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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

Helicopter rotor wake geometry and its influence in forward flight. Volume 2: Wake geometry charts

Isometric and projection view plots, inflow ratio nomographs, undistorted axial displacement nomographs, undistorted longitudinal and lateral coordinates, generalized axial distortion nomographs, blade/vortex passage charts, blade/vortex intersection angle nomographs, and fore and aft wake boundary charts are discussed. Example condition, in flow ratio, undistorted axial location, longitudinal and lateral coordinates, axial coordinates distortions, blade/tip vortex intersections, angle of intersection, and fore and aft wake boundaries are also discussed.

Egolf, T. A.↗

Experimental Studies of the Aerothermal Characteristics of the Project Orion CEV heat Shield in High Speed Transitional and Turbulent Flows

An experimental program has been completed by CUBRC exploring laminar, transitional, and turbulent flows over a 7.0% scale model of the Project ORION CEV geometry. This program was executed primarily to answer questions concerning the increase in heat transfer on the windward, or "hot shoulder" of the CEV heat shield from laminar to turbulent flow. To answer these questions CUBRC constructed and instrumented a 14.0 inch diameter Project ORION CEV model and ran a range of Reynolds numbers based on diameter from 1.0 to over 40 million at a Mach number of 8.0. These Reynolds numbers were selected to cover laminar to turbulent heating data on the "hot shoulder". Data obtained during these runs will be used to guide design decisions as they apply to heat shield thickness and extent. Several experiments at higher enthalpies were achieved to obtain data for code validation with real gas effects and transition. CUBRC also performed computation studies of these experiments to aid in the data reduction process and study turbulence modeling.

Wadhams, T.P.↗

Hormone Purification by Isoelectric Focusing

Various ground-based research approaches are being applied to a more definitive evaluation of the natures and degrees of electroosmosis effects on the separation capabilities of the Isoelectric Focusing (IEF) process. A primary instrumental system for this work involves rotationally stabilized, horizontal electrophoretic columns specially adapted for the IEF process. Representative adaptations include segmentation, baffles/screens, and surface coatings. Comparative performance and development testing are pursued against the type of column or cell established as an engineering model. Previously developed computer simulation capabilities are used to predict low-gravity behavior patterns and performance for IEF apparatus geometries of direct project interest. Three existing mathematical models plus potential new routines for particular aspects of simulating instrument fluid patterns with varied wall electroosmosis influences are being exercised.

Bier, M.↗

Transformational part-count in layered octahedral-tetrahedral truss configurations

The number of component part (nodes, struts and panels) termed part count, is an important factor in the design, manufacture, and assembly of modular space structures. Part count expressions are presented for a variety of profiles derived from the layered octahedral-tetrahedral truss configuration. Referred to as the tetrahedral truss in the NASA projects, this specific geometry has been used in several missions. The general expressions presented here transforms to others as one profile changes to another. Such transformational part count relations provide a measure of flexibility and generality, and may be useful when dealing with a wider range of geometric configurations.

Lalvani, Haresh↗

Trajectory based, 3-dimensional heating and ablation calculations for the Apollo Lunar/Earth return capsule

Three dimensional (3-D) surface heating and ablation rate distributions have been obtained based on the geometry of the project Apollo Lunar/Earth return capsule and high Reynolds number inviscid/boundary layer methods. This application is based on the principles of the pseudo-three dimensional axisymmetric streamline analogy. Inviscid surface streamlines are determined for the forebody portion of the Apollo capsule using a CFD solver. Streamlines are obtained for the 20 deg angle-of-attack flight case, and the associated streamline metrics are determined. Boundary layer heating and ablation calculations are performed along selected Apollo forebody streamlines using the non-similar boundary layer code. Surface radiative heating estimates were obtained and the validity of the streamline tracing analogy is examined. These comparisons and the Apollo trajectory heating results are discussed.

