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At least 361 records · Page 20

Fuel injector design for high temperature aircraft engine

The objective of the Innovative High Temperature Aircraft Engine Fuel Nozzle Program was to design and evaluate a nozzle capable of operating at a combustor inlet air temperature of 1600 F (1144 K) and a fuel temperature of 350 F (450 K). The nozzle was designed to meet the same performance requirements and fit within the size envelope of a current production dual orifice fuel nozzle. The design approach was to use improved thermal protection and fuel passage geometry in combination with fuel passage surface treatment to minimize coking at these extreme fuel and air temperatures. Heat transfer models of several fuel injector concepts were used to optimize the thermal protection, while sample tube coking tests were run to evaluate the effect of surface finish, coatings and tube material on the coking rate. Based on heat transfer analysis, additional air gaps, reduced fuel passage flow area and use of ceramic tip components reduced local fuel wetted wall temperatures by more than 200 F (100 K) when compared to a current production fuel nozzle. Sample tube coking test results showed the importance of surface finish on the fuel coking rate. Therefore, a one micro-inch (0.025 micron) roughness was specified for all fuel passage surfaces. A novel flow divider valve in the tip was also employed to reduce weight, allow room for additional thermal protection, and provide back pressure to reduce the risk of fuel vaporization. The fuel nozzle was fabricated and evaluated in a series of high temperature coking tests. Initial results of these tests indicate that thermal protection and surface treatments were partially successful in preventing nozzle fouling, but additional refinement of the internal flowpath is needed to prevent buildup of coke particles that partially blocked the spin slots which meter the nozzle fuel flow.

R. W. Stickles↗

The solar cells and their mounting

Objectives in development of the solar plant for the Telstar spacecraft were to provide a power source which would withstand launching stresses and the expected space environment, with optimum end-of-life performance. Radiation damage to the silicon solar cells is the primary factor limiting their useful life; the effect of energetic protons or electrons is the generation of recombination centers in the silicon which reduce the minority-carrier diffusion length and therefore the long-wave response of the cell. The spacecraft solar cells use the n-on-p structure, in preference to conventional p-on-n structure, to obtain a factor of 3 to 10 increased life expectancy. Response to light in the 0.4 to 0.7 micron range is enhanced by using a thin n-layer (about 0.5 micron) and an antireflection coating with minimum reflectance at 0.55 micron wavelength. Early estimates of electron and proton fluxes in the satellite orbit showed that even the best cells would not give sufficient life without radiation shielding. Therefore the cells are protected against electrons of energy up to 1 Mev by 0.3 gm/sq. cm sapphire cover plates. The cell mountings are designed to withstand peak vibration stresses of 200 g and repeated temperature cycles from +65°C to −100°C. The 3600-cell solar power plant is composed of 300 twelve-cell groups of 1 cm × 2 cm cells, yielding a nominal initial power of 14 watts at 28 volts for any spin-axis orientation relative to the sun. Telemetry information on performance of the solar plant indicates degradation of the shielded solar cells equal to that measured in the laboratory on unshielded cells with a 1-Mev normal incidence flux of 6 × 10^(12) electrons/(sq. cm day). From this comparison it is estimated that the plant will degrade to 68 per cent of its initial output after two years in orbit.

SPACECRAFT POWER SUPPLY↗

Metallic Fe phases in Apollo 16 fines - Their origin and characteristics as revealed by electron spin resonance studies

The intense electron spin resonance (ESR) signals detected in the Apollo 16 fines from three sites (61141,4, Station 1; 64501,22, South Ray Crater; 67601,20, North Ray Crater) are found to be essentially similar in g-value, in lineshape asymmetry and in temperature dependence to those previously observed for the Apollo 11-15 fines. On the basis of these similarities, it is concluded that these ESR signals like those detected in the Apollo 11-15 fines are principally ferromagnetic in nature arising from metallic Fe phases having the body-centered cubic structure, and not from hematite, magnetite, or any other ferric oxides. It is shown that a quantitative correlation exists between the ESR linewidth observed for the Apollo 11-16 fines and their average Ni contents in the metallic Fe phases as determined by other means. A common source of meteoritic origin is indicated for the metallic Fe phases of these samples.

