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At least 883 records · Page 49

Inductive System Monitors Tasks

The Inductive Monitoring System (IMS) software developed at Ames Research Center uses artificial intelligence and data mining techniques to build system-monitoring knowledge bases from archived or simulated sensor data. This information is then used to detect unusual or anomalous behavior that may indicate an impending system failure. Currently helping analyze data from systems that help fly and maintain the space shuttle and the International Space Station (ISS), the IMS has also been employed by data classes are then used to build a monitoring knowledge base. In real time, IMS performs monitoring functions: determining and displaying the degree of deviation from nominal performance. IMS trend analyses can detect conditions that may indicate a failure or required system maintenance. The development of IMS was motivated by the difficulty of producing detailed diagnostic models of some system components due to complexity or unavailability of design information. Successful applications have ranged from real-time monitoring of aircraft engine and control systems to anomaly detection in space shuttle and ISS data. IMS was used on shuttle missions STS-121, STS-115, and STS-116 to search the Wing Leading Edge Impact Detection System (WLEIDS) data for signs of possible damaging impacts during launch. It independently verified findings of the WLEIDS Mission Evaluation Room (MER) analysts and indicated additional points of interest that were subsequently investigated by the MER team. In support of the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate, IMS is being deployed as an anomaly detection tool on ISS mission control consoles in the Johnson Space Center Mission Operations Directorate. IMS has been trained to detect faults in the ISS Control Moment Gyroscope (CMG) systems. In laboratory tests, it has already detected several minor anomalies in real-time CMG data. When tested on archived data, IMS was able to detect precursors of the CMG1 failure nearly 15 hours in advance of the actual failure event. In the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate, IMS successfully performed real-time engine health analysis. IMS was able to detect simulated failures and actual engine anomalies in an F/A-18 aircraft during the course of 25 test flights. IMS is also being used in colla

Source record↗

Development of an Open Rotor Cycle Model in NPSS Using a Multi-Design Point Approach

NASA's Environmentally Responsible Aviation Project and Subsonic Fixed Wing Project are focused on developing concepts and technologies which may enable dramatic reductions to the environmental impact of future generation subsonic aircraft (Refs. 1 and 2). The open rotor concept (also referred to as the Unducted Fan or advanced turboprop) may allow the achievement of this objective by reducing engine emissions and fuel consumption. To evaluate its potential impact, an open rotor cycle modeling capability is needed. This paper presents the initial development of an open rotor cycle model in the Numerical Propulsion System Simulation (NPSS) computer program which can then be used to evaluate the potential benefit of this engine. The development of this open rotor model necessitated addressing two modeling needs within NPSS. First, a method for evaluating the performance of counter-rotating propellers was needed. Therefore, a new counter-rotating propeller NPSS component was created. This component uses propeller performance maps developed from historic counter-rotating propeller experiments to determine the thrust delivered and power required. Second, several methods for modeling a counter-rotating power turbine within NPSS were explored. These techniques used several combinations of turbine components within NPSS to provide the necessary power to the propellers. Ultimately, a single turbine component with a conventional turbine map was selected. Using these modeling enhancements, an open rotor cycle model was developed in NPSS using a multi-design point approach. The multi-design point (MDP) approach improves the engine cycle analysis process by making it easier to properly size the engine to meet a variety of thrust targets throughout the flight envelope. A number of design points are considered including an aerodynamic design point, sea-level static, takeoff and top of climb. The development of this MDP model was also enabled by the selection of a simple power management scheme which schedules propeller blade angles with the freestream Mach number. Finally, sample open rotor performance results and areas for further model improvements are presented.

Hendricks, Eric S.↗

Active Turbine Tip Clearance Control Trade Space Analysis of an Advanced Geared Turbofan Engine

