Engineering topics

Reichmuth, D. M.

Publications and source records attributed to Reichmuth, D. M..

3 records

NASA NTRS1993

A fault tolerant 80960 engine controller

The paper describes the design of the 80960 Fault Tolerant Engine Controller for the supervision of engine operations, which was designed for the NASA Marshall Space Center. Consideration is given to the major electronic components of the controller, including the engine controller, effectors, and the sensors, as well as to the controller hardware, the controller module and the communications module, and the controller software. The architecture of the controller hardware allows modifications to be made to fit the requirements of any new propulsion systems. Multiple flow diagrams are presented illustrating the controller's operations.

Reichmuth, D. M.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Electromechanical actuation for cryogenic valve control

The design and analysis of the electromechanical actuator (EMA) being developed for the NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center as part of the National Launch System (NLS) Propellant Control Effector Advanced Development Program (ADP) are addressed. The EMA design uses several proven technologies combined into a single modular package which includes single stage high ratio gear reduction, redundant electric motors mounted on a common drive shaft, redundant drive and control electronics, and digital technology for performing the closed loop position feedback, communication, and health monitoring functions. Results of tests aimed at evaluating both component characteristics and overall system performance demonstrated that the goal of low cost, reliable control in a cryogenic environment is feasible.

Lister, M. J.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Primary helium heater for propellant pressurization systems

The primary helium heater is a unique design that provides direct heating of pressurant gas for large pressure fed propulsion systems. It has been conceptually designed to supply a heated (800-1000 R) pressurization gas to both a liquid oxygen and an RP-1 propellant tank. This pressurization gas is generated within the heater by mixing super critical helium (40-300 R and 3000-1600 psi) with an appropriate amount of combustion products from a 4:1 throttling stoichiometric LO2/LH2 combustor. This simple, low cost and reliable mixer utilizes the large quantity of helium to provide stoichiometric combustor cooling, extend the throttling limits and enhance the combustion stability margin. Preliminary combustion, thermal, and CFD analyses confirm that this low-pressure-drop direct helium heater can provide the constant-temperature pressurant suitable for tank pressurization of both fuel and oxidizer tanks of large pressure fed vehicles.

Reichmuth, D. M.↗