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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 37 records · Page 2

A study of heterogeneous detonations.

Heterogeneous detonations, discussing polydisperse and monodisperse spray detonations and liquid fuel film shock-induced combustion

COMBUSTION INSTABILITY↗

A study of heterogeneous detonations.

Heterogeneous detonations, discussing polydisperse and monodisperse spray detonations and liquid fuel film shock-induced combustion

COMBUSTION INSTABILITY↗

Volatile propellant droplet evaporation measurements in metered dose inhaler sprays

Many aerosol products rely on the rapid vaporization of volatile propellants to produce a fine spray. In the simplest case, these are binary mixtures of propellant and a delivered product which undergo a flash-evaporation process leaving only the less volatile product in the resultant droplet. In more complex applications, such as pressurized metered-dose inhalers, the non-propellant component may contain dissolved or suspended drug which precipitates or dries to form a matured particle. The size and morphology of the particles depend strongly on the time-history of the droplet as the propellant evaporates. However, measuring the dynamic evaporation processes that occur in dense sprays containing millions of droplets is challenging. In this paper, we demonstrate a novel application of Ultra Small Angle X-ray Scattering to measure the bulk composition of volatile HFC134a–ethanol sprays and compare the obtained results with simple evaporation models in a dry nitrogen environment. The data reveal that diffusion-limiting processes inside the droplet are equally important as external convection and mixing-limited factors in determining evaporative timescales.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Cryogenic Spray Quenching of A Simulated Propellant Storage Tank Wall With Heat Transfer Enhancement By A Thin-Film Coating and Flow Pulsing in Microgravity

Human space exploration to the Moon, Mars, and possibly asteroids is NASA’s biggest challenge for the new millennium. One of the critical elements to this mission is the effective, sufficient, and reliable supply of cryogenic propellant fluids. Future lower-earth-orbiting (LEO) propellant fuel depots and human-carrying orbital transfer spacecraft flying to the moon and Mars will have to utilize the high thrust and high efficiency of liquid cryogenic chemical propulsion or nuclear thermal propulsion. Efficient in-space tank-to-tank propellant transfer (propellant fuel depot to orbital transfer spacecraft) of cryogenic propellants is an enabling technology for the planned Crewed Mars Surface Mission. The transfer of cryogenic propellants in space, however, has yet to be accomplished, solely due to the unavailability of cryogenic quenching heat transfer data during chilldown (quenching) and filling of the propellant receiver tank in reduced gravity and microgravity as liquid propellant cannot be stored in a required liquid state until the tank is quenched down to the liquid temperature. Therefore, highly energy efficient thermal-fluid management breakthrough concepts to conserve and minimize the cryogen consumption during propellant transfer have become the focus of research and engineering development, especially for the deep-space mission to Mars. In this paper, we introduce such concepts and demonstrate their feasibility for cryogenic storage tank chilldown in parabolic flights under a simulated space microgravity condition. In order to maximize the storage tank chilldown efficiency for the least amount of cryogen consumption, the technology adopted included cryogenic spray cooling, Teflon thin-film coating of the simulated tank surface, and spray flow pulsing. The completed flight experiments successfully demonstrated that spray cooling is the most efficient cooling method for the tank chilldown in microgravity. In microgravity, Teflon coating alone can improve the efficiency up to 72% and the efficiency can be improved up to 59% by flow pulsing alone. However, Teflon coating together with flow pulsing was found to substantially enhance the chilldown efficiency in microgravity for up to 113%.

spray↗

Testing Fundamental Properties of Ionic Liquids for Colloid Microthruster Applications

NASA's New Millennium Program is scheduled to test a Disturbance Reduction System (DRS) on Space Technology 7 (ST7) as part of the European Space Agency's (ESA's) LISA Pathfinder Mission in late 2009. Colloid Micronewton Thrusters (CMNTs) will be used to counteract forces, mainly solar photon pressure, that could disturb gravitational reference sensors as part of the DRS. The micronewton thrusters use an ionic liquid, a room temperature molten salt, as propellant. The ionic liquid has a number of unusual properties that have a direct impact on thruster design. One of the most important issues is bubble formation before and during operation, especially during rapid pressure transitions from atmospheric to vacuum conditions. Bubbles have been observed in the feed system causing variations in propellant flow rate that can adversely affect thruster control. Bubbles in the feed system can also increase the likelihood that propellant will spray onto surfaces that can eventually lead to shorting high voltage electrodes. Two approaches, reducing the probability of bubble formation and removing bubbles with a new bubble eliminator device in the flow system, were investigated at Busek Co., Inc. and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) to determine the effectiveness of both approaches. Results show that bubble formation is mainly caused by operation at low pressure and volatile contaminants in the propellant coming out of solution. A specification for the maximum tolerable level of contamination has been developed, and procedures for providing system cleanliness have been tested and implemented. The bubble eliminator device has also been tested successfully and has been implemented in recent thruster designs at Busek. This paper focuses on the propellant testing work at JPL, including testing of a breadboard level bubble eliminator device.

bubble formation↗

Stabilization Of Combustion Of Sprayed Fuel

Several modifications of nozzle spraying liquid propellant into combustion chamber proposed to stabilize combustion. Proposed changes in design of nozzle alter flow field in combustion chamber, according to fluid-mechanical principles, in such way as to suppress oscillations. Various alternative nozzle configurations include bluff or toroidal body to generate turbulence. Other features helping to suppress oscillations include down-stream recirculation zones, baffles, and damping cavities. Similar modifications help to suppress oscillations in industrial combustion chambers and in commercial and domestic oil-burning furnaces.