Tip clearance within the high pressure turbine of a gas turbine engine is a significant factor in engine performance and efficiency. In the pursuit of higher efficiency, aero-engine designs are migrating toward compact gas turbine (CGT) technology that seeks to increase the bypass ratio of the gas turbine engine without increasing the size of the fan, which is constrained by its underwing location. The reduced size of CGTs invoke concern over increased sensitivity of engine performance due to turbine tip clearance gap that makes an argument for advanced tip clearance mitigation and control techniques to be employed. This paper evaluates the tip clearance trade space for a conceptual geared turbofan engine with a CGT core. This is accomplished through a modeling and simulation approach that includes a sensitivity analysis of engine performance in response to high pressure turbine tip clearance as well as an evaluation of the sensitivity of tip clearance to various design parameters, including material properties and component cooling characteristics. Also included is a parametric study of actuators that provides preliminary requirements for implementation of active turbine tip clearance control actuation systems. The results produced from these studies are meant to be informative, with special emphasis on the demonstration of a systematic approach. The modeling approach appears to capture expected trends. The studies suggest that the tip clearance gap will have a greater impact on the new CGT engines and that a relatively slow, actively controlled actuation system may be sufficient as long as it has control authority to both open and close the tip clearance gap.

tip clearance control↗

Rocket Engine Nozzle Side Load Transient Analysis Methodology: A Practical Approach

At the sea level, a phenomenon common with all rocket engines, especially for a highly over-expanded nozzle, during ignition and shutdown is that of flow separation as the plume fills and empties the nozzle, Since the flow will be separated randomly. it will generate side loads, i.e. non-axial forces. Since rocket engines are designed to produce axial thrust to power the vehicles, it is not desirable to be excited by non-axial input forcing functions, In the past, several engine failures were attributed to side loads. During the development stage, in order to design/size the rocket engine components and to reduce the risks, the local dynamic environments as well as dynamic interface loads have to be defined. The methodology developed here is the way to determine the peak loads and shock environments for new engine components. In the past it is not feasible to predict the shock environments, e.g. shock response spectra, from one engine to the other, because it is not scaleable. Therefore, the problem has been resolved and the shock environments can be defined in the early stage of new engine development. Additional information is included in the original extended abstract.

Shi, John J.↗

As-run physics analysis for the EPRI-3 experiment for cycles 155B and 158B

The purpose of this Engineering Calculations Analysis Report (ECAR) is to document the as-run heat generation rates (W/g), flux/fluence, radio-isotopic source term in Curies and grams, decay heat rate in Watts, and specimen DPA for the post-irradiation shipment and examination of the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)-3-1 and EPRI-3-2 experiments. EPRI-3-1 was irradiated during cycle 155B ending April 12, 2014. EPRI-3-2, a modification of EPRI-3-1, was irradiated during cycle 158B ending April 1, 2016. Source term, decay heat rate, and DPA calculations were based on scaled Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) calculated fluxes for the EPRI-3-2 experiment. Although EPRI-3-2 is a modification of EPRI-3-1, no significant changes were made in the placement of experiment specimens. Calculated fluxes were scaled using as-run center lobe source powers of the corresponding irradiation cycles for EPRI-3-1 and EPRI-3-2. ORIGEN2 Version 2.2 was used to determine the decay heat rate and source term for the EPRI-3 experiment. The source term analysis was performed as requested by the project staff. The results of this analysis may be used to demonstrate compliance with shipping requirements in the BEA Research Reactor (BRR) cask following irradiation as well as to provide as-run source term to support Post-Irradiation Examination (PIE).

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Thermal Characterization of a Direct Gain Solar Thermal Engine

A thermal/fluids analysis of a direct gain solar thermal upper stage engine is presented and the results are discussed. The engine has been designed and constructed at the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center for ground testing in a facility that can provide about 10 kilowatts of concentrated solar energy to the engine. The engine transfers that energy to a coolant (hydrogen) that is heated and accelerated through a nozzle to produce thrust. For the nominal design values and a hydrogen flowrate of 2 lb/hr., the results of the analysis show that the hydrogen temperature in the chamber (nozzle entrance) reaches about 3800 F after 30 minutes of heating and about 3850 F at steady-state (slightly below the desired design temperature of about 4100 F). Sensitivity analyses showed these results to be relatively insensitive to the values used for the absorber surface infrared emissivity and the convection coefficient within the cooling ducts but very sensitive to the hydrogen flowrate. Decreasing the hydrogen flowrate to 1 lb/hr. increases the hydrogen steady-state chamber temperature to about 4700 F, but also causes an undesirable decrease in thrust.

