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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

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NASA NTRS1975

A generalized correlation of experimental flat-plate collector performance

A generalized collector performance correlation was derived and shown by experimental verification to be of the proper form to account for the majority of the variable conditions encountered both in outdoor and in indoor collector tests. This correlation permits a determination of collector parameters which are essentially nonvarying under conditions which do vary randomly (outdoors) or conditions which vary in a controlled manner (indoors - simulator). It was shown that correlation of the experimental performance of collectors allows the following: (1) comparisons of different collector designs; (2) collector performance prediction under conditions that differ from the conditions of the test program; and (3) monitoring performance degradation effects.

Simon, F. F.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Experimental evaluation of outer planets probe thermal insulation concepts

An experimental program was conducted to evaluate various thermal insulation concepts for use in the Outer Planets Probe (OPP) during entry and descent into the atmospheres of Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus. Phenolic fiberglass honeycomb specimens representative of the OPP structure were packed and tested with various fillers: Thermal conductivity measurements were made over a temperature range of 300 K to 483 K and pressures from vacuum up to 10 atmospheres in helium and nitrogen gas environments. The conductivity results could not be fully explained so new test specimens were designed with improved venting characteristics, and tested to determine the validity of the original data. All of the conductivity data showed results that were substantially higher than expected. The original test data in helium were lower than the data from the redesigned specimens, probably due to inadequate venting of nitrogen gas from the original specimens. The thermal conductivity test results show only a marginal improvement in probe thermal protection performance for a filled honeycomb core compared to an unfilled core. In addition, flatwise tension tests showed a severe bond strength degradation due to the inclusion of either the powder or foam fillers. In view of these results, it is recommended that the baseline OPP design utilize an unfilled core.

Grote, M. G.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Development of Advanced Fuel Cell System (Phase 4)

A multiple-task research and development program was performed to improve the weight, life, and performance characteristics of hydrogen-oxygen alkaline fuel cells for advanced power systems. During Phase 4, the lowest stabilized degradation rate observed in all the testing completed during four phases of the program, 1 microvolt/hour, was demonstrated. This test continues after 5,000 hours of operation. The cell incorporates a PPf anode, a 90Au/10Pt cathode, a hybrid frame, and a Fybex matrix. These elements were developed under this program to extend cell life. The result demonstrated that the 80Au/20Pt cathode is as stable as a 90Au/10Pt cathode of twice the precious metal loading, was confirmed in full-scale cells. A hybrid frame two-cell plaque with dedicated flow fields and manifolds for all fluids was demonstrated to prevent the cell-to cell electrolyte transfer that limited the endurance of multicell plaques. At the conclusion of Phase 4, more than 90,900 hours of testing had been completed and twelve different cell designs had been evaluated. A technology base has been established which is ready for evaluation at the powerplant level.

Meyer, A. P.↗

NASA NTRS1975

A generalized correlation of experimental flat-plate collector performance

A generalized correlation of flat-plate collector performance obtained by outdoor and indoor test methods is presented. This correlation shows that the indoor (simulator) test approach is a special case of the general situation of variable solar conditions. The important feature of the generalized correlation is that it permits a separation of the solar variables (flux, incident angle, etc.) which affect collector performance from the collector parameters (absorptance, transmittance, heat loss, etc.) which also affect collector performance and which are uniquely part of a given collector design. The correlation permits an evaluation of the relative merits of using instantaneous, hourly and daily collector efficiencies in obtaining a good collector correlation. The question of the transient behavior outdoors of a collector is an important part of determining whether to use instantaneous, hourly or daily efficiency values in a correlation approach. Correlation of the experimental performance of collectors allows the following: (1) comparisons of different collector designs, (2) collector performance prediction under conditions that differ from the conditions of the test program, and (3) monitoring performance degradation effects.

Simon, F. F.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Testing of a solar collector with concentrating mirrors

Commerical flat-plate solar collector with concentrating mirrors has been tested for thermal performance, structured behavior under static load, and effects of long-term natural weathering. Report documents results of testing and concludes that absorptivity was degraded by weathering.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS1979

JT8D revised high-pressure turbine cooling and other outer air seal program

The JT8D high pressure turbine was revised to reduce leakage between the blade tip shrouds and the outer air seal, and engine testing was performed to determine the effect on performance. The addition of a second knife-edge on the blade tip shroud, the extension of the honeycomb seal land to cover the added knife-edge and an existing spoiler on the shroud, and a material substitution in the seal support ring to improve thermal growth characteristics are included. A relocation of the blade cooling air discharge to insure adequate cooling flow is required. Significant specific fuel consumption and exhaust gas temperature improvements were demonstrated with the revised turbine in sea level and simulated altitude engine tests. Inspection of the revised seal hardware after these tests showed no unusual wear or degradation.

