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At least 1,477 records · Page 82

A Pilot Study for Applying an Extravehicular Activity Exercise Prebreathe Protocol to the International Space Station

Decompression sickness (DCS) is a serious risk to astronauts performing extravehicular activity (EVA). To reduce this risk, the addition of ten minutes of moderate exercise (75% VO2pk) during prebreathe has been shown to decrease the total prebreathe time from 4 to 2 hours and to decrease the incidence of DCS. The overall purpose of this pilot study was to develop an exercise protocol using flight hardware and an in-flight physical fitness cycle test to perform prebreathe exercise before an EVA. Eleven subjects volunteered to participate in this study. The first objective of this study was to compare the steady-state heart rate (HR) and oxygen consumption (VO2) from a submaximal arm and leg exercise (ALE) session with those predicted from a maximal ALE test. The second objective was to compare the steady-state HR and V02 from a submaximal elastic tube and leg exercise (TLE) session with those predicted from the maximal ALE test. The third objective involved a comparison of the maximal ALE test with a maximal leg-only (LE) test to conform to the in- flight fitness assessment test. The 75% VO2pk target HR from the LE test was significantly less than the target HR from the ALE test. Prescribing exercise using data from the maximal ALE test resulted in the measured submaximal values being higher than predicted VO2 and HR. The results of this pilot study suggest that elastic tubing is valid during EVA prebreathe as a method of arm exercise with the flight leg ergometer and it is recommended that prebreathe countermeasure exercise protocol incorporate this method.

Woodruff, Kristin K.↗

Nonlinear system guidance in the presence of transmission zero dynamics

An iterative procedure is proposed for computing the commanded state trajectories and controls that guide a possibly multiaxis, time-varying, nonlinear system with transmission zero dynamics through a given arbitrary sequence of control points. The procedure is initialized by the system inverse with the transmission zero effects nulled out. Then the 'steady state' solution of the perturbation model with the transmission zero dynamics intact is computed and used to correct the initial zero-free solution. Both time domain and frequency domain methods are presented for computing the steady state solutions of the possibly nonminimum phase transmission zero dynamics. The procedure is illustrated by means of linear and nonlinear examples.

Meyer, G.↗

Numerical analyses of high temperature dense, granular flows coupled to high temperature flow property measurements for solar thermal energy storage

High temperature particle flow properties necessary to predict granular flow behavior for solar thermal energy storage applications were measured and calculated for Carbobead CP 30/60 up to 800 °C. Here, the measured properties included elastic and shear moduli, particle-particle coefficients of static sliding and rolling friction, and particle-particle coefficients of restitution. Poisson’s ratio was calculated with elastic and shear moduli. The flow properties were used as inputs for a numerical model using the discrete element method to examine granular flows along an inclined plane at high temperature. The flow behavior was strongly influenced by the coefficients of static friction, which impacted the particle residence time, shear effects from the side walls, and particle flow mass flux. An 8.7%, 15.6%, and 8.5% increase and 37.9% decrease in steady state mass flow rate was observed for 200 °C, 400 °C, 600 °C, and 800 °C, respectively, when compared to room temperature simulations. A 52%, 59%, and 33% decrease in the time to reach steady state was observed for 200 °C, 400 °C, and 600 °C, respectively, while a 53% increase in time was observed for 800 °C. A significant delay in the flow development at 800 °C was observed due to significantly higher frictional forces.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Effect of Solute Elements on Boron Segregation in Boron-Containing Steels

The addition of boron to steel alloys results in an increase in both hardenability and casting defects. The casting difficulties are predicted to stem from a metatectic reaction, δ + γ → L + γ, where a fully solidified material begins to locally remelt as the temperature decreases. Another possible source of casting defects is a boride-rich phase that is predicted to remain liquid at low temperatures. To experimentally determine which reaction is the likely source of the casting defects, the predicted reactions and the effect of solute elements on those reactions are investigated. Levitation zone melting is used to control segregation in a ternary Fe–C–B alloy and a commercial 22MnB5 alloy. Carbon segregation and a peritectic reaction result in a peritectic jump during directional solidification where the first directionally solidified (DS) zone undergoes δ-bcc solidification followed by a peritectic jump to steady state planar solidification of γ-fcc in the second DS zone. The presence of other solute elements in the zone melted 22MnB5 alloy lead to a breakdown in the planar solidification front before steady state solidification could be achieved in the second DS zone. With a cellular solid/liquid interface, boron-rich intercellular liquid formed low melting iron boro-carbide particles. The controlled solidification conditions in a levitation zone melter were unable to prevent ~0.003 wt% boron from segregating to high enough levels to form boride particles. Therefore, it is likely that during commercial casting, the formation of the low melting boride phase from interdendritic segregation is a key source of the casting issues.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Random gravitational encounters and the evolution of spherical systems. III - Halo.

