Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Priming effects”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 253 records · Page 14

Fan inlet disturbances and their effect on static acoustic data

There is evidence that measurements of fan-rotor inlet noise taken during static test situations are at variance with aircraft engine flight data. In particular, static tests generally yield a significantly higher tone at blade passing frequency than that measured during flight. An experimental program was carried out to investigate this discrepancy. Inlet ground vortices and large-scale inlet turbulence were generated intentionally in an anechoic test chamber. Far-field acoustic measurements and inlet flow field hot film mappings of a fan rotor were then carried out to study the influence of such inlet disturbances at a static test facility. Experimental results indicate that the acoustic effect of such disturbances appears to be less severe for supersonic than for subsonic tip speeds. Further, a reverse flow that occurs on the exterior cowl in static test facilities appears to be an additional prime candidate for creating inlet disturbances and causing variance between flight and static acoustic data.

Bekofske, K. L.↗

Independent Orbiter Assessment (IOA): FMEA/CIL assessment

The results of the Independent Orbiter Assessment (IOA) of the Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Critical Items List (CIL) are presented. Direction was given by the Orbiter and GFE Projects Office to perform the hardware analysis and assessment using the instructions and ground rules defined in NSTS 22206. The IOA analysis features a top-down approach to determine hardware failure modes, criticality, and potential critical items. To preserve independence, the anlaysis was accomplished without reliance upon the results contained within the NASA and prime contractor FMEA/CIL documentation. The assessment process compares the independently derived failure modes and criticality assignments to the proposed NASA Post 51-L FMEA/CIL documentation. When possible, assessment issues are discussed and resolved with the NASA subsystem managers. The assessment results for each subsystem are summarized. The most important Orbiter assessment finding was the previously unknown stuck autopilot push-button criticality 1/1 failure mode, having a worst case effect of loss of crew/vehicle when a microwave landing system is not active.

Saiidi, Mo J.↗

New aromatic silicon-containing polyamides

The experiments described were aimed at studying systematically the effect of silyl linkages on the thermogravimetric and thermomechanical properties of aromatic polyamides. Specifically, 18 aromatic silicon-containing polyamides were synthesized via interfacial polymerization of six silicon-containing diacid chlorides with 3,3-prime-diaminodiphenylmethane, 3,3-prime-diaminobenzophenone, and 1-(3-prime-aminobenzyl)-4-(3-double prime-aminobenzoyl)benzene. All polyamides were soluble in m-cresol and N,N-dimethylacetamide, and had glass transition temperatures between 178 and 254 C. Thermogravimetric analysis conducted in static air on film specimens showed 5 and 10 percent weight losses between 331 and 400 C and 354 and 440 C, respectively. The potential gain in processability engendered by incorporation of silane substituents was offset in most cases by substantial losses in thermo-oxidative stability.

Pratt, J. R.↗

Experimental study and improved modeling of high-temperature air radiation

Spectral emission measurements were conducted in an atmospheric pressure air plasma. The thermodynamic state of the plasma was determined to be close to local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE), and the temperature profile was measured. The spectrum emitted by the plasma over the range 2,000 to 8,000 A was recorded and calibrated. This spectrum comprises the major radiating molecular bands and atomic lines in air, and is therefore proposed as a benchmark to test radiative calculations. A comparison of these results with the predictions of the NEQAIR code induced several modeling improvements in the code. In particular, radiative transition probabilities and spectroscopic constants were updated, and additional band systems of NO (NO Delta, Epsilon, Beta prime and Gamma prime) were included. Since the C state from which the NO Delta transition originates is predissociated, a simplified collision-predissociation model for this state was added to the code. These changes are presented, and their effect discussed.

Laux, Christophe O.↗

Preliminary Results of Cyclical De-Icing of a Gas-Heated Airfoil

An NACA 65(sub 1)-212 airfoil of 8-foot chord was provided with a gas-heated leading edge for investigations of cyclical de-icing. De-icing was accomplished with intermittent heating of airfoil segments that supplied hot gas to chordwise passages in a double-skin construction. Ice removal was facilitated by a spanwise leading-edge parting strip which was continuously heated from the gas-supply duct. Preliminary results demonstrate that satisfactory cyclical ice removal occurs with ratios of cycle time to heat-on period (cycle ratio) from 10 to 26. For minimum runback, efficient ice removal, and minimum total heat input, short heat-on periods of about 15 seconds with heat-off periods of 260 seconds gave the best results. In the range of conditions investigated, the prime variables in the determination of the required heat input for cyclical ice removal were the air temperature and the cycle ratio; heat-off period, liquid water content, airspeed, and angle of attack had only secondary effects on heat input rate.

