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At least 1,225 records · Page 68
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1975

Thermal capacitator design rationale. Part 1: Thermal and mechanical property data for selected materials potentially useful in thermal capacitor design and construction

The thermal properties of paraffin hydrocarbons and hydrocarbon mixtures which may be used as the phase change material (PCM) in thermal capacitors are discussed. The paraffin hydrocarbons selected for consideration are those in the range from C11H24 (n-Undecane) to C20H42 (n-Eicosane). A limited amount of data is included concerning other properties of paraffin hydrocarbons and the thermal and mechanical properties of several aluminum alloys which may find application as constructional materials. Data concerning the melting temperature, transition temperature, latent heat of fusion, heat of transition, specific heat, and thermal conductivity of pure and commercial grades of paraffin hydrocarbons are given. An index of companies capable of producing paraffin hydrocarbons and information concerning the availability of various grades (purity levels) is provided.

Bailey, J. A.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Heat-transfer tests on the Rockwell International space shuttle orbiter with and without simulated protuberances

Aerothermodynamic tests on the forward half of the Rockwell International Space Shuttle Orbiter Configuration 140C were conducted at Mach number 8. The phase-change paint and thin-skin thermocouple techniques were used to determine the aerodynamic heating rates on the Orbiter models during simulated atmospheric reentry. Smooth 0.04-scale models and models with scaled protuberances and indentations which simulated the windshields, cargo bay door hinges, vents, and thruster nozzles were tested over an angle-of-attack range from 20 to 45 deg at yaw angles from -5 to 5 deg and at Reynolds numbers, based on the total Orbiter scaled length, from 2.15 to 15.9 million. Comparisons of the model heat-transfer rates obtained with a smooth surface and with scaled protuberances are presented.

Carter, L. D.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Jovian meterology: Large-scale moist convection without a lower boundary

It is proposed that Jupiter's cloud bands represent large scale convection whose character is determined by the phase change of water at a level where the temperature is about 275K. It is argued that there are three important layers in the atmosphere: a tropopause layer where emission to space occurs; an intermediate layer between the tropopause and the water cloud base; and the deep layer below the water cloud. All arguments are only semi-quantitative. It is pointed out that these ingredients are essential to Jovian meteorology.

Gierasch, P. J.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Fusible heat sink for EVA thermal control

The preliminary design and analysis of a heat sink system utilizing a phase change slurry material to be used eventually for astronaut cooling during manned space missions is described. During normal use, excess heat in the liquid cooling garment coolant is transferred to a reusable/regenerable fusible heat sink. Recharge is accomplished by disconnecting the heat sink from the liquid cooling garment and placing it in an on board freezer for simultaneous slurry refreeze and power supply electrical rechange.

Roebelen, G. J., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Space processing float zone thermal analysis

Thermal analysis (BETA) computer program adaptations were prepared to analyze phase change histories in crystal specimens. The first program (BETA-CYL) treats right circular cylinder configurations and the second, more general, program (BETA-BOR) treats a generalized body-of-revolution configuration. A series of computer runs were made for silicon material to determine boundary conditions which produce flat solidification interfaces while, at the same time, minimizing peak temperatures in the molten zone. Flat solidification interfaces are a goal believed by some investigators to be required to produce high quality semiconductor materials. The thermal effects of convection in a molten zone were examined and found to be negligible in comparison to the conduction heat transfer of the melt.

Pogson, J. T.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Long term performance of the advanced thermal control flight experiment

The Advanced Thermal Control Flight Experiment (ATFE) is providing the first zero-g flight data for the performance of a thermal diode heat pipe and an electrical Feedback Controlled Heat Pipe (FCHP). The temperature stability derived from the melting and freezing of octadecane is also being evaluated in this experiment. Flight data for the different operational modes are compared to ground test data, and the performance of the individual components is analyzed. Also, the ATFE's long term behavior from launch through September 30, 1975, is evaluated. The temperature control capability of a thermal diode, phase change material, and FCHP was demonstrated over more than 500 days of flight operation and each of these components should be considered in future applications. Both the diode and FCHP transport more than 20 W in the normal and passive modes during maximum conditions. Up to 30 W has been carried by the FCHP when the auxiliary heater is applied. The "OFF-conductance" of the diode has improved substantially in flight. A 1.4 W decrease in backflow has been realized by more complete blockage. The variable conductance behavior of the FCHP is essentially unchanged with time and relative to ground tests. Degradation of the radiator and reservoir surfaces have resulted in a partial loss of control by the FCHP during normal mode operation; however, manual control at an elevated set point has demonstrated the FCHP's ability to provide regulated temperature control to within + or - 2 C. The same pipe when operated as a passive VCHP controlled at 35 + or - 10 C with the same test conditions.