Tsay, F.-D.↗

Remote temperature sounding in the presence of cloud by zenith scanning

The principles of remote sounding of vertical temperature profiles in planetary atmospheres containing cloud layers are presented for an approach that uses measurements at different angles to the local vertical to eliminate the unknown cloud effects. A numerical example for a model of the earth's atmosphere shows that soundings separated by 40 deg in zenith angle permit the recovery of the temperature profile with an error that is not significantly greater than that obtained in the clear atmosphere case, and without serious horizontal smear. It is proposed that the method will be valuable for the interpretation of measurements made by instruments on spin-stabilized spacecraft on planetary missions, since in these cases the required angular coverage is obtained automatically for most trajectories.

Taylor, F. W.↗

Thermal bremsstrahlung from high-temperature plasmas

Analytic expressions are derived for the total bremsstrahlung energy-loss rate per unit volume and the spectral emission rate of a very hot (10 million K to 1 billion K) plasma. At these temperatures the principal contribution to emission can be computed from the nonrelativistic limit of electron-ion bremsstrahlung in the Born approximation. Modifications to this rate are evaluated from (1) relativistic corrections to the thermal-electron velocity distribution function, (2) relativistic and spin corrections to the nonrelativistic electron-ion bremsstrahlung cross section, (3) electron-electron bremsstrahlung, and (4) first-order Born approximation corrections to electron-ion bremsstrahlung.

Gould, R. J.↗

Magnetospheric models

Of the planetary magnetospheres which have been explored, Jupiter's is by far the largest. It is a magnetosphere largely dominated by rotational effects. As such, it offers unique insight to the study of inaccessible pulsar magnetospheres. The present investigation is concerned with theoretical concepts which are believed to be consistent with available observations. It has been found that Io, the innermost of the Galilean satellites, is the principal source of plasma for the Jovian magnetosphere. The Io source is considered along with the solar-wind source, the ionospheric source, other satellite sources, and variations of the temperature and the content of the Io plasma torus with time. The rotation of Jupiter as the dominant source of energy for magnetospheric phenomena is discussed along with aspects of the Io-Jupiter interaction. Attention is also given to particle acceleration, and spin periodicity.

Hill, T. W.↗

Advances in Solid State Joining of Haynes 230 High Temperature Alloy

The J-2X engine is being designed for NASA s new class of crew and launch vehicles, the Ares I and Ares V. The J-2X is a LOX/Hydrogen upper stage engine with 294,000 lbs of thrust and a minimum Isp of 448 seconds. As part of the design criteria to meet the performance requirements a large film-cooled nozzle extension is being designed to further expand the hot gases and increases the specific impulse. The nozzle extension is designed using Haynes 230, a nickel-chromium-tungsten-molybdenum superalloy. The alloy was selected for its high strength at elevated temperatures and resistance to hydrogen embrittlement. The nozzle extension is manufactured from Haynes 230 plate spun-forged to form the contour and chemically-milled pockets for weight reduction. Currently fusion welding is being evaluated for joining the panels which are then mechanically etched and thinned to required dimensions for the nozzle extension blank. This blank is then spun formed into the parabolic geometry required for the nozzle. After forming the nozzle extension, weight reduction pockets are chemically milled into the nozzle. Fusion welding of Haynes results in columnar grains which are prone to hot cracking during forming processes. This restricts the ability to use spin forging to produce the nozzle contour. Solid state joining processes are being pursued as an alternative process to produce a structure more amenable to spin forming. Solid state processes have been shown to produce a refined grain structure within the joint regions as illustrated in Figure 1. Solid state joining processes include friction stir welding (FSW) and a patented modification termed thermal stir welding (TSW). The configuration of TSWing utilizes an induction coil to preheat the material minimizing the burden on the weld tool extending its life. This provides the ability to precisely select and control the temperature. The work presented in this presentation investigates the feasibility of joining the Haynes 230 alloy using the solid state welding processes of FSW and TSW. Process descriptions and attributes of each weld process will be presented. Weld process set-up and welding techniques will be discussed leading to the challenges experienced in joining the superalloy. Mechanical property data will also be presented.

