Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “mode cycling”

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 271 records · Page 15

Tensile and compressive failure modes of laminated composites loaded by fatigue with different mean stress

Laminated composite materials tend to fail differently under tensile or compressive load. Under tension, the material accumulates cracks and fiber fractures, while under compression, the material delaminates and buckles. Tensile-compressive fatigue may cause either of these failure modes depending on the specific damage occurring in the laminate. This damage depends on the stress ratio of the fatigue loading. Analysis of the fatigue behavior of the composite laminate under tension-tension, compression-compression, and tension-compression had led to the development of a fatigue envelope presentation of the failure behavior. This envelope indicates the specific failure mode for any stress ratio and number of loading cycles. The construction of the fatigue envelope is based on the applied stress-cycles to failure (S-N) curves of both tensile-tensile and compressive-compressive fatigue. Test results are presented to verify the theoretical analysis.

Rotem, Assa↗

Liquid rocket combustion instability analysis by CFD methods

Combustion instability in liquid rocket engines is simulated computationally by using a simple two-parameter model for the combustion response function. The objectives of the study are to assess the capabilities of CFD algorithms for instability studies and to investigate the response to parametric effects such as bombs and distributed combustion. Results indicate that numerical solutions of high accuracy can be obtained if a sufficient number of grid points are used per wavelength of the disturbance. The short-term response to bombs or pulses triggers a large number of modes in the combustor whose faithful resolution requires highly dense grids, although there is evidence that correct long-term solutions can be obtained even if all the short-term frequencies are not resolved. Long-term responses to pulses are shown to decay to the most unstable mode in small amplitude cases, and to exhibit limit cycles in large amplitude cases. Comparison of distributed with concentrated heat release indicates the former is more stable for given values of the combustion response parameters, and that the distributed heat release gives rise to higher frequency disturbances. Wave steepening is observed in the solutions, but its effect is less pronounced in multidimensional waves than in one-dimensional waves.

Grenda, J. M.↗

Cycle life versus depth of discharge update on modeling studies

The topics are presented in viewgraph form and cycle life vs. depth of discharge data for the following are presented: data as of three years ago; Air Force/Crane-Fuhr-Smithrick; Ken Fuhr's Data; Air Force/Crane Data; Eagle-Pitcher Data; Steve Schiffer's Data; John Smithrick's Data; temperature effects; and E-P, Yardney, and Hughes 26% Data. Other topics covered include the following: LeRC cycling tests of Yardney Space Station Cells; general statements; general observations; two different models of cycle life vs. depth of discharge; and other degradation modes.

Thaller, Lawrence H.↗

Statistical Aspects of Intense Hurricanes in the Atlantic Basin during the Past 49 Hurricane Seasons (1950-1998): Implications for the Current Season

Statistical aspects of intense hurricanes (those of category 3 or higher) in the Atlantic basin during the interval of 1950-1998 are investigated in relation to the ENSO cycle and to the postulated 'more versus less' activity modes for intense hurricane activity. Because the 1999 hurricane season likely will be classified as a 'non-El Nino-related' (NENR) season and that the more active mode appears to be in vogue, an above average seasonal rate of greater than or equal to 2 intense hurricanes is to be expected (probably, about 4 +/- 1, or higher). Based on Poisson statistics, when the hurricane season is classified as NENR the probability of greater than or equal to 2 events is about 77%, whereas when the season is classified as NENR and the more active mode is operative it is about 87%. The probability of greater than or equal to 4 events is about 31 % and 48 %, respectively, for these two activity classes.

Wilson, Robert M.↗

Statistical Aspects of Major (Intense) Hurricanes in the Atlantic Basin During the Past 49 Hurricane Seasons (1950-1998): Implications for the Current Season

Statistical aspects of major (intense) hurricanes, those of category 3 or higher on the Saffir-Simpson scale (e.g., having a maximum sustained wind speed of greater than or equal to 50 M s (exp -1)), in the Atlantic basin during the interval of 1950-1998 are investigated in relation to the El Nino-Southern Oscillation cycle and to the postulated "more" versus "less" activity modes for intense hurricane activity. Based on Poisson statistics, when the hurricane season is simply classified as "non-El Nino-related" (NENR), the probability of having three or more intense hurricanes is approx. 53%, while it is only approx. 14% when it is classified as "El Nino-related" (ENR). Including the activity levels ("more" versus "less"), the probability of having three or more intense hurricanes is computed to be approx. 71% for the "more-NENR" season, 30% for the "less-NENR" season, 17% for the "more-ENR" season, and 12% for the "less-ENR" season. Because the 1999 hurricane season is believed to be a "more-NENR" season, the number of intense hurricanes forming in the Atlantic basin should be above average in number, probably about 4 plus or minus 1 or higher.

