Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “LUBRICATION SYSTEM”

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 433 records · Page 24

Nonmetallic Material Compatibility with Liquid Fluorine

Static tests were made on the compatibility of liquid fluorine with several nonmetallic materials at -3200 F and at pressures of 0 and 1500 pounds per square inch gage. The results are compared with those from previous work with gaseous fluorine at the same pressures, but at atmospheric temperature. In general, although environmental effects were not always consistent, reactivity was least with the low-temperature, low-pressure liquid fluorine. Reactivity was greatest with the warm, high-pressure gaseous fluorine. None of the liquids and greases tested was found to be entirely suitable for use in fluorine systems. Polytrifluorochloroethylene and N-43, the formula for which is (C4F9)3N, did not react with liquid fluorine at atmospheric pressure or 1500 pounds per square inch gage under static conditions, but they did react when injected into liquid fluorine at 1500 pounds per square inch gage; they also reacted with gaseous fluorine at 1500 pounds per square inch gage. While water did not react with liquid fluorine at 1500 pounds per square inch gage, it is known to react violently with fluorine under other conditions. The pipe-thread lubricant Q-Seal did not react with liquid fluorine, but did react with gaseous fluorine at 1500 pounds per square inch gage. Of the solids, ruby (Al2O3) and Teflon did not react under the test conditions. The results show that the compatibility of fluorine with nonmetals depends on the state of the fluorine and the system design.

Price, Harold G , Jr↗

Broad Compatibility Study of Polymeric Materials with Ionic Silver Biocide, Part I

NASA is considering ionic silver as a residual biocide for use in potable water systems being planned for future exploration spacecraft. Compatibility of the biocide with the system’s wetted-materials of construction remains a challenge. Due to the relatively inert nature of plastics, their use in varied water system applications may offer unique opportunities to address many biocide compatibility issues. A 2020 ICES paper described a “Stage 1” assessment of several polymeric materials, in which coupons having a 2 cm 1 surface to volume ratio were exposed to solutions of 400 parts per billion (ppb) aqueous silver fluoride (AgF) for one week. In this current paper, additional Stage 1 test results are presented for select epoxies and lubricants applied on silver-inert substrates. The coupon exposure studies were also expanded to a duration of 5 weeks for the “well-behaved” Stage 1 plastics previously reported: those exhibiting silver losses above 10% and less than 50%. For this type of Stage 2 testing, silver biocide solution samples are taken from three separate (and not previously-sampled) coupon containers after 3 days, and 2, 3, 4, and 5 weeks of exposure. "Very well-behaved" Stage 1 plastics will be tested in the same manner over one year, with longer sample intervals; early-period results are included here. In addition, for select materials, the coupons were “aged” by refilling test containers with fresh AgF and observing the respective silver uptake over similar Stage 2 test durations. For all test series, Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) and ion-selective electrode (ISE) analyses were used to determine total and ionic silver (Ag+) concentrations, respectively. Additional sample analyses for Stage 2 tests includes total organic carbon (TOC), pH, conductivity, and oxidation-reduction potential (ORP). Ultimately, these early compatibility studies will be used to guide future material selections for developing silver biocide-compatible spacecraft water systems.

Silver Biocide↗

The mechanisms of the SAMS experiment flown on Nimbus 7 with particular reference to the 2 axis scanning mirror

The stratospheric and mesospheric sounder (SAMS) experiment on Nimbus 7 includes a 2 axis scanning mirror and 7 pressure modulator cells. The SAMS experiment is a limb sounding instrument to measure the temperature profile and minor constituents of the atmosphere. The limb scan requires small mirror steps over a 3 deg range, while the scan in azimuth is in larger steps over a 15 deg range. The mirror is plane, 20 cm in diameter, and of zero expansion glass-ceramic. It is supported on two tilt tables, fitted one on the other, with the axes at right angles. The angle of tilt is adjusted by means of recirculating ball screws which are ion plated with lead for lubrication and driven by stepper motors. The seven gas filled cells are each pressure modulated by a 3 cm diameter, 0.3 cm stroke piston which is supported by diaphragm springs and driven electromagnetically at the system's mechanical resonant frequency. The mean pressure of the filling gas, which is the atmospheric constituent being measured, is changed by varying the temperature of a suitable molecular sieve.