Ding, R. Jeffrey↗

Theoretical study of hydrogen and nitrogen interactions - N-H transport cross sections and collision integrals

Potential energy curves have been calculated for the X 3Sigma(-) and 5Sigma(-) states of NH using a complete-active-space self-consistent-field/multireference configuration-interaction procedure and extensive Gaussian basis sets. An accurate dipole moment function is computed for the X 3Sigma(-) state. Transport cross sections have been calculated for the collisions of hydrogen and nitrogen atoms in their ground states. The mean transport cross sections are tabulated for collision energies in the range 0.0001-1 E(h); the mean collision integrals are listed for temperatures between 100 and 100,000 K. The ab initio energies for the 5 Sigma(-) state of NH are found to be consistent with the results of correlation studies and agree well with the prediction from combining relations using the energies of the highest spin states of H2 and N2.

Stallcop, James R.↗

Predicting the X-Ray Spectra of Stellar-mass Black Holes from Simulations

We describe results from a new technique for the prediction of complete, self-consistent X-ray spectra from three-dimensional general relativistic magnetohydrodynamic (GRMHD) simulations of black hole accretion flows. Density and cooling rate data from a harm3d GRMHD simulation are post-processed by an improved version of the Monte Carlo radiation transport code pandurata (in the corona) and the Feautrier solver PTRANSX (in the disk), with xstar subroutines. The codes are run in a sequential, iterative fashion to achieve globally energy-conserving and self-consistent radiation fields, temperature maps, and photoionization equilibria. The output is the X-ray spectrum as seen by a distant observer, including features, such as the Fe Kα emission line and corresponding K-edge absorption trough, due to disk reprocessing of coronal power. For the example cases we consider—a non-rotating 10 M(sub ⊙) black hole with solar abundances, accreting at 0.01, 0.03, 0.1, or 0.3 Eddington—we find spectra resembling actual observations of stellar-mass black holes in the soft or steep power-law state: broad thermal peaks (at 1–3 keV), steep power laws extending to high energy (Γ = 2.7–4.5), and prominent, asymmetric Fe Kα emission lines with equivalent widths in the range 40–400 eV (larger EW at lower accretion rates). By starting with simulation data, we obviate the need for parameterized descriptions of the accretion flow geometry—no a priori specification of the corona's shape or flux, or the disk temperature or density, etc., is needed. Instead, we apply the relevant physical principles to simulation output using appropriate numerical techniques; this procedure allows us to calculate inclination-dependent spectra after choosing only a small number of physically meaningful parameters: black hole mass and spin, accretion rate, and elemental abundances.

Kinch, Brooks E.↗

The moons of Saturn

Knowledge gained of the 17 Saturn moons with observations by the Voyager spacecraft are reviewed. Titan was found to have the only atmosphere, which is opaque and precludes geologic inferences. Synchronous rotation is experienced by the 14 inner moons, with a constant inner face turned toward the planet. Phoebe is too far away from the planet to lose its spin to planetary tidal forces, and has an orbit inclined 150 deg from the equatorial plane, while Iapetus is inclined 14.7 deg in its orbit. The abundance of ice on the moons is accepted as evidence of condensation formation of the moons at very low temperatures. Newly discovered moons of Saturn, including both the shepherd moons, which are suspected to maintain the rings in place, and the moons discovered by earth-based astronomy, are discussed. Finally, photographs of all the moons are examined for definitive details.

