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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
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1988

Transient natural convection heat and mass transfer in crystal growth

A numerical analysis of transient combined heat and mass transfer across a rectangular cavity is performed by a numerical method based on the SIMPLE algorithm. The physical parameters are selected to represent a range of possible crystal growth in solutions. Numerical results are compared with available experimental data to confirm the accuracy of the results. Good qualitative agreements are obtained for the average mass transfer rate across the cavity. Also, qualitative agreements are observed for the global development of thermal and solute fields. It is found that the thermal and solute fields become highly oscillatory when the thermal and solute Grashof numbers are large. Oscillations are probably caused by a number of different instability mechanisms. By reducing the gravity some of these instabilities were made to disappear at the lower Grashof numbers. Transient temperature and solute distribution near the crystal growing surface are highly non-uniform at the higher Grashof numbers. These non-uniformities are less severe in the reduced gravity environments but still exist. The effects of convection on the rate of average mass transfer are more than one order of magnitude higher than those of conduction in the range of Grashof numbers studied. Dependency of mass transfer rate on the Grashof number indicates that the convection effects many not be negligible even in the microgravity environments for the range of parameters investigated.

Han, Samuel S.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Growing And Assembling Cells Into Tissues

Laboratory process for growth and assembly of mammalian cells into tissue-like masses demonstrated with hamster and rat cells. New process better able to provide culture environment with reduced fluid shear stress, freedom for three-dimensional spatial orientation of particles suspended in culture medium, and localization of particles of different or similar sedimentation properties in similar spatial region.

Wolf, David A.↗
NASA NTRS1989

NASA Laser Light Scattering Advanced Technology Development Workshop, 1988

The major objective of the workshop was to explore the capabilities of existing and prospective laser light scattering hardware and to assess user requirements and needs for a laser light scattering instrument in a reduced gravity environment. The workshop addressed experimental needs and stressed hardware development.

Meyer, William V.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Surface Reorientation and Settling in Cylinders upon Step Reduction in Gravity

A large literature exists concerning the equilibrium configurations of free liquid/gas surfaces in reduced gravity environments. Such conditions generally yield surfaces of constant curvature contracting the container wall at a particular angle. The time required to reach and stabilize about this configuration is less studied for the case of sudden changes in gravity level; e.g., from normal- to low-gravity, as can occur in many drop tower experiments. The particular interest here was to determine the total reorientation time for such surfaces in cylinders, as a function primarily of contact angle and kinematic viscosity, in order to aid in the development of drop tower experiment design. A large parametric range of tests were performed and, based on an accompanying scale analysis, the complete data set was correlated. The results of other investigations are included for comparison.

Weislogel, Mark M.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Near-limit flame structures at low Lewis number

The characteristics of premixed gas flames in mixtures with low Lewis numbers near flammability limits were studied experimentally using a low-gravity environment to reduce buoyant convection. The behavior of such flames was found to be dominated by diffusive-thermal instabilities. For sufficiently reactive mixtures, cellular structures resulting from these instabilities were observed and found to spawn new cells in regular patterns. For less reactive mixtures, cells formed shortly after ignition but did not spawn new cells; instead these cells evolved into a flame structure composed of stationary, apparently stable spherical flamelets. Experimental observations are found to be in qualitative agreement with elementary analytical models based on the interaction of heat release due to chemical reaction, differential diffusion of thermal energy and mass, flame front curvature, and volumetric heat losses due to gas and/or soot radiation.

Ronney, Paul D.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Lunar astronomical observatories - Design studies

The best location in the inner solar system for the grand observatories of the 21st century may be the moon. A multidisciplinary team including university students and faculty in engineering, astronomy, physics, and geology, and engineers from industry is investigating the moon as a site for astronomical observatories and is doing conceptual and preliminary designs for these future observatories. Studies encompass lunar facilities for radio astronomy and astronomy at optical, ultraviolet, and infrared wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum. Although there are significant engineering challenges in design and construction on the moon, the rewards for astronomy can be great, such as detection and study of earth-like planets orbiting nearby stars, and the task for engineers promises to stimulate advances in analysis and design, materials and structures, automation and robotics, foundations, and controls. Fabricating structures in the reduced-gravity environment of the moon will be easier than in the zero-gravity environment of earth orbit, as Apollo and space-shuttle missions have revealed. Construction of observatories on the moon can be adapted from techniques developed on the earth, with the advantage that the moon's weaker gravitational pull makes it possible to build larger devices than are practical on earth.

