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Results for “conditional expectations”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 91 records · Page 5
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1984

The influence of neutral winds on He(+) distributions in the equatorial ionospshere

The effects of F-region neutral winds on the distribution of He(+) in the equatorial ionosphere have been examined using a theoretical model and an observational data set. It is shown by the model that components of neutral wind in the magnetic meridian up to only 50 m/s can produce He(+) gradients in the northern and southern sectors of a flux tube that differ by more than 80 percent. This is associated with interhemisphere transport velocities of He(+) as large as 15 m/s at 800 km. A substantial latitude gradient in the He(+) distribution across the dip equator also results from the redistribution of He(+). The changes in the He(+) concentration at the dip equator and the latitude distribution of H(+) in response to different neutral wind components is determined from the model and used to construct longitude distributions of He(+) to compare with observations made at equinox. Good agreement between the calculations and observations is obtained both at the geographic and geomagnetic equators using the relationship between neutral winds, interhemispheric transport velocity and He(+) concentration derived from the model. If these relationships can be extrapolated to accommodate the different conditions expected during solstice, the He(+) distributions expected during this season can also be discussed.

Murphy, J. A.↗
NASA NTRS1984

The effects of the diffuse radiation fields due to multiple scattering and thermal reradiation by dust on the dynamics and thermodynamics of a dusty cometary atmosphere

A self-consistent model of a dirty, clathrate cometary nucleus is extended to account for diffuse radiation fields caused by multiple scattering and thermal reradiation of the solar continuum by dust. The model is configured to fit conditions expected for the various spacecraft which will encounter Halley's comet at 0.89 AU. The atmosphere is assumed a chemically reactive dust-gas mixture in quasi-steady spherically symmetric expansion. The effect of electron-neutral ion collisions is accounted for, along with rate constants of the various species of clathrate ice particles and radiative transfer of the solar input in the UV, visible and near-IR intervals. The opacity of the circumnuclear dust is projected to be an order of magnitude greater than previous estimates, which severely impacts the potential visibility of the nucleus to the cameras of the flyby satellites.

Marconi, M. L.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Wave propagation in pulsar magnetospheres - Refraction of rays in the open flux zone

The propagation of waves through a relativistically outflowing electron-positron plasma in a very strong dipolar magnetic field, conditions expected in pulsar magnetospheres, is investigated. Halmilton's equations is derived for the propagation of rays through a plasma which is inhomogeneous in density, magnetic field directions, and Lorentz factor. These equations are solved for rays propagating through the plasmas outflowing along the 'open' dipolar field lines in which the density decreases inversely as the radius cubed and in the case where gradients transverse to the radial direction exist. In the radial case, the effects of refraction on pulse profiles, spectrum, and polarization are examined, and the effects of a transverse gradient are indicated. Attention is given to models in which the observed broad bandwidth in the radio emission has its origin in a radius to frequency map. Models with broad-band emission at a single radius are also studied. These are compared to observations of pulse width and pulse component separation as a function of frequency. The origin of 'orthogonal modes' is discussed.

Barnard, J. J.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Coolant passage heat transfer with rotation, a progress report

The objective of this 36-month experimental and analytical program is to develop a heat transfer and pressure drop database, computational fluid dynamic techniques, and correlations for multipass rotating coolant passages with and without flow turbulators. The experimental effort will be focused on the simulation of configurations and conditions expected in the blades of advanced aircraft high pressure turbines so that the effects of Coriolis and buoyancy forces on the coolant side flow can be rationally included in the design of turbine blades.

Kopper, F. C.↗
NASA NTRS1985

High temperature measurement of water vapor absorption

An investigation was undertaken to measure the absorption coefficient, at a wavelength of 10.6 microns, for mixtures of water vapor and a diluent gas at high temperature and pressure. The experimental concept was to create the desired conditions of temperature and pressure in a laser absorption wave, similar to that which would be created in a laser propulsion system. A simplified numerical model was developed to predict the characteristics of the absorption wave and to estimate the laser intensity threshold for initiation. A non-intrusive method for temperature measurement utilizing optical laser-beam deflection (OLD) and optical spark breakdown produced by an excimer laser, was thoroughly investigated and found suitable for the non-equilibrium conditions expected in the wave. Experiments were performed to verify the temperature measurement technique, to screen possible materials for surface initiation of the laser absorption wave and to attempt to initiate an absorption wave using the 1.5 kW carbon dioxide laser. The OLD technique was proven for air and for argon, but spark breakdown could not be produced in helium. It was not possible to initiate a laser absorption wave in mixtures of water and helium or water and argon using the 1.5 kW laser, a result which was consistent with the model prediction.

