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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 1,657 records · Page 92
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1990

Evaluation of abort capabilities of rocket-powered single-stage-to-orbit launch vehicles

Application of advanced technologies to future launch vehicle designs would allow the introduction of a rocket-powered, single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) launch system early in the next century. A fully reusable SSTO vehicle would be quite desirable from an operational standpoint; however, such a vehicle cannot be designed without accompanying technological advances in structure, propulsion, and subsystems. The conceptual design of such a vehicle has recently been completed. This paper examines the abort capabilities of an advanced SSTO launch vehicle which has five main engines. In the event of a single or dual main engine shutdown it was determined when the vehicle could execute return-to-launch-site, abort-to-orbit, or down-range abort maneuvers. Throughout each abort maneuver, vehicle loads are kept within nominal ascent and entry design values.

Stanley, Douglas O.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Utilizing air-turborocket and rocket propulsion for a single-stage-to-orbit vehicle

With appropriate technology advances, a horizontal-takeoff single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) launch vehicle could be designed which utilizes a combination of air-turborocket (ATR) and rocket propulsion systems. Such a vehicle is currently under study at Langley, and this paper presents the results of that study. Estimated vehicle weight characteristics, engine characteristics, geometry, aerodynamics, performance, structures, and subsystems are summarized. Trade studies performed on the reference vehicle to optimize the initial thrust-to-weight ratio (T/W) and the T/W after transition to the rocket phase with respect to vehicle weights are also presented. Throughout the vehicle presentation, special attention is given to the design issues, sensitivities, and performance parameters involved.

Lepsch, Roger A., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Phase and time-resolved measurements of unsteady heat transfer and pressure in a full-stage rotating turbine

This paper presents detailed phase-resolved heat-flux data obtained on rotor blades and a comparison of simultaneously obtained time-resolved heat-flux and static pressure data obtained on the stationary shroud of a Garrett TFE 731-2 HP full-stage rotating turbine. A shock tube is used to generate a short-duration source of heated and pressurized air and platinum thin-film gages are used to obtain heat-flux measurements. Blade results are presented at several selected blade locations. Shroud surface pressure and heat-flux time histories are presented for comparable locations relative to the blade position.

Dunn, M. G.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Dispersive and viscous scale lengths in the two-stage ion heating at quasi-parallel collisionless shocks

A simulation of quasi-parallel (QP) collisionless shock waves is used to deduce the dispersive and viscous scale lengths of QP shocks. The findings were found to be consistent with the observational results obtained by Scudder et al. (1984) and Kennel et al. (1984). It is shown that the upstream wavelength is the dispersive scale length which governs the magnetic-field structure of the shock. It is also shown that the two-stage ion heating obtained by Mandt and Kan (1988) is an intrinsic characteristic of the ion heating process in QP shocks.

Mandt, M. E.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Unsteady analysis of hot streak migration in a turbine stage

Two- and three-dimensional Navier-Stokes analyses are used to predict unsteady viscous rotor-stator interacting flow in the presence of a combustor hot streak. Predicted results are presented for a two-dimensional three-stator/four-rotor, a two-dimensional one-stator/one-rotor, and a three-dimensional one-stator/one-rotor simulation of hot streak migration through a turbine stage. Comparison of these results with experimental data demonstrates the capability of the three-dimensional procedure to capture most of the flow physics associated with hot streak migration including the effects of combustor hot streaks on turbine rotor surface temperatures. It is noted that blade count ratio has little effect on predicted time-averaged surface pressure and temperature distributions, but a substantial effect on the unsteady flow characteristics. It is shown that high-temperature hot streak fluid accumulates on the pressure surface of the rotor blades, resulting in a high time-averaged surface temperature 'hot spots'.

Dorney, Daniel J.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Computation Of Flow In A Turbine Stage On A Refined Grid

Finer grid yields more accurate results. Report describes numerical simulation of flow in axial-turbine stage, showing interactions between rotor- and stator-airfoil rows. Complements earlier three-dimensional, time-accurate Navier-Stokes numerical simulation.

