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At least 19 records

Coupled fluid-thermal-structural analysis for aerodynamically heated structures

A finite element approach for integrated fluid-thermal-structural analysis of aerodynamically heated structures is described. The approach is used to solve: (1) the Navier-Stokes equations for the aerodynamic flow, (2) the energy equation of the structure for the temperature response, and (3) the quasi-static equilibrium equations of the structure for the structural response. Coupling between the three disciplines is demonstrated using two applications: Mach 7 flow over a panel and Mach 8 shock-shock interference on a cylinder.

Dechaumphai, Pramote

Preliminary Development of a Multifunctional Hot Structure Heat Shield

Development of a Multifunctional Hot Structure Heat Shield concept has initiated with the goal to provide advanced technology with significant benefits compared to the current state of the art heat shield technology. The concept is unique in integrating the function of the thermal protection system with the primary load carrying structural component. An advanced carbon-carbon material system has been evaluated for the load carrying structure, which will be utilized on the outer surface of the heat shield, and thus will operate as a hot structure exposed to the severe aerodynamic heating associated with planetary entry. Flexible, highly efficient blanket insulation has been sized for use underneath the hot structure to maintain desired internal temperatures. The approach was to develop a preliminary design to demonstrate feasibility of the concept. The preliminary results indicate that the concept has the potential to save both mass and volume with significantly less recession compared to traditional heat shield designs, and thus provide potential to enable new planetary missions.

Walker, Sandra P.

Structural heat pipe

A combined structural reinforcing element and heat transfer member is disclosed for placement between a structural wall and an outer insulation blanket. The element comprises a heat pipe, one side of which supports the outer insulation blanket, the opposite side of which is connected to the structural wall. Heat penetrating through the outer insulation blanket directly reaches the heat pipe and is drawn off, thereby reducing thermal gradients in the structural wall. The element, due to its attachment to the structural wall, further functions as a reinforcing member.

Ollendorf, S.

Structural Heat Intercept, Insulation and Vibration Evaluation Rig (SHIIVER)

The Structural Heat Intercept, Insulation, and Vibration Evaluation Rig (SHIIVER) is a large scale cryogenic fluid management (CFM) test bed designed to scale CFM technologies for inclusion on large, in-space stages. A part of the evolvable Cryogenics (eCryo) project, SHIIVER is a technology development task that is supportive of future exploration propulsion needs. Technologies developed under the eCryo Project will play a critical role in enabling increasingly longer duration in-space missions beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

Vapor cooling

Summary of Testing Results for the Structural Heat Intercept, Insulation, and Vibration Evaluation Rig (SHIIVER)

Testing was completed on the Structural Heat Intercept, Insulation, and Vibration Evaluation Rig (SHIIVER) between August 2019 and January 2020. SHIIVER was designed to be a test bed for the scaling of cryogenic fluid management technologies as applied to large upper stages and long duration in-space stages. The baseline SHIIVER design consists of uninsulated structural skirts attached to a propellant tank insulated with polyurethane Spray-On Foam Insulation (SOFI). The initial testing of the SHIIVER hardware was with liquid hydrogen and sought to demonstrate the use of boil-off vapor to intercept heat on a structural skirt, multilayer insulation (MLI) on the tank domes, and the radio frequency mass gauge (RFMG). Testing was completed in four stages: a baseline thermal vacuum test prior to installation of the MLI on the tank domes, a thermal vacuum test after the MLI installation, a reverberant acoustic test, and a subsequent thermal vacuum test to verify that no damage occurred during the reverberant acoustic testing. Each thermal vacuum test with chamber wall at ambient temperature and vacuum level in the 10-6 torr range was conducted continuously between approximately 90% full and 25% full. Test results showed that the vapor cooling reduced the heat load to the tank by approximately 10%, but the boil-off by less than 3% at 50% full, with and without MLI installed on the domes. The MLI installed on the domes reduced the heat load to the tank by approximately 40% at all fill levels, but the boil-off by approximately 25% at 90% full and 45% below 65% full. The RFMG performed well over all fill ranges, and several RF tank modes were used to gauge the mass of fluid in the tank. SHIIVER was then exposed to an acoustic environment of 147 dB OASPL (overall sound pressure level) in a reverberant chamber. The acoustic environment envelopes the upper stage internal acoustic level of several different modern launch vehicles. No structural or thermal performance changes were observed after exposure to the acoustic environment. Final thermal vacuum testing after the acoustic testing showed no degradation to the MLI due to the acoustic environment as measured via system heat loads

