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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 1,405 records · Page 78
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1989

Modal, ray, and beam techniques for analyzing the EM scattering by open-ended waveguide cavities

The problem of high-frequency electromagnetic (EM) scattering by open-ended waveguide cavities with an interior termination is analyzed via three different approaches. When cavities can be adequately modeled by joining together piecewise separable waveguide sections, a hybrid combination of asymptotic high-frequency and modal techniques is employed. In the case of more arbitrarily shaped waveguide cavities for which modes cannot even be defined in the conventional sense, the geometrical optics ray approach proves to be highly useful. However, at sufficiently high frequencies, both of these approaches tend to become inefficient. Hence, a paraxial Gaussian batch technique, which retains much of the simplicity of the ray approximation but is potentially more efficient, is investigated. Typical numerical results based on the different approaches are discussed.

Pathak, Prabhakar H.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Stochastic evolution of refractory interstellar dust during the chemical evolution of a two-phase interstellar medium

The evolution course of refractoary interstellar dust during the chemical evolution of a two-phase interstellar medium (ISM) is studied using a simple model of the chemical evolution of ISM. It is assumed that, in this medium, the stars are born in molecular clouds, but new nucleosynthesis products and stellar return are entered into a complementary diffuse medium; the well-mixed matter of each interstellar phase is repeatedly cycled stochastically through the complementary phase and back. The dust is studied on a particle-by-particle bases as it is sputtered by shock waves in the diffuse medium, accretes an amorphous mantle of gaseous refractory atoms while its local medium joins the molecular cloud medium, and encounters the possibility of astration within molecular clouds. Results are presented relevant to the size spectrum of accreted mantles, its age spectrum and the distinction among its several lifetimes, depletion factors of refractory atoms in the diffuse gas, and isotopic anomalies.

Liffman, Kurt↗
NASA NTRS1989

An interpretation of the line profile variations in the IUE spectrum of the Wolf-Rayet binary Gamma(2) Velorum

An analysis of the variable profiles of the high-temperature resonance lines of Si IV in the IUE spectrum of gamma(2) Vel has made it possible to describe these profiles as a superposition of two different profiles, namely, a P Cygni profile that remains practically stationary throughout the orbital cycle and an absorption profile that moves back and forth with phase. To these two profiles is added a very sharp, strong absorption that ought to arise in the layers of the extended gaseous envelope that merge with the interstellar medium. The absorption that moves back and forth during the system's orbital revolution has been interpreted as suggesting a stream going away from the system at an angle of some 110 deg from the direction of the radius vector joining the Wolf-Rayet star with its companion. Such a stream seems to project upon a dense concentration of matter that is located somewhere in the volume between the two stars and moves away at some -700 km/s, and should result from the collision of the winds from the two components. The high-temperature resonance lines of N V and C IV very likely behave similarly to Si IV.

Brandi, Estela↗
NASA NTRS1987

Superplastic forming/weld-brazing of Ti-6Al-4V panels for enhanced structural efficiency

An account is given of the results obtained by NASA-sponsored studies which exploit the processing advantages of superplastic forming (SPF) and joining by weld-brazing (WB) for the fabrication of Ti-alloy skin-stiffened structural components. The buckling strengths of panels with stiffeners having the geometry of a conventional hat shape are compared with those of panels having advanced-geometry stiffereners. Both single- and multiple-stiffened panels have been evaluated at room temperature; the SPF/WB panels with advanced-geometry stiffeners developed up to 60-percent higher buckling strength than panels with conventional-geometry stiffeners. Selective stiffener reinforcement with a boron-reinforced Al-matrix MMC was also evaluated.

Royster, Dick M.↗
NASA NTRS1989

A lattice approach to spinorial quantum gravity

A new lattice regularization of quantum general relativity based on Ashtekar's reformulation of Hamiltonian general relativity is presented. In this form, quantum states of the gravitational field are represented within the physical Hilbert space of a Kogut-Susskind lattice gauge theory. The gauge field of the theory is a complexified SU(2) connection which is the gravitational connection for left-handed spinor fields. The physical states of the gravitational field are those which are annihilated by additional constraints which correspond to the four constraints of general relativity. Lattice versions of these constraints are constructed. Those corresponding to the three-dimensional diffeomorphism generators move states associated with Wilson loops around on the lattice. The lattice Hamiltonian constraint has a simple form, and a correspondingly simple interpretation: it is an operator which cuts and joins Wilson loops at points of intersection.

