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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 523 records · Page 29

Feasibility of Coupling Between a Single-Mode Elliptical-Core Fiber and a Single Mode Rib Waveguide Over Temperature

To determine the feasibility of coupling the output of an optical fiber to a rib waveguide in a temperature environment ranging from 20 C to 300 C, a theoretical calculation of the coupling efficiency between the two was investigated. This is a significant problem which needs to be addressed to determine whether an integrated optic device can function in a harsh temperature environment. Because the behavior of the integrated-optic device is polarization sensitive, a polarization-preserving optic fiber, via its elliptical core, was used to couple light with a known polarization into the device. To couple light energy efficiently from an optical fiber into a channel waveguide, the design of both components should provide for well-matched electric field profiles. The rib waveguide analyzed was the light input channel of an integrated-optic pressure sensor. Due to the complex geometry of the rib waveguide, there is no analytical solution to the wave equation for the guided modes. Approximation or numerical techniques must be utilized to determine the propagation constants and field patterns of the guide. In this study, three solution methods were used to determine the field profiles of both the fiber and guide: the effective-index method (EIM), Marcatili's approximation, and a Fourier method. These methods were utilized independently to calculate the electric field profile of a rib channel waveguide and elliptical fiber at two temperatures, 20 C and 300 C. These temperatures were chosen to represent a nominal and a high temperature that the device would experience. Using the electric field profile calculated from each method, the theoretical coupling efficiency between the single-mode optical fiber and rib waveguide was calculated using the overlap integral and results of the techniques compared. Initially, perfect alignment was assumed and the coupling efficiency calculated. Then, the coupling efficiency calculation was repeated for a range of transverse offsets at both temperatures. Results of the calculation indicate a high coupling efficiency can be achieved when the two components were properly aligned. The coupling efficiency was more sensitive to alignment offsets in the y direction than the x, due to the elliptical modal profile of both components. Changes in the coupling efficiency over temperature were found to be minimal.

Tuma, Margaret L.↗

Influence of torsional-lateral coupling on stability behavior of geared rotor systems

In high-performance turbomachinery trouble often arises because of unstable nonsynchronous lateral vibrations. The instabilities are mostly caused by oil-film bearings, clearance excitation, internal damping, annular pressure seals in pumps, or labyrinth seals in turbocompressors. In recent times the coupling between torsional and lateral vibrations has been considered as an additional influence. This coupling is of practical importance in geared rotor systems. The literature describes some field problems in geared drive trains where unstable lateral vibrations occurred together with torsional oscillations. This paper studies the influence of the torsional-lateral coupling on the stability behavior of a simple geared system supported by oil-film bearings. The coupling effect is investigated by parameter studies and a sensitivity analysis for the uncoupled and coupled systems.

Schwibinger, P.↗

An integrated approach to the synthesis of geometrically non-linear structures

An integrated approach to the minimum weight design of geometrically nonlinear three-dimensional truss structures with geometric imperfections, subject to inequality constraints on static displacements, stresses, local buckling and cross sectional areas, is investigated. The integrated structural synthesis problem involves design and response quantities as independent variables and equilibrium equations, describing the finite element model, as equality constraints. The nonlinear structural analysis and the optimization are thus merged together into a single process. A computer program developed to compute the constraint values and analytical gradients is coupled with a generalized reduced gradient algorithm to solve the integrated problem. Numerical results for a geometrically nonlinear shallow dome example problem are presented for various types of imperfections. Furthermore, it is found that the algorithm is capable of detecting and guarding against system as well as element elastic instability using equilibrium information only, that is, without imposing system and local buckling inequality constraints.

Smaoui, H.↗

Dynamic Shaping of Grid Response of Multi-Machine Multi-Inverter Systems Through Grid-Forming IBRs

We consider the problem of controlling the frequency response of weakly-coupled multi-machine multi-inverter low-inertia power systems via grid-forming inverter-based resources (IBRs). In contrast to existing methods, our approach relies on dividing the larger system into multiple strongly-coupled subsystems, without ignoring either the underlying network or approximating the subsystem response as an aggregate harmonic mean model. Rather, through a structured clustering and recursive dynamic shaping approach, the frequency response of the overall system to load perturbations is shaped appropriately. We demonstrate the proposed approach for a three-node triangular configuration and a small-scale radial network. Furthermore, previous synchronization analysis for heterogeneous systems requires the machines to satisfy certain proportionality property. In our approach, the effective transfer functions for each cluster can be tuned by the IBRs to satisfy such property, enabling us to apply the shaping control to systems with a wider range of heterogeneous machines.

frequency-shaping control↗

Apollo 14 and 15 missions: Intermittent steerable antenna operation

An attempt was made to determine the cause of antenna tracking interruptions during Apollo 14 and Apollo 15 missions prior to powered descent, and after ascent from the lunar surface but before rendezvous. Probable causes examined include: (1) amplitude modulation on the uplink radio frequency carrier, (2) noise capacitively or inductively coupled into the track error line, and (3) hardware problems resulting in tracking loop instabilities. It was determined that amplitude modulation caused the antenna oscillations. The corrective procedures taken are given.