Gray, V. H.↗

The Astro-1 mission

The Astro-1 mission was to be launched in March 1986 for an effective duration of 7 days, chosen to overlap spacecraft encounters with Halley's Comet, i.e., Vega-2 (on 9 March) and Giotto (on 13/14 March). The ultraviolet instrument complement while not designed with cometary research as the prime objective, was well suited to the study of comets. The opportunity of an extended mission during the time of the spacecraft encounters of Halley's Comet offered an extraordinary opportunity for a synergistic interaction between the intercept spacecraft, the Earth-orbital Astro-1 mission, and ground-based observations. The addition of visual-wavelength, wide-field cameras would enhance the scientific return of the mission. Loss of Challenger cancelled the mission.

Brandt, J. C.↗

Basic characteristics of high-frequency Stark-effect modulation of CO2 lasers.

The molecular Stark effect and its application to the modulation of infrared laser radiation have been investigated both theoretically and experimentally. Using a density matrix approach, a quantum mechanical description of the effect of a time-varying electric field on the absorption coefficient and refractive index of a molecular gas near an absorption line has been formulated. For modulation applications a quantity known as the ?modulation depth' is of prime importance. Theoretical expressions for the frequency dependence of the modulation depth show that the response to the frequency of a time-varying Stark field is separated into a nondispersive and a dispersive region, depending on whether the modulating frequency is less than or greater than the homogeneous absorption linewidth. Experimental results showing nondispersive modulation at frequencies to 30 MHz are presented. In addition it is shown that the response of modulation depth to Stark field amplitude is separated into linear and nonlinear regions, the field at which nonlinearities begin being determined by the absorption spectrum of the molecule being used.

Claspy, P. C.↗

Morphological growth of sputtered MoS2 films

Sputtered MoS2 films from 300 A to 20,000 A thick were deposited on metal and glass surfaces. The substrate effects such as surface temperature, finish, pretreatment, and chemistry as they affect the film formation characteristics were investigated by optical, electron transmission, electron diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. Substrate temperature and surface chemistry were found to be the prime variables as to the formation of a crystalline or amorphous film. The friction characteristics are strictly influenced by the type of film formed. Surface chemistry and surface pretreatment account for compound formation and corresponding grain growth, which directly affect the adhesion characteristics, resulting in poor adherence. Scratches, impurities, inhomogeneities, etc., are favorable nucleation sites for the growth of isolated and complex nodules within the film.

Spalvins, T.↗

Simulated null-gravity environments as applied to electrophoretic separations of biological species

The scale-up of electrophoretic separations to provide preparative quantities of materials has been hampered by gravity induced convection and sedimentation. The separation of biologically important species may be significantly enhanced by electrophoretic space processing. Simple demonstrations on past space flights have proven some principles. Several techniques have been evolved to study electrophoretic separations where the effects of gravity have been nullified or significantly reduced. These techniques employ mechanical design, density gradients and computer modeling. Utilization of these techniques for ground based studies will yield clues as to which biological species can be considered prime candidates for electrophoretic processing in zero-G.

Giannovario, J. A.↗

Fixed-point error analysis of Winograd Fourier transform algorithms

The quantization error introduced by the Winograd Fourier transform algorithm (WFTA) when implemented in fixed-point arithmetic is studied and compared with that of the fast Fourier transform (FFT). The effect of ordering the computational modules and the relative contributions of data quantization error and coefficient quantization error are determined. In addition, the quantization error introduced by the Good-Winograd (GW) algorithm, which uses Good's prime-factor decomposition for the discrete Fourier transform (DFT) together with Winograd's short length DFT algorithms, is studied. Error introduced by the WFTA is, in all cases, worse than that of the FFT. In general, the WFTA requires one or two more bits for data representation to give an error similar to that of the FFT. Error introduced by the GW algorithm is approximately the same as that of the FFT.

