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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 253 records · Page 14

Thermodynamics of Gas Turbine Cycles with Analytic Derivatives in OpenMDAO

A new equilibrium thermodynamics analysis tool was built based on the CEA method using the OpenMDAO framework. The new tool provides forward and adjoint analytic derivatives for use with gradient based optimization algorithms. The new tool was validated against the original CEA code to ensure an accurate analysis and the analytic derivatives were validated against finite-difference approximations. Performance comparisons between analytic and finite difference methods showed a significant speed advantage for the analytic methods. To further test the new analysis tool, a sample optimization was performed to find the optimal air-fuel equivalence ratio, , maximizing combustion temperature for a range of different pressures. Collectively, the results demonstrate the viability of the new tool to serve as the thermodynamic backbone for future work on a full propulsion modeling tool.

Propulsion↗

A cost-performance model for ground-based optical communications receiving telescopes

An analytical cost-performance model for a ground-based optical communications receiving telescope is presented. The model considers costs of existing telescopes as a function of diameter and field of view. This, coupled with communication performance as a function of receiver diameter and field of view, yields the appropriate telescope cost versus communication performance curve.

Lesh, J. R.↗

A coat-performance model for ground-based optical communications receiving telescopes

An analytical cost-performance model for a ground-based optical communications receiving telescope is presented. The model considers costs of existing telescopes as a function of diameter and field of view. This, coupled with communication performance as a function of receiver diameter and field of view, yields the appropriate telescope cost versus communication performance curve.

Robinson, Deborah L.↗

Effect of sweep angles on aerodynamic performance of double arrow wing - An analytical study

Hybrid wing planforms are studied for adoption on supersonic transport and fighter aircraft. The free vortex sheet method is used to determine effects of the leading-edge sweep angles on the aerodynamic performance of a double arrow wing with a strake. Results show lift and drag increase with the increase of the inboard and outboard leading-edge sweep angles. However, the lift-to-drag ratio is little influenced by the changes in these sweep angles. Spanwise surface pressure distributions on the aft region are influenced by the inboard sweep angle while the outboard sweep angle has no effect on these pressures. Finally, the experimental data and predicted results are compared to show good agreement.

Reddy, C. S.↗

Study of solid state photomultiplier

Available solid state photomultiplier (SSPM) detectors were tested under low-background, low temperature conditions to determine the conditions producing optimal sensitivity in a space-based astronomy system such as a liquid cooled helium telescope in orbit. Detector temperatures varied between 6 and 9 K, with background flux ranging from 10 to the 13th power to less than 10 to the 6th power photons/square cm-s. Measured parameters included quantum efficiency, noise, dark current, and spectral response. Experimental data were reduced, analyzed, and combined with existing data to build the SSPM data base included herein. The results were compared to analytical models of SSPM performance where appropriate models existed. Analytical models presented here were developed to be as consistent with the data base as practicable. Significant differences between the theory and data are described. Some models were developed or updated as a result of this study.

Hays, K. M.↗

Computational efficiency of parallel combinatorial OR-tree searches

The performance of parallel combinatorial OR-tree searches is analytically evaluated. This performance depends on the complexity of the problem to be solved, the error allowance function, the dominance relation, and the search strategies. The exact performance may be difficult to predict due to the nondeterminism and anomalies of parallelism. The authors derive the performance bounds of parallel OR-tree searches with respect to the best-first, depth-first, and breadth-first strategies, and verify these bounds by simulation. They show that a near-linear speedup can be achieved with respect to a large number of processors for parallel OR-tree searches. Using the bounds developed, the authors derive sufficient conditions for assuring that parallelism will not degrade performance and necessary conditions for allowing parallelism to have a speedup greater than the ratio of the numbers of processors. These bounds and conditions provide the theoretical foundation for determining the number of processors required to assure a near-linear speedup.