Voecks, Gerald E.↗

Droplet Cluster Behavior in Dense and Dilute Regions of a Spray

Concern regarding the efficiency, stability and safety margins of bi-propellant combustion in rocket engines has prompted the investigation of many specific aspects of spray evaporation, ignition and combustion previously not studied. The phenomenology of bi- propellant spray evaporation, ignition and combustion in a highly turbulent environment at elevated pressure is discussed.

liquid rocket propulsion bi-propellant combustion ↗

Tank Tests of a 1/7-Size Powered Dynamic Model of the Grumman XJR2F-1 Amphibian: Spray Characteristics, Take-Off and Landing Stability in Smooth Water - Langley Tank Model 212, TED No. NACA 2378

Tests of a model of the XJR2F-Y amphibian were made in Langley tank no. to determine the spray characteristics and the take-off and landing stability. At a gross load of 22,000 pounds full size, spray entered the propeller disk only at a very narrow range of speeds. The spray striking the flaps was not excessive and no appreciable wetting of the tail surfaces was noted. The trim limits of stability appeared to be satisfactory and the upper-limit porpoising was not violent. The stable range of center-of-gravity locations with flaps set 20deg was well aft of the desired operating range. However, with flaps up, the forward limit was about 18 percent mean aerodynamic chord and the aft limit about 28.5 percent mean aerodynamic chord at a load of 26,000 pounds and with elevators deflected -10deg. Under these conditions the location of the step is considered satisfactory. Tests showed that the effect of water in the nose-wheel well would be to move the forward limit aft about 2-percent mean aerodynamic chord. Without ventilation of the main step, the model skipped during landing at most trims, but this skipping was not violent. With the ventilation, the model skipped lightly only at trims where the afterbody keel was approximately parallel to the water (around 7.5 deg).

Land, Norman S.↗

Analysis of the Shattered Pellet Injection Fragment Plumes Generated by Machine Specific Shatter Tube Designs

Shattered pellet injector systems have been installed on DIII-D, JET, and KSTAR and used to experimentally determine the effectiveness of the shattered pellet injection (SPI) process in mitigating the deleterious effects of a tokamak plasma disruption. Pellets are fired, and before entering the plasma, strike a bent tube known as a shatter tube causing the pellet to shatter. The process of pellet fragmentation is a chaotic process that can be described in terms of fragment size distribution through a statistical model that incorporates the effects of the pellet material and impact characteristics. In addition to the fragment size distribution, the shatter plume has other characteristics of interest, such as a fragment velocity distribution and temporal mass evolution. The fragment velocity distribution is important because it is needed to accurately model the spread and location of the ablation and the deposition of impurities in the plasma over time. The temporal mass evolution is necessary to determine the time-resolved delivery of mass to the plasma.Due to installation constraints, the shatter tube currently installed on JET has a unique geometry with a modest S-bend followed by a 20-deg bend at the end of the tube. The DIII-D and KSTAR shatter tube design is a simple tube bent through an angle of 20 deg followed by a straight section. The resulting shatter sprays from the JET shatter tube and a 20-deg miter bend shatter tube were experimentally characterized for various pellet materials and speeds. Laboratory testing of these shatter tubes allows for the use of fast cameras to capture the fragment spray traveling through a large vacuum chamber. These high-speed videos of the shatter plumes allow the fragment size distribution, temporal mass evolution, and velocity distribution of the fragments within the plume to be determined. Overall, this paper presents a comparison of the unique geometry of the JET shatter tube to the miter bend geometries used for shattering and some insight into the variables that may be adjusted to produce the optimal shatter spray. The impact of entrained propellant gas on the resulting shatter spray was examined during testing.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

The Effect of Spray Strips on a Model of the P3M-1 Flying Boat Hull

This note presents the results of a series of tests made in the N.A.C.A. tank on a one-sixth full-size model of the hull and side floats of the Navy P3M-1 flying boat for the purpose of finding a method of reducing the amount of spray thrown into the propellers of this craft when taking off and landing. The model was tested without spray strips and with five different spray-strip arrangements. The best arrangement was an improvement over the bare hull with no spray strips, but the improvement was not sufficient to be satisfactory with the propellers in the designed position.

