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At least 559 records · Page 31

Aerodynamic performance of two variable-pitch fan stages

NASA-Lewis Research Center is investigating a variety of fan stages applicable for short-haul aircraft. These low-pressure-ratio low-speed fan stages may require variable-pitch rotor blades to provide optimum performance for the varied flight demands and for thrust reversal on landing. A number of the aerodynamic and structural compromises relating to variable-pitch rotor blades are discussed. The aerodynamic performance of two variable-pitch fan stages operated at several rotor-blade setting angles is evaluated for both forward- and reverse-flow application. Detailed radial surveys are presented for both forward and reverse flow.

Moore, R. D.↗

Assessment of Relative Velocity as Independent Variable for Space Shuttle First Stage Guidance Attitude Command Tables

The selection of relative velocity as the independent variable for the space shuttle first stage guidance attitude command tables was assessed to support the first stage guidance point design. The criterion for selecting the independent variable for first stage open loop guidance is to reduce or minimize performance dispersions, primarily those affecting structural loads. The products of angle of attack and angle of sideslip times dynamic pressure are used as load indicators, and minimizing their dispersions will indicate a minimum loads dispersion. Relative velocity is shown to be an acceptable steering independent variable.

Kimbrough, M.↗

Small-size 81- to 83.5-percent efficient 2- and 4-stage depressed collectors for octave-bandwidth high-performance TWT's

In a joint USAF-NASA Program, Lewis Research Center is carrying out an efficiency improvement program on traveling wave tubes for use in electronic counter measures by applying multistage depressed collector (MDC) and spent beam refocusing techniques. In the analytic part of the effort, three-dimensional electron trajectories are computed throughout the TWT. On the experimental side, tube performance is evaluated first without the MDC; then, the spent beam is analyzed for symmetry, circularity, and velocity spread. The three-dimensional theory predicts a MDC-efficiency, at mid-band, of 81 per cent for a 2-stage MDC with symmetric, circular, and optimally refocused beams and 85.5 per cent for a 4-stage MDC. Experimental results to date have yielded MDC efficiencies of a minimum of 81 and 83 per cent for a 2- and 4-stage MDC, respectively, across a one-octave bandwidth of a 4.8 to 9.6 GHz 330-to-550-W TWT.

Kosmahl, H. G.↗

Compositional variation in late-stage differentiates in mare lavas, as indicated by silicate melt inclusions

Questions regarding an interpretation of data from silicate melt inclusions are considered, taking into account the fragmental nature of the record, the possible effects of cooling rate on late-stage melt composition, and the crystallization of the trapped melt. New data related to 484 new analyses are provided in a separate table. Textural and mineralogical features and bulk chemical composition for an overall characterization of late-stage differentiates are discussed. A description is presented of a grouping and recognition of rock types on the basis of late-stage inclusion analyses. Attention is given to the bimodality of potassium values and the delineation of differentiation trends. It is found that many of the problems in interpretation and much of the scatter found in the composition of silicate melt inclusions in lunar samples can be attributed to the incomplete nature of the record and to crystallization after trapping.

Roedder, E.↗

Performance of single-stage axial-flow transonic compressor with rotor and stator aspect ratios of 1.19 and 1.26, respectively, and with design pressure ratio of 1.82

The overall and blade-element performance of a low-aspect-ratio transonic compressor stage is presented over the stable operating flow range at 70, 90, and 100 percent design speeds. At design speed the rotor and stage achieved peak efficiencies of 0.872 and 0.845 at pressure ratios of 1.875 and 1.842, respectively. The stage stall margin at design speed was 21.8 percent.