Wilson, Robert M.↗

RBCC Mixing Studies: Ejector Ramjet Design Optimization

The research project reported herein extended over a period from October 1997 through August 1999. The research resulted in three technical papers presented at the AIAA/SAE/ASME/ASEE 35th Joint Propulsion Conference in Los Angeles in July 1999. These three papers are attached to this Executive Summary to constitute the final report. Objective: The objective of this research was to determine the mixing characteristics between the primary rocket jets and the turbine exhaust stream in a simulated Rocket Based Combined Cycle propulsion concept operating in the air augmented rocket mode.

Source record↗

Investigation of Flow Separation in a Transonic-fan Linear Cascade Using Visualization Methods

An extensive study into the nature of the separated flows on the suction side of modem transonic fan airfoils at high incidence is described in the paper. Suction surface.flow separation is an important flow characteristic that may significantly contribute to stall flutter in transonic fans. Flutter in axial turbomachines is a highly undesirable and dangerous self-excited mode of blade oscillations that can result in high cycle fatigue blade failure. The study basically focused on two visualization techniques: surface flow visualization using dye oils, and schlieren (and shadowgraph) flow visualization. The following key observations were made during the study. For subsonic inlet flow, the flow on the suction side of the blade is separated over a large portion of the blade, and the separated area increases with increasing inlet Mach number. For the supersonic inlet flow condition, the flow is attached from the leading edge up to the point where a bow shock from the upper neighboring blade hits the blade surface. Low cascade solidity, for the subsonic inlet flow, results in an increased area of separated flow. For supersonic flow conditions, a low solidity results in an improvement in flow over the suction surface. Finally, computational results modeling the transonic cascade flowfield illustrate our ability to simulate these flows numerically.

Lepicovsky, Jan↗

Disruption of the Globular Cluster Pal 5

Orbit calculations suggest that the sparse globular cluster, Pal 5, will pass within 7 kpc of the Galactic center the next time it crosses the plane, where it might be destroyed by tidal stresses. We study this problem, treating Pal 5 as a self-consistent dynamical system orbiting through an external potential that represents the Galaxy. The first part of the problem is to find suitable analytic approximations to the Galactic potential. They must be valid in all regions the cluster is likely to explore. Observed velocity and positional data for Pal 5 are used as initial conditions to determine the orbit. Methods we used for a different problem some 12 years ago have been adapted to this problem. Three experiments have been run, with M/L= 1, 3, and 10, for the cluster model. The cluster blew up shortly after passing through the Galactic plane (about 130 Myrs after the beginning of the run) with M/L=1. At M/L = 3 and 10 the cluster survived, although it got quite a kick in the fundamental mode on passing through the plane. But the fundamental mode oscillation died out in a couple of oscillation cycles at M/L=10. Pal 5 will probably be destroyed on its next crossing of the Galactic plane if M/L=1, but it can survive (albeit with fairly heavy damage) if NI/L=3. We haven't tried to trap the mass limits more closely than that. Pal 5 comes through pretty well unscathed at M/L=10. An interesting follow-up experiment would be to back the cluster up along its orbit to look at its previous passage through the Galactic plane, to see what kind of object it might have been at earlier times.

Miller, R. H.↗

In-Space Engine (ISE-100) Development - Design Verification Test

In the past decade, NASA has formulated science mission concepts with an anticipation of landing spacecraft on the lunar surface, meteoroids, and other planets. Advancing thruster technology for spacecraft propulsion systems has been considered for maximizing science payload. Starting in 2010, development of In-Space Engine (designated as ISE-100) has been carried out. ISE-100 thruster is designed based on heritage Missile Defense Agency (MDA) technology aimed for a lightweight and efficient system in terms volume and packaging. It runs with a hypergolic bi-propellant system: MON-25 (nitrogen tetroxide, N2O4, with 25% of nitric oxide, NO) and MMH (monomethylhydrazine, CH6N2) for NASA spacecraft applications. The utilization of this propellant system will provide a propulsion system capable of operating at wide range of temperatures, from 50 C (122 F) down to -30 C (-22 F) to drastically reduce heater power. The thruster is designed to deliver 100 lb(sub f) of thrust with the capability of a pulse mode operation for a wide range of mission duty cycles (MDCs). Two thrusters were fabricated. As part of the engine development, this test campaign is dedicated for the design verification of the thruster. This presentation will report the efforts of the design verification hot-fire test program of the ISE-100 thruster in collaboration between NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) and Aerojet Rocketdyne (AR) test teams. The hot-fire tests were conducted at Advance Mobile Propulsion Test (AMPT) facility in Durango, Colorado, from May 13 to June 10, 2016. This presentation will also provide a summary of key points from the test results.

