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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 109 records · Page 6

A unified Navier-Stokes flowfield and performance analysis of liquid rocket engines

To improve the current composite solutions in the design and analysis of liquid propulsive engines, a computational fluid dynamics model capable of calculating the nonreacting and reacting flows from the combustion chamber, through the nozzle to the external plume, was developed. The Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) fired at sea level, along with the flowfields of several other nozzles were investigated. The bell-shaped SSME nozzle was run at 100 percent power level at various flow conditions, the computed flow results and performance compared well with those of other standard codes and engine hot fire test data.

Wang, Ten-See↗

Cloud and surface textural features in polar regions

The study examines the textural signatures of clouds, ice-covered mountains, solid and broken sea ice and floes, and open water. The textural features are computed from sum and difference histogram and gray-level difference vector statistics defined at various pixel displacement distances derived from Landsat multispectral scanner data. Polar cloudiness, snow-covered mountainous regions, solid sea ice, glaciers, and open water have distinguishable texture features. This suggests that textural measures can be successfully applied to the detection of clouds over snow-covered mountains, an ability of considerable importance for the modeling of snow-melt runoff. However, broken stratocumulus cloud decks and thin cirrus over broken sea ice remain difficult to distinguish texturally. It is concluded that even with high spatial resolution imagery, it may not be possible to distinguish broken stratocumulus and thin clouds from sea ice in the marginal ice zone using the visible channel textural features alone.

Welch, Ronald M.↗

Jet Boost Pumps For The Space Shuttle Main Engine

Brief report proposes use of jet boost pumps in conjunction with main pumps supplying liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen to main engine of Space Shuttle. Main part of pump has no moving parts. Benefits include increased reliability, simplified ducts, and decreased weight.

Meng, Sen Y.↗

Computation of Space Shuttle high-pressure cryogenic turbopump ball bearing two-phase coolant flow

A homogeneous two-phase fluid flow model, implemented in a three-dimensional Navier-Stokes solver using computational fluid dynamics methodology is described. The application of the model to the analysis of the pump-end bearing coolant flow of the high-pressure oxygen turbopump of the Space Shuttle main engine is studied. Results indicate large boiling zones and hot spots near the ball/race contact points. The extent of the phase change of the liquid oxygen coolant flow due to the frictional and viscous heat fluxes near the contact areas has been investigated for the given inlet conditions of the coolant.

Chen, Yen-Sen↗

Association reactions at low pressure. III - The C2H2(+)/C2H2 system

An ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer is used to examine the association reactions, C4H2(+) + C2H2 and C4H3(+) + C2H2, at pressures in the range of 8 x 10 to the -8 to 1 x 10 to the -4 Torr at 298 K. The association of C4H2(+) and C4H3(+) with C2H2 was found to exhibit classical behavior in the pressure range of 5 x 10 to the -8 Torr to 0.4 Torr. It is found that an efficient route via radiative association exists for unsaturated hydrocarbon cations to convert to aromatic structures in the presence of acetylene.

Anicich, Vincent G.↗

Neptune encounter - Guidance and control's finest hour

The Voyager 2 technology had to be stretched significantly to confront the challenges posed by the environment of Neptune. Little was known about Neptune's characteristics because of its great distance from the sun; and its reduced light levels required longer exposure time. Thus, it was necessary to reduce the spacecraft limit cycle; this was made more difficult by the trajectory selected, which caused high spacecraft-to-target rates (these rates dictated the use of image motion compensation). Another challenge faced by Voyager 2 was the need to perform all the required image motion compensation with a limited quantity of attitude control computer and command computer memory, together with a limited quantity of tape recorder resources. This made necessary a new concept of real-time image motion compensation.

Miller, Maurine↗

Lifetime measurement of a collision complex using ion cyclotron double resonance - H2C6N2(+)

In the ion-molecule reaction between HC3N(+) and HC3N, the lifetime of the collision complex (H2C6N2+)-asterisk was long enough that ion cyclotron double-resonance techniques could be used to probe the distribution of the lifetimes of the collision complex. The mean lifetime of the collision complex at room temperature was measured as 180 microsec with a distribution ranging from 60 to 260 microsec as measured at the half-heights in the distribution. Lifetimes of this magnitude with respect to unimolecular dissociation allow for some stabilization of the collision complex by the slower process of infrared photon emission.

