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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 1,009 records · Page 56
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2003

CO2 Acquisition Membrane (CAM) Project

The CO2 Acquisition Membrane (CAM) project was performed to develop, test, and analyze thin film membrane materials for separation and purification of carbon dioxide (CO2) from mixtures of gases, such as those found in the Martian atmosphere. The membranes developed in this project are targeted toward In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) applications, such as In Situ Propellant Production (ISPP) and In Situ Consumables Production (ISCP). These membrane materials may be used in a variety of ISRU systems, for example as the atmospheric inlet filter for an ISPP process to enhance the concentration of CO2 for use as a reactant gas, to passively separate argon and nitrogen trace gases from CO2 for habitat pressurization, to provide a system for removal of CO2 from breathing gases in a closed environment, or within a process stream to selectively separate CO2 from other gaseous components. The membranes identified and developed for CAM were evaluated for use in candidate ISRU processes and other gas separation applications, and will help to lay the foundation for future unmanned sample return and human space missions. CAM is a cooperative project split among three institutions: Lockheed Martin Astronautics (LMA), the Colorado School of Mines (CSM), and Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC).

Mason, Larry W.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Equivalent Mass versus Life Cycle Cost for Life Support Technology Selection

The decision to develop a particular life support technology or to select it for flight usually depends on the cost to develop and fly it. Other criteria - performance, safety, reliability, crew time, and risk - are considered, but cost is always an important factor. Because launch cost accounts for most of the cost of planetary missions, and because launch cost is directly proportional to the mass launched, equivalent mass has been used instead of cost to select life support technology. The equivalent mass of a life support system includes the estimated masses of the hardware and of the pressurized volume, power supply, and cooling system that the hardware requires. The equivalent mass is defined as the total payload launch mass needed to provide and support the system. An extension of equivalent mass, Equivalent System Mass (ESM), has been established for use in Advanced Life Support. A crew time mass-equivalent and sometimes other non-mass factors are added to equivalent mass to create ESM. Equivalent mass is an estimate of the launch cost only. For earth orbit rather than planetary missions, the launch cost is usually exceeded by the cost of Design, Development, Test, and Evaluation (DDT&E). Equivalent mass is used only in life support analysis. Life Cycle Cost (LCC) is much more commonly used. LCC includes DDT&E, launch, and operations costs. Since LCC includes launch cost, it is always a more accurate cost estimator than equivalent mass. The relative costs of development, launch, and operations vary depending on the mission design, destination, and duration. Since DDT&E or operations may cost more than launch, LCC may give a more accurate cost ranking than equivalent mass. To be sure of identifying the lowest cost technology for a particular mission, we should use LCC rather than equivalent mass.

Jones, Harry↗
NASA NTRS2004

1998 Calibration of the Mach 4.7 and Mach 6 Arc-Heated Scramjet Test Facility Nozzles

A calibration of the Arc-Heated Scramjet Test Facility (AHSTF) Mach 4.7 and Mach 6 nozzles was performed in 1998. For each nozzle, three different typical facility operating test points were selected for calibration. Each survey consisted of measurements, at 340 separate locations across the 11 inch square nozzle exit plane, of pitot pressure, static pressure, and total temperature. Measurement density was higher (4/inch) in the boundary layer near the nozzle wall than in the core nozzle flow (1/inch). The results generated for each of these calibration surveys were contour plots at the nozzle exit plane of the measured and calculated flow properties which completely defined the thermodynamic state of the nozzle exit flow. An area integration of the mass flux at the nozzle exit for each survey was compared to the AHSTF mass flow meter results to provide an indication of the overall quality of the calibration performed. The percent difference between the integrated nozzle exit mass flow and the flow meter ranged from 0.0 to 1.3 percent for the six surveys. Finally, a comparison of this 1998 calibration was made with the 1986 calibration. Differences of less than 10 percent were found within the nozzle core flow while in the boundary layer differences on the order of 20 percent were quite common.

Witte, David W.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Current Issues in Unsteady Turbomachinery Flows (Images)

Among the numerous causes for unsteadiness in turbo machinery flows are turbulence and flow environment, wakes from stationary and rotating vanes, boundary layer separation, boundary layer/shear layer instabilities, presence of shock waves and deliberate unsteadiness for flow control purposes. These unsteady phenomena may lead to flow-structure interactions such as flutter and forced vibration as well as system instabilities such as stall and surge. A major issue of unsteadiness relates to the fact that a fundamental understanding of unsteady flow physics is lacking and requires continued attention. Accurate simulations and sufficient high fidelity experimental data are not available. The Glenn Research Center plan for Engine Component Flow Physics Modeling is part of the NASA 21st Century Aircraft Program. The main components of the plan include Low Pressure Turbine National Combustor Code. The goals, technical output and benefits/impacts of each element are described in the presentation. The specific areas selected for discussion in this presentation are blade wake interactions, flow control, and combustor exit turbulence and modeling.

