Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “CAPACITY”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,027 records · Page 57
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1975

Life analysis of helical gear sets using Lundberg-Palmgren theory

A mathematical model is developed for surface fatigue life of helical gears. The expected fatigue life of a pinion, gear, or gear set may be calculated from the model. An equation for the dynamic capacity of a gear set was also derived. Dynamic capacity is the transmitted tangential load which gives a 90 percent probability of survival of the gear set for one million pinion revolutions. The equations, when simplified by setting the helix angle to zero, reduce to the results which were previously developed for spur gears. A sample calculation is given which illustrates the use of the new fatigue life model.

Coy, J. J.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Advanced computer technology - An aspect of the Terminal Configured Vehicle program

NASA is conducting a Terminal Configured Vehicle program to provide improvements in the air transportation system such as increased system capacity and productivity, increased all-weather reliability, and reduced noise. A typical jet transport has been equipped with highly flexible digital display and automatic control equipment to study operational techniques for conventional takeoff and landing aircraft. The present airborne computer capability of this aircraft employs a multiple computer simple redundancy concept. The next step is to proceed from this concept to a reconfigurable computer system which can degrade gracefully in the event of a failure, adjust critical computations to remaining capacity, and reorder itself, in the case of transients, to the highest order of redundancy and reliability.

Berkstresser, B. K.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Progress in the development of the hollow fiber sodium-sulfur secondary cell

This report describes the development and status of the sodium-sulfur secondary cell which uses fine hollow glass fibers as the electrolyte. Laboratory size cells containing up to 7000 fibers and having capacities up to 5 ampere-hours have been built and operated. These cells have been run at various cycle depths up to 95% of capacity. Lifetime does not depend on depth of discharge up to at least 50% depth and possibly deeper. Rates of charge and discharge of the nominally one hour cells have been varied from three times the design rate to 0.05 times the design rate. Smaller cells operate with essentially no internal resistance increase during their lifetimes of over four months on continuous charge/discharge at the one hour rate. Larger cells assembled with somewhat different mechanical assembly techniques have shorter lives. Two types of failure modes are observed: progressive weakening and breaking of the fibers inside the cell assembly, and fiber breakage at the fiber/tube sheet interface.

Levine, C. A.↗
NASA NTRS1975

The application of hydrometeorological data obtained by remote sensing techniques for multipurpose reservoir operations

Watershed snowpack and streamflow data obtained and transmitted by (ERTS) satellite were used in the operational and water management decisions in the Salt River Project. Located in central Arizona, the Project provides water and electric power for the more than 1.1 million residents of the Salt River Valley. The water supply source is a 33,670 square kilometer (13,000 square mile) watershed and 250 deep well pumps. Six storage reservoirs, four of which have hydroelectric capability, located on two river systems have a storage capacity of over 246,600 hectare-meters (2,000,000 AF.). Information from the watershed during the normal runoff period of December to May and more especially during critical periods of high runoff and minimum reservoir storage capacity is necessary for the reservoir operation regimen. Extent of the snowpack, depth of snow, and the condition of the pack were observed in aerial flights over the watershed.

Warskow, W. L.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Integration of the electrochemical depolorized CO2 concentrator with the Bosch CO2 reduction subsystem

Regenerative processes for the revitalization of spacecraft atmospheres require an Oxygen Reclamation System (ORS) for the collection of carbon dioxide and water vapor and the recovery of oxygen from these metabolic products. Three life support subsystems uniquely qualified to form such an ORS are an Electrochemical CO2 Depolarized Concentrator (EDC), a CO2 Reduction Subsystem (BRS) and a Water Electrolysis Subsystem (WES). A program to develop and test the interface hardware and control concepts necessary for integrated operation of a four man capacity EDC with a four man capacity BRS was successfully completed. The control concept implemented proved successful in operating the EDC with the BRS for both constant CO2 loading as well as variable CO2 loading, based on a repetitive mission profile of the Space Station Prototype (SSP).

Schubert, F. H.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Analysis of the gas-lubricated flat-sector-pad thrust bearing

A flat sector-shaped pad geometry for a gas-lubricated thrust bearing is analyzed considering both the pitch and roll of the pad. It is shown that maximum load capacity is achieved when the pad is tilted so as to create uniform minimum film thickness along the pad trailing edge. Performance characteristics for various geometries and operating conditions of gas thrust bearings are presented in the form of design curves, and a comparison is made with the rectangular slider approximation. It is found that this approximation is unsafe for practical design, since it always overestimates load capacity.

