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At least 775 records · Page 43

Oxidizer heat exchanger component testing

As part of the RL10 Rocket Engine Product Improvement Program, Oxidizer Heat Exchanger (OHE) stages 1, 2, and 3 were designed and fabricated during late 1983 and early 1984. The purpose of the OHE is to provide gaseous oxygen to the propellant injector for stable engine operation at tank head idle and pumped idle operating modes. This report summarizes the OHE stages 1 and 3 rig testing, and includes the separation of the stage 1-and-2 assembly and the remanifolding of stage 1. The OHE performance analysis and analytical model modifications for both stages are also presented. The flow tests were accomplished during the time period from 9 October 1984 to 12 November 1984.

Kmiec, T.↗

Carbon exchange between the mantle and the crust, and its effect upon the atmosphere - Today compared to archean time

Estimates of the midocean ridge mantle carbon flux, whose exchange of carbon with the earth's surface has over geological time influenced atmospheric CO2, can be made by estimating concentration ratios of carbon to helium in hydrothermal fluids and tholeiitic glasses, followed by their multiplication by the oceanic primordial He-3 flux. A net carbon flux from the mantle of 1 billion moles/yr would require less than 700 million years to generate the present day crustal carbon inventory. It is deduced that the atmosphere of 3 billion years ago contained at least two orders of magnitude more CO2 than it does today.

Des Marais, D. J.↗

High-Differential-Pressure Heat Exchanger

Heat exchanger accommodates large pressure difference between heat-transfer fluids. Designed so all welded joints inspected with x rays to ensure leak-free operation over many years. Joints between fluids and between each fluid and environment radiographically inspectable. Used in Stirling-cycle engines, including those in proposed nuclear and solar powerplants.

Hylin, Edward C.↗

Strat-trop exchange

Exchange between the stratosphere and troposphere is important to the chemical composition of both regions. The export of ozone from the stratosphere provides the troposphere with a means of initiating photochemistry. The precursor molecules originating from the planetary surface provide the stratosphere with its chemical feedstock from which the ozone-controlling HO(x), NO(x), and Cl(x) photochemistries are driven. The tropopause is defined both statistically and in a local, synoptic sense by the value P(sub theta) = .000016 K sq m/kg/s, taken from an objective analysis of 8 years of zonal, temporal mean cross sections of potential temperature, wind and potential vorticity.

Tuck, A. F.↗

Kinetic model for the vibrational energy exchange in flowing molecular gas mixtures

The present study is concerned with the development of a computational model for the description of the vibrational energy exchange in flowing gas mixtures, taking into account a given number of energy levels for each vibrational degree of freedom. It is possible to select an arbitrary number of energy levels. The presented model uses values in the range from 10 to approximately 40. The distribution of energy with respect to these levels can differ from the equilibrium distribution. The kinetic model developed can be employed for arbitrary gaseous mixtures with an arbitrary number of vibrational degrees of freedom for each type of gas. The application of the model to CO2-H2ON2-O2-He mixtures is discussed. The obtained relations can be utilized in a study of the suitability of radiation-related transitional processes, involving the CO2 molecule, for laser applications. It is found that the computational results provided by the model agree very well with experimental data obtained for a CO2 laser. Possibilities for the activation of a 16-micron and 14-micron laser are considered.

Offenhaeuser, F.↗

Development of an air ground data exchange concept: Flight deck perspective

The planned modernization of the U.S. National Airspace System (NAS) includes the development and use of a digital data link as a means to exchange information between aircraft and ground-based facilities. This report presents an operationally-oriented concept on how data link could be used for applications related directly to air traffic control. The specific goal is to establish the role that data link could play in the air-ground communications. Due regard is given to the unique characteristics of data link and voice communications, current principles of air traffic control, operational procedures, human factors/man-machine interfaces, and the integration of data link with other air and ground systems. The resulting concept is illustrated in the form of a paper-and-pencil simulation in which data link and voice communications during the course of a hypothetical flight are described.

