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At least 595 records · Page 33
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1983

Thermodynamic analysis of journal bearings operating under steady state loading in laminar regime

Thermohydrodynamic effects in journal bearings operating under steady load in laminar regime are investigated. An analytical model for the finite and infinitely long journal bearings is formulated. The model includes correction factors for the cavitation effects in the unloaded region of the bearing and the mixing of the recirculating oil and supply oil at the oil inlet. A finite difference computer program is developed to numerically solve the governing equations of the continuity, Reynolds, energy, Laplace heat conduction, and a viscosity-temperature relation simultaneously. The program includes a numerical technique for obtaining an isothermal shaft temperature. The numerical results of temperature distribution and the heat effects on the bearing load carrying capacity agree closely with those of experimental findings. Several different sets of simpler boundary conditions for the energy equation are studied.

Khonsari, M. M.↗
NASA NTRS1983

High temperature deformation of hot-pressed polycrystalline orthoenstatite

Artificial hot pressed polycrystalline samples were prepared from purified powder of Bamble, Norway, orthoenstatite, (Mg0.86Fe0.14)SiO3. The uniaxial creep behavior of the polycrystalline orthoenstatite was studied over stress ranges of 10-180 MPa and temperatures of 1500-1700 K (0.82-0.93 T sub m) under two different oxygen fugacities, namely equilibrium (Mo-MoO2 buffer) and a reducing (graphite heating element) atmosphere, respectively. An intergranular glassy phase of different compositions with a cavitational creep deformation were observed. In the Mo-MoO2 buffer atmosphere with PO2 approx. 10 to the minus 11 power - 10 to the minus 13 power atmospheres, the results of an analytical electron microscopy analysis indicate that the glassy phases are richer in Ca and Al due to the residual impurities after hot pressing. In the reducing atmosphere with an oxygen fugacity of PO2 approx. 10 to the minus 3 power - 10 to the minus 25 power atmospheres, the results of analytical electron microscopy analysis indicate that the glassy phase is almost pure silica with the presence of free iron precipitate on grain facets and at triple junctions due to the reduction of bulk materials.

Dehghan-Banadaki, A.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Non-intrusive speed sensor

A computerized literature search was performed to identify candidate technologies for remote, non-intrusive speed sensing applications in Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) turbopumps. The three most promising technologies were subjected to experimental evaluation to quantify their performance characteristics under the harsh environmental requirements within the turbopumps. Although the infrared and microwave approaches demonstrated excellent cavitation immunity in laboratory tests, the variable-source magnetic speed sensor emerged as the most viable approach. Preliminary design of this speed sensor encountered no technical obstacles and resulted in viable and feasible speed nut, sensor housing, and sensor coil designs.

Maram, J.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Hydrodynamic lubrication of rigid nonconformal contacts in combined rolling and normal motion

A numerical solution to the problem of hydrodynamic lubrication of rigid point contacts with an isoviscous, incompressible lubricant was obtained. The hydrodynamic load-carrying capacity under unsteady (or dynamic) conditions arising from the combined effects of squeeze motion superposed upon the entraining motion was determined for both normal approach and separation. Superposed normal motion considerably increases net load-carrying capacity during normal approach and substantially reduces net load-carrying capacity during separation. Geometry was also found to have a significant influence on the dynamic load-carrying capacity. The ratio of dynamic to steady state load-carrying capacity increases with increasing geometry parameter for normal approach and decreases during separation. The cavitation (film rupture) boundary is also influenced significantly by the normal motion, moving downstream during approach and upstream during separation. For sufficiently high normal separation velocity the rupture boundary may even move upstream of the minimum-film-thickness position. Sixty-three cases were used to derive a functional relationship for the ratio of the dynamic to steady state load-carrying capacity in terms of the dimensionless normal velocity parameter (incorporating normal velocity, entraining velocity, and film thickness) and the geometry parameter.

Ghosh, M. K.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Small centrifugal pumps for low thrust rockets

This paper presents the results of a combined analytical and experimental investigation of low specific speed pumps for potential use as components of propellant feed systems for low thrust rocket engines. Shrouded impellers and open face impellers were tested in volute type and vaned diffuser type pumps. Full- and partial-emission diffusers and full- and partial-admission impellers were tested. Axial and radial loads, head and efficiency versus flow, and cavitation tests were conducted. Predicted performance of two pumps are compared when pumping water and liquid hydrogen. Detailed pressure loss and parasitic power values are presented for two pump configurations. Partial-emission diffusers were found to permit use of larger impeller and diffuser passages with a minimal performance penalty. Normal manufacturing tolerances were found to result in substantial power requirement variation with only a small pressure rise change. Impeller wear ring leakage was found to reduce pump pressure rise to an increasing degree as the pump flowrate was decreased.

