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At least 631 records · Page 35

Noise produced by the large-scale transition region structure of turbulent jets

The 'orderly' structure which has been observed recently by numerous researchers within the transition region of subsonic turbulent jets is analyzed to reveal its noise-producing potential. For the case of a circular jet, this structure is modeled as a train of toroidal vortex rings which are formed near the jet exit and propagate downstream. The noise produced by the model is evaluated from a reformulation of Lighthill's expression for the far-field acoustic density which emphasizes the importance of the vorticity within the turbulent flow field. It is shown that the noise production occurs mainly close to the jet exit and depends primarily upon temporal changes in the toroidal radii. These results suggest a new approach to noise suppression which has been substantiated experimentally.

Hardin, J. C.↗

Experimental investigations on sodium-filled heat pipes

The possibilities of producing heat pipes and, especially, the necessary capillary structures are discussed. Several types of heat pipes were made from stainless steel and tested at temperatures between 400 and 1055 deg C. The thermal power was determined by a calorimeter. Results indicate: bubble-free evaporation of sodium from rectangular open chennels is possible with a heat flux of more than 1,940 W/sq cm at 1055 C. The temperature drop along the tube could be measured only at low temperatures. A subdivided heat pipe worked against the gravitational field. A heat pipe with a capillary structure made of a rolled screen was supported by rings and bars operated at 250 W/sq cm heat flux in the evaporating region.

Dorner, S.↗

A parametric shell analysis of the shuttle 51-L SRB AFT field joint

Following the Shuttle 51-L accident, an investigation was conducted to determine the cause of the failure. Investigators at the Langley Research Center focused attention on the structural behavior of the field joints with O-ring seals in the steel solid rocket booster (SRB) cases. The shell-of-revolution computer program BOSOR4 was used to model the aft field joint of the solid rocket booster case. The shell model consisted of the SRB wall and joint geometry present during the Shuttle 51-L flight. A parametric study of the joint was performed on the geometry, including joint clearances, contact between the joint components, and on the loads, induced and applied. In addition combinations of geometry and loads were evaluated. The analytical results from the parametric study showed that contact between the joint components was a primary contributor to allowing hot gases to blow by the O-rings. Based upon understanding the original joint behavior, various proposed joint modifications are shown and analyzed in order to provide additional insight and information. Finally, experimental results from a hydro-static pressurization of a test rocket booster case to study joint motion are presented and verified analytically.

Davis, Randall C.↗

Noise characteristics of passive components for phased array applications

The results of a comparative study on noise characteristics of basic power combining/dividing and phase shifting schemes are presented. The theoretical basics of thermal noise in a passive linear multiport are discussed. A new formalism is presented to describe the noise behavior of the passive circuits, and it is shown that the fundamental results are conveniently achieved using this description. The results of analyses concerning the noise behavior of basic power combining/dividing structures (the Wilkinson combiner, 90 deg hybrid coupler, hybrid ring coupler, and the Lange coupler) are presented. Three types of PIN-diode switch phase shifters are analyzed in terms of noise performance.

Sonmez, M. Kemal↗

Inflatable Rings For Temporary Sealing

Inflatable rings seal joint. After inflation, space pressurized to test for leakage through joint. Rings protect surface of aperture from contact with metal structure of plug, and accommodate out-of-roundness and irregular surface contours without leaking. Pressure seal requires no preparation or cleanup.

Lesh, Paul L.↗

Petrography of shock features in the 1953 Manson 2-A drill core

Drilling of Nx core in late 1953 into an anomalous zone of disturbed rocks northwest of Manson, Iowa disclosed presence of extensive breccias including crystalline rocks brought to the surface from depths of 4 km or more. Hole 2-A penetrated breccias dominated by leucocratic igneous and metamorphic lithologies, later interpreted to be part of a general ringed peak complex within a 35 km wide impact structure produced about 65 Ma ago. Proof of this origin was given in 1966 by NMS through recognition of shock metamorphic features in 2-A materials during a cursory examination of samples provided by R.A. Hoppin, University of Iowa. A detailed study of this material now underway has revealed that most breccia clasts in 2-A show abundant and varied evidence of shock damage, including extensive planar deformation features (PDF) in quartz, K-feldspar, plagioclase, and a pyroxene and varying degrees of isotropization and incipient melting in feldspars.

Short, N. M.↗

Finite Element Modeling of the NASA Langley Aluminum Testbed Cylinder

The NASA Langley Aluminum Testbed Cylinder (ATC) was designed to serve as a universal structure for evaluating structural acoustic codes, modeling techniques and optimization methods used in the prediction of aircraft interior noise. Finite element models were developed for the components of the ATC based on the geometric, structural and material properties of the physical test structure. Numerically predicted modal frequencies for the longitudinal stringer, ring frame and dome component models, and six assembled ATC configurations were compared with experimental modal survey data. The finite element models were updated and refined, using physical parameters, to increase correlation with the measured modal data. Excellent agreement, within an average 1.5% to 2.9%, was obtained between the predicted and measured modal frequencies of the stringer, frame and dome components. The predictions for the modal frequencies of the assembled component Configurations I through V were within an average 2.9% and 9.1%. Finite element modal analyses were performed for comparison with 3 psi and 6 psi internal pressurization conditions in Configuration VI. The modal frequencies were predicted by applying differential stiffness to the elements with pressure loading and creating reduced matrices for beam elements with offsets inside external superelements. The average disagreement between the measured and predicted differences for the 0 psi and 6 psi internal pressure conditions was less than 0.5%. Comparably good agreement was obtained for the differences between the 0 psi and 3 psi measured and predicted internal pressure conditions.

