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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

Reliability and engineering sciences area. Materials research: Single junction thin film

A test bench was designed and fabricated for the purpose of improving control of hot-spot test accuracy. Electrochemical corrosion research focused on corrosion mechanisms to which both crystalline and a-Si modules may be subjected in central station applications. A variety of cells and several designs were subjected to accelerated stress tests. Humiditiy degradation rates were determined and key electrochemical failure mechanisms were identified. Software was developed for the prediction of power loss resulting from open circuits in an array field of a-Si modules. Failure analysis was continued on the four ARCO Solar Genesis modules. The interactions of water on the silicon module was examined. An autocatalytic photooxidation model was proposed. The reliability and durability of bonding materials and electrical insulation were also studied.

Source record↗

Electrothermal-electromagnetic hybrid thruster research

The energy deposition and acceleration mechanisms in the electrothermal-electromagnetic hybrid regime of coaxial plasma thruster operation are examined both theoretically and experimentally. Theoretical results show that the major trade-offs in the hybrid regime are between efficiency and specific impulse: increasing the influence of electromagnetic forces increases I(sp), but within the operating range examined, decreases the efficiency. Experiments conducted in the predominantly electromagnetic regime agree with the predictions. Anode power deposition is the dominant loss process.

Kelly, A. J.↗

Modeling arcjet space thrusters

The UTSI arcjet model is used to compare the performance of a hydrogen and an ammonia arcjet in the same configuration and at the same electrical power. The predicted specific impulse is 50 percent higher for the hydrogen propellant. Numerical studies made of the effect of transport properties on the performance of a hydrogen arcjet indicate that diffusive transport is very significant even in the supersonic part of the flow, and that relatively small changes in transport properties can have a significant effect on performance. These studies also show that nonequilibrium recombination chemistry can have a large effect on the transport coefficients. This leads to the conclusion that finite rate chemical calculations are necessary if accurate arcjet performance is to be calculated.

Rhodes, Robert↗

A review of computational/experimental methodology developments in aeroacoustics

A number of studies in the area of propeller design and advanced configuration performance/acoustics are reviewed. Various designs are analyzed in the area of propeller efficiency, lift-to-drag ratio, and differential thrust and power coefficients. Predictions are compared to experiment and the numerical analyses are examined for restrictions and potential enhancements.

Eagleson, L. A.↗

Computational modeling of nuclear thermal rockets

The topics are presented in viewgraph form and include the following: rocket engine transient simulation (ROCETS) system; ROCETS performance simulations composed of integrated component models; ROCETS system architecture significant features; ROCETS engineering nuclear thermal rocket (NTR) modules; ROCETS system easily adapts Fortran engineering modules; ROCETS NTR reactor module; ROCETS NTR turbomachinery module; detailed reactor analysis; predicted reactor power profiles; turbine bypass impact on system; and ROCETS NTR engine simulation summary.

Peery, Steven D.↗

Narrowband land mobile satellite channel modeling

The subject of this paper is the development of a generalized analog model for the narrowband Land Mobile Satellite Channel (LMSC). It is based on the model proposed by Lutz, the 3-dimensional scattering model of Aulin and the multipath interference simulation method proposed by Jakes. Statistical tests of the simulated data show excellent agreement with the expected distributions whereas the power spectrum predicted by Aulin is duplicated in a discrete manner.

Kanatas, A. G.↗

Improved NASA-ANOPP Noise Prediction Computer Code for Advanced Subsonic Propulsion Systems: Fan Suppression Model Development - Volume 2

The Aircraft Noise Predication Program (ANOPP) is an industry-wide tool used to predict turbofan engine flyover noise in system noise optimization studies. Its goal is to provide the best currently available methods for source noise prediction. As part of a program to improve the Heidmann fan noise model, models for fan inlet and fan exhaust noise suppression estimation that are based on simple engine and acoustic geometry inputs have been developed. The models can be used to predict sound power level suppression and sound pressure level suppression at a position specified relative to the engine inlet.

Kontos, Karen B.↗

Four Years of EUVE Observations of the Bursting Gamma-Ray Emitting Blazar Markarian 421

We present spectral and timing analysis of all the data collected by the Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer Satellite (EUVE) for the bright, nearby BL Lacertae object, Markarian 421, during the four-year period 1994-1997. During these years Mrk 421 has been observed by EUVE 4 times with the Deep-Survey/Spectrograph and 2 times with the imaging telescopes for a total of approximately 1.4 7nillions seconds. From 1993 to 1996 three very bright gamma ray flares were also detected by the Whipple observatory. In 1994 Mrk 421 was observed simultaneously by EUVE (Apr 2-12) and IUE one month before the TeV flare; of the 2 EUVF, observations (Feb 4-7 and Apr 25-May 13) of 1995, the second was part of a multiwavelength campaign that mapped the evolution of the TeV flare. In 1996 we observed Mrk 421 twice simultaneously with XTE: one immediately before (Apr 17-30) and another one (May 10-11) right after the May 7 1996 TeV flare. And finally in 1997 from Feb. 7 to Feb. ll. The total light curve seems to be smoothly varying on the long time-scale while on a shorter time-scale there is evidence of an EUVE flare well correlated to the TeV energy 1995 flare. We have analysed the three spectral data set in an homogenous way using the appropriate calibration data for the off-axis observations and our analysis confirms the presence of the absorption features around approximately 70A, in the entire 1995 dataset and possibly in the 1996 data set. We also show the first power spectrum analysis of the Mrk 421 EUVE lightcurves and a comparison with the power spectra predicted by current theoretical models.