Povinelli, Louis↗
NASA NTRS2015

Introduction to Heat Pipes

This is the presentation file for the short course Introduction to Heat Pipes, to be conducted at the 2015 Thermal Fluids and Analysis Workshop, August 3-7, 2015, Silver Spring, Maryland. NCTS 21070-15. Course Description: This course will present operating principles of the heat pipe with emphases on the underlying physical processes and requirements of pressure and energy balance. Performance characterizations and design considerations of the heat pipe will be highlighted. Guidelines for thermal engineers in the selection of heat pipes as part of the spacecraft thermal control system, testing methodology, and analytical modeling will also be discussed.

Heat Pipes↗
NASA NTRS2015

Nitric Oxide PLIF Visualization of Simulated Fuel-Air Mixing in a Dual-Mode Scramjet

Nitric oxide (NO) planar induced laser fluorescence (PLIF) measurements have been performed in a small scale scramjet combustor at the University of Virginia Aerospace Research Laboratory at nominal simulated Mach 5 flight. A mixture of NO and N2 was injected at the upstream end of the inlet isolator as a surrogate for ethylene fuel, and the mixing of this fuel simulant was studied with and without a shock train. The shock train was produced by an air throttle, which simulated the blockage effects of combustion downstream of the cavity flame holder. NO PLIF signal was imaged in a plane orthogonal to the freestream at the leading edge of the cavity. Instantaneous planar images were recorded and analyzed to identify the most uniform cases, which were achieved by varying the location of the fuel injection and shock train. This method was used to screen different possible fueling configurations to provide optimized test conditions for follow-on combustion measurements using ethylene fuel. A theoretical study of the selected NO rotational transitions was performed to obtain a LIF signal that is linear with NO mole fraction and approximately independent of pressure and temperature.

Cantu, Luca M. L.↗
NASA NTRS2019

Interface Conductance Under a Real Electronics Box

Electronics Boxes with high heat dissipations use a thermal interface material to increase heat transfer to the radiator in a vacuum/space environment. There are lots of materials to choose from, but for Spacecraft applications, there are more than high heat transfer metrics which must be met. Contamination (both particle generation and outgassing), ease of cutting, and removal are just as important metrics in material selection. However, vendor data of material thermal conductance is usually based on a 1" X 1" piece of material under high uniform pressures. Large Electronics boxes almost never have optimal pressures, as they are bolted along the perimeter and leave gaps in the center regions. In order to characterize the relative thermal conductance for large Electronics boxes, an 8" X 8" plate was fabricated to simulate an electronics box bottom and bolted around the perimeter to a cold plate. Various thermal interface materials were inserted between the box and cold plate, and overall thermal conductance's were calculated. A table was generated which compares the full gamut of thermal interface materials for large boxes, from a dry joint to a wet joint. Materials were placed in order of high to low conductance's, so an engineer can compare the benefit of each material in a real-world scenario.

Thermal Interface Conductance↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Off-Design Analysis of Axisymmetric External-Compression Supersonic Inlets for Mach 1.4 to 2.0

Supersonic axisymmetric, external-compression inlets designed for freestream Mach numbers of Mach 1.4, 1.7, and 2.0 were evaluated to characterize their off-design performance. The inlets were characterized as isolated from the airframe with freestream conditions, engine-face geometry, and flow rates established from a reference NASA commercial aircraft concept. The off-design performance was characterized using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. The study characterized the off-design performance at the cruise condition for variations in the inlet flow rate, angle-of-attack, and freestream Mach number. Also characterized was the inlet performance at take-off and approach-to-landing conditions for which the use of auxiliary intakes was included. The inlet performance was characterized by the flow rates, total pressure recovery and distortion, and drag. An understanding of the off-design performance of the axisymmetric inlets provides information for the selection of inlets for commercial supersonic aircraft.

Supersonic Inlets↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Off-Design Analysis of Axisymmetric External-Compression Supersonic Inlets for Mach 1.4 to 2.0

Supersonic axisymmetric, external-compression inlets designed for freestream Mach numbers of Mach 1.4, 1.7, and 2.0 were evaluated to characterize their off-design performance. The inlets were characterized as isolated from the airframe with freestream conditions, engine-face geometry, and flow rates established from a reference NASA commercial aircraft concept. The off-design performance was characterized using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. The study characterized the off-design performance at the cruise condition for variations in the inlet flow rate, angle-of-attack, and freestream Mach number. Also characterized was the inlet performance at take-off and approach-to-landing conditions for which the use of auxiliary intakes was included. The inlet performance was characterized by the flow rates, total pressure recovery and distortion, and drag. An understanding of the off-design performance of the axisymmetric inlets provides information for the selection of inlets for commercial supersonic aircraft.