The accumulation of stars in the halo of a spherical stellar system, together with the escape of stars from the system, result from stellar encounters within a dense central core. The resultant halo structure is studied both analytically and numerically for an isolated system. On the assumption that conditions in the central core remain constant with time, a simple steady-state solution is obtained for the outermost halo, or 'fringe', defined as the region from which stars may escape after a few additional orbits through the central core of the system. In this steady-state solution the density in phase space, obtained from a simple integral equation for the fringe region, is found to vary nearly linearly with the total energy of a star per unit mass for energies which are less than the energy of escape.

Spitzer, L., Jr.↗

Detailed mathematical models of a radioisotope thermoelectric generator.

Two new models for the design and performance analysis of RTG's are outlined in this paper. The first model assumes a small-signal transient-type calculational sequence that permits the separation of steady-state operation of the generator from its dynamic behavior. The second model uses a numerical (finite difference) solution of the performance equations of the RTG. Both models enable the investigation of transient and steady-state performance of RTG's. Simplifying assumptions have been kept to a minimum in the new RTG models and these models enable the inclusion of generator end losses, axial temperature gradients and heat interchange between thermoelements and thermal insulation in RTG performance calculations in a self-consistent manner.

Dewinter, F.↗

Partial implicitization

The steady-state solution to the full Navier-Stokes equations for complicated flows is generally difficult to obtain. The Burgers (1948) equation is used as a model of the Navier-Stokes equations. The steady-state solution is obtained by a one-step explicit technique resulting from a partial implicitization of the difference equation. Stability analysis shows that the technique is unconditionally stable, and numerical tests show the technique to be accurate.

Graves, R. A., Jr.↗

Energetic particles of the outer regions of planetary magnetospheres

High energy particles, with energies above those attainable by adiabatic or steady-state electric field acceleration, have been observed in and around the outer regions of planetary magnetospheres. Acceleration by large amplitude sporadic cross-tail electric fields over an order of magnitude greater than steady-state convection fields is proposed as a source of these particles. It is suggested that such explosive electric fields will occur intermittently in the vicinity of the tail neutral line in the expansive phase of substorms. Laboratory and satellite evidence are used to estimate this electric potential for substorms at earth; values of 500 kilovolts to 2 megavolts are calculated, in agreement with particle observations. It is further suggested that these particles, which have been accelerated in the night side magnetosphere, drift to the dayside on closed field lines, and under certain interplanetary conditions can escape to regions upstream of the bow shock.

Tsurutani, B. T.↗

Wind tunnel investigation of Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Booster drogue parachutes and deployment concepts

A wind tunnel test has been conducted on one-eighth scale models of the Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Booster drogue parachute system. The test included an investigation of four candidate drogue deployment concepts and a parametric steady state drag study of 20-degree conical ribbon parachutes. The results show that at least two of the four deployment concepts tested are viable candidates for the full scale deployment system. The interference free steady state drag results obtained show excellent agreement with available drop test results on large 20-degree conical ribbon parachutes.

Bacchus, D. L.↗

A fast viscous correction method for unsteady transonic flow about airfoils

This study modified the inviscid, small-disturbances, unsteady, transonic code, LTRAN2, so that the viscous effect could be considered for the purpose of improving the code's accuracy without substantially increasing the computational time. By using a conventional integral boundary layer method to determine the displacement thickness and an empirical model of viscous wedge to simulate the suddenly thickened boundary layer behind a shock, it resulted in better agreement with experimental data for both the shock position and the pressure coefficient. Aerodynamic performances were calculated for two supercritical airfoils. When the unsteady procedure was used to obtain steady state results as the initial condition, the unsteady viscous solution for the RAE 2822 airfoil required 100.5% of the computational time of the inviscid solution. When an iterative scheme was used to obtain the steady state results as the initial condition, the unsteady viscous solution for the NLR 7301 airfoil required 88% of the computational time of the inviscid solution.

