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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 307 records · Page 17
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1982

Stabilized Acoustic Levitation of Dense Materials Using a High-Powered Siren

Stabilized acoustic levitation and manipulation of dense (e.g., steel) objects of 1 cm diameter, using a high powered siren, was demonstrated in trials that investigated the harmonic content and spatial distribution of the acoustic field, as well as the effect of sample position and reflector geometries on the acoustic field. Although further optimization is possible, the most stable operation achieved is expected to be adequate for most containerless processing applications. Best stability was obtained with an open reflector system, using a flat lower reflector and a slightly concave upper one. Operation slightly below resonance enhances stability as this minimizes the second harmonic, which is suspected of being a particularly destabilizing influence.

Gammell, P. M.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Supercooling and structure of levitation melted Fe-Ni alloys

A study has been made of the effect of supercooling, quenching rate, growth inhibitors, and grain refiners on the structure of levitation-melted Fe- 25 pct Ni alloys. A combination of three morphologies, dendritic, spherical, and mixed dendritic and spherical, is observed in samples superheated or supercooled by less than 175 K. At larger supercooling, however, only the spherical morphology is observed. The grain size and the grain boundary shape are found to be strongly dependent on the subgrain morphology but not on the quenching temperature. Considerable grain growth is evident in samples with spherical and mixed morphologies but not in the dendriitic samples. The average cooling rates during solidification and the heat transfer coefficients at the metal-quenching medium boundary are calculated. For samples solidified in water, molten lead, and ceramic molds, the heat transfer coefficients are 0.41, 0.52, and 0.15 w/sq cm, respectively.

Abbaschian, G. J.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Mass loss, levitation, accretion, and the sharp-lined features in hot white dwarfs

A study has been conducted of eight white dwarfs, including seven DA and one He-rich types. The study is based on high-resolution observations conducted with the aid of the International Ultraviolet Explorer. Four of the dwarfs show features related to heavy elements which are not interstellar in origin. It is tentatively suggested that, at least in the hottest low-gravity DA white dwarfs, the observed narrow-lined features are formed in expanding halos or winds associated with the white dwarfs. Theoretically, stable white dwarf halos should actually be coronae with temperatures in excess of 1,000,000 K. However, the observed narrow-lined features do not suggest such high temperatures. The observed radial velocities suggest weak stellar winds in two hot white dwarfs, namely, G191-B2B and 2111+49. It is tentatively proposed that radiative levitation can explain the appearance of the observed metallic lines in the hot DA white dwarfs.

Bruhweiler, F. C.↗
NASA NTRS1982

The calculation of transport phenomena in electromagnetically levitated metal droplets

A mathematical representation has been developed for the electromagnetic force field, fluid flow field, and solute concentration field of levitation-melted metal specimens. The governing equations consist of the conventional transport equations combined with the appropriate expressions for the electromagnetic force field. The predictions obtained by solving the governing equations numerically on a digital computer are in good agreement with lifting force and average temperature measurements reported in the literature.

El-Kaddah, N.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Acoustic Levitation System

Dense materials, such as steel balls, continuously levitated with energy provided by efficient high-powered siren in combination with shaped reflector. Reflector system, consisting of curved top reflector and flat lower reflector, eliminates instability in spatial positioning of sample.

Gammell, P. M.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Precise Fabrication of Electromagnetic-Levitation Coils

Winding copper tubing on jig ensures reproducible performance. Sequence of steps insures consistent fabrication of levitation-and-melting coils. New method enables technician to produce eight coils per day, 95 percent of them acceptable. Method employs precise step-by-step procedure on specially designed wrapping and winding jig.

Ethridge, E.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Blowing Polymer Bubbles in an Acoustic Levitator

In new manufacturing process, small gas-filled polymer shells made by injecting gas directly into acoustically levitated prepolymer drops. New process allows sufficient time for precise control of shell geometry. Applications foreseen in fabrication of deuterium/tritium-filled fusion targets and in pharmaceutical coatings. New process also useful in glass blowing and blow molding.

Lee, M. C.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Contactless Calorimetry for Levitated Samples

Temperature and specific heat of hot sample measured with pyrometer in proposed experimental technique. Technique intended expecially for contactless calorimetry of such materials as undercooled molten alloys, samples of which must be levitated to prevent contamination and premature crystallization. Contactless calorimetry technique enables data to be taken over entire undercooling temperature range with only one sample. Technique proves valuable in study of undercooling because difference in specific heat between undercooled-liquid and crystalline phases at same temperature provides driving force to convert metastable undercooled phase to stable crystalline phase.

Lee, M. C.↗
NASA NTRS1984

High temperature acoustic levitator

A system is described for acoustically levitating an object within a portion of a chamber that is heated to a high temperature, while a driver at the opposite end of the chamber is maintained at a relatively low temperature. The cold end of the chamber is constructed so it can be telescoped to vary the length (L sub 1) of the cold end portion and therefore of the entire chamber, so that the chamber remains resonant to a normal mode frequency, and so that the pressure at the hot end of the chamber is maximized. The precise length of the chamber at any given time, is maintained at an optimum resonant length by a feedback loop. The feedback loop includes an acoustic pressure sensor at the hot end of the chamber, which delivers its output to a control circuit which controls a motor that varies the length (L) of the chamber to a level where the sensed acoustic pressure is a maximum.

