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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 271 records · Page 15

Design Study of Wafer Seals for Future Hypersonic Vehicles

Future hypersonic vehicles require high temperature, dynamic seals in advanced hypersonic engines and on the vehicle airframe to seal the perimeters of movable panels, flaps, and doors. Current seals do not meet the demanding requirements of these applications, so NASA Glenn Research Center is developing improved designs to overcome these shortfalls. An advanced ceramic wafer seal design has shown promise in meeting these needs. Results from a design of experiments study performed on this seal revealed that several installation variables played a role in determining the amount of leakage past the seals. Lower leakage rates were achieved by using a tighter groove width around the seals, a higher seal preload, a tighter wafer height tolerance, and a looser groove length. During flow testing, a seal activating pressure acting behind the wafers combined with simulated vibrations to seat the seals more effectively against the sealing surface and produce lower leakage rates. A seal geometry study revealed comparable leakage for full-scale wafers with 0.125 and 0.25 in. thicknesses. For applications in which lower part counts are desired, fewer 0.25-in.-thick wafers may be able to be used in place of 0.125-in.-thick wafers while achieving similar performance. Tests performed on wafers with a rounded edge (0.5 in. radius) in contact with the sealing surface resulted in flow rates twice as high as those for wafers with a flat edge. Half-size wafers had leakage rates approximately three times higher than those for full-size wafers.

Dunlap, Patrick H.↗

Control structural interaction testbed: A model for multiple flexible body verification

Conventional end-to-end ground tests for verification of control system performance become increasingly complicated with the development of large, multiple flexible body spacecraft structures. The expense of accurately reproducing the on-orbit dynamic environment and the attendant difficulties in reducing and accounting for ground test effects limits the value of these tests. TRW has developed a building block approach whereby a combination of analysis, simulation, and test has replaced end-to-end performance verification by ground test. Tests are performed at the component, subsystem, and system level on engineering testbeds. These tests are aimed at authenticating models to be used in end-to-end performance verification simulations: component and subassembly engineering tests and analyses establish models and critical parameters, unit level engineering and acceptance tests refine models, and subsystem level tests confirm the models' overall behavior. The Precision Control of Agile Spacecraft (PCAS) project has developed a control structural interaction testbed with a multibody flexible structure to investigate new methods of precision control. This testbed is a model for TRW's approach to verifying control system performance. This approach has several advantages: (1) no allocation for test measurement errors is required, increasing flight hardware design allocations; (2) the approach permits greater latitude in investigating off-nominal conditions and parametric sensitivities; and (3) the simulation approach is cost effective, because the investment is in understanding the root behavior of the flight hardware and not in the ground test equipment and environment.

Chory, M. A.↗

Definition study of the Shuttle Imaging Radar-A (SIR-A) antenna on the second space shuttle mission (OFT-2)

A definition is derived for an antenna configuration fixed-mounted high in the payload bay on the hybrid OFT-2 pallet which is compatible with Orbiter interface requirements. Tests showed that the combination of the selected panels and the designed corporate feed meets SIR-A performance requirement of 33 db gain. The effects of Orbiter structure proximity on performance were determined by scale model tests to be negligible. The potential for improved performance during subsequent reflights includes a multiple-beam capability and dual polarization.

Nitschke, H. A.↗

Flutter parametric studies of cantilevered twin-engine transport type wing with and without winglet. Volume 2: Transonic and density effect investigations

Flutter characteristics of a cantilevered high aspect ratio wing with winglet were investigated. The configuration represented a current technology, twin engine airplane. Compressibility effects through transonic Mach numbers and a wide range of mass-density ratios were evaluated on a low speed and high speed model. Four flutter mechanisms were obtained from test, and analysis from various combinations of configuration parameters. It is shown that the coupling between wing tip vertical and chordwise motions have significant effect under some conditions. It is concluded that for the flutter model configurations studied, the winglet related flutter is amenable to the conventional flutter analysis techniques. The low speed model flutter and the high-speed model flutter results are described.

