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At least 127 records · Page 7

Processing and Properties of a Phenolic Composite System

Phenolic resin systems generate water as a reaction by-product via condensation reactions during curing at elevated temperatures. In the fabrication of fiber reinforced phenolic resin matrix composites, volatile management is crucial in producing void-free quality laminates. A commercial vacuum-bag moldable phenolic prepreg system was selected for this study. The traditional single-vacuum-bag (SVB) process was unable to manage the volatiles effectively, resulting in inferior voidy laminates. However, a double vacuum bag (DVB) process was shown to afford superior volatile management and consistently yielded void-free quality parts. The DVB process cure cycle (temperature /pressure profiles) for the selected composite system was designed, with the vacuum pressure application point carefully selected, to avoid excessive resin squeeze-outs and achieve the net shape and target resin content in the final consolidated laminate parts. Laminate consolidation quality was characterized by optical photomicrography for the cross sections and measurements of mechanical properties. A 40% increase in short beam shear strength, 30% greater flexural strength, 10% higher tensile and 18% higher compression strengths were obtained in composite laminates fabricated by the DVB process.

Hou, Tan-Hung↗

An experimental investigation of gapwise periodicity and unsteady aerodynamic response in an oscillating cascade. 1: Experimental and theoretical results

Tests were conducted on a linear cascade of airfoils oscillating in pitch to measure the unsteady pressure response on selected blades along the leading edge plane of the cascade, over the chord of the center blade, and on the sidewall in the plane of the leading edge. The pressure data were reduced to Fourier coefficient form for direct comparison, and were also processed to yield integrated loads and, particularly, the aerodynamic damping coefficient. Results from the unsteady Verdon/Caspar theory for cascaded blades with nonzero thickness and camber were compared with the experimental measurements. The three primary results are: (1) from the leading edge plane blade data, the cascade was judged to be periodic in unsteady flow over the range of parameters tested; (2) the interblade phase angle was found to be the single most important parameter affecting the stability of the oscillating cascade blades; and (3) the real blade theory and the experiment were in excellent agreement for the several cases chosen for comparison.

Carta, F. O.↗

Thermodynamic cycle analysis

An analysis was made of Rankine cycle efficiency in nuclear power plants with and without reheat capabilities. In addition, temperatures and pressures at certain selected locations were carried out to optimize plant efficiency. It was determined that plant efficiency without reheat was 39.03%, with reheat, a maximum efficiency of 4.44% was obtained at a pressure of 435.12 psia. Data also indicate efficiency appears to increase for pressures greater than 720 psia. However, higher pressures cannot be used because calculations indicate these pressure reheat temperatures exceed 1650 R, which is not allowed due to material limitations.

Source record↗

Flight measurements of lifting pressures for a thin low-aspect-ratio wing at subsonic, transonic, and low supersonic speeds

Pressure distributions in the form of differential pressure coefficients are presented for several wing chordwise and spanwise stations. Also presented are the results of limited analysis which show aircraft configuration effects, Mach number effects on the local wing loadings, comparisons of selected measured wing pressures with predicted pressures, and comparisons of wing loadings during right-turn and left-turn maneuvers.

Byrdsong, T. A.↗

NASA Ares I Launch Vehicle Roll and Reaction Control Systems Overview

NASA's Ares I launch vehicle, consisting of a five segment solid rocket booster first stage and a liquid bi-propellant J-2X engine upper stage, is the vehicle that's been chosen to return humans to the moon, mars, and beyond. This paper provides an overview of the work that has taken place on the Ares I launch vehicle roll and reaction control systems. Reaction control systems are found on many launch vehicles and provide a vehicle with a three degree of freedom stabilization during the mission. The Ares I baseline configuration currently consists of a first stage roll control system that will provide the vehicle with a method of counteracting the roll torque that is expected during launch. An upper stage reaction control system will allow the upper stage three degrees of freedom control as needed. Design assessments and trade studies are being conducted on the roll and reaction control systems including: propellant selection, thruster arrangement, pressurization system configuration, and system component trades. Other vehicle considerations and issues include thruster plume impingement, thruster module aerothermal and aerodynamic effects, and system integration. This paper concludes by summarizing the process of down selecting to the current baseline configuration for the Ares I roll and reaction control systems.