Lee, S. C.↗

Proposed solution methodology for the dynamically coupled nonlinear geared rotor mechanics equations

The equations which describe the three-dimensional motion of an unbalanced rigid disk in a shaft system are nonlinear and contain dynamic-coupling terms. Traditionally, investigators have used an order analysis to justify ignoring the nonlinear terms in the equations of motion, producing a set of linear equations. This paper will show that, when gears are included in such a rotor system, the nonlinear dynamic-coupling terms are potentially as large as the linear terms. Because of this, one must attempt to solve the nonlinear rotor mechanics equations. A solution methodology is investigated to obtain approximate steady-state solutions to these equations. As an example of the use of the technique, a simpler set of equations is solved and the results compared to numerical simulations. These equations represent the forced, steady-state response of a spring-supported pendulum. These equations were chosen because they contain the type of nonlinear terms found in the dynamically-coupled nonlinear rotor equations. The numerical simulations indicate this method is reasonably accurate even when the nonlinearities are large.

Mitchell, L. D.↗

Thermal Modeling and Testing of High-Temperature Refractory Ceramic Insulation Felts

Heat transfer in high-temperature, high-porosity, flexible refractory ceramic fibrous insulation felts is investigated. Heat transfer in these insulation materials consists of combined gas conduction, solid conduction, and radiation modes, with the precise theoretical modeling of the latter two modes being formidable. A semi-empirical model that requires inverse methods and steady-state thermal test data to infer some of the required model parameters is further developed in this study, and applied to five insulation materials for temperatures between 300 K and 1900 K. The steady-state thermal test setup at NASA Langley Research Center with recent modifications to increase its testing capability to 1900 K is discussed. Design considerations to ensure one-dimensional heat transfer in the test setup are described. Test data and corresponding thermal models for alumina and zirconia-based fibrous insulation felts are presented. Furthermore, test data and thermal models on two fibrous insulation samples containing additives to further suppress either radiation or gas conduction modes of heat transfer are presented. Previously published alumina-based insulation data are also re-processed using the updated modeling methodology. The significance of various heat transfer modes in typical insulation samples is discussed and used to provide general guidance on optimum insulation layups.

Kamran Daryabeigi↗

Flow Assisted Evaporative Cooling for Electric Motor

This paper examines a novel concept of flow assisted latent heat driven two-phase evaporative cooling (EC) confined in-between slot liner and active-winding of electric motor. Wicking micro-structure enhanced PDMS liner axially sucks coolant in the form of thin film between the PDMS liner and active-winding and eventually enables thin film evaporation on the outer surface of the active-winding. Therefore, EC based thermal management eliminates contact resistance between the winding and slot-liner and, enhances the heat extraction from the winding without compromising the electro-magnetic performance. Two-way coupled electro-magnetic (EM) – computational fluid dynamics/heat transfer (CFD/HT) and EM - lumped parameter thermal network (LPTN) models have been developed to assess the electro-thermal performance of the EC under steady and transient conditions. Taking a case study of a 125 kW jacket cooled BMW i3 motor and dielectric coolant FC-84, EC is shown to be capable of handling a maximum steady state rms current density of 26 A/mm2 at a evaporative heat transfer coefficient of 5,000 W/m2.K, which is about 78.7% higher compared to the traditional jacket cooling (JC). In case of EC, a maximum steady state and transient rms current density of 30 A/mm2 (106.2% higher compared to the JC), and 40.8 A/mm2 have been realized by using high thermal conductivity epoxy (1.9 W/m.K) impregnation material. Thermal performance of the EC is also assessed and compared with JC over a dynamic drive cycle. Lastly, a motorette testing has been performed to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed EC method and to validate the developed modeling framework.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Demonstration of the range over which the Langley Research Center digital computer charring ablation program (CHAP) can be used with confidence: Comparisons of CHAP predictions and test data for three ablation materials