Grosveld, Ferdinand W.↗

Advanced Manufacturing of the SLS Block 1B Payload Adapter: Engineering Development Unit

The Payload Adapter (PLA) for the Space Launch System Block 1B configuration (SLS B1B) is a structural frustum that interfaces with the Exploration Upper Stage (EUS) and the Universal Stage Adapter (USA) or the cargo fairing at the aft end and interfaces with the primary or co-manifested payload at the forward end. The primary structure is composed of a single piece aluminum forward ring, a segmented aluminum aft ring, eight carbon composite sandwich panels, and composite bonded longitudinal joints. The PLA is designed and fabricated in-house at MSFC. Development and flight article builds are joint efforts between the Materials & Processes Laboratory (EM), the Spacecraft & Vehicle Systems Department (EV), the Space Systems Department (ES), and the Test Laboratory (ET). The large-scale manufacturing efforts associated with this task include the fabrication of pathfinder panels; the fabrication and assembly of a full-scale Manufacturing Demonstration Article (MDA); the fabrication, assembly, and test of an Engineering Demonstration Unit (EDU); the fabrication, assembly, and test of a qualification Article; and the fabrication, assembly, and proof test of subsequent flight articles. The PLA team recently completed assembly of the EDU. The final assembly included the instillation of the co-manifested secondary payload, NEST, and the instillation and tensioning of the Payload Separation System (PSS). This poster will detail the assembly process which includes: (1) composite panel to ring assembly, (2) adhesive bonding for the longitudinal joints, and (3) instillation of the NEST and PSS. The PLA EDU is prepared to undergo modal and static load testing.

Monique Wallace↗

Propeller aircraft interior noise model: User's manual for computer program

A computer program entitled PAIN (Propeller Aircraft Interior Noise) has been developed to permit calculation of the sound levels in the cabin of a propeller-driven airplane. The fuselage is modeled as a cylinder with a structurally integral floor, the cabin sidewall and floor being stiffened by ring frames, stringers and floor beams of arbitrary configurations. The cabin interior is covered with acoustic treatment and trim. The propeller noise consists of a series of tones at harmonics of the blade passage frequency. Input data required by the program include the mechanical and acoustical properties of the fuselage structure and sidewall trim. Also, the precise propeller noise signature must be defined on a grid that lies in the fuselage skin. The propeller data are generated with a propeller noise prediction program such as the NASA Langley ANOPP program. The program PAIN permits the calculation of the space-average interior sound levels for the first ten harmonics of a propeller rotating alongside the fuselage. User instructions for PAIN are given in the report. Development of the analytical model is presented in NASA CR 3813.

Wilby, E. G.↗

Torque sensor having a spoked sensor element support structure

Piezoelectric sensor devices are attached across pairs of circularly arranged spokes arrayed on the periphery of an annular ring. The sensor devices each include a preloaded steel ball mounting arrangement for mounting a piezoelectric sensor element. A first circular interface plate on one side of the sensor structure attaches to alternate one of the spokes, and a circular interface plate on the opposite side of the same diameter as the first interface plate attaches to the remaining spokes.

Lurie, Boris J.↗

Propeller aircraft interior noise model

An analytical model was developed to predict the interior noise of propeller-driven aircraft. The fuselage model is that of a cylinder with a structurally-integral floor. The cabin sidewall is stiffened by stringers and ring frames, and the floor by longitudinal beams. The cabin interior is covered with a sidewall treatments consisting of layers of porous material and an impervious trim septum. Representation of the propeller pressure field is utilized as input data in the form of the propeller noise signature at a series of locations on a grid over the fuselage structure. Results obtained from the analytical model are compared with test data measured by NASA in a scale model cylindrical fuselage excited by a model propeller.

Pope, L. D.↗

Control of Shock Loading from a Jet in a Flexible Structure's Presence

The control of shock noise or screech from a jet near a flexible structure is discussed. The pressure from the supersonic jet consists of a shock with spiral and flapping nonaxisymmetric modes superimposed on broadband response. This shock induces a nonlinear-nonstationary loading problem associated with acoustic wave generation and propagation coupled with structural vibration. Control of the shock is achieved by placing a ring at the nozzle lip oscillating at the shock fundamental frequency. The ring prevents the shock characteristics originating in the column of the shear layer from sustaining connection with the out-of-phase surface vibration. Shock-free flow is maintained over a large pressure ratio. The peak power spectral density of the pressure due to shock fundamental and harmonics is converted to broadband level. The experiment is motivated by consideration of aircraft structural fatigue and interior noise.