Popp, Chris↗

Hanging drop crystal growth apparatus and method

An apparatus (10) is constructed having a cylindrical enclosure (16) within which a disc-shaped wicking element (18) is positioned. A well or recess (22) is cut into an upper side (24) of this wicking element, and a glass cover plate or slip (28) having a protein drop disposed thereon is sealably positioned on the wicking element (18), with drop (12) being positioned over well or recess (22). A flow of control fluid is generated by a programmable gradient former (16), with this control fluid having a vapor pressure that is selectively variable. This flow of control fluid is coupled to the wicking element (18) where control fluid vapor diffusing from walls (26) of the recess (22) is exposed to the drop (12), forming a vapor pressure gradient between the drop (12) and the control fluid vapor. Initially, this gradient is adjusted to draw solvent from the drop (12) at a relatively high rate, and as the critical supersaturation point is approached (the point at which crystal nucleation occurs), the gradient is reduced to more slowly draw solvent from the drop (12). This allows discrete protein molecules more time to orient themselves into an ordered crystalline lattice, producing protein crystals which, when processed by X-ray crystallography, possess a high degree of resolution.

Carter, Daniel C.↗

Residual Stress Mapping of As-Built and Hot Isostatic Pressure Treated GRCop-84 as Fabricated by Selective Laser Melting

GRCop-84, a copper alloy developed by NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) with the starting At% (atomic percent) Cu-8 Cr-4 Nb, has a copper matrix with a fine intermetallic dispersion of Cr2Nb (cubic Laves phase C15). The alloy is being developed for high-heat-flux applications and has excellent high temperature properties including retention of tensile strength at high temperatures, high thermal conductivity, and excellent creep resistance. GRCop-84 has shown higher survivability rates than other metal additive alloys, good surface finish, and requires less operator tweaking for builds, and this is not fully understood. Neutron diffraction provides an accurate, non-destructive method of measuring the thermal stresses accumulated during production; the primary source of failure before annealing. The unstressed lattice spacing (d (sub 0)), residual stress, and distribution have been characterized for simple shapes in HIP (Hot Isostatic Pressing,) and as-built conditions made with SLM (Selective Laser Melting), a powder bed fusion method, with the HIP samples showing significantly reduced stresses concentrations than the as-built.

Minnecci, Robert↗

The thermodynamic properties of nitrogen from 65 to 2000 K with pressures to 10,000 atmospheres

An equation of state is presented for liquid and gaseous nitrogen for temperatures from 65 degrees K to 2000 degrees K and pressures to 10,000 atmospheres. All the pressure-density-temperature data available from published literature have been corrected and applied to bring experimental temperatures into accord with the International Practical Temperature Scale of 1968. The coefficients of the equation of state were determined by a weighted least squares fit to selected published pressure-density-temperature data. The methods of weighting the various data for simultaneous fitting are presented and discussed.

Jacobsen, R. T.↗

NASA Ares I Launch Vehicle Roll and Reaction Control Systems Design Status

This paper provides an update of design status following the preliminary design review of NASA s Ares I first stage roll and upper stage reaction control systems. The Ares I launch vehicle has been chosen to return humans to the moon, mars, and beyond. It consists of a first stage five segment solid rocket booster and an upper stage liquid bi-propellant J-2X engine. Similar to many launch vehicles, the Ares I has reaction control systems used to provide the vehicle with three degrees of freedom stabilization during the mission. During launch, the first stage roll control system will provide the Ares I with the ability to counteract induced roll torque. After first stage booster separation, the upper stage reaction control system will provide the upper stage element with three degrees of freedom control as needed. Trade studies and design assessments conducted on the roll and reaction control systems include: propellant selection, thruster arrangement, pressurization system configuration, and system component trades. Since successful completion of the preliminary design review, work has progressed towards the critical design review with accomplishments made in the following areas: pressurant / propellant tank, thruster assembly, and other component configurations, as well as thruster module design, and waterhammer mitigation approach. Also, results from early development testing are discussed along with plans for upcoming system testing. This paper concludes by summarizing the process of down selecting to the current baseline configuration for the Ares I roll and reaction control systems.

Butt, Adam↗

Compressor blade setting angle accuracy study, volume 1

The aerodynamic test of a small, single stage, highly loaded, axial flow transonic compressor is covered. The stage was modified by fabricating a 24 blade rotor with mis-set blades in a repeating pattern - two degrees closed from nominal, two degrees open from nominal and nominal. The unit was instrumented to determine overall performance and average blade element data. High-response, dynamic pressure probes were installed to record pressure patterns at selected points in the flowpath. Testing was conducted at speeds from 70 to 94% of design equivalent speed with a conventional casing and also with circumferential grooves over the rotor tip. Testing indicated severe performance penalties were incurred as a result of the mis-set blading. Lower flow, pressure ratio, and efficiency were observed for the stage with or without casing treatment. Periodic pressure variations were detected at every location where high response pressure sensors were located and were directly related to blading geometry.

