Search NASA⌕ Search

Engineering topics

Michels, C. J.

Publications and source records attributed to Michels, C. J..

At least 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1982

Forward acoustic performance of a model turbofan designed for a high specific flow (QF-14)

Forward noise and overall aerodynamic performance are presented for a high-tip-speed fan having an exceptionally high average axial Mach number at the rotor inlet. This high Mach number is intended to attenuate forward noise at both the design-speed takeoff point, and at the unconventional low-pressure-ratio, design-speed approach point. As speed was increased near design, all forward noise components were reduced, and rear noise in the discharge duct was increased, indicating that the high Mach number flow at the rotor face is attenuating forward noise at takeoff. The fan at takeoff is some 5.5 to 11 dB quieter than several reference fans. Data at the point closest to approach indicated tentatively that the design-speed approach mode was 3 dB quieter than the conventional mode.

Lucas, J. G.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Study of a rare-gas transverse fast discharge

An experimental and analytical study of a Blumlein-type transverse fast discharge operating with He and Xe are presented. An electro-optical voltage probe was used to measure the discharge voltage, and the measured voltages were in agreement with the computed voltages. The analytical model was used to predict the dependence of the discharge efficiency for producing metastables and ions on the important plasma and external circuit parameters. In He the ion efficiency is greater than the metastable efficiency, while in Xe it is the opposite; the He ion efficiencies are much larger than in Xe, while Xe metastable efficiencies are much larger than in He. These differences between Xe and He are accounted by the large dissociative recombination rate of Xe compared with He.

Chubb, D. L.↗
NASA NTRS1978

An electro-optic, high-voltage, transient probe

A newly developed electro-optic voltage transducer is described. It is capable of measuring 30 ns rise time, floating or single-ended, 0 to 20 kV transients in a high noise environment such as a fast discharge laser or energetic switch system. The voltage transient is detected by a specially developed resistor in series with a light emitting diode. The light output (proportional to voltage) is transmitted remotely via a fiber-optic cable to a detector and recorder. Typical signals and comparison with commercial probe system signals are described.

Posta, S. J.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Gain measurements of the Ca-Xe charge exchange system

Charge-exchange-pumped Ca(+) was studied for possible positive laser gain at 370.6 and 315.9 nm using an Xe MPD arc as the Xe(+) source. The present paper describes the MPD arc, the calcium injection system, the diagnostics for gain, and spontaneous emission measurements and results. No positive gain measurements were observed. A small Xe-Ca charge exchange cross section compared to He-metal laser systems charge exchange cross sections is the most probable reason why the result was negative.

Michels, C. J.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Flow characteristics in the exhaust of a pulsed megawatt gas fed arc

The transient flow generated by a pulsed, megawatt-level, gas-fed arc with an applied magnetic nozzle has been examined with a new design piezoelectric pressure transducer. Sensor thermal conduction and accelerations have been examined and eliminated in the 500 microsec period of plasma flow. Existence of a large magnitude cold gas pressure front of 20 microsec duration has been reconfirmed and its relationship to the following plasma flow of about 200 microsec duration has been examined for the first time. At a point 30 cm from the arc source, initially near vacuum conditions (typically with an arc current of 11.2 kA and 1 tesla applied magnetic field), a pressure pulse of unionized gas with a magnitude of 10,000 N/sq m is followed by plasma flows with nearly constant impact pressure of 1000 N/sq m. Pressure and number density in this plasma region are seen to decrease with applied magnetic field strength.

Michels, C. J.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Exhaust pressure and density of various pulsed MPD-Arc thruster systems

Exhaust flow in a new 155-cm-i.d. vacuum facility is compared with earlier measurements in a small (15.2-cm-i.d.) duct. Reductions in post-transient impact pressure are about 5:1 in the larger facility. Corresponding reduced electron number densities (about 2 x 10 to the 13th power per cu cm) are noted. A new 125-microsec pulse-forming network power source produced no major differences in impact pressure compared to the crowbarred condenser bank used earlier. Comparing a puff gas feed of the arc chamber with a new 10-msec steady gas feed also shows no major difference in impact pressure for 125-microsec powering.

Michels, C. J.↗
NASA NTRS1973

A pulsed xenon megawatt arc plasma source

The exhaust of the source flowing into vacuum was measured by Thomson scattering diagnosis. Mean electron temperatures and densities were found to be 4-8 eV and on the order of 10 trillion per cu cm respectively, over the 8 cm exhaust diameter at 30 cm from the source. Large shot to shot variations were noted. After a transient spike passes, these conditions persist during the power time of 125 microsec. These exhaust conditions are marginal for evaluation of a proposed near resonant charge exchange pumped laser theory.