Gaffin, W. O.↗

NASA NTRS1978

Dynamics of cell degradation

The use of chemical and physical data as a supplement to linear regression models in the prediction of cell failure is discussed. Principal factors to be considered are the positive thickness and weight, and the negative thickness. A model for cell degradation and failure in accelerated life test cells is presented and predictions based on a teardown analysis are included.

Mcdermott, P. P.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Performability evaluation of the SIFT computer

The paper deals with the models, techniques, and evaluation methods that were successfully used to test the performance of the SIFT degradable computing system. The performance of the computer plus its air transport mission environment is modeled as a random variable, taking values in a set of 'accomplishment level'. The levels are defined in terms of four attributes of total system (computer plus environment) behavior, namely safety, no change in mission profile, no operational penalties, and no economic penalties. The base model of the total system is a stochastic process, whose states describe the internal structure of SIFT and the relevant conditions of its computational environment. Base model state trajectories are related to accomplishment levels via a special function, and solution methods are then used to determine the performability of the total system for various parameters of the computer and environment.

Meyer, J. F.↗

NASA NTRS1981

JT8D-15/17 High Pressure Turbine Root Discharged Blade Performance Improvement

The JT8D high pressure turbine blade and seal were modified, using a more efficient blade cooling system, improved airfoil aerodynamics, more effective control of secondary flows, and improved blade tip sealing. Engine testing was conducted to determine the effect of these improvements on performance. The modified turbine package demonstrated significant thrust specific fuel consumption and exhaust gas temperature improvements in sea level and altitude engine tests. Inspection of the improved blade and seal hardware after testing revealed no unusual wear or degradation.

Janus, A. S.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Nondestructive evaluation techniques for nickel-cadmium aerospace battery cells

The ac impedance characteristics of Ni-Cd cells as an in-situ, nondestructive means of determining cell lifetime, particularly with respect to the probability of premature failure were evaluated. Emphasis was on evaluating Ni-Cd cell impedance over a wide frequency range (10,000 to 0.0004 Hz) as the cells were subjected to charge/discharge cycle testing. The results indicate that cell degradation is reflected in the low frequency (Warburg) impedance characteristics associated with diffusion processes. The Warburg slope (W) was found to steadily increase as a function of cell aging for completely discharged cells. In addition, based on data for two cells, a high or rapidly increasing value for W signals imminent cell failure by one mechanism. Degradation by another mechanism is apparently reflected in a fall-off (roll-over) of W at lower frequencies. As a secondary result, the frequency dependence of the absolute cell impedance at low frequencies (5 - 500 mHz) was found to be a good indication of the cell state-of-charge.

Haak, R.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Mass loss of shuttle space suit orthofabric under simulated ionospheric atomic oxygen bombardment

Many polymeric materials used for thermal protection and insulation on spacecraft degrade significantly under prolonged bombardment by ionospheric atomic oxygen. The covering fabric of the multilayered shuttle space suit is composed of a loose weave of GORE-TEX fibers, Nomex and Kevlar-29, which are all polymeric materials. The complete evaluation of suit fabric degradation from ionospheric atomic oxygen is of importance in reevaluating suit lifetime and inspection procedures. The mass loss and visible physical changes of each test sample was determined. Kapton control samples and data from previous asher and flight tests were used to scale the results to reflect ionospheric conditions at about 220 km altitude. It is predicted that the orthofabric loses mass in the ionosphere at a rate of about 66% of the original orthofabric mass/yr. The outer layer of the two-layer orthofabric test samples shows few easily visible signs of degradation, even when observed at 440X. It is concluded that the orthofabric could suffer significant loss of performance after much less than a year of total exposure time, while the degradation might be undetectable in post flight visual examinations of space suits.

Miller, W. L.↗

NASA NTRS1984

The effect of cyclic loading on the stiffness degradation of angle-ply composite laminates

An experimental investigation has been conducted to determine the effect of cyclic loading on the stiffness degradation of composite laminates. Specimens were tested in tension-tension fatigue at a frequency of 10 Hz and a stress ratio of 0.1, over a wide range of stress levels. The laminate employed for this investigation was made of graphite/epoxy in an angle-ply (+ or - 35)2s orientation. During this investigation both static and dynamic stiffness reduction data were recorded during constant amplitude fatigue testing, and the results are presented in tabular and graphical form.

Jones, D. L.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Evaluation of the interfacial bond properties between carbon phenolic and glass phenolic composites

The effects of moisture and surface finish on the mechanical and physical properties of the interfacial bond between carbon/phenolic (C/P) and glass/phenolic (G/P) composite materials have been studied. Test results indicate that moisture substantially degrades the integrity of the interfacial bond between C/P and G/P materials. The apparent effect of the autoclave curing of the C/P material reduces the ultimate interlaminar shear length of the C/P material by 20 percent compared to the hydroclave curing of the C/P material. The variation in applied surface finishes is found to have no appreciable effect on the ultimate interlaminar shear strength of the interface in the wet laminate.