Hadley, H.↗

PLANETSYS, a Computer Program for the Steady State and Transient Thermal Analysis of a Planetary Power Transmission System: User's Manual

The material presented is structured to guide the user in the practical and correct implementation of PLANETSYS which is capable of simulating the thermomechanical performance of a multistage planetary power transmission. In this version of PLANETSYS, the user can select either SKF or NASA models in calculating lubricant film thickness and traction forces.

Hadden, G. B.↗

Computer program for analysis of high speed, single row, angular contact, spherical roller bearing, SASHBEAN. Volume 2: Mathematical formulation and analysis

Spherical roller bearings have typically been used in applications with speeds limited to about 5000 rpm and loads limited for operation at less than about 0.25 million DN. However, spherical roller bearings are now being designed for high load and high speed applications including aerospace applications. A computer program, SASHBEAN, was developed to provide an analytical tool to design, analyze, and predict the performance of high speed, single row, angular contact (including zero contact angle), spherical roller bearings. The material presented is the mathematical formulation and analytical methods used to develop computer program SASHBEAN. For a given set of operating conditions, the program calculates the bearings ring deflections (axial and radial), roller deflections, contact areas stresses, depth and magnitude of maximum shear stresses, axial thrust, rolling element and cage rotational speeds, lubrication parameters, fatigue lives, and rates of heat generation. Centrifugal forces and gyroscopic moments are fully considered. The program is also capable of performing steady-state and time-transient thermal analyses of the bearing system.

Aggarwal, Arun K.↗

Direct Numerical Simulation of Wetting and Spreading Behavior on Heterogeneous and Roughened Substrates

A method of calculation is presented that allows the simulation of the time-dependent three-dimensional motion of thin liquid layers on solid substrates for systems with finite equilibrium contact angles. The contact angle is a prescribed function of position on the substrate. Similar mathematical models are constructed for substrates with a pattern of roughness. Evolution equations are given, using the lubrication approximation, that include viscous, capillary and disjoining forces. Motion to and from dry substrate regions is made possible by use of a thin energetically-stable wetting layer. We simulate motion on heterogeneous substrates with periodic arrays of high contact-angle patches. Two different problems are treated for heterogenous substrates. The first is spontaneous motion driven only by wetting forces. If the contact-angle difference is sufficiently high, the droplet can find several different stable positions, depending on the previous history of the motion. A second simulation treats a forced cyclical motion. Energy dissipation per cycle for a heterogeneous substrate is found to be larger than for a uniform substrate with the same total energy. The Landau-Levich solution for plate removal from a liquid bath is extended to account for a pattern of roughness on the plate.

Schwartz, Leonard W.↗

Damping characteristics of a liquid squeeze film.

Consideration of the damping characteristics of a liquid film located between two nearly parallel plane surfaces in relative normal motion which are always closely spaced compared to the dimensions describing the area of the two like surfaces. It was found that if the motion is slow enough (about 3 centipoise or less), the fluid inertia can be neglected and the resulting fluid flow conforms to Reynold's lubrication theory. Experiments were also carried out to determine how the damping factor of a liquid squeeze film varies with film viscosity, film thickness, amplitude, and frequency under free vibration of a single-degree-of-freedom system. The data are compared to computer solutions of the nonlinear differential equation of motion. With other variables held constant, the damping factor was found to decrease as the plate spacing is increased, decrease as the viscosity is decreased, and increase as the initial spacing is decreased.

Yabe, T.↗

Research report: User's manual for computer program AT81y003 SHABERTH. Steady state and transient thermal analysis of a shaft bearing system including ball, cylindrical and tapered roller bearings

The SHABERTH program is capable of simulating the thermomechanical performance of a load support system consisting of a flexible shaft supported by up to five rolling element bearings. Any combination of ball, cylindrical, and tapered roller bearings can be used to support the shaft. The user can select models in calculating lubricant film thickness and traction forces. The formulation of the cage pocket/rolling element interaction model was revised to improve solution numerical convergence characteristics.

