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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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NASA NTRS1986

Some lessons learned with wind tunnels

An historical evaluation is made of the most significant developments in the use of wind tunnels for the development and analysis of missiles and aircraft since the 1940s. In addition to being instrumental in the discovery of unknown aerodynamic, aeroelastic and aerothermodynamic phenomena, wind tunnels have helped in the explanation of numerous effects, the development of new configurations and systems, and the furnishing of critical initial performance evaluations for a broad spectrum of aircraft and missiles. Attention is given to low speed planform tests, body-wing-tail studies, variable sweep wing investigations, transonic characteristics and problems, supersonic trim drag, and supersonic pitch-up, area ruling, and inlet effects.

Spearman, M. L.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Structural integrity and durability for Space Shuttle main engine and future reusable space propulsion systems

NASA is conducting a program which will establish a technology base for the orderly evolution of reusable space propulsion systems. As part of that program, NASA initiated a Structural Integrity and Durability effort for advanced high-pressure oxygen-hydrogen rocket engine technology. That effort focuses on the development of: (1) accurate analytical models to describe flow fields; aerothermodynamic loads; structural responses; and fatigue/fracture, from which life prediction codes can be evolved; and (2) advanced instrumentation with capabilities to verify the codes in an SSME-like environment as well as the potential for future use as diagnostic sensors for real-time condition monitoring of critical engine components.

Marsik, S. J.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Transient engine performance with water ingestion

The immediate effects on the transient performance of a generic, high bypass ratio jet engine on account of water ingestion are discussed. The air compression subsystem has been analyzed with respect to four aerothermodynamic and mechanical processes associated with two-phase fluid flow and the engine simulation has been carried out under three limiting cases of interest in practice, one pertaining to draining of water at the end of compression and the other two, to partial evaporation at two different locations in the burner. General observations are made on engine operability as a function of engine and control design under various engine and (control input) sensor operating conditions, with various mass fractions of water in the air-water mixture entering the engine, during various pilot-initiated power demand changes.

Haykin, T.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Thermophysical aspects of re-entry flows

The present conference discusses low density aerothermodynamics, the drag of bodies in rarefied hypersonic flow, transitional hypervelocity aerodynamic simulation and scaling, high temperature kinetics and transport properties, electron-nitrogen molecule collisions in high temperature nonequilibrium air, theoretical studies of dissociative recombination, the transport properties of some atom/ion interactions in air, and the interaction energies, dipole transition moments, and transport cross sections of N(+)-N and O(+)-O. Also discussed are the results of studies of potential fluid mechanisms for enhanced stagnation heating, vortex-induced leeward heating on a biconic at Mach 6 and 10, the effects of surface discontinuities on convective heat transfer in hypersonic flow, computational convergence in chemical reacting flows, and three-dimensional viscous shock layer applications for the Space Shuttle Orbiter.

Moss, J. N.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Summary of shuttle data processing and aerodynamic performance comparisons for the first 11 flights

NASA Space Shuttle aerodynamic and aerothermodynamic research is but one part of the most comprehensive end-to-end flight test program ever undertaken considering: the extensive pre-flight experimental data base development; the multitude of spacecraft and remote measurements taken during entry flight; the complexity of the Orbiter aerodynamic configuration; the variety of flight conditions available across the entire speed regime; and the efforts devoted to flight data reduction throughout the aerospace community. Shuttle entry flights provide a wealth of research quality data, in essence a veritable flying wind tunnel, for use by researchers to verify and improve the operational capability of the Orbiter and provide data for evaluations of experimental facilities as well as computational methods. This final report merely summarizes the major activities conducted by the AMA, Inc. under NASA Contract NAS1-16087 as part of that interesting research. Investigators desiring more detailed information can refer to the glossary of AMA publications attached herein as Appendix A. Section I provides background discussion of software and methodology development to enable Best Estimate Trajectory (BET) generation. Actual products generated are summarized in Section II as tables which completely describe the post-flight products available from the first three-year Shuttle flight history. Summary results are presented in Section III, with longitudinal performance comparisons included as Appendices for each of the flights.

Findlay, J. T.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Structural Integrity and Durability of Reusable Space Propulsion Systems

A two-day conference on the structural integrity and durability of reusable space propulsion systems was held on May 12 and 13, 1987, at the NASA Lewis research Center. Aerothermodynamic loads; instrumentation; fatigue, fracture, and constitutive modeling; and structural dynamics were discussed.

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NASA NTRS1987

Liner cooling research at NASA Lewis Research Center

Described are recently completed and current advanced liner research applicable to advanced small gas turbine engines. Research relating to the evolution of fuel efficient small gas turbine engines capable of meeting future commercial and military aviation needs is currently under way at NASA Lewis Research Center. As part of this research, a reverse-flow combustor geometry was maintained while different advanced liner wall cooling techniques were investigated and compared to a baseline combustor. The performance of the combustors featuring counterflow film-cooled (CFFC) panels, transpiration cooled liner walls (TRANS), and compliant metal/ceramic (CMC) walls was obtained over a range of simulated flight conditions of a 16:1 pressure ratio gas turbine engine and fuel/air ratios up to 0.034. All the combustors featured an identical fuel injection system, identical geometric configuration outline, and similar designed internal aerothermodynamics.

