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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 361 records · Page 20

Homogeneous nucleation of ethanol and n-propanol in a shock tube

The condensation by homogeneous nucleation of ethanol (200 proof) and of n-propanol (99.98%) carried at small mole fraction in dry air (99.995%) was studied in the unsteady, isentropic expansion of a shock tube. Samples of the vapor at different partial pressures in dry air at room temperature were expanded into the liquid coexistence regime of the condensing species. A Kristler pressure transducer and Rayleigh light scattering were used to measure the pressure in the expansion and the onset of condensation. Condensation was observed at different locations between 0.15 and 1 m upstream of the diaphragm location, which correspond to different cooling rates of of the vapor samples about 50 to 10 C/ms.

Peters, F.↗

A cryocooler for applications requiring low magnetic and mechanical interference

A very low-power, low-interference Stirling cryocooler is being developed based on principles and techniques described in several previous publications over the last four years. It differs in several important details from those built previously. It uses a tapered displacer based upon an analytical optimization procedure. The displacer is driven by an auxiliary piston and cylinder (rather than by mechanical linkage) using some of the working fluid itself to provide the driving force. This provides smooth, vibration-free motion, and, more importantly, allows complete mechanical and spatial separation of the cryostat from the pressure-wave generator. Either of two different pressure-wave generators can be used. One is a non-contaminating, unlubricated ceramic piston and cylinder. The other is a compressed-air-operated rubber diaphragm with motor-driven valves to cycle the pressure between appropriate limits.

Zimmerman, J. E.↗

Development of the sonic pump levitation

A prototype levitating/positioning device termed the Sonic Pump Levitator was designed, built and successfully tested in full gravity and in the reduced gravity of the parabolic flight regime of the KC-135. Positioning is achieved by timely and appropriate application of gas momentum from one or more of six sonic pumps. The sonic pumps, which are arranged orthogonally in opposed pairs about the levitation region, are activated by an electro-optical, computer controlled, feedback system. The sonic pump is a transducer which is capable of converting sound energy into a directed flow of gas. It consists of a loudspeaker whose face is sealed by a closure perforated by one or more orifices. The diaphragm of the loudspeaker is the only moving part of the sonic pump, no valves being needed. This very low inertia electromechanical device was developed to provide the short response time necessary to keep pace with the demands of computerized position keeping.

Dunn, S. A.↗

The grains and gas in Comet Bowell 1980b

The importance of coordinating different types of observations of a comet is illustrated in terms of spectral data on Comet Bowell. Photometric data in 1980 indicated that OH emissions were occurring when the comet was still more than 4 AU from the sun. Further measurements were arranged with the IUE satellite, the photoelectric scanner at Cerro Tololo and the IR telescope on Mauna Kea. Several sizes of diaphragms were used in order to estimate variations with respect to aperture. Calculations were made to quantify the wavelengths observed as a function of the grains' cross-sections. The OH emission was confirmed by the spectrographic and photometric data. It is suggested that sufficient dark materials are present on the cometary surface to have enhanced the absorption of solar radiation to levels sufficient for heating and dissociating surface ice particles.

Dwek, E.↗

Photovoltaic-Panel Laminator

Two-piece unit heats and presses protective layers to form laminate. Rubber diaphragm between upper and lower vacuum chambers alternates between neutral position and one that presses against solar-cell array, supplying distributed force necessary to press layers of laminate together. Encapsulation helps to protect cells from environment and to ensure long panel life while allowing efficient generation of electricity from Sunlight.

Keenan, R.↗

Synthetic Organic Materials in Nuclear Powerplants

Report aids plant designers and qualification engineers in ensuring that organic materials in nuclear powerplants will perform satisfactorily in such safety-related equipment as insulation on motor windings, pump diaphragms, motor and pump lubricants, and pump seals and gaskets. Report provides information for service that may include both mild and harsh nuclear environments.

Bouquet, F. L.↗

Flowmeter for Clear and Translucent Fluids

Transducer with only three moving parts senses flow of clear or translucent fluid. Displacement of diaphragm by force of flow detected electrooptically and displayed by panel meter or other device. Transducer used to measure flow of gasoline to automobile engine.