Li, Guo-Jie↗

Long-term CF6 engine performance deterioration: Evaluation of engine S/N 451-479

The performance testing and analytical teardown of CF6-6D engine is summarized. This engine had completed its initial installation on DC-10 aircraft. The investigative test program was conducted inbound prior to normal overhaul/refurbishment. The performance testing included an inbound test, a test following cleaning of the low pressure turbine airfoils, and a final test after leading edge rework and cleaning the stage one fan blades. The analytical teardown consisted of detailed disassembly inspection measurements and airfoil surface finish checks of the as received deteriorated hardware. Included in this report is a detailed analysis of the test cell performance data, a complete analytical teardown report with a detailed description of all observed hardware distress, and an analytical assessment of the performance loss (deterioration) relating measured hardware conditions to losses in both SFC (specific fuel consumption) and EGT (exhaust gas temperature).

Kramer, W. H.↗

Analytic and numerical calculations of quantum synchrotron spectra from relativistic electron distributions

Calculations are performed numerically and analytically of synchrotron spectra for thermal and power-law electron distributions using the single-particle synchrotron power spectrum derived from quantum electrodynamics. It is found that the photon energy at which quantum effects appear is proportional to temperature and independent of field strength for thermal spectra; quantum effects introduce an exponential roll-off away from the classical spectra. For power law spectra, the photon energy at which quantum effects appear is inversely proportional to the magnetic field strength; quantum effects produce a steeper power law than is found classically. The results are compared with spectra derived from the classical power spectrum with an energy cutoff ensuring conservation of energy. It is found that an energy cutoff is generally an inadequate approximation of quantum effects for low photon energies and for thermal spectra, but gives reasonable results for high-energy emission from power-law electron distributions.

Brainerd, J. J.↗

Long-term CF6 engine performance deterioration: Evaluation of engine S/N 451-380

The performance testing and analytical teardown of CF6-6D engine serial number 451-380 which was recently removed from a DC-10 aircraft is summarized. The investigative test program was conducted inbound prior to normal overhaul/refurbishment. The performance testing included an inbound test, a test following cleaning of the low pressure turbine airfoils, and a final test after leading edge rework and cleaning the stage one fan blades. The analytical teardown consisted of detailed disassembly inspection measurements and airfoil surface finish checks of the as-received deteriorated hardware. Aspects discussed include the analysis of the test cell performance data, a complete analytical teardown report with a detailed description of all observed hardware distress, and an analytical assessment of the performance loss (deterioration) relating measured hardware conditions to losses in both specific fuel comsumption and exhaust gas temperature.

Kramer, W. H.↗

Analytical and experimental studies of acoustic performance of segmented liners in a compressor inlet

The performance of axially segmented (phased) acoustic treatment liners in the inlet of a compressor was investigated. Topics discussed include: (1) the validation of a theoretical procedure to predict propagation and suppression characteristics of duct liners; (2) the in-duct measurement of spinning modes; (3) investigation of phased treatment designs; (4) high Mach inlet acoustic tests; and (5) an experimental investigation of inlet turbulence. The analytical prediction for the multi-segmented treatment was found to provide the correct order of magnitude of suppression and was generally within 50% of that determined experimentally. Refinements required to improve the correlation are identified. Suppression due to high subsonic Mach number flow effects was found to become significant above an average throat Mach number of 0.65 to 0.7 and 20 PNdB was achieved with an average throat Mach number in the range of 0.80 to 0.85. For the measured turbulence in the inlet, including the axial and circumferential turbulence intensities and the axial integral length scale, data are presented with and without an inlet screen showing that the screen reduced the turbulence intensities and that the BPF noise was reduced as a consequence.

Motsinger, R. E.↗

Analytical correlation of centrifugal compressor design geometry for maximum efficiency with specific speed

Centrifugal compressor performance was examined analytically to determine optimum geometry for various applications as characterized by specific speed. Seven specific losses were calculated for various combinations of inlet tip-exit diameter ratio, inlet hub-tip diameter ratio, blade exit backsweep, and inlet-tip absolute tangential velocity for solid body prewhirl. The losses considered were inlet guide vane loss, blade loading loss, skin friction loss, recirculation loss, disk friction loss, vaneless diffuser loss, and vaned diffuser loss. Maximum total efficiencies ranged from 0.497 to 0.868 for a specific speed range of 0.257 to 1.346. Curves of rotor exit absolute flow angle, inlet tip-exit diameter ratio, inlet hub-tip diameter ratio, head coefficient and blade exit backsweep are presented over a range of specific speeds for various inducer tip speeds to permit rapid selection of optimum compressor size and shape for a variety of applications.