Michels, C. J.↗
NASA NTRS1973

20 kA PFN capacitor bank with solid-state switching

A compact high-current pulse-forming network capacitor bank using paralleled silicon controlled rectifiers as switches is described. The maximum charging voltage of the bank is 1kV and maximum load current is 20 kA. The necessary switch equalization criteria and performance with dummy load and an arc plasma generator are described.

Posta, S. J.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Compact 20-kiloampere pulse-forming-network capacitor bank

Bank uses commercially available high-energy-density capacitors for energy storage and silicon-controlled rectifiers for switching. Low voltage design employing solid-state switching is utilized in lieu of conventional gas discharge switching.

Posta, S. J.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Dynamic pressure transducer system for pulsed plasma flow diagnosis.

The response characteristics of high sensitivity piezoelectric pressure transducers suitable for use in the plasma flow induced by megawatt-level electric discharges in low density (less than 1 Torr) gases are described. The uniquely designed probe records the initial impingement of a large magnitude total pressure pulse, followed by the flow of primary interest with order-of-magnitude smaller signals. Effects relating to probe and support accelerations, blast shielding and probe heating are evaluated and accounted for in a probe system with a sensitivity of 40 V/atm.

York, T. M.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Exhaust pressure and density of various pulsed mpd-arc thruster systems

Exhaust flow in a new, 155 cm i.d., vacuum facility was compared with earlier measurements in a small (15.2 cm i.d.) duct. Reductions in post transient impact pressure were about 5:1 in the larger facility. Corresponding reduced electron number densities (approximately 2 x 10 to the 13th power/cucm) were noted. A new, 125 miscrosecond, pulse forming network power source produced no major differences in impact pressure compared to the crowbarred condenser bank used earlier. Comparing a puff gas feed of the arc chamber with a new 10 millisecond steady gas feed also showed no major difference in impact pressure for 125 miscrosecond powering.

Michels, C. J.↗
NASA NTRS1973

A pulsed xenon megawatt arc plasma source

The exhaust of the source flowing into vacuum was measured by Thomson scattering diagnosis. Mean electron temperatures and densities were found to be 4-8 eV and of order ten to the 13th power cm/3 respectively over the 8 cm exhaust diameter at 30 cm from the source. Large shot to shot variations were noted. After a transient spike passes, these conditions persist during the power time of 125 microsecond. These exhaust conditions are marginal for evaluation of a proposed near resonant charge exchange pumped laser theory.

Michels, C. J.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Exhaust flow and propulsion characteristics of a pulsed MPD arc thruster.

Experimental investigation of the near-field, megawatt, single-shot exhaust for the self-field and auxiliary field cases (0 to 2 tesla) for a pulsed MPD arc thrustor. Plasma impact pressure and number density are correlated to provide velocity profiles (30,000 to 70,000 m/sec), thrust (10 to 120 N), impulse (3 to 16 N-sec) and mass accounting. The data agree with Hugel's self-field theory for the case where thrust is produced entirely by electromagnetic force. The data show that the thrust monotonically increases with auxiliary field.

Michels, C. J.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Exhaust flow and propulsion characteristics of a pulsed MPD arc thruster

An experimental investigation of the near-field megawatt, single-shot exhaust is presented for the self-field and auxiliary field cases (0-2 T). Plasma impact pressure and number density are correlated to provide velocity profiles (30,000 to 70,000 m/sec), thrust (10 to 120 N), impulse (3 to 16 N-sec) and mass accounting. The data agree with Hugel's self-field theory for the case where thrust is produced entirely by electromagnetic force. The data show that the thrust monotonically increases with auxiliary field.

Michels, C. J.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Temporal survey of electron number density and electron temperature in the exhaust of a megawatt MPD-arc thruster.

Temporal and radial profiles are obtained 30 cm downstream from the anode for two peak arc currents (11.2 kA and 20 kA) and for various auxiliary magnetic fields (0, 1.0 T, and 2.0 T) using the Thomson scattering technique. Average density and temperature are relatively constant for over 100 microseconds with significant fluctuations. Radial profiles obtained are relatively flat for 4 cm from the axis. Compared to earlier 20 cm data, the exhaust density has decreased significantly, the average temperature has not changed, and the density ?hole' with an auxiliary magnetic field has enlarged.

Michels, C. J.↗