Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Ac”

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 1,081 records · Page 60

Nonlinear time-series-based adaptive control applications

A control design methodology based on a nonlinear time-series reference model is presented. It is indicated by highly nonlinear simulations that such designs successfully stabilize troublesome aircraft maneuvers undergoing large changes in angle of attack as well as large electric power transients due to line faults. In both applications, the nonlinear controller was significantly better than the corresponding linear adaptive controller. For the electric power network, a flexible AC transmission system with series capacitor power feedback control is studied. A bilinear autoregressive moving average reference model is identified from system data, and the feedback control is manipulated according to a desired reference state. The control is optimized according to a predictive one-step quadratic performance index. A similar algorithm is derived for control of rapid changes in aircraft angle of attack over a normally unstable flight regime. In the latter case, however, a generalization of a bilinear time-series model reference includes quadratic and cubic terms in angle of attack.

Mohler, R. R.↗

Free-piston Stirling Engine system considerations for various space power applications

Free-Piston Stirling Engines (FPSE) have the potential to provide high reliability, long life, and efficient operation. Therefore, they are excellent candidates for the dynamic power conversion module of a space-based, power-generating system. FPSE can be coupled with many potential heat sources (radioisotope, solar, or nuclear reactor), various heat input systems (pumped loop, heat pipe), heat rejection (pumped loop or heat pipe), and various power management and distribution systems (ac, dc, high or low voltage, and fixed or variable load). This paper reviews potential space missions that can be met using free-piston Stirling engines and discusses options of various system integration approaches. This paper briefly outlines the program and recent progress.

Dochat, George R.↗

Design and emplacement of an integrated lunar power system - Issues and concerns

Issues regarding the construction and operation of a stationary lunar surface power system that must be resolved in order to create a permanent manned presence on the moon are addressed. The issues considered include: (1) the centralization or decentralization of the electrical power system; (2) whether power transmission should be ac or dc; (3) what mix of power generating technology should be used; and (4) the physical interface requirements between the power-system hardware and the construction equipment to be used in placing the hardware on the lunar surface.

Sprouse, Kenneth M.↗

High-latitude distributions of plasma waves and spatial irregularities from DE 2 alternating current electric field observations

The high-latitude spatial distributions of average signal intensities in 12 frequency channels between 4 Hz and 512 kHz as measured by the ac electric field spectrometers on the DE-2 spacecraft are analyzed for 18 mo of measurements. In MLT-INL (magnetic local time-invariant latitude) there are three distinct distributions that can be identified with 4-512 Hz signals from spatial irregularities and Alfven waves, 256-Hz to 4.1-kHz signals from ELF hiss, and 4.1-64 kHz signals from VLF auroral hiss, respectively. Overlap between ELF hiss and spatial irregularity signals occurs in the 256-512 Hz band. VLF hiss signals extend downward in frequency into the 1.0-4.1 kHz band and upward into the frequency range 128-512 kHz. The distinctly different spatial distribution patterns for the three bands, 4-256 Hz, 512-1204 Hz, and 4.1-64 kHz, indicate a lack of any causal relationships between VLF hiss, ELF hiss, and lower-frequency signals from spatial irregularities and Alfven waves.

Heppner, J. P.↗

Design of a solar array simulator for the NASA EOS testbed

The present spacecraft solar array simulator addresses both dc and ac characteristics as well as changes in illumination and temperature and performance degradation over the course of array service life. The computerized control system used allows simulation of a complete orbit cycle, in addition to automated diagnostics. The simulator is currently interfaced with the NASA EOS testbed.

Butler, Steve J.↗

Activated transport in AMTEC electrodes

Transport of alkali, metal atoms through porous cathodes of alkali metal thermal-to-electric converter (AMTEC) cells is responsible for significant reducible losses in the electrical performance of these cells. Experimental evidence for activated transport of metal atoms at grain surfaces and boundaries within some AMTEC electrodes has been derived from temperature dependent studies as well as from analysis of the detailed frequency dependence of ac impedance results for other electrodes, including thin, mature molybdenum electrodes which exhibit transport dominated by free molecular flow of sodium gas at low frequencies or dc conditions. Activated surface transport will almost always exist in parallel with free molecular flow transport, and the process of alkali atom adsorption/desorption from the electrode surface will invariably be part of the transport process, and possibly a dominant part in some cases. The temperature dependence of the diffusion coefficient of the alkali metal through the electrode in several cases provides an activation energy and preexponential, but at least two activated processes may be operative, and the activation parameters should be expected to depend on the alkali metal activity gradient that the electrode experiences. In the case of Pt/W/Mn electrodes operated for 2500 hours, limiting currents varied with electrode thickness, and the activation parameters could be assigned primarily to the surface/grain boundary diffusion process.

