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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 901 records · Page 50

CFD mixing analysis of jets injected from straight and slanted slots into confined crossflow in rectangular ducts

A CFD study was performed to analyze the mixing potential of opposed rows of staggered jets injected into confined crossflow in a rectangular duct. Three jet configurations were numerically tested: (1) straight (0 deg) slots; (2) perpendicular slanted (45 deg) slots angled in opposite directions on top and bottom walls; and (3) parallel slanted (45 deg) slots angled in the same direction on top and bottom walls. All three configurations were tested at slot spacing-to-duct height rations (S/H) of 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0; a jet-to-mainstream momentum flux ratio (J) of 100; and a jet-to-mainstream mass flow ratio of 0.383. Each configuration had its best mixing performance at S/H of 0.75. Asymmetric flow patterns were expected and predicted for all slanted slot configurations. The parallel slanted slot configuration was the best overall configuration at x/H of 1.0 for S/H of 0.75.

Bain, D. B.↗

Details of the Construction and Production of Fuel Pumps and Fuel Nozzles for the Airplane Diesel Engine

This report presents investigations into the design and construction of fuel pumps for diesel engines. The results of the pump tests on the engines showed that, with a good cut-off, accurate injection, assured by the proper adjustment of the pump elements, there is a decrease in the consumption of fuel and hence an increase in the rated power of the engine. Some of the aspects investigated include: cam profile, coefficient of discharge, and characteristics of the injection system.

Lubenetsky, W S↗

Ignition and Flame Development in the Case of Diesel Fuel Injection

To investigate the process of ignition and combustion in the case of spray injection into heated air, a new form of apparatus is developed and the tests carried out with it described. Photographs of the spray before and after ignition are obtained at frequencies of 500 pictures per second. Pressures and temperatures are simultaneously recorded on oscillograms. Information on the initial conditions, ignition time lag, period of complete combustion, place where ignition starts, and general course of the combustion is obtained.

Holfelder, Otto↗

STS-90 Day 03 Highlights

On this third day of the STS-90 mission, the flight crew, Cmdr. Richard A. Searfoss, Pilot Scott D. Altman, and Mission Specialists Richard M. Linnehan, Dafydd Rhys Williams and Kathryn P. Hire, and Payload Specialists Jay C. Buckey and James A. Pawelczyk continue to conduct both human and animal research experiments in the Spacelab module. During the morning, the payload crew members Linnehan, Williams, Buckey and Pawelczyk performs transfer activities with the Animal Enclosure Module, setting up the General Purpose Work Station (GPWS) and operations with the ball catch experiment. In the afternoon, their attention will be on injections and dissections of some of the research animals and an objects recognition test.

Source record↗

12 Inch Fan Acoustic Research

There were three general purposes of this research; first, to investigate fundamental fan acoustic processes, second, to produce high quality data for the validation of aeroacoustic codes and, third, to investigate candidate noise control concepts. These were all to be investigated using the NASA built and supplied 12 inch fan which is a 0.1 scale model of a modem ultra high bypass fan. NASA also supplied the test environments, wind tunnel entries in the 14 by 22 Foot Subsonic Wind Tunnel and the Anechoic Noise Research Facility. To fulfill the purposes of the grant, investigations were performed in several general topics. In the area of fundamental fan studies, some of the topics involved were azimuthal directivity and tip clearance effects. In the area of high quality validation data significant parameter studies in the wind tunnel tests were performed. And in the area of noise control concepts, heated air injection was studied. The principal investigator performed the work on this grant by leading the concept development, design, planning, data analysis and reporting of the areas studied. The final report for this grant consists of a listing, which follows, of all reports, presentations, and publications that were made for the work done during the performance period.