Bhatia, K. G.↗

Pool Boiling Reliability Tests and Degradation Mechanisms of Microporous Copper Inverse Opal (CuIOs) Structures: Preprint

The rising power density in electronic systems requires thermal management solutions that are both high-performing and reliable. Porous materials such as Copper Inverse Opals (CuIOs) have unique structural features, including high permeability and high thermal conductivity, to enhance pool boiling performance. However, there is little understanding of the degradation mechanism of such porous materials under pool boiling conditions. In this study, samples of 10-micrometer-thick CuIOs with 4.8-micrometer diameter, covering silicon substrate of area 11-mm by 11-mm, with various heated areas ranging from 2.5-mm by 2.5-mm to 10-mm by 10-mm, were tested in 100 degrees C deionized water at a constant heat flux of 110 watts per square cm for 3-7 days. The combined effect of erosion and corrosion caused structural degradation of the CuIOs. The directly heated area had the most severe degradation while the edge of the heater and the unheated area showed progressively less degradation, maintaining some CuIOs structure even after the 7-day reliability test. Among all the tested samples with various heater sizes, the 2.5-mm by 2.5-mm heater sample - in which the heater size was designed to be comparable to the water bubble characteristic length - had the largest critical heat flux (CHF) up to 300 watts per square cm with a superheat of approximately 13 degrees C. Additionally, CuIOs with a smaller heated area performed better in terms of reliability. This study offers preliminary insights into CuIOs degradation mechanisms, contributing to the development of more robust thermal management solutions. We expect that electroless plating of CuIOs with gold (Au), nickel (Ni), and atomic layer deposition of aluminum oxide in combination with appropriate application-specific coolants will further improve the reliability and lifetime of the CuIOs.

boiling-induced degradation↗

Shuttle payload minimum cost vibroacoustic tests

This paper is directed toward the development of the methodology needed to evaluate cost effective vibroacoustic test plans for Shuttle Spacelab payloads. Statistical decision theory is used to quantitatively evaluate seven alternate test plans by deriving optimum test levels and the expected cost for each multiple mission payload considered. The results indicate that minimum costs can vary by as much as $6 million for the various test plans. The lowest cost approach eliminates component testing and maintains flight vibration reliability by performing subassembly tests at a relatively high acoustic level. Test plans using system testing or combinations of component and assembly level testing are attractive alternatives. Component testing alone is shown not to be cost effective.

Stahle, C. V.↗

Cloud Droplet Size and Liquid Water Path Retrievals From Zenith Radiance Measurements: Examples From the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Program and the Aerosol Robotic Network

The ground-based Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Program (ARM) and NASA Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) routinely monitor clouds using zenith radiances at visible and near-infrared wavelengths. Using the transmittance calculated from such measurements, we have developed a new retrieval method for cloud effective droplet size and conducted extensive tests for non-precipitating liquid water clouds. The underlying principle is to combine a water-absorbing wavelength (i.e. 1640 nm) with a nonwater-absorbing wavelength for acquiring information on cloud droplet size and optical depth. For simulated stratocumulus clouds with liquid water path less than 300 g/sq m and horizontal resolution of 201m, the retrieval method underestimates the mean effective radius by 0.8 m, with a root-mean-squared error of 1.7 m and a relative deviation of 13 %. For actual observations with a liquid water path less than 450 gm.2 at the ARM Oklahoma site during 2007-2008, our 1.5 min-averaged retrievals are generally larger by around 1 m than those from combined ground-based cloud radar and microwave radiometer at a 5min temporal resolution. We also compared our retrievals to those from combined shortwave flux and microwave observations for relatively homogeneous clouds, showing that the bias between these two retrieval sets is negligible, but the error of 2.6 m and the relative deviation of 22% are larger than those found in our simulation case. Finally, the transmittance-based cloud effective droplet radii agree to better than 11% with satellite observations and have a negative bias of 1 m. Overall, the retrieval method provides reasonable cloud effective radius estimates, which can enhance the cloud products of both ARM and AERONET.

