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At least 865 records · Page 48

Assessment of the operating characteristics of the SSME LOX turbopump pump-end bearing

A bearing/shaft model of the SSME LOX turbopump was developed using the SHABERTH bearing/shaft math modeling computer code. A previously developed bearing/shaft thermal model of the SSME LOX turbopump turbine and bearing was used in conjunction with SHABERTH to evaluate the thermomechanical operating characteristics of the LOX turbopump end bearings. Results show that for the two unmounted diametrical clearances evaluated (4.0 mils and 6.3 mils), the inboard pump end bearing supports about 81% of the isolator load for the small clearance and 77% of the isolator load for the larger clearance. Bearing clearance changes due to thermal effects were 40% for the 4.0 mil diametrical clearance case and 19% for the 6.3 mil clearance case evaluated. The thermal analysis included evaluation of bearing temperatures for a subcooled case and a saturated case. Results indicate that no drastic temperature change occurred between the two cases. Since the rolling element and race surfaces of the subcooled case were at temperatures sufficiently high enough to be vapor blanketed, exceeding saturation temperature at the bearing inlet did not increase surface temperatures greatly.

New, L. S.↗

Space and Time Variations and Turbopause Dynamical Structure

Time spectra of the critical frequency f sub o E sub s and blanketing frequency f sub b E sub s for the records of a spaced chain of ionosphere vertical sounding stations were studied by means of a maximum entropy method, while coherence spectra were analyzed with the Blackman and Tukey method. It was found out that the frequency parameters spectrum of E sub s within the range of 1-10 cycles/h are discrete with one or two maxima. The first, a low frequency maximum with T=40 min, is of larger amplitude, stable and exists permanently; the second one with T = 10 min is less stable, occurs irregularly and more often within f sub o E sub s. Further, the first maximum corresponds to a higher level of coherence which decreases as the distance to the stations increases. It is concluded that the low-frequency maximum is induced by cellular eddies, usually interpreted as wind shears with horizontal dimensions of not more than 300 km. Irregularity, small amplitude, and low coherence in the range of the second maximum are indicative of the fact that turbulence must be its only source.

Ovezgeldiyev, O. G.↗

A Parmetric Study of Crater-saturation Simulations

Computer models of cratered surfaces often use inputs of uncertain nature and importance. This work evaluates the sensitivity of the resulting crater-saturation estimates to the input parameters, principally applicable to the study of craters upward from 8km diameter. In order of decreasing importance, crater saturation simulations are found to be sensitive to: (1) the dynamic range of crater diameters used; (2) the effectiveness of ejecta-blanket obliteration assumed; and (3) the number of points taken to describe the crater rim. The size of the largest crater in proportion to the size of the simulated surface has no effect on the results when the edges of the simulated surface are correctly treated and craters are counted by the fraction of the crater within the simulated area. A similar procedure is recommended when gathering crater size-density data from images.

Woronow, A.↗

Enigmatic Hills of the Mottled Plains, Mare Acidalium Quadrangle (MC-4), Mars

Interpretations of Mariner 9 and Viking images of the mottled plains in Mare Acidalium are present and discussed. Although the boundaries between all the units are gradational, four subdivisions were recognized within the mottled plains region. One of these subdivisions was designated hummocky mottled plains. The unit is characterized by many small (1 km), irregularly spaced dark hills surrounded by brighter material. One very poor-quality, high-resolution Viking strip (528B01-04) indicates that some of these dark hills have circular summit depressions. Possible interpretations of origin of these hills include: cinder cones, volcanic domes, maar volcanoes, pseudocraters, impact craters, or pingos. The uncratered hills or knobs may be igneous plugs, volcanic necks, or the dark remnants of a hummocky, cratered surface protruding through a relatively bright eolian blanket. The presence, however, of the small dark hills on the flow of the large (130 km diameter) C(2) crater Lomonosov, suggests that similar dark hills elsewhere also may be secondary.

Witbeck, N. E.↗

Preliminary GCM Results with a New Radiation Parameterization

A new parameterization of solar and terrestrial radiation was developed and tested. The solar radiation parameterization is based on that of Lacis and Hansen (1974), but with zenith-angle-dependent surface albedoes, and revised treatments of cloudiness. The terrestrial radiation parameterization is based on the work of Chou (1984) for water vapor, Chou and Peng (1983) for carbon dioxide, and Rogers (1968) for ozone, with a new parameterization of the effects of clouds. Results obtained were compared with the new parameterizations to those obtained with the earlier parameterization described by Schlessinger (1976). Several dramatic improvements came to light. For the most part these are related to the fact that the new terrestrial radiation paramerization includes the effects of the water vapor continuum, while the earlier parameterization does not. In the moist tropical planetary boundary layer (PBL) continuum emission leads to much stronger cooling of the PBL over the oceans. Over land, however, the cooling of the PBL is significantly reduced. The latter, somewhat paradoxical result is due to the strong diurnal cycle of the continental PBL. At night the shallow continental PBL is overlain by a moist layer created by mixing during the previous afternoon. The moist upper layer acts as a radiative blanket, reducing the time-averaged radiative cooling of the continental PBL.