Thomas, R. H.↗

A Matlab-Based Graphical User Interface for Simulation and Control Design of a Hydrogen Mixer

A Graphical User Interface (GUI) that facilitates prediction and control design tasks for a propellant mixer is described. The Hydrogen mixer is used in rocket test stand operations at the NASA John C. Stennis Space Center. The mixer injects gaseous hydrogen (GH2) into a stream of liquid hydrogen (LH2) to obtain a combined flow with desired thermodynamic properties. The flows of GH2 and LH2 into the mixer are regulated by two control valves, and a third control valve is installed at the exit of the mixer to regulate the combined flow. The three valves may be simultaneously operated in order to achieve any desired combination of total flow, exit temperature and mixer pressure within the range of operation. The mixer, thus, constitutes a three-input, three-output system. A mathematical model of the mixer has been obtained and validated with experimental data. The GUI presented here uses the model to predict mixer response under diverse conditions.

Richter, Hanz↗

Aerothermodynamic Measurements in Hypersonic Non-Equilibrium Flows

High enthalpy arc-jets are unique facilities particularly suited for simulating complex flows in the aerospace field, such as the aerothermodynamics of a re-entry vehicle. Arc-jets are often used to evaluate important design factors such as heat shield materials and vehicle design. Characterization of these facilities is important, as studies often match specific in-flight environments during experiments. Due to the complex environment produced by an arc-jet, with effects such as thermodynamic and chemical non-equilibrium occurring in the flow, characterization experiments are significantly more difficult than in traditional blow-down wind tunnels. The current work aims to characterize an arc-jet facility in terms of flow temperature, velocity and unsteadiness, in a spatially-resolved analysis. To achieve this goal, a non-intrusive imaging technique called “planar laser-induced fluorescence” was performed in the NASA Langley Hypersonic Materials Environ-mental Test System arc-jet facility. The experimental data was analyzed to produce the quantitative measurements in multiple regions of the flow around a blunt body sample. A quasi-1D low fidelity solver was created to numerically simulate the flow to investigate non-equilibrium effects occur-ring outside the imaging region in the arc-jet nozzle. Unsteadiness in the test section was minimized by analyzing a subset of data assessing the gas injection location. Radial velocity, rotational temperature and translational temperature measurements are provided that can be used to validate future high-fidelity computational studies. The temperature measurements revealed rotational non-equilibrium potentially occurring in the flow. This work provides a methodology for characterizing arc-jet facilities, identifying and correcting sources of systematic error, and estimating the uncertainty associated with the quantitative measurements.

laser induced fluorescence↗

Unbinned extraction of $γ$ from $B\to DK$ with normalizing flows

We introduce an unbinned method for extracting the CKM angle $γ$ from the decay chain $B^\pm \to (D \to K_S π^+ π^-) K^\pm$ using normalizing flows (NFs). The NFs, trained on $D$ decay data, learn a faithful continuous representation of the amplitude and strong phase variation over the $D\to K_Sπ^+π^-$ Dalitz plot whose fidelity improves with increased data sample sizes. With this input, the $B$ decay data can be used to extract the parameters $r_B$, $δ_B$, and $γ$. We test the method on Monte Carlo generated data, where it successfully recovers the injected value of $γ$ within uncertainties. The present implementation propagates statistical uncertainties from finite training data via an ensemble of independently trained flows, and does not attempt to capture the effects of systematic experimental errors. We explore two versions of the method that differ in how the trigonometric constraint on phase variation is encoded, and comment on the possible extension to Bayesian NFs, which would provide direct uncertainty estimates on the learned densities without requiring ensemble training.

Grossman, Yuval [Cornell U., LEPP]↗

Single and Multi-Node Modeling of Direct, Submerged, and Self-Pressurization of A Cryogenic Propellant Tank Using Nodal Tools