Gulbrandsen, N. C.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Microwave Sensor Measures Turbopump Speed

Sensor does not perturb flow and immune to cavitation. Reflected microwave signal is amplitude-modulated by passing reflective facets of nut on rotating shaft. Modulation frequency measured to find rotational speed. Device measures rotational speed of turbopump without obstructing flow.

Maram, J. M.↗
NASA NTRS1985

AC motor and generator requirements for isolated WECS

After surveying electrically driven loads used on productive farms, the investigators chose three pumps for testing at voltages and frequencies far outside the normal operating range. These loads extract and circulate water and move heat via air, and all are critical to farm productivity. The object was to determine the envelope of supply voltage and frequency over which these loads would operate stably for time intervals under 1 hour. This information is among that needed to determine the feasibility of supplying critical loads, in case of a utility outage, from a wind driven alternator whose output voltage and frequency will vary dramatically in most continental wind regimes. Other related work is surveyed. The salient features and limitations of the test configurations used and the data reduction are described. The development of simulation models suitable for a small computer are outlined. The results are primarily displayed on the voltage frequency plane with the general conclusion that the particular pump models considered will operate over the range of 50 to 90 Hz and a voltage band which starts below rated, decreases as frequency decreases, and is limited on the high side by excessive motor heating. For example, centrifugal pump operating voltage ranges as extensive .4 to 1.4 appear possible. Particular problems with starting, stalling due to lack of motor torque, high speed cavitation, and likely overheating are addressed in a listing of required properties for wind driven alternators and their controllers needed for use in the isolated or stand alone configuration considered.

Park, G. L.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Non-intrusive speed sensor

In Phase I of the Non-Intrusive Speed Sensor program, a computerized literature search was performed to identify candidate technologies for remote, non-intrusive speed sensing applications in Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) turbopumps. The three most promising technologies were subjected to experimental evaluation to quantify their performance characteristics under the harsh environmental requirements within the turbopumps. Although the infrared and microwave approaches demonstrated excellent cavitation immunity in laboratory tests, the variable-source magnetic speed sensor emerged as the most viable approach. Preliminary design of this speed sensor encountered no technical obstacles and resulted in viable and feasible speed nut, sensor housing, and sensor coil designs. Phase II of this program developed the variable-source magnetic speed sensor through the detailed design task and guided the design into breadboard fabrication. The speed sensor and its integral speed nut were evaluated at both unit and system level testing. The final room-temperature and cryogenic spin testing of the hardware demonstrated that the sensor was capable of generating sufficient output signal to enable remote speed sensing from 1500 to 40000 rpm over a speed nut/sensor separation of 3.5 inches.

Wyett, L.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Small centrifugal pumps for low-thrust rocket engines

Six small, low specific speed centrifugal pump configurations were designed, fabricated, and tested. The configurations included shrouded, and 25 and 100% admission open face impellers with 2 inch tip diameters; 25, 50, and 100% emission vaned diffusers; and volutes with conical exits. Impeller tip widths varied from 0.030 inch to 0.052 inch. Design specific speeds (N sub s = RPM*GPM**0.5.FT**0.75) were 430 (four configurations) and 215 (two configurations). The six configurations were tested with water as the pumped fluid. Noncavitating performance results are presented for the design speed of 24,500 rpm over a flowrate range from 1 to 6 gpm for the N sub s = 430 configurations and test speeds up to 29,000 rpm over a flowrate range from 0.3 to 1.2 gpm for the N sub s = 215 configurations. Cavitating performance results are presented over a flowrate range from 60 to 120% of design flow. Fabrication of the small pump conponents is also discussed.

Furst, R. B.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Changes in Blade Configuration Improve Turbopump

Cavitation reduced while suction increased. Tests conducted with model liquid-oxygen turbopump using water as pumped fluid confirms performance improved by "tandem" arrangement of blades. Findings expected to apply to other pumps having two adjacent rotor rows.

Meng, S. Y.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Dynamic performance of squeeze-film bearings

Earlier work has shown that oil-film forces can be modelled by linear coefficients. Identification techniques were used to generate numerical values for these coefficients. This paper has shown the invalidity of applying the perturbation techniques normally used in bearing studies to derive expressions for linearized coefficients to represent a cavitated oil-film. An alternative approach was developed based upon energy techniques to obtain estimates for linearized coefficients. Some current work being undertaken suggests that an alternative analytical approach is possible. These results will be reported in due course.