Brennan, P. J.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Thermal desorption of metals from tungsten single crystal surfaces

After a short review of experimental methods used to determine desorption energies and frequencies the assumptions underlying the theoretical analysis of experimental data are discussed. Recent experimental results on the flash desorption of Cu, Ag, and Au from clean, well characterized W (110) and (100) surfaces are presented and analyzed in detail with respect to the coverage dependence. The results obtained clearly reveal the limitations of previous analytical methods and of the experimental technique per se (such as structure and phase changes below and in the temperature region in which desorption occurs).

Bauer, E.↗
NASA NTRS1975

ATS-6 - Flight performance of the Advanced Thermal Control Flight Experiment

The Advanced Thermal Control Flight Experiment on ATS-6 was designed to demonstrate the thermal control capability of a thermal diode (one-way) heat pipe, a phase-change material for thermal storage, and a feedback-controlled heat pipe. Flight data for the different operational modes are compared to ground test data, and the performance of the components is evaluated on an individual basis and as an integrated temperature-control system.

Kirkpatrick, J. P.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Non-equilibrium one-dimensional two-phase flow in variable area channels

A one-dimensional nonequilibrium flow analysis has been formulated for a one component two phase flow. The flow is considered homogeneous and essentially isothermal. Phase change is assumed to occur at heterogeneous nucleation sites and the growth of the vapor bubbles is governed by heat conduction from the liquid to the bubble. The analysis adjusted for friction is applied to liquid nitrogen flow in a venturi and comparison is made with the NASA experimental results of Simoneau. Good agreement with the experiments is obtained when one assumes the effective activation energy for nucleus formation to be small but nonzero. The computed pressure distributions deviate from the experimental results in the throat region of the venturi in a manner consistent with centrifugal effects not accounted for in the one-dimensional theory. The results are shown to depend not only on cavitation number but on additional dimensionless parameters governing the nonequilibrium production and subsequent growth of nuclei.

Rohatgi, U. S.↗
NASA NTRS1976

A new method for solving problems of sound radiation from a duct for the case of low Mach number

A method for rapidly solving duct end-plane impedance problems is presented which is based on deriving a form of the Helmholtz integral formula expressing the normal derivative of the acoustic pressure at a boundary point. A set of integral expressions is obtained by satisfying the existing boundary conditions and then solved using a general collocation method. The results obtained for the Levine-Schwinger (1948) problem agree well with the exact values. In the case of a duct flow having a temperature mismatch with the surroundings, the results show an increase in the magnitude of the reflection coefficient for the case of a cold core, and a decrease in its value for the case of a hot core, as compared with the case of exhaust into a uniform medium. A phase change of between pi/2 and pi is nearly always achieved, which indicates the tendency towards maintaining a constant pressure at the exit plane. The method can easily be extended to arbitrary duct shapes as long as they are axisymmetric.

Wahbah, M. M.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Thermophysical properties of foodstuffs

Minimum overall nutritional deterioration of foodstuffs is generally attained by maximizing the rate of heat input and minimizing the duration of heating. Measurement of thermophysical data for foodstuffs is discussed in terms of specific heat, latent energy, enthalpy, thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, and density. Since phase change in foodstuffs occurs over a temperature range rather than at a discrete temperature, enthalpy is preferred over sensible and latent energy measurements as it can be used to fix the state of a sample very accurately; also, in the fusion process there is no precise way of separating sensible and latent energies. The first step in determining property data for foodstuffs is to describe the material in conventionally accepted terms. Future work should be concentrated in the area of thermal diffusivity and enthalpy measurements.