Dawson, John R↗

Hydrodynamic Qualities of a 1/10-Size Powered Dynamic Model of the XP5Y-1 Flying Boat in Smooth Water: Langley Tank Model 246, TED No. NACA DE 320

The hydrodynamic characteristics of a 1/10-size powered dynamic model of the XP5Y-1 flying boat were determined in Langley tank no. 1. Stable take-offs were possible at all practicable positions of the center of gravity and flap deflections. An increase in gross load from 123.5 to 150.0 pounds (21.5 percent) had only a slight effect on the stable range for take-off. A decrease in forward acceleration from 3.0 to 1.0 feet per second per second had only a very small effect on the stable range for take-off. In general, the landings were free from skipping except at trims below 6 deg where one skip was encountered at an aft position of the center of gravity. The model porpoised during the landing runout at all positions of the center of gravity when landed at trims above 10 deg. Spray in the propellers was light at the design gross load, and was not considered excessive,at a gross load of 136.0 pounds.

Woodward, David R.↗

Investigation of the Hydrodynamic Characteristics of the Panto-Base Chase C-123 Airplane

An investigation of a 1/14-scale dynamically similar model of a panto-base version of the Chase C-123 airplane was conducted to evaluate the hydrodynamic characteristics of the airplane. The resistance, longitudinal stability, and spray patterns during take-off and general behavior in calm- and rough-water landings were determined. Brief calm-water tests were made to compare the initial vertical impact accelerations of the model with and without hydro-skis. Take-off stability was satisfactory for calm-water operation. A ratio of gross load to maximum resistance of 3,6 was obtained. Heavy spray reached the propellers only during ski emergence. The landing behavior in calm water and in waves 3 feet by 150 feet (full scale) was satisfactory for a normal range of trim angles. Initial impacts in calmwater landings resulted in vertical accelerations of about 2 1/2 with the hydro-skis installed and about 4g with the hydro-skis removed,

Thompson, William C.↗

Cold Flow Testing for Liquid Propellant Rocket Injector Scaling and Throttling

Scaling and throttling of combustion devices are important capabilities to demonstrate in development of liquid rocket engines for NASA's Space Exploration Mission. Scaling provides the ability to design new injectors and injection elements with predictable performance on the basis of test experience with existing injectors and elements, and could be a key aspect of future development programs. Throttling is the reduction of thrust with fixed designs and is a critical requirement in lunar and other planetary landing missions. A task in the Constellation University Institutes Program (CUIP) has been designed to evaluate spray characteristics when liquid propellant rocket engine injectors are scaled and throttled. The specific objectives of the present study are to characterize injection and primary atomization using cold flow simulations of the reacting sprays. These simulations can provide relevant information because the injection and primary atomization are believed to be the spray processes least affected by the propellant reaction. Cold flow studies also provide acceptable test conditions for a university environment. Three geometric scales - 1/4- scale, 1/2-scale, and full-scale - of two different injector element types - swirl coaxial and shear coaxial - will be designed, fabricated, and tested. A literature review is currently being conducted to revisit and compile the previous scaling documentation. Because it is simple to perform, throttling will also be examined in the present work by measuring primary atomization characteristics as the mass flow rate and pressure drop of the six injector element concepts are reduced, with corresponding changes in chamber backpressure. Simulants will include water and gaseous nitrogen, and an optically accessible chamber will be used for visual and laser-based diagnostics. The chamber will include curtain flow capability to repress recirculation, and additional gas injection to provide independent control of the backpressure. This paper provides a short review of the appropriate literature, as well as descriptions of plans for experimental hardware, test chamber instrumentation, diagnostics, and testing.

Kenny, Jeremy R.↗

Optical measurements in rocket engine liquid sprays

The performance of liquid propellant rocket engines is dependent upon many elements of the entire system. One of the most fundamental and most critical is the performance of the injector elements. Their characterization is an important part of the development of combustion devices. Optical measurements within these environments have proven to be invaluable tools in quantifying the physical environment of two phase flows. The effort reported herein involves the measurement of drop velocity, drop size, and most importantly mass flux using Phase-Doppler Particle Anemometry within a spray generated by a single swirl injector element operating in atmospheric pressure conditions. The mass flux has been determined and validated by mechanical patternation methods and by profile integration of the mass flux.

Feikema, Douglas A.↗

Rocket injector anomalies study. Volume 2: Results of parametric studies

The employment of a existing computer program to simulate three dimensional two phase gas spray flows in liquid propellant rocket engines. This was accomplished by modification of an existing three dimensional computer program (REFLAN3D) with Euler/Lagrange approach for simulating two phase spray flow, evaporation and combustion. The modified code is referred to as REFLAN3D-SPRAY. Computational studies of the model rocket engine combustion chamber are presented. The parametric studies of the two phase flow and combustion shows qualitatively correct response for variations in geometrical and physical parameters. The injection nonuniformity test with blocked central fuel injector holes shows significant changes in the central flame core and minor influence on the wall heat transfer fluxes.

Przekwas, A. J.↗