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At least 55 records · Page 3

Design, fabrication, and operation of a test rig for high-speed tapered-roller bearings

A tapered-roller bearing test machine was designed, fabricated and successfully operated at speeds to 20,000 rpm. Infinitely variable radial loads to 26,690 N (6,000 lbs.) and thrust loads to 53,380 N (12,000 lbs.) can be applied to test bearings. The machine instrumentation proved to have the accuracy and reliability required for parametric bearing performance testing and has the capability of monitoring all programmed test parameters at continuous operation during life testing. This system automatically shuts down a test if any important test parameter deviates from the programmed conditions, or if a bearing failure occurs. A lubrication system was developed as an integral part of the machine, capable of lubricating test bearings by external jets and by means of passages feeding through the spindle and bearing rings into the critical internal bearing surfaces. In addition, provisions were made for controlled oil cooling of inner and outer rings to effect the type of bearing thermal management that is required when testing at high speeds.

Signer, H. R.↗

Lubrication of an 85-mm ball bearing with RP-1

A parametric experimental investigation of an 85 millimeter bore angular contact ball bearing running in RP-1 fuel was performed at speeds of 10000 to 24000 RPM. Thrust loads were varied from 4450 to 17800 Newtons (1000 to 4000 lbs.). Radial loads were varied from 1335 to 13350 Newtons (300 to 3000 lbs.). RP-1 lubrication for the bearing was provided through a stationary jet ring located adjacent to the test bearing outer ring. Increases in both the thrust and radial loads resulted in increased bearing temperature, while increases in shaft speed resulted in much more dramatic increases in bearing temperature. These trends are typical for ball bearings operating under these types of conditions. Results are given for outer ring temperatures of the test bearing at the various test conditions employed. In addition, the heat energy removed from the bearing by the RP-1 was determined by measuring the increase in temperature as the RP-1 passed through the bearing. Results showed that the amount of heat energy removed by the RP-1 increased with both shaft speed and RP-1 flow rate to the bearing.

Addy, Harold E., Jr.↗

Lubrication of an 85-mm ball bearing with RP-1

A parametric experimental investigation of an 85 millimeter bore angular contact ball bearing running in RP-1 fuel was performed at speeds of 10,000 to 24,000 rpm. Thrust loads were varied from 4450 to 17,800 Newtons (1000 to 4000 lbs.). Radial loads were varied from 1335 to 13,350 Newtons (300 to 3000 lbs.). RP-1 lubrication for the bearing was provided through a stationary jet ring located adjacent to the test bearing outer ring. Increases in both the thrust and radial loads resulted in increased bearing temperature, while increases in shaft speed resulted in much more dramatic increases in bearing temperature. These trends are typical for ball bearings operating under these types of conditions. Results are given for outer ring temperatures of the test bearing at the various test conditions employed. In addition, the heat energy removed from the bearing by the RP-1 was determined by measuring the increase in temperature as the RP-1 passed through the bearing. Results showed that the amount of heat energy removed by the RP-1 increased with both shaft speed and RP-1 flow rate to the bearing.

Addy, Harold E., Jr.↗

Test Plan. GCPS Task 4, subtask 4.2 thrust structure development

The Single Stage To Orbit (SSTO) vehicle is designed to lift off from a vertical position, go into orbit, return to earth for a horizontal landing, and be reusable for the next mission. (NASA baseline only) In order to meet its performance goals, the SSTO relies on light weight structure and the use of 8 tri-propellant engines. These engines are mounted to the thrust structure. This test plan addresses selection of the material for this structure, and the integrity of the design through testing of elements and a full-scale subcomponent. This test plan supports the development of the design for an advanced composite thrust structure for a Single Stage to Orbit manned, heavy launch vehicle. The thrust structure is designed to transmit very high thrust loads from the engines to the rest of the vehicle (see Figure 1 ). The thrust structure will also be used for primary attachment of the twin vertical tails and possibly act as the aft attach point for the wing. The combination of high loading, high vibration, long service life and high acoustic environments will need to be evaluated by tests. To minimize design risk, a building block approach will be used. We will first screen materials to determine which materials show the most promise for this application. Factors in this screening will be the suitability of these materials for chosen design concepts, particularly concerning specific strength, environmental compatibility and applicability to fabrication processes. Next we will characterize two material systems that will be used in the design; the characterization will allow us to generate preliminary design data that will be used for the analysis. Element testing will be performed to evaluate critical structural locations under load. Final testing on the full scale test article will be performed to verify the design and to demonstrate predictability of the analysis. Additionally, risks associated with fabricating full scale thrust structures will be reduced through testing activities. One of the major concerns that stems from full scale fabrication is the realities of size and the associated complexities of handling, manufacturing, and assembly. The need exists to fabricate, assemble and test_representative joint specimens to achieve_confidence in the design and manufacturing technologies being proposed.