Renteln, Paul↗
NASA NTRS1989

Polyimides containing carbonyl and ether connecting groups - II

In a study of polyimides containing carbonyl and ether connecting groups between aromatic rings, several new polyimides were prepared and characterized. A few of these polymers were semicrystalline. Glass transition temperatures ranged from 164 to 258 C, and crystalline melt temperatures were observed between 350 and 424 C. The semicrystalline polyimide from the reaction of 3.3',4,4'-benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride and 1,3-bis(4-aminophenoxy-4'-benzoyl)benzene provided transparent orange films with excellent tensile properties, exceptional resistance to solvents and strong base, and high thermooxidative stability. In addition, this polyimide provided excellent adhesive strength for joining titanium (6Al-4V) to titanium.

Hergenrother, P. M.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Development of a silicon carbide sewing thread

A silicon carbide (SiC) sewing thread has been designed which consists of a two-ply yarn in a 122 turns-per-meter-twist construction. Two processing aids in thread construction were evaluated. Prototype blankets were sewn using an SiC thread prepared either with polytetrafluoroethylene sizing or with an overwrap of rayon/dacron service yarn. The rayon/dacron-wrapped SiC thread was stronger, as shown by higher break-strength retention and less damage to the outer-mold-line fabric. This thread enables thermal protection system articles to be sewn or joined, or have perimeter close-out of assembled parts when using SiC fabric for high-temperature applications.

Sawko, Paul M.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Space Power Free-Piston Stirling Engine Scaling Study

The design feasibility study is documented of a single cylinder, free piston Stirling engine/linear alternator (FPSE/LA) power module generating 150 kW-electric (kW sub e), and the determination of the module's maximum feasible power level. The power module configuration was specified to be a single cylinder (single piston, single displacer) FPSE/LA, with tuning capacitors if required. The design requirements were as follows: (1) Maximum electrical power output; (2) Power module thermal efficiency equal to or greater than 20 percent at a specific mass of 5 to 8 kg/kW(sub e); (3) Heater wall temperature/cooler wall temperature = 1050 K/525 K; (4) Sodium heat-pipe heat transport system, pumped loop NaK (sodium-potassium eutectic mixture) rejection system; (5) Maximum power module vibration amplitude = 0.0038 cm; and (6) Design life = 7 years (60,000 hr). The results show that a single cylinder FPSE/LA is capable of meeting program goals and has attractive scaling attributes over the power range from 25 to 150 kW(sub e). Scaling beyond the 150 kW(sub e) power level, the power module efficiency falls and the power module specific mass reaches 10 kg/kW(sub e) at a power output of 500 kW(sub e). A discussion of scaling rules for the engine, alternator, and heat transport systems is presented, along with a detailed description of the conceptual design of a 150 kW(sub e) power module that meets the requirements. Included is a discussion of the design of a dynamic balance system. A parametric study of power module performance conducted over the power output range of 25 to 150 kW(sub e) for temperature ratios of 1.7, 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 is presented and discussed. The results show that as the temperature ratio decreases, the efficiency falls and specific mass increases. At a temperature ratio of 1.7, the 150 kW(sub e) power module cannot satisfy both efficiency and specific mass goals. As the power level increases from 25 to 150 kW(sub e) at a fixed temperature ratio, power module efficiency is seen to increase slightly, but at the expense of increased specific mass. An empirical equation relating power module thermal efficiency as a function of power module specific mass, power output, and temperature ratio is developed. Alternative configurations to the single cylinder, direct coupled linear alternator approach are also evaluated, but are shown to have technical drawbacks that lessen their attractiveness. The dynamic balance assembly mass (moving mass and structure) represents 20 to 30 percent of the total single cylinder power module mass. Joining two modules in a balanced opposed configuration eliminates the need for the balancer, and a hot end junction can be made without significant addition of structural mass. Recommendations are made for evaluation of advanced heat pipe concepts, tests of radial flow heat exchangers, and evaluation of high temperature alternator materials.