Cagnoni, Ilaria↗

Science Requirements for a Space Flight Experiment Entitled Critical Viscosity of Xenon

We propose to measure in low gravity the viscosity of xenon close to its critical point. The accuracy will be sufficient to eliminate uncertainties currently associated with the analysis of l-g experiments. The measurements will provide the first direct observation of the predicted power-law divergence of viscosity in a pure fluid. The measurements will also strengthen Zeno's test of mode coupling theory by greatly increasing the reliability of the extrapolation of viscosity to low reduced temperatures. Our scientific objectives are described in more detail in one of the attached reports. The low-gravity experiment will be the final stage of a program whose completed ground-based stages are: (1) theoretical studies by one of the principal investigators (MRM) and coworkers, (2) critical viscosity measurements of binary liquid mixtures, (3) critical viscosity measurements of pure fluids in l-g, and development of a suitable vibration-insensitive viscometer. Our technical approach is described in the draft Science Requirements Document. One of us (MRM) has reviewed opportunities for critical phenomena research in low gravity. Both of us were co-principal investigators in the Thermal Equilibration Experiment in the Critical Point Facility, flown on IML-1 in 1992. From this experience, and from the technical maturity of our ground-based work, we believe our critical point viscometer is ready for development as a flight experiment.

Berg, Robert F.↗

Scientific Objectives of the Critical Viscosity Experiment

In microgravity, the Critical Viscosity Experiment will measure the viscosity of xenon 15 times closer to the critical point than is possible on earth. The results are expected to include the first direct observation of the predicted power-law divergence of viscosity in a pure fluid and they will test calculations of the value of the exponent associated with the divergence. The results, when combined with Zeno's decay-rate data, will strengthen the test of mode coupling theory. Without microgravity viscosity data, the Zeno test will require an extrapolation of existing 1-g viscosity data by as much as factor of 100 in reduced temperature. By necessity, the extrapolation would use an incompletely verified theory of viscosity crossover. With the microgravity viscosity data, the reliance on crossover models will be negligible allowing a more reliable extrapolation. During the past year, new theoretical calculations for the viscosity exponent finally achieved consistency with the best experimental data for pure fluids. This report gives the justification for the proposed microgravity Critical Viscosity Experiment in this new context. This report also combines for the first time the best available light scattering data with our recent viscosity data to demonstrate the current status of tests of mode coupling theory.

Berg, R. F.↗

Considerations of Methods of Improving Helicopter Efficiency

Recent NASA helicopter research indicates that significant improvements in hovering efficiency, up to 7 percent, are available from the use of a special airfoil section formed by combining an NACA 632A015 thickness distribution with an NACA 230 mean line. This airfoil should be considered for flying-crane-type helicopters. Application of standard leading-edge roughness causes a large drop in efficiency; however, the cambered rotor is shown to retain its superiority over a rotor having a symmetrical airfoil when both rotors have leading-edge roughness. A simple analysis of available rotor static-thrust data indicates a greatly reduced effect of compressibility effects on the rotor profile-drag power than predicted from calculations. Preliminary results of an experimental study of helicopter parasite drag indicate the practicability of achieving an equivalent flat-plate parasite-drag area of less than 4 square feet for a rotor-head-pylon-fuselage configuration (landing gear retracted) in the 2,000-pound minimum-flying-weight class. The large drag penalty of a conventional skid-type landing (3.6 square feet) can be reduced by two-thirds by careful design. Clean, fair, and smooth fuselages that tend to have narrow, deep cross sections are shown to have advantages from the standpoint of drag and download. A ferry range of the order of 1,500 miles is indicated to be practicable for the small helicopter considered.