SHIIVER

Demonstration of Multilayer Insulation, Vapor Cooling of Structure, and Mass Gauging for Large Scale Upper Stages: Structural Heat Intercept, Insulation, and Vibration Evaluation Rig (SHIIVER) Final Report

Testing was completed on the Structural Heat Intercept, Insulation, and Vibration Evaluation Rig (SHIIVER) between August 2019 and January 2020. SHIIVER was designed to be a test bed for the scaling of cryogenic fluid management technologies as applied to large upper stages and long duration in-space stages. The hardware consists of a 4 meter diameter stainless steel tank, structural skirts supporting the tank in the aft direction, and an aluminum forward skirt with vapor cooling channels bolted to it. The initial testing of the SHIIVER hardware was with liquid hydrogen and liquid nitrogen (as a substitute fluid for liquid oxygen and liquid methane) and sought to demonstrate the use of boil-off vapor to intercept heat on a structural skirt, multilayer insulation (MLI) on the tank domes, and the radio frequency mass gauge (RFMG). Testing was completed in four stages: a baseline thermal vacuum test prior to installation of the MLI, a thermal vacuum test after the MLI installation, a reverberant acoustic test, and a subsequent thermal vacuum test to verify that no damage occurred during the reverberant acoustic testing. Each thermal vacuum test with chamber wall at ambient temperature and vacuum level in the 10-6 torr range was conducted continuously between approximately 90% full and 25% full. Test results showed that the vapor cooling reduced the heat load to the tank by approximately 10%, but the boil-off by less than 3% at 50% full with no MLI on the domes. It reduced the heat load to the tank by approximately 10%, but the boil-off was essentially unchanged at 50% full whether or not vapor cooling was operational with MLI on the domes. The MLI reduced the heat load to the tank by approximately 40% at all fill levels, but the boil-off by approximately 25% at 90% full and 45% below 65% full. The RFMG performed well over all fill ranges, and several RF tank modes were used to gauge the mass of fluid in the tank. SHIIVER was then exposed to an acoustic environment of 147 dB OASPL (overall sound pressure level) in a reverberant chamber. The acoustic environment and profile envelopes the upper stage internal acoustic level of several different modern launch vehicles. No structural or thermal performance changes were observed as a result of acoustic testing. Final thermal vacuum testing after the acoustic testing showed no degradation to the MLI due to the acoustic environment as measured via system heat loads.

SHIIVER

An optimality criterion for sizing members of heated structures with temperature constraints

A thermal optimality criterion is presented for sizing members of heated structures with multiple temperature constraints. The optimality criterion is similar to an existing optimality criterion for design of mechanically loaded structures with displacement constraints. Effectiveness of the thermal optimality criterion is assessed by applying it to one- and two-dimensional thermal problems where temperatures can be controlled by varying the material distribution in the structure. Results obtained from the optimality criterion agree within 2 percent with results from a closed-form solution and with results from a mathematical programming technique. The thermal optimality criterion augments existing optimality criteria for strength and stiffness related constraints and offers the possibility of extension of optimality techniques to sizing structures with combined thermal and mechanical loading.

Rao, G. V.

Structural heat pipe

When solar heat is absorbed through the structural support member it is fed directly to a heat pipe. Energy is transferred by heat pipe around to a cooler spot before it can find its way to the structure. This prevents local hot spots from occurring on the sun side and excessive heat leaks on the dark side.

Ollendorf, S.

Evaluation of improved algorithms for nonlinear transient structural heat transfer

The paper presents the evaluation of algorithms having potential for reducing computer time to integrate large systems of equations governing nonlinear transient heat transfer in complex structures. A series of test problems is being developed to test two algorithms. The Shuttle Orbiter frame model having 190 nodes was the subject of an analytical/experimental study. Plans are to perform calculations for the complete wing model having about 4000 nodes as well as a regional (plug) model having about 200 nodes.

Adelman, H. M.

Heating Structures Derived from Satellite

Rainfall is a key link in the hydrologic cycle and is a primary heat source for the atmosphere. The vertical distribution of latent-heat release, which is accompanied by rainfall, modulates the large-scale circulations of the tropics and in turn can impact midlatitude weather. This latent heat release is a consequence of phase changes between vapor, liquid, and solid water. The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM), a joint U.S./Japan space project, was launched in November 1997. It provides an accurate measurement of rainfall over the global tropics which can be used to estimate the four-dimensional structure of latent heating over the global tropics. The distributions of rainfall and inferred heating can be used to advance our understanding of the global energy and water cycle. This paper describes several different algorithms for estimating latent heating using TRMM observations. The strengths and weaknesses of each algorithm as well as the heating products are also discussed. The validation of heating products will be exhibited. Finally, the application of this heating information to global circulation and climate models is presented.