Supersonic Inlets↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Fluid System Stability Analysis Techniques

Fluid systems, or networks, consist of multiple components that work together to achieve some desired thermofluid state. For any generic application, this fluid state can be a combination of the fluid pressure, flow rate, enthalpy, or species concentration. Fluid system components, such as pumps and valves, are often governed by nonlinear differential equations, resulting in complex component-to-component interactions. System-level fluid network stability occurs when the flow through the system can maintain a steady-state solution in the presence of small perturbations, which depends on these component interactions. System instability, however, can go undetected until issues arise during integrated system testing. This presentation explores a method for system designers to think of the fluid network as an assembly of components, each with their own thermofluid surfaces of partial stability, called nullclines. The intersections of all nullclines yields system-level solutions, called equilibrium points. When designers define operating points, they are tuning system parameters so that these equilibrium points move to the desired location in the thermofluid state plane. However, linearization theory shows us that the dynamic behavior around these points can be unstable. The local stability of these equilibrium points can be assessed analytically with eigen-analysis, or numerically by propagating state-plane samples to construct a phase portrait. Investigating a phase portrait can help designers gain a qualitative understanding of a system’s dynamic performance. This understanding can then help inform requirement definitions, component selection, and operational procedures. This presentation includes an example of the phase portrait technique on a system featuring a centrifugal pump and a back-pressure regulator (BPR). Numerical modeling of this system suggests that equilibrium points on the left-hand side of the pump curve are dynamically unstable.

Fluid System↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Fluid System Stability Analysis Techniques

Fluid systems, or networks, consist of multiple components that work together to achieve some desired thermofluid state. For any generic application, this fluid state can be a combination of the fluid pressure, flow rate, enthalpy, or species concentration. Fluid system components, such as pumps and valves, are often governed by nonlinear differential equations, resulting in complex component-to-component interactions. System-level fluid network stability occurs when the flow through the system can maintain a steady-state solution in the presence of small perturbations, which depends on these component interactions. System instability, however, can go undetected until issues arise during integrated system testing. This presentation explores a method for system designers to think of the fluid network as an assembly of components, each with their own thermofluid surfaces of partial stability, called nullclines. The intersections of all nullclines yields system-level solutions, called equilibrium points. When designers define operating points, they are tuning system parameters so that these equilibrium points move to the desired location in the thermofluid state plane. However, linearization theory shows us that the dynamic behavior around these points can be unstable. The local stability of these equilibrium points can be assessed analytically with eigen-analysis, or numerically by propagating state-plane samples to construct a phase portrait. Investigating a phase portrait can help designers gain a qualitative understanding of a system’s dynamic performance. This understanding can then help inform requirement definitions, component selection, and operational procedures. This presentation includes an example of the phase portrait technique on a system featuring a centrifugal pump and a back-pressure regulator (BPR). Numerical modeling of this system suggests that equilibrium points on the left-hand side of the pump curve are dynamically unstable.

Fluid System↗
NASA NTRS1994

Magnetic power piston fluid compressor

A compressor with no moving parts in the traditional sense having a housing having an inlet end allowing a low pressure fluid to enter and an outlet end allowing a high pressure fluid to exit is described. Within the compressor housing is at least one compression stage to increase the pressure of the fluid within the housing. The compression stage has a quantity of magnetic powder within the housing, is supported by a screen that allows passage of the fluid, and a coil for selectively providing a magnetic field across the magnetic powder such that when the magnetic field is not present the individual particles of the powder are separated allowing the fluid to flow through the powder and when the magnetic field is present the individual particles of the powder pack together causing the powder mass to expand preventing the fluid from flowing through the powder and causing a pressure pulse to compress the fluid.

Gasser, Max G.↗
NASA NTRS1965

SNAP-8 instrumentation.

