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At least 919 records · Page 51

Experimental evaluation of a solar concentrator

A program concerned with the development of a large scale solar concentrator/collector subsystem is considered. Distributed collector approaches are related to the use of a parabolic mirror, a Fresnel reflector, and a Fresnel lens. A system description is given, taking into account questions of turbine interface selection and aspects of collector field layout. Performance sensitivity studies on particular components and parameters are discussed along with performance data which have been obtained for parabolic reflector, Fresnel lens, and Fresnel reflector concentrators. Attention is given to details regarding the design, the operation, and the status of development of the collection subsystem which is being developed.

Hastings, L. J.↗

The Nike-Black Brant V development program

The Nike-Black Brant V represents a combined U.S.-Canadian program to achieve a 40 percent increase in apogee performance over that of the unboosted BBV, with minimum component modification and no meaningful increase in flight environment levels. The process of achieving these objectives is described, in particular optimization of sustainer coast period and roll history, and the techniques used to ensure good stage separation. Details of the structural test program and subsequent successful vehicle proving flight are provided. Basic performance data are preented, with an indication of the further potential offered by Terrier boost.

Sevier, H.↗

Cryogenic Hydrogen/helium Storage and Supply System, Phase 1

An existing cryogenic tank was refurbished, microspheres were installed in the tank annulus, and the thermal performance of the unit was tested. The performance data was compared with NRC-2 multilayer insulation and low emittance aluminized surfaces installed in tanks of the same basic design. The cryogenic tank modified during the program was originally designed for the Manned Orbiting Laboratory (MOL) Program, and subsequently modified by vacuum-depositing aluminum on all annulus surfaces and leaving out the NRC-2 multilayer insulation. It is concluded that the application of aluminized-microsphere insulation is not yet very predictable for tank design purposes, especially at LH2 temperature and in the presence of a vapor-cooled shield.

Norman, R. H.↗

Development assessment of wash water reclamation

An analytical study assessment of state-of-the-art wash water reclamation technology is presented. It covers all non-phase-change unit operations, unit processes and subsystems currently under development by NASA. Each approach to wash water reclamation is described in detail. Performance data are given together with the projected weights and sizes of key components and subsystems. It is concluded that a simple multifiltration subsystem composed of surface-type cartridge filters, carbon adsorption and ion exchange resins is the most attractive approach for spacecraft wash water reclamation in earth orbital missions of up to 10 years in duration.

Putnam, D. F.↗

Emissions and performance of catalysts for gas turbine catalytic combustors

Three noble-metal monolithic catalysts were tested in a 12-centimeter diameter combustion test rig to obtain emissions and performance data at conditions simulating the operation of a catalytic combustor for an automotive gas turbine engine. Tests with one of the catalysts at 800 K inlet mixture temperature 300,000 pa (3 atm) pressure, and a reference velocity (catalyst bed inlet velocity) of 10 m/sec demonstrated greater than 99 percent combustion efficiency for reaction temperatures higher than 1300 K. With a reference velocity of 25 m/sec the reaction temperature required to achieve the same combustion efficiency increased to 1380 K. The exit temperature pattern factors for all three catalysts were below 0.1 when adiabatic reaction temperatures were higher than 1400 K. The highest pressure drop was 4.5 percent at 25 m/sec reference velocity. Nitrogen oxides emissions were less than 0.1 g NO2/kg fuel for all test conditions.

Anderson, D. N.↗

Small-scale test program to develop a more efficient swivel nozzle thrust deflector for V/STOL lift/cruise engines

The installed performance degradation of a swivel nozzle thrust deflector system obtained during increased vectoring angles of a large-scale test program was investigated and improved. Small-scale models were used to generate performance data for analyzing selected swivel nozzle configurations. A single-swivel nozzle design model with five different nozzle configurations and a twin-swivel nozzle design model, scaled to 0.15 size of the large-scale test hardware, were statically tested at low exhaust pressure ratios of 1.4, 1.3, 1.2, and 1.1 and vectored at four nozzle positions from 0 deg cruise through 90 deg vertical used for the VTOL mode.