Jones, D.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Post Clamp With Attached Collar

New clamp for optical posts reduces time required to set up optical components. Joins pair of perpendicular posts supporting laser, lens, reflector, or other optical component and enables posts to be rotated in perpendicular planes so orientation and position of component adjusted. Advantage of clamp conferred by its E-type retaining rings, which hold post-clamp collars to post-clamp body. Collar tightens around post to prevent movement along post while allowing clamp to turn around post. Quarter-turn screws on body and collars tighten parts on post. Does not tend to mar post.

Ramsey, John Karl↗
NASA NTRS1990

Cheap Corner Reflectors For Radar

Corner reflectors for radar constructed easily and inexpensively. Wire mesh on plastic pipe forms retroreflective panels of triangular or square shape. Panels joined by bolts and wingnuts. Overlapping panel edges ensure mutual perpendicularity. Materials for new reflectors found in hardware and building-supply stores. No special skills or tools needed for assembly.

Caro, E. R.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Imaging Antenna Structure For Submillimeter Wavelengths

Integrated-circuit antenna structure contains two-dimensional array of antennas and antenna reflectors. In receiving mode, each antenna acts as part of detector for one picture element in millimeter- or submillimeter-wavelength imaging radar system. Millimeter-wave imaging system used to view objects through fog, smoke, or smog with resolution intermediate between microwave and visible-light imaging systems. Antenna elements, supports, and reflectors made by integrated-circuit techniques. Structures fabricated on front and back substrates separately. Substrates then joined. Inexpensive way to provide large number of small antenna elements required for imaging, all mounted rigidly in way that does not degrade operation.

Rebeiz, G.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Shock-Absorbing, Retractable Docking Mechanism

Report contains description and drawings of conceptual docking mechanism joining Space Shuttle orbiter with proposed Space Station. New version saves considerable weight. Docking module left on Space Shuttle after assembly, and only docking mechanism carried aboard Space Shuttle.

Kahn, Jon B.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Independent Orbiter Assessment (IOA): Analysis of the rudder/speed brake subsystem

The results of the Independent Orbiter Assessment (IOA) of the Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Critical Items List (CIL) are presented. The IOA approach features a top-down analysis of the hardware to determine failure modes, criticality, and potential critical items. To preserve independence, this analysis was accomplished without reliance upon the results contained within the NASA FMEA/CIL documentation. The independent analysis results for the Orbiter Rudder/Speedbrake Actuation Mechanism is documented. The function of the Rudder/Speedbrake (RSB) is to provide directional control and to provide a means of energy control during entry. The system consists of two panels on a vertical hinge mounted on the aft part of the vertical stabilizer. These two panels move together to form a rudder but split apart to make a speedbrake. The Rudder/Speedbrake Actuation Mechanism consists of the following elements: (1) Power Drive Unit (PDU) which is composed of hydraulic valve module and a hydraulic motor-powered gearbox which contains differentials and mixer gears to provide PDU torque output; (2) four geared rotary actuators which apply the PDU generated torque to the rudder/speedbrake panels; and (3) ten torque shafts which join the PDU to the rotary actuators and interconnect the four rotary actuators. Each level of hardware was evaluated and analyzed for possible failures and causes. Criticality was assigned based upon the severity of the effect for each failure mode. Critical RSB failures which result in potential loss of vehicle control were mainly due to loss of hydraulic fluid, fluid contaminators, and mechanical failures in gears and shafts.

Wilson, R. E.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Optimum shape of a blunt forebody in hypersonic flow

The optimum shape of a blunt forebody attached to a symmetric wedge or cone is determined. The length of the forebody, its semi-thickness or base radius, the nose radius and the radius of the fillet joining the forebody to the wedge or cone are specified. The optimum shape is composed of simple curves. Thus experimental models can be built readily to investigate the utilization of aerodynamic heating for boundary layer control. The optimum shape based on the modified Newtonian theory can also serve as the preliminary shape for the numerical solution of the optimum shape using the governing equations for a compressible inviscid or viscous flow.