Greenberg, H. S.↗

Oil-Free Rotor Support Technologies for an Optimized Helicopter Propulsion System

An optimized rotorcraft propulsion system incorporating a foil air bearing supported Oil-Free engine coupled to a high power density gearbox using high viscosity gear oil is explored. Foil air bearings have adequate load capacity and temperature capability for the highspeed gas generator shaft of a rotorcraft engine. Managing the axial loads of the power turbine shaft (low speed spool) will likely require thrust load support from the gearbox through a suitable coupling or other design. Employing specially formulated, high viscosity gear oil for the transmission can yield significant improvements (approx. 2X) in allowable gear loading. Though a completely new propulsion system design is needed to implement such a system, improved performance is possible.

DellaCorte, Christopher↗

Test Analysis Correlation of the Single Stringer Bending Tests for the Space Shuttle ET-137 Intertank Stringer Crack Investigation

On November 5, 2010, Space Shuttle mission STS-133 was scrubbed due to a hydrogen leak at the Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate (GUCP). After the scrub, a crack in the foam thermal protection system (TPS) was observed on the External Tank (ET) near the interface between the liquid oxygen (LOX) tank and the Intertank. When the damaged foam was removed, two 9-in. long cracks were found on the feet of Intertank stringer S7-2, and the stringer failure was the cause of the TPS crack. An investigation was conducted to determine the root cause of the cracks, establish a remedy/repair for the stringers, and provide flight rationale for the damaged tank, ET-137. The Space Transportation System (STS) Super Lightweight ET (SLWT) is comprised of two propellant tanks (an aft liquid hydrogen (LH2) tank and a forward LOX tank) and an Intertank. The Intertank serves as the structural connection between the two propellant tanks and also functions to receive and distribute all thrust loads from the solid rocket boosters . The Intertank is a stiffened cylinder structure consisting of eight mechanically joined panels (two integrally-stiffened, machined thrust panels to react the booster loads and six stringer-stiffened skin panels). There are one main ring frame, four intermediate ring frames, and forward and aft flange chords that mate to the respective propellant tanks.. The skin/stringer panels utilize external hat-section stringers that are mechanically attached with rivets along most of their length and with specialty fasteners, such as GP Lockbolts and Hi-Loks, at the forward and aft ends where the stringers attach to the flange chords. During the STS-133 Intertank stringer crack investigation, cracks were found on a total of five stringers. All of the cracks were at the LOX end, in the feet of the stringers, and near the forward fasteners (GP Lockbolts). Video of tanking for the November 5 launch attempt was used to determine that the TPS failure, and thus the stringer failure, occurred as the LOX liquid level crossed the LOX tank / Intertank interface ring frame. Hence, cryogenically-induced displacements were suspected as a contributing cause of the stringer cracks. To study the behavior of Intertank stringers subjected to similar displacements, static load tests of individual stringers, colloquially known as "single stringer bending tests" were performed. Approximately thirty stringers were tested, many of which were cut from the partially completed Intertank for what would have been ET-139. In addition to the tests, finite element (FE) analyses of the test configuration were also performed. In this paper, the FE analyses and test-analysis correlation for stringer test S6-8 are presented. Stringer S6-8 is a "short chord" configuration with no doubler panels.