Keefer, Dennis↗
NASA NTRS1987

Oxidizer heat exchangers for rocket engine operation in idle modes

The heat exchanger concept is discussed together with its role in rocket engine operation in idle modes. Two heat exchanger designs (low and high heat transfer) utilizing different approaches to achieve stable oxygen vaporization are presented as well as their performance test results. It is concluded that compact and lightweight heat exchangers can be used in a stable manner under the 'idle' operating conditions expected with the RL10 rocket engine.

Kanic, P. G.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Thermal testing by internal IR heating of the FEP module

A spacecraft module, to be integrated with the FLTSATCOM spacecraft, was tested in a simulated orbit environment separate from the host spacecraft. Thermal vacuum testing of the module was accomplished using internal IR heating rather than conventional external heat sources. For this configuration, the technique produced boundary conditions expected for flight to enable verification of system performance and thermal design details.

Nathanson, D. M.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Coolant passage heat transfer with rotation

The objective is to develop a heat transfer and pressure drop data base, computational fluid dynamic techniques, and correlations for multi-pass rotating coolant passages with and without flow turbulators. The experimental effort is focused on the simulation of configurations and conditions expected in the blades of advanced aircraft high pressure turbines. With the use of this data base, the effects of Coriolis and buoyancy forces on the coolant side flow can be included in the design of turbine blades.

Hajek, T. J.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Temperature rise in superfluid helium pumps

The temperature rise of a fountain effect pump (FEP) and of a centrifugal pump (CP) are compared. Calculations and estimates presented here show that under the operating conditions expected during the resupply of superfluid helium in space, a centrifugal pump will produce a smaller temperature rise than will a fountain effect pump. The temperature rise for the FEP is calculated assuming an ideal pump, while the temperature rise of the CP is estimated from the measured performance of a prototype pump. As a result of this smaller temperature rise and of the different operating characteristics of the two types of pumps, transfers will be more effective using a centrifugal pump.

Kittel, Peter↗
NASA NTRS1986

Coolant passage heat transfer with rotation

In current and advanced gas turbine engines, increased speeds, pressures and temperatures are used to reduce specific fuel consumption and increase thrust/weight ratios. Hence, the turbine airfoils are subjected to increased heat loads escalating the cooling requirements to satisfy life goals. The efficient use of cooling air requires that the details of local geometry and flow conditions be adequately modeled to predict local heat loads and the corresponding heat transfer coefficients. The objective of this program is to develop a heat transfer and pressure drop data base, computational fluid dynamic techniques and correlations for multi-pass rotating coolant passages with and without flow turbulators. The experimental effort is focused on the simulation of configurations and conditions expected in the blades of advanced aircraft high pressure turbines. With the use of this data base, the effects of Coriolis and buoyancy forces on the coolant side flow can be included in the design of turbine blades.

Hajek, T. J.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Coolant passage heat transfer with rotation

The objective is to develop a heat transfer and pressure drop data base, computational fluid dynamic techniques and heat transfer correlations for rotating multipass coolant passages, with and without flow tabulators. The experimental effort is focused on the simulation of configurations and conditions expected in the blades of advanced aircraft high pressure turbines. With the use of this data base, the effects of Coriolis and buoyancy forces on the coolant side flow can be included in the design of turbine blades.

Hajek, T. J.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in circumstellar envelopes

Production of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in carbon-rich circumstellar envelopes was investigated using a kinetic approach. A detailed chemical reaction mechanism of gas-phase PAH formation and growth, containing approximately 100 reactions of 40 species, was numerically solved under the physical conditions expected in cool stellar winds. The chemistry is based on studies of soot production in hydrocarbon pyrolysis and combustion. Several first-ring and second-ring cyclization processes were considered. A linear lumping algorithm was used to describe PAH growth beyond the second aromatic ring. PAH production using this mechanism was examined with respect to a grid of idealized constant velocity stellar winds as well as several published astrophysical models. The basic result is that the onset of PAH production in the interstellar envelopes is predicted to occur within the temperature interval of 1100 to 900 K. The absolute amounts of the PAHs formed, however, are very sensitive to a number of parameters, both chemical and astrophysical, whose values are not accurately known. Astrophysically meaningful quantities of PAHs require particularly dense and slow stellar winds and high initial acetylene abundance. It is suggested that most of the PAHs may be produced in a relatively small fraction of carbon-rich red giants.

