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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 379 records · Page 21

Experimental quiet engine program aerodynamic performance of Fan B

This report presents the aerodynamic component test results of Fan B, one of two high-bypass-ratio, 1160 feet per second (353.6 m/sec) single-stage fans, which was designed and tested as part of the NASA Experimental Quiet Engine Program. The fan was designed to deliver a bypass pressure ratio of 1.50 with an adiabatic efficiency of 87.0% at a total fan flow of 950 lb/sec (430.9 kg/sec). It was tested with and without inlet distortion. A bypass total pressure ratio of 1.52 and an adiabatic efficiency of 86.9% at a total fan flow of 966 lb/sec (438.2 kg/sec) were actually achieved. An operating margin of 19.5% was demonstrated at design speed.

Giffin, R. G.↗

Fuel cell technology program

A fuel cell technology program was established to advance the state-of-the art of hydrogen oxygen fuel cells using low temperature, potassium hydroxide electrolyte technology as the base. Cell and component testing confirmed that low temperature, potassium hydroxide electrolyte technology is compatible with the requirements of the space shuttle Phase B contractors. Testing of the DM-1 powerplant demonstrated all of the important requirements of the shuttle except operating life. Testing also identified DM-1 powerplant life limiting mechanisms; hydrogen pump gear wear and pressurization of the cell stack over its design limits.

Source record↗

On-the-shaft data systems for rotating engine components

Two rotating data systems for engine component testing which demonstrate the techniques of on-the-shaft microelectronic signal conditioning and rotary transformer power- and data-transfer are described. (1) A digital data system provides 69 channels of 1100 C maximum thermocouple data with less than 0.5 percent error from a turbine test rig rotating at speeds up to 9000 rpm. (2) An analog data system amplifies and transfers 72 channels of dynamic strain data with less than 5 percent error from a compressor rig at speeds above 14,000 rpm.

Lesco, D. J.↗

Dynamic analysis for shuttle design verification

Two approaches that are used for determining the modes and frequencies of space shuttle structures are discussed. The first method, direct numerical analysis, involves finite element mathematical modeling of the space shuttle structure in order to use computer programs for dynamic structural analysis. The second method utilizes modal-coupling techniques of experimental verification made by vibrating only spacecraft components and by deducing modes and frequencies of the complete vehicle from results obtained in the component tests.

Fralich, R. W.↗

Advanced spacecraft fuel cell systems.

The specific goals of the system selected for development are 10,000 hours of operation with refurbishment, 20 lb/kW at a sustained power of 7 kW, and 21 kW peaking capability for durations of two hours. The system is designed to operate on low pressure, propulsion grade hydrogen and oxygen. Product water is removed by a passive water removal method that employs a porous hydrophobic membrane as a part of the water transport plate. Aspects of system component testing are discussed together with advanced materials to be used. It was found that the initial performance of a cell with a gold catalyzed cathode is superior to a cell with platinum catalyst. The problem of a certain inability to maintain the desired gas-electrolyte-catalyst interface is the main source of difficulty with the gold-based catalysts.

Thaller, L. H.↗

Experimental quiet engine program aerodynamic performance of Fan C

This report presents the aerodynamic component test results of Fan C, a high-bypass-ratio, low-aerodynamic-loading, 1550 feet per second (472.4 m/sec), single-stage fan, which was designed and tested as part of the NASA Experimental Quiet Engine Program. The fan was designed to deliver a bypass pressure ratio of 1.60 with an adiabatic efficiency of 84.2 percent at a total fan flow of 915 lb/sec (415.0 kg/sec). It was tested with and without inlet distortion. A bypass total-pressure ratio of 1.61 and an adiabatic efficiency of 83.9 percent at a total fan flow of 921 lb/sec (417.8 kg/sec) were actually achieved. An operating margin in excess of 14.6 percent was demonstrated at design speed.

Giffin, R. G.↗

Analysis of inlet flow distortion and turbulence effects on compressor stability

The effect of steady state circumferential total pressure distortion on the loss in compressor stall pressure ratio has been established by analytical techniques. Full scale engine and compressor/fan component test data were used to provide direct evaluation of the analysis. Specifically, since a circumferential total pressure distortion in an inlet system will result in unsteady flow in the coordinate system of the rotor blades, analysis of this type distortion must be performed from an unsteady aerodynamic point of view. By application of the fundamental aerothermodynamic laws to the inlet/compressor system, parameters important in the design of such a system for compatible operation have been identified. A time constant, directly related to the compressor rotor chord, was found to be significant, indicating compressor sensitivity to circumferential distortion is directly dependent on the rotor chord.

Melick, H. C., Jr.↗

Program for establishing long time flight service performance of composite materials in the central wing structure of C-130 aircraft. Phase 2: Detailed design

The design, fabrication, and evaluation of boron-epoxy reinforced C-130 center wing boxes are discussed. Design drawings, static strength, fatigue endurance, flutter, and weight analyses required for the wing box fabrication are presented. Additional component testing to verify the design for panel buckling and to evaluate specific local design areas are reported.