Alexander, Reginald A.↗

Thermal Characterization of a Direct Gain Solar Thermal Engine

A thermal/fluids analysis of a direct gain solar thermal upper stage engine is presented and the results are discussed. The engine was designed and constructed at the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center for ground testing in a facility that can provide about 10 kilowatts of concentrated solar energy to the engine. The engine transfers energy to a coolant (hydrogen) that is heated and accelerated through a nozzle to produce thrust. For the nominal design values and a hydrogen flowrate of 2 lb./hr., the results of the analysis show that the hydrogen temperature in the chamber (nozzle entrance) reaches about 3800 F after 30 minutes of heating and about 3850 F at steady-state (slightly below the desired design temperature of about 4100 F. Sensitivity analyses showed these results to be relatively insensitive to the values used for the absorber surface infrared emissivity and the convection coefficient within the cooling ducts but very sensitive to the hydrogen flowrate. Decreasing the hydrogen flowrate to 1 lb./hr. increases the hydrogen steady-state chamber temperature to about 4700 F, but also of course causes a decrease in thrust.

Alexander, Reginald A.↗

FSA future directions: Reliability and engineering sciences FY85-FY86 activities and plans

Objectives were listed for four areas: engineering science, reliability physics, module development, and module performance and failure analysis. The engineering science efforts are to develop module design requirements for large-scale photovoltaic (PV) applications and to develop generic module and array design and construction technology to meet the needed performance, safety, reliability, and system interfaces. The reliability physics effort is to develop the technology for 30-year life modules. The module development efforts are to transfer new technology to PV manufacturers and their products, and to evaluate these advanced modules. The module performance and failure analysis efforts are to determine PV module performance, to identify needed development, and to assess suitability for large-scale use.

Ross, R. G., Jr.↗

Follow-On Technology Requirement Study for Advanced Subsonic Transport

A study was conducted to define and assess the critical or enabling technologies required for a year 2005 entry into service (EIS) engine for subsonic commercial aircraft, with NASA Advanced Subsonic Transport goals used as benchmarks. The year 2005 EIS advanced technology engine is an Advanced Ducted Propulsor (ADP) engine. Performance analysis showed that the ADP design offered many advantages compared to a baseline turbofan engine. An airplane/ engine simulation study using a long range quad aircraft quantified the effects of the ADP engine on the economics of typical airline operation. Results of the economic analysis show the ADP propulsion system provides a 6% reduction in direct operating cost plus interest, with half the reduction resulting from reduced fuel consumption. Critical and enabling technologies for the year 2005 EIS ADP were identified and prioritized.

Wendus, Bruce E.↗

Parallel Hybrid Gas-Electric Geared Turbofan Engine Conceptual Design and Benefits Analysis

The conceptual design of a parallel gas-electric hybrid propulsion system for a conventional single aisle twin engine tube and wing vehicle has been developed. The study baseline vehicle and engine technology are discussed, followed by results of the hybrid propulsion system sizing and performance analysis. The weights analysis for the electric energy storage & conversion system and thermal management system is described. Finally, the potential system benefits are assessed.

Geared Turbofan↗

High Speed Data Acquisition for Real Time Feedback in a Light Duty Engine Combustion-Mode Switching Application

The paper describes the integration of a high-speed data acquisition and diagnostics controller used in an advanced engine platform. The controller enables ultra-low emissions and new benchmarks of engine efficiency while running a Gasoline Compression Ignition (GCI) cycle on a 2.2L, 4-cylinder engine. The system enables real-time combustion feedback and vibration analysis in engines. The paper focuses on: (1) the development of an interpolative sampling algorithm for transposition of time acquired data to the crank angle domain using a production crank sensor (60-2 tooth wheel); (2) the control unit, high-speed data acquisition, communication rates between the dedicated data acquisition and base controller to ensure cycle-to-cycle feedback; and, (3) validation exercises using cylinder pressure measurements. Here, the study shows how the algorithm resolves cylinder pressure information over an engine cycle, validating its robustness across acquisition rates of 50 and 200 kHz, with crank angle resolutions of 0.5° and 0.1°. Results show that the 50 kHz, 0.5° hardware yield combustion phasing and torque estimates within 0.1° and 1% torque of those attained with the 200 kHz, 0.1° hardware. Finally, study shows the dedicated controller and communication speeds allow for next-cycle fuel injection correction for speeds above 5000 rpm.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Construction Equipment

FMC Corporation conducts extensive proof lift tests and computerized analysis to insure that the cranes can lift rated capacity loads up to one million pounds in a wide range of applications. In their analysis work, engineers makes use of a computer program supplied by COSMIC. Called Analysis of Beam Columns, the program is used as part of the required analysis for determining bending moments, deflections and critical load for latticed crane booms.