Jordan, K.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Implementation of a model based fault detection and diagnosis for actuation faults of the Space Shuttle main engine

In a previous study, Guo, Merrill and Duyar, 1990, reported a conceptual development of a fault detection and diagnosis system for actuation faults of the space shuttle main engine. This study, which is a continuation of the previous work, implements the developed fault detection and diagnosis scheme for the real time actuation fault diagnosis of the space shuttle main engine. The scheme will be used as an integral part of an intelligent control system demonstration experiment at NASA Lewis. The diagnosis system utilizes a model based method with real time identification and hypothesis testing for actuation, sensor, and performance degradation faults.

Duyar, A.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Implementation of a model based fault detection and diagnosis technique for actuation faults of the SSME

In a previous study, Guo, Merrill and Duyar, 1990, reported a conceptual development of a fault detection and diagnosis system for actuation faults of the Space Shuttle main engine. This study, which is a continuation of the previous work, implements the developed fault detection and diagnosis scheme for the real time actuation fault diagnosis of the Space Shuttle Main Engine. The scheme will be used as an integral part of an intelligent control system demonstration experiment at NASA Lewis. The diagnosis system utilizes a model based method with real time identification and hypothesis testing for actuation, sensor, and performance degradation faults.

Duyar, A.↗

NASA NTRS1995

Evaluation of Rhenium Joining Methods

Coupons of rhenium-to-Cl03 flat plate joints, formed by explosive and diffusion bonding, were evaluated in a series of shear tests. Shear testing was conducted on as-received, thermally-cycled (100 cycles, from 21 to 1100 C), and thermally-aged (3 and 6 hrs at 1100 C) joint coupons. Shear tests were also conducted on joint coupons with rhenium and/or Cl03 electron beam welded tabs to simulate the joint's incorporation into a structure. Ultimate shear strength was used as a figure of merit to assess the effects of the thermal treatment and the electron beam welding of tabs on the joint coupons. All of the coupons survived thermal testing intact and without any visible degradation. Two different lots of as-received, explosively-bonded joint coupons had ultimate shear strengths of 281 and 310 MPa and 162 and 223 MPa, respectively. As-received, diffusion-bonded coupons had ultimate shear strengths of 199 and 348 MPa. For the most part, the thermally-treated and rhenium weld tab coupons had shear strengths slightly reduced or within the range of the as-received values. Coupons with Cl03 weld tabs experienced a significant reduction in shear strength. The degradation of strength appeared to be the result of a poor heat sink provided during the electron beam welding. The Cl03 base material could not dissipate heat as effectively as rhenium, leading to the formation of a brittle rhenium-niobium intermetallic.

Reed, Brian D.↗

NASA NTRS1995

Photo-recovery of electron-irradiated GaAs solar cells

The first long-term (3000 hours) UV testing of unirradiated and 1 MeV electron-irradiated GaAs solar cells, with multilayer-coated coverslides to reduce solar array operating temperature, has produced some unexpected and important results. Two results, independent of the coverslide coatings, are of particular importance in terms of the predictability of GaAs solar-array lifetime in space: ( 1) The GaAs/Ge solar cells used for this series of tests displayed a much higher radiation degradation than that predicted based on JPL Solar Cell Radiation Handbook data. Covered cells degraded more in Isc than did bare cells. Short-term illumination at 60 C did not produce significant recovery (-1%) of the radiation damage. (2) However, electron radiation damage to these GaAs solar celIs anneals at 40 C when exposed to approximately 1 sun AM0 UV light sources for extended periods. The effect appears to be roughly linear with time (-1% of lsc per 1000 UVSH), is large (greater than or equal to 3%), and has not yet saturated (at 3000 hours). This photo-recovery of radiation damage to GaAs solar cells is a new effect and potentially important to the spacecraft community. The figure compares the effects of extended UV on irradiated and unirradiated GaAs solar cells with INTELSAT-6 Si cells. The effect and its generality, the extent of and conditions for photo-recovery, and the implications of such recovery for missions in radiation environments have not yet been determined.

Meulenberg, Andrew↗

NASA NTRS1996

Space Telescope Fine Guidance Sensor Bearing Anomaly

Early in 1993, a servo motor within one of three Fine Guidance Sensors (FGS) aboard the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) reached stall torque levels on several occasions. Little time was left to plan replacement during the first servicing mission, scheduled at the end of '93. Accelerated bearing life tests confirmed that a small angle rocking motion, known as Coarse Track (CT), accelerated bearing degradation. Saturation torque levels were reached after approximately 20 million test cycles, similar to the flight bearings. Reduction in CT operation, implemented in flight software, extended FGS life well beyond the first servicing mission. However in recent years, bearing torques have resumed upward trends and together with a second, recent bearing torque anomaly has necessitated a scheduled FGS replacement during the upcoming second servicing mission in '97. The results from two series of life tests to quantify FGS bearing remaining life, discussion of bearing on-orbit performance, and future plans to service the FGS servos are presented in this paper.

Loewenthal, S.↗