Randall, D.↗

Design of sidewall treatment of cabin noise control of a twin engine turboprop aircraft

An analytical procedure was used to predict the noise transmission into the cabin of a twin engine general aviation aircraft. This model was then used to optimize the interior A weighted noise levels to an average value of about 85 dBA. The surface pressure noise spectral levels were selected utilizing experimental flight data and empirical predictions. The add on treatments considered in this optimization study include aluminum honeycomb panels, constrained layer damping tape, porous acoustic blankets, acoustic foams, septum barriers and limp trim panels which are isolated from the vibration of the main sidewall structure. To reduce the average noise level in the cabin from about 102 kBA (baseline) to 85 dBA (optimized), the added weight of the noise control treatment is about 2% of the total gross takeoff weight of the aircraft.

Vaicaitis, R.↗

Origin of the atmosphere and hydrosphere of the terrestrial planets

An early thermal evolution of a planet growing by planetesimal impacts was studied. An evolution of an impact induced atmosphere was considered. It is known that the surface of a growing planet is heated due to the blanketing effect of the atmosphere and exceeds the melting temperature, which means that the surface of a growing planet was entirely covered by a magma ocean. The amount of water in a proto-atmosphere is influenced by the formation of a magma ocean. It is suggested the solubility of water in silicate melt controls the water content in a proto-atmsphere. It is noted that irrespective of difference in initial water content of planetesimals the final water content in the atmosphere becomes almost constant and is about 10 to the 21st power kg which is almost identical with the present amount of the ocean. It is also shown that the water in a proto-atmosphere can be liquid for the Earth and becomes to be an ocean but this does not happen on Venus.

Matsui, T.↗

Noise transmission through an acoustically treated and honeycomb stiffened aircraft sidewall

The noise transmission characteristics of test panels and acoustic treatments representative of an aircraft sidewall are experimentally investigated in the NASA Langley Research Center transmission loss apparatus. The test panels were built to represent a segment sidewall in the propeller plane of a twin-engine, turboprop light aircraft. It is shown that an advanced treatment, which uses honeycomb for structural stiffening of skin panels, has better noise transmission loss characteristics than a conventional treatment. An alternative treatment, using the concept of limp mass and vibration isolation, provides more transmission loss than the advanced treatment for the same total surface mass. Effects on transmission loss of a variety of acoustic treatment materials (acoustic blankets, septa, damping tape, and trim panels) are presented. Damping tape does not provide additional benefit when the other treatment provides a high level of damping. Window units representative of aircraft installations are shown to have low transmission loss relative to a completely treated sidewall.

Grosveld, F. W.↗

A new Monte Carlo model of lunar megaregolith development

The use of a new Monte Carlo model to examine the development of the lunar megaregolith through impact cratering processes is discussed. The simulation incorporates some of the features and assumptions of the models of Short and Forman (1972), Gault et al. (1974), Quaide and Oberbeck (1968), Oberbeck et al. (1973, 1975), and Hoerz et al. (1976); and also greatly improves on some of these features. The problem of edge effects in computer modeling is resolved, and information on the geometry of craters and their ejecta blankets, as well as on crater production functions are included in the model. It is shown that this new model predicts greater megaregolith thicknesses than did the other models. The increase is due to the use of the observed lunar highlands crater size-frequency curve as the production function, to the retention of topographic information as cratering proceeds, and to the differences in the crater bowl and ejecta geometries.

Cashore, J.↗

A Monte Carlo study of parameters affecting computer simulations of crater saturation density

Computer models of cratered surfaces often use inputs of uncertain nature and importance. This work evaluates the sensitivity of the resulting crater-saturation estimates to the input parameters, principally applicable to the study of craters upward from 8 km diameter. In order of decreasing importance, crater saturation simulations are found to be sensitive to: (1) the dynamic range of crater diameters used, (2) the effectiveness of ejecta-blanket obliteration assumed, and (3) the number of points taken to describe the crater rim. The size of the largest crater in proportion to the size of the simulated surface has no effect on the results when the edges of the simulated surface are correctly treated and craters are not counted simply by integers. Craters should be counted by their fractions lying within the simulated area. A similar procedure is recommended when gathering crater size-density data from images.

Woronow, A.↗

Impact and explosion crater ejecta, fragment size, and velocity

The present investigation had the objective to develop models for the distribution of fragments which are ejected at a given velocity for both impact and explosion cratering. It is pointed out that the results have application to the physics of planetary accretion and the origin of meteorites. The impact ejection of fine dust into the earth's atmosphere has been proposed as a mechanism for extinctions which occurred at the end of the Cretaceous. A technique is developed for determining the distribution of fragments which are ejected at a given velocity. The experimental data base for the distribution fragments in the ejecta blankets of impact, explosion, and nuclear craters, are discussed. Attention is also given to impact flow field calculations, fragmentation theory, and the applications of the derived relations.