Williams, R. M.↗

Experiments on the stability of a liquid bridge in an axial electric field

The behavior of a neutrally buoyant liquid bridge was studied in the presence of axial electric fields. Silicone oil and a castor-oil-eugenol mixture were used to form cylinders with slenderness ratios larger than pi with strong, axial, dc electric fields. Below a certain field strength, a smooth transition to an axisymmetric, vaselike shape occurred. Circulation patterns were observed in these bridges. At lower field strengths, the bridge shape was more deformed and, at a well-defined field, pinch-off occurred. With ac fields, the field strength required to stabilize the bridge was higher and the collapse of the cylinder was much sharper. Upon interchanging the fluids, a steady axial field was found to destabilize cylinders with slenderness ratios less than 3. This behavior is consistent with that anticipated if the fluids behave as leaky dielectrics but not if they act as perfect dielectrics.

Sankaran, Subramanian↗

Measurement of the temperature coefficient of ratio transformers

We have measured the temperature coefficient of the output of several ratio transformers at ratios near 0.500,000 using an ac bridge and a dual-phase, lock-in amplifier. The two orthogonal output components were each resolved to +/- ppb of the bridge drive signal. The results for three commercial ratio transformers between 20 and 50 C range from 0.5 to 100 ppb/K for the signal component in phase with the bridge drive, and from 4 to 300 ppb/K for the quadrature component.

Briggs, Matthew E.↗

Self-rectifying electron beam melter for pendant-drop containerless processing

A self-rectifying electron beam melting technique is described. Utilizing an ac power supply, in contrast to the more usual dc supply, the in situ self-rectifying approach offers a simple and very inexpensive means of producing metallic pendant drops for use in containerless melt-processing experiments.

Pyun, D. S.↗

Improved Li-TiS2 cell cycling in ether-based electrolytes with synergistic additives

Results of the application of 2-MeF and KOH additives to improve the lithium stability in THF, dioxolane, and THF/2-MeTHF solvent-based electrolytes are presented. The stability of these electrolytes with and without additives is evaluated by microcalorimetry and AC impedance spectroscopy. A novel method, cathode turnover number, is proposed to represent the electrolyte performance in a given system. The lithium cycling efficiency and cathode turnover number of the electrolytes are calculated from the cycle life data in experimental Li-TiS2 cells. Overall, THF/2-MeTHF electrolyte containing 2-MeF and/or KOH exhibited higher stability, lithium cycling efficiency, and cathode turnover number compared to THF and dioxolane electrolytes with and without additives.

Shen, D. H.↗

Improved Li/TiS2 cell cycling in ether-based electrolytes with synergistic additives

Based on an extensive series of normalized full cell Li/TiS2 cycling studies, open-circuit storage tests, microcalorimetry and AC impedance studies, and chemical precedent, we propose an integrated chemical model consistent with experimental observations concerning the behavior of numerous LiAsF6/cyclic ether electrolytes. The particularly striking potency of certain additives such as 2-methylfuran and the hydroxide action resides in their ability to intercept several different adverse catalytic processes concurrently in the bulk electrolyte as well as the Li anode and TiS2 cathode.

Dominey, L. A.↗

The General Purpose Work Station, a spacious microgravity workbench

The General Purpose Work Station (GPWS) is a laboratory multiuse facility, as demonstrated during the Spacelab Life Sciences 1 (SLS-1) flight. The unit provided particulate containment under varying conditions, served as an effective work space for manipulating live animals, e.g., rats, served as a containment facility for fixatives, and was proposed for use to conduct in-flight maintenance during connector pin repair. The cabinet has a front door large enough to allow installation of a full-size microscope in-flight and is outfitted with a side window to allow delivery of items into the cabinet without exposure to the spacelab atmosphere. Additional support subsystems include inside cabinet mounting, surgical glove fine manipulations capability, and ac or dc power supply for experiment equipment, as will be demonstrated during Spacelab J. The GPWS, integrated and maintained in a double flight-rack, interfaces to spacelab systems including water cooling, avionics and cabin air, and power. Verification has been completed for multiple spacelab scenarios including SLS-2, SL-J, and SLS-3.

