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At least 127 records · Page 7

SSME turbopump bearing analytical study

Three shuttle pump bearings operating under severe overspeed and shut-down conditions are evaluated. The specific parameters investigated include outer race stresses, cage stresses, cage-race drag, bearing heating, and crush loading. A quasi-dynamic version of the BASDAP computer code was utilized which involved the calculation of ball-race forces (inner and outer), contact pressures, contact dimensions, and contact angles as a function of (1) axial load, (2) radial load, and (3) centrifugal load on the bearing. Generally, radial loads on the order of 13,300 N (3000 pounds) per bearing or 26,700 N (6000 pounds) per bearing pair, could be expected to cause severe problems to any of the bearings with a 17,800 N (4000 pounds) axial load. Further, when possible temperature excursions are considered, even a load of 8900 N (2000 pounds) may be excessive. However, high momentary radial loads with a 3800 N (850 pounds) axial load would not be anticipated to cause catastrophic failure of the fuel pump bearing.

Kannel, J. W.↗

The development of a Space Shuttle Research Animal Holding Facility

The ability to maintain the well being of experiment animals is of primary importance to the successful attainment of life sciences flight experiment goals. To assist scientists in the conduct of life sciences flight experiments, a highly versatile Research Animal Holding Facility (RAHF) is being developed for use on Space Shuttle/Spacelab missions. This paper describes the design of the RAHF system, which in addition to providing general housing for various animal species, approximating the environment found in ground based facilities, is designed to minimize disturbances of the specimens by vehicle and mission operations. Life-sustaining capabilities such as metabolic support and environmental control are provided. RAHF is reusable and is a modular concept to accommodate animals of different sizes. The basic RAHF system will accommodate a combination of 24 500-g rats or 144 mice or a mixed number of rats and mice. An alternative design accommodates four squirrel monkeys. The entire RAHF system is housed in a single ESA rack. The animal cages are in drawers which are removable for easy access to the animals. Each cage contains a waste management system, a feeding system and a watering system all of which will operate in zero or one gravity.

Jagow, R. B.↗

Transient dynamic analysis of high-speed lightly loaded cylindrical roller bearings. 2: Computer program and results

The governing differential equations of motion for a high speed cylindrical roller bearing are programmed for numerical solution and plotted output. This computer program has the capability of performing a two dimensional or three dimensional simulation. Two numerical solutions of the governing differential equations were obtained to simulate the motion of a roller bearing, one for the two dimensional equations of motion and one for the three dimensional equations of motion. Computer generated plots were obtained and present such data as roller/cage interaction forces, roller/race traction forces, roller/race relative slip velocities and cage angular speed over a nondimensional time equivalent to 1.2 revolutions of the inner race. Roller axial displacement, roller skew angle, and skew moment are also plotted for the three dimensional solution. The trajectory of the cage center is plotted for both the two dimensional and three dimensional solutions.

Conry, T. F.↗

Electrostatic antenna space environment interaction study

The interactions of the electrostatic antenna with the space environment in both low Earth orbit and geosynchronous orbit are investigated. It is concluded that the electrostatically controlled membrane mirror is a viable concept for space applications. However, great care must be taken to enclose the high voltage electrodes in a Faraday cage structure to separate the high voltage region from the ambient plasma. For this reason, metallized cloth is not acceptable as a membrane material. Conventional spacecraft charging at geosynchronous orbit should not be a problem provided ancillary structures (such as booms) are given nonnegligible conductivity and adequate grounding. Power loss due to plasma electrons entering the high field region is a potentially serious problem. In low earth orbit any opening whatever in the Faraday cage is likely to produce an unacceptable power drain.

Katz, I.↗

Performance of jet- and inner-ring-lubricated 35 millimeter bore ball bearings operating to 2.5 million DN

Parametric tests were conducted with a 35 millimeter bore, angular contact ball bearing having a single outer land guided cage. Lubrication was achieved by flowing oil through axial grooves and radial holes machined in the inner ring of the bearing. Test conditions were a thrust load of 667 N (150 lb), shaft speeds from 48,000 to 72,000 rpm, and an oil inlet temperature of 394 K (250 F). Data from tests where the distribution of the total oil supplied to the inner ring was 50 percent for bearing lubrication and 50 percent for bearing inner ring cooling were compared with those where the distribution pattern was 25 percent lubrication and 75 percent cooling. Successful operation was experienced with both the 50-50 and 25-75 percent flow distribution patterns to 2.5 million DN. The 50-50 percent flow pattern provided the cooler bearing operation of the two inner ring lubricated bearings. The jet lubricated bearing had lower outer ring and higher inner ring temperatures than the inner ring lubricated bearings. Maximum power loss of 2.8 kW (3.7 hp) was experienced with the 25-75 percent flow distribution, and maximum percent cage slip of 7.0 occurred at 72,300 rpm with the 50-50 percent flow distribution.