Schlundt, D. W.↗

Stalled and stall-free performance of axial-flow compressor stage with three inlet-guide-vane and stator-blade settings

The performance of the first stage of a transonic, multistage compressor was mapped over a range of inlet-guide-vane and stator-blade settings. Both stall-free and deep-stall performance data were obtained. For the settings tested, as stall was encountered and flow was further reduced, a relatively sharp drop in pressure ratio occurred and was followed by a continuing but more gradual reduction in pressure ratio with reduced flow. The position of the stall line on the map of pressure ratio against equivalent weight flow was essentially unaffected over the range of inlet-guide-vane and stator-blade settings.

Urasek, D. C.↗

Performance of high-area-ratio annular dump diffuser using suction-stabilized-vortex flow control

A short annular dump diffuser having a geometry conductive to formation of suction stabilized toroidal vortices in the region of abrupt area change was tested. The overall diffuser area ratio was 4.0 and the length to inlet height ratio was 2.0. Performance data were obtained at near ambient temperature and pressure for inlet Mach numbers of 0.18 and 0.30 with suction rates ranging from 0 to 18 percent of total inlet mass flowrate. Results show that the exit velocity profile could be readily biased toward either wall by adjustment of inner and outer wall suction rates. Symmetric exit velocity profiles were inherently unstable with a tendency to revert to a hub or tip bias. Diffuser effectiveness was increased from about 38 percent without suction to over 85 percent at a total suction rate of 10 to 12 percent. At the same time diffuser total pressure loss was reduced from 3.1 percent to 1.1 percent at an inlet Mach number of 0.3.

Juhasz, A. J.↗

Solid-propellant rocket motor internal ballistic performance variation analysis, phase 2

The Monte Carlo method was used to investigate thrust imbalance and its first time derivative throughtout the burning time of pairs of solid rocket motors firing in parallel. Results obtained compare favorably with Titan 3 C flight performance data. Statistical correlations of the thrust imbalance at various times with corresponding nominal trace slopes suggest several alternative methods of predicting thrust imbalance. The effect of circular-perforated grain deformation on internal ballistics is discussed, and a modified design analysis computer program which permits such an evaluation is presented. Comparisons with SRM firings indicate that grain deformation may account for a portion of the so-called scale factor on burning rate between large motors and strand burners or small ballistic test motors. Thermoelastic effects on burning rate are also investigated. Burning surface temperature is calculated by coupling the solid phase energy equation containing a strain rate term with a model of gas phase combustion zone using the Zeldovich-Novozhilov technique. Comparisons of solutions with and without the strain rate term indicate a small but possibly significant effect of the thermoelastic coupling.

Sforzini, R. H.↗

Underground coal mine instrumentation and test

The need to evaluate mechanical performance of mine tools and to obtain test performance data from candidate systems dictate that an engineering data recording system be built. Because of the wide range of test parameters which would be evaluated, a general purpose data gathering system was designed and assembled to permit maximum versatility. A primary objective of this program was to provide a specific operating evaluation of a longwall mining machine vibration response under normal operating conditions. A number of mines were visited and a candidate for test evaluation was selected, based upon management cooperation, machine suitability, and mine conditions. Actual mine testing took place in a West Virginia mine.

Burchill, R. F.↗

Review of electrochemical impregnation for nickel cadmium cells

A method of loading active material within the electrodes of nickel cadmium cells is examined. The basic process of electrochemical impregnation of these electrodes is detailed, citing the principle that when current is applied reactions occur which remove hydrogen ions from solution, making the interior of the plaque less acidic. Electrodes result which are superior in energy density, stability, and life. The technology is reviewed and illustrated with typical performance data. Recommendations are made for additional research and development.

Gross, S.↗

Future planetary television cameras

The evolution of planetary slow-scan vidicon cameras started with the exploratory flyby mission to Mars in 1965, and has continued through the planned launch of the Mariner Jupiter/Saturn 1977 Mission. To date, the camera performance has been constrained by limited spacecraft capabilities rather than driven by desires of experimenters. The paper traces this evolution for a generation of camera using charge-coupled device (CCD) sensors, which have greater capability within spacecraft weight and power constraints. Projections are given of scientific objectives for the CCD cameras, and it is shown how these objectives will drive the camera performance, data rates, on-board processing, pointing accuracy, and other spacecraft system parameters.