SNAP-8 instrumentation, emphasizing selection and installation of aerospace type transducers for liquid metal service

INSTRUMENTATION PROGRAM↗
NASA NTRS1993

An experimental study of the flow field surrounding a subsonic jet in a cross flow

An experimental investigation of the flow interaction of a 5.08 cm (2.00 in.) diameter round subsonic jet exhausting perpendicularly to a flat plate in a subsonic cross flow was conducted in the NASA Ames 7x1O ft. Wind Tunnel Number One. Flat plate surface pressures were measured at 400 locations in a 30.48 cm (12.0 in.) concentric circular array surrounding the jet exit. Results from these measurements are provided in tabular and graphical form for jet-to-crossflow velocity ratios ranging from 4 to 12, and for jet exit Mach numbers ranging from 0.50 to 0.93. Laser doppler velocimeter (LDV) three component velocity measurements were made in selected regions in the developed jet plume and near the flat plate surface, at a jet Mach number of 0.50 and jet-to-crossflow velocity ratios of 6 and 8. The results of both pressure and LDV measurements are compared with the results of previous experiments. In addition, pictures of the jet plume shape at jet velocity ratios ranging from 4 to 12 were obtained using schleiren photography. The LDV measurements are consistent with previous work, but more extensive measurements will be necessary to provide a detailed picture of the flow field. The surface pressure results compare closely with previous work and provide a useful characterization of jet induced surface pressures. The results demonstrate the primary influence of jet velocity ratio and the secondary influence of jet Mach number in determining such surface pressures.

Dennis, Robert Foster↗
NASA NTRS1994

Steady and unsteady blade stresses within the SSME ATD/HPOTP inducer

There were two main goals of the ATD HPOTP (alternate turbopump development)(high pressure oxygen turbopump). First, determine the steady and unsteady inducer blade surface strains produced by hydrodynamic sources as a function of flow capacity (Q/N), suction specific speed (Nss), and Reynolds number (Re). Second, to identify the hydrodynamic source(s) of the unsteady blade strains. The reason the aforementioned goals are expressed in terms of blade strains as opposed to blade hydrodynamic pressures is because of the interest regarding the high cycle life of the inducer blades. This report focuses on the first goal of the test program which involves the determination of the steady and unsteady strain (stress) values at various points within the inducer blades. Strain gages were selected as the strain measuring devices. Concurrent with the experimental program, an analytical study was undertaken to produce a complete NASTRAN finite-element model of the inducer. Computational fluid dynamics analyses were utilized to provide the estimated steady-state blade surface pressure loading needed as load input to the NASTRAN inducer model.

Gross, R. Steven↗
NASA NTRS2010

Development of Testing Station for Prototype Rover Thermal Subsystem

In order to successfully and efficiently explore the moon or other planets, a vehicle must be built to assist astronauts as they travel across the surface. One concept created to meet this need is NASA's Space Exploration Vehicle (SEV). The SEV, a small pressurized cabin integrated onto a 12-wheeled chassis, can support two astronauts up to 14 days. Engineers are currently developing the second generation of the SEV, with the goal of being faster, more robust, and able to carry a heavier payload. In order to function properly, the rover must dissipate heat produced during operation and maintain an appropriate temperature profile inside the rover. If these activities do not occur, components of the rover will start to break down, eventually leading to the failure of the rover. On the rover, these requirements are the responsibility of the thermal subsystem. My project for the summer was to design and build a testing station to facilitate the design and testing of the new thermal subsystem. As the rover develops, initial low fidelity parts can be interchanged for the high fidelity parts used on the rover. Based on a schematic of the proposed thermal system, I sized and selected parts for each of the components in the thermal subsystem. For the components in the system that produced heat but had not yet been finalized or fabricated, I used power resistors to model their load patterns. I also selected all of the fittings to put the system together and a mounting platform to support the testing station. Finally, I implemented sensors at various points in the system to measure the temperature, pressure, and flow rate, and a data acquisition system to collect this information. In the future, the information from these sensors will be used to study the behavior of the subsystem under different conditions and select the best part for the rover.

Burlingame, Kaitlin↗
NASA NTRS1980

VCE early acoustic test results of General Electric's high-radius ratio coannular plug nozzle

Results of variable cycle engine (VCE) early acoustic engine and model scale tests are presented. A summary of an extensive series of far field acoustic, advanced acoustic, and exhaust plume velocity measurements with a laser velocimeter of inverted velocity and temperature profile, high radius ratio coannular plug nozzles on a YJ101 VCE static engine test vehicle are reviewed. Select model scale simulated flight acoustic measurements for an unsuppressed and a mechanical suppressed coannular plug nozzle are also discussed. The engine acoustic nozzle tests verify previous model scale noise reduction measurements. The engine measurements show 4 to 6 PNdB aft quadrant jet noise reduction and up to 7 PNdB forward quadrant shock noise reduction relative to a fully mixed conical nozzle at the same specific thrust and mixed pressure ratio. The influences of outer nozzle radius ratio, inner stream velocity ratio, and area ratio are discussed. Also, laser velocimeter measurements of mean velocity and turbulent velocity of the YJ101 engine are illustrated. Select model scale static and simulated flight acoustic measurements are shown which corroborate that coannular suppression is maintained in forward speed.

Knott, P. R.↗