Trinh, Huu P.↗

Interpreting Precession-Driven δ O-18 Variability in the South Asian Monsoon Region

Speleothem records from the South Asian summer monsoon (SASM) region display variability in the ratio of O-18 and O-16 (δ O-18) in calcium carbonate at orbital frequencies. The dominant mode of variability in many of these records reflects cycles of precession. There are several potential explanations for why SASM speleothem records show a strong precession signal, including changes in temperature, precipitation, and circulation. Here we use an Earth system model with water isotope tracers and water-tagging capability to deconstruct the precession signal found in SASM speleothem records. Our results show that cycles of precession-eccentricity produce changes in SASM intensity that correlate with local temperature, precipitation, and δ O-18. However, neither the amount effect nor temperature differences are responsible for the majority of the SASM δ O-18 variability. Instead, changes in the relative moisture contributions from different source regions drive much of the SASM δ O-18 signal, with more nearby moisture sources during Northern Hemisphere summer at aphelion and more distant moisture sources during Northern Hemisphere summer at perihelion. Further, we find that evaporation amplifies the δ O-18 signal of soil water relative to that of precipitation, providing a better match with the SASM speleothem records. This work helps explain a significant portion of the long-term variability found in SASM speleothem records.

paleoclimate↗

Air-Sea Interactions in a High-Resolution Ocean-Atmosphere Simulation

During the past few years the Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS) and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) modeling groups have produced, respectively, global atmosphere-only and ocean-only simulations with km-scale grid spacing. These simulations have proved invaluable for process studies and for the development of satellite and in-situ sampling strategies. Nevertheless, a key limitation of these "nature" simulations is the lack of interaction between the ocean and the atmosphere, which limits their usefulness for studying air-sea interactions and for designing observing missions to study these interactions. We present here results from a coupled GEOS-MIT "nature run" simulation, wherein we have coupled a cubed-sphere-720 (~ 1/8) configuration of the GEOS atmosphere to a lat-lon-cap-1080 (~ 1/12) configuration of the MIT ocean. We compare near-surface diagnostics of this fully coupled ocean-atmosphere simulation to equivalent atmosphere-only and ocean-only simulations. A particular focus of the comparisons is the coupled versus uncoupled differences in interactions between Sea Surface Temperature (SST) and ocean surface wind. We discuss, in particular, a several-day mode of temporal variability in the SST-wind cycle and how it is represented in the different model simulations and in observationally-based products. A mechanism for the cycle, which is driven by SST-wind feedback, is proposed.

Strobach, Ehud↗

The Habitability of Proxima Centauri b II. Possible Climates and Observability

Radial velocity monitoring has found the signature of a M sin i = 1.3 M(sub ⨁) planet located within the habitable zone (HZ) of Proxima Centauri. Despite a hotter past and an active host star, the planet Proxima b could have retained enough volatiles to sustain surface habitability. Here we use a 3D Global Climate Model (GCM) to simulate the atmosphere and water cycle of Proxima b for its two likely rotation modes (1:1 and 3:2 spin-orbit resonances), while varying the unconstrained surface water inventory and atmospheric greenhouse effect. Any low-obliquity, low-eccentricity planet within the HZ of its star should be in one of the climate regimes discussed here. We find that a broad range of atmospheric compositions allow surface liquid water. On a tidally locked planet with sufficient surface water inventory, liquid water is always present, at least in the substellar region. With a non-synchronous rotation, this requires a minimum greenhouse warming (~10 mbar of CO2 and 1 bar of N2). If the planet is dryer, ~0.5 bar or 1.5 bars of CO2 (for asynchronous or synchronous rotation, respectively) suffice to prevent the trapping of any arbitrary, small water inventory into polar or nightside ice caps. We produce reflection and emission spectra and phase curves for the simulated climates. We find that atmospheric characterization will be possible via direct imaging with forthcoming large telescopes. The angular separation of 7 λ/D at 1 μm (with the E-ELT) and a contrast of ~10(exp -7) will enable high-resolution spectroscopy and the search for molecular signatures, including H2O, O2, and CO2. The observation of thermal phase curves can be attempted with the James Webb Space Telescope, thanks to a contrast of 2 × 10(exp -5) at 10 μm. Proxima b will also be an exceptional target for future IR interferometers. Within a decade it will be possible to image Proxima b and possibly determine whether the surface of this exoplanet is habitable.