Frenklach, Michael↗
NASA NTRS1989

Comparative analysis of the atmospheres of early earth and early Mars

Assuming that the primitive atmospheres of Mars and earth were similar and that present differences in atmospheres of earth and Mars are a result of their different distances from the sun and their different masses, the atmospheres of the early earth and early Mars were analyzed. A one-dimensional radiative-convective model derived from that of Kasting et al. (1984) and Kasting and Ackerman (1986) was then used to determine if a 1.3-bar CO2 partial pressure on Mars (which is equivalent to about 9 bars on earth) is consistent with the climatic conditions thought to have existed on earth four billion years ago. Results indicate that a dense CO2 atmosphere on early Mars at perihelion is consistent with conditions expected to have existed four billion years ago on earth. Earth would then have had a stable atmosphere with temperatures warm enough to support liquid water on the surface.

Durham, R.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Investigation of humidity control via membrane separation for advanced Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) application

This paper describes the development of a membrane-based process for dehumidifying the Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU). The membrane process promises to be smaller, lighter, and more energy efficient than the other technologies for dehumidification. The dehydration membranes were tested for 90 days at conditions expected to be present in the EMU. The results of these tests indicate that membrane-based technology can effectively control humidity in the EMU.

Newbold, D. D.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Aerodynamic stability and heating analyses for the aeroassist flight experiment vehicle

Since ground based flow simulations are presently unable to model flight conditions expected for AOTVs (Aeroassist Orbital Transfer Vehicle) and other hypersonic space vehicles, computer codes are being developed to provide design parameters necessary for structure, guidance, and control aspects. Over the past four years, VRFLO (Viscous Reactive Flow) has been written to model finite-rate chemistry and viscous effects for a variety of aerobrake bodies. VRFLO includes a number of unique features that are summarized as follows: (1) Grid generation is an integral part of the code for several aerobrake configurations which includes the wake flow region; (2) The formulation is valid for three air chemical models; (3) An ADI central difference technique is used to solve the Navier-Stokes and species continuity equations in split groups; and (4) Grid density and numerical damping are minimized by shock-fitting and conformal mapping of body points.

Mcgary, J.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Ventilation loss and pressurization in the NASA launch/entry suit: Potential for heat stress

The potential of the NASA Launch/Entry Suit (LES) for producing heat stress in a simulated Space Shuttle cabin environment was studied. The testing was designed to identify potential heat stress hazards if the LES were pressurized or if ventilation were lost. Conditions were designed to simulate an extreme pre-launch situation with chamber temperatures maintained at dry bulb temperature = 27.2 +/- 0.1 C, globe temperature = 27.3 +/- 0.1 C, and wet bulb temperature = 21.1 +/- 0.3 C. Two females and two males, 23 to 34 years of age, were employed in this study, with two subjects having exposures in all 3 conditions. Test durations in the ventilated (V) and unventilated (UV) conditions were designed for 480 minutes, which all subjects achieved. Pressurized runs (Pr) were designed for 45 minutes, which all subjects also achieved. While some significant differences related to experimental conditions were noted in rectal and mean skin temperatures, evaporation rates, sweat rates, and heart rate, these differences were not thought to be physiologically significant. The results indicate that the LES garment, in either the Pr or UV state, poses no danger of inducing unacceptable heat stress under the conditions expected within the Space Shuttle cabin during launch or reentry.

Kaufman, Jonathan W.↗
NASA NTRS1990

High pressure-temperature electrical conductivity of magnesiowustite as a function of iron oxide concentration

The electrical conductivity of (Mg, Fe)O magnesiowustite containing 9 and 27.5 mol pct FeO has been measured at simultaneously high pressures (30-32 GPa) and temperatures using a diamond anvil cell heated with a continuous wave Nd:YAG laser and an external resistance heater. The conductivity depends strongly on the FeO concentration at both ambient and high pressures. At the pressures and temperatures of about 30 GPa and 2000 K, conditions expected in the lower mantle, the magnesiowustite containing 27.5 percent FeO is 3 orders of magnitude more conductive than that containing 9 percent FeO. The activation energy of magnesiowustite decreases with increasing iron concentration from 0.38 (+ or - 0.09) eV at 9 percent FeO to 0.29 (+ or - 0.05) eV at 27.5 percent FeO.

Li, Xiaoyuan↗
NASA NTRS1990

Force balance near an X line in a collisionless plasma

The suggestion by Dungey (1988) that the gyroviscosity associated with gradients of the off-diagonal elements of the electron pressure tensor can balance a reconnection electric field along a magnetic X line in a collisionless plasma is investigated. The detailed balance of forces in the vicinity of an X line is evaluated using a two-dimensional magnetic field model and a simple model for particle motion. The results show that the gyroviscosity can indeed provide the force required to balance a reconnection electric field in that region, so that neither collisions nor wave turbulence are necessary for reconnection. The results also show that there should not be a significant increase in current from electron acceleration very near an X line. Reasonable numerical estimates are obtained for conditions expected in the vicinity of the distant X line in the geomagnetic tail.

Lyons, L. R.↗