Henline, W. D.↗

Topological Aspects of the FAITH Experiment

This slide presentation reviews the following issues (1) What is relationship between surface pressure extrema and singular points? (2) Does every singular point in a pattern of skin friction lines occur at a surface pressure extremum? (and/or vice versa?) (3) Can this relationship be generalized to all geometries? (4) FAITH Project (5) Ongoing effort at NASA Ames Experimental AeroPhysics Branch (6) Multi-parameter wind tunnel investigation of flow around obstacle (7) Acquire data for CFD validation, optimization and (8) Relationship between FAITH and topology projects

Tobak, Murray↗

Compact Augmented Spark Igniters for Liquid Rocket Engines

The objective of this dissertation is to characterize augmented spark impinging (torch) igniters. Torch igniters inject propellants into a small prechamber where a spark igniter imparts the activation energy to initiate combustion. The flame stabilizes within the prechamber and exits into the main combustion chamber where it ignites the main flow directly or by mixing with a coaxial flow to create a secondary flame. The underlying phenomena that promote reliable ignition are multifaceted and required a broad scope of investigations. Initial efforts focused on spark discharges across an annular geometry. Gaseous propellent projects the electrical arc toward the prechamber, where the arc and the thermal energy is imparted to the surrounding fluid then meets with a combustible mixture. Discharges are parametrically examined against pressure, spark-gap size, and exciter types to emulate transient engine startup. The energy imparted to the flow, approximate velocity, and distance traveled by the exhaust plume are determined. Spark quenching (no energy deposition) and its effects on perceived versus actual measurements are shown. Results outline the prechamber target zone where a combustible mixture is necessary for ignition. Next, three-dimensional, time-accurate, and nonreacting computational fluid dynamics simulations assess effects of geometric and mass flow differences on the size, location, and composition of a combustible mixture. Fluid dynamic phenomena are elucidated. Correlations between nondimensional variables are found. Results are coupled with a conservation-law analysis to produce novel objective functions. Lastly, a full-scale, modular torch igniter is tested. Injector sizes, mixture ratios, and injector momentum ratios are systematically varied to map ignition probability and ignition delay. Results show the importance of local mixture ratios, provide injector momentum ratios guidelines, and demonstrate reliable ignition of core mixture ratios typically outside flammability limits. The deliverable of this project is not a torch igniter or derivative thereof. Instead, this dissertation produces novel objective-functions for igniter design. These equations are functions of variables that may be constrained by engine-level requirements, physics, and experimental results from this work. They provide a foundation for future igniter design and will minimize iterative processes from the design cycle for next-generation ignition hardware.

Torch Igniter↗

Project Integration Architecture (PIA) and Computational Analysis Programming Interface (CAPRI) for Accessing Geometry Data from CAD Files

Integration of a supersonic inlet simulation with a computer aided design (CAD) system is demonstrated. The integration is performed using the Project Integration Architecture (PIA). PIA provides a common environment for wrapping many types of applications. Accessing geometry data from CAD files is accomplished by incorporating appropriate function calls from the Computational Analysis Programming Interface (CAPRI). CAPRI is a CAD vendor neutral programming interface that aids in acquiring geometry data directly from CAD files. The benefits of wrapping a supersonic inlet simulation into PIA using CAPRI are; direct access of geometry data, accurate capture of geometry data, automatic conversion of data units, CAD vendor neutral operation, and on-line interactive history capture. This paper describes the PIA and the CAPRI wrapper and details the supersonic inlet simulation demonstration.

Benyo, Theresa L.↗

Integrated geometry and grid generation system for complex configurations

A grid generation system was developed that enables grid generation for complex configurations. The system called ICEM/CFD is described and its role in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) applications is presented. The capabilities of the system include full computer aided design (CAD), grid generation on the actual CAD geometry definition using robust surface projection algorithms, interfacing easily with known CAD packages through common file formats for geometry transfer, grid quality evaluation of the volume grid, coupling boundary condition set-up for block faces with grid topology generation, multi-block grid generation with or without point continuity and block to block interface requirement, and generating grid files directly compatible with known flow solvers. The interactive and integrated approach to the problem of computational grid generation not only substantially reduces manpower time but also increases the flexibility of later grid modifications and enhancements which is required in an environment where CFD is integrated into a product design cycle.