Tao, W.-K.

The Structural Heat Intercept-Insulation-Vibration Evaluation Rig (SHIVER)

NASA is currently investigating methods to reduce the boil-off rate on large cryogenic upper stages. Two such methods to reduce the total heat load on existing upper stages are vapor cooling of the cryogenic tank support structure and integration of thick multilayer insulation systems to the upper stage of a launch vehicle. Previous efforts have flown a 2-layer MLI blanket and shown an improved thermal performance, and other efforts have ground-tested blankets up to 70 layers thick on tanks with diameters between 2 3 meters. However, thick multilayer insulation installation and testing in both thermal and structural modes has not been completed on a large scale tank. Similarly, multiple vapor cooled shields are common place on science payload helium dewars; however, minimal effort has gone into intercepting heat on large structural surfaces associated with rocket stages. A majority of the vapor cooling effort focuses on metallic cylinders called skirts, which are the most common structural components for launch vehicles. In order to provide test data for comparison with analytical models, a representative test tank is currently being designed to include skirt structural systems with integral vapor cooling. The tank is 4 m in diameter and 6.8 m tall to contain 5000 kg of liquid hydrogen. A multilayer insulation system will be designed to insulate the tank and structure while being installed in a representative manner that can be extended to tanks up to 10 meters in diameter. In order to prove that the insulation system and vapor cooling attachment methods are structurally sound, acoustic testing will also be performed on the system. The test tank with insulation and vapor cooled shield installed will be tested thermally in the B2 test facility at NASAs Plumbrook Station both before and after being vibration tested at Plumbrooks Space Power Facility.

Cryogenic Fluid Management

Structural Heat Intercept, Insulation, and Vibration Evaluation Rig (SHIIVER)

Abstract: NASA is currently investigating methods to reduce the boil-off rate on large cryogenic upper stages. Two such methods to reduce the total heat load on existing upper stages are vapor cooling of the cryogenic tank support structure and integration of thick multilayer insulation systems to the upper stage of a launch vehicle. Previous efforts have flown a 2-layer MLI blanket and shown an improved thermal performance, and other efforts have ground-tested blankets up to 70 layers thick on tanks with diameters between 2 3 meters. However, thick multilayer insulation installation and testing in both thermal and structural modes has not been completed on a large scale tank. Similarly, multiple vapor cooled shields are common place on science payload helium dewars; however, minimal effort has gone into using boil-off to intercept heat on large structural surfaces associated with rocket stages. A majority of the vapor cooling effort focuses on metallic cylinders called skirts, which are the most common structural components for launch vehicles. In order to provide test data for comparison with analytical models, a 4 meter diameter test tank and assembly is currently being designed to include skirt structural systems with integral vapor cooling. In order to give a more representative result for actual applications, the technologies will be designed for an 8.4 m and scaled down to a 4 meter tank. In order to prove that the insulation system and vapor cooling attachment methods are structurally sound, acoustic testing will also be performed on the system. The test tank with insulation and vapor cooled shield installed will be tested thermally in the B2 test facility at NASAs Plum Brook Station both before and after being vibration tested at Plum Brooks Space Power Facility.

Johnson, Wesley

Latent Heating Structures Derived from TRMM

Rainfall is the fundamental variable within the Earth's hydrological cycle because it is both the main forcing term leading to variations in continental and oceanic surface water budgets. The vertical distribution of latent heat release, which is accompanied with rain, modulates large-scale meridional and zonal circulations within the tropics as well as modifying the energetic efficiency of mid-latitude weather systems. Latent heat release itself is a consequence of phase changes between the vapor, liquid, and frozen states of water.This paper focuses on the retrieval of latent heat release from satellite measurements generated by the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission 0. The TRMM observatory, whose development was a joint US-Japan space endeavor, was launched in November 1997. TRMM measurements provide an accurate account of rainfall over the global tropics, information which can be .used to estimate the four-dimensional structure of latent heating across the entire tropical and sub-tropical regions. Various algorithm methodologies for estimating latent heating based on rain rate measurements from TRMM observations are described. The strengths and weaknesses of these algorithms, as well as the latent heating products generated by these algorithms, are also discussed along with validation analyses of the products. The investigation paper provides an overview of how TRMM-derived latent heating information is currently being used in conjunction with global weather and climate models, and concludes with remarks designed to stimulate further research on latent heating retrieval

Tao, W.-K.