Maestrello, L.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Computer simulation of dust grain evolution

The latest results are reported from a Monte Carlo code that is being developed at NASA Ames. The goal of this program, is to derive from the observed and presumed properties of the interstellar medium (ISM) the following information: (1) the size spectrum of interstellar dust; (2) the chemical structure of interstellar dust; (3) interstellar abundances; and (4) the lifetime of a dust grain in the ISM. Presently this study is restricted to refractory interstellar material, i.e., the formation and destruction of ices are not included in the program. The program is embedded in an analytic solution for the bulk chemical evolution of a two-phase interstellar medium in which stars are born in molecular clouds, but new nucleosynthesis products and stellar return are entered into a complementary intercloud medium. The well-mixed matter of each interstellar phase is repeatedly cycled stochastically through the complementary phase and back. Refractory dust is created by thermal condensation as stellar matter flows away from sites of nucleosynthesis such as novae and supernovae and/or from the matter returned from evolved intermediate stars. The history of each particle is traced by standard Monte Carlo techniques as it is sputtered and fragmented by supernova shock waves in the intercloud medium. It also accretes an amorphous mantle of gaseous refractory atoms when its local medium joins with the molecular cloud medium. Finally it encounters the possibility of astration (destruction by star formation) within the molecular clouds.

Liffman, K.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Recent achievements of OPEX

A group of propagation researchers have joined to prepare for a major campaign of propagation experiments for fixed satellite services using the Olympus satellite. For several years, the receiving hardware and data processing procedures have been planned, now, with the launch of the Olympus satellite imminent, experimenters are eager to start the real work. A short review is given of the accomplishments made since the last NAPEX meeting.

Arbesser-Rastburg, Bertram↗
NASA NTRS1989

Semidiscrete Galerkin modelling of compressible viscous flow past a circular cone at incidence

A numerical study of the laminar and compressible boundary layer, about a circular cone in a supersonic free stream, is presented. It is thought that if accurate and efficient numerical schemes can be produced to solve the boundary layer equations, they can be joined to numerical codes that solve the inviscid outer flow. The combination of these numerical codes is competitive with the accurate, but computationally expensive, Navier-Stokes schemes. The primary goal is to develop a finite element method for the calculation of 3-D compressible laminar boundary layer about a yawed cone. The proposed method can, in principle, be extended to apply to the 3-D boundary layer of pointed bodies of arbitrary cross section. The 3-D boundary layer equations governing supersonic free stream flow about a cone are examined. The 3-D partial differential equations are reduced to 2-D integral equations by applying the Howarth, Mangler, Crocco transformations, a linear relation between viscosity, and a Blasius-type of similarity variable. This is equivalent to a Dorodnitsyn-type formulation. The reduced equations are independent of density and curvature effects, and resemble the weak form of the 2-D incompressible boundary layer equations in Cartesian coordinates. In addition the coordinate normal to the wall has been stretched, which reduces the gradients across the layer and provides high resolution near the surface. Utilizing the parabolic nature of the boundary layer equations, a finite element method is applied to the Dorodnitsyn formulation. The formulation is presented in a Petrov-Galerkin finite element form and discretized across the layer using linear interpolation functions. The finite element discretization yields a system of ordinary differential equations in the circumferential direction. The circumferential derivatives are solved by an implicit and noniterative finite difference marching scheme. Solutions are presented for a 15 deg half angle cone at angles of attack of 5 and 10 deg. The numerical solutions assume a laminar boundary layer with free stream Mach number of 7. Results include circumferential distribution of skin friction and surface heat transfer, and cross flow velocity distributions across the layer.

Meade, Andrew James, Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1990

New parameter-free polarization potentials in low-energy positron collisions

The polarization potential plays a decisive role in shaping up the cross sections in low energy positron collisions with atoms and molecules. However, its inclusion without involving any adjustable parameter, is still a challenge. Various other techniques employed so far for positron collisions are summarized, and a new, nonadjustable and very simple form of the polarization potential for positron-atom (molecule) collisions below the threshold of positronium formation is discussed. This new recently proposed potential is based on the correlation energy of a single positron in a homogeneous electron gas. The correlation energy was calculated by solving the Schrodinger equation of the positron-electron system and fitted to an analytical form in various ranges of the density parameter. In the outside region, the correlation energy is joined smoothly with the correct asymptotic form. This new positron correlation polarization (PCOP) potential was tested on several atomic and molecular targets such as the Ar, CO, and CH4. The results on the total and differential cross sections on these targets are shown along with the experimental data where available.

Jain, Ashok↗