Proxima Cen↗

Technology Roadmap for Dual-Mode Scramjet Propulsion to Support Space-Access Vision Vehicle Development

Third-generation reusable launch vehicle (RLV) systems are envisioned that utilize airbreathing and combined-cycle propulsion to take advantage of potential performance benefits over conventional rocket propulsion and address goals of reducing the cost and enhancing the safety of systems to reach earth orbit. The dual-mode scramjet (DMSJ) forms the core of combined-cycle or combination-cycle propulsion systems for single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) vehicles and provides most of the orbital ascent energy. These concepts are also relevant to two-stage-to-orbit (TSTO) systems with an airbreathing first or second stage. Foundation technology investments in scramjet propulsion are driven by the goal to develop efficient Mach 3-15 concepts with sufficient performance and operability to meet operational system goals. A brief historical review of NASA scramjet development is presented along with a summary of current technology efforts and a proposed roadmap. The technology addresses hydrogen-fueled combustor development, hypervelocity scramjets, multi-speed flowpath performance and operability, propulsion-airframe integration, and analysis and diagnostic tools.

Cockrell, Charles E., Jr.↗

Thermomechanical Fatigue Durability of T650-35/PMR-15 Sheet Molding Compound

Although polyimide based composites have been used for many years in a wide variety of elevated temperature applications, very little work has been done to examine the durability and damage behavior under more prototypical thermomechanical fatigue (TMF) loadings. Synergistic effects resulting from simultaneous temperature and load cycling can potentially lead to enhanced, if not unique, damage modes and contribute to a number of nonlinear deformation responses. The goal of this research was to examine the effects of a TMF loading spectrum, representative of a gas turbine engine compressor application, on a polyimide sheet molding compound (SMC). High performance SMCs present alternatives to prepreg forms with great potential for low cost component production through less labor intensive, more easily automated manufacturing. To examine the issues involved with TMF, a detailed experimental investigation was conducted to characterize the durability of a T650-35/PMR-15 SMC subjected to TMF mission cycle loadings. Fatigue damage progression was tracked through macroscopic deformation and elastic stiffness. Additional properties, such as the glass transition temperature (T(sub g) and dynamic mechanical properties were examined. The fiber distribution orientation was also characterized through a detailed quantitative image analysis. Damage tolerance was quantified on the basis of residual static tensile properties after a prescribed number of TMF missions. Detailed microstructural examinations were conducted using optical and scanning electron microscopy to characterize the local damage. The imposed baseline TMF missions had only a modest impact on inducing fatigue damage with no statistically significant degradation occurring in the measured macroscopic properties. Microstructural damage was, however, observed subsequent to 100 h of TMF cycling which consisted primarily of fiber debonding and transverse cracking local to predominantly transverse fiber bundles. The TMF loadings did introduce creep related effects (strain accumulation) which led to rupture in some of the more aggressive stress scenarios examined. In some cases this creep behavior occurred at temperatures in excess of 150 C below commonly cited values for T(sub g). Thermomechanical exploratory creep tests revealed that the SMC was subject to time dependent deformation at stress/temperature thresholds of 150 MPa/230 C and 170 MPa/180 C.

Castelli, Michael G.↗

The UAH/NSSTC Advanced Radar for Meteorological and Operational Research (ARMOR)