Akdag, Vedat↗

Co-op Student Work Report

Projects: (1) Boeing Launch Abort Analysis My first project for the summer was analyzing the Boeing CCDev Vehicle's abort aerodynamics using an inviscid solver (CART3D). The goal of the project was to develop the grid and CFD inputs necessary to use CART3D as a quick tool for investigating loading trends at various points along abort trajectories. As a supplementary task, I analyzed a few cases and compared them to the aerodatabase from the last generation geometry. (2) My second project for the summer dealt with investigating how heating changes as the height of a protuberance on top of a flat plate changes. The goal of this investigation is to better understand how to properly model heating on and around a protuberance. This is one of the biggest challenges when designing a re ]entry vehicle because very small changes in the shape and conditions leading up to a protuberance, not to mention the protuberance geometry, will greatly impact the local heating.

Powell, Jessica M.↗

Exocentric direction judgements in computer-generated displays and actual scenes

One of the most remarkable perceptual properties of common experience is that the perceived shapes of known objects are constant despite movements about them which transform their projections on the retina. This perceptual ability is one aspect of shape constancy (Thouless, 1931; Metzger, 1953; Borresen and Lichte, 1962). It requires that the viewer be able to sense and discount his or her relative position and orientation with respect to a viewed object. This discounting of relative position may be derived directly from the ranging information provided from stereopsis, from motion parallax, from vestibularly sensed rotation and translation, or from corollary information associated with voluntary movement. It is argued that: (1) errors in exocentric judgements of the azimuth of a target generated on an electronic perspective display are not viewpoint-independent, but are influenced by the specific geometry of their perspective projection; (2) elimination of binocular conflict by replacing electronic displays with actual scenes eliminates a previously reported equidistance tendency in azimuth error, but the viewpoint dependence remains; (3) the pattern of exocentrically judged azimuth error in real scenes viewed with a viewing direction depressed 22 deg and rotated + or - 22 deg with respect to a reference direction could not be explained by overestimation of the depression angle, i.e., a slant overestimation.

Ellis, Stephen R.↗

On the velocity fields of elliptical galaxies

A family of self-consistent maximum entropy dynamical models is presented for the triaxial 'perfect ellipsoids'. These models are projected in different viewing geometries to explore the possible morphologies of the 2D radial-velocity fields of elliptical galaxies. It is found that, typically, about half the time an 'ordinary' velocity field is seen with a mixture of major- and minor-axis rotation. For other lines of sight, the velocity fields are more complicated, showing multiple peaks, steep gradients, strongly twisted contours, or kinematically distinct or counter-rotating cores. The origin of each of these velocity field morphologies is explained in terms of competing contributions from the major families of tube orbits.

Statler, Thomas S.↗

The telescoping boom radiator concept for multimegawatt space power systems

Development of the telescoping boom radiator from concept studies through a detailed design is reviewed. Particular attention is given to the scaling law for specific mass of cylindrical radiator geometries and radiator mass projections for large scale heat rejection systems. The concept of the telescoping, cylindrical radiator is identified as a leading candidate for rejecting tens of megawatts of thermal energy while maintaining a reasonable launch.

Koester, J. K.↗

A positional estimation technique for an autonomous land vehicle in an unstructured environment

This paper presents a solution to the positional estimation problem of an autonomous land vehicle navigating in an unstructured mountainous terrain. A Digital Elevation Map (DEM) of the area in which the robot is to navigate is assumed to be given. It is also assumed that the robot is equipped with a camera that can be panned and tilted, and a device to measure the elevation of the robot above the ground surface. No recognizable landmarks are assumed to be present in the environment in which the robot is to navigate. The solution presented makes use of the DEM information, and structures the problem as a heuristic search in the DEM for the possible robot location. The shape and position of the horizon line in the image plane and the known camera geometry of the perspective projection are used as parameters to search the DEM. Various heuristics drawn from the geometric constraints are used to prune the search space significantly. The algorithm is made robust to errors in the imaging process by accounting for the worst care errors. The approach is tested using DEM data of areas in Colorado and Texas. The method is suitable for use in outdoor mobile robots and planetary rovers.

Talluri, Raj↗