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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 199 records · Page 11
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1981

Conceptual design and analysis of orbital cryogenic liquid storage and supply systems

A wide variety of orbital cryogenic liquid storage and supply systems are defined in NASA and DOD long-range plans. These systems include small cooling applications, large chemical and electrical orbit transfer vehicles and supply tankers. All have the common requirements of low-g fluid management to accomplish gas-free liquid expulsion and efficient thermal control to manage heat leak and tank pressure. A preliminary design study was performed to evaluate tanks ranging from 0.6 to 37.4 cu m (22 to 1320 cu ft). Liquids of interest were hydrogen, oxygen, methane, argon and helium. Conceptual designs were generated for each tank system and fluid dynamic, thermal and structural analyses were performed for Shuttle compatible operations. Design trades considered the paradox of conservative support structure and minimum thermal input. Orbital performance and weight data were developed, and a technology evaluation was completed.

Eberhardt, R. N.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Nonlinear evolution of the sheet pinch

An incompressible, dissipative numerical code of the spectral type is used to follow the nonlinear evolution of a magnetohydrodynamic sheet pinch in two spatial dimensions. The evolution involves considerable turbulent activity in the electric current field, with the excited spatial scales ranging from the size of the containing volume down to the dissipation lengths of the magnetic and velocity fields. Strong current filamentation near magnetic X-points is observed, as is 'jetting', or expulsion of magnetofluid from the vicinity of the X-point parallel to the current sheet.

Matthaeus, W. H.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Shuttle compatible cryogenic liquid storage and supply systems

A detailed introduction is given to a wide variety of orbital cryogenic liquid storage and supply systems required for future vehicles by NASA and DOD. The systems include small cooling applications, large chemical and electrical orbit transfer vehicles and resupply tankers, and all have the common requirements of low-g fluid management for the accomplishment of gas-free liquid expulsion, and efficient thermal control in order to manage heat leak and tank pressure. The present study considers hydrogen, oxygen, methane, argon and helium tanks ranging from 0.6 to 37.4 cu m. Conceptual designs were generated for each tank system, and fluid dynamic, structural and thermal analyses were performed in view of Shuttle requirements.

Eberhardt, R. N.↗
NASA NTRS1982

UV emission from he M1 supergiant TV Gem

Low and high dispersion ultraviolet spectra were obtained of the M1 supergiant TV Gem with IUE. Previous IUE observations of this late type supergiant revealed unexpected UV continuum emission, perhaps arising from an early B companion. Low resolution spectra obtained approximately one year apart suggest that the strong Si III in combination perhaps with O I at wavelengths approximately 1300 A varies considerably with time. Large variation in the column density is required to explain these changes. Sporadic mass expulsion with mass loss rates dM/dt approximately 0.00001 solar mass yr minus 1st power from the M supergiant could lead to a dense circumstellar wind near the hot early companion, and thus could account for these observed variations in equivalent width. The high resolution spectrum in the 2000 to 3200 A wavelength range is characterized by narrow absorption lines primarily due to Fe II, Mn II and Mg II (h and k), which are skewed in profile with an extended red wing. This profile structure is tentatively attributed to interstellar absorption and an intervening differentially moving cloud in the direction of Gem OB1, of which TV Gem is a known association member.

Michalitsianos, A. G.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Ring current impoundment of the Io plasma torus

A newly discovered feature in the Io plasma formation that may be described as a ramp separating a high-density plasma ledge on its Jupiterward side from the lower-density radially distended Io plasma disc on its anti-Jupiterward side is observed to coincide with a marked inward decrease in the ring current population. The spatial congruency of the counter-directed maximal gradients in both plasma bodies reveals a profound coupling between them. The existence of the ramp requires a local order-of-magnitude reduction in the diffusion coefficient that governs radial mass transport. It is demonstrated that the diminished diffusive efficiency there is caused by strong pressure gradient inhibition of the interchange instability that underlies mass transport. The Io plasma torus, which is defined as the region of strong ultraviolet emissions, is identified as the plasma ledge. The plasma density in the ledge is high and, incidentally therefore, able to emit strongly because it is impounded against rapid, centrifugal expulsion by the inwardly directed pressure of the ring current at its inner edge.

Siscoe, G. L.↗
NASA NTRS1982

The great galactic centre mystery

Gamma-ray observations of the center of the Galaxy show a varying positron-electron annihilation radiation emission, while at radio wavelengths a non-thermal compact source surrounded by ionized gas moving at high velocities can be seen. Line emission maps for atomic and ionized hydrogen and molecular gas suggest gas expulsion and a massive collapsed object. IR observations show that ionized gas in the central few parsecs of the Galactic center is concentrated in at least 14 small clouds. Charge-coupled device images show a pair of faint, very red sources within a few arc seconds of IRS 16 and the compact non-thermal radio source. The positron-electron annihilation line emission implies an annihilation rate of 10 to the 43rd per sec, compared with an observed luminosity at IR wavelengths of 10 to the 40 erg per sec. Some models are briefly discussed.