Three one-dimensional structural heating programs

Two computer programs for calculating profiles in a ten-element structure consisting of up to ten materials are presented, along with a third program for calculating the mean temperature for a payload container placed in an orbiting vehicle cargo bay. The three programs are related by the sharing of a common analytical technique; the energy balance is based upon one-dimensional heat transfer. The first program, NQLDW112, assumes a non-ablating surface. NQLDW117 is very similar but allows the outermost element to ablate. NQLDW040 calculates an average temperature profile through an idealized model of the real payload cannister and contents in the cargo bay of an orbiting vehicle.

Wing, L. D.

Environmental Forcing of Super Typhoon Paka's (1997) Latent Heat Structure

The distribution and intensity of total (i.e., combined stratified and convective processes) rainrate/latent heat release (LHR) were derived for tropical cyclone Paka during the period 9-21 December, 1997 from the F-10, F-11, F-13, and F-14 Defense Meteorological Satellite Special Sensor Microwave/Imager and the Tropical Rain Measurement Mission Microwave Imager observations. These observations were frequent enough to capture three episodes of inner core convective bursts that preceded periods of rapid intensification and a convective rainband (CRB) cycle. During these periods of convective bursts, satellite sensors revealed that the rainrates/LHR: 1) increased within the inner eye wall region; 2) were mainly convectively generated (nearly a 65% contribution), 3) propagated inwards; 4) extended upwards within the middle and upper-troposphere, and 5) became electrically charged. These factors may have caused the eye wall region to become more buoyant within the middle and upper-troposphere, creating greater cyclonic angular momentum, and, thereby, warming the center and intensifying the system. Radiosonde measurements from Kwajalein Atoll and Guam, sea surface temperature observations, and the European Center for Medium Range Forecast analyses were used to examine the necessary and sufficient condition for initiating and maintaining these inner core convective bursts. For example, the necessary conditions such as the atmospheric thermodynamics (i.e., cold tropopause temperatures, moist troposphere, and warm SSTs [greater than 26 deg]) suggested that the atmosphere was ideal for Paka's maximum potential intensity (MPI) to approach super-typhoon strength. Further, Paka encountered weak vertical wind shear (less than 15 m/s ) before interacting with the westerlies on 21 December. The sufficient conditions, on the other hand, appeared to have some influence on Paka's convective burst, but the horizontal moisture flux convergence values in the outer core were weaker than some of the previously examined tropical cyclones. Also, the upper tropospheric outflow generation of eddy relative angular momentum flux convergence was 4D much less than that found during moderate tropical cyclone/trough interaction. These results indicated how important the external necessary condition and the internal forcing (i.e., CRB cycle) were in generating Paka's convective bursts as compared to the external sufficient forcing mechanisms found in higher latitude tropical cyclones. Later, as Paka began to interact with the westerlies, both the necessary (i.e., strong vertical shear and colder SSTs) and sufficient (i.e., dry air intrusion) external forcing mechanisms helped to decrease Paka's rainrate.

Rodgers, Edward B.

Technology Demonstration Mission (TDM) Evolvable Cryogenics (eCryo) Project: Structural Heat Intercept, Insulation, and Vibration Evaluation Rig (SHIIVER) - Test Plan

The initial test of the SHIIVER system includes multilayer insulation and vapor cooled structure. Testing will occur in the In-Space Propulsion Facility (thermal/vacuum) and RATF (acoustic) facilities at Plum Brook Station in Sandusky Ohio. The testing will demonstrate the performance benefits of multilayer insulation and vapor based heat intercept on a “large scale” test article in a manner befitting large upper stages.

Large Scale Hydrogen Testing, Cryogenics, Multilay

Technology Demonstration Mission (TDM) evolvable Cryogenics (eCryo) Project Structural Heat Intercept, Insulation and Vibration Evaluation Rig (SHIIVER) Diode Rake Assembly and Installation

NASA designed, assembled and installed a temperature diode rake into the SHIIVER test article for use of measuring liquid and gaseous hydrogen temperatures. Several special steps were taken to ensure that fluid temperatures were measured as opposed to structural temperatures. This document outlines design practices and methodologies that have become standard practice at Glenn Research Center to ensure the measurement of fluid temperatures for cryogenic systems research.

Cryogenic Fluid Management