The pressurization of cryogenic propellant tanks will always be an important process so long as cryogenic liquids are being considered as fuel sources or used for other in-space applications. Pressure control of the tank ullage is necessary for managing propellant flowrates to an engine or a receiver tank, and modeling of the process is used to predict the pressurant requirements and the amount of propellant boiloff. Direct ullage pressurization is the more traditional approach to tank pressurization, as the physics are straight-forward, and ample test (flight) data have been collected and analyzed over the past several decades. Submerged injection pressurization is an alternate method for tank pressurization and has been shown to reduce pressurant requirements, subcool the propellant, and reduce the risk of ullage collapse. Additionally, the pressurant gas entering the ullage is usually much colder when using the submerged pressurization approach, resulting in reduced propellant boiloff. These benefits are at the expense of vaporizing a small percentage of the propellent. Both tank pressurization methods are viable options for current and future space missions, and it is important to have the capability of analyzing the tank ullage conditions for both approaches. Our previous work has demonstrated the development of a Generalized Fluid System Simulation Program (GFSSP) model, which contains a thermodynamic equilibrium heat and mass transfer subroutine capable of effectively analyzing both direct and submerged pressurization systems [1-2]. This subroutine has most recently been enhanced to include the non-equilibrium effect of pressurant dissolution into the propellant. To date the ullage has always been represented as a single node, and although the simulated single-node temperatures have good comparison with the volume-averaged ullage temperatures computed from test data, the physics of the thermal stratification in the ullage were never captured, and adjustment factors in the model were required. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the development of a multi-node ullage model using GFSSP and to discuss the improvements of the simulated ullage temperature distribution and its resulting effects on ullage heat transfer processes. Test data from the Cryogenic Propellant Storage and Transfer Engineering Developmental Unit (CPST EDU) was used for model validation. For additional comparison, a Thermal Desktop (TD) model was also developed to analyze the CPST EDU direct ullage pressurization tests using both a single node and multi-node approach. The model includes the direct pressurant line, vent line, fill/drain line, and a TD FloCAD Compartment. The TD FloCAD Compartment is employed to represent the liquid and ullage as single volumes inside the tank, to include a liquid/vapor interface, and to generate network level objects such as lumps (analogous to nodes in GFSSP), paths, and ties between the fluid and thermal elements. An established heat load on the model tank was leveraged from a pre-existing higher-fidelity model correlated to CPST EDU test data.

pressurization↗

An Environment for Hardware-in-the-Loop Formation Navigation and Control Simulation

Recent interest in formation flying satellite systems has spurred a considerable amount of research in the relative navigation and control of satellites. Development in this area has included new estimation and control algorithms as well as sensor and actuator development specifically geared toward the relative control problem. This paper describes a simulation facility, the Formation Flying Testbed (FFTB) at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, which allows engineers to test new algorithms for the formation flying problem with relevant GN&C hardware in a closed loop simulation. The FFTB currently supports the injection of GPS receiver hardware into the simulation loop, and support for satellite crosslink ranging technology is at a prototype stage. This closed-loop, hardware inclusive simulation capability permits testing of navigation and control software in the presence of the actual hardware with which the algorithms must interact. This capability provides the navigation or control developer with a perspective on how the algorithms perform as part of the closed-loop system. In this paper, the overall design and evolution of the FFTB are presented. Each component of the FFTB is then described in detail. Interfaces between the components of the FFTB are shown and the interfaces to and between navigation and control software are described in detail. Finally, an example of closed-loop formation control with GPS receivers in the loop is presented and results are analyzed.

Burns, Rich↗

Degradation Dynamics of Perovskite Solar Cells Under Fixed Reverse Current Injection

Previous studies of reverse-bias stability in perovskite solar cells have focused primarily on voltage controlled reverse-bias tests. Here we instead present an investigation of perovskite solar cell degradation under well-defined, constant reverse-current stress. We show that the choice of hole-transport layer dictates the dominant degradation pathway: cells using thick poly(triphenylamine) (PTAA) layers with better indium-doped tin oxide (ITO) coverage can tolerate high reverse bias but quickly undergo catastrophic breakdown under fixed reverse current near their one-sun maximum power-point. In contrast, cells modified with the phosphonic-acid interface layer MeO-2PACz, with poorer ITO coverage compared to PTAA, exhibit soft, gradual, and largely recoverable degradation, regardless of the shading conditions. For MeO-2PACz devices, degradation increases with both current magnitude and duration. Importantly, when normalized by injected charge (current times duration), lower currents applied over longer times cause more severe degradation than higher currents over shorter periods. Combining electrical measurements with spatially resolved photoluminescence imaging, we argue against shunt formation and instead support an ion- and charge-mediated interfacial electrochemical degradation mode.