Riegler, G. R.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Formation of v-shaped potentials

The V-shaped potential structures formed by the injection of a non-neutral electron current into a cold background plasma were simulated numerically. The injection disturbs the initial quasi-neutral plasma, leading to the excitation of strong turbulences which heat the plasma. This leads to expulsion of the plasma from the simulation region. Due to ambipolar electric fields the current injection is interrupted and the initial background plasma is extracted from the system. A particle composition with the characteristics of the two plasma reservoirs now represents the plasma in the simulation region. The interaction of the electron beam with this plasma excites turbulences of smaller amplitudes. A nearly constant time averaged potential drop with nonstationary distribution develops across the system. Single and multiple double layers may form for the duration of one ion plasma period.

Thiemann, H.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Nonlinear dynamo oscillations

The stability of steady equilibrium amplitudes of magnetic fields generated by convection flows is investigated. Two cases are considered in detail, for which steady solutions are available from the previous work of Busse (1973) and Busse (1977). In the first case instability occurs primarily because of magnetic flux expulsion at high magnetic Reynolds numbers. In the second case the change in the velocity field caused by the Lorentz force enhances dynamo action. This subcritical finite amplitude dynamo is potentially unstable. In typical cases the nonlinear dynamo oscillations that replace the steady equilibrium solutions are investigated by numerical integration.

Busse, F. H.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Magnetic field line reconnection experiments. V - Current disruptions and double layers

An investigation is conducted of the stability of a large laboratory plasma current sheet, which has been generated in the process of magnetic field line reconnection, with respect to local current increases. Magnetic flux variations in regions remote from the current sheet generate an inductive voltage in the current loop that drops off inside the plasma in the form of a potential double layer, leading to particle acceleration with velocities much larger than those expected from the steady state electric fields in the plasma. A model for the mechanism of the current disruptions is formulated in which the potential structure leads to ion expulsion, creating a localized density drop. The associated current drop in an inductive circuit drives the potential structure, providing feedback for the disruptive instability. Similarities to, and differences from, magnetospheric substorm phenomena are noted.

Stenzel, R. L.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Cryogenic Fluid Management Experiment (CFME) trunnion verification testing

The Cryogenic Fluid Management Experiment (CFME) was designed to characterize subcritical liquid hydrogen storage and expulsion in the low-g space environment. The CFME has now become the storage and supply tank for the Cryogenic Fluid Management Facility, which includes transfer line and receiver tanks, as well. The liquid hydrogen storage and supply vessel is supported within a vacuum jacket to two fiberglass/epoxy composite trunnions which were analyzed and designed. Analysis using the limited available data indicated the trunnion was the most fatigue critical component in the storage vessel. Before committing the complete storage tank assembly to environmental testing, an experimental assessment was performed to verify the capability of the trunnion design to withstand expected vibration and loading conditions. Three tasks were conducted to evaluate trunnion integrity. The first determined the fatigue properties of the trunnion composite laminate materials. Tests at both ambient and liquid hydrogen temperatures showed composite material fatigue properties far in excess of those expected. Next, an assessment of the adequacy of the trunnion designs was performed (based on the tested material properties).

Bailey, W. J.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Space Shuttle reaction control subsystem propellant tank masked screen test

During final development testing of the Space Shuttle Reaction Control Subsystem propellant tanks, a problem with pressure transients in the system was uncovered. Due to the nature of the tanks, performance tests to determine the impact of the transients on the expulsion efficiency of the tanks could not directly simulate the actual conditions which would be present in a low-gravity environment. However, by masking or covering various segments of the propellant acquisition device, a good simulation of a low-gravity environment was achieved in ground testing.

Henderson, J. B.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Plasma response to the injection of an electron beam

The results of Vlasov-Poisson-solver numerical simulations of the detailed temporal response of a Maxwellian plasma to the sudden injection of an electron beam are presented in graphs and maps and discussed. Phenomena characterized include ion bursts, electron shocks and holes, plasma heating and expulsion, density gradients; cavitons, deep-density-front and solitary-pulse propagation down the density gradient, and Bunemann-mode excitation leading to formation of a virtual cathode and double layers which are at first monotonic or have low-potential-side dips or high-potential-side bumps and become strong as the electron-current density decreases. The strength of the double layer is found to be roughly proportional to the beam energy.