Galvas, M. R.↗

Development and testing of lightweight composite reflector panels

Several years ago the Jet Propulsion Laboratory embarked upon a program to develop advanced polymer composite mirror elements as enabling technology for orbiting far IR/submillimeter telescopes. Structural composite mirrors have the advantages of high specific stiffness, good thermal stability and low cost that beneficially affect the entire telescope design. The goal of this panel development program is to design and fabricate prototype mirror panels: up to one meter in size with a surface precision and orbital thermal performance of a few microns, to achieve real densities close to 5 kg/sq m and to demonstrate the thermally stable performance of these panels experimentally. Studies leading to current mirror design are summarized. The precision and thermal performance of the mirror panels were tested in a dedicated test facility. Data showing panel performance are presented. Finally, the test results are compared to the analytically predicted panel performance.

Helms, R. G.↗

Impact and Penetration Simulations for Composite Wing-like Structures

The goal of this research project was to develop methodologies for the analysis of wing-like structures subjected to impact loadings. Low-speed impact causing either no damage or only minimal damage and high-speed impact causing severe laminate damage and possible penetration of the structure were to be considered during this research effort. To address this goal, an assessment of current analytical tools for impact analysis was performed. Assessment of the analytical tools for impact and penetration simulations with regard to accuracy, modeling, and damage modeling was considered as well as robustness, efficient, and usage in a wing design environment. Following a qualitative assessment, selected quantitative evaluations will be performed using the leading simulation tools. Based on this assessment, future research thrusts for impact and penetration simulation of composite wing-like structures were identified.

Knight, Norman F.↗

The Ocean Colour Climate Change Initiative: III. A Round-Robin Comparison on In-Water Bio-Optical Algorithms

Satellite-derived remote-sensing reflectance (Rrs) can be used for mapping biogeochemically relevant variables, such as the chlorophyll concentration and the Inherent Optical Properties (IOPs) of the water, at global scale for use in climate-change studies. Prior to generating such products, suitable algorithms have to be selected that are appropriate for the purpose. Algorithm selection needs to account for both qualitative and quantitative requirements. In this paper we develop an objective methodology designed to rank the quantitative performance of a suite of bio-optical models. The objective classification is applied using the NASA bio-Optical Marine Algorithm Dataset (NOMAD). Using in situ Rrs as input to the models, the performance of eleven semianalytical models, as well as five empirical chlorophyll algorithms and an empirical diffuse attenuation coefficient algorithm, is ranked for spectrally-resolved IOPs, chlorophyll concentration and the diffuse attenuation coefficient at 489 nm. The sensitivity of the objective classification and the uncertainty in the ranking are tested using a Monte-Carlo approach (bootstrapping). Results indicate that the performance of the semi-analytical models varies depending on the product and wavelength of interest. For chlorophyll retrieval, empirical algorithms perform better than semi-analytical models, in general. The performance of these empirical models reflects either their immunity to scale errors or instrument noise in Rrs data, or simply that the data used for model parameterisation were not independent of NOMAD. Nonetheless, uncertainty in the classification suggests that the performance of some semi-analytical algorithms at retrieving chlorophyll is comparable with the empirical algorithms. For phytoplankton absorption at 443 nm, some semi-analytical models also perform with similar accuracy to an empirical model. We discuss the potential biases, limitations and uncertainty in the approach, as well as additional qualitative considerations for algorithm selection for climate-change studies. Our classification has the potential to be routinely implemented, such that the performance of emerging algorithms can be compared with existing algorithms as they become available. In the long-term, such an approach will further aid algorithm development for ocean-colour studies.

Phytoplankton↗