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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 415 records · Page 23

Relief Valve Opens And Closes Quickly

Relief valve opens quickly to relieve excess pressure and closes quickly when pressure drops slightly below relief pressure. O-ring exposes one or more ports under high pressure, releasing excess pressurized fluid. Adjusting screw used to change compression on Belleville-spring washers and to set pressure at which valve opens. Designed for use aboard Space Shuttle to vent pressurized hydrazine to vacuum, valve concept useful in industrial applications where rapid opening, rapid closing, or low susceptibility to blockage by vented fluid required.

Svejkovsky, Paul A.↗

A numerical solution of the Navier-Stokes equations for supercritical fluid thermodynamic analysis

An explicit numerical solution of the compressible Navier-Stokes equations is applied to the thermodynamic analysis of supercritical oxygen in the Apollo cryogenic storage system. The wave character is retained in the conservation equations which are written in the basic fluid variables for a two-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system. Control-volume cells are employed to simplify imposition of boundary conditions and to ensure strict observance of local and global conservation principles. Non-linear real-gas thermodynamic properties responsible for the pressure collapse phenomonon in supercritical fluids are represented by tabular and empirical functions relating pressure and temperature to density and internal energy. Wall boundary conditions are adjusted at one cell face to emit a prescribed mass flowrate. Scaling principles are invoked to achieve acceptable computer execution times for very low Mach number convection problems. Detailed simulations of thermal stratification and fluid mixing occurring under low acceleration in the Apollo 12 supercritical oxygen tank are presented which model the pressure decay associated with de-stratification induced by an ordinary vehicle maneuver and heater cycle operation.

Heinmiller, P. J.↗

Self-charging metering and dispensing device for fluids

A self-metering and dispensing device for fluids obtained from a pressurized fluid supply is discussed. Tubing and valving means permit the introduction of fluid into and discharge from a closed cylindrical reservoir. The reservoir contains a slideably disposed piston co-acting with a coil compression spring, with piston travel determining the amount of fluid in the reservoir. Once the determined amount of fluid is introduced into the reservoir, the fluid is discharged by the force of the coil compression spring acting upon the piston.

Hooper, S. L.↗

Finite element computation of a viscous compressible free shear flow governed by the time dependent Navier-Stokes equations

A finite element algorithm for solution of fluid flow problems characterized by the two-dimensional compressible Navier-Stokes equations was developed. The program is intended for viscous compressible high speed flow; hence, primitive variables are utilized. The physical solution was approximated by trial functions which at a fixed time are piecewise cubic on triangular elements. The Galerkin technique was employed to determine the finite-element model equations. A leapfrog time integration is used for marching asymptotically from initial to steady state, with iterated integrals evaluated by numerical quadratures. The nonsymmetric linear systems of equations governing time transition from step-to-step are solved using a rather economical block iterative triangular decomposition scheme. The concept was applied to the numerical computation of a free shear flow. Numerical results of the finite-element method are in excellent agreement with those obtained from a finite difference solution of the same problem.

Cooke, C. H.↗

Overset grids in compressible flow

Numerical experiments have been performed to investigate the importance of boundary data handling with overset grids in computational fluid dynamics. Experience in using embedded grid techniques in compressible flow has shown that shock waves which cross grid boundaries become ill defined and convergence is generally degraded. Numerical boundary schemes were studied to investigate the cause of these problems and a viable solution was generated using the method of characteristics to define a boundary scheme. The model test problem investigated consisted of a detached shock wave on a 2-dimensional Mach 2 blunt, cylindrical body.

Eberhardt, S.↗

Quick calculation method for fluid flow through duct systems

Conditions for subsonic compressible flow through duct systems are quickly and easily calculated using compact series of curves showing dimensionless parametric functions of Mach number and specific heat ratio. Method is directly applicable to analysis and design of compressible flow systems in industrial fields or processes.

Scott, L. R., Jr.↗

A workstation based simulator for teaching compressible aerodynamics

A workstation-based interactive flow simulator has been developed to aid in the teaching of undergraduate compressible aerodynamics. By solving the equations found in NACA 1135, the simulator models three basic fluids problems encountered in supersonic flow: flow past a compression corner, flow past two wedges in series, and flow past two opposed wedges. The study can vary the geometry or flow conditions through a graphical user interface and the new conditions are calculated immediately. Various graphical formats present the results of the flow calculations to the student. The simulator includes interactive questions and answers to aid in both the use of the tool and to develop an understanding of some of the complexities of compressible aerodynamics. A series of help screens make the simulator easy to learn and use.