Flathers, G. W., II↗

Distributed control using linear momentum exchange devices

MSFC has successfully employed the use of the Vibrational Control of Space Structures (VCOSS) Linear Momentum Exchange Devices (LMEDs), which was an outgrowth of the Air Force Wright Aeronautical Laboratory (AFWAL) program, in a distributed control experiment. The control experiment was conducted in MSFC's Ground Facility for Large Space Structures Control Verification (GF/LSSCV). The GF/LSSCV's test article was well suited for this experiment in that the LMED could be judiciously placed on the ASTROMAST. The LMED placements were such that vibrational mode information could be extracted from the accelerometers on the LMED. The LMED accelerometer information was processed by the control algorithms so that the LMED masses could be accelerated to produce forces which would dampen the vibrational modes of interest. Experimental results are presented showing the LMED's capabilities.

Sharkey, J. P.↗

Characterization and hardware modification of linear momentum exchange devices

A sequence of modifications were made on the TRW Linear Momentum Exchange Devices (LMEDs) which were supplied for a joint MSFC/Air Force Wright Aeronautical Laboratory (AFWAL) control venture called Vibrational Control of Space Structures (VCOSS)-II. The modifications were necessary to alleviate and assuage the LMED nonlinearities. Extensive discussion of the LMED modification are presented along with the test plan, test results and conclusions. In addition, a chronology of events, relative to the LMED changes, is given.

Edgemon, George D.↗

Heat transfer and flow studies of the liquid droplet heat exchanger

This paper describes a lightweight, highly effective liquid droplet heat exchanger (LDHX) concept for thermal management in space. Heat is transferred by direct contact between fine droplets (100 to 300 micron diameter) of a low vapor pressure liquid and an inert working gas. Complete separation of the droplet and gas media in the microgravity environment is accomplished by configuring the LDHX as a vortex chamber. A quasi-one-dimensional, two-phase heat transfer model of the LDHX is developed and used to investigate the potential use of the LDHX for both heating and cooling the working gas in a 100-k W(e) Braytoan cycle. Experimental studies on a small scale LDHX chamber, using air and water as the two media, show excellent agreement with the theoretical model.

Bruckner, A. P.↗

Injection of dust into the Martian atmosphere - Evidence from the Viking Gas Exchange experiment

The hypothesis that predawn midlatitude storms are triggered by a soil humidification process is examined. A freeze/thaw model of the process is evaluated in the Viking Gas Exchange experiments conducted on Mars. The humidification-driven desorption and desiccation state of Martian soil samples are analyzed. The periodic humidification of equatorial regolith soil is studied in terms of pore space pressure during desorption events and soil diffusivity; the thermal properties of the regolith surface layer are modeled using the program of Clifford (1984). Consideration is given to the diurnal and seasonal cycles of the humidification process, the permanent, low-albedo features in the midlatitudes, and the production of H2SO4 and HCl aerosols.

Huguenin, R. L.↗

Application of Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer vegetation index to study atmosphere-biosphere exchange of CO2

Normalized difference vegetation indices derived from radiances measured by the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer were used to prescribe the phasing of terrestrial photosynthesis. The satellite data were combined with field data on soil respiration and a global map of net primary productivity to obtain the seasonal exchange of CO2 between the atmosphere and the terrestrial biosphere. The monthly fluxes of CO2 thus obtained were employed as source/sink functions in a global three-dimensional atmospheric tracer transport model to simulate the annual oscillations of CO2 in the atmosphere. The results demonstrate that satellite data of high spatial and temporal resolution can be used to provide quantitative information about seasonal and longer-term variations of photosynthetic activity on a global scale.