Soderblom, L. A.↗

Spin bearing retainer design optimization

The dynamics behavior of spin bearings for momentum wheels (control-moment gyroscope, reaction wheel assembly) is critical to satellite stability and life. Repeated bearing retainer instabilities hasten lubricant deterioration and can lead to premature bearing failure and/or unacceptable vibration. These instabilities are typically distinguished by increases in torque, temperature, audible noise, and vibration induced by increases into the bearing cartridge. Ball retainer design can be optimized to minimize these occurrences. A retainer was designed using a previously successful smaller retainer as an example. Analytical methods were then employed to predict its behavior and optimize its configuration.

Boesiger, Edward A.↗

High Temperature Burst Testing of a Superalloy Disk With a Dual Grain Structure

Elevated temperature burst testing of a disk with a dual grain structure made from an advanced nickel-base superalloy, LSHR, was conducted. The disk had a fine grain bore and coarse grain rim, produced using NASA's low cost DMHT technology. The results of the spin testing showed the disk burst at 42 530 rpm in line with predictions based on a 2-D finite element analysis. Further, significant growth of the disk was observed before failure which was also in line with predictions.

Gayda, J.↗

The Type II superluminous SN 2008es at late times: near-infrared excess and circumstellar interaction

SN 2008es is one of the rare cases of a Type II superluminous supernova (SLSN), showing no narrow features in its early-time spectra, and therefore, its powering mechanism is under debate between circumstellar interaction (CSI) and magnetar spin-down. Late-time data are required for better constraints. We present optical and near-infrared (NIR) photometry obtained from Gemini, Keck, and Palomar Observatories from 192 to 554 d after explosion. Only broad H α emission is detected in a Gemini spectrum at 288 d. The line profile exhibits red-wing attenuation relative to the early-time spectrum. In addition to the cooling SN photosphere, an NIR excess with blackbody temperature ∼1500 K and radius ∼1016 cm is observed. This evidence supports dust condensation in the cool dense shell being responsible for the spectral evolution and NIR excess. We favour CSI, with ∼2–3 Mꙩ of circumstellar material (CSM) and ∼10–20 Mꙩ of ejecta, as the powering mechanism, which still dominates at our late-time epochs. Both models of uniform density and steady wind fit the data equally well, with an effective CSM radius ∼1015 cm, supporting the efficient conversion of shock energy to radiation by CSI. A low amount (≲0.4 Mꙩ) of 56Ni is possible but cannot be verified yet, since the light curve is dominated by CSI. The magnetar spin-down powering mechanism cannot be ruled out, but is less favoured because it overpredicts the late-time fluxes and may be inconsistent with the presence of dust.

Kornpob Bhirombhakdi↗

Thermal testing of a high powered communications satellite

Thermal Vacuum and Thermal Balance tests were successfully conducted on the high power Communications Technology Satellite (CTS). The mission required testing for two distinct thermal environments; spin stabilized at 60 rpm with a minimum of 55 watts of dissipated power, and three-axis stabilized with as much as a tenfold increase of dissipation. The test program verified the adequacy of the spacecraft thermal design and demonstrated functional operation over a wide temperature range for all of the components. Special test hardware incorporating water-cooling systems was required to accomodate the heatpipes and high RF output power. Objectives, test facilities, special hardware, spacecraft configurations, and results of the tests are discussed. Preliminary flight results and conclusions drawn from the test experience are reported.