Johnson, Stewart W.↗
NASA NTRS1990

An investigation into the flow behavior of a single phase gas system and a two phase gas/liquid system in normal gravity with nonuniform heating from above

The fluid behavior in normal gravity of a single phase gas system and a two phase gas/liquid system in an enclosed circular cylinder heated suddenly and nonuniformly from above was investigated. Flow visualization was used to obtain qualitative data on both systems. The use of thermochromatic liquid crystal particles as liquid phase flow tracers was evaluated as a possible means of simultaneously gathering both flow pattern and temperature gradient data for the two phase system. The results of the flow visualization experiments performed on both systems can be used to gain a better understanding of the behavior of such systems in a reduced gravity environment and aid in the verification of a numerical model of the system.

Disimile, Peter J.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Surface settling in partially filled containers upon step reduction in gravity

A large literature exists concerning the equilibrium configurations of free liquid/gas surfaces in reduced gravity environments. Such conditions generally yield surfaces of constant curvature meeting the container wall at a particular (contact) angle. The time required to reach and stabilize about this configuration is less studied for the case of sudden changes in gravity level, e.g. from normal- to low-gravity, as can occur in many drop tower experiments. The particular interest here was to determine the total reorientation time for such surfaces in cylinders (mainly), as a function primarily of contact angle and kinematic viscosity, in order to aid in the development of drop tower experiment design. A large parametric range of tests were performed and, based on an accompanying scale analysis, the complete data set was correlated. The results of other investigations are included for comparison.

Weislogel, Marl M.↗
NASA NTRS1990

A high temperature thermal diffusivity determination procedure for solids and liquids

A new method for measuring the thermal diffusivity of materials at high temperatures is presented. The method is applicable to solids on Earth, and to liquids in the reduced gravity environment of space. It is especially suited to levitated liquid metals at elevated temperatures where thermal diffusivity data is not available. The method is applied in two parts, such that lumped analysis is valid in the first part, and Fourier's law of conduction is valid in the second. In both parts, the spherical specimen is assumed to have been heated to a desired temperature and cooled. An inverse conduction problem is then formulated and solved using Laplace transformation techniques. Using this solution, sample sizes, and experimentally obtained surface temperature history, the thermal diffusivity is determined by minimizing a function that satisifies the heat balance at the surface. Minimization is performed using a modified quasilinearization algorithm. Accuracy is very sensitive to error in the temperature data and increases with better curve fits to the temperature data. An error analysis is also performed, and the effect of errors in the various parameters on the evaluated thermal diffusivity is determined. An experimental study for solids on Earth is suggested, before development for implementation in space.

Bayazitoglu, Yildiz↗
NASA NTRS1990

Mechanics of transport phenomena in multi-component sessile drops with solidification

The mechanics of transport phenomena in multicomponent sessile drops with internal solidification is determined on the basis of an experimental study. A shadowgraph-schlieren system and a microscope-video system are used for the study. It is suggested that present data can be used to enhance the solid or crystal quality in a reduced-gravity environment where both thermo- and diffuso-capillary effects of solidification and crystal growth are dominant.

Su, Yeong-Jen↗
NASA NTRS1990

EMG analysis of human postural responses during parabolic flight microgravity episodes

Anticipatory postural activity in the trunk and legs precedes rapid shoulder flexion in unit gravity. The hypothesis that anticipatory activity is a component of a single neural command for arm movement was tested by monitoring the surface electromyographic activity of the biceps femoris, paraspinals, and deltoid muscles of three subjects during the microgravity phase of parabolic flight. If part of a single command, anticipatory postural activity would be expected to remain intact despite the absence of the body's center of gravity in a reduced gravity environment. However, in at least 75 percent of the microgravity trials anticipatory biceps femoris activity was absent, indicating a separation of postural and agonist muscle activity. Such a finding suggests that anticipatory postural biceps femoris activity may be initiated independently of agonist (deltoid) activity.

Layne, Charles S.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Dynamic systems-engineering process - The application of concurrent engineering

A system engineering methodology is described which enables users, particulary NASA and DOD, to accommodate changing needs; incorporate emerging technologies; identify, quantify, and manage system risks; manage evolving functional requirements; track the changing environment; and reduce system life-cycle costs. The approach is a concurrent, dynamic one which starts by constructing a performance model defining the required system functions and the interrelationships. A detailed probabilistic risk assessment of the system elements and their interrelationships is performed, and quantitative analysis of the reliability and maintainability of an engineering system allows its different technical and process failure modes to be identified and their probabilities to be computed. Decision makers can choose technical solutions that maximize an objective function and minimize the probability of failure under resource constraints.

Wiskerchen, Michael J.↗
NASA NTRS1991

CFM technology needs for future space transportation systems

Several technological capabilities must be developed to realize the vision of the Space Exploration Initiative (SEI). Cryogenic fluid management (CFM) is one technology area common to virtually every space transportation propulsion concept envisioned. The physics of storage, supply, transfer, and handling of subcritical cryogenic fluids in the reduced gravity environment of space present fundamental challenges. The CFM state of the art relative to future mission requirements is reviewed and associated technology challenges are outlined.

