Engineering topics

Hill, Arthur J.

Publications and source records attributed to Hill, Arthur J..

7 records

NASA NTRS2010

SSME Electrical Harness and Cable Development and Evolution

The Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) electrical harness and cable system consists of the various interconnecting devices necessary for operation of complex rocket engine functions. Thirty seven harnesses incorporate unique connectors, backshell adapters, conductors, insulation, shielding, and physical barriers for a long maintenance-free life while providing the means to satisfy performance requirements and to mitigate adverse environmental influences. The objective of this paper is to provide a description of the SSME electrical harness and cable designs as well as the development history and lessons learned.

Abrams, Russ↗

NASA NTRS1992

Hermetic Glass-To-Metal Seal For Instrumentation Window

Proposed mounting scheme for optical element of instrumentation window in pressure vessel ensures truly hermetic seal while minimizing transmission of stress to optical element. Brazed metal seal superior to conventional gaskets of elastomer, carbon, asbestos, or other material compressed between optical element and wall of vessel. Concentric brazed joints in proposed seal bond metal ring to wall of vessel and to optical element. U-shaped cross section allows ring to flex under pressure.

Hill, Arthur J.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Pressure-Measuring Diaphragm Transmits Optical Signals

Proposed sapphire diaphragm performs two functions in instrumented research engine or pressure vessel. Serves both as pressure sensor and as window for observation, optical probing, or optical transmission of other measurements. Deflections of sapphire diaphragm alters resistances of strain gauges mounted around its periphery. At same time, transparent material enables optical measurements of conditions in chamber. Additional information obtained about conditions in chamber without need for additional sensor mounts.

Hill, Arthur J.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Optical Sensor Of High Gas Temperatures

Contact pyrometer resists effects of heat, vibration, and moisture. New sensor consists of shielded sapphire rod with sputtered layer of precious metal on end. Metal layer acts as blackbody. Emits radiation having known dependence of spectral distribution with temperature of metal and temperature of hot gas flowing over metal. Fiber-optic cable carries radiation from sapphire rod to remote photodetector.

Hill, Arthur J.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Measuring Vibrations With Nonvibration Sensors

Information about vibrations of structure and/or of nonvibration sensor attached to structure extracted from output of sensor. Sensor operated in usual way except, output fed to power-spectral-density analyzer. Vibrational components easily distinguishable in analyzer output because they have frequencies much higher than those of more-slowly-varying temperature, pressure, or other normally desired components. Spectral-analysis technique applied successfully to high-frequency resistance changes in output of platinum-wire resistance thermometer: vibrational peaks in resistance frequency spectrum confirmed by spectrum from accelerometer. Technique also showed predicted 17-kHz vibrational resonance in strain-guage-supporting beam in pressure sensor.

Hill, Arthur J.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Vortex Suppressors Reduce Probe Vibrations

Lightweight addition to probe reduces cyclical stress aerodynamically. Life expectancy of instrumentation probe for high-speed flow increased by addition of helical strakes to cylindrical shield surrounding probe. Strakes disrupt vortex shedding normally occuring in fast flows around cylindrical body.

Hill, Arthur J.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Supports for Wires Soldered to Pins

Stress concentrations reduced by reorienting wires. New solder-joint configuration provides support for part of wire most susceptible to damage from handling or vibration part next to solder joint. Reversal of wire and heat-shrinkable tubing reduce stress in this region.

Hill, Arthur J.↗