Okeefe, J. D.↗

Thermal design of AOTV heatshields for a conical drag brake

Results are presented from an on-going study of the thermal performance of thermal protection systems for a conical drag brake type AOTV. Three types of heatshield are considered: rigid ceramic insulation, flexible ceramic blankets, and ceramic cloths. The results for the rigid insulation apply to other types of AOTV as well. Charts are presented in parametric form so that they may be applied to a variety of missions and vehicle configurations. The parameters considered include: braking maneuver heat flux and total heat load, heatshield material and thickness, heatshield thermal mass and conductivity, absorptivity and emissivity of surfaces, thermal mass of support structure, and radiation transmission through thin heatshields. Results of temperature calculations presented show trends with and sensitivities to these parameters. The emphasis is on providing information that will be useful in estimating the minimum required mass of these heatshield materials.

Pitts, W. C.↗

Recent developments in high performance planar solar array technology

The NASA-OAST high performance solar array program is described. The rationale for this effort, its objectives and strategy, as well as progress made during the past 5 years, are discussed. It is shown that welded, ultrathin silicon solar cell array blankets are on the verge of technical readiness. It is argued that the most reasonable approach to achieving more significant performance improvements (to about 300 W/kg) involves the development of a higher efficiency (16-18 percent AM0) solar cell and a lightweight, efficient structure.

Scott-Monck, J.↗

Pyroelectric conversion in space

Pyroelectric conversion in space deserves a close look as preliminary calculations indicate that a system specific power of 350 to 850 watts per kilogram will be feasible. This power-to-weight ratio far exceeds state-of-the-art photovoltaic systems (40 to 66 watts/kg) and surpasses proposed thin blanket photovoltaics (about 300 watts/kg). In addition to its high specific power, the pyroelectric approach promises to be far less expensive than photovoltaics.

Olsen, R. B.↗

Detecting Foreign Particles in Wind Tunnels

Simple scratch test tells whether particles, which distort results, present in test. Detector developed for tests of abrasion resistance of flexible insulation blankets. Now, when detector indicates particles present in test, results interpreted accordingly. Small pits and scratches on metal foil indicate particles struck surface during wind-tunnel test. Detector used in tests of paints and coatings to determine whether abrasive particles present.

Sharp, H. L.↗

Pressure Rig for Repetitive Casting

Equipment life increased by improved insulation. New design cuts time of preparation for casting from several days to about 1 hour. Savings due to elimination of lengthy heating and drying operations associated with preparation of ceramic mold. Quality of casting improved because moisture in cavity eliminated by use of insulating material, and more uniform pressure applied to process. Commercial blanket insulator protects components from heat, increasing life of pressure rig and enabling repeated use. Improved heat protection allows casting of brass and other alloys with higher melting temperatures in pressure rig.

Vasquez, P.↗

Reduction of Moisture Effects During the Cure of Epoxy Adhesives Used in Composite Repair

The requirements for repair work on Naval aircraft composite wing skins that can be performed under depot conditions (or still worse, under field conditions) are quite restrictive. Equipment that can be used is rather limited as are the available repair space and time. The procedures must be simple enough so that they can be performed satisfactorily by personnel without special knowledge in composite materials technology. Repairs of small holes should not require more than perhaps a short predrying cycle (with heat guns) and a subsequent patch bonding using a heating blanket, held in place by applying a vacuum. However, it has been observed during simulated experimental repair work that the glue lines frequently show a high content of pores and bubbles which are attributed to evaporation of moisture during the curing cycle. (Of course, other volatile materials such as residual solvent would act similarly). The purpose of this paper is to give some detailed analysis of the problem of moisture transport as a function of repair conditions, and to discuss some preliminary work to reduce the effect of moisture by removing moisture chemically with carbodiimides before it reaches a critical level for bubble formations.

Augl, J. M.↗

High-performance deployable structures for the support of high-concentration ratio solar array modules

A study conducted on high-performance deployable structures for the support of high-concentration ratio solar array modules is discussed. Serious consideration is being given to the use of high-concentration ratio solar array modules or applications such as space stations. These concentrator solar array designs offer the potential of reduced cost, reduced electrical complexity, higher power per unit area, and improved survivability. Arrays of concentrators, such as the miniaturized Cassegrainian concentrator modules, present a serious challenge to the structural design because their mass per unit area (5.7 kg/square meters) is higher than that of flexible solar array blankets, and the requirement for accurate orientation towards the Sun (plus or minus 0.5 degree) requires structures with improved accuracy potentials. In addition, use on a space station requires relatively high structural natural frequencies to avoid deleterious interactions with control systems and other large structural components. The objective here is to identify and evaluate conceptual designs of structures suitable for deploying and accurately supporting high-concentration ratio solar array modules.

Mobrem, M.↗