Etsion, I.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Fabrication and testing of sealed silver-zinc cells

A number of Type HS40-7 sealed silver-zinc cells and experimental 40AH sealed silver-zinc cells were fabricated. Cells of each experimental group contained one variation from the standard configuration (HS40-7) cell. Cells from each of five experimental cell groups and cells of the standard configuration were tested to characterize voltage and capacity performance at various discharge rates. The test cells were then subjected to 100 percent DOD Cycle Life Testing at 22 C. Results indicate that material and/or process variations are available which will improve both performance and cycle life of the existing 40 ampere-hour sealed silver-zinc cell configurations. The average cycle life to 50 percent loss of nominal capacity in cells from two (2) of the experimental groups was 150 - 165 cycles. A series of 12 ampere-hour cells was fabricated and tested as part of a program to incorporate the 40AH sealed silver-zinc cell fabrication technology into a cell of smaller size. Base-line configuration cells and experimental variations were produced using the HS40-7 cell fabrication and processing methods adapted to the smaller cell size.

Donnel, C. P., III↗
NASA NTRS1976

Nationwide assessment of potential output from wind-powered generators

A method for computing the actual expected power for a wind-powered generator from a given observed speed distribution is described and applied to estimate the potential output for different locations in the continental U.S. A contour map of generator capacity factor values (fraction of the rated output realizable) is obtained for wind-powered generator systems with a cut-in speed of 3.6 m/sec and a rated speed of 8.0 m/sec, and for a unit with hypothetical values for the 1 MW class (cut-in speed, 6.7 m/sec; rated speed, 13.4 m/sec). Results indicate that in the central U.S. and in certain areas of the New England coast at a height of 61 m, over 60% of the rated output power could be obtained on an annual average. In these areas capacity factors of over 20% could be obtained with the 1MW system.

Justus, C. G.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Shuttle freezer conceptual design

A conceptual design for a kit freezer for operation onboard shuttle was developed. The freezer features a self-contained unit which can be mounted in the orbiter crew compartment and is capable of storing food at launch and returning with medical samples. Packaging schemes were investigated to provide the optimum storage capacity with a minimum weight and volume penalty. Several types of refrigeration systems were evaluated to select one which would offer the most efficient performance and lowest hazard of safety to the crew. Detailed performance data on the selected, Stirling cycle principled refrigeration unit were developed to validate the feasibility of its application to this freezer. Thermal analyses were performed to determine the adequacy of the thermal insulation to maintain the desired storage temperature with the design cooling capacity. Stress analyses were made to insure the design structure integrity could be maintained over the shuttle flight regime. A proposed prototype freezer development plan is presented.

Proctor, B. W.↗
NASA NTRS1977

High-power and 2.5 kW advanced-technology ion thruster

Investigations for improving ion thruster components in the 30 cm engineering model thruster (EMT) resulted in the demonstration of useful techniques for grid short removal and discharge chamber erosion monitoring, establishment of relationships between double ion production and thruster operating parameters, verification of satisfactory specifications on porous tungsten vaporizer material and barium impregnated porous tungsten inserts, demonstration of a new hollow cathode configuration, and specification of magnetic circuit requirements for reproducing desired magnetic mappings. The capacity of a 30 cm EMT to operate at higher beam voltages and currents (higher power) was determined. Operation at 2 A beam current and higher beam voltage is shown to be essentially equivalent to operation at 1.1 kV with regard to efficiency, lifetime and operating conditions. The only additional requirement is an improvement in high voltage insulation and propellant isolator capacity. Operation at minimum voltage and higher beam currents is shown to increase thruster discharge chamber erosion in proportion to beam current. Studies to find alternatives to molybdenum for manufacturing ion optics grids are also reported.

Poeschel, R. L.↗
NASA NTRS1977

A nickel-cadmium battery reconditioning circuit

The circuit presented is simple and small enough to be included in a typical battery charge/power control assembly, yet provides the advantage of a complete ground-type battery reconditioning discharge. Test results on the circuit when used to recondition two 24 cell, 20 A-h nickel-cadmium batteries are given. These results show that a battery reconditioned with this circuit returns to greater than 90 percent of its original capacity (greater than nameplate capacity) and follows a typical new battery degradation curve even after over 20,000 simulated orbital cycles for a 4 year period. Applications of the circuit are considered along with recommendations relative to its use. Its application in low voltage (22 to 36 Vdc) power systems and in high voltage (100 to 150 Vdc) power systems is discussed. The implications are that the high voltage systems have a greater need for battery reconditioning than their low voltage counterparts, and that using these circuit techniques, the expected life of a battery in low Earth orbit can be up to 5 years.

Lanier, R.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Study of optimal training protocols and devices for developing and maintaining physical fitness in females prior to and during space flight

Pedalling a bicycle at least ten minutes a day at 85% of maximum pulse rate, three days a week for ten weeks will produce moderate increases in overall strength and physical work capacity in college-age females. The longer the training session, up to thirty minutes per session, the greater are the increases in physical work capacity that result when college-age females are trained three days a week for ten weeks at 85% of their maximum heart rate.