Anicich, Vincent G.↗

Association reactions at low pressure. IV - The HC3N(+)/HC3N system

Ion cyclotron mass spectrometry is used here to study the reactions between HC3N(+) and HC3N and between HC5N(+) and HC3N at pressures from 1 x 10 to the -7th to 0.001 Torr. The former reaction has both a bimolecular reaction path and a termolecular reaction path. The overall bimolecular reaction rate coefficient is 1.3 x 10 to the -19 cu cm/s. The primary product HC5N(+) represents 90 percent of the product ions, while HC6N2(+) and H2C6N2(+) each represent 5 percent. The termolecular association rate coefficient is 3.7 x 10 to the -24th cm exp 6/s, with He as the third body. The mean lifetime of the collision is 180 microsec. HC5N(+) reacts with HC3N to form the adduct ion H2C8N2(+) through both bimolecular and termolecular reactions. The bimolecular rate coefficient is 5.0 x 10 to the -10th cu cm/s and the termolecular one is 1.2 x 10 to the -22nd cm exp 6/s, with HC3N as the third body.

Sen, Atish D.↗

Principal investigator in a box: Version 1.2 documentation

Principal Investigator (PI) in a box is a computer system designed to help optimize the scientific results of experiments that are performed in space. The system will assist the astronaut experimenters in the collection and analysis of experimental data, recognition and pursuit of 'interesting' results, optimal use of the time allocated to the experiment, and troubleshooting of the experiment apparatus. This document discusses the problems that motivate development of 'PI-in-a-box', and presents a high- level system overview and a detailed description of each of the modules that comprise the current version of the system.

Jurine Adolph↗

Formaldehyde reactions in dark clouds

The low-pressure reactions of formaldehyde (H2CO) with D(+), D2(+), D3(+), and He(+) are studied by the ion-cyclotron resonance technique. These reactions are potential loss processes for formaldehyde in cores of dark interstellar clouds. The deuterated reactants represent direct analogs for protons. Rate coefficients and branching ratios of product channels have been measured. Charge transfer is observed to be the dominant reaction of H2CO with D(+), D2(+), and He(+) ions. Only the D3(+) reaction exhibits a proton-transfer channel. All reactions proceed at rate coefficients near the collision limit. Proton-deuteron exchange reactions are found to be inefficient processes in the formaldehyde system.

Sen, A. D.↗

Particulate multi-phase flowfield analysis for advanced solid rocket motor

Particulate multi-phase flowfield with chemical reaction for a 2D advanced solid rocket motor (ASRM) is analyzed using the finite difference Navier-Stokes (FDNS) code. The flowfield in the aft dome cavity of the ASRM is examined and its significant impact on the motor operation and performance is demonstrated. Chemical reaction analysis is performed for H2O, O2, H2, O, H, OH, CO, CO2, Cl, Cl2, HCl, and N2. The turbulent dispersion effect is calculated with the Monte Carlo method. Result show that a recirculation zone exists at the entry of the aft-dome cavity. The particle impingement could cause the erosion and damage nozzle wall. Accumulating in the impingement area the particles change the wall shape and affect the motor performance.

Liaw, Paul↗

Versatile Dual-Channel Waveform Generator

Programmable waveform generator synthesizes two independent waveforms simultaneously at frequencies up to 250 MHz. Can be in phase or out of phase with each other. Use of commercial integrated circuits helps keep cost low. Operation governed by BASIC source code enabling any user equipped with suitable personal computer to specify waveforms. User can modify source code to satisfy special needs. Other applications include simulation of Doppler waveforms for radar, and of video signals for testing color displays and computer monitors. With eventual substitution of gallium arsenide integrated circuits for its present silicon integrated circuits, instrument able to generate waveforms with 14-bit precision and sample rates as high as 2 GHz.

Staples, Edward J.↗

Advanced satellite communication system

The objective of this research program was to develop an innovative advanced satellite receiver/demodulator utilizing surface acoustic wave (SAW) chirp transform processor and coherent BPSK demodulation. The algorithm of this SAW chirp Fourier transformer is of the Convolve - Multiply - Convolve (CMC) type, utilizing off-the-shelf reflective array compressor (RAC) chirp filters. This satellite receiver, if fully developed, was intended to be used as an on-board multichannel communications repeater. The Advanced Communications Receiver consists of four units: (1) CMC processor, (2) single sideband modulator, (3) demodulator, and (4) chirp waveform generator and individual channel processors. The input signal is composed of multiple user transmission frequencies operating independently from remotely located ground terminals. This signal is Fourier transformed by the CMC Processor into a unique time slot for each user frequency. The CMC processor is driven by a waveform generator through a single sideband (SSB) modulator. The output of the coherent demodulator is composed of positive and negative pulses, which are the envelopes of the chirp transform processor output. These pulses correspond to the data symbols. Following the demodulator, a logic circuit reconstructs the pulses into data, which are subsequently differentially decoded to form the transmitted data. The coherent demodulation and detection of BPSK signals derived from a CMC chirp transform processor were experimentally demonstrated and bit error rate (BER) testing was performed. To assess the feasibility of such advanced receiver, the results were compared with the theoretical analysis and plotted for an average BER as a function of signal-to-noise ratio. Another goal of this SBIR program was the development of a commercial product. The commercial product developed was an arbitrary waveform generator. The successful sales have begun with the delivery of the first arbitrary waveform generator.