White, P. R.↗

Fundamental Studies of Composite Toughness

Evaluation of drop weight impact testing of neat resin and crossplied graphite fiber reinforced composites resulted in three conclusions: (1) during impact of cross-ply laminates, resin properties appear to influence the extent and mechanism of damage propagation; (2) by itself, neat resin strain to fracture is not a controlling influence on resin or composite fracture toughness; and (3) impact failure energy of neat resin plates can give a misleading indication of the resin contribution to composite impact behavior because of differences in the magnitude of diaphragm action in the two systems. Both geometric and composite constituent materials properties influence the drop weight impact resistance of crossplied composite plates. The matrix influence appears to be reflected in the incipient damage mechanism and the propagation of damage.

Bowles, K. J.↗

Carbon granule probe microphone for leak detection

A microphone which is not subject to corrosion is provided by employing carbon granules to sense sound waves. The granules are packed into a ceramic tube and no diaphragm is used. A pair of electrodes is located in the tube adjacent the carbon granules and are coupled to a sensing circuit. Sound waves cause pressure changes on the carbon granules which results in a change in resistance in the electrical path between the electrodes. This change in resistance is detected by the sensing circuit. The microphone is suitable for use as a leak detection probe in recovery boilers, where it provides reliable operation without corrosion problems associated with conventional microphones.

Parthasarathy, S. P.↗

IRAS observations of NGC 1052

The galaxy NGC 1052 has been observed with the IRAS satellite. The infrared emission at 100 microns is substantially larger than a smooth extrapolation of the radio data. Because of the large diaphragm size of IRAS, it is impossible to decide uniquely if the infrared radiation represents a self-absorbed nonthermal spectrum or thermal reradiation by heated dust.

Neugebauer, G.↗

High-temperature fiber optic pressure sensor

Attention is given to a program to develop fiber optic methods to measure diaphragm deflection. The end application is intended for pressure transducers capable of operating to 540 C. In this paper are reported the results of a laboratory study to characterize the performance of the fiber-optic microbend sensor. The data presented include sensitivity and spring constant. The advantages and limitations of the microbend sensor for static pressure measurement applications are described. A proposed design is presented for a 540 C pressure transducer using the fiber optic microbend sensor.

Berthold, J. W.↗

Dynamic Pressure Calibration Standard

Vibrating columns of fluid used to calibrate transducers. Dynamic pressure calibration standard developed for calibrating flush diaphragm-mounted pressure transducers. Pressures up to 20 kPa (3 psi) accurately generated over frequency range of 50 to 1,800 Hz. System includes two conically shaped aluminum columns one 5 cm (2 in.) high for low pressures and another 11 cm (4.3 in.) high for higher pressures, each filled with viscous fluid. Each column mounted on armature of vibration exciter, which imparts sinusoidally varying acceleration to fluid column. Signal noise low, and waveform highly dependent on quality of drive signal in vibration exciter.

Schutte, P. C.↗

Hydride absorption refrigerator system for ten Kelvin and below

A very long-life, lightweight and efficient hydride absorption refrigerator system was built to operate at ten Kelvin and below. The system consists of four basic stages of refrigeration. The first stage is accomplished by an active refrigeration system. The second stage is operated by a hydride absorption system, wherein a heated hydride powder drives off high pressure hydrogen through a Joule-Thomson/heat exchanger expansion loop such that the hydrogen is partially liquefied. In the third stage, the vapor pressure over the collected liquid hydrogen is lowered by absorbing the hydrogen vapor onto a different low pressure, worn hydride. With a 1.7 torr partial pressure of hydrogen gas in the hydride, liquid hydrogen is solidified and sublimes at 10 K. Long-life adiabatic demagnetization refrigerators, helium desorption, or helium diaphragm compressors are used to cool to 4 K or below. It is shown that the hydride concepts provide an extremely efficient means of refrigeration to 10 K, and that an entire sorption refrigeration process can be accomplished solely by using low grade heat energy at about 150 C.

Jones, J. A.↗

Ostwald ripening theory

An approximate analytical technique for extracting the concentration dependence of the interdiffusion coefficient was derived from diffusion measurements carried out with the diaphragm cell. The systematic error incurred in using the technique was estimated and found to be no greater than the random error ordinarily encountered in these experiments.