Patterson, R. W.↗

Spacecraft surgical scrub system

Ease of handling and control in zero gravity and minimizing the quantity of water required were prime considerations. The program tasks include the selection of biocidal agent from among the variety used for surgical scrub, formulation of a dispensing system, test, and delivery of flight dispensers. The choice of an iodophore was based on effectiveness on single applications, general familiarity among surgeons, and previous qualification for space use. The delivery system was a choice between the squeeze foamer system and impregnated polyurethane foam pads. The impregnated foam pad was recommended because it is a simpler system since the squeeze foamer requires some applicator to effectively clean the skin surfaces, whereas the form pad is the applicator and agent combined. Testing demonstrated that both systems are effective for use as surgical scrubs.

Abbate, M.↗

Numerical Modeling of Helium Pressurization System of Propulsion Test Article (PTA)

A transient model of the Propulsion Test Article (PTA) Helium Pressurization System was developed using the Generalized Fluid System Simulation Program (GFSSP). The model included feed lines from the facility interface to the engine purge interface and Liquid Oxygen (LOX) and Rocket Propellant 1 (RP-1) tanks, the propellant tanks themselves including ullage space and propellant feed lines to their respective pump interfaces. GFSSP's capability was extended to model a control valve to maintain ullage pressure within a specified limit and pressurization processes such as heat transfer between ullage gas, propellant and the tank wall. The purpose of the model is to predict the flow system characteristics in the entire pressurization system during 80 seconds of lower feed system priming, 420 seconds of fuel and LOX pump priming and 150 seconds of engine firing. Subsequent to the work presented here, the PTA model has been updated to include the LOX and RP-1 pumps, while the pressurization option itself has been modified to include the effects of mass transfer. This updated model will be compared with PTA test data as it becomes available.

Steadman, Todd↗

The Effect of Salts on Electrospray Ionization of Amino Acids in the Negative Mode

The continued search for organics on Mars will require the development of simplified procedures for handling and processing of soil or rock core samples prior to analysis by onboard instrumentation. Extraction of certain organic molecules such as amino acids from rock and soil samples using a liquid solvent (H2O) has been shown to be more efficient (by approximately an order of magnitude) than heat extraction methods. As such, liquid extraction (using H2O) of amino acid molecules from rock cores or regolith material is a prime candidate for the required processing. In this scenario, electrospray ionization (ESI) of the liquid extract would be a natural choice for ionization of the analyte prior to interrogation by one of a variety of potential analytical separation techniques (mass spectroscopy, ion mobility spectroscopy, etc.). Aside from the obvious compatibility of ESI and liquid samples, ESI offers simplicity and a soft ionization capability. In order to demonstrate that liquid extraction and ESI can work as part of an in situ instrument on Mars, we must better understand and quantify the effect salts have on the ESI process. In the current work, we have endeavored to investigate the feasibility and limitations of negative mode ESI of Martian surface samples in the context of sample salt content using ion mobility spectroscopy (IMS).

H I Kim↗

Angular Broadening: Effects of Nonzero, Spatially Varying Plasma Frequency Between the Source and Observer

Angular broadening of radiation due to scattering by density irregularities is usually described using geometric optics (GO) or the parabolic wave equation (PWE) with the assumptions that the radiation frequency f greatly exceeds the local plasma frequency f(sub p0) or that f(sub p0)/f is constant along the path. These assumptions are inappropriate for many solar system radio phenomena. Here the PWE and GO formalisms are extended to treat angular broadening in plasmas with nonzero, spatially varying ratios, f(sub p0)(z)/f < 1. The new PWE results show that the correlation function, scattered angular spectrum, and other quantities are modified by inclusion of a denominator factor [1 - f(sup 2, sub p0)(z prime)/f prime] inside the path integral over z prime, while the mean-square scattering angle depends on both f(sub p0)(z)/f at the observer and the foregoing factor inside the path integral. The PWE and GO predictions for are identical and involve equivalent assumptions. Previous GO and PWE results are recovered in the limits that f(sub p0)(z prime)/f is constant or zero. The new PWE and GO results will permit more accurate calculation of angular broadening for solar system and astrophysical sources. Moreover and importantly, due to the PWE and GO results for being identical, previous GO analyses of in solar system contexts are essentially correct, except for the neglect of or minor deficiencies in the treatment of nonzero, spatially varying f(sub p0)/f effects. The identical GO and PWE results for and the form of the PWE equation for the correlation function raise questions as to whether diffraction is unimportant for angular broadening (under the usual PWE conditions). Future direct comparisons of the PWE predictions with angular spectra calculated using existing GO ray-tracing codes should answer these questions. Diffraction effects are probably important when the medium and turbulence are not sufficiently homogeneous transverse to the central ray path. The implications are also discussed for studies of the 2-3.5 kHz radiation observed in the outer heliosphere.