Benson, Thomas J.↗

Device For Testing Compatibility Of An O-Ring

Fixture designed for use in exposing compressed elastomeric O-ring or other ring seal to test fluid. Made of metal or plastic, with threaded recess into which O-ring placed. Opposite threaded end is opening through which test fluid introduced and placed in contact with O-ring. After exposure, compression set and swell or shrinkage of ring measured. Fixture set to compress ring by selected amount, providing for reproducible compression.

Davis, Dennis D.↗

The “Gravity” of Combustion, Fluid and Soft Matter Research

Over the next year, the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) will be developing the report for the next Decadal Survey on Life and Physical Sciences Research in space 2023-2032. This document will be used by the Science Mission Directorate in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to provide the framework for the vision, priorities, and strategic plan and budget for NASA’s research efforts in the area of biological and physical sciences in space, especially with regards to effects of gravity or the lack thereof. Gravity can affect fluid motion, shapes interfacial boundaries, squeezes compressible volumes by their surroundings, and ultimately affects heat and mass transfer as well as chemical reactions. NASEM will be requesting input from the research community via white papers in order to generate a comprehensive vision and strategy for a decade of transformative science at the frontiers of science space. Note: Accompanying videos are included in this submission and are listed based on there corresponding slide. For viewing you will need to download each mp4 formatted video, total run time 4 mins 2 secs. w/ color/sound.

combustion↗

Growth and Morphology of Supercritical Fluids, a Fluid Physics Experiment Conducted on Mir, Complete

The Growth and Morphology of Supercritical Fluids (GMSF) is an international experiment facilitated by the NASA Glenn Research Center and under the guidance of U.S. principal investor Professor Hegseth of the University of New Orleans and three French coinvestigators: Daniel Beysens, Yves Garrabos, and Carole Chabot. The GMSF experiments were concluded in early 1999 on the Russian space station Mir. The experiments spanned the three science themes of near-critical phase separation rates, interface dynamics in near-critical boiling, and measurement of the spectrum of density fluctuation length scales very close to the critical point. The fluids used were pure CO2 or SF6. Three of the five thermostats used could adjust the sample volume with the scheduled crew time. Such a volume adjustment enabled variable sample densities around the critical density as well as pressure steps (as distinct from the usual temperature steps) applied to the sample. The French-built ALICE II facility was used for these experiments. It allows tightly thermostated (left photograph) samples (right photograph) to be controlled and viewed/measured. Its diagnostics include interferometry, shadowgraph, high-speed pressure measurements, and microscopy. Data were logged on DAT tapes, and PCMCIA cards and were returned to Earth only after the mission was over. The ground-breaking near critical boiling experiment has yielded the most results with a paper published in Physical Review Letters (ref. 1). The boiling work also received press in Science Magazine (ref. 2). This work showed that, in very compressible near-critical two-phase pure fluids, a vapor bubble was induced to temporarily overheat during a rapid heating of the sample wall. The temperature rise in the vapor was 23-percent higher than the rise in the driving container wall. The effect is due to adiabatic compression of the vapor bubble by the rapid expansion of fluid near the boundary during heatup. Thermal diffusivity is low near the critical point, so getting heat out of the compressed bubble is observably slow. This gives the appearance of a backward heat flow, or heat flow from a cold surface to a warm fluid.

Wilkinson, R. Allen↗

Aerodynamics and Aeroacoustic Sources of a Coaxial Rotor

Vehicles with coaxial, contra-rotating rotor systems (CACR) are being considered for a range of applications. Design parameters are identified that effect the fundamental aerodynamics and fluid dynamic features of a CACR in hover, vertical, and edgewise flight. Understanding the fluid dynamic features is a precursor to studying the aeroacoustics of a coaxial rotor. Rotor performance was computed initially using Navier-Stokes solver with prescribed blade section aerodynamic properties, the results validated against generic experimental test cases. Using a A 2D potential flow code and 2D OVERFLOW compressible-flow Navier-Stokes solver, the fluid dynamics of blade interactions was simplified and broken into a 2D blade crossing problem, with crossing locations and velocity fields from the rotor results to understand circulation, thickness, compressibility, shed vorticity, downwash, and viscosity effects. A calculation tool has been developed to identify time and location of blade overlap and BVI time location for CACR. Specific aerodynamic phenomena that occur for each noise source relevant to CACR are presented, along with computational tools to predict these occurrences.

Aeroacoustic↗

Finite element algorithms for compressible flow computation on a supercomputer

Methods of applying computational fluid dynamics techniques to engineering problems are discussed. The linking factors between theoretical and applied research are the shape and weight functions which produce the Galerkin finite element schemes. The flow is unsteady, viscous, heat conducting and compressible, and steady-state flows are the asymptotic limit of unsteady flows. All flows are described by the time-averaged Navier-Stokes equations (NSE) with mass and energy conservation. Local curvilinear intrinsic coordinates are applied to discretize the NSE in arbitrary geometric domains. A modified weighted residuals approach defines the discrete analogs of the physical systems modeled and a general interpolants method is used to derive families of numerical models, both implicit and explicit, finite difference and finite elemnt, from a single point of departure. Time-dependent element approximations are achieved with a progressive assembly of generalized elements method. Hyperbolic steady-state Euler algorithms and quasi-parabolic are spatial marching algorithms for solving the discretized equations. Application of the techniques is illustrated through calculation of the compressible flow around a hypersonic flight vehicle at 100,000 ft at zero angle of attack at speeds of Mach 4-10.