Hadden, G. B.↗

Suitability of commercially available laboratory cryogenic refrigerators to support shipboard electro-optical systems in the 10 - 77 Kelvin region

The primary development of cryogenically cooled infrared systems was accomplished by FLIR systems designed for airborne, passive night vision. Essential to the development of these FLIR systems was a family of closed cycle refrigerators which had to meet a limited envelope requirement, utilize a nonlubricated compressor module, and be light in weight. Closed cycle refrigerators accomplished the same cooling function, they use modified oil lubricated reciprocating compressors which are limited in their axis of orientation to an angle of approximately 15-20 degrees maximum from horizon.

Hansen, R. G.↗

COP improvement of refrigerator/freezers, air-conditioners, and heat pumps using nonazeotropic refrigerant mixtures

With the February, 1992 announcement by President Bush to move the deadline for outlawing CFC (chloro-fluoro-carbon) refrigerants from the year 2000 to the year 1996, the refrigeration and air-conditioning industries have been accelerating their efforts to find alternative refrigerants. Many of the alternative refrigerants being evaluated require synthetic lubricants, are less efficient, and have toxicity problems. One option to developing new, alternative refrigerants is to combine existing non-CFC refrigerants to form a nonazeotropic mixture, with the concentration optimized for the given application so that system COP (Coefficient Of Performance) may be maintained or even improved. This paper will discuss the dilemma that industry is facing regarding CFC phase-out and the problems associated with CFC alternatives presently under development. A definition of nonazeotropic mixtures will be provided, and the characteristics and COP benefits of nonazeotropic refrigerant mixtures will be explained using thermodynamic principles. Limitations and disadvantages of nonazeotropic mixtures will be discussed, and example systems using such mixtures will be reviewed.

Westra, Douglas G.↗

Current Status of Hybrid Bearing Damage Detection

Advances in material development and processing have led to the introduction of ceramic hybrid bearings for many applications. The introduction of silicon nitride hybrid bearings into the high pressure oxidizer turbopump, on the space shuttle main engine, led NASA to solve a highly persistent and troublesome bearing problem. Hybrid bearings consist of ceramic balls and steel races. The majority of hybrid bearings utilize Si3N4 balls. The aerospace industry is currently studying the use of hybrid bearings and naturally the failure modes of these bearings become an issue in light of the limited data available. In today s turbine engines and helicopter transmissions, the health of the bearings is detected by the properties of the debris found in the lubrication line when damage begins to occur. Current oil debris sensor technology relies on the magnetic properties of the debris to detect damage. Since the ceramic rolling elements of hybrid bearings have no metallic properties, a new sensing system must be developed to indicate the system health if ceramic components are to be safely implemented in aerospace applications. The ceramic oil debris sensor must be capable of detecting ceramic and metallic component damage with sufficient reliability and forewarning to prevent a catastrophic failure. The objective of this research is to provide a background summary on what is currently known about hybrid bearing failure modes and to report preliminary results on the detection of silicon nitride debris, in oil, using a commercial particle counter.

Dempsey, Paula J.↗

Kinetic Friction of Non-Coalescing and Non- Wetting Drops

This project has focused on the experimental determination of the frictional forces associated with noncoalescing and nonwetting systems. In particular, the focus has been on friction associated with an isothermal nonwetting droplet sliding on a solid surface. The nonwetting phenomenon is driven by the establishment of a thin (of order microns in thickness) layer of lubricating gas that is swept by viscous action into the space between the liquid and solid, preventing them from coming into contact. The mechanism has been described in the review article by Neitzel & Dell'Aversana (2002). The work performed under this NASA GSRP sponsorship extends work done by Dell'Aversana & Neitzel (2004) on the load-carrying capacities of thermocapillary nonwetting droplets for a given relative displacement of the two surfaces in question.