Hastings, L. J.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Wind Tunnel Aerodynamic Characteristics of a Transport-type Airfoil in a Simulated Heavy Rain Environment

The effects of simulated heavy rain on the aerodynamic characteristics of an NACA 64-210 airfoil section equipped with leading-and trailing-edge high-lift devices were investigated in the Langley 14- by 22-Foot Subsonic Tunnel. The model had a chord of 2.5 ft, a span of 8 ft, and was mounted on the tunnel centerline between two large endplates. Aerodynamic measurements in and out of the simulated rain environment were obtained for dynamic pressures of 30 and 50 psf and an angle-of-attack range of 0 to 20 degrees for the cruise configuration. The rain intensity was varied to produce liquid water contents ranging from 16 to 46 gm/cu m. The results obtained for various rain intensity levels and tunnel speeds showed significant losses in maximum lift capability and increases in drag for a given lift as the liquid water content was increased. The results obtained on the landing configuration also indicate a progressive decrease in the angle of attack at which maximum lift occurred and an increase in the slope of the pitching-moment curve as the liquid water content was increased. The sensitivity of test results to the effects of the water surface tension was also investigated. A chemical was introduced into the rain environment that reduced the surface tension of water by a factor of 2. The reduction in the surface tension of water did not significantly alter the level of performance losses for the landing configuration.

Bezos, Gaudy M.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Combustion of unsupported methanol/dodecanol mixture droplets at low gravity

Experiments are reported on the combustion of free or unsupported methanol/dodecanol mixture droplets in a reduced gravity environment. The experiments were conducted in a drop tower. The Grashof number (based on drop diameter) in the moving frame of reference was on the order of 10 exp -5 for the period of droplet burning. Combustion of the mixture droplets was characterized by a multi-stage process indicative of diffusion controlled burning. The flame was not visible during the first stage because of the lighting used, but was visible (and spherical) in the final stage. The results suggested that the mixture droplets did not extinguish. By contrast, methanol droplets consistently extinguished. Microexplosions were not observed for mixtures with initial concentrations of equal volumes of methanol and dodecanol. However, most of the droplets containing initially 75 percent (by volume) of methanol exploded. The initiation of microexplosion, as defined by the occurrence of homogeneous nucleation within the droplet, is explained by comparing the calculated nonlinear variation of superheat limit with composition for a methanol/dodecanol mixture with the boiling point of dodecanol.

Yang, J. C.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Cryogenic liquid resettlement activated by impulsive thrust in space-based propulsion system

The purpose of present study is to investigate most efficient technique for propellant resettling through the minimization of propellant usage and weight penalties. Comparison between the constant reverse gravity acceleration and impulsive reverse gravity acceleration to be used for the activation of propellant resettlement, it shows that impulsive reverse gravity thrust is superior to constant reverse gravity thrust for liquid reorientation in a reduced gravity environment. Comparison among impulsive reverse gravity thrust with 0.1, 1.0 and 10 Hz frequencies for liquid filled level in the range between 30 to 80 percent, it shows that the selection of 1.0 Hz frequency impulsive thrust over the other frequency ranges of impulsive thrust is most proper based on the present study.

Hung, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Stability limits for bioconvective fractals - Microgravity prospects

Fractal objects are delicate aggregates which show self-similar behavior and vanishing density for increasing length scales. In practice real fractals in nature however possess only a limited region of verifiable self-similarity. As natural fractal objects increase in size, they become easier to disrupt mechanically. Herein the effects of thermal vibrations and gravity are investigated as deforming forces on fractal aggregation. Example calculations are carried out on a biological fractal formed from the surface aggregation of various cells such as alga and bacteria. For typical cell parameters, the predicted diameter of this so-called 'bioconvective' fractal agrees well with the observed limits of about 5 cm. On earth, this size represents an experimental maximum for finding bioconvective fractal objects. To extend this size range of fractals available for statistical study, a reduced gravity environment offers one way to achieve larger fractals. For these enhanced sizes, the present scaling predicts that microgravity can yield up to a 35-fold improvement in extending statistical resolution.

Noever, David A.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Adaptive structures for precision controlled large space systems

The development of adaptive structural systems is reviewed and the potential of these systems in meeting some of the requirements for NASA future space missions is demonstrated. Particular attention is given to the characteristics of a viscous damper in the micron displacement regime; the optimal placement of active and passive members into a truss structure; a system identification test using the active members as excitation sources; a concept for deforming a lightweight composite honeycomb optical panel to correct for on-orbit distortions by using piezoelectric actuators attached to the back facesheet; and the results of an active member vibration control experiment in a reduced gravity environment.

Garba, John A.↗