Maestrello, Lucio↗

Atlas V Launch Incorporated NASA Glenn Thermal Barrier

In the Spring of 2002, Aerojet experienced a major failure during a qualification test of the solid rocket motor that they were developing for the Atlas V Enhanced Expendable Launch Vehicle. In that test, hot combustion gas reached the O-rings in the nozzle-to-case joint and caused a structural failure that resulted in loss of the nozzle and aft dome sections of the motor. To improve the design of this joint, Aerojet decided to incorporate three braided carbon-fiber thermal barriers developed at the NASA Glenn Research Center. The thermal barriers were used to block the searing-hot 5500 F pressurized gases from reaching the temperature-sensitive O-rings that seal the joint. Glenn originally developed the thermal barriers for the nozzle joints of the space shuttle solid rocket motors, and Aerojet decided to use them on the basis of the results of several successful ground tests of the thermal barriers in the shuttle rockets. Aerojet undertook an aggressive schedule to redesign the rocket nozzle-to-case joint with the thermal barriers and to qualify it in time for a launch planned for the middle of 2003. They performed two successful qualification tests (Oct. and Dec. 2002) in which the Glenn thermal barriers effectively protected the O-rings. These qualification tests saved hundreds of thousands of dollars in development costs and put the Lockheed-Martin/Aerojet team back on schedule. On July 17, 2003, the first flight of an Atlas V boosted with solid rocket motors successfully launched a commercial satellite into orbit from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Aero-jet's two 67-ft solid rocket boosters performed flawlessly, with each providing thrust in excess of 250,000 lbf. Both motors incorporated three Glenn-developed thermal barriers in their nozzle-to-case joints. The Cablevision satellite launched on this mission will be used to provide direct-to-home satellite television programming for the U.S. market starting in late 2003. The Atlas V is a product of the military's Enhanced Expendable Launch Vehicle program designed to provide assured military access to space. It can lift payloads up to 19,100 lb to geosynchronous transfer orbit and was designed to meet Department of Defense, commercial, and NASA needs. The Atlas V and Delta IV are two launch systems being considered by NASA to launch the Orbital Space Plane/Crew Exploration Vehicle. The launch and rocket costs of this mission are valued at $250 million. Successful application of the Glenn thermal barrier to the Atlas V program was an enormous breakthrough for the program's technical and schedule success.

Dunlap, Patrick H., Jr.↗

Reliability analysis of External Tank Attack Ring (ETA)

The present study is restricted to External Tank Attachment Rings (ETA), but the concepts discussed are general in nature and can be applied to any structural component. The objective of this research work is to use some of the existing probabilistic methods to calculate the reliability of ETA Rings at various critical sections for the limit state of stress. This is done both in terms of the traditional probability of failure and reliability levels as well as the well known safety indices (beta) which have become a commonly accepted measure of safety.

Putcha, Chandra S.↗

Planetary Ringmoon Systems

The last decade has seen an avalanche of observations of planetary ring systems, both from spacecraft and from Earth. Much of the structure revealed was thoroughly puzzling and fired the imagination of workers in a variety of disciplines. Consequently, we have also seen steady progress in our understanding of these systems as our intuitions (and our computers) catch up with the myriad ways in which gravity, fluid and statistical mechanics, and electromagnetism can combine to shape the distribution of the submicron to-several-meter size particles which comprise ring systems (refs 1-5). The now-complete reconnaissance of the gas giant planets by spacecraft has revealed that ring systems and families of regular satellites are invariably found together, and there is an emerging perspective that they are not only physically but causally linked. There is also mounting evidence that many features or aspects of all planetary ring systems, if not the ring systems themselves, are considerably younger than the solar system.

Cuzzi, J. N.↗

Magnetic Gears and Their Structural Limitations

Magnetic gears present significant structural design challenges, because metallic/electrically conductive structures are highly undesirable as they would lead to significant efficiency reductions. Additionally, most non-electrically conductive structural materials have low thermal conductivity, which makes cooling the gear difficult. These limitations are of particular significant in magnetic gear's modulator structures. NASA Glenn has shown that pole pieces on the order of 1 to 2 mm thick optimize magnetic gears specific torque. These thin pole pieces however see very large magnetic forces and modulator structural limitations prevent the use of magnetically optimum pole pieces. The best solution to this issue to date has been the use of carbon fiber retaining rings on the external surface of the modulator, however this solution increases ring modulator airgap, resulting in a torque reduction from the optimum design. The pole pieces are also the largest sources of losses in magnetic gears. Because the modulator is nestled between the ring and sun gear extraction of this heat is a difficult problem and the modulator structure has to be designed to dissipate this heat load. In the presentation I will present the design of NASA Glenn's 4th magnetic gear's modulator in detail that uses a combination of 3D fiber reinforced nylon, IM7 carbon fiber, and pitch base cn80 fiber to close both structurally and thermally.

Tallerico, Thomas↗