Results for “test stand development” — Page 2

NASA NTRS2002

Data Acquisition and Control Systems Laboratory

The Data Acquisition and Control Systems (DACS) Laboratory is a facility at Stennis Space Center that provides an off test-stand capability to develop data-acquisition and control systems for rocket-engine test stands. It is also used to train new employees in state-of-the-art systems, and provides a controlled environment for troubleshooting existing systems, as well as the ability to evaluate the application of new technologies and process improvements. With the SSC propulsion testing schedules, without the DACS Laboratory, it would have been necessary to perform most of the development work on actual test systems, thereby subjecting both the rocket-engine testing and development programs to substantial interference in the form of delays, restrictions on modifications of equipment, and potentially compromising software configuration control. The DACS Laboratory contains a versatile assortment of computer hardware and software, digital and analog electronic control and data-acquisition equipment, and standard electronic bench test equipment and tools. Recently completed Control System development and software verification projects include support to the joint NASA/Air Force Integrated Powerhead Demonstration (IPD) LOX & LH2 PreBurner and Turbopump ground testing programs. In other recent activities, the DACS Laboratory equipment and expertise have supported the off-stand operation of high-pressure control valves to correct valve leak problems prior to installation on the test stand. Future plans include expanding the Laboratory's capabilities to provide cryogenic control valve characterization prior to installation, thereby reducing test stand activation time.

Holland, Randy↗

NASA NTRS1981

Propeller propulsion integration, phase 1

A bibliography was compiled of all readily available sources of propeller analytical and experimental studies conducted during the 1930 through 1960 period. A propeller test stand was developed for the measurement of thrust and torque characteristics of full scale general aviation propellers and installed in the LaRC 30 x 60 foot full scale wind tunnel. A tunnel entry was made during the January through February 1980 period. Several propellers were tested, but unforseen difficulties with the shaft thrust torque balance severely degraded the data quality.

Bennett, G.↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Design and Development of an Aircraft Electric Powertrain Test Stand

Recent advancements in battery technology and power electronics are enabling novel approaches to powered flight that rely on fully electric or hybrid-electric powertrain systems. To mitigate the risk surrounding such unproven systems, it is necessary to characterize their performance on a component-wide and system-wide basis. In this paper, we discuss the design and development of an electric powertrain test stand that can collect high-fidelity data of motor, controller, and battery performance, thereby allowing us to determine system performance, efficiencies, and thermal characteristics.

test stand↗

NASA NTRS2011

Performance Characterization of a Microchannel Liquid/Liquid Heat Exchanger Throughout an Extended Duration Life Test

Liquid/Liquid Heat Exchangers (L/L HX) are an integral portion of any spacecraft active thermal control system. For this study the X-38 L/L HX was used as a baseline. As detailed in a previous ICES manuscript, NASA paired with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to develop a Microchannel L/L HX (MHX). This microchannel HX was designed to meet the same performance characteristics as the aforementioned X-38 HX. The as designed Microchannel HX has a 26% and 60% reduction in mass and volume, respectively. Due to the inherently smaller flow passages the design team was concerned about fouling affecting performance during extended missions. To address this concern, NASA has developed a test stand and is currently performing an 18 month life test on the MHX. This report will detail the up-to-date performance of the MHX during life testing.

Sheth, Rubik B.↗

NASA NTRS2014

Microorganisms in the Stratosphere (MIST): In-flight Sterilization with UVC Leds

The stratosphere (10 km to 50 km above sea level) is a unique place on Earth for astrobiological studies of microbes in extreme environments due to the combination of harsh conditions (high ultraviolet radiation, low pressure, desiccation, and low temperatures). Microorganisms in the Stratosphere (MIST) will attempt to characterize the diversity of microbes at these altitudes using a balloon collection device on a meteorological weather balloon. A major challenge of such an aerobiology study is the potential for ground contamination that makes it difficult to distinguish between collected microbes and contaminants. One solution is to use germicidal ultraviolet light emitting diodes (UV LEDs) to sterilize the collection strip. To use this solution, an optimal spatial arrangement of the lights had to be determined to ensure the greatest chance of complete sterilization within the 30 to 60 minute time of balloon ascent. A novel, 3D-printed test stand was developed to experimentally determine viable Bacillus pumilus SAFR-032 spore reduction after exposure to ultraviolet radiation at various times, angles, and distances. Taken together, the experimental simulations suggested that the UV LEDs on the MIST flight hardware should be active for at least 15 minutes and mounted within 4 cm of the illuminated surface at any angle to achieve optimal sterilization. These findings will aid in the production of the balloon collection device to ensure pristine stratospheric microbial samples are collected. Flight hardware capable of in-flight self-sterilization will enable future life detection missions to minimize both forward contamination and false positives.