Schuller, F., T.↗

A new rat model for studies of hypokinesia and antiorthostasis

A new rat model (suspension and immobilization) is described for induction of hypokinesia and orthostatic manipulations. Hypokinetic responses were comparable to those in prolonged bed rest and weightlessness in humans, body or limb casted and small cage restrained animals. Responses to antiorthostasis (15 to 20 deg head down tilt) in rats were similar to those in neutral bouyancy tests in humans and animals and to those in prolonged bed rest in humans. During seven days of hypokinesia there was an atrophy of the gastrocnemius and increased excretion of urinary nitrogeneous end products. The antiorthostatic (AOH) 15 to 20 deg head down tilt resulted in diuresis, natriuresis and kaliuresis. No comparable responses were observed in orthostatic hypokinetic (OH) rats. Readaptation from AOH and OH occurred during one week recovery in metabolic cage conditions.

Musacchia, X. J.↗

Measurements of elastohydrodynamic film thickness, wear and tempering behavior of high pressure oxygen turbopump bearings

The reusable design of the Space Shuttle requires a target life of 7.5 hours for the turbopumps of the Space Shuttle main engine (SSME). This large increase from the few hundred seconds required in single-use rockets has caused various problems with the bearings of the turbopumps. The berings of the high pressure oxygen turbopump (HPOTP) were of particular concern because of wear, spalling, and cage failures at service time well below the required 7.5 hours. Lubrication and wear data were developed for the bearings. Since the HPOTP bearings operate in liquid oxygen, conventional liquid lubricants cannot be applied. Therefore, solid lubricant coatings and lubricant transfer from the polytetrafluorethylene (FTFE) cage were the primary lubrication approaches for the bearings. Measurements were made using liquid nitrogen in a rolling disk machine to determine whether usable elastohydrodynamic films could be generated to assist in the bearing lubrication.

Dufrane, K. F.↗

Effect of two inner-ring oil-flow distribution schemes on the operating characteristics of a 35 millimeter bore ball bearing to 2.5 million DN

Parametric tests were conducted with a 35-mm-bore, split-inner-ring ball bearing with a double-inner-land-guided cage. Provisions were made for through-the-inner-ring lubrication. Test condictions were either a thrust load of 667 N (150 lb) or a combined load of 667 N (150 lb) thrust and 222 N (50 lb) radial, shaft speeds from 32000 to 72000 rpm, and an oil-inlet temperature of 394 K (250 deg F). Outer ring cooling was used in some tests. Tests were run with either 50 or 75 percent of the total oil flow distributed to the inner-ring raceway. Successful operation was experienced with both 50% and 75% flow patterns to 2.5 million DN. Cooling the outer ring had little effect on inner-ring temperature; however, the outer-ring temperature decreased as much as 7% at 2.5 million DN. Maximum recorded power loss was 3.1 kW (4.2 hp), and maximum cage slip was 8.7 percent. Both occurred at a shaft speed of 72000 rpm, a lubricant flow rate of 1900 cu/min (0.50 gal/min), a combined load, and no outer-ring cooling.

Schuller, F. T.↗

GIOTTO's antenna de-spin mechanism: Ots lubrication and thermal vacuum performance

Except in the near Earth phase of GIOTTO's mission to Comet Halley, the HGA (high gain antenna) on board GIOTTO was the only designed means of up/down communications. The spacecraft spin stabilization required that the HGA be despun at the same rotational rate of nominally 15 rpm in order to keep the HGA pointing accurately to a Earth. A dual servomotor despin mechanism was designed and built by SEP of France for this purpose. The expected thermal environment suggested that dry lubrication was preferable to wet for the ball bearings but there existed no relevant data on the torque noise spectrum of candidate solid lubricants. Therefore ad hoc torque noise tests were run with two solid lubricants: ion plated lead film plus lead bronze cage (retainer) and a PTFE composite cage only. The lead lubrication showed the better spectrum up to the mission lifetime point so it was selected for continued test over some 20 times the Halley mission life, with periodic torque spectrum monitoring. The spectrum remained well within the pointing error budget over the 100 million revolutions covered.