Cairns, Iver H.↗

Role of cobalt in nickel base superalloys

The effect of cobalt or substituting for cobalt on the mechanical properties of nickel-based superalloys is discussed. Waspaloy, UDIMET 700, and NIMONIC 115, which are representative of Ni-Cr-Co-Al-Ti-Mo superalloys having different gamma prime contents which are strengthened by a heavily alloyed matrix, coherent gamma prime precipitates, and carbides at the grain boundaries. Microstructure and in situ and extracted phase STEM micro-analysis were used to evaluate the three alloys.

Jarrett, R.↗

Preosteoblast production in Cosmos 2044 rats - Short-term recovery of osteogenic potential

The influence of a 13.8-day spaceflight and about 8.5-11 h of recovery at 1 g on fibro blastlike osteoblast precursor cells was assessed in the periodontal ligament of rat maxillary first molars. Preosteoblasts (C + D cells), less differentiated progenitor cells (A + A prime cells), and nonosteogenic fibroblastlike cells (B cells) were identified by nuclear volume analysis. No differences were observed among flight, synchronous vivarium, and basal control groups in the A + A prime or C + D cell compartments. Compared with previous spaceflight experiments, the present data are consistent with a postflight response to replinish preosteoblasts and restore periodontal ligament osteogenic potential. These data emphasize the need to unequivocally determine the flight effect by killing the animals in-flight and further assess the postflight recovery phenomenon.

Garetto, Lawrence P.↗

Hermes CX-7: Air transport system design simulation

The Hermes CX-7 has been designed to service the overnight parcel package delivery needs of the cities of Aeroworld as determined in the G-Dome Enterprises market survey. The design optimization centers on the prime goal of servicing the needs of these cities as efficiently and profitably as possible. The greatest factors which affect the design of an aircraft for the mission outlined in the Request for Proposal are cost, construction feasibility and effectiveness of the design. Other influencing factors are given by the constraints of the market, including a maximum takeoff and landing distance of 60 feet, storage capability in a container of size 5 ft. x 3 ft. x 2 ft., cargo packages of 2 inch and 4 inch cubes, and ability to turn with a radius no larger than 60 feet. Safety considerations such as flying at or below Mach one (30 ft/s) and controllability and maintainability of the aircraft must also be designed into the aircraft. Another influential factor is the efficiency of the aircraft which involves optimizations and tradeoffs of such factors as weight, lifting surface sizing, structural redundancy, and material costs.

Amer, Brian↗

Spacecraft Priming Analysis and Research Test Apparatus: Number 1 (SPARTAN 1), Test and Analysis Results

Spacecraft with Earth-storable propellants are required by range safety to launch with propellant isolated from the thrusters for ground operations, which is often accomplished by placing a pyrotechnic, or a latching isolation valve between the tank and the thrusters. Once on-orbit, downstream lines are vented out to space through the thrusters and are left evacuated and at vacuum pressure. Propellant isolation valve then opens and floods the lines with high velocity propellant which can lead to a significant pressure surge upon filling. Replicating this event during ground testing using water as a propellant simulant has always been difficult and costly to accurately perform due to the low vacuum pressure targeted on the downstream side of the system. This report describes the Spacecraft Priming Analysis and Research Test Apparatus (SPARTA) at Marshall Space Flight Center’s (MSFC) Component Development Area (CDA) and the initial test series meant to be a pathfinder for construction methods and test procedures to reduce the cost of future testing. The test data collected are critical to analytical models as the details to replicate prior ground tests are often lacking in enough detail to adequately model the test that was conducted. This report also describes the Thermal Desktop/FloCAD analysis that was performed alongside the test series. The test methods defined for this campaign showed a dramatic improvement on heritage test procedures. Test pace increased due to faster drying and pulling vacuum more effectively. Results generated in this test matched analytical predictions very well and provide a releasable set of test data to be leveraged on future NASA and commercial partner spacecraft development programs.

spacecraft↗