Neitzel, G. paul↗

Lewis Research Center R and D Facilities

The NASA Lewis Research Center (LeRC) defines and develops advanced technology for high priority national needs. The work of the Center is directed toward new propulsion, power, and communications technologies for application to aeronautics and space, so that U.S. leadership in these areas is ensured. The end product is knowledge, usually in a report, that is made fully available to potential users--the aircraft engine industry, the energy industry, the automotive industry, the space industry, and other NASA centers. In addition to offices and laboratories for almost every kind of physical research in such fields as fluid mechanics, physics, materials, fuels, combustion, thermodynamics, lubrication, heat transfer, and electronics, LeRC has a variety of engineering test cells for experiments with components such as compressors, pumps, conductors, turbines, nozzles, and controls. A number of large facilities can simulate the operating environment for a complete system: altitude chambers for aircraft engines; large supersonic wind tunnels for advanced airframes and propulsion systems; space simulation chambers for electric rockets or spacecraft; and a 420-foot-deep zero-gravity facility for microgravity experiments. Some problems are amenable to detection and solution only in the complete system and at essentially full scale. By combining basic research in pertinent disciplines and generic technologies with applied research on components and complete systems, LeRC has become one of the most productive centers in its field in the world. This brochure describes a number of the facilities that provide LeRC with its exceptional capabilities.

Source record↗

Parameter identification of a rotor supported in a pressurized bearing lubricated with water

A rig for testing an externally pressurized (hydrostatic), water-lubricated bearing was developed. Applying a nonsynchronous sweep frequency, rotating perturbation force with a constant amplitude as an input, rotor vibration response data was acquired in Bode and Dynamic Stiffness formats. Using this data, the parameters of the rotor/bearing system were identified. The rotor/bearing model was represented by the generalized (modal) parameters of the first lateral mode, with the rotational character of the fluid force taken into account.

Grant, John W.↗

NASA gear research and its probable effect on rotorcraft transmission design

The NASA Lewis Research Center devised a comprehensive gear technology research program beginning in 1969, the results of which are being integrated into the NASA civilian Helicopter Transmission System Technology Program. Attention is given to the results of this gear research and those programs which are presently being undertaken. In addition, research programs studying pitting fatigue, gear steels and processing, life prediction methods, gear design and dynamics, elastohydrodynamic lubrication, lubrication methods and gear noise are presented. Finally, the impact of advanced gear research technology on rotorcraft transmission design is discussed.

Zaretsky, E. V.↗

Effects of long-term exposure on LDEF fastener assemblies

This presentation summarizes the Systems Special Investigations Group (SIG) findings from testing and analysis of fastener assemblies used on the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) structure, the tray mounting clamps, and by the various experimenters. The LDEF deintegration team and several experimenters noted severe fastener damage and hardware removal difficulties during post-flight activities. The System SIG has investigated all reported instances, and in all cases examined to date, the difficulties were attributed to galling during installation or post-flight removal. To date, no evidence of coldwelding was found. Correct selection of materials and lubricants as well as proper mechanical procedures is essential to ensure successful on-orbit or post-flight installation and removal of hardware.

Spear, Steve↗

Actively controlled shaft seals for aerospace applications

An electronically controlled mechanical seal for use as the purge gas seal in a liquid oxygen turbo pump has been fabricated and tested under transient operating conditions. The thickness of the lubricating film is controlled by adjusting the coning of the carbon face. This is accomplished by applying a voltage to a piezoelectric actuator to which the carbon face is bonded. The seal has been operated with a closed-loop control system that utilizes either the leakage rate or the seal face temperature as the feedback. Both speed and pressure transients have been imposed on the seal. The transient tests have demonstrated that the seal is capable of maintaining low leakage rates while limiting the face temperatures.

Salant, Richard F.↗

Electronically controlled mechanical seal for aerospace applications--Part 2: Transient tests

An electronically controlled mechanical seal for use as the purge gas seal in a liquid oxygen turbopump has been fabricated and tested under transient operating conditions. The thickness of the lubricating film is controlled by adjusting the coning of the carbon face. This is accomplished by applying a voltage to a piezoelectric actuator to which the carbon face is bonded. The seal has been operated with a closed-loop control system that utilizes either the leakage rate or seal face temperature as the feedback. Both speed and pressure transients have been imposed on the seal. The transient tests have demonstrated that the seal is capable of maintaing low leakage rates while limiting face temperatures.

Wolff, Paul J.↗