Todd, M. J.↗

The effect of solid film lubricants on the stability of rolling element bearings

A technique has been developed for modeling solid films in rolling element bearings. For a given bearing geometry an effective viscosity can be calculated for a solid film as a function of the film shear modulus and ball-race friction coefficient. The calculated effective viscosity can subsequently be used as an input to a numerical model of cage motion and stability. Results from a sample calculation of effective viscosity and prediction of cage stability for a turbopump bearing are presented for films of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) and polytetrafluoroethylene ()PTFE).

Kannel, J. W.↗

Frequency Synthesizer For Tracking Filter

Digital frequency-synthesizing subsystem generates trains of pulses, free of jitter, for use as frequency-control signals in tracking filters. Part of assembly of electronic equipment used to measure vibrations in bearings in rotating machinery. Designed to meet requirements for tracking narrow-band cage-rotation and ball-pass components of vibrations, as discussed in "Frequency-Tracking Error Detector" (MFS-29538) and "Ball-Pass Cage-Modulation Detector" (MFS-29539). Synthesizer includes preset counter, output of which controls signal for ball-pass filter. Input to this preset counter updated every 2 microseconds: responds almost immediately, effectively eliminating relatively long response time (lock-in time) and phase jitter.

Randall, Richard L.↗

The rodent research animal holding facility as a barrier to environmental contamination

The rodent Research Animal Holding Facility (RAHF), developed by NASA Ames Research Center (ARC) to separately house rodents in a Spacelab, was verified as a barrier to environmental contaminants during a 12-day biocompatibility test. Environmental contaminants considered were solid particulates, microorganisms, ammonia, and typical animal odors. The 12-day test conducted in August 1988 was designed to verify that the rodent RAHF system would adequately support and maintain animal specimens during normal system operations. Additional objectives of this test were to demonstrate that: (1) the system would capture typical particulate debris produced by the animal; (2) microorganisms would be contained; and (3) the passage of animal odors was adequately controlled. In addition, the amount of carbon dioxide exhausted by the RAHF system was to be quantified. Of primary importance during the test was the demonstration that the RAHF would contain particles greater than 150 micrometers. This was verified after analyzing collection plates placed under exhaust air ducts and rodent cages during cage maintenance operations, e.g., waste tray and feeder changeouts. Microbiological testing identified no additional organisms in the test environment that could be traced to the RAHF. Odor containment was demonstrated to be less than barely detectable. Ammonia could not be detected in the exhaust air from the RAHF system. Carbon dioxide levels were verified to be less than 0.35 percent.

Savage, P. D., Jr.↗

Experiment K-6-20. The effect of spaceflight on pituitary oxytocin and vasopressin content of rats

Pituitary levels of oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (AVP) were measured in rats exposed to 12.5 days of spaceflight (FLT) as well as ground-based controls, one group synchronously maintained in flight-type cages with similar feeding schedules (SYN), and one group in vivarium cages (VIV). Flight rats had significantly less (p less than 0.05) pituitary OT and AVP(1.10 plus or minus 0.04 and 1.69 plus or minus 0.07 micron g, n=5) than either the SYN(1.60 plus or minus 0.08 and 2.11 plus or minus 0.04 micron g, n=5) or VIV (1.54 plus or minus 0.03 and 2.10 plus or minus 0.09 micron g, n=5) control groups, respectively. Because the FLT group mean body weight was significantly less (p less than 0.05) than either control group, the pituitary hormone content was also calculated on the basis of posterior pituitary protein content. When calculated in this manner, pituitary OT in the FLT rats (5.09 plus or minus 0.15 micron g/mg protein) was significantly less (p less than 0.05) than SYN(7.66 plus or minus 0.39 micron g/mg protein) or VIV controls (8.11 plus or minus 0.64 micron g/mg protein). Pituitary AVP was also less in the FLT animals (7.80 plus or minus 0.13 micron g/mg protein) compared to either SYN(9.84 plus or minus 0.51, p less than 0.05) or VIV controls (11.01 plus or minus 0.76, p less than 0.05). The reduced levels of pituitary OT and AVP may have resulted from increased hormone secretion resulting from the combined effects of water deprivation and the stress of the novel microgravity environment.