Exobiology↗

NASA NTRS2019

Vibration-Heating in ADR Kevlar Suspension Systems

The cryogenics group at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center has a long-standing development and test program for laboratory and space-flight adiabatic demagnetization refrigerators (ADRs). These devices are used to cool components to temperatures as low as 0.05 K. At such low temperatures the ADR systems can provide a few micro-Watts of cooling power, so it is important to minimize the conduction of heat to these cold stages from the surroundings. The cold ADR elements are held in place by thin tensioned strings made of Kevlar, chosen for its high strength and stiffness and low thermal conductivity. During laboratory testing, we have observed that occasional significant additional heat loads on the coldest ADR stages correlate with unusually high vibration levels in the cryostat due to a noisy mechanical cryocooler. We theorized that this heat results from plastic deformation of the Kevlar fibers and frictional interactions among them, driven by the cryostat vibrations. We describe tests and calculations performed in attempt to confirm this source of the heating, and we discuss possible strategies to reduce this effect in future ADR suspension systems.

Vibration-heating↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Design of a Dynamic Radioisotope Power System Generator Testbed

The Dynamic Radioisotope Power System (DRPS) Testbed is a configurable laboratory test article designed to demonstrate the latest topology of a dynamic radioisotope power system generator. It utilizes an array of Stirling convertors arranged around a centrally located heat source that is radiantly coupled to the convertor hot ends. The Testbed is designed to dissipate all the waste heat through the housing and is outfitted with means for auxiliary cooling methods as well. During the past three years, the team at NASA’s Glenn Research Center (GRC) has been designing and analyzing the various aspects of the DRPS Testbed. Currently, the parts for the Testbed are being manufactured, and the team is focusing on developing the test stand, supporting hardware, and assembly and operation procedures in preparation for the anticipated first operation of the DRPS Testbed in summer of 2022.

Generator↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Design of a Dynamic Radioisotope Power System Generator Testbed

The DRPS Testbed is a configurable laboratory test article designed to demonstrate the latest topology of a dynamic radioisotope power system generator. It utilizes an array of Stirling convertors arranged around a centrally located heat source that is radiantly coupled to the convertor hot ends. The Testbed is designed to dissipate all the waste heat through the housing and is outfitted with means for auxiliary cooling methods as well. During the past three years, the team at NASA’s Glenn Research Center has been designing and analyzing the various aspects of the DRPS Testbed. Currently, the parts for the Testbed are being manufactured, and the team is focusing on developing the test stand, supporting hardware, and assembly and operation procedures in preparation for the anticipated first operation of the DRPS Testbed in summer of 2022.

Ernestina Wozniak↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Update to Developing a Multi-bioreactor Test Stand for the Evaluation of Biofilm Mitigation Technologies

Biofilm formation in spacecraft wastewater systems is a complex and impactful problem. Biomass flowing in these wastewater systems can cause clogging, higher differential pressures, and flow restrictions impacting equipment reliability and function. To explore this issue, the Marshall Space Flight Center’s biofilm test stand was created and has been utilized to examine multiple biofilm mitigation techniques over a long duration test time. This paper is an update to a previous paper, ICES-2021-122, and will serve to discuss the modifications and enhancements to the biofilm test stand. While the previous configuration tested heat treatments and coatings, this phase of testing will examine differing materials, competing bacteria provided by an external bioreactor, a prototype phytoremediation unit, and additional testing with a nutrient filter. Configuration changes include the addition of float switches, adjustment of the drain assembly architecture and additional support hardware for the competing bacteria bioreactor and phytoremediation units.

ECLSS↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Update to Developing a Multi-bioreactor Test Stand for the Evaluation of Biofilm Mitigation Technologies

Biofilm formation in spacecraft wastewater systems is a complex and impactful problem. Biomass flowing in these wastewater systems can cause clogging, higher differential pressures, and flow restrictions impacting equipment reliability and function. To explore this issue, the Marshall Space Flight Center’s biofilm test stand was created and has been utilized to examine multiple biofilm mitigation techniques over a long duration test time. This paper is an update to a previous paper, ICES-2021-122, and will serve to discuss the modifications and enhancements to the biofilm test stand. While the previous configuration tested heat treatments and coatings, this phase of testing will examine differing materials, competing bacteria provided by an external bioreactor, a prototype phytoremediation unit, and additional testing with a nutrient filter. Configuration changes include the addition of float switches, adjustment of the drain assembly architecture and additional support hardware for the competing bacteria bioreactor and phytoremediation units.

ECLSS↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Update to Developing a Multi-bioreactor Test Stand for the Evaluation of Biofilm Mitigation Technologies

Biofilm formation in spacecraft wastewater systems is a complex and impactful problem. Biomass flowing in these wastewater systems can cause clogging, higher differential pressures, and flow restrictions impacting equipment reliability and function. To explore this issue, the Marshall Space Flight Center’s biofilm test stand was created and has been utilized to examine multiple biofilm mitigation techniques over a long duration test time. This paper is an update to a previous paper, ICES-2021-122, and will serve to discuss the modifications and enhancements to the biofilm test stand. While the previous configuration tested heat treatments and coatings, this phase of testing will examine differing materials, competing bacteria provided by an external bioreactor, a prototype phytoremediation unit, and additional testing with a nutrient filter. Configuration changes include the addition of float switches, adjustment of the drain assembly architecture and additional support hardware for the competing bacteria bioreactor and phytoremediation units.