Chiu, J. C.↗

Regulating Anionic Redox via Mg Substitution in Mn-Rich Layered Oxide Cathodes Enabling High Electrochemical Stability for Sodium-Ion Batteries

Here, with the limited resources and high cost of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and the ever-increasing market demands, sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) gain much interest due to their economical sustainability, and similar chemistry and manufacturing processes to LIBs. As cathodes play a vital role in determining the energy density of SIBs, Mn-based layered oxides are promising cathodes due to their low cost, environmental friendliness, and high theoretical capacity. However, the main challenge is structural instability upon cycling at high voltage. Herein, Mg is introduced into the P2-type Na 0.62 Ni 0.25 Mn 0.75 O 2 cathode to enhance electrochemical stability. By combining electrochemical testing and material characterizations, it is found that substituting 10 mol% Mg can effectively alleviate the P2–O2 phase transition, Jahn-Teller distortion, and irreversible oxygen redox. Moreover, structural integrity is greatly improved. These lead to enhanced electrochemical performances. With the optimized sample, a remarkable capacity retention of 92% in the half cell after 100 cycles and 95% in the full cell after 170 cycles can be achieved. Altogether, this work provides an alternative way to stabilize P2-type Mn-based layer oxide cathodes, which in turn, put forward the development of this material for the next-generation SIBs.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Clear as mud redefined: Tunable transparent mineral scaffolds for visualizing microbial processes below ground

Microbes inhabiting complex porous microenvironments in sediments and aquifers catalyze reactions that are critical to global biogeochemical cycles and ecosystem health. However, the opacity and complexity of porous sediment and rock matrices have considerably hindered the study of microbial processes occurring within these habitats. Here, we generated microbially compatible, optically transparent mineral scaffolds to visualize and investigate microbial colonization and activities occurring in these environments, in laboratory settings and in situ. Using inexpensive synthetic cryolite mineral, we produced optically transparent scaffolds mimicking the complex 3D structure of sediments and rocks by adapting a suspension-based, freeze-casting technique commonly used in materials science. Fine-tuning of parameters, such as freezing rate and choice of solvent, provided full control of pore size and architecture. The combined effects of scaffold porosity and structure on the movement of microbe-sized particles, tested using velocity tracking of fluorescent beads, showed diverse yet reproducible behaviors. The scaffolds we produced are compatible with epifluorescence microscopy, allowing the fluorescence-based identification of colonizing microbes by DNA-based staining and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to depths of 100 µm. Additionally, Raman spectroscopy analysis indicates minimal background signal in regions used for measuring deuterium and 13 C enrichment in microorganisms, highlighting the potential to directly couple D 2 O or 13 C stable isotope probing and Raman-FISH for quantifying microbial activity at the single-cell level. To demonstrate the relevance of cryolite scaffolds for environmental field studies, we visualized their colonization by diverse microorganisms within rhizosphere sediments of a coastal seagrass plant using epifluorescence microscopy. The tool presented here enables highly resolved, spatially explicit, and multimodal investigations into the distribution, activities, and interactions of underground microbes typically obscured within opaque geological materials until now.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Energy storage using high pressure electrolysis and methods for reconversion

Theoretical and experimental studies on high pressure electrolysis producing hydrogen and oxygen for energy storage and reconversion are reported. Moderate temperature, high pressure hydrogen/oxygen fuel cells with nickel electrodes are investigated for effects of pressure, temperature, and membrane porosity. Test results from an aphodid burner turbine generator combination obtained 40 percent kilowatt hours out of the fuel cell divided by kilowatt hours into the electrolyzer. It is concluded that high pressure hydrogenation of organic materials can be used to synthesize hydrozenes and methanes for making synthetic vehicular fuels.

Hughes, W. L.↗

Vacuum thermal-mechanical fatigue behavior of two iron-base alloys

The present study extends the concept of in-phase grain boundary ratcheting to two iron-base alloys (Type 304 stainless steel and A286 alloy) and provides a clearer interpretation of out-of-phase grain boundary ratcheting effects observed in the A286 alloy which does not exhibit geometric instability. Elevated-temperature low-cycle thermal-mechanical fatigue tests in an ion-pumped ultrahigh vacuum chamber revealed significant effects of frequency and combined temperature-strain cycling on fatigue life. In-phase thermal cycling (tension at high temperature and compression at low temperature) caused large life reductions in both materials due to grain boundary cavitation caused by unreversed grain boundary sliding (grain boundary ratcheting). Out-of-phase thermal cycling (tension at low temperature and compression at high temperature) also caused large cyclic life reductions in both materials. In the A286 alloy, out-of-phase life reductions are attributed to compressive ratcheting.

