Engineering topics

Disimile, Peter J.

Publications and source records attributed to Disimile, Peter J..

9 records

NASA NTRS1992

Three-dimensional temporal reconstruction and analysis of plume images

An experiment with two subsonic jets generating a cross-flow was conducted as part of a study of the structural features of temporal reconstruction of plume images. The flow field structure was made visible using a direct injection flow visualization technique. It is shown that image analysis and temporal three-dimensional visualization can provide new information on the vortical structural dynamics of multiple jets in a cross-flow. It is expected that future developments in image analysis, quantification and interpretation, and flow visualization of rocket engine plume images may provide a tool for correlating the engine diagnostic features by interpreting the evolution of the structures in the plume.

Dhawan, Atam P.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Gaseous oxygen detection using laser diodes

Transitions in the R-branch of the O2 A-band have been observed by modulating IR laser diode temperatures; on the basis of these transitions, O2 concentrations as low as 750 ppm can be determined. The transmission measurement's achievable precision correlates with an O2 concentration uncertainty of only 0.5 percent. Both the concentration and the static temperature of the gas are thereby determinable. Improved optics are being designed to improve these performance figures.

Fox, Curtis W.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Development of image processing techniques for applications in flow visualization and analysis

A comparison between two flow visualization studies of an axi-symmetric circular jet issuing into still fluid, using two different experimental techniques, is described. In the first case laser induced fluorescence is used to visualize the flow structure, whilst smoke is utilized in the second. Quantitative information was obtained from these visualized flow regimes using two different digital imaging systems. Results are presented of the rate at which the jet expands in the downstream direction and these compare favorably with the more established data.

Disimile, Peter J.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Concentration measurements in an axisymmetric jet using laser-induced fluorescence

Errors associated with the use of an image processing technique to correct images of an axisymmetric jet produced by laser-induced fluorescence are analyzed. In particular, attention is given to errors related to the alignment of the optical system, spreading of the laser light sheet, laser light attenuation due to light absorption by the fluorescent dye, and solubility effects. Although the above effects are negligible in the case of a small low-concentration jet, they are not negligible in all fluorescent dye experiments.

Shoe, B.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Four dimensional reconstruction and analysis of plume images

Results of a time-history based three-dimensional reconstruction of cross-sectional images corresponding to a specific planar location of the jet structure are reported. The experimental set-up is described, and three-dimensional displays of time-history based reconstruction of the jet structure are presented. Future developments in image analysis, quantification and interpretation, and flow visualization of rocket engine plume images are expected to provide a tool for correlating engine diagnostic features with visible flow structures.

Dhawan, Atam P.↗

NASA NTRS1990

An investigation into the flow behavior of a single phase gas system and a two phase gas/liquid system in normal gravity with nonuniform heating from above

The fluid behavior in normal gravity of a single phase gas system and a two phase gas/liquid system in an enclosed circular cylinder heated suddenly and nonuniformly from above was investigated. Flow visualization was used to obtain qualitative data on both systems. The use of thermochromatic liquid crystal particles as liquid phase flow tracers was evaluated as a possible means of simultaneously gathering both flow pattern and temperature gradient data for the two phase system. The results of the flow visualization experiments performed on both systems can be used to gain a better understanding of the behavior of such systems in a reduced gravity environment and aid in the verification of a numerical model of the system.

Disimile, Peter J.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Detection of gaseous oxygen using temperature tuned laser diodes

The development of an optical differential absorption technique using laser diodes is discussed. The technique is being developed as a solution to overcome the difficulties imposed by conventional liquid rocket propulsion system leak detection such as damage to the engine, cumbersome equipment, and excessive amounts of time. The detection of O2 at atmospheric pressure and temperature using laser diodes is demonstrated. Also, it is shown that, by temperature tuning the laser diode, the wavelength was shifted to a level where the oxygen absorption peaks are found. The levels of transmission determined via experimental means and those calculated from spectral data are found to be in close agreement.

Fox, Curtis W.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Environmental space hazards - An overview

An overview of space hazards that exist in the geo-lunar environment is given along with specific examples of deleterious effects that can be visited upon a long-term mission-oriented spacecraft system in LEO, GEO, the intervening space, LLO, and the lunar surface. Hazards discussed are categorized as pervasive (radiation), incident specific (meteoroids, monatomic oxygen, thermal gradient and shock, and low earth orbital debris), and chemically corrosive (monatomic oxygen). It is pointed out that, while some of the difficulties encountered are common to all types of propulsion systems, in the interplanetary domain the emphasis shifts from incident specific hazards to the pervasive upsets caused by ionizing and nonionizing radiation.

Bahr, G. K.↗

NASA NTRS1988

The distribution of vorticity in a large vortical motion

An experimental investigation into the distribution of vorticity in the large scale vortical motions which are found in free shear layers was undertaken. Using hot-wire anemometry, both quasi-instantaneous and phase averaged transverse vorticity were acquired. These results appear to indicate that the transverse vorticity in a large scale vortical motion is distributed in a marble cake manner and not in laminated sheets spooled up into a coil or helical spring. Also, levels of vorticity were found to vary by as much as an order of magnitude in these concentrated vortical cores.

Disimile, Peter J.↗