Fung, I. Y.↗

Mutual interactions of redox couples via electron exchange in silicate melts - Models for geochemical melt systems

The mutual interactions via electron exchange of redox couples in glass-forming melts were investigated both theoretically and experimentally. A thermodynamic approach for considering the mutual interactions leads to conclusion that the degree of mutual interaction in the melt should be proportional in part to the difference in relative reduction potentials of the interacting redox couples. Experimental studies verify this conclusion for numerous redox couples in several composition/temperature/oxygen fugacity regimes. Geochemical systems simultaneously possess many potentially multivalent elements; the stabilized redox states in the resulting magmas can be explained in part by mutual interactions and by redox buffering through the central Fe(III)- Fe(II) couples in the melts. The significance of these results for basaltic magmas of the earth, moon, and meteorites is addressed.

Schreiber, Henry D.↗

Robotic Tool-Exchange System

System uses conventional power source to exchange tools. Tool rack supported by spring-loaded base allowing sufficient motion of tool rack to reduce requirement of positioning accuracy of end effector.

Wise, Marion A.↗

Self-Protecting Heat Exchanger

Double-wall heat-exchanger tube protects from overloads by changing thermal resistance automatically. When temperature at any location on tube increases above prescribed limit, thermal resistance through walls of tube increases at location. Prevents local excess heat load from overheating tube or boosting internal pressure and weakening tube, shortening life expectancy, or destroying it. When heat load falls to normal level, tube automatically lowers thermal resistance and resumes heat exhange at rated capacity.

Wagner, William R.↗

Condensing, Two-Phase, Contact Heat Exchanger

Two-phase heat exchanger continuously separates liquid and vapor phases of working fluid and positions liquid phase for efficient heat transfer. Designed for zero gravity. Principle is adapted to other phase-separation applications; for example, in thermodynamic cycles for solar-energy conversion.

Cox, R. L.↗

Operation of an experimental algal gas exchanger for use in a CELSS

Concepts of a Closed Ecological Life Support System (CELSS) anticipate the use of photosynthetic organisms (higher plants and algae) for air revitalization. The rates of production and uptake of carbon dioxide and oxygen between the crew and the photosynthetic organisms are mismatched. An algal system used for gas exchange only will have the difficulty of an accumulation or depletion of these gases beyond physiologically tolerable limits (in a closed system the mismatch between assimilatory quotient (AQ) and respiratory quotient (RQ) is balanced by the operation of the waste processor). The results are given of a study designed to test the feasibility of using environmental manipulations to maintain physiologically appropriate atmospheres for algae and mice in a gas closed system. Specifically, the atmosphere behavior of this system is considered with algae grown on nitrate or urea and at different light intensities and optical densities. Manipulation of both allow operation of the system in a gas stable manner. Operation of such a system in a CELSS may be useful for reduction of buffer sizes, as a backup system for higher plant air revitalization and to supply extra oxygen to the waste processor or during crew changes.

Smernoff, David T.↗

In-orbit and laboratory exchange of ORUs designed/not designed for servicing

The practicality of employing a combination of automated and extravehicular activity forms of servicing in-orbit was demonstrated with the STS 41-C Solar Maximum Repair Mission. This shows that modular Orbital Replacement Units (ORUs) designed for servicing can be readily accommodated. Successful replacement of an experiment ORU, not designed for replacement, was performed following extensive preparations. In a laboratory, spacecraft ORUs were replaced using a completely preplanned automated approach. This was later done using a completely unstructured teleoperations mode including the complicated exchange of the instrument ORU. As a result of this effort and work on powered tools, an approach for combining these techniques is underway to produce a flight support system servicing aid to increase the STS astronauts' effective in-orbit servicing capability by several fold.

Davis, R.↗

Heat exchanger demonstration expert system

A real-time expert system intended for detecting and diagnosing faults in a 20 kW microwave transmitter heat exchanger is described. The expert system was developed on a LISP machine, Incorporated (LMI), Lambda Plus computer using Process Intelligent Control (PICON) software. The Heat Exhanger Expert System was tested and debugged. Future applications and extensions of the expert system to transmitters, masers, and antenna subassemblies are discussed.

Bagby, D. G.↗