Applied Physics (physics.app-ph)↗

Three-Component Force Measurements on a Scramjet in a Reflected-Shock Tunnel

A three-component stress-wave force-balance for a large scramjet has been designed, calibrated and tested in the HYPULSE reflected shock tunnel at GASL Inc., New York. The scramjet model is over 3-foot long and weighs in excess of 90 Ibm. The stress-wave force-balance is comprised of three stress bars which are attached to the model. Calibration results indicate that the force balance responds well within about 1 ms and that the sensitivity of the balance to the distribution of load is not large. Results with and without fuel injection were obtained in the tunnel operated for Mach 7 and Mach 10 flight simulation. These tests showed the force-balance can resolve axial force increments due to combustion of about 40 lb in the presence of model lift forces of 500-700 lb.

Tsai, C.-Y.↗

Experimental Analysis of a Rocket Based Combined Cycle (RBCC) Engine in a Direct-Connect Test Facility

The object of this study is to investigate the operation of a RBCC at ramjet and scramjet flight conditions using a direct-connect test facility. The apparatus being tested is a single strut-rocket within a dual-mode ram/scramjet combustor. The gaseous hydrogen/oxygen, linear strut-rocket was supplied by Aerojet Propulsion Company. The hardware is being tested in the Direct Connect Supersonic Combustion Test Facility at NASA Langley Research Center. The test facilities hydrogen/oxygen vitiated heater is capable of flight total enthalpies to Mach 8. A Mach 2.5 facility nozzle mates the heater to the combustor duct. The rocket ejector will ordinarily operate in a fuel-rich mode. Additional fuel injection is provided by a pair of parallel injectors located at the base of the strut body. Instrumentation on the test apparatus includes a unique, direct thrust measurement system. Performance predictions for the anticipated test conditions have been made using a one-dimensional, thermodynamic analysis code. Results from the code show the dependence of overall thrust and specific impulse on rocket chamber pressure, rocket fuel equivalence ratio, and overall fuel equivalence ratio. Once the experimental test series begins, the inferred combustion efficiency as a function of axial location and the thermal choke region (where applicable) can also be determined using this code. Upon completion of the experimental test series, measurements will be used to calculate thrust, specific impulse, etc. Measured and calculated values will be compared to those found analytically. If appropriate, the code will be tailored to better predict hardware operation. Conclusions will be drawn as to the fuel-rich rocket's overall effect on ramjet and scramjet performance. Also, comparisons will be made between the integrated thrust calculated from the static pressure taps located along the duct and the thrust measured by the direct thrust measurement system.

K. Nelson↗

A Comparison of Combustion Dynamics for Multiple 7-Point Lean Direct Injection Combustor Configurations

The combustion dynamics of multiple 7-point lean direct injection (LDI) combustor configurations are compared. LDI is a fuel-lean combustor concept for aero gas turbine engines in which multiple small fuel-air mixers replace one traditionally-sized fuel-air mixer. This 7-point LDI configuration has a circular cross section, with a center (pilot) fuel-air mixer surrounded by six outer (main) fuel-air mixers. Each fuel-air mixer consists of an axial air swirler followed by a converging-diverging venturi. A simplex fuel injector is inserted through the center of the air swirler, with the fuel injector tip located near the venturi throat. All 7 fuel-air mixers are identical except for the swirler blade angle, which varies with the configuration. Testing was done in a 5-atm flame tube with inlet air temperatures from 600 to 800 F and equivalence ratios from 0.4 to 0.7. Combustion dynamics were measured using a cooled PCB pressure transducer flush-mounted in the wall of the combustor test section.

lean direct injection↗

Permeability-controlled migration of induced seismicity to deeper depths near Venus in North Texas