Keil, L.↗

Evolution and use of combined mechanical and thermal codes for cryogenic turbopump bearings

Shaft bearing system analysis codes were developed, improved, and used to investigate Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) Liquid Oxygen (LOX) turbopump bearing problems, and to support the Marshall Space Flight Center Bearing and Seal Materials Test (BSMT) program. Thermal network modeling uses the SINDA thermal code, and the modeling of bearing quasi-dynamic characteristics uses the SHABERTH bearing/shaft code. These codes are solved concurrently for a bearing/shaft system using software developed for this purpose. Simulation of the SSME LOX turbopump turbine and pump end bearings and the MSFC BSMT operating in liquid nitrogen (LN sub 2) and LOX was done. The thermal network models include the bearing components, bearing carriers, shaft, housing, frictional heat, and viscous fluid energy. A cage model was included to account for heat generation between the cage and rolling elements. Since most bearing surfaces operate at temperatures well above the coolant saturation temperature, and move at high speed relative to the coolant, forced convection boiling is the dominant mechanism for heat removal. Improved modeling of forced convection film boiling was incorporated to take into account the local vapor generation at the high temperature surfaces. Rearing preloads in the pump and tester are provided by preload springs. As bearing operating clearances and contact angles change due to thermal effects and loading, the bearing preload changes with these varying conditions. These characteristics were modeled and are included in the overall system models. Results from these models indicate an operational limit which, if exceeded, predicts a thermal excursion.

Cody, Joe C.↗

The rodent Research Animal Holding Facility as a barrier to environmental contamination

The rodent Research Animal Holding Facility (RAHF), developed by NASA Ames Research Center (ARC) to separately house rodents in a Spacelab, was verified as a barrier to environmental contaminants during a 12-day biocompatibility test. Environmental contaminants considered were solid particulates, microorganisms, ammonia, and typical animal odors. The 12-day test conducted in August 1988 was designed to verify that the rodent RAHF system would adequately support and maintain animal specimens during normal system operations. Additional objectives of this test were to demonstrate that: (1) the system would capture typical particulate debris produced by the animal; (2) microorganisms would be contained; and (3) the passage of animal odors was adequately controlled. In addition, the amount of carbon dioxide exhausted by the RAHF system was to be quantified. Of primary importance during the test was the demonstration that the RAHF would contain particles greater than 150 micrometers. This was verified after analyzing collection plates placed under exhaust air ducts and and rodent cages during cage maintenance operations, e.g., waste tray and feeder changeouts. Microbiological testing identified no additional organisms in the test environment that could be traced to the RAHF. Odor containment was demonstrated to be less than barely detectable. Ammonia could not be detected in the exhaust air from the RAHF system. Carbon dioxide levels were verified to be less than 0.35 percent.

Savage, P. D., Jr.↗

Interactive effects of nutrition, environment, and rat-strain on cortical and vertebral bone geometry and biomechanics

An investigation was conducted to generate comparative data on the sensitivity of cortical- and vertebral-bone adaptations in two different rat strains maintained at conditions typical for spaceborne experiments conducted by U.S.A. and USSR. The effects of cage environment, diet, and rat-strain on the cortical (humerus) and vertebral (T7) bones of male Taconic-Sprague-Dawley and Czechoslovakian-Wistar rats were investigated using different flight-simulation cages (one rat/cage for U.S.A.; ten rats/cage for USSR conditions) and fed either U.S.A. or USSR diet. The results showed significant effects of these factors on the humeral and vertebral geometry and mechanical properties, as well as significant interactive effects on the mechanical properties of the humerus.

Zernicke, R. F.↗

Research Animal Holding Facility Prevents Space Lab Contamination

Healthy environment for both rodents and human researchers maintained. Research animal holding facility (RAHF) and rodent cage prevent solid particles (feces, food bits, hair), micro-organisms, ammonia, and odors from escaping into outside environment during spaceflight. Rodent cage contains compartments for two animals. Provides each drinking-water dispenser, feeding alcove, and activity-monitoring port. Feeding and waste trays removable.

Savage, P. D., Jr.↗

Evaluation of bearing configurations using the single bearing tester in liquid nitrogen

Various bearing configurations were tested using the Marshall Space Flight Center single bearing tester with LN2 as the cryogenic coolant. The baseline was one Rocketdyne phase one high pressure oxidizer turbopump (HPOTP) pump end 45-mm bore bearing. The bearing configurations that were tested included a Salox/M cage configuration, a silicon nitride ball configuration, an elongated cage configuration, and a Bray 601 grease configuration.

Jett, T.↗