Engineering topics

Maddocks, J. R.

Publications and source records attributed to Maddocks, J. R..

6 records

NASA NTRS1991

Characterizing He 2 flow through porous materials using counterflow data

Proposed space applications, such as the cooling of infrared and x ray telescopes, have generated substantial interest in the behavior of He(2) flowing in porous materials. For design purposes, classical porous media correlations and room temperature data are often used to obtain order of magnitude estimates of expected pressure drops, while the attendant temperature differences are either ignored or estimated using smooth tube correlations. A more accurate alternative to this procedure is suggested by an empirical extension of the two fluid models. It is shown that four empirical parameters are necessary to describe the pressure and temperature differences induced by He(2) flow through a porous sample. The three parameters required to determine pressure differences are measured in counterflow and found to compare favorably with those for isothermal flow. The fourth parameter, the Gorter-Mellink constant, differs substantially from smooth tube values. It is concluded that parameter values determined from counterflow can be used to predict pressure and temperature differences in a variety of flows to an accuracy of about + or - 20 percent.

Vansciver, Steven W.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Characterizing He II flow through porous materials using counterflow data

An empirical extension of the two-fluid model is used to characterize He II flow through porous materials. It is shown that four empirical parameters are necessary to describe the pressure and temperature differences induced by He II flow through a porous sample. The three parameters required to determine pressure differences are measured in counterflow and found to compare favorably with those for isothermal flow. The fourth parameter, the Gorter-Mellink constant, differs substantially from smooth tube values. It is concluded that parameter values determined from counterflow can be used to predict pressure and temperature differences in a variety of flows to an accuracy of about +/- 20 percent.

Maddocks, J. R.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Pressure drop of He II flow through a porous media

The paper reports on measurements of He II pressure drop across two porous SiO2 ceramic filter materials. These materials vary only in porosity, having values of 0.94 and 0.96. The average fiber diameter in both cases is approximately 5 microns. The experiment consists of a glass tube containing a piece of this sponge in one end. The tube is rapidly displaced downward in a bath of helium and the liquid levels are allowed to equilibrate over time producing variable velocities up to 10 cm/sec. The results are compared with those previously obtained using fine mesh screens. Good qualitative agreement is observed for turbulent flow; however, the behavior in the laminar flow regime is not fully understood.

Maddocks, J. R.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Pressure drop and He II flow through fine mesh screens

Fluid acquisition systems for He II transfer devices will utilize gallery arms to ensure that the fluid encounters the pump inlet. In near term experiments such as Superfluid Helium on Orbit Transfer (SHOOT), the preferred configuration consists of several rectangular channels which have one side made from a Dutch weave stainless steel screen having 325 x 2300 wires per inch. The effective pore diameter for this screen is about 5 microns. The present paper reports on measurements of pressure drop across a screen when it is subjected to a flow of liquid helium. The experiment measures the time rate of change of the level in two different helium reservoirs connected by a screen-blocked channel. Results with normal helium are compared with predictions based on the Armour-Cannon (1968) equations. The He II data show considerable deviation from the classical result. A discussion of the He II pressure drop results in terms of two fluid hydrodynamics is included.

Maddocks, J. R.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Turbulent flow preasure drop in various He II transfer system components

Pressure drop experiments in highly turbulent He II flow were performed in flow loops driven by either a centrifugal pump or a single-stroke bellows pump. Pressure drops in straight tubing, coiled tubing, bellows sections, valves and Venturi flow meters were measured over a range of flow rates and temperatures. Our pressure drop data are in general agreement with classical fluid correlations when the He II normal component viscosity is used in calculating the Reynolds number. Cavitation and, in some cases, metastable superheating were observed in pressure drop measurements with Venturis in both centrifugal and bellows pump flow circuits.

Walstrom, P. L.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Pressure drop and temperature rise in He II flow in round tubes, Venturi flowmeters and valves

Pressure drops in highly turbulent He II flow were measured in round tubes, valves, and Venturi flowmeters. Results are in good agreement with single-phase flow correlations for classical fluids. The temperature rise in flow in a round tube was measured, and found to agree well with predictions for isenthalpic expansion. Cavitation was observed in the venturis under conditions of low back pressure and high flow rate. Metastable superheating of the helium at the venturi throat was observed before the helium made a transition to saturation pressure.

Walstrom, P. L.↗