Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “experimental measure”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 415 records · Page 23

Experimental Validation of a Thermoelastic Model for SMA Hybrid Composites

This study presents results from experimental validation of a recently developed model for predicting the thermomechanical behavior of shape memory alloy hybrid composite (SMAHC) structures, composite structures with an embedded SMA constituent. The model captures the material nonlinearity of the material system with temperature and is capable of modeling constrained, restrained, or free recovery behavior from experimental measurement of fundamental engineering properties. A brief description of the model and analysis procedures is given, followed by an overview of a parallel effort to fabricate and characterize the material system of SMAHC specimens. Static and dynamic experimental configurations for the SMAHC specimens are described and experimental results for thermal post-buckling and random response are presented. Excellent agreement is achieved between the measured and predicted results, fully validating the theoretical model for constrained recovery behavior of SMAHC structures.

Turner, Travis L.↗

Fluids and Materials Science Studies Utilizing the Microgravity-vibration Isolation Mount (MIM)

Canada's Microgravity Sciences Program (MSP) is the smallest program of the ISS partners and so can participate in only a few, highly focused projects in order to make a scientific and technological impact. One focused project involves determining the effect of accelerations (g-jitter) on scientific measurements in a microgravity environment utilizing the Microgravity-vibration Isolation Mount (MIM). Many experiments share the common characteristic of having a fluid stage in their process. The quality of the experimental measurements have been expected to be affected by g-jitters which has lead the ISS program to include specifications to limit the level of acceleration allowed on a subset of experimental racks. From finite element analysis (FEM), the ISS structure will not be able to meet the acceleration specifications. Therefore, isolation systems are necessary. Fluid science results and materials science results show significant sensitivity to g-jitter. The work done to date should be viewed only as a first look at the issue of g-jitter sensitivity. The work should continue with high priority such that the international science community and the ISS program can address the requirement and settle on an agreed to overall approach as soon as possible.

Herring, Rodney↗

Heat Transfer and Flow on the First Stage Blade Tip of a Power Generation Gas Turbine: Simulation Results - Part 2

A combined experimental and computational study has been performed to investigate the detailed distribution of convective heat transfer coefficients on the first stage blade tip surface for a geometry typical of large power generation turbines (>1OOMW). This paper is concerned with the numerical prediction of the tip surface heat transfer. Good comparison with the experimental measured distribution was achieved through accurate modeling of the most important features of the blade passage and heating arrangement as well as the details of experimental rig likely to affect the tip heat transfer. A sharp edge and a radiused edge tip were considered. The results using the radiused edge tip agreed better with the experimental data. This improved agreement was attributed to the absence of edge separation on the tip of the radiused edge blade.

Ameri, A. A.↗

Estimation of neutron and other radiation exposure components in low earth orbit

The interaction of high-energy space radiation with spacecraft materials generates a host of secondary particles, some, such as neutrons, are more biologically damaging and penetrating than the original primary particles. Before committing astronauts to long term exposure in such high radiation environments, a quantitative understanding of the exposure and estimates of the associated risks are required. Energetic neutrons are traditionally difficult to measure due to their neutral charge. Measurement methods have been limited by mass and weight requirements in space to nuclear emulsion, activation foils, a limited number of Bonner spheres, and TEPCs. Such measurements have had limited success in quantifying the neutron component relative to the charged components. We will show that a combination of computational models and experimental measurements can be used as a quantitative tool to evaluate the radiation environment within the Shuttle, including neutrons. Comparisons with space measurements are made with special emphasis on neutron sensitive and insensitive devices. c2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

STS-57 Shuttle Project↗

Infrared Spectroscopy of Matrix-Isolated Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds and Their Ions: Phenazine, a Dual Substituted Polycyclic Aromatic Nitrogen Heterocycle - 7

The matrix-isolation technique has been employed to measure the mid-infrared spectra of phenazine (C12H8N2), a dual substituted Polycyclic Aromatic Nitrogen Heterocycle (PANH), in the neutral, cationic and anionic forms. The experimentally measured band frequencies and intensities are tabulated and compared with their calculated values as well as those of the non-substituted parent molecule, anthracene. The theoretical band positions and intensities were calculated using both the 3-31 G as well as the larger 6-3lG* Basis Sets. A comparison of the results can be found in the tables. The spectroscopic properties of phenazine and its cation are similar to those observed in mono-substituted PANHs, with one exception. The presence of a second nitrogen atom results in an additional enhancement of the cation's total integrated intensity, for the 1500-1000 cm(sup -1) (6.7 to 10 micron) region, over that observed for a mono-substituted PANH cation. The significance of this enhancement and the astrobiological implications of these results are discussed.