ECLSS↗

NASA NTRS1976

Teledyne Continental Motors emissions data and analysis and flight test results

Five different engine models were tested covering combinations of all engine categories in current production in the range from 100 to 435 brake horsepower. Engines were divided into five major types: carbureted, fuel injected, direct drive, geared, and turbocharged. Emissions data were categorized by three separate fuel system schedules: baseline, case 1, and case 2. Baseline was defined as the average fuel flow rate established by the fuel system's production tolerance band when operated with the mixture control at the full-rich position. Case 1 was defined as the minimum allowable fuel flow rate established by the engine certification. Case 2 was defined as the fuel rate corresponding to the leanest fuel-air ratio obtainable before a safety limit occurred with the engine operating on a propeller test stand. Safety limits that developed during testing were cylinder-head overheating or inadequate acceleration from a given mode of operation.

Rezy, B. J.↗

DOE OSTI2026

Developing a GUI for the Robotic Test Stand

The introduction of this poster explains the technology behind DUNE’s far and near detectors and how passing neutrinos generate electrons that drift into a wire grid. I then explain how 3 ASICs manage signals received from electron interception. Next, the poster states how COLDATA chips are undergoing quality control by a Robotic Test Stand using a state machine. I further explained how earlier tests were done via a command line script and the necessity to implement a user-friendly Graphical User Interface with new features a command line can’t implement. For the implementation section, tools and methods for implementation are listed such as Python, tkinter, and GitHub as well as how multithreading and queue implementation was necessary for GUI functionality. Then, I elaborated on the GUIs new features. Finally, I explain how the GUI will be distributed across multiple institutions and future changes planned for the GUI. Photos of the RTS, far detector cave, diagram of anode assembly plane, COLDATA chips, set up tab, result tab, and legacy command line interface are shown.

Gutierrez Villanueva, Jaziel [DuPage Coll.]↗

NASA NTRS2001

Performance measurements using a sub-micronewton resolution thrust stand

This paper describes the development and testing of a microthrust stand in the Advanced Propulsion Technology Laboratory at NASA/JPL.

thrust measurement micropropulsion↗

NASA NTRS2004

X-Ray Calibration Facility/Advanced Video Guidance Sensor Test

The advanced video guidance sensor was tested in the X-Ray Calibration facility at Marshall Space Flight Center to establish performance during vacuum. Two sensors were tested and a timeline for each are presented. The sensor and test facility are discussed briefly. A new test stand was also developed. A table establishing sensor bias and spot size growth for several ranges is detailed along with testing anomalies.

Johnston, N. A. S.↗

NASA NTRS2004

X-Ray Calibration Facility/Advanced Video Guidance Sensor Test

The advanced video guidance sensor was tested in the X-Ray Calibration facility at Marshall Space Flight Center to establish performance during vacuum. Two sensors were tested and a timeline for each are presented. The sensor and test facility are discussed briefly. A new test stand was also developed. A table establishing sensor bias and spot size growth for several ranges is detailed along with testing anomalies.

Johnston, N. A. S.↗

NASA NTRS1983

High temperature static strain sensor development program

Electrical resistance strain gages useful for static strain measurements on nickel or cobalt superalloy parts inside a gas turbine engine on a test stand are being developed. Measurements of this type are of great importance in meeting the goals of the HOST program because, without reliable knowledge of the stresses and strains which exist in specific components, it will be difficult to fully appreciate where improvements in design and materials can be implemented. The first part of the effort consisted of a strain gage alloy development program which will be followed by an investigation of complete strain gage systems which will use the best of the alloys developed together with other system improvements.

Hulse, C.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Preprototype nitrogen supply subsystem development

A nitrogen supply subsystem based on the dissociation of hydrazine into a mixture of hydrogen and nitrogen is developed. The latter is separated to provide makeup nitrogen to control the composition of spacecraft atmospheres. Specific hardware developments resulted in the design and fabrication of a nominal 3.6 kg/d nitrogen generation module. The design integrates a hydrazine catalytic dissociator, three ammonia dissociation stages and four hydrogen separation stages into a 33 kg, 14 cu dm module. A technique was devised to alternate the ammonia dissociation and hydrogen separation stages to give high nitrogen purity in the end product stream. Tests show the product stream to contain less than 0.5 percent hydrogen and 10 parts per million ammonia. The design and development of a test stand for the nitrogen generation module and a series of tests which verified its operation and performance capability are described.

Heppner, D. B.↗