Staples, Edward J.↗

CFD assessment of the carbon monoxide and nitric oxide formation from RD-170 hot-fire testing at MSFC

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) technology has been used to assess the exhaust plume pollutant environment of the RD-170 engine hot-firing on the F1 Test Stand at Marshall Space Flight Center. Researchers know that rocket engine hot-firing has the potential for forming thermal nitric oxides (NOx), as well as producing carbon monoxide (CO) when hydrocarbon fuels are used. Because of the complicated physics involved, however, little attempt has been made to predict the pollutant emissions from ground-based engine testing, except for simplified methods which can grossly underpredict and/or overpredict the pollutant formations in a test environment. The objective of this work, therefore, has been to develop a technology using CFD to describe the underlying pollutant emission physics from ground-based rocket engine testing. This resultant technology is based on a three-dimensional, viscous flow, pressure-based CFD formulation, where wet CO and thermal NOx finite-rate chemistry mechanisms are solved with a Penalty function method.

Wang, Ten-See↗

Advanced Multi-phase Flow CFD Model Development for Solid Rocket Motor Flowfield Analysis

A Navier-Stokes code, finite difference Navier-Stokes (FDNS), is used to analyze the complicated internal flowfield of the SRM (solid rocket motor) to explore the impacts due to the effects of chemical reaction, particle dynamics, and slag accumulation on the solid rocket motor (SRM). The particulate multi-phase flowfield with chemical reaction, particle evaporation, combustion, breakup, and agglomeration models are included in present study to obtain a better understanding of the SRM design. Finite rate chemistry model is applied to simulate the chemical reaction effects. Hermsen correlation model is used for the combustion simulation. The evaporation model introduced by Spalding is utilized to include the heat transfer from the particulate phase to the gase phase due to the evaporation of the particles. A correlation of the minimum particle size for breakup expressed in terms of the Al/Al2O3 surface tension and shear force was employed to simulate the breakup of particles. It is assumed that the breakup occurs when the Weber number exceeds 6. A simple L agglomeration model is used to investigate the particle agglomeration. However, due to the large computer memory requirements for the agglomeration model, only 2D cases are tested with the agglomeration model. The VOF (Volume of Fluid) method is employed to simulate the slag buildup in the aft-end cavity of the redesigned solid rocket motor (RSRM). Monte Carlo method is employed to calculate the turbulent dispersion effect of the particles. The flowfield analysis obtained using the FDNS code in the present research with finite rate chemical reaction, particle evaporation, combustion, breakup, agglomeration, and VOG models will provide a design guide for the potential improvement of the SRM including the use of materials and the shape of nozzle geometry such that a better performance of the SRM can be achieved. The simulation of the slag buildup in the aft-end cavity can assist the designer to improve the design of the RSRM geometry.

Liaw, Paul↗

CFD assessment of the pollutant environment from RD-170 propulsion system testing

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) technology has been used to assess the exhaust plume pollutant environment of the RD-170 engine hot-firing on the F1 Test Stand at Marshall Space Flight Center. Researchers know that rocket engine hot-firing has the potential for forming thermal nitric oxides (NO(x)), as well as producing carbon monoxide (CO) when hydrocarbon fuels are used. Because of the complicated physics involved, however, little attempt has been made to predict the pollutant emissions from ground-based engine testing, except for simplified methods which can grossly underpredict and/or overpredict the pollutant formations in a test environment. The objective of this work, therefore, has been to develop a technology using CFD to describe the underlying pollutant emission physics from ground-based rocket engine testing. This resultant technology is based on a three-dimensional (3D), viscous flow, pressure-based CFD formulation, where wet CO and thermal NO finite-rate chemistry mechanisms are solved with a Penalty Function method. A nominal hot-firing of a RD-170 engine on the F1 stand has been computed. Pertinent test stand flow physics such as the multiple-nozzle clustered engine plume interaction, air aspiration from base and aspirator, plume mixing with entrained air that resulted in contaminant dilution and afterburning, counter-afterburning due to flame bucket water-quenching, plume impingement on the flame bucket, and restricted multiple-plume expansion and turning have been captured. The predicted total emission rates compared reasonably well with those of the existing hydrocarbon engine hot-firing test data.

Wang, Ten-See↗

Development of a composite tailoring procedure for airplane wing

The development of a composite wing box section using a higher order-theory is proposed for accurate and efficient estimation of both static and dynamic responses. The theory includes the effect of through-the-thickness transverse shear deformations which is important in laminated composites and is ignored in the classical approach. The box beam analysis is integrated with an aeroelastic analysis to investigate the effect of composite tailoring using a formal design optimization technique. A hybrid optimization procedure is proposed for addressing both continuous and discrete design variables.

Chattopadhyay, Aditi↗