Baird, J. K.↗

Wide-angle flat field telescope

Described is an unobscured three mirror wide angle telescopic imaging system comprised of an input baffle which provides a 20 deg (Y axis) x 30 deg (X axis) field of view, a primary mirror having a convex spherical surface, a secondary mirror having a concave ellipsoidal reflecting surface, a tertiary mirror having a concave spherical reflecting surface. The mirrors comprise mirror elements which are offset segments of parent mirrors whose axes and vertices commonly lie on the system's optical axis. An iris diaphragm forming an aperture stop is located between the secondary and tertiary mirror with its center also being coincident with the optical axis and being further located at the beam waist of input light beams reflected from the primary and secondary mirror surfaces. At the system focus following the tertiary mirror is located a flat detector which may be, for example, a TV imaging tube or a photographic film. When desirable, a spectral transmission filter is placed in front of the detector in close proximity thereto.

Hallam, K. L.↗

Thermal fields in the Bridgman-Stockbarger technique

Temperature measurements were made throughout a naphthalene melt and solid in a simulated Bridgman-Stockbarger apparatus. Heating and cooling were provided by agitated baths separated by a polymer diaphragm. While agitation was sufficient to give uniform temperatures in the baths, the level of agitation in the heater strongly influenced the results. Unlike theoretical results for high thermal conductivity materials, natural convection in the melt had a strong influence on interface position and on the temperature distribution. Isotherms were relatively flat in the solid and both curved and erratic in the melt. The interface became more convex as it was moved higher into the heating bath by raising either the heating bath or cooling bath temperatures. Using a one-dimensional model, the Biot number in the cooler was determined to be 0.03, that for the solid in the heater 0.008, and for the molten region in the heater 0.3. Biot numbers for two or three dimensional models would be significantly different.

Potts, H.↗

A dynamic pressure calibration standard

A dynamic pressure calibration standard has been developed for calibrating flush diaphragm mounted pressure transducers. Pressures up to 20 kPa (3 psi) have been accurately generated over a frequency range of 50 to 1800 hz. The uncertainty of the standard is +/-5 pct to 5kPa (.75 psi) and +/-10 pct from 5 kPa (.75 psi) to 20 kPa (3 psi). The system consists of two conically shaped, aluminum columns, one 5 cm (2 in.) high for low pressures and another 11 cm (4.3 in.) high for higher pressures, each filled with a viscous fluid. A column is mounted on the armature of a vibration exciter which imparts a sinusoidally varying acceleration to the fluid column. Two pressure transducers mounted at the base of the column sense the sinusoidally varying pressure. This pressure is determined from measurements of the density of the fluid, the height of the fluid, and the acceleration of the column. A section of the taller column is filled with steel balls to control the damping of the fluid to extend its useful frequency range.

Schutte, P. C.↗

Orbital spacecraft resupply technology

The resupplying of orbital spacecraft using the Space Shuttle, Orbital Maneuvering Vehicle, Orbital Transfer Vehicle or a depot supply at a Space Station is studied. The governing factor in fluid resupply designs is the system size with respect to fluid resupply quantities. Spacecraft propellant management for tankage via diaphragm or surface tension configurations is examined. The capabilities, operation, and application of adiabatic ullage compression, ullage exchange, vent/fill/repressurize, and drain/vent/no-vent fill/repressurize, which are proposed transfer methods for spacecraft utilizing tankage configurations, are described. Selection of the appropriate resupply method is dependent on the spacecraft design features. Hydrazine adiabatic compression/detonation, liquid-free vapor venting to prevent freezing, and a method for no-vent liquid filling are analyzed. Various procedures for accurate measurements of propellant mass in low gravity are evaluated; a system of flowmeters with a PVT system was selected as the pressurant solubility and quantity gaging technique. Monopropellant and bipropellant orbital spacecraft consumable resupply system tanks which resupply 3000 lb of hydrazine and 7000 lb of MMH/NTO to spacecraft on orbit are presented.

Eberhardt, R. N.↗