Abstract Migration of seismic events to deeper depths along basement faults over time has been observed in the wastewater injection sites, which can be correlated spatially and temporally to the propagation or retardation of pressure fronts and corresponding poroelastic response to given operation history. The seismicity rate model has been suggested as a physical indicator for the potential of earthquake nucleation along faults by quantifying poroelastic response to multiple well operations. Our field-scale model indicates that migrating patterns of 2015–2018 seismicity observed near Venus, TX are likely attributed to spatio-temporal evolution of Coulomb stressing rate constrained by the fault permeability. Even after reducing injection volumes since 2015, pore pressure continues to diffuse and steady transfer of elastic energy to the deep fault zone increases stressing rate consistently that can induce more frequent earthquakes at large distance scales. Sensitivity tests with variation in fault permeability show that (1) slow diffusion along a low-permeability fault limits earthquake nucleation near the injection interval or (2) rapid relaxation of pressure buildup within a high-permeability fault, caused by reducing injection volumes, may mitigate the seismic potential promptly.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Powdered aluminum and oxygen rocket propellants: Subscale combustion experiments

Aluminum combined with oxygen has been proposed as a potential lunar in situ propellant for ascent/descent and return missions for future lunar exploration. Engine concepts proposed to use this propellant have not previously been demonstrated, and the impact on performance from combustion and two-phase flow losses could only be estimated. Therefore, combustion tests were performed for aluminum and aluminum/magnesium alloy powders with oxygen in subscale heat-sink rocket engine hardware. The metal powder was pneumatically injected, with a small amount of nitrogen, through the center orifice of a single element O-F-O triplet injector. Gaseous oxygen impinged on the fuel stream. Hot-fire tests of aluminum/oxygen were performed over a mixture ratio range of 0.5 to 3.0, and at a chamber pressure of approximately 480 kPa (70 psia). The theoretical performance of the propellants was analyzed over a mixture ratio range of 0.5 to 5.0. In the theoretical predictions the ideal one-dimensional equilibrium rocket performance was reduced by loss mechanisms including finite rate kinetics, two-dimensional divergence losses, and boundary layer losses. Lower than predicted characteristic velocity and specific impulse performance efficiencies were achieved in the hot-fire tests, and this was attributed to poor mixing of the propellants and two-phase flow effects. Several tests with aluminum/9.8 percent magnesium alloy powder did not indicate any advantage over the pure aluminum fuel.

Meyer, Mike L.↗

Effects of a CFD-improved dimple stepped-lip piston on thermal efficiency and emissions in a medium-duty diesel engine

Diesel piston-bowl shape is a key design parameter that affects spray-wall interactions and turbulent flow development, and in turn affects the engine’s thermal efficiency and emissions. It is hypothesized that thermal efficiency can be improved by enhancing squish-region vortices as they are hypothesized to promote fuel-air mixing, leading to faster heat-release rates. However, the strength and longevity of these vortices decrease with advanced injection timings for typical stepped-lip (SL) piston geometries. Dimple stepped-lip (DSL) pistons enhance vortex formation at early injection timings. Previous engine experiments with such a bowl show 1.4% thermal efficiency gains over an SL piston. However, soot was increased dramatically [SAE 2022-01-0400]. In a previous study, a new DSL bowl was designed using non-combusting computational fluid dynamic simulations. This improved DSL bowl is predicted to promote stronger, more rotationally energetic vortices than the baseline DSL piston: it employs shallower, narrower, and steeper-curved dimples that are placed further out into the squish region. In the current experimental study, this improved bowl is tested in a medium-duty diesel engine and compared against the SL piston over an injection timing sweep at low-load and part-load operating conditions. No substantial thermal efficiency gains are achieved at the early injection timing with the improved DSL design, but soot emissions are lowered by 45% relative to the production SL piston, likely due to improved air utilization and soot oxidation. However, these benefits are lost at late injection timings, where the DSL piston renders a lower thermal efficiency than that of the SL piston. Energy balance analyses show higher wall heat transfer with the DSL piston than with the SL piston despite a 1.3% reduction in the piston surface area. Vortex enhancement may not necessarily lead to improved efficiency as more energetic squish-region vortices can lead to higher convective heat transfer losses.

42 ENGINEERING↗