Sheffler, K. D.↗

Motion sickness in the squirrel monkey

In this study of susceptibility to motion sickness the specific aims were to examine the effects of combined vertical rotation and horizontal acceleration, phenotype, sex, visual cues, morning and afternoon testing, and repeated test exposures on incidence, frequency, and latency of emetic responses. The highest emetic incidence of 89% with an emetic frequency of 2.0 during 60 min and a latency of 19 min from onset of testing occurred at 25 rpm and 0.5 Hz linear acceleration. Since the emetic responses were quite similar to man in eliciting motion stimuli it was concluded that the squirrel monkey represents a very suitable primate model for studies of motion and space sickness.

Ordy, J. M.↗

Airloads on bluff bodies, with application to the rotor-induced downloads on tilt-rotor aircraft

The aerodynamic characteristics of airfoils with several flap configurations were studied theoretically and experimentally in environments that simulate a wing immersed in the downwash of a hovering rotor. Special techniques were developed for correcting and validating the wind tunnel data for large blockage effects, and the test results were used to evaluate two modern blockage effects, and the test results were used to evaluate two modern computational aerodynamics codes. The combined computed and measured results show that improved flap and leading-edge configurations can be designed which will achieve large reductions in the downloads of tilt-rotor aircraft, and thereby improve their hover efficiency.

Mccroskey, W. J.↗

Airloads on bluff bodies, with application to the rotor-induced downloads on tilt-rotor aircraft

The aerodynamic characteristics of airfoils with several flap configurations were studied theoretically and experimentally in environments that simulate a wing immersed in the downwash of a hovering rotor. Special techniques were developed for correcting and validating the wind tunnel data for large blockage effects, and the test results were used to evaluate two modern blockage effects, and the test results were used to evaluate two modern computational aerodynamics codes. The combined computed and measured results show that improved flap and leading-edge configurations can be designed which will achieve large reductions in the downloads of tilt-rotor aircraft, and thereby improve their hover efficiency.

Mccroskey, W. J.↗

Prediction of error rates in dose-imprinted memories on board CRRES by two different methods

An analysis of the expected space radiation effects on the single event upset (SEU) properties of CMOS/bulk memories onboard the Combined Release and Radiation Effects Satellite (CRRES) is presented. Dose-imprint data from ground test irradiations of identical devices are applied to the predictions of cosmic-ray-induced space upset rates in the memories onboard the spacecraft. The calculations take into account the effect of total dose on the SEU sensitivity of the devices as the dose accumulates in orbit. Estimates of error rates, which involved an arbitrary selection of a single pair of threshold linear energy transfer (LET) and asymptotic cross-section values, were compared to the results of an integration over the cross-section curves versus LET. The integration gave lower upset rates than the use of the selected values of the SEU parameters. Since the integration approach is more accurate and eliminates the need for an arbitrary definition of threshold LET and asymptotic cross section, it is recommended for all error rate predictions where experimental sigma-versus-LET curves are available.

Brucker, G. J.↗

Investigation of a Systematic Group of NACA 1-Series Cowlings with and Without Spinners

Report presents the results of an investigation conducted in the Langley propeller research tunnel to study cowling-spinner combinations based on the NACA 1-series nose inlets and to obtain systematic design data for one family of approximately ellipsoidal spinners. In the main part of the investigation, 11 of the related spinners were tested in various combinations with 9 NACA open-nose cowlings, which were also tested without spinners. The effects of location and shape of the spinner, shape of the inner surface of the cowling lip, and operation of a propeller having approximately oval shanks were investigated briefly. In addition, a study was conducted to determine the correct procedure for extrapolating design conditions determined from the low-speed test data to the design conditions at the actual flight Mach number.

Nichols, Mark R↗

Effect of interaction on landing-gear behavior and dynamic loads in a flexible airplane structure

The effects of interaction between a landing gear and a flexible airplane structure on the behavior of the landing gear and the loads in the structure have been studied by treating the equations of motion of the airplane and the landing gear as a coupled system. The landing gear is considered to have nonlinear characteristics typical of conventional gears, namely, velocity-squared damping, polytropic air-compression springing, and exponential tire force-deflection characteristics. For the case where only two modes of the structure are considered, an equivalent three-mass system is derived for representing the airplane and landing-gear combination, which may be used to simulate the effects of structural flexibility in jig drop tests of landing gears. As examples to illustrate the effects of interaction, numerical calculations, based on the structural properties of two large airplanes having considerably different mass and flexibility characteristics, are presented.

Cook, Francis E↗