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Farber, E. A.

Publications and source records attributed to Farber, E. A..

13 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1985

Monitoring of inventory in enclosed turbulent liquid tanks using floating gamma-ray sources

An accurate and simple technique utilizing a low-intensity gamma-ray source floating in a vertical tube, whose configuration is tank geometry and size dependent, is shown to eliminate the disturbing effects of turbulent fluid on enclosed tank liquid inventory measurement. The vertical tube aligns the source with detectors positioned outside of the tank, and collapses the turbulent liquid surface to a true average level. The exit attenuation of the information carrying high energy gamma rays is insensitive to liquid surface tubulence, and sensing probe penetrations are not necessary. It is found that for a half-full tank, 1.0 percent statistical error, and 1-s measuring times, that a 220 C Ce-137 source is required for an 8-ft high tank. Consistent experimental results are found for the dual detector method, and results indicate that the accuracy of the scanning side detector method is dependent on the quality of the collimator and degree of lower level energy discrimination.

Klein, R. M.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Prediction of explosive yield and other characteristics of liquid rocket propellant explosions

Work which has been done at the University of Florida in arriving at credible explosive yield values for liquid rocket propellants is presented. The results are based upon logical methods which have been well worked out theoretically and verified through experimental procedures. Three independent methods to predict explosive yield values for liquid rocket propellants are described. All three give the same end result even though they utilize different parameters and procedures. They are: (1) mathematical model; (2) seven chart approach; and (3) critical mass method. A brief description of the methods, how they were derived, how they were applied, and the results which they produced are given. The experimental work used to support and verify the above methods both in the laboratory and in the field with actually explosive mixtures are presented. The methods developed are used and their value demonstrated in analyzing real problems, among them the destruct system of the Saturn 5, and the early configurations of the space shuttle.

Farber, E. A.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Hydrogen and oxygen sensor development

A reliable and low cost gas sensor was investigated for instantaneously detecting H2 in N2, H2 in air, and O2 in N2. The major portion of the research was spent in developing a sensor which would instantaneously detect H2 to + or - 50 ppm even in the presence of trace amounts of other gases. The experimental procedures used to provide the performance characteristics for the various oscillators are discussed describing the equipment with help of schematics and photographs where applicable. The resulting performance is given in graphical form. In some cases both hydrogen and helium may be present and since both of them effect gas sensors similarly, a method was found to determine the concentration of each. The methods developed are grouped into the following four broad categories: pure metal response, variation in heat conductivity, reduction methods, and exotic processes. From the above it was decided for the present to use a copper oxide reduction process as this process was demonstrated to be capable of determining the concentrations of hydrogen and helium respectively in a gas mixture with air or nitrogen.

Farber, E. A.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Solar energy, its conversion and utilization

The work being carried out at the University of Florida Solar Energy and Energy Conversion Laboratory in converting solar energy, our only income, into other needed and useful forms of energy is described. A treatment such as this demonstrates, in proper perspective, how solar energy can benefit mankind with its many problems of shortages and pollution. Descriptions were given of the conversion processes, equipment, and performance. The testing of materials, solar water heating, space heating, cooking and baking, solar distillation, refrigeration and air-conditioning, work with the solar furnace, conversion to mechanical power, hot air engines, solar-heated sewage digestion, conversion to electricity, and other devices will be discussed.

Farber, E. A.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Critical mass of cryogenic rocket propellants.

This paper introduces the new concept of 'Critical mass' for liquid rocket propellants and verifies its existence. Internal mechanisms inherent in the mixing processes of fuel and oxidizer produce ignition conditions and centers which limit the quantities which can be brought together without explosion, or limit the size of the explosion which can be produced, regardless of the total propellant quantities present.

Farber, E. A.↗