Phillips, Dawn R.↗

Plasma-sprayed metal-glass and metal-glass fluoride coatings for lubrication to 900 C

Plasma-sprayed composites, which have good oxidation-resistance and self-lubricating characteritics to 900 C, were developed. The composites are a nichrome matrix containing dispersed glass for oxidation protection and calcium fluoride for lubrication; they are applied to bearing surfaces by plasma spraying layers about 0.050 centimeters thick which are then machined to 0.025 centimeters. Oscillating bearing tests were performed in air to 900 C at unit radial loads up to 3.5 x 10 to the 7th power N/sq M (5000 psi) and a thrust load of 1960N (440 lbs). Bearings with a composite liner in the bore were in good condition after over 50,000 oscillating cycles accumulated during repeated, bearing temperatures cycles between 25 and 900 C.

Sliney, H. E.↗

Self-lubricating plasma-sprayed composites for sliding contact bearings to 900 C

Plasma-sprayed composites which have good oxidation-resistance and self-lubricating characteristics to 900 C were developed. The composites are a Nichrome matrix containing dispersed glass for oxidation protection and calcium fluoride for lubrication. They are applied to bearing surfaces in layers about 0.050 cm thick by plasma-spraying; the layers are then machined to a thickness of 0.025 cm. Oscillating bearing tests were performed in air to 900 C at unit radial loads up to 3.5 times 10 to the 7th power Newtons per square meter (5000 psi) and a thrust load of 1960 Newtons (440 lb). Bearings with a composite liner in the bore were in good condition after over 50,000 oscillating cycles accumulated during repeated bearing temperature cycles between 25 and 900 C.

Sliney, H. E.↗

Preliminary study of supersonic-transport configurations with low values of sonic boom

A parametric study of low-boom supersonic transport airplanes with conventional configurations was made to identify the features of specific configurations that promise relatively low sonic boom overpressures (less than 47.9 N/sq m). The range of values considered was gross weight from 28,300 to 170,000 kg; cruise Mach numbers of 2 to 3.2; and wing loadings of 1436, 2870, and 4309 N/sq m. Fuselage length was varied from 49.1 to 102.4 m and fuselage diameter from 2.75 to 3.98 m. A nominal Mach 2 configuration weighing 56,700 kg and having a wing loading of 2870 N/sq m was selected; and its gross geometric, aerodynamic, and structural features were estimated. At a cruise altitude of 18,300 m, lift-drag ratio was estimated to be 7.35, while sonic boom overpressure was 41.7 N/sq m. Takeoff thrust loading using four afterburning turbojet engines at maximum dry thrust was 0.32. Payload for a 4440-km range was 16.7 percent of gross weight, giving a direct operating cost of 0.82 cent per seat statute mile.

Dugan, J. F., Jr.↗

Effect of speed and load on ultra-high-speed ball bearings

A study was undertaken to determine the effects of speed and load on the operation of 120-mm bore angular-contact ball bearings at speeds to 25,000 rpm and thrust loads to 22,240 newtons (5000 lb). Bearing temperature and power consumption increased with increases in load and/or speed. The effect of load on temperature and power consumption was small relative to the speed effect. Actual measurements of bearing operating contact angle were in excellent agreement with theoretical predictions. Skidding occurred in the bearing in various amounts, generally increasing with speed at given load. The highest amount of skidding, 6 percent, occurred at the highest speed, 25,000 rpm. No visible damage to the bearing surfaces occurred due to the skidding.

Bamberger, E. N.↗

Optimization of self-acting step thrust bearings for load capacity and stiffness.

Linearized analysis of a finite-width rectangular step thrust bearing. Dimensionless load capacity and stiffness are expressed in terms of a Fourier cosine series. The dimensionless load capacity and stiffness were found to be a function of the dimensionless bearing number, the pad length-to-width ratio, the film thickness ratio, the step location parameter, and the feed groove parameter. The equations obtained in the analysis were verified. The assumptions imposed were substantiated by comparing the results with an existing exact solution for the infinite width bearing. A digital computer program was developed which determines optimal bearing configuration for maximum load capacity or stiffness. Simple design curves are presented. Results are shown for both compressible and incompressible lubrication. Through a parameter transformation the results are directly usable in designing optimal step sector thrust bearings.

Hamrock, B. J.↗

Reducing Thrusts In Solid-Fuel Rockets

Thrust-terminating system conceived to reduce thrust of solid-propellant rocket motor in controlled manner such that thrust loads not increased or decreased beyond predictable levels. Concept involves explosively cutting opposing venting pairs in case of rocket motor above nozzles to initiate venting of chamber and reduction of thrust. Vents sized and numbered to control amount and rate of reduction in thrust.

