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At least 811 records · Page 45

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NASA NTRS1980

Seasat performance evaluation - The first two steps

Seasat, the satellite dedicated to the study of the oceans using microwave sensors, collected a data set containing information on sea surface winds, sea surface temperatures, wave heights, wave directions, internal waves, currents, tides, the marine geoid, and atmospheric water content. The first two steps of the performance evaluation of the satellite have been completed: (1) the engineering assessment and (2) the sensor evaluation. The results are encouraging for the performance of the instruments and the first level of data processing algorithms.

Lame, D. B.↗

NASA NTRS1981

An experimental study of combustion: The turbulent structure of a reacting shear layer formed at a rearward-facing step

A premixed propane-air flame is stabilized in a turbulent free shear layer formed at a rearward-facing step. The mean and rms averages of the turbulent velocity flow field were determined by LDV for both reacting and non-reacting flows. The reaching flow was visualized by high speed schlieren photography. Large scale structures dominate the reacting shear layer. The growth of the large scale structures is tied to the propagation of the flame. The linear growth rate of the reacting shear layer defined by the mean velocity profiles is unchanged by combustion but the virtual origin is shifted downstream. The reacting shear layer based on the mean velocity profiles is shifted toward the recirculation zone and the reattachments lengths are shortened by 30%.

Pitz, R. W.↗

NASA NTRS1980

The solution of variable-step implicit difference equations for dynamic systems analysis

A semi-implicit iterative technique is given for the solution of implicit matrix difference equations which arise in variable-step direct time integration of dynamic systems equations. For all practical purposes, the technique avoids repeated refactoring of the stepsize-dependent solution matrix and achieves the solution convergence for engineering accuracy requirements within a permissible number of iterations. Extension of the present method to nonlinear problems treated by the pseudo-force procedure is straightforward. For nonlinear solution procedures based on the tangent modulus formulation, the technique requires modification to make use of the tangent stiffness matrix. It is noted that the question of whether to include the nonlinear terms within the iteration loop has not yet been resolved.

Park, K. C.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Solar-Cell Encapsulation by One-Step Lamination

Simple method of potting solar cells reduces encapsulating to one-step lamination process. Simplified process saves time and expense. Potting material is added to two inside faces of solar-cell assembly before they are sandwiched and cured.

Sarbolouki, M. N.↗

NASA NTRS1984

One-Step Coal Liquefaction

Steam injection improves yield and quality of product. Single step process for liquefying coal increases liquid yield and reduces hydrogen consumption. Principal difference between this and earlier processes includes injection of steam into reactor. Steam lowers viscosity of liquid product, so further upgrading unnecessary.

Qader, S. A.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Film thickness measurement for spiral groove and Rayleigh step lift pad self-acting face seals

One Rayleigh step lift pad and three spiral groove self-acting face seal configurations were tested to measure film thickness and frictional torque as a function of shaft speed. The seals were tested at a constant face load of 73 N (16.4 lb) with ambient air at room temperature and atmospheric pressure as the fluid medium. The test speed range was from 7000 to 17,000 rpm. The measured film thickness was compared with theoretical data from mathematical models. The mathematical models overpredicted the measured film thickness at the lower speeds of the test speed range and underpredicted the measured film thickness at the higher speeds of the test speed range.

Dirusso, E.↗

NASA NTRS1982

A proposed configuration for a stepped specimen to be used in the systematic evaluation of factors influencing warpage in metallic alloys being used for cryogenic wind tunnel models

A proposed configuration for a stepped specimen to be used in the system evaluation of mechanisms that can introduce warpage or dimensional changes in metallic alloys used for cryogenic wind tunnel models is described. Considerations for selecting a standard specimen are presented along with results obtained from an investigation carried out for VASCOMAX 200 maraging steel. Details of the machining and measurement techniques utilized in the investigation are presented. Initial results from the sample of VASCOMAX 200 show that the configuration and measuring techniques are capable of giving quantitative results.

Wigley, D. A.↗

NASA NTRS1983

The dimensional stability analysis of seventeen stepped specimens of 18Ni 200 grade, PH13-8Mo and A-286

This report documents the results of a dimensional stability analysis of seventeen stepped specimens that were used in the evaluation of factors influencing warpage in metallic alloys being used for cryogenic wind tunnel models. Specimens used in the analysis were manufactured from 18Ni 200 Grade Maaraging steel, PH13-8Mo, and A-286 stainless steel. Quantitative data are provided on the behavior of the specimens due to the effects of both machining and cryogenic cycling effects.

Wigley, D. A.↗

NASA NTRS1981

C-band stepped frequency radiometry for hurricane probing

The measurements of wind speed and rain rate over a large dynamic range has been demonstrated by using passive microwave remote sensing measurements by a C-band radiometer flying above a hurricane. The measurements were obtained by using a unique variable frequency radiometer, the Stepped Frequency Microwave Radiometer (SFMR), which is capable of near simultaneous measurements at several widely spaced frequencies in a near octave bandwidth in the C-band microwave frequency region. In addition, an algorithm was developed which computes the surface wind speed and rain rate from the SFMR measured radiometric brightness temperature at two frequencies, and this algorithm was tested using experimental data collected during flights into Hurricane Allen during 1980. Results showed a reasonable agreement between the SFMR measured data and measurements obtained by weather radar.