Barmatz, M. B.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Closed loop electrostatic levitation system

An electrostatic levitation system is described, which can closely control the position of objects of appreciable size. A plurality of electrodes surround the desired position of an electrostatically charged object, the position of the objects is monitored, and the voltages applied to the electrodes are varied to hold the object at a desired position. In one system, the object is suspended above a plate-like electrode which has a concave upper face to urge the object toward the vertical axis of the curved plate. An upper electrode that is also curved can be positioned above the object, to assure curvature of the field at any height above the lower plate. In another system, four spherical electrodes are positioned at the points of a tetrahedron, and the voltages applied to the electrodes are varied in accordance with the object position as detected by two sensors.

Rhim, W. K.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Acoustic Levitator Maintains Resonance

Transducer loading characteristics allow resonance tracked at high temperature. Acoustic-levitation chamber length automatically adjusted to maintain resonance at constant acoustic frequency as temperature changes. Developed for containerless processing of materials at high temperatures, system does not rely on microphones as resonance sensors, since microphones are difficult to fabricate for use at temperatures above 500 degrees C. Instead, system uses acoustic transducer itself as sensor.

Barmatz, M. B.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Modification of the Electromagnetic Levitator (EML) Hardware

The goals of this project are: (1) to study the upgrade requirements and approaches needed for incorporation of an Electromagnetic Levitator (EML) into the shuttle orbiter, (2) to work with members of the Electromagnetic Containerless Processing science working group (SWG) to define future experiments for the EML, and (3) to assist these investigators in further development of ground-based experiment techniques to the limits possible in the terrestrial gravitational environment. Present work is directed toward: (1) upgrading the EML flight apparatus to meet requirements of safety and integration interfaces with the MSL orbiter carrier, (2) development of new experiment components required to carry out approved experiments in undercooled solidification and associated fluid flow studies directed by MIT, and (3) construction, test, qualification and integration assistance for the EML MSL flight package.

Frost, R. T.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Compact acoustic levitation device for studies in fluid dynamics and material science in the laboratory and microgravity

An ultrasonic levitation device operable in both ordinary ground-based as well as in potential space-borne laboratories is described together with its various applications in the fields of fluid dynamics, material science, and light scattering. Some of the phenomena which can be studied by this instrument include surface waves on freely suspended liquids, the variations of the surface tension with temperature and contamination, the deep undercooling of materials with the temperature variations of their density and viscosity, and finally some of the optical diffraction properties of transparent substances.

Trinh, E. H.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Technical background for a demonstration magnetic levitation system

A preliminary technical assessment of the feasibility of a demonstration Magnetic Levitation system, required to support aerodynamic models with a specified clear air volume around them, is presented. Preliminary calculations of required sizes of electromagnets and power supplies are made, indicating that the system is practical. Other aspects, including model position sensing and controller design, are briefly addressed.

Britcher, Colin P.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Flow visualization of acoustic levitation experiment

Acoustic levitation experiments for space applications were performed. Holographic interferometry is being used to study the heat transfer rates on a heated rod enclosed in a 6 cu in chamber. Acoustic waves at levels up to 150 db increased the heating rates to the rod by factors of three to four. High speed real time holographic interferometry was used to measure the boundary layer on the heated rod. Data reduction and digitization of the interferograms are being implemented.

Baroth, ED↗
NASA NTRS1985

Rapid solidification of levitation melted Ni-Sn alloy droplets with high undercooling

Experimental results obtained by high-speed optical temperature sensing for the rapid solidification of highly undercooled, levitation-melted Ni-Sn alloy droplets are presented. These data suggest a solidification model proceeding according to overlapping steps: (1) dendritic growth within the bulk undercooled melt, (2) continued recalescence as supersaturation of the interdendritic liquid dissipates, (3) fine-scale remelting within the dendrites, (4) ripening of the fine structure, and (5) solidification of remaining liquid at the end of recalescence.

Shiohara, Yuh↗
NASA NTRS1988

A high-powered siren for stable acoustic levitation of dense materials in the earth's gravity

Levitation of large dense samples (e.g., 1-cm diameter steel balls) has been performed in a 1-g environment. A siren was used to study the effects of reflector geometry and variable-frequency operation in order to attain stable acoustic positioning. The harmonic content and spatial distribution of the acoustic field have been investigated. The best stability was obtained with an open reflector system, using a flat lower reflector and a slightly concave upper reflector while operating at a frequency slightly below resonance.

Gammel, Paul M.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Observations on the dynamics of electromagnetically levitated liquid metals and alloys at elevated temperatures

Electromagnetic levitation and heating of small (0.5 to 1.0 gm) samples of Cu, Ni, and Ni-base alloys were performed in inert atmospheres. These experiments were recorded by high-speed photography using both regular film and video methods. Initial studies revealed interesting dynamics of the droplets that included axisymmetric oscillation, rotation, and oscillation mode changes. An attempt is made to explain the behavior using available models.

Hansen, G. P.↗