Comparisons of ablation calculations with the charring ablation computer code and ablation test data are presented over a wide range of environmental conditions in air for three materials: low-density nylon phenolic, Avcoat 5026-39HC/G, and a filled silicon elastomer. Heat fluxes considered range from over 500 Btu/sq ft-sec to less than 50 Btu/sq ft-sec. Pressures range from 0.5 atm to .004 atm. Enthalpies range from about 2000 Btu/lb to 18000 Btu/lb. Predictions of recession, pyrolysis penetration, and thermocouple responses are considered. Recession predictions for nylon phenolic are good as steady state is approached, but strongly transient cases are underpredicted. Pyrolysis penetrations and thermocouple responses are very well predicted. Recession amounts for Avcoat and silicone elastomer are less well predicted, although high heat flux cases near steady state are fairly satisfactory. Pyrolysis penetrations and thermocouple responses are very well predicted.

Moyer, C. B.↗

Gas-phase hydrogen permeation through alpha iron, 4130 steel, and 304 stainless steel from less than 100 C to near 600 C

Gas phase hydrogen permeation studies were conducted on hollow, cylindrical membranes of triply zone-refined alpha iron, AISI 304 austenitic stainless steel, and AISI-SAE 4130 steel in both the normalized (ferrite and carbide) and quenched and tempered (martensite) conditions. Membrane temperature was varied from less than 100 C to near 600 C and hydrogen pressure was varied. For one membrane material, normalized 4130 steel, gas phase hydrogen transport under both steady state and nonsteady state conditions was demonstrated to be controlled by lattice diffusion. Additionally, Sievert's law was shown to be applicable. For all membrane materials, expressions for the coefficients for hydrogen permeation were determined by analysis of steady state transport; the coefficients for diffusion were determined by the lag time technique applied to nonsteady state transport; and through a knowledge of the Sievert's constants, the subsurface equilibrium lattice hydrogen concentrations were determined.

Nelson, H. G.↗

Real-time simulation of F100-PW-100 turbofan engine using the hybrid computer

A real-time hybrid computer simulation of the F100-PW-100 augmented turbofan is presented. The digital portion of the hybrid computer is used to perform the bivariate function generation associated with modeling the performance of the engine's rotating components. The remaining calculations are performed on the analog computer. Steady state simulation data along with sea level, static, transient data are presented to show that the real-time simulation matches baseline digital simulation results over a wide range of power settings and flight conditions. Steady state simulation data are compared with sea level, experimental data to show that the real-time hybrid and baseline digital simulations do adequately predict the performance of the actual engine. FORTRAN listings and analog patching diagrams are provided.

Szuch, J. R.↗

Uncertainty propagation in a stratospheric model. I - Development of a concise stratospheric model. II - Monte Carlo analysis of imprecisions due to reaction rates

The paper discusses the development of a concise stratospheric model which uses iteration to obtain coupling between interacting species. The one-dimensional, steady-state, diurnally-averaged model generates diffusion equations with appropriate sources and sinks for species odd oxygen, H2O, H2, CO, N2O, odd nitrogen, CH4, CH3Cl, CCl4, CF2Cl2, CFCl3, and odd chlorine. The model evaluates steady-state perturbations caused by injections of chlorine and NO(x) and may be used to predict ozone depletion. The model is used in a Monte Carlo study of the propagation of reaction-rate imprecisions by calculating an ozone perturbation caused by the addition of chlorine. Since the model is sensitive to only 10 of the more than 50 reaction rates considered, only about 1000 Monte Carlo cases are required to span the space of possible results.

Rundel, R. D.↗

Effects of primary rotor parameters on flapping dynamics

The effects of flapping dynamics of four main rotor design features that influence the agility, stability, and operational safety of helicopters are studied. The parameters include flapping hinge offset, flapping hinge restraint, pitch-flap coupling, and blade lock number. First, the flapping equations of motion are derived that explicitly contain the design parameters. The dynamic equations are then developed for the tip-path plane, and the influence of individual and combined variations in the design parameters determined. The steady state flapping response is examined with respect to control input and aircraft angular rate which leads to a feedforward control law for control decoupling through cross feed, and a feedback control law to decouple the steady state flapping response. The condition for achieving perfect decoupling of the flapping response due to aircraft pitch and roll rates without using feedback control is also found for the hover case. It is indicated that the frequency of the regressing flapping mode of the rotor system can become low enough to require consideration in the assessment of handling characteristics.

Chen, R. T. N.↗