Bement, Laurence J.↗

On Wind Tunnel Tests and Computations Concerning the Problem of Shrouded Propellers

Results of measurements on a shrouded propeller are given. The propeller is designed for the high ratio of advance and high thrust loading. The effect of the shape of propeller and shroud upon the aerodynamic coefficients of the propulsion unit can be seen from the results. The highest efficiency measured is 0.71. The measurements permit the conclusion that the maximum efficiency can be essentially improved by shroud profiles of small chord and thickness. The largest static thrust factor of merit measured reaches according to Bendemann, a value of about zeta = 1.1. By the use of a nose split flap the static thrust for thin shroud profiles with small nose radius can be about doubled. In a separate section numerical investigations of the behavior of shrouded propellers for the ideal case and for the case with energy losses are carried out. The calculations are based on the assumption that the slipstream cross section depends solely on the shape of the shroud and not on the propeller loading. The reliability of this hypothesis is confirmed experimentally and by flow photographs for a shroud with small circulation. Calculation and test are also in good agreement concerning efficiency and static thrust factor of merit. The prospects of applicability for shrouded propellers and their essential advantages are discussed.

Kruger, W.↗

Multitube turbojet noise-suppression studies using cross-correlation techniques

The noise-generating region of a suppressed turbojet exhaust is studied by cross-correlating static pressure fluctuations within the exhaust with far-field sound for Mach numbers up to 0.99, using a 31-tube nozzle having an area ratio of 3.1. Measurements made with an unsuppressed turbojet exhaust having an equivalent area ratio and operating under effectively equal thrust loads serve as the experimental control. Static pressure-level measurements, made with a calibrated high-temperature acoustically damped probe tube, show that noise suppression by multitube nozzles results from reduced turbulence levels. The maximum fluctuating static-pressure level in the unsuppressed turbojet exhaust is typically 5-6 dB higher than static-pressure levels in the suppressed exhaust under conditions of effectively equal static thrust. This suggests that the turbulence intensity in the multitube suppressor flow is reduced in excess of 20% compared with the unsuppressed jet exhaust.

Regan, D. R.↗

Evaluation of load-life relation with ball bearings at 500 F

A survey of the literature suggests that a stress-life exponent of approximately 12 is typical of vacuum-processed steels for ball bearings rather than the exponent of 9 which has been generally accepted by the bearing industry and bearing users. Tests run with vacuum-degassed AISI 52100 balls in the five-ball fatigue tester at four maximum Hertz stress levels in the range from 650,000 to 875,000 psi showed good agreement with the literature. However, tests run with consumable-electrode vacuum melted AISI M-50 steel angular-contact ball bearings at 500 F at three thrust loads did not show significant deviation from the accepted ninth power stress-life relation.

Parker, R. J.↗

Evaluation of load-life relation with ball bearings at 500 deg F

A survey of the literature suggests that a stress-life exponent of approximately 12 is typical of vacuum-processed steels for ball bearings rather than the exponent of 9 which has been generally accepted by the bearing industry and bearing users. Tests run with vacuum-degassed AISI 52100 balls in the five-ball fatigue tester at four maximum Hertz stress levels in the range from 650000 to 875000 psi showed good agreement with the literature. However, tests run with consumable-electrode vacuum melted AISI M-50 steel angular-contact ball bearings at 500 deg F at three thrust loads did not show significant deviation from the accepted ninth power stress-life relation.

Parker, R. J.↗

Applications of the DOE/NASA wind turbine engineering information system

A statistical analysis of data obtained from the Technology and Engineering Information Systems was made. The systems analyzed consist of the following elements: (1) sensors which measure critical parameters (e.g., wind speed and direction, output power, blade loads and component vibrations); (2) remote multiplexing units (RMUs) on each wind turbine which frequency-modulate, multiplex and transmit sensor outputs; (3) on-site instrumentation to record, process and display the sensor output; and (4) statistical analysis of data. Two examples of the capabilities of these systems are presented. The first illustrates the standardized format for application of statistical analysis to each directly measured parameter. The second shows the use of a model to estimate the variability of the rotor thrust loading, which is a derived parameter.

Neustadter, H. E.↗