Madavan, N. K.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Experimental and analytical evaluation of efficiency of helicopter planetary stage

The efficiency of a helicopter transmission planetary stage was studied both experimentally and analytically. Experiments were done by using a back-to-back, test-and-slave arrangement. The experiments were a parametric study of the effects of operating conditions on efficiency. In order to enhance the analysis, a model was developed that calculates the power required for the meshing gears to displace oil trapped between the gear teeth. In general, the analysis predicted higher efficiencies than were measured. The results of this study were compared with those of other studies.

Krantz, Timothy L.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Upper stage in-flight retargeting to enhance geosynchronous satellite operations

Real time utilization of propellant reserves that are not needed is available with the implementation of the in-flight retargeting capability for the Centaur Upper Stage. Application to a performance critical, geosynchronous mission is discussed. The operational duration of the satellite may be increased by selectively choosing the appropriate final orbit injection conditions. During ascent Centaur evaluates the amount of propellant excess available and adjusts the final orbit target to consume the excess. Typical satellite mission requirements are introduced to illustrate the mission analysis process to determine the pre-flight nominal target and the in-flight retarget function.

Lee, Otto W. K.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Model atmospheres for the early stages of novae in outburst

For the photospheres of classical novae during the early stages of their outbursts, continuum and line blanketed models are presented. The expanding envelopes are characterized by small density gradients that lead to very large geometrical extensions and large temperature differences between inner and outer parts. The spectra show large excesses in the IR and small Balmer jumps which may either be in absorption or emission. For the parameters considered most lines are in absorption if powerlaw density distributions and radiative equilibrium are assumed. The effects of modifications in the temperature structure (e.g., heating from shock fronts) and in the density stratifications as well as changes in the abundances are discussed.

Wehrse, R.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Transfer orbit stage mechanisms thermal vacuum test

A systems level mechanisms test was conducted on the Orbital Sciences Corp.'s Transfer Orbit Stage (TOS). The TOS is a unique partially reusable transfer vehicle which will boost a satellite into its operational orbit from the Space Shuttle's cargo bay. The mechanical cradle and tilt assemblies will return to earth with the Space Shuttle while the Solid Rocket Motor (SRM) and avionics package are expended. A mechanisms test was performed on the forward cradle and aft tilting assemblies of the TOS under thermal vacuum conditions. Actuating these assemblies under a 1 g environment and thermal vacuum conditions proved to be a complex task. Pneumatic test fixturing was used to lift the forward cradle, and tilt the SRM, and avionics package. Clinometers, linear voltage displacement transducers, and load cells were used in the thermal vacuum chamber to measure the performance and characteristics of the TOS mechanism assembly. Incorporation of the instrumentation and pneumatic system into the test setup was not routine since pneumatic actuation of flight hardware had not been previously performed in the facility. The methods used are presented along with the problems experienced during the design, setup and test phases.

Oleary, Scott T.↗
NASA NTRS1991

The effects of compressor seventh-stage bleed air extraction on performance of the F100-PW-220 afterburning turbofan engine

A study was conducted to determine the effects of seventh-stage compressor bleed on the performance of the F100 afterburning turbofan engine. The effects of bleed on thrust, specific fuel consumption, fan turbine inlet temperature, bleed total pressure, and bleed total temperature were obtained from the engine manufacturer's status deck computer simulation. These effects were determined for power settings of intermediate, partial afterburning, and maximum afterburning for Mach numbers between 0.6 and 2.2 and for altitudes of 30,000, 40,000, and 50,000 ft. It was found that thrust loss and specific fuel consumption increase were approximately linear functions of bleed flow and, based on a percent-thrust change basis, were approximately independent of power setting.

Evans, Alison B.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Numerical solutions of 2-D multi-stage rotor/stator unsteady flow interactions

The Rai method of single-stage rotor/stator flow interaction is extended to handle multistage configurations. In this study, a two-dimensional Navier-Stokes multi-zone approach was used to investigate unsteady flow interactions within two multistage axial turbines. The governing equations are solved by an iterative, factored, implicit finite-difference, upwind algorithm. Numerical accuracy is checked by investigating the effect of time step size, the effect of subiteration in the Newton-Raphson technique, and the effect of full viscous versus thin-layer approximation. Computer results compared well with experimental data. Unsteady flow interactions, wake cutting, and the associated evolution of vortical entities are discussed.