Burrow, C. R.↗
NASA NTRS1987

A new hydrodynamic analysis of double layers

A genuine two-fluid model of plasmas with collisions permits the calculation of dynamic (not necessarily static) electric fields and double layers inside of plasmas including oscillations and damping. For the first time a macroscopic model for coupling of electromagnetic and Langmuir waves was achieved with realistic damping. Starting points were laser-produced plasmas showing very high dynamic electric fields in nonlinear force-produced cavitous and inverted double layers in agreement with experiments. Applications for any inhomogeneous plasma as in laboratory or in astrophysical plasmas can then be followed up by a transparent hydrodynamic description. Results are the rotation of plasmas in magnetic fields and a new second harmonic resonance, explanation of the measured inverted double layers, explanation of the observed density-independent, second harmonics emission from laser-produced plasmas, and a laser acceleration scheme by the very high fields of the double layers.

Hora, Heinrich↗
NASA NTRS1988

The high temperature creep deformation of Si3N4-6Y2O3-2Al2O3

The creep properties of silicon nitride containing 6 wt percent yttria and 2 wt percent alumina have been determined in the temperature range 1573 to 1673 K. The stress exponent, n, in the equation epsilon dot varies as sigma sup n, was determined to be 2.00 + or - 0.15 and the true activation energy was found to be 692 + or - 25 kJ/mol. Transmission electron microscopy studies showed that deformation occurred in the grain boundary glassy phase accompanied by microcrack formation and cavitation. The steady state creep results are consistent with a diffusion controlled creep mechanism involving nitrogen diffusion through the grain boundary glassy phase.

Todd, J. A.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Studies on pressure response of gas bubbles contributions of condensed droplets in bubbles generated by a uniform nucleation

The response of a tiny gas bubble under reduced pressure is investigated in its relation to cavitation. Equations of motion are formulated for gas mixtures inside the bubble and numerical calculations performed for several examples. The conclusions are as follows: (1) at the onset of bubble growth, the gas mixture inside it adiabatically expands and the temperature decreases. Condensed droplets appear inside the gas mixture due to a uniform nucleation and the temperature recovers, thus the motion of the bubble is apparently isothermal; (2) the evaporation and condensation coefficient largely affects bubble motions (maximum radius, period and rate of attenuation of the bubble oscillation) including the uniform contraction; (3) the oscillation period of the bubble is longer as the equilibrium bubble radius is larger when the surrounding pressure decreases stepwise. In this circumstance the temperature inside the bubble is kept constant due to condensation evaporation phenomena and is nearly isothermal; and (4) when the surrounding pressure decreases in a stepwise fashion, the critical pressure bubble radius relation becomes closer to that for the isothermal process if the bubble radius is larger than 8 microns.

Matsumoto, Y.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Pressure drop and temperature rise in He II flow in round tubes, Venturi flowmeters and valves

Pressure drops in highly turbulent He II flow were measured in round tubes, valves, and Venturi flowmeters. Results are in good agreement with single-phase flow correlations for classical fluids. The temperature rise in flow in a round tube was measured, and found to agree well with predictions for isenthalpic expansion. Cavitation was observed in the venturis under conditions of low back pressure and high flow rate. Metastable superheating of the helium at the venturi throat was observed before the helium made a transition to saturation pressure.

Walstrom, P. L.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Performance of a small centrifugal pump in He I and He II

The performance characteristics of a small centrifugal pump in He I and He II are determined over the temperature range of 1.6 to 4.2 K. The single-stage pump is powered by a close-coupled cryogenic induction motor. In the absence of cavitation, pump performance (head and capacity) was found to be identical for He I and He II. Developed heads up to 16 m and capacities of up to 900 liters/hr are obtained at 7000 rpm. A three-blade screw inducer was shown to require much less suction head than a six-blade propeller inducer.

Ludtke, P. R.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Grain boundary oxidation and its effects on high temperature fatigue life

Fatigue lives at elevated temperatures are often shortened by creep and/or oxidation. Creep causes grain boundary void nucleation and grain boundary cavitation. Grain boundary voids and cavities will accelerate fatigue crack nucleation and propagation, and thereby shorten fatigue life. The functional relationships between the damage rate of fatigue crack nucleation and propagation and the kinetic process of oxygen diffusion depend on the detailed physical processes. The kinetics of grain boundary oxidation penetration was investigated. The statistical distribution of grain boundary penetration depth was analyzed. Its effect on high temperature fatigue life are discussed. A model of intermittent micro-ruptures of grain boundary oxide was proposed for high temperature fatigue crack growth. The details of these studies are reported.

Liu, H. W.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Research on optimization-based design

Research on optimization-based design is discussed. Illustrative examples are given for cases involving continuous optimization with discrete variables and optimization with tolerances. Approximation of computationally expensive and noisy functions, electromechanical actuator/control system design using decomposition and application of knowledge-based systems and optimization for the design of a valve anti-cavitation device are among the topics covered.

Balling, R. J.↗