Witte, L. C.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Nonintrusive Flowmeter

The results of analytical and experimental work performed in the design, fabrication, and test of a prototype nonintrusive gaging system for use in monitoring the consumption of earth-storable fuels and oxidants in either a one-g or a zero-g environment are explained. The design specifications were those applicable to the reaction control system and to the orbital maneuvering system (OMS) fuel and oxidant on the space shuttle while in orbit. The major requirement was for the measurement of flow pulses with sufficient accuracy to provide a continuous knowledge of the fuel and oxidant remaining in the OMS system to within 1% or better. An ultrasonic frequency chirp technique was used having a high inherent rejection for signals traversing stray paths, and for random noise generated by the flowing liquid. A detailed analysis of the frequency chirp approach for two modes of operation (period and phase changes), including an error analysis are reported.

Greene, M. W.↗
NASA NTRS1976

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.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Convection phenomena at reduced gravity of importance for materials processing

The basic aspects of convection processes are delineated. It is shown that even in weak gravitational fields buoyancy can induce fluid motions. Furthermore, at reduced gravity other nongravity forces such as surface or interfacial tensions, g-jitter, therma-volume expansions, density differences due to phase changes, and magnetic and electric fields can induce fluid motions. The various types of flow possible with these various driving forces are described and criteria for determining the extent and nature of the resulting flows and heat transfer are presented. The various physical mechanisms that can occur separately and in combination are indicated and the present state of knowledge of each of the phenomena is outlined.

Ostrach, S.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Proportionality between Doppler noise and integrated signal path electron density validated by differenced S-X range

Observations of Viking differenced S-band/X-band (S-X) range are shown to correlate strongly with Viking Doppler noise. A ratio of proportionality between downlink S-band plasma-induced range error and two-way Doppler noise is calculated. A new parameter (similar to the parameter epsilon which defines the ratio of local electron density fluctuations to mean electron density) is defined as a function of observed data sample interval (Tau) where the time-scale of the observations is 15 Tau. This parameter is interpreted to yield the ratio of net observed phase (or electron density) fluctuations to integrated electron density (in RMS meters/meter). Using this parameter and the thin phase-changing screen approximation, a value for the scale size L is calculated. To be consistent with Doppler noise observations, it is seen necessary for L to be proportional to closest approach distance a, and a strong function of the observed data sample interval, and hence the time-scale of the observations.

Berman, A. L.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Range safety signal propagation through the SRM exhaust plume of the space shuttle

Theoretical predictions of plume interference for the space shuttle range safety system by solid rocket booster exhaust plumes are reported. The signal propagation was calculated using a split operator technique based upon the Fresnel-Kirchoff integral, using fast Fourier transforms to evaluate the convolution and treating the plume as a series of absorbing and phase-changing screens. Talanov's lens transformation was applied to reduce aliasing problems caused by ray divergence.

Boynton, F. P.↗
NASA NTRS1976

A fusible heat sink concept for extravehicular activity /EVA/ thermal control

This paper describes the preliminary design and analysis of a heat sink system, utilizing a phase change slurry material, to be used for astronaut and equipment cooling during manned space missions. During normal use, excess heat in the liquid cooling garment (LCG) coolant is transferred to a regenerable fusible heat sink. Recharge is accomplished by disconnecting the heat sink from the liquid cooling garment and placing it in an onboard freezer for simultaneous slurry refreeze and power supply recharge.

Roebelen, G. J., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Mariner 10 observations of Mercury

The paper reviews Mariner 10 observations of Mercury during the three encounters in March 1974 in a darkside passage at an altitude of 703 km, in September 1974 in a brightside passage at southern latitudes at a distance of some 50,000 km, and in March 1975 in another darkside passage at midnorthern latitudes at a closest approach distance of about 327 km. Evidence for the chemical differentiation of Mercury is found in the morphology and distribution of the smooth plains. The concept of chemical differentiation is shown to be consistent with the observation of global compression in that the crustal shortening observed could readily be explained by a phase change in a large metal-rich core. Extreme ultraviolet observations set an upper limit to the atmosphere at around one trillionth bar, with positive identification of a tenous (10 to the minus 15th bar) He atmosphere. An unexpected finding during the first encounter was the existence of a planet-related magnetic field. The third encounter yielded unequivocal evidence that the field is of internal origin, providing an independent line of evidence that Mercury possesses a large metal-rich core.

Dunne, J. A.↗