Holman, F. F.↗

Analytical Approach for Estimating Preliminary Mass of ARES I Crew Launch Vehicle Upper Stage Structural Components

In January 2004, President Bush gave the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) a vision for Space Exploration by setting our sight on a bold new path to go back to the Moon, then to Mars and beyond. In response to this vision, NASA started the Constellation Program, which is a new exploration launch vehicle program. The primary mission for the Constellation Program is to carry out a series of human expeditions ranging from Low Earth Orbit to the surface of Mars and beyond for the purposes of conducting human exploration of space, as specified by the Vision for Space Exploration (VSE). The intent is that the information and technology developed by this program will provide the foundation for broader exploration activities as our operational experience grows. The ARES I Crew Launch Vehicle (CLV) has been designated as the launch vehicle that will be developed as a "first step" to facilitate the aforementioned human expeditions. The CLV Project is broken into four major elements: First Stage, Upper Stage Engine, Upper Stage (US), and the Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV). NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) is responsible for the design of the CLV and has the prime responsibility to design the upper stage of the vehicle. The US is the second propulsive stage of the CLV and provides CEV insertion into low Earth orbit (LEO) after separation from the First Stage of the Crew Launch Vehicle. The fully integrated Upper Stage is a mix of modified existing heritage hardware (J-2X Engine) and new development (primary structure, subsystems, and avionics). The Upper Stage assembly is a structurally stabilized cylindrical structure, which is powered by a single J-2X engine which is developed as a separate Element of the CLV. The primary structure includes the load bearing liquid hydrogen (LH2) and liquid oxygen (LOX) propellant tanks, a Forward Skirt, the Intertank structure, the Aft Skirt and the Thrust Structure. A Systems Tunnel, which carries fluid and electrical power functions to other Elements of the CLV, is included as secondary structure. The MSFC has an overall responsibility for the integrated US element as well as structural design an thermal control of the fuel tanks, intertank, interstage, avionics, main propulsion system, Reaction Control System (RCS) for both the Upper Stage and the First Stage. MSFC's Spacecraft and Vehicle Department, Structural and Analysis Design Division is developing a set of predicted mass of these elements. This paper details the methodology, criterion and tools used for the preliminary mass predictions of the upper stage structural assembly components. In general, weight of the cylindrical barrel sections are estimated using the commercial code Hypersizer, whereas, weight of the domes are developed using classical solutions. HyperSizer is software that performs automated structural analysis and sizing optimization based on aerospace methods for strength, stability, and stiffness. Analysis methods range from closed form, traditional hand calculations repeated every day in industry to more advanced panel buckling algorithms. Margin-of-safety reporting for every potential failure provides the engineer with a powerful insight into the structural problem. Optimization capabilities include finding minimum weight panel or beam concepts, material selections, cross sectional dimensions, thicknesses, and lay-ups from a library of 40 different stiffened and sandwich designs and a database of composite, metallic, honeycomb, and foam materials. Multiple different concepts (orthogrid, isogrid, and skin stiffener) were run for multiple loading combinations of ascent design load with and with out tank pressure as well as proof pressure condition. Subsequently, selected optimized concept obtained from Hypersizer runs was translated into a computer aid design (CAD) model to account for the wall thickness tolerance, weld land etc for developing the most probable weight of the components. The flow diram summarizes the analysis steps used in developing these predicted mass.

Aggarwal, Pravin↗

An experimental investigation of gapwise periodicity and unsteady aerodynamic response in an oscillating cascade. Volume 2: Data report. Part 1: Text and mode 1 data

Tests were conducted a linear cascade of airfoils oscillating in pitch to measure the unsteady pressure response on selected blade along the leading edge plane of the cascade, over the chord of the center blade, and on the sidewall in the plane of the leading edge. The tests were conducted for all 96 combinations 2 mean camberline incidence angles 2 pitching amplitudes 3 reduced frequencies and 8 interblade phase angles. The pressure data were reduced to Fourier coefficient form for direct comparison, and were also processed to yield integrated loads and particularly, the aerodynamic damping coefficient. Data obtained during the test program, reproduced from the printout of the data reduction program are complied. A further description of the contents of this report is found in the text that follows.