Reid, L.↗

Low energy stage study. Volume 1: Executive summary

Cost effective approaches for placing automated payloads into circular and elliptical orbits using energy requirements significantly lower than that provided by the smallest, currently planned shuttle upper stage, SSUS-D, were investigated. Launch costs were derived using both NASA existing/planned launch approaches as well as new propulsion concepts meeting low-energy regime requirements. Candidate new propulsion approaches considered were solid (tandem, cluster, and controlled), solid/liquid combinations and all-liquid stages. Results show that the most economical way to deliver the 129 low energy payloads is basically with a new modular, short liquid bipropellant stage system for the large majority of the payloads. For the remainder of the payloads, use the shuttle with integral OMS and the Scout form for a few specialized payloads until the Shuttle becomes operational.

Source record↗

A turbojet-boosted two-stage-to-orbit space transportation system design study

The concept to use twin turbo-powered boosters for acceleration to supersonic staging speed followed by an all rocket powered orbiter stage was proposed. A follow-on design study was then made of the concept with the performance objective of placing a 29,483 Kg payload into a .2.6 X 195.3 km orbit. The study was performed in terms of analysis and trade studies, conceptual design, utility and economic analysis, and technology assessment. Design features of the final configuration included: strakes and area rule for improved take off and low transonic drag, variable area inlets, exits and turbine, and low profile fixed landing gear for turbojet booster stage. The payload required an estimated GLOW of 1,270,000 kg for injection in orbit. Each twin booster required afterburning turbojet engines each with a static sea level thrust rating of 444,800 N. Life cycle costs for this concept were comparable to a SSTO/SLED concept except for increased development cost due to the turbojet engine propulsion system.

Hepler, A. K.↗

Aerodynamic performance of axial-flow fan stage operated at nine inlet guide vane angles

The overall performance of a fan stage with nine inlet guide vane angle settings is presented. These data were obtained over the stable flow range at speeds from 60 to 120 percent of design for vane setting angles from -25 to 42.5 degrees. At design speed and design inlet guide vane angle, the stage has a peak efficiency of 0.892 at a pressure ratio of 1.322 and a flow of 25.31 kg/s. The stall margin based on peak efficiency and stall was 20 percent. Based on an operating line passing through the peak efficiency point at the design setting angle, the useful operating range of the stage at design speed is limited by stall at the positive setting angles and by choke at the negative angles. At design the calculated static thrust along the operating line varied from 68 to 114 percent of that obtained at design setting angle.

Moore, R. D.↗

Performance of single-stage axial-flow transonic compressor with rotor and stator aspect ratios of 1.19 and 1.26 respectively, and with design pressure ratio of 2.05

The overall and blade-element performances of a low-aspect-ratio transonic compressor stage are presented over the stable operating flow range for speeds from 50 to 100 percent of design. At design speed the rotor and stage achieved peak efficiencies of 0.876 and 0.840 at pressure ratios of 2.056 and 2.000, respectively. The stage stall margin at design speed was 10 percent.

Moore, R. D.↗

Two-Stage Combustor Reduces Pollutant Emissions

By controlling fuel-to-air ratio of local reactants, pollutant emissions would be minimized in a proposed two-stage combustor for gas-turbine engines. It would use fuel-rich partial-oxidation stage and air-rich combustion stage to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons. Combustor fuel-lean burning limit would be extended simultaneously.

Clayton, R. M.↗

Core compressor exit stage study. Volume 2: Data and performance report for the baseline configuration

The objective of the program is to develop rear stage blading designs that have lower losses in their endwall boundary layer regions. The overall technical approach in this efficiency improvement program utilized General Electric's Low Speed Research Compressor as the principal investigative tool. Tests were conducted in two ways: using four identical stages of blading so that test data would be obtained in a true multistage environment and using a single stage of blading so that comparison with the multistage test results could be made.

Wisler, D. C.↗

Rotor tip clearance effects on overall and blade-element performance of axial-flow transonic fan stage

The effects of tip clearance on the overall and blade-element performance of an axial-flow transonic fan stage are presented. The 50-centimeter-diameter fan was tested at four tip clearances (nonrotating) from 0.061 to 0.178 centimeter. The calculated radial growth of the blades was 0.040 centimeter at design conditions. The decrease in overall stage performance with increasing clearance is attributed to the loss in rotor performance. For the rotor the effects of clearance on performance parameters extended to about 70 percent of blade span from the tip. The stage still margin based on an assumed operating line decreased from 15.3 to 0 percent as the clearance increased from 0.061 to 0.178 centimeter.