Mattioda, A. L.↗

NASA Langley Aerothermodynamic Ground Tests in Support of the Boundary Layer Transition (BOLT) Flight Experiment

The Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) has sponsored the Boundary Layer Transition (BOLT) Experiments to investigate hypersonic boundary layer transition on a low-curvature, concave surface with swept leading edges. This paper provides a review of aerothermodynamic ground test contributions by NASA Langley Research Center to the design of the BOLT flight experiment. Several test entries into the Langley Aerothermodynamics Laboratory 20-Inch Mach 6 Air Tunnel are discussed. Global surface heating distributions on subscale BOLT models were measured using either phosphor thermography or infrared thermography at a range of model attitudes and freestream Reynolds numbers. An initial test entry provided the first experimental measurements of transition on the BOLT geometry. A second test entry investigated the effects of distributed surface roughness along the swept leading edges. A third test entry provided an evaluation of the aeroheating environment on the aerodynamic fairings and a portion of the flight vehicle downstream of the BOLT experiment. These entries were intended to support the development and design of flight hardware and instrumentation for the BOLT flight experiment.

Elizabeth F Rieken↗

Dual Fiber Spectrometer for Highly Non-Degenerate Entanglement Source

NASA is developing quantum metrology capabilities for potential space-based quantum components in future navigation and communications systems. Innate knowledge of component operation is key for the space qualification of these components. This paper focuses on the measurement and analysis of an important characteristic of an entanglement source, the joint spectrum. We describe a spectrometer based on dispersive optical fibers and present experimental measurements of the joint spectrum of a highly non-degenerate SPDC-based entanglement source that emits entangled photons in the near-infrared and telecommunications bands. How the analysis of such a joint spectrum could be applied to the modeling and simulation of entanglement swapping operations as possible extensions of quantum networks is examined. Lastly, we discuss how the separability of the two-photon state is quantified via Schmidt decomposition and how the degree of separability impacts the spectral purity of heralded single-photon emissions.

SPDC↗

Determination of Systems Suitable for Study as Monotectic Binary Metallic Alloy Solidification Models

Succinonitrile-water and diethylene glycol-ethyl salicylate are two transparent systems which have been studied as monotectic binary metallic alloy solidification models. Being transparent, these systems allow for the direct observations of phase transformations and solidification reactions. The objective was to develop a screening technique to find systems of interest and then experimentally measure those systems. The succinonitrile-water system was used to check the procedures. To simulate the phase diagram of the system, two computer programs which determine solid-liquid and liquid-liquid equilibria were obtained. These programs use the UNIFAC method to determine activity coefficients and together with several other programs were used to predict the phase diagram. An experimental apparatus was developed and the succinonitrile-water phase diagram measured. The diagram was compared to both the simulation and literature data. Substantial differences were found in the comparisons which serve to demonstrate the need for this procedure.

Smith, J. E., Jr.↗

Modeling the Uptake of Hydrogen Chloride onto Interior Spacecraft Materials

Hydrogen chloride (HCl) is a major combustion product from the pyrolysis of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) insulated electrical wires, a common spacecraft fire safety concern. Models at two different scales were developed to predict HCl uptake on anodized, chromate conversion coated (Iridite), and bare aluminum surfaces, as well as on Nomex fabric: a macroscopic one-step global surface reaction model where all the active sites are on the exterior surface, and a pore model where the interior active sites deeper into the oxide layer can also be accessed by HCl. Experiments were performed to calibrate kinetic and diffusion constants in the models. A cast acrylic test cell was used to measure the differences between the inlet and outlet concentration of HCl after inserting a sample rod of the test material. For the materials with a thin (< 200 µm) or no oxide layer, the macroscopic surface reaction model adequately predicts the experimental measurements. For the anodized aluminum with a thicker oxide layer, the pore model provided a better match to experimental results. The results will be discussed with respect to the spacecraft fire safety project (Saffire).