Spradley, L. W.↗

Review of Orbital Propellant Transfer Techniques and the Feasibility of a Thermal Bootstrap Propellant Transfer Concepts

This study was performed in support of the NASA Task B-2 Study Plan for Space Basing. The nature of space-based operations implies that orbital transfer of propellant is a prime consideration. The intent of this report is (1) to report on the findings and recommendations of existing literature on space-based propellant transfer techniques, and (2) to determine possible alternatives to the recommended methods. The reviewed literature recommends, in general, the use of conventional liquid transfer techniques (i.e., pumping) in conjunction with an artificially induced gravitational field. An alternate concept that was studied, the Thermal Bootstrap Transfer Process, is based on the compression of a two-phase fluid with subsequent condensation to a liquid (vapor compression/condensation). This concept utilizes the intrinsic energy capacities of the tanks and propellant by exploiting temperature differentials and available energy differences. The results indicate the thermodynamic feasibility of the Thermal Bootstrap Transfer Process for a specific range of tank sizes, temperatures, fill-factors and receiver tank heat transfer coefficients.

Yoshikawa, H. H.↗

Evacuated-displacement compression molding

Compression-molding process conprises: loading molding compound; evacuation; applying pressure to shape softened compound; further compressing while using compound as hydraulic fluid; and applying heat and pressure for cure. Major advantage of method is that it prevents increase in cavity volume (sporadic or general) throughout transformation phase of molding.

Heir, W. C.↗

Extrema principles of entrophy production and energy dissipation in fluid mechanics

A survey is presented of several extrema principles of energy dissipation as applied to problems in fluid mechanics. An exact equation is derived for the dissipation function of a homogeneous, isotropic, Newtonian fluid, with terms associated with irreversible compression or expansion, wave radiation, and the square of the vorticity. By using entropy extrema principles, simple flows such as the incompressible channel flow and the cylindrical vortex are identified as minimal dissipative distributions. The principal notions of stability of parallel shear flows appears to be associated with a maximum dissipation condition. These different conditions are consistent with Prigogine's classification of thermodynamic states into categories of equilibrium, linear nonequilibrium, and nonlinear nonequilibrium thermodynamics; vortices and acoustic waves appear as examples of dissipative structures. The measurements of a typical periodic shear flow, the rectangular wall jet, show that direct measurements of the dissipative terms are possible.

Horne, W. Clifton↗

Extrema principles of entropy production and energy dissipation in fluid mechanics

A survey is presented of several extrema principles of energy dissipation as applied to problems in fluid mechanics. An exact equation is derived for the dissipation function of a homogeneous, isotropic, Newtonian fluid, with terms associated with irreversible compression or expansion, wave radiation, and the square of the vorticity. By using entropy extrema principles, simple flows such as the incompressible channel flow and the cylindrical vortex are identified as minimal dissipative distributions. The principal notions of stability of parallel shear flows appear to be associated with a maximum dissipation condition. These different conditions are consistent with Prigogine's classification of thermodynamic states into categories of equilibrium, linear nonequilibrium, and nonlinear nonequilibrium thermodynamics; vortices and acoustic waves appear as examples of dissipative structures. The measurements of a typical periodic shear flow, the rectangular wall jet, show that direct measurements of the dissipative terms are possible.

Horne, W. Clifton↗

A numerical analysis of the British Experimental Rotor Program blade

Two Computational Fluid Dynamic codes which solve the compressible full-potential and the Reynolds-Averaged Thin-Layer Navier-Stokes equations were used to analyze the nonrotating aerodynamic characteristics of the British Experimental Rotor Program (BERP) helicopter blade at three flow regimes: low angle of attack, high angle of attack and transonic. Excellent agreement was found between the numerical results and experiment. In the low angle of attack regime, the BERP had less induced drag than a comparable aspect ratio rectangular planform wing. At high angle of attack, the blade attained high-lift by maintaining attached flow at the outermost spanwise locations. In the transonic regime, the BERP design reduces the shock strength at the outer spanwise locations which affects wave drag and shock-induced separation. Overall, the BERP blade exhibited many favorable aerodynamic characteristics in comparison to conventional helicopter rotor blades.

Duque, Earl P. N.↗