Moore, R. D.↗

Second-stage acceleration in a limb-occulted flare

From radio observations it is known that two distinct groups of phenomena occur in large solar flares. The phenomena are related to an impulsive phase of approximately 100 s duration in the early stage of a flare and a following second phase lasting for tens of minutes. A study is presented of the limb-occulted flare event of July 22, 1972, giving particular attention to the second stage particle acceleration. The study takes into account hard X-ray, energetic particle, and radio observations. The conducted analysis shows that second stage acceleration is physically distinct from the impulsive phase, and is characterized by continuous and widespread electron acceleration to high energies, most likely by the type II burst shock wave.

Hudson, H. S.↗

Performance enhancement of existing two-stage sounding rocket vehicles through the use of tandem booster systems

The three-stage Taurus-Nike-Tomahawk launch vehicle is being considered for performance enhancement of the existing Taurus-Tomahawk flight system. In addition, performance enhancement of other existing two-stage launch vehicles is being considered through the use of tandem booster systems. Aeroballistic characteristics of the proposed Taurus-Nike-Tomahawk vehicle are presented, as are overall performance capabilities of other potential three-stage flight systems.

Flores, C. C.↗

Black Brant X third stage dispersion dynamics

The successful development of the Black Brant X (BBX) launch vehicle resulted from the application of a gyroscopically stabilized, unguided third stage motor configuration. Design analyses indicated sufficient gyroscopic stability and acceptable impact dispersion could be realized by optimizing second/third stage separation time. By flying an unguided third stage motor, significant program cost savings were realized. One flight test and two operational missions demonstrated the feasibility of utilizing gyroscopic stability to achieve satisfactory trajectory dispersion on a high performance rocket. A detailed assessment of the major dispersion contributors identified for the first three BBX missions is presented, offering important insight into the dispersion sensitivity of unguided, spin-stabilized flight.

Montag, W. H.↗

Staging Two-Phase Turbines

Staging method solves problem of friction loss and low efficiency of two phase (liquid/gas) flow in turbines by using high blade-tip speeds in first stage for progressively lower tip speeds in succeeding stages.

Elliott, D. G.↗

End-wall boundary layer measurements in a two-stage fan

Detailed flow measurements made in the casing boundary layer of a two-stage transonic fan are summarized. These measurements were taken at a station upstream of the fan, between all blade rows, and downstream of the last row. Conventional boundary layer parameters were calculated from the measured data. A classical two dimensional casing boundary layer was measured at the fan inlet and extended inward to approximately 15 percent of span. A highly three dimensional boundary layer was measured at the exit of each blade row and extended inward to approximately 10 percent of span. The steep radial gradient of axial velocity noted at the exit of the rotors was reduced substantially as the flow passed through the stators. This reduced gradient is attributed to flow mixing. The amount of flow mixing was reflected in the radial redistribution of total temperature as the flow passed through the stators. The blockage factors calculated from the measured data show an increase in blockage across the rotors and a decrease across the stators. For this fan the calculated blockages for the second stage were essentially the same as those for the first stage.

Ball, C. L.↗

A three-stage power amplifier for a 20 GHz monolithic transmit module

Design, fabrication, and test results of a three-stage GaAs monolithic power amplifier covering the 17.7 to 20.2 GHz band are described. Intermediate results for single and two-stage amplifiers are also presented. The 1.5 x 3.1 millimeter three-stage amplifier chip has 15 dB gain from 16.5 to 20.2 GHz. Measured saturated output power is between +20 and +21 dBm with improvement expected from minor circuit and device changes.

Petersen, W. C.↗