Yang, R.-J.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Late stages of accumulation and early evolution of the planets

Recently developed solutions of problems are discussed that were traditionally considered fundamental in classical solar system cosmogony: determination of planetary orbit distribution patterns, values for mean eccentricity and orbital inclinations of the planets, and rotation periods and rotation axis inclinations of the planets. Two important cosmochemical aspects of accumulation are examined: the time scale for gas loss from the terrestrial planet zone, and the composition of the planets in terms of isotope data. It was concluded that the early beginning of planet differentiation is a function of the heating of protoplanets during collisions with large (thousands of kilometers) bodies. Energetics, heat mass transfer processes, and characteristic time scales of these processes at the early stages of planet evolution are considered.

Vityazev, Andrey V.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Nuclear stage configuration studies for Mars missions

Several nuclear-propulsion stage configuration options for the February 2016 Mars Exploration Initiative mission are examined. Special attention is given to the 75,000-lb-thrust nuclear engine used for the major propulsive maneuvers. The reference mission, which will last 435 days, with the stay on Mars for 30 days, assumes that the nuclear thermal rocket (NTR) engine delivers a specific impulse of 925 sec with an engine thrust-to-weight ratio of 4. Results are given of trade studies performed on the NTR engine thrust level, engine thrust-to-weight ratio, and engine Isp. Attention is also given to the Mars transfer vehicle, the Mars transportation system (MTS), the MTS crew compartment, and the MTS tanks.

Emrich, W. J., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Advanced technologies for rocket single-stage-to-orbit vehicles

A single-stage-to-orbit vertical takeoff/horizontal landing rocket vehicle was studied to determine the benefits of advanced technology. Advanced technologies that were included in the study were variable mixture ratio oxygen/hydrogen rocket engines and materials, structures, and subsystem technologies currently being developed in the National Aero-Space Plane Program. The application of advanced technology results in an 85 percent reduction in vehicle dry weight. With advanced materials, an external thermal protection system, like the Space Shuttle tiles, was not required. Compared to an all-airbreathing horizontal takeoff/horizontal landing vehicle using the same advanced technologies and mission requirements, the rocket vehicle is lighter in dry weight and has fewer subsystems. To increase reliability and safety, operational features were included in the rocket vehicle-robust subsystems, 5 percent additional margin, no slush hydrogen, fail-operational with an engine out, and a crew escape module. The resulting vehicle grew in dry weight and was still lower in dry weight than the airbreathing vehicle.

Wilhite, Alan W.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Force and moment transmissibilities through rolling element bearings in a single-stage rotor system

A lumped parameter model of a single-stage rotor system is developed which includes a new mathematical model for precision rolling element bearings to clarify this issue quantitatively and qualitatively. A comprehensive bearing stiffness matrix of dimension six is proposed which clearly demonstrates the coupling between the rotating shaft and casing motion. An eigensolution and the forced harmonic solution are obtained numerically. The natural frequencies predicted are found to be in excellent agreement with a finite element model.

Lim, Teik Chin↗
NASA NTRS1991

Overview of the Beta II two-stage-to-orbit vehicle design

A design concept for fully reusable two-stage-to-orbit (TSTO) vehicle is reviewed in terms of adapting the Beta vehicle to revised mission requirements. The Beta II vehicle is discussed in terms of study-mission requirements such as horizontal takeoff and landing, a 10,000-lb payload, and a 120-nm polar orbit. The fully reusable TSTO concept specified in the study is found to be feasible with a moderate gross lift-off weight particularly if air-breathing propulsion is incorporated.

Plencner, Robert M.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Mach 6.5 air induction system design for the Beta II Two-Stage-to-Orbit booster vehicle

A preliminary, two-dimensional, mixed compression air induction system is designed for the Beta II Two-Stage-to-Orbit booster vehicle to minimize installation losses and efficiently deliver the required airflow. Design concepts, such as an external isentropic compression ramp and a bypass system, are developed and evaluated for performance benefits. The design is optimized by maximizing installed propulsion/vehicle system performance, and the resulting system design operating characteristics and performance are presented. The air induction system design has significantly lower transonic drag than similar designs, and only requires approximately 1/3 of the bleed extraction. In addition, the design efficiently provides the integrated system required airflow, while maintaining adequate levels of total pressure recovery. The excellent performance of this highly integrated air induction system is essential for the successful completion of the Beta II booster vehicle mission.

Midea, Anthony C.↗