Harrington, R. F.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Effects of expansion ratio on the calculation of parallel-walled backward-facing step flows - Comparison of four models of turbulence

This paper presents a numerical study of the effects of expansion ratio on two-dimensional separating and reattaching flows in plane backward-facing step geometries with parallel walls. Closure of the Reynolds equations was achieved by four different turbulence models: k-epsilon, 'modified' k-epsilon, algebraic stress, and 'modified' algebraic stress models. The k-epsilon model relates the Reynolds stresses to the mean rate of strain through the definition of an isotropic turbulent viscosity. The more advanced algebraic stress model calculates the stresses from implicit algebraic relationships containing the stresses themselves, the mean rate of strain, and the turbulent kinetic energy and its dissipation rate. 'Modified' versions of the models employ a new dissipation rate equation whose production term was made more sensitive to streamwise curvature effects. A new nonequilibrium wall function treatment proposed by Chieng and Launder (1980) was also incorporated into each model.

Sindir, M. M.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Memory-Metal Stepping Motor

Compact stepping motor for applications requiring high torque at slow speeds made with helical spring clutch and electrically-heated memory-metal actuator.

Jamieson, R. S.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Reducing Stepping-Motor Power Consumption

Direct-current stepping motors used in computer peripherals, process control, and precision remote-positioning equipment constantly dissipate power and create heat even when not moving. Circuit design energizes stepper motor only when pulses are present on control input.

Williams, C. J.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Computation of turbulent flows over backward-facing step

A numerical method for computing incompressible turbulent flows is presented. The method is tested by calculating laminar recirculating flows and is applied in conjunction with a modified Kappa-epsilon model to compute the flow over a backward-facing step. In the laminar regime, the computational results are in good agreement with the experimental data. The turbulent flow study shows that the reattachment length is underpredicted by the standard Kappa-epsilon model. The addition of a term to the standard model that accounts for the effects of rotation on turbulent flow improves the results in the recirculation region and increases the computed reattachment length.

Mansour, N. N.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Dynamic Behavior of Spiral-Groove and Rayleigh-Step Self-Acting Face Seals

Tests were performed to determine the dynamic behavior and establish baseline dynamic data for five self-acting face seals employing Rayleigh-step lift-pads and inward pumping as well as outward-pumping spiral grooves for the lift-generating mechanism. The primary parameters measured in the tests were film thickness, seal seat axial motion, and seal frictional torque. The data show the dynamic response of the film thickness to the motion of the seal seat. The inward-pumping spiral-groove seals exhibited a high-amplitude film thickness vibratory mode with a frequency of four times the shaft speed. This mode was not observed in the other seals tested. The tests also revealed that high film thickness vibration amplitude produces considerably higher average film thickness than do low amplitude film thickness vibrations. The seals were tested at a constant face load of 73 N (16.4 lb) with ambient air at room temperature and atmospheric pressure as the fluid medium. The test speed range was from 7000 to 17000 rpm. Seal tangential speed range was 34.5 to 83.7 m/sec (113 to 274 ft/sec).

Dirusso, Eliseo↗

NASA NTRS1984

STEP mechanical systems

The key elements in the STEP system are depicted including the Spacelab pallet, a modular interface structure, and pallet mounted electronics. Several concepts for potential experiments are illustrated.

Bradley, O. H., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1984

STEP electronic system design

The STEP electronic system design is discussed. The purpose of the design is outlined. The electronic system design is summarized and it is found that: an effective conceptual system design is developed; the design represents a unique set of capabilities; makes efficient use of available orbiter resources; the system capabilities exceed identified potential experiment needs.

Couch, R. H.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Applicability of the independence principle to subsonic turbulent flow over a swept rearward-facing step

Prandtl (1946) has concluded that for yawed laminar incompressible flows the streamwise flow is independent of the spanwise flow. However, Ashkenas and Riddell (1955) have reported that for turbulent flow the 'independence principle' does not apply to yawed flat plates. On the other hand, it was also found that this principle may be applicable to many turbulent flows. As the sweep angle is increased, a sweep angle is reached which defines the interval over which the 'independence principle' is valid. The results obtained in the present investigation indicate the magnitude of the critical angle for subsonic turbulent flow over a swept rearward-facing step.

Selby, G. V.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Design analysis of Rayleigh-step floating-ring seals

The analysis and design of a 50-mm diameter floating-ring helium buffer seal are described. The seal rings incorporated Rayleigh-step lift pads to provide hydrodynamic forces to separate the rings from the shaft. Maximum surface speed is 183 m/s (600 fps) and maximum buffer gas pressure is 1389 kPa (200 psia). An operating range map was computed as a function of speed and pressure. Contradictory problems arise due to excessive friction preventing ring tracking at low-speed, high-pressure conditions and insufficent friction to retard inertia driven motions at high-speed, low-pressure conditions. Steady-state and dynamic analyses and performance are described, as well as the results of thermal studies.

Artiles, A.↗