The past four years have seen a marked enhancement in meteorological-radar infrastructure and radar-research capability at the University of Alabama-Huntsville (UAH) and National Space Science and Technology Center (NSSTC; a collaborative center supported by UAH, NASA-MSFC and USRA). This enhancement is due in part to the development of the ARMOR C-band dual-polarimetric radar facility (amongst other mobile radar facilities also discussed in this conference). The ARMOR radar, located at Huntsville International Airport, originated as a unique collaboration between university, government and broadcast meteorologists (the very first of its kind relative to concurrent operational, research and broadcast applications of dual-polarimetry). Contributions from each of these entities resulted in the upgrade of a surplus National Weather Service WSR-74C radar to a research-grade C-band polarimetric radar. The initial upgrade of the radar took place in late 2004 with WHNT-TV purchase and installation of a SIGMET (now Vaisala) Antenna Mounted Receiver (AMR), RVP8/RCP8 radar processor/antenna controller, new radome, and a new dual-polarimetric antenna feed. The AMR enabled simultaneous transmit and receive (STSR) capability and hence collection of dual-polarimetric moments. During the initial part of the AMR upgrade the original WSR74C antenna reflector and 250 kW magnetron-transmitter were used. In early 2005, a new 350 kW magnetron transmitter was purchased from Baron Services and installed. In October of 2006 a new high performance parabolic antenna and dual-pol feed (Seavey) were installed together with a new Orbit pedestal. ARMOR Radar control and data delivery are facilitated through the use of T-1 lines that run from the airport to both NSSTC and WHNT-TV in Huntsville. Under current operating protocols radar scanning and product development are completed at NSSTC, though meteorologists at WHNT-TV can also control the radar if desired. In its default scanning configuration the radar is operated 24/7 in an STSR polarimetric rain scan mode alternating with a surveillance scan on a 5-minute cycle; scans separated by 2.5 minutes. Every 2.5 minutes the raw data arrive at NSSTC where they are corrected in real time for attenuation and differential attenuation (using a constrained ZDR/Z-PHI approach) and new products are generated (e.g., rain maps, hydrometeor identification etc.). The raw and derived products are archived at NSSTC and also redistributed locally in real time over the network within NSSTC to the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Huntsville (collocated with NSSTC) for operational use. During periods of interesting weather the radar is often operated in full, sector, or RHI volume modes from NSSTC and coincident with UAH mobile radar or NWS NEXRAD radar platforms as needed.

Petersen, Walter A.↗

The Texaco coal gasification process for manufacture of medium BTU gas

The development of the Texaco coal gasification process is discussed with particular emphasis on its close relationship to the fully commercialized Texaco synthesis gas generation process for residual oil gasification. The end uses of the product gas are covered, with special attention to electric power generation via combined cycle technology. Control of SO2, NOx, and particulate emissions in the power generating mode is also covered. The application of this technology in a proposed Texaco-Southern California Edison demonstration project is mentioned. Investment information released for a 1000-megawatt advanced combined cycle gasification facility, is also reviewed.

Schlinger, W. G.↗

r-mode oscillations in the sun

The relationship between solar r-modes (long-period oscillations dominated by the Coriolis force) and solar activity cycles is investigated statistically. FFT power spectra of the daily Zurich sunspot numbers (R) and of the Greenwich Photoheliographic projected whole sunspot area (A) are obtained for the high-activity years of solar cycles 14 through 21. Both R and A are found to exhibit periods of 22 + or - 1 d, 34 + or - 1.5 d, and 43 + or - 2 d, corresponding to r-modes with (l,m) angular harmonics (2,2), (3,1), and (2,1), respectively.

Blizard, Jane B.↗

Solar Migrating Diurnal Tide in the Upper Mesosphere and Lower Thermosphere from SD-WACCM-X, Aura/MLS, and TIMED/SABER

Solar heating on the rotating Earth is a fundamental forcing of atmospheric tidal waves. The migrating diurnal tide, propagating from the troposphere to the upper mesosphere and lower thermosphere, is a large global disturbance that drives most of the daily variations in dynamics, thermal structures, chemistry, as well as atmospheric compositions. In this study, we present a comprehensive analysis of the (1,1) propagating diurnal tides derived from multi-year MLS and SABER observations, to characterize and better understand interannual and long-term tidal variability in the upper atmosphere. Although the (1,1) tide is driven by the solar heating, its interannual variations are largely determined by the internal variability of Earth’s climate system. The tidal amplitudes derived from MLS and SABER data agree well with each other in terms of monthly climatology and interannual variations, showing a consistent seasonal cycle and modulations from the Quasi Biennial Oscillation (QBO). The Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition (EEMD) analysis, employed to extract the low frequency variations, also reveals an ENSO-like (42 months) influence on tidal amplitudes in the upper mesosphere. While their (1,1) tidal amplitudes are less affected by the solar cycle, the mean mixing ratio of carbon monoxide (CO) and ozone (O3) is significantly modulated by the 11-year solar cycle due to their UV-dependent photochemistry.

mesosphere↗