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Comparison of Theoretically and Experimentally Determined Effects of Oxide Coatings Supplied by Fuel Additives on Uncooled Turbine-blade Temperature During Transient Turbojet-engine Operation

An analysis was made to permit the calculation of the effectiveness of oxide coatings in retarding the transient heat flow into turbine blades when the combustion gas temperature of a turbojet engine is suddenly changed. The analysis is checked with experimental data obtained from a turbojet engine whose blades were coated with two different coating materials (silicon dioxide and boric oxide) by adding silicone oil and tributyl borate to the engine fuel. The very thin coatings (approximately 0.001 in.) that formed on the blades produced a negligible effect on the turbine-blade transient temperature response. With the analysis discussed here, it was possible to predict the turbine rotor-blade temperature response with a maximum error of 40 F.

PROTECTIVE COATINGS↗

Nastran's Application in Agricultural Engineering

Finite element analysis has been recognized as a valuable solution method by agricultural engineers. NASTRAN has been obtained by the Agricultural Engineering Department at the University of Georgia. The NASTRAN Thermal Analyzer has been used in the teaching program for an undergraduate course in heat transfer and will be used for a new graduate course in finite element analysis. The NASTRAN Thermal Analyzer has also been applied to several research problems in the Agricultural Engineering Department.

Vanwicklen, G. L.↗

Rocket Engine Nozzle Side Load Transient Analysis Methodology: A Practical Approach

During the development stage, in order to design/to size the rocket engine components and to reduce the risks, the local dynamic environments as well as dynamic interface loads must be defined. There are two kinds of dynamic environment, i.e. shock transients and steady-state random and sinusoidal vibration environments. Usually, the steady-state random and sinusoidal vibration environments are scalable, but the shock environments are not scalable. In other words, based on similarities only random vibration environments can be defined for a new engine. The methodology covered in this paper provides a way to predict the shock environments and the dynamic loads for new engine systems and new engine components in the early stage of new engine development or engine nozzle modifications.

Shi, John J.↗

Computer Aided Modeling and Post Processing with NASTRAN Analysis

Computer aided engineering systems are invaluable tools in performing NASTRAN finite element analysis. These techniques are implemented in both the pre-processing and post-processing phases of the NASTRAN analysis. The finite element model development, or pre-processing phase, was automated with a computer aided modeling program called Supertabl, and the review and interpretation of the results of the NASTRAN analysis, or post-processing phase, was automated with a computer aided plotting program called Output Display. An intermediate program, Nasplot, which was developed in-house, has also helped to cut down on the model checkout time and reduce errors in the model. An interface has been established between the finite element computer aided engineering system and the Learjet computer aided design system whereby data can be transferred back and forth between the two. These systems have significantly improved productivity and the ability to perform NASTRAN analysis in response to product development requests.

Boroughs, R. R.↗

System Safety Analysis of Complex NASA Systems with Model Based Engineering

The emergence of model-based engineering is transforming design and analysis methodologies [5]. A recognized benefit of model-based engineering is the existence of a “single source of truth” about the system that becomes the authoritative source of data and information for designers, analysts, and developers. This promotes consistency and efficiency as the design emerges and can be used to further optimize the design. Integrating System Safety Engineers to the “single source of truth” will ensure that the outputs of their assessments and analyses are relevant to the design as it evolves. Use of an integrated system model enables near immediate evaluation of a design change as well as development of operational processes for risk assessment and communication. Such models can enable efficient and timely analysis of system hazards (e.g., hazard fault tree analysis and procedure simulations) and produce complete, accurate, and more consistent products (e.g., hazard reports and safety requirement evaluations). Therefore, an agency-sponsored team at Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) recently completed a System Safety Study of modeling and testing capabilities as part of a Model-Based Safety and Mission Assurance Initiative (MBSMAI). Using an existing model developed for reliability analyses [1], GSFC modeling and system safety experts performed system safety analysis/modeling and produced safety products. The team evaluated model-based feasibility to support System Safety Engineering, developed safety analysis modeling processes, and identified tool capability advancement/development needs. These study results indicate model-based engineering is valid and useable for System

Model Based Engineering↗