Acosta, Waldo A.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Computational chemistry

With the advent of supercomputers, modern computational chemistry algorithms and codes, a powerful tool was created to help fill NASA's continuing need for information on the properties of matter in hostile or unusual environments. Computational resources provided under the National Aerodynamics Simulator (NAS) program were a cornerstone for recent advancements in this field. Properties of gases, materials, and their interactions can be determined from solutions of the governing equations. In the case of gases, for example, radiative transition probabilites per particle, bond-dissociation energies, and rates of simple chemical reactions can be determined computationally as reliably as from experiment. The data are proving to be quite valuable in providing inputs to real-gas flow simulation codes used to compute aerothermodynamic loads on NASA's aeroassist orbital transfer vehicles and a host of problems related to the National Aerospace Plane Program. Although more approximate, similar solutions can be obtained for ensembles of atoms simulating small particles of materials with and without the presence of gases. Computational chemistry has application in studying catalysis, properties of polymers, all of interest to various NASA missions, including those previously mentioned. In addition to discussing these applications of computational chemistry within NASA, the governing equations and the need for supercomputers for their solution is outlined.

Arnold, J. O.↗
NASA NTRS1985

System technology analysis of aeroassisted orbital transfer vehicles: Moderate lift/drag (0.75-1.5). Volume 2: Supporting research and technology report, phase 1 and 2

Technology payoffs of representative ground based (Phase 1) and space based (Phase 2) mid lift/drag ratio (L/D) aeroassisted orbit transfer vehicles (AOTV) were assessed and prioritized. The methodology employed to generate technology payoffs, the major payoffs identified, the urgency of the technology effort required, and the technology plans suggested are summarized for both study phases. Technology issues concerning aerodynamics, aerothermodynamics, thermal protection, propulsion, and guidance, navigation and control are addressed.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1985

System technology analysis of aeroassisted orbital transfer vehicles: Moderate lift/drag (0.75-1.5), Volume 1B, part 2, study results

A complete compilation of the results from Phase 2 of a study to identify and prioritize the technology payoffs of representative space based mid lift/drag ratio (L/D) aeroassisted orbit transfer vehicles (AOTV) and the cryofueled propulsion subsystem - configuration interactions is presented. Several combinations of basing and launch vehicle options, staging scenarios, missions (delivery, servicing, or manned round trip), and target orbits were considered. Space basing of an AOTV opens up numerous configuration opportunities. The size can exceed the launch vehicle cargo bay envelope by resorting to orbital assembly and the AOTV weight can exceed the launch vehicle capability. With the absence of fully fueled tanks during a ground based launch much lighter gossamer type structures are possible that may result in performance gains. At the Space Station, payload rearranging or manifesting may prove attractive. Several major conclusions regarding aerothermodynamics, aerodynamics, payload manifesting, the propulsion subsystem, and systems issues are discussed.

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NASA NTRS1986

A flight test challenge - Aeroassist for reuseable, space-based transportation

Attention is given to the challenges addressed by NASA in the development of reusable, space-based transportation systems which take advantage of aerobraking to achieve greater performance and overall efficiency. Aerobraking environmental factors associated with achieving higher energy reusable systems are outlined and the need for a coupled utilization of ground test capabilities and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is demonstrated. It is concluded that the certification of CFD capability to provide the aerodynamic performance and aerothermodynamic environment for an aerobraking orbital transfer vehicle would be of major significance for the design and development of future flight systems.

Ried, Robert C.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Enhancements to Program LAURA for computation of three-dimensional hypersonic flow

Changes to Program Laura (Langley Aerothermodynamic Upwind Relaxation Algorithm) are presented which enhance both stability and accuracy of the algorithm. A discussion of iteration/sweeping strategies and their relation to computer architectures is included to best exploit the capabilities of serial, vector, and parallel processor machines. Test cases for Mach 10 perfect gas flow and Mach 32 real gas flow in chemical nonequilibrium over a blunt, raked elliptic cone using the thin-layer Navier-Stokes equations are presented in order to demonstrate the current improved capabilities. Algorithm changes include the use of volume averaging, application of a symmetric total variation diminishing (TVD) scheme, and stronger interaction between the grid/shock alignment routine and the relaxation algorithm. Good comparisons with heat transfer and pitching moment data at three different angles of attack for the Mach 10 tests serve to further validate the present algorithm. Parameters are defined which control the coupling of the specie continuity equations with the solution of the mixture conservation equations. A discussion of the consequences involved in the choice of strong versus weak coupling is presented, and a sample nonequilibrium calculation on a fine grid over a full scale model of the Aeroassist Flight Experiment (AFE) demonstrates current capabilities.