Norris, D. D.↗

Modularized ion thruster development

A family of mercury ion thruster modules has been developed which extends the basic design of the Hughes-developed 1-mlb Engineering Model Thruster to accommodate the extended thrust range from 0.5 mlb to 4 mlb. In the subject program, separate Discharge Chamber Modules (DCM's) have been optimized for operation at nominal thrust levels T = 0.5 mlb and 2 mlb; DCM optimization is continuing at thrust level T = 4 mlb. Performance optimization required modification of the beam-extraction system and of discharge-chamber components; however, the cathodes and mechanical structure are unchanged from the Engineering Model design. Performance data on the optimized modules are given.

Hyman, J., Jr.↗

Emissions and performance of catalysts for gas turbine catalytic combustors

Three noble-metal monolithic catalysts were tested in a 12-cm-dia. combustion test rig to obtain emissions and performance data at conditions simulating the operation of a catalytic combustor for an automotive gas turbine engine. Tests with one of the catalysts at 800 K inlet mixture temperature, 3 x 10 to the 5th Pa pressure, and a reference velocity (catalyst bed inlet velocity) of 10 m/sec demonstrated greater than 99 percent combustion efficiency for reaction temperatures higher than 1300 K. With a reference velocity of 25 m/sec the reaction temperature required to achieve the same combustion-efficiency increased to 1380 K. The exit temperature pattern factors for all three catalysts were below 0.1 when adiabatic reaction temperatures were higher than 1400 K. The highest pressure drop was 4.5 percent at 25 m/sec reference velocity. Nitrogen oxides emissions were less than 0.1 g NO2/kg fuel for all test conditions.

Anderson, D. N.↗

Photographic film and the Skylab environment

An overview is presented of an investigation which was conducted to determine the actual effects of the Skylab environment on flight films. Examples of the flight film performance data are provided. Attention is given to the Skylab film, the environmental parameters, a major events profile of the Skylab mission, and a film environmental effects analysis. Representative Skylab film environmental response data are shown in a graph.

Oldham, L. P.↗

A candidate mission using the Shuttle and solar electric propulsion

It is suggested that an out-of-the-ecliptic solar electric propulsion (SEP) mission be performed. Data would be gathered pertaining to the three-dimensional structure of solar features at radio and X-ray wavelengths, the properties of the solar wind as a function of latitude and time, the configuration of the interplanetary field and its relation to solar fields, and the modulations of cosmic rays to determine the spectrum of interstellar cosmic rays. The mission would also, it is thought, demonstrate the capability of SEP for use in Shuttle missions. The SEP spacecraft and the ongoing development of related systems are examined. The weight of a SEP stage is contrasted with the weight of a chemical rocket stage.

Duxbury, J. H.↗

Axially grooved heat pipes - 1976

This paper summarizes the 'state-of-the-art' of axially grooved heat pipes. Applications are identified and the related heat pipe design and performance are defined. Recent developments in the analysis, design and fabrication of axially grooved hardware are also discussed. A mathematical model which predicts the hydrodynamic behavior and accounts for liquid recession, liquid/vapor shear interaction and 1-g puddle flow is also presented. Performance data for various fluids in the 100-500 K range is compared to predictions from the Groove Analysis Program (GAP). Finally, a simplified closed form solution which accounts for gravity effects, self-priming and composite pumping by the grooves as well as all of the hydrodynamic losses is also discussed.

Brennan, P. J.↗

Wash water reclamation technology for advanced manned spacecraft

The results of an analytical study and assessment of state-of-the-art wash water reclamation technology for advanced manned spacecraft is presented. All non-phase-change unit operations, unit processes, and subsystems currently under development by NASA are considered. Included among these are: filtration, ultrafiltration, carbon adsorption, ion exchange, chemical pretreatment, reverse osmosis, hyperfiltration, and certain urea removal techniques. Performance data are given together with the projected weights and sizes of key components and subsystems. In the final assessment, a simple multifiltration approach consisting of surface-type cartridge filters, carbon adsorption and ion exchange resins receives the highest rating for six-man orbital missions of up to 10 years in duration.

Putnam, D. F.↗