coefficient for calculating the interfacial and droplet mass transfer rates on the tank pressure during mixing of the vapor using spray is studied. The values used for the accommodation coefficient at the interface vary from 1.0e-5 to 1.0e-2. The droplet accommodation coefficient values vary from 2.0e-6 to 1.0e-4.

cryogenic fluid storage↗

Validation of Two Phase Flow Modeling Techniques in Loci-Stream using Axial Jet Pressure Control and Autogenous Pressurization Experiment

Autogenous pressurization of cryogenic propellant tanks eliminates the need to have an additional pressurant tank on the space vehicle, which is highly advantageous due to reduced vehicle mass and design complexity. Autogenous pressurization therefore is one of the key technologies for deep space exploration and long-term space missions. The complex interaction of thermal gradients, turbulence and phase change near the interface make the problem a challenging one to model. Nodal analysis tools and reduced order models are unable to capture the necessary physics. 3-D CFD analyses are necessary to fully characterize autogenous pressurization. CFD analyses pose their own difficulties. The requisite CFD tool to tackle this problem need to be modular with the ability to incorporate various physics models, efficient, and computationally scalable for simulating flight size tanks. NASA MSFC's Loci-Stream CFD tool along with the VOF module is a great candidate to fit this mold. We demonstrate our modeling approach and validation of Loci-Stream for predicting autogenous pressurization of a flight scale propellant tank in order for the solver to serve as a reliable design and analysis tool for NASA's CFM application needs. Liquid hydrogen tank pressurization tests carried out at the MSFC test stand 300 facilities provide reliable validation data for this purpose. These tests were modeled using the Loci-Stream solver with a newly implemented two-phase sharp interface treatment. We show that our modeling approach and CFD solver predict the autogenous pressurization phenomena satisfactorily, and document challenging aspects of modeling this problem.

cryogenic fluid management↗

Dynamic response of high-frequency pressure transducers to large amplitude sinusoidal pressure oscillations

Dynamic response characteristics of six currently used dynamic pressure transducers were investigated by using a large-amplitude sinusoidal-pressure generator. Frequencies between 1 and 15 kilohertz with corresponding peak-to-peak pressure-oscillation amplitudes ranging between 73 and 8 percent of bias pressure and bias pressures between 15 and 300 psia were utilized. Amplitude-ratio data as functions of frequency and pressure level are given for all transducers. The generator design and performance and associated instrumentation are described.

Robinson, R. E.↗

Computer programs for pressurization (RAMP) and pressurized expulsion from a cryogenic liquid propellant tank

An analysis to predict the pressurant gas requirements for the discharge of cryogenic liquid propellants from storage tanks is presented, along with an algorithm and two computer programs. One program deals with the pressurization (ramp) phase of bringing the propellant tank up to its operating pressure. The method of analysis involves a numerical solution of the temperature and velocity functions for the tank ullage at a discrete set of points in time and space. The input requirements of the program are the initial ullage conditions, the initial temperature and pressure of the pressurant gas, and the time for the expulsion or the ramp. Computations are performed which determine the heat transfer between the ullage gas and the tank wall. Heat transfer to the liquid interface and to the hardware components may be included in the analysis. The program output includes predictions of mass of pressurant required, total energy transfer, and wall and ullage temperatures. The analysis, the algorithm, a complete description of input and output, and the FORTRAN 4 program listings are presented. Sample cases are included to illustrate use of the programs.

Masters, P. A.↗

High-pressure cryogenic seals for pressure vessels

This investigation of the problems associated with reliably containing gaseous helium pressurized to 1530 bars (22 500 psi) between 4.2 K and 150 K led to the following conclusions: (1) common seal designs used in existing elevated-temperature pressure vessels are unsuitable for high-pressure cryogenic operation, (2) extrusion seal-ring materials such as Teflon, tin, and lead are not good seal materials for cryogenic high-pressure operation; and (3) several high-pressure cryogenic seal systems suitable for large-pressure vessel applications were developed; two seals required prepressurization, and one seal functioned repeatedly without any prepressurization. These designs used indium seal rings, brass or 304 stainless-steel anvil rings, and two O-rings of silicone rubber or Kel-F.

Buggele, A. E.↗

Portable dynamic pressure generator for static and dynamic calibration of in situ pressure transducers

A portable dynamic pressure generator was developed to meet the requirements of determining the dynamic sensitivities of in situ pressure transducers at low frequencies. The device is designed to operate in a frequency range of 0 to 100 Hz, although it was only tested up to 30 Hz, and to generate dynamic pressures up to 13.8 kPa (2 psi). A description of the operating characteristics and instrumentation used for pressure, frequency, and displacement measurements is given. The pressure generator was used to statically and dynamically calibrate transducers. Test results demonstrated that a difference an exist between the static and dynamic sensitivity of a transducer, confirming the need for dynamic calibrations of in situ pressure transducers.

Bolt, P. A.↗

A model for the influence of pressure on the bulk modulus and the influence of temperature on the solidification pressure for liquid lubricants

Two pressure chambers, for compression experiments with liquids from zero to 2.2 GPa pressure, are described. The experimentally measured compressions are then compared to theoretical values given by an isothermal model of equation of state recently introduced for solids. The model describes the pressure and bulk modulus as a function of compression for different types of lubricants with a very high accuracy up to the pressure limit of the high pressure chamber used (2.2 GPa). In addition the influence of temperature on static solidification pressure was found to be a simple function of the thermal expansion of the fluid.

Jacobson, B. O.↗

A model for the influence of pressure on the bulk modulus and the influence of temperature on the solidification pressure for liquid lubricants

Two pressure chambers, for compression experiments with liquids from zero to 2.2 GPa pressure, are described. The experimentally measured compressions are then compared to theoretical values given by an isothermal model of equation of state recently introduced for solids. The model describes the pressure and bulk modulus as a function of compression for different types of lubricants with a very high accuracy up to the pressure limit of the high pressure chamber used (2.2 GPa). In addition the influence of temperature on static solidification pressure was found to be a simple function of the thermal expansion of the fluid.

Jacobson, Bo O.↗

An automated pressure data acquisition system for evaluation of pressure sensitive paint chemistries

An automated pressure data acquisition system for testing of pressure sensitive phosphorescent paints was designed, assembled, and tested. The purpose of the calibration system is the evaluation and selection of pressure sensitive paint chemistries that could be used to obtain global aerodynamic pressure distribution measurements. The test apparatus and setup used for pressure sensitive paint characterizations is described. The pressure calibrations, thermal sensitivity effects, and photodegradation properties are discussed.

Sealey, Bradley S.↗