Gnoffo, Peter A.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Ascent aeromaneuvering capabilities of transatmospheric vehicles

The low-earth orbit rendezvous capability of a conceptual transatmospheric vehicle is analyzed for two endo-/exo-atmospheric ascent missions. Both cases involve coasting aerodynamic maneuvers starting from the burn-out conditions corresponding to air-breathing propulsion systems that achieve orbital velocity within the atmosphere. The powered phase of the ascent trajectories approximate constant dynamic pressure, fuel-efficient flightpaths typically flown by supersonic aircraft. The aeromaneuvering coast phases of the ascent include both coplanar (to determine altitude capability without plane-inclination changes) and aeroturning to LEO rendezvous at 400 km altitude (to assess plane-change capability). The coast-phase ascent maneuvers are correlated with G-load requirements and aerothermodynamic heating characteristics at two critical locations on the vehicle surface (i.e., the nose stagnation point and the body centerline). The results are correlated and recommendations are made concerning thermal protection and structural requirements.

Menees, Gene P.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Orbit-on-demand vehicle propelled by air-turborocket/ramjet engines

A preliminary design study has been completed for a fully reusable, single-stage-to-orbit transatmospheric vehicle. The specified mission capability was to lift a 20,000 lb payload to low earth orbit. A ground accelerator-assisted horizontal take-off was chosen to increase operational flexibility. The multi-mode propulsion system included the use of air-turborocket, ramjet, scramjet and rocket engines. Weight and performance estimates were obtained for the vehicle. A computer package was developed to perform aerothermodynamic analyses of the propulsion modes throughout the flight environment from take-off to low earth orbit. Results are presented for a semi-optimized trajectory. The analysis indicates that a vehicle of this type has great potential for providing low cost, flexible access to space.

Hartung, L.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Technology and applications - Convergence to a tether capability

In this paper, a convergence of interest from many potential tether applications is synthesized into one application that could be satisfied by a tethered satellite capability. This application is the use of a tethered research satellite deployed downward from the Shuttle Orbiter to gather scientific and engineering/technology data about the outer atmosphere from about 90 to 130 km. The atmospheric and aerothermodynamic information needed about this region of the atmosphere is identified, and the specific applications of that information, the tether capability, and the technology needed to gather the data are described.

Anderson, John L.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Heat's on to develop high-temperature materials

An evaluation is made of the state-of-the-art and foreseeable development prospects in high temperature engineering materials applicable to advanced heat engines and other aerothermodynamically affected structures. Attention is given to monocrystal- and microcrystal-producing metal solidification processes, soft oxide and chemically stable fluoride high temperature solid lubricants, polyimide and other high temperature polymers for propulsion system applications, high strength/toughness ceramics for heat engine structural components, thermal barrier coatings, and metal-matrix composites employing refractory matrices as well as reinforcing fibers.

Gray, Hugh R.↗
NASA NTRS1987

The thermal environment of transatmospheric vehicles

A transatmospheric vehicle using primarily air-breathing propulsion must fly in the denser part of the atmosphere to achieve adequate acceleration to reach orbital speed. The potentially long ascent times, combined with the need for a low-drag configuration, result in a severe aerothermodynamics environment. To achieve low drag, the vehicle must have a relatively sharp nose and wing leading edges. The ascent peak stagnation point and equilibrium wall temperatures for the wing leading edge can reach values of 4000 K and 3000 K, respectively, for high dynamic pressure trajectories, making some form of mass addition cooling mandatory. The corresponding temperatures during entry are about 1500 K lower. The vehicle windward centerline temperatures are more moderate, however, with values peaking around 1500 K. Therefore, radiative cooling should be effective over large areas of the vehicle. The windward, centerline heat loads are relatively insensitive to the dynamic pressure of the ascent trajectory, in contrast to the stagnation point and wing leading edge. The windward surface entry heat loads are much lower, but depend strongly on the flightpath.

Tauber, Michael E.↗
NASA NTRS1987

The calculation of high-temperature equilibrium and nonequilibrium specific heat data for N2, O2 and NO

Specific heat data for high-temperature air species are needed to compute the temperature and enthalpy of gas mixtures in aerothermodynamics flowfield calculations. Accurate data are known only for temperatures under 6000 K, but are required for temperatures exceeding 25,000 K. In the present study, CP data are computed for N2, O2 and NO. The calculations are based on summations over all the vibration-rotation energy levels for all known bound electronic states. Estimates are made for the error introduced by the neglect of possible additional high-lying electronic states. In addition, a scheme for the partitioning of the internal energy into vibrational, rotational and electronic contributions is presented which consistently accounts for the nonseparable nature of the various energy modes. The multitemperature specific heat data are recommended for use in nonequilibrium flowfield models.

Jaffe, Richard L.↗