Singh, N.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Volcanic Debris Flows in the Elysium Region of Mars

Photogeologic studies of the Elysium volcanic province appear to provide a specific example of the importance of volcanic-ice interaction to produce the channels of Hrad and Granicus Valles. In addition, these studies shows that the channels lie on the surface of a large sedimentary deposit which is interpreted as an accumulation of volcanic debris flows or lahars. In spite of some similarities with Martian outflow channels, this latter difference may distinguish the Elysium channels from other types of Martian channels. Geologic relations are described which demonstrate that the debris flows formed amidst other volcanic activity in the Elysium region thereby suggesting that the magmatism was important to the generation of the mobilizing liquid. The lahars resulted from the melting of ground ice and liquefaction of subsurface materials. The intersection of this fluid reservoir with the regional fracture system lead to the rapid expulsion of a muddy slurry down the steep western slope of the province.

Christiansen, E. H.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Implications of solar flare dynamics for reconnection in magnetospheric substorms

Evidence is adduced for the key importance of magnetic reconnection in magnetospheric substorms from observations of two-ribbon solar flares, leading to the inference that reconnection of closed field lines in the near-earth thinned plasma sheet both initiates, and is driven by, the overall MHD instability driving the tailward expulsion of the reconnected closed field. This inference is specifically drawn from observations of filament eruptions in two-ribbon flares, so that it may be concluded that the heart of the overall instability consists of reconnection and eruption of the closed magnetic field in and around the filament. The overall instability in substorms results from essentially the same combination of reconnection and eruption of the closed magnetic field.

Moore, R. L.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Propulsion and control propellers with thruster nozzles primarily for aircraft applications

A propulsion and control propeller with thruster nozzles, primarily for aircraft application is described. Adjustability of rotor blades at the hub and pressurized gas expulsion combined with an air propeller increase power. Both characteristics are combined in one simple device, and, furthermore, incorporate overall aircraft control so that mechanisms which govern lateral and horizontal movement become superfluous.

Pabst, W.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Broadening of looplike solar coronal transients

The broadening of the tops of nine outwardly expanding looplike coronal mass-ejection transients observed during 1973-1974 and 1980 has been examined. Five of the nine transients exhibit increased breadth with time (height); although the rates vary widely, no event shows an increase which can be fitted by a power-law form with a greater-than-linear increase with height. The breadth of four events decreases with height. When all nine events are considered together, the transient breadth with height is fitted with an expression h varies as R exp 0.48 with large scatter. In addition, measurements of the total observed loop length of the nine transients show that this length L varies as R exp 1.30. Both of these results are contrary to the predictions of one model of loop expulsion as a result of an assumed azimuthal magnetic field gradient. Finally, when combined with the facts that looplike mass ejections are usually associated with the occurrence of eruptive prominences, and that such mass ejections are generally accelerated through the corona, it is found that the observed variation of transient breadth with height contradicts some characteristics of self-similar fluid flow which have been ascribed to mass-ejection transients.

Macqueen, R. M.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Kelvin-Helmholtz instability at the magnetopause boundary

An MHD model is defined for the convective Kelvin-Helmholtz instability (CKHI) which satellite data indicates produces vortices in the near-earth region of the plasma sheet through turbulence caused by shear flow. The MHD equations are solved as an initial value problem, which reveals that the CKHI growth rate is the same as that of the periodic KHI (PKHI). However, the CKHI is not as limited in the range of amplitude as is the PKHI, which experiences stability in nonlinear growth because of the periodic characteristics of the growth. A perpendicularly moving CKHI can produce a large vortex flow and shocks off the vortex boundary. The satellite data indicate that the vortices are in the size range of 10-20 earth radii. Additional effects can include the expulsion of magnetic flux and the formation of the boundary layer. The success of the model up to the point of formation of the boundary layer is taken as an incentive for further model development using more realistic magnetospheric data.

Wu, C. C.↗
NASA NTRS1986

The Orbital Acceleration Research Experiment

The hardware and software of NASA's proposed Orbital Acceleration Research Experiment (OARE) are described. The OARE is to provide aerodynamic acceleration measurements along the Orbiter's principal axis in the free-molecular flow-flight regime at orbital attitude and in the transition regime during reentry. Models considering the effects of electromagnetic effects, solar radiation pressure, orbiter mass attraction, gravity gradient, orbital centripetal acceleration, out-of-orbital-plane effects, orbiter angular velocity, structural noise, mass expulsion signal sources, crew motion, and bias on acceleration are examined. The experiment contains an electrostatically balanced cylindrical proofmass accelerometer sensor with three orthogonal sensing axis outputs. The components and functions of the experimental calibration system and signal processor and control subsystem are analyzed. The development of the OARE software is discussed. The experimental equipment will be enclosed in a cover assembly that will be mounted in the Orbiter close to the center of gravity.

Blanchard, R. C.↗