modeling↗

Methods for determining the internal thrust of scramjet engine modules from experimental data

Methods for calculating zero-fuel internal drag of scramjet engine modules from experimental measurements are presented. These methods include two control-volume approaches, and a pressure and skin-friction integration. The three calculation techniques are applied to experimental data taken during tests of a version of the NASA parametric scramjet. The methods agree to within seven percent of the mean value of zero-fuel internal drag even though several simplifying assumptions are made in the analysis. The mean zero-fuel internal drag coefficient for this particular engine is calculated to be 0.150. The zero-fuel internal drag coefficient when combined with the change in engine axial force with and without fuel defines the internal thrust of an engine.

Voland, Randall T.↗

Collisional Shift and Broadening of Iodine Spectral Lines in Air Near 543 nm

The collisional processes that influence the absorption of monochromatic light by iodine in air have been investigated. Measurements were made in both a static cell and an underexpanded jet flow over the range of properties encountered in typical compressible-flow aerodynamic applications. Experimentally measured values of the collisional shift and broadening coefficients were 0.058 +/- 0.004 and 0.53 +/- 0.010 GHz K(exp 0.7)/torr, respectively. The measured shift value showed reasonable agreement with theoretical calculations based on Lindholm-Foley collisional theory for a simple dispersive potential. The measured collisional broadening showed less favorable agreement with the calculated value.

Fletcher, D. G.↗

Characterization and Modeling of Large Collapsible Tubular Mast Booms

This paper documents the analysis of high-strain composite booms in the joint NASA-German Aerospace Center (DLR) Deployable Composite Booms (DCB) project. The collapsible tubular mast (CTM) booms were manufactured at NASA Langley Research Center, where constituent material coupons were also characterized, and shipped to DLR in Germany for testing of beam properties and the strength of the DLR flight-like root deployer design. With this data, a finite element model of the booms was built, calibrated to one set of experimental measurements, and used to produce a simplified beam model for further engineering studies. The process of building this beam model and the treatment of gaps in experimental characterization are presented.

composite materials↗

Comparison of OVERFLOW Computational and Experimental Results of the CobraMRV Mars Entry Vehicle Concept during Supersonic Retropropulsion

The CFD solver Overflow was used to simulate the CobraMRV undergoing supersonic retropropulsion (SRP) in the Langley Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel as part of a CFD and wind tunnel integration effort. Selection of numerical methods and resulting comparisons to selected tunnel conditions of interest are detailed. Comparisons of mean pressures with static taps and pressure-sensitive paint are provided for multiple SST-based turbulence models. URANS predicitons of heat shield pressures at high thrust conditions are poor compared to TMRC and DES predictions. Comparisons to experimental measurements of pressure fluctuations indicate complex relationships between heat shield unsteadiness, flight Mach number, and engine thrust coefficient. Bow shock topology and shock cell structure between experimental and OVERFLOW data show good agreement in Schlieren imaging. Recommendations for future investigation into flow field unsteadiness and turbulence models are suggested.

CFD↗

Measurement of HCl absorption coefficients with a DF laser

Absorption coefficients in the fundamental P-branch of HCl at several DF laser transitions from 2439.02/cm to 2862.87/cm have been measured experimentally. The 2-1 P(3) DF laser transition has been shown to overlap the P(6) HCl-37 absorption line within the halfwidth of an atmospherically broadened line. The absorption coefficient k was measured to be 5.64 plus or minus 0.28/(atm-cm) for a 0.27% mixture of HCl in N2 at a total pressure of 760 torr. A theoretical and experimental comparison of the pressure dependence of k showed that the 2-1 P(3) DF transition lies 1.32 plus or minus 0.15 GHz from the center of the P(6) HCl absorption line. Applications of these results to differential absorption lidar and to heterodyne detection are discussed.