Harvill, W. E.↗

The development of a multi-cathode electron gun

A multicathode electron gun, capable of automatically interchanging cathode structures of a microwave electron tube upon command was developed. This technique extends the life of a microwave electron tube into the range of fifty to one hundred years. The concept consists of mounting a number of cathode structures on a rotating platform. Rotation of the platform moves the different cathodes into operating position. The component tests, construction and operation of the gun are described.

Roberts, L. A.↗

On-the-shaft data systems for rotating engine components

Two rotating data systems for engine component testing, which demonstrate the techniques of on-the-shaft microelectronic signal conditioning and rotary transformer power- and data-transfer, are described. These systems are a digital data system which provides 69 channels of 1100 C maximum thermocouple data with less than 0.5% error from a turbine test rig rotating at speeds up to 9000 rpm and an analog data system which amplifies and transfers 72 channels of dynamic strain data with less than 5% error from a compressor rig at speeds above 14,000 rpm.

Lesco, D. J.↗

Evaluation of a metal fuselage frame selectively reinforced with filamentary composites for space shuttle application

The development of metal structures reinforced with filamentary composites as a weight saving feature of the space shuttle components is discussed. A frame was selected for study that was representative of the type of construction used in the bulk frames of the orbiter vehicle. Theoretical and experimental investigations were conducted. Component tests were performed to evaluate the critical details used in the designs and to provide credibility to the weight saving results. A model frame was constructed of the reinforced metal material to provide a final evaluation of the construction under realistic load conditions.

Oken, S.↗

Preburner of Staged Combustion Rocket Engine

A regeneratively cooled LOX/hydrogen staged combustion assembly system with a 400:1 expansion area ratio nozzle utilizing an 89,000 Newton (20,000 pound) thrust regeneratively cooled thrust chamber and 175:1 tubular nozzle was analyzed, assembled, and tested. The components for this assembly include two spark/torch oxygen-hydrogen igniters, two servo-controlled LOX valves, a preburner injector, a preburner combustor, a main propellant injector, a regeneratively cooled combustion chamber, a regeneratively cooled tubular nozzle with an expansion area ratio of 175:1, an uncooled heavy-wall steel nozzle with an expansion area ratio of 400:1, and interconnecting ducting. The analytical effort was performed to optimize the thermal and structural characteristics of each of the new components and the ducting, and to reverify the capabilities of the previously fabricated components. The testing effort provided a demonstration of the preburner/combustor chamber operation, chamber combustion efficiency and stability, and chamber and nozzle heat transfer.

Yost, M. C.↗

New microbial growth factor

A screening procedure was used to isolate from soil a Penicillium sp., two bacterial isolates, and a Streptomyces sp. that produced a previously unknown microbial growth factor. This factor was an absolute growth requirement for three soil bacteria. The Penicillium sp. and one of the bacteria requiring the factor, an Arthrobacter sp., were selected for more extensive study concerning the production and characteristics of the growth factor. It did not seem to be related to the siderochromes. It was not present in soil extract, rumen fluid, or any other medium component tested. It appears to be a glycoprotein of high molecular weight and has high specific activity. When added to the diets for a meadow-vole mammalian test system, it caused an increased consumption of diet without a concurrent increase in rate of weight gain.

Bok, S. H.↗

Residential solar-heating/cooling system

Report documents progress of residential solar-heating and cooling system development program at 5-month mark of anticipated 17-month program. System design has been completed, and development and component testing has been initiated. Report includes diagrams, operation overview, optimization studies of subcomponents, and marketing plans for system.

Source record↗

Efficient concepts for large erectable space structures

The status of Langley Research Center development of the nestable column concept is reviewed including results of member and truss component tests, and planned assembly studies. In addition, more recent studies of alternative member concepts are presented. Preliminary results on relative efficiency of several types of truss-type columns are compared and future test plans discussed.

Card, M. F.↗

Effect of temperature on composite sandwich structures subjected to low velocity projectile impact

An experimental investigation was conducted to study the effect of low velocity projectile impact on graphite/epoxy and Kevlar 49- graphite/epoxy sandwich structural components. Testing was performed at moderately low- and high-temperatures to assess the strength degradation of composites as compared to room temperature values. Low energy projectile impact is considered to simulate the damage caused by runway debris such as small rocks, dropping of hand tools during servicing, etc., on secondary aircraft structures fabricated out of composites. The preload and impact energy necessary to cause catastrophic failure were determined. The residual strength of impact-damaged specimens was also measured.

Sharma, A. V.↗

Quiet, Clean, Short-Haul, Experimental Engine (QCSEE) Under-The-Wing (UTW) engine acoustic design

The acoustic considerations involved in the low source noise basic engine design and the design procedures followed in the development of the under-the-wing (UTW) engine boilerplate and composite nacelle acoustic treatment designs are presented. Laboratory experiments, component tests, and scale model and engine tests supporting the UTW engine acoustic design are referenced. Acoustic design features include a near-sonic inlet, low fan and core pressure ratios, low fan tip speed, high and low frequency stacked core treatment, multiple thickness treatment, and fan frame and stator vane treatment.

Sowers, H. D.↗