Caswell, R. D.↗

NTS-2 retroreflector array

The NTS-II Laser Retroreflector consists of a honeycomb tray onto which are mounted 44 fused silica cube corners with a 50-millimeter hexagonal entrance pupil and single infrared cube. A thermal shield with a highly reflective outer surface and a black inner surface was incorporated to shroud the assembly protecting it from extreme high temperature exposure thus reducing cube corner thermal distortions to a minimum. A dummy retroreflector, utilizing simulated aluminum cube corners was fabricated and vibration tested to qualification levels to substantiate the integrity of the tray and cube mounting clips. This dummy was further used in the spacecraft spin balance test. The flight Laser Retroreflector was tested to the flight level vibration spectrum to verify that the unit will survive its expected vibration environment. During this test several GFE cube corners exhibited slight crazing at the clip support mounting holes. These cubes were reworked and retested and proved to be satisfactory.

Source record↗

A measurement of the hyperfine structure of CO-17

It is pointed out that the isotope of carbon monoxide, CO-17, has appreciable hyperfine structure caused by the electric quadrupole and the magnetic dipole interactions of the O-17 nucleus which has a spin of 5/3. During a radioastronomical study of the structure and dynamics of cold interstellar clouds, it was found that the Bok globule B335 had an extremely small velocity dispersion such that the hyperfine components are clearly resolved. A graph is provided which shows the antenna temperature (a measure of intensity) of the CO-17 emission as a function of frequency. The hyperfine constants and line frequencies were redetermined for the CO-17 J=1 yields 0 rational transition. The observation of CO-17 was carried out with a 7 meter Cassegrain antenna during 1979 and 1980. The CO-17 molecular line parameters are listed in a table.

Frerking, M. A.↗

The detection of pulsed X-ray emission from a nearby radio pulsar

As part of a search for thermal surface radiation from nearby neutron stars, we have carried out a 45,000 s observation of the nearby radio pulsar PSR 1929+10 with the ROSAT PSPC. After background subtraction, a net of 420 +/- 25 photons in the 0.1 to 2.0 keV band were detected at the position of the pulsar, corresponding to a luminosity of 1.2 x 10(exp 30) ergs/sec for a source distance of 250 pc, or approximately 3 x 10(exp -4) of the pulsar's spin-down luminosity. We find coherent pulsations from PSR 1929+10 at the radio period of 0.2265 s. The folded light curve is well fitted by a sinusoidal oscillation with a pulsed fraction of about 30%. The total spectrum is fitted by a blackbody with a temperature T(sub infinity) approximately equals 3.2 x 10(exp 6) K; the implied emitting area has a radius of less than 50 m. The maximum of the X-ray light curve coincides with the radio pulse, suggesting that we are detecting the hot magnetic polar cap of the star. The temperature limit for the remainder of the stellar surface is T(sub infinity) less than 3 x 10(exp 5) K. The spatial distribution of the photons is consistent with the instrument point-spread function. We discuss the implications of these results for the temperature distribution over the surface of the star and use this detection to constrain various heating mechanisms for rotation-powered neutron stars. We also use a simple model of general relativistic light bending near the stellar surface in conjunction with the radio emission geometry and the X-ray pulsed fraction to derive a radius for the neutron star of R = 9 +/- 3 km.

Yancopoulos, S.↗

SCD 02 thermal design

The Satelite de Coleta de Dados (SCD) 02 (Data Collection Satellite) has the following characteristics: 115 kg weight, octagonal prism shape, 1 m diameter, and 0.67 m height. Its specified orbit is nearly circular, 700 km altitude, is inclined 25 deg with respect to the equator line, and has 100 min period. The electric power is supplied by eight solar panels installed on the lateral sides of the satellite. The equipment is located on the central (both faces) and lower (internal face) panels. The satellite is spin stabilized and its attitude control is such that during its lifetime, the solar aspect angle will vary between 80 and 100 deg with respect to its spin axis. Two critical cases were selected for thermal control design purposes: Hot case (maximum solar constant, solar aspect angle equal to 100 deg, minimum eclipse time and maximum internal heat dissipation); and a passive thermal design concept was achieved and the maximum and minimum equipment operating temperatures were obtained through a 109 node finite difference mathematical model.

Cardoso, Humberto Pontes↗