Olree, H. D.↗
NASA NTRS1977

The ATS-6 power system: Hardware implementation and orbital performance

The Applications Technology Satellite-6 power system, a shunt-boost configuration, uses partial shunt regulation of the solar array and a boost regulator for control of battery power. Regulation is provided for three different operating modes: shunt, charge, and boost. This configuration achieves the highest efficiency of power transfer from the solar array to the loads. The excellent dynamic regulation and low output impedance of the power system virtually eliminated the problem of subsystem interactions on the power bus due to conducted interference from load current fluctuations. The performance of the power system continues to be excellent. The solar array degradation (18.5 percent) was less than the specified 20 percent in two years in spite of extreme cycling from -160 C to 60 C. A unique battery cycling regime of discharges varying from 5 percent to 60 percent daily is being encountered. During the second year, noneclipse discharges have occurred twice a day to depths of 35 percent and 45 percent. Battery performance was good with only a small decrease in end-of-discharge voltage. A recent test to evaluate capacity gave 12.4 AH (83% of the nominal capacity of 15 AH) after over 1400 battery discharge cycles. A small increase in the end-of-charge voltage has recently occurred necessitating a change in the charge regime to achieve full charge conditions.

Lavigna, T. A.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Medical experiment M-171 - Results from the second manned Skylab mission

Preflight, inflight, and postflight exercise response tests were conducted on the astronauts of the second Skylab mission as part of an evaluation of physiological adaptation to long-term weightlessness. The flight phase of this mission was 59 days in duration. An exercise protocol was designed around a bicycle ergometer which was used to apply work loads approximating 25, 50, and 75% of each crewman's measured maximum aerobic capacity. Respiratory gas exchange, heart rate, and blood pressure were measured during all tests; cardiac output was measured at selected times during preflight and postflight tests. Data obtained both at rest and during exercise in flight showed no consistent changes which would indicate a degraded physical work capacity. In fact, heart rate during exercise actually decreased for all crewmen in flight. This response indicated improved physical fitness in flight relative to preflight. The postflight period of readaptation to 1 G was characterized by a marked tachycardia, during which time stroke volume was decreased. This response returned to normal within 5-day postflight.

Rummel, J. A.↗
NASA NTRS1976

An accurate solution of the gas lubricated, flat sector thrust bearing

A flat sector shaped pad geometry for gas lubricated thrust bearings is analyzed considering both pitch and roll angles of the pad and the true film thickness distribution. Maximum load capacity is achieved when the pad is tilted so as to create a uniform minimum film thickness along the pad trailing edge. Performance characteristics for various geometries and operating conditions of gas thrust bearings are presented in the form of design curves. A comparison is made with the rectangular slider approximation. It is found that this approximation is unsafe for practical design, since it always overestimates load capacity.

Etsion, I.↗
NASA NTRS1976

The dual action gas thrust bearing - A new high load bearing concept

The principle of utilizing hydrodynamic effects in diverging films for improving load capacity in gas thrust bearings is discussed. A new concept of dual action bearing based on that principle is described and analyzed. The potential of the new bearing is demonstrated both analytically for an infinitely long slider and by numerical solution for a flat sector shaped thrust bearing. It is shown that the dual action bearing can extend substantially the range of load carrying capacity in gas lubricated thrust bearings and improve their efficiency.

Etsion, I.↗
NASA NTRS1976

A simple approach to metal hydride alloy optimization

Hildebrand-Scott (1950) solubility parameters can be obtained for metals and alloys by calculating the cohesive energy density (CED), equal to the square of the solubility parameter, and a function of the heat of sublimation and the atomic volume. It is suggested that the solubility parameter permits estimation of the hydrogen storage capacity of an alloy and that alloys with a solubility parameter approximately equal to the parameter for hydrogen will have greater hydrogen storage capacity than other alloys. Equilibrium pressure - temperature relationships for some metal hydrides are presented in conjunction with the calculated solubility parameter and correlated with characteristics which would be useful in hydrogen-powered vehicles. Alloy properties which increase the amount of nonstoichiometric reversible hydrogen absorption are discussed.

Lawson, D. D.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Development of a low temperature phase change material package

Test data obtained for a low temperature phase change material (PCM) canisters are presented. The canister was designed to provide up to 30 w-hrs of storage capacity at approximately -90 C with an overall thermal conductance which is greater than 8 w/deg C. N-heptane which is an n-paraffin and has a -90.6 C freezing point was used as the working fluid. The canister was fabricated from aluminum and has an aluminum honeycomb core. Its void volume permits service temperatures up to 70 C. Results obtained from component and system's tests indicate well defined melting and freezing points which are repeatable and within 1 C of each other. Subcooling effects are less than 0.5 C and are essentially negligible. Measured storage capacities are within 94 to 88% the theoretical.

Brennan, P. J.↗