Dingeldein, Richard C.↗

Recent Progress in Understanding the Sun's Magnetic Dynamo

100 years ago we thought that the Sun and stars shone as a result of slow gravitational contraction over a few tens of millions of years - putting astronomers at odds with geologists who claimed that the Earth was much, much older. That mystery was solved in the 1920s and 30s with the discovery of nuclear energy (proving that the geologists had it right all along). Other scientific mysteries concerning the Sun have come and gone but three major mysteries remain: 1) How does the Sun produce sunspots with an 11-year cycle? 2) What produces the huge explosions that result in solar flares, prominence eruptions, and coronal mass ejections? and 3) Why is the Sun's outer atmosphere, the corona, so darned hot? Recent progress in solar astronomy reveals a single key to understanding all three of these mysteries.The 11-year time scale for the sunspot cycle indicates the presence of a magnetic dynamo within the Sun. For decades this dynamo was though to operate within the Sun's convection zone - the outmost 30% of the Sun where convective currents transport heat and advect magnetic lines of force. The two leading theories for the dynamo had very different models for the dynamics of the convection zone. Actual measurements of the dynamics using the techniques of helioseismology showed that both of these models had to be wrong some 20 years ago. A thin layer of strongly sheared flow at the base of the convection zone (now called the tachocline) was then taken to be the seat of the dynamo. Over the last 10 years it has become apparent that a weak meridional circulation within the convection zone also plays a key role in the dynamo. This meridional circulation has plasma rising up from the tachocline in the equatorial regions, spreading out toward the poles at a top speed of about 10-20 m/s at the surface, sinking back down to the tachocline in the polar regions, and then flowing back toward the equator at a top speed of about 1-2 m/s in the tachocline itself. Recent dynamo models that include this meridional flow now appear to have some power for predicting the size of future sunspot cycles.

Hathaway, David. H.↗

Experimental Validation of a Closed Brayton Cycle System Transient Simulation

The Brayton Power Conversion Unit (BPCU) located at NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) in Cleveland, Ohio was used to validate the results of a computational code known as Closed Cycle System Simulation (CCSS). Conversion system thermal transient behavior was the focus of this validation. The BPCU was operated at various steady state points and then subjected to transient changes involving shaft rotational speed and thermal energy input. These conditions were then duplicated in CCSS. Validation of the CCSS BPCU model provides confidence in developing future Brayton power system performance predictions, and helps to guide high power Brayton technology development.

Johnson, Paul K.↗

Development of a Thermo-Electric Cooler Simulation Routine for the Wide Field Camera 3 Thermal Model

A SINDA subroutine has been developed to predict the power generated by a Thermo-Electric Cooler (TEC). A TEC can be described analytically by relations between four parameters: cold side temperature, hot side temperature, parasitic heat load, and electrical power. The subroutine requires the user to input the hot side and cold side temperatures, the corresponding parasitic heat load, and coefficients describing the vendor performance curves. The subroutine then utilizes an iterative solution scheme and vendor TEC performance curves for specific hardware to determine the current (and consequently the TEC power) that satisfies these requirements. This paper provides an in-depth discussion of the algorithm employed in the subroutine, implementation of the subroutine in the HST Wide Field Camera 3 thermal model, and the evaluation of the subroutine performance against actual test/correlation data.

Peabody, Hume↗

Source Noise Modeling Efforts for Fan Noise in NASA Research Programs

There has been considerable progress made in fan noise prediction over the past 15 years. NASA has conducted and sponsored research that has improved both tone and broadband fan noise prediction methods. This presentation highlights progress in these areas with emphasis on rotor/stator interaction noise sources. Tone noise predictions are presented for an advanced prediction code called "LINFLUX". Comparisons with data are" included for individual fan duct modes. There has also been considerable work developing new fan broadband noise prediction codes and validation data from wind tunnel model tests. Results from several code validation exercises are presented that show improvement of predicted sound power levels. A summary is included with recommendations for future work.

Huff, Dennis L.↗

Implementation of a Body Force Model in OVERFLOW for Propulsor Simulations

We present an implementation of a propulsor model based on body force method into the OVERFLOW computational fluid dynamics code to model turbofan engines and propulsors of similar type. The model estimates the forces imparted on the fluid by the blade camber surfaces as a body force source terms in the momentum and energy equations over grids that represent the rotor and stator of a fan stage. We tested the implementation on three cases: 1) Source Diagnostics Test (SDT) fan with R4 rotors, which has extensive test data on aerodynamic performance and rotor wake surveys, 2) A stand-alone Aeronaut TF8000 propulsor which is an off-the-shelf propulsor used on model aircraft and 3) The D8 aircraft model with TF8000 propulsors placed in a wind tunnel. Despite missing some of the features in the velocity profiles near the endwalls (i.e. hub and casing surfaces), the OVERFLOW simulations with body force model predicted area-averaged flow speed and total pressure rise through the SDT propulsor within a few percent of the LDV (Laser Doppler Velocimetry) measurements. In the case of TF8000 propulsor on the D8 airframe, the model under-predicted mechanical power coefficient by several percent of the wind tunnel test results when the horizontal force balance condition over the airframe is targeted by tuning rotor speed. By investigating the upstream influence of the rotor swirl, it was found out that the induced swirl velocity effects upstream were relatively small and they rapidly vanished before reaching one fan diameter upstream of the fan face. The body force model provided insights on aerothermodynamics and aeromechanics of boundary layer ingesting propulsor; these insights could not be obtained by using the uniform pressure jump model.

Propulsor↗