Dalton, Bonnie P.↗

Studies of classical radiation emission from plasma wave undulators

We examine the characteristics of the classical radiation emitted by a relativistic electron beam that propagates perpendicularly through a large amplitude relativistic plasma wave. Such a study is useful for evaluating the feasibility of using relativistic plasma waves as extremely short wavelength undulators for generating short wavelength radiation. The electron trajectories in a plasma wave undulator are obtained using perturbation techniques and are then compared to numerical simulation results. The frequency spectrum and angular distribution of the spontaneous radiation emitted by a single electron and the stimulated radiation gain are obtained analytically, and are then compared to 3-D numerical simulations. The characteristics of the plasma wave undulator are compared to the ac FEL undulator and the conventional FEL.

Williams, Ronald L.↗

Concept for a high-resolution thermometer utilizing the temperature dependence of the magnetic penetration depth

A thermometer using the temperature dependence of the magnetic penetration depth in superconductors is described which has the potential for temperature resolution, when using a dc SQUID readout, on the order of 1 pK. One such device has been fabricated and characterized to demonstrate proof of concept. It consists of primary and secondary coils of NbTi wire wound on a copper toroidal core on which a thin layer of In (Tc = 3.4 K) has been deposited. The temperature dependence of the mutual inductance, M(T), or self-inductance, is used to detect changes in temperature. Measurements of M(T) have been made with an ac excitation of the primary for various frequencies and peak magnetic field strengths. Estimates of ultimate temperature resolution are given.

Shirron, P. J.↗

Nonenzymatic template-directed synthesis on hairpin oligonucleotides. III - Incorporation of adenosine and uridine residues

Nonenzymatic template-directed incorporation of adenosine and uridine residues into template sequences was obtained using nucleoside-5-prime phosphoro (2-methyl)imidazolides as substrates and hairpin oligonucleotides as templates. The reactions are regiospecific, producing mainly 3-prime-5-prime phosphodiester bonds. Limited synthesis of CA and AC sequences was observed along with some synthesis of the AA sequences on templates containing TG and GT sequences, along wilth some synthesis of the AA sequences on templates containing TT sequences.

Wu, Taifeng↗

Effect of cycling on the lithium/electrolyte interface in organic electrolytes

Nondestructive methods such as ac impedance spectroscopy and microcalorimetry are used to study the effect of cell cycling on the lithium/electrolyte interface. The reactivity of both uncycled and cycled lithium towards various electrolytes is examined by measuring the heat evolved from the cells under open-circuit conditions at 25 C by microcalorimetry. Cycled cells at the end of charge/discharge exhibited considerably higher heat output compared with the uncycled cells. After 30 d of storage, the heat output of the cycled cells is similar to that of the uncycled cells. The cell internal resistance increases with cycling, and this is attributed to the degradation of the electrolyte with cycling.

Surampudi, S.↗

Optical fiber voltage sensors for broad temperature ranges

We describe the development of an optical fiber ac voltage sensor for aircraft and spacecraft applications. Among the most difficult specifications to meet for this application is a temperature stability of +/- 1 percent from -65 C to +125 C. This stability requires a careful selection of materials, components, and optical configuration with further compensation using an optical-fiber temperature sensor located near the sensing element. The sensor is a polarimetric design, based on the linear electro-optic effect in bulk Bi4Ge3O12. The temperature sensor is also polarimetric, based on the temperature dependence of the birefringence of bulk SiO2. The temperature sensor output is used to automatically adjust the calibration of the instrument.

Rose, A. H.↗

Actively controlled superconducting bearings

Actively controlled conventional radial beating using copper winding and soft magnetic material can provide only up to 200 N/sq cm of pressure. Large cryogenic pumps for space applications operating at 30,000 rpm and high rpm machines may require larger magnetic pressure. We show that using superconducting winding in the rotor and the stator of a magnetic bearing system increases the pressure by an order of magnitude. The paper addresses winding configuration, stability, ac losses, and power requirement for the superconducting winding.

Eyssa, Yehia M.↗