Bair, C. H.↗

A Comparative Study of Simulated and Measured Gear-Flap Flow Interaction

The ability of two CFD solvers to accurately characterize the transient, complex, interacting flowfield asso-ciated with a realistic gear-flap configuration is assessed via comparison of simulated flow with experimental measurements. The simulated results, obtained with NASA's FUN3D and Exa's PowerFLOW® for a high-fidelity, 18% scale semi-span model of a Gulfstream aircraft in landing configuration (39 deg flap deflection, main landing gear on and off) are compared to two-dimensional and stereo particle image velocimetry measurements taken within the gear-flap flow interaction region during wind tunnel tests of the model. As part of the bench-marking process, direct comparisons of the mean and fluctuating velocity fields are presented in the form of planar contour plots and extracted line profiles at measurement planes in various orientations stationed in the main gear wake. The measurement planes in the vicinity of the flap side edge and downstream of the flap trailing edge are used to highlight the effects of gear presence on tip vortex development and the ability of the computational tools to accurately capture such effects. The present study indicates that both computed datasets contain enough detail to construct a relatively accurate depiction of gear-flap flow interaction. Such a finding increases confidence in using the simulated volumetric flow solutions to examine the behavior of pertinent aer-odynamic mechanisms within the gear-flap interaction zone.

Khorrami, Mehdi R.↗

Infrared spectra of lunar soil analogs

The infrared spectra of analogs of lunar soils were investigated to further the development of methodology for interpretation of remotely measured infrared spectra of the lunar surface. The optical constants of dunite, bytownite, augite, ilmenite, and a mare glass analog were obtained. The infrared emittance spectra of powdered minerals were measured and compared with spectra calculated by the reflectance theory using a catalog of optical constants. The results indicate that the predictions of the theory closely simulate the experimental measurements if the optical constants are properly derived.

Aronson, J. R.↗

Inlet Flow Distortion and Unsteady Blade Response in a Transonic Axial-Compressor Rotor

This paper describes the unsteady blade surface pressures on the first-stage rotor blades of a two-stage transonic axial flow compressor experiencing inlet flow distortion. This study was conducted to demonstrate the ability of a full annulus unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes numerical technique to predict unsteady pressures on the rotor blades operating in a distorted inflow. A total pressure distortion produced by a variable mesh screen mounted near the inlet was used to excite the unsteady blade loading on the rotor. On-blade pressure transducers were used to measure the unsteady blade surface pressure. These pressures and the resulting transient load on the rotor blades were compared to the numerical prediction. It is important to develop numerical techniques to predict these transient loads to better understand the response of compressor blades to forcing functions. With this enhanced understanding and ability to predict these transient forces, more robust compressors can be developed. In the study, a high definition of the inlet flow distortion was achieved by rotating the distortion screens. In this manner the inlet flow distortion and the distortion at the first stage stator leading edge were measured at approximately every 0.7 degrees. This full annulus high definition of the inlet flow distortion was used as the inlet boundary condition for the numerical technique. The experimental measurements and numerical analyses are highly complementary in this study. Detailed comparisons between the measurements and the numerical analyses indicate that the current numerical procedure calculates the unsteady aerodynamic pressure on the blade surfaces reasonably well. Further, the agreement of the measured and predicted rotor exit flow distortion at the first stage stator leading edge provides verification of the numerical technique.

Rabe, D. C.↗

Comparison of the Experimental Performance of Ferroelectric CPW Circuits with Method of Moment Simulations and Conformal Mapping

Experimental measurements of coplanar waveguide (CPW) circuits atop thin films of ferroelectric Ba(x)Sr(1-x)TiO3 (BST) were made as a function bias from 0 to 200 V and frequency from 0.045 to 20 GHz. The resulting phase shifts are compared with method of moments electromagnetic simulations and a conformal mapping analysis to determine the dielectric constant of the BST films. Based on the correlation between the experimental and the modeled data, an analysis of the extent to which the electromagnetic simulators provide reliable values for the dielectric constant of the ferroelectric in these structures has been performed. In addition, to determine how well the modeled data compare with experimental data, the dielectric constant values were also compared to low frequency measurements of interdigitated capacitor circuits on the same films. Results of these comparisons will be presented.

VanKeuls, Fred W.↗