Carta, F. O.↗

Cryogenic Autogenous Pressurization Testing for Robotic Refueling Mission 3

A wick-heater system has been selected for use to pressurize the Source Dewar of the Robotic Refueling Mission Phase 3 on-orbit cryogen transfer experiment payload for the International Space Station. Experimental results of autogenous pressurization of liquid argon and liquid nitrogen using a prototype wick-heater system are presented. The wick-heater generates gas to increase the pressure in the tank while maintaining a low bulk fluid temperature. Pressurization experiments were performed in 2013 to characterize the performance of the wick heater. This paper describes the experimental setup, pressurization results, and analytical model correlations.

cryogenics↗

Experimental investigation of terminal shock sensors in mixed-compression inlets

This paper describes experimental investigations of devices designed for the nonintrusive detection of terminal shock location in mixed-compression inlets at high supersonic flight speeds. Systems based on sensing wall pressures by an array of wall-mounted transducers were selected for detailed study. Pressure signals were processed by three different methods: (1) interpretation of instantaneous pressure distributions, (2) detection of the turbulent intensity amplification occurring at the shock, and (3) determination of the upstream limit to which a search-tone, introduced at the downstream end of the channel, can propagate. The first two of these methods were tested in real time. The third method appeared feasible for weak shocks only; at high shock strengths, propagation upstream of the source could not be detected.

Sajben, Miklos↗

Portable digital pressure indicator for calibrating magnetic tape recorders

The design of a portable Digital Pressure Indicator (DPI) to be used for calibrating the pressure systems on Langley's magnetic tape recorders is described. High-speed magnetic tape recorders require pressure (0 to 20 psig) for providing an air cushion across the tape guides and a slight vacuum (30 inch H2O) for maintaining the proper number of tape loops in the advance and feed chamber. The DPI is a hand-held device that can be quickly coupled to a magnetic tape recorder and includes a two-position switch for selecting either measured pressure or vacuum, to be displayed digitally in engineering units (psig or inches H2O). The DPI is currently in use in Langley's Analysis and Computation Division.

Mccormick, Royce F.↗

A new technique for inducing a turbulent boundary layer in a supersonic flow

The feasibility of using slot injection to establish a turbulent boundary layer corresponding to a known Reynolds number was investigated. The basic concept consists of injecting secondary air through a slot. The air is injected at the same local static pressure at a selected stagnation temperature to simulate a given up-stream heat conduction. The mass of the injected air is controlled to match a desired Reynolds number. Secondary air was injected through a supersonic nozzle over a flat plate model. Tests were conducted with different injection air conditions. Heat transfer rates were measured behind the slot and results were compared with theoretical estimates. Static pressure measurements were made over the surface in the streamwise direction. Velocity and Mach number profiles were determined downstream of the slot. Laminar and turbulent profiles were calculated to compare with the results of measurements. Experimental results indicate that this is an effective method for establishing a turbulent boundary layer having a prescribed value of R sub e Theta.

Miyazawa, M.↗

Parametric investigation of single-expansion-ramp nozzles at Mach numbers from 0.60 to 1.20

An investigation was conducted in the Langley 16-Foot Transonic Tunnel to determine the effects of varying six nozzle geometric parameters on the internal and aeropropulsive performance characteristics of single-expansion-ramp nozzles. This investigation was conducted at Mach numbers from 0.60 to 1.20, nozzle pressure ratios from 1.5 to 12, and angles of attack of 0 deg +/- 6 deg. Maximum aeropropulsive performance at a particular Mach number was highly dependent on the operating nozzle pressure ratio. For example, as the nozzle upper ramp length or angle increased, some nozzles had higher performance at a Mach number of 0.90 because of the nozzle design pressure was the same as the operating pressure ratio. Thus, selection of the various nozzle geometric parameters should be based on the mission requirements of the aircraft. A combination of large upper ramp and large lower flap boattail angles produced greater nozzle drag coefficients at Mach number greater than 0.80, primarily from shock-induced separation on the lower flap of the nozzle. A static conditions, the convergent nozzle had high and nearly constant values of resultant thrust ratio over the entire range of nozzle pressure ratios tested. However, these nozzles had much lower aeropropulsive performance than the convergent-divergent nozzle at Mach number greater than 0.60.

Capone, Francis J.↗

The design of supercritical wings by the use of three-dimensional transonic theory

A procedure was developed for the design of transonic wings by the iterative use of three dimensional, inviscid, transonic analysis methods. The procedure was based on simple principles of supersonic flow and provided the designer with a set of guidelines for the systematic alteration of wing profile shapes to achieve some desired pressure distribution. The method was generally applicable to wing design at conditions involving a large region of supercriterical flow. To illustrate the method, it was applied to the design of a wing for a supercritical maneuvering fighter that operates at high lift and transonic Mach number. The wing profiles were altered to produce a large region of supercritical flow which was terminated by a weak shock wave. The spanwise variation of drag of this wing and some principles for selecting the streamwise pressure distribution are also discussed.

Mann, M. J.↗