Source record↗

Models of Jovian decametric radiation

We present a critical review of theoretical models of Jovian decametric radiation, with particular emphasis on the Io-modulated emission. The problem is divided into three broad aspects: the mechanism coupling Io's orbital motion to the inner exosphere, the consequent instability mechanism by which electromagnetic waves are amplified, and the subsequent propagation of the waves in the source region and the Jovian plasmasphere. At present there exists no comprehensive theory that treats all of these aspects quantitatively within a single framework. Acceleration of particles by plasma sheaths near Io appears to be a promising explanation for the coupling mechanism, while most of the properties of the emission may be explained in the context of cyclotron instability of a highly anisotropic distribution of streaming particles. The present state of the theory is evaluated, and some suggested approaches for future work are discussed.

Smith, R. A.↗

Space Shuttle Orbiter audio subsystem

The selection of the audio multiplex control configuration for the Space Shuttle Orbiter audio subsystem is discussed and special attention is given to the evaluation criteria of cost, weight and complexity. The specifications and design of the subsystem are described and detail is given to configurations of the audio terminal and audio central control unit (ATU, ACCU). The audio input from the ACCU, at a signal level of -12.2 to 14.8 dBV, nominal range, at 1 kHz, was found to have balanced source impedance and a balanced local impedance of 6000 + or - 600 ohms at 1 kHz, dc isolated. The Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center (JSC) electroacoustic test laboratory, an audio engineering facility consisting of a collection of acoustic test chambers, analyzed problems of speaker and headset performance, multiplexed control data coupled with audio channels, and the Orbiter cabin acoustic effects on the operational performance of voice communications. This system allows technical management and project engineering to address key constraining issues, such as identifying design deficiencies of the headset interface unit and the assessment of the Orbiter cabin performance of voice communications, which affect the subsystem development.

Stewart, C. H.↗

High speed cylindrical rolling element bearing analysis 'CYBEAN' - Analytic formulation

This paper documents the analytic foundation and software architecture for the computerized mathematical simulation of high speed cylindrical rolling element bearing behavior. The software, CYBEAN (CYlindrical BEaring ANalysis), considers a flexible, variable geometry outer ring, EHD films, roller centrifugal and quasidynamic loads, roller tilt and skew, mounting fits, cage and flange interactions. The representation includes both steady state and time transient simulation of thermal interactions internal to and coupled with the surroundings of the bearing. A sample problem illustrating program use is presented.

Kleckner, R. J.↗

Experiments using atmospheric forcing from a FGGE analysis to drive an upper ocean model

Results are presented of a series of numerical experiments in which an upper ocean model is driven by surface heat fluxes and stress fields derived from the FGGE SOP-1 GLAS analysis/forecast system (Halem, et al., 1982). The model results show that most changes in the mixed layer height and horizontal velocity occurs in the first days. On the other hand, changes in the temperature field take a longer time to develop. In the most realistic case (real initial conditions, instantaneous forcing fields from the atmospheric analysis), the resulting changes in temperature were larger than observed and the correlation between observed and predicted changes was poor. The deficiency in the forecast of SST changes may be due to several factors: lack of sufficient ocean resolution, improper initialization, lack of feedback between the ocean and the atmosphere and the absence of transports by the strong boundary currents, and perhaps unrealistic surface fluxes of heat and momentum. Unless these problems are alleviated it is not reasonable to perform coupled atmospheric ocean forecasts.

Camerlengo, A.↗

Interaction of the ABL with stratocumulus and cumulus cloud layers, appendix N

The role of the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) over the oceans which in the general circulation of the atmosphere is to supply moisture to cumulus and stratus clouds is outlined. In extreme weather events, such as powerful storms and intense droughts, the primary role of the ABL is to supply or deny moisture to the weather system. Even for routine weather regimes, cloudiness and precipitation are key elements of any forecast. The premier problem for ABL parameterization is to formulate the physical coupling between the ABL turbulence and the clouds.

Randall, D. A.↗

Mixed time integration schemes for transient conduction forced-convection analysis

A partition procedure for forced-convection conduction transient problems is presented. Mixed time partitions are defined wherein coupled conduction force-matrix equations are discretized using an implicit integration method, followed by derivation of a mixed time integration technique. Explicit-implicit and explicit-explicit partitions are performed for a stability analysis for transient conditions, e.g., those found in an actively air-cooled engine and airframe structure.

Liu, W. K.↗

Improved method for solving the viscous shock layer equations

An improved method for solving the viscous shock layer equations for supersonic/hypersonic flows past blunt-nosed bodies is presented. The method is capable of handling slender to thick bodies. The solution is obtained by solving a coupled set of five equations, built of the four basic viscous shock layer equations and an additional equation for the standoff distance. The coupling of the equations prevents the local iterations divergence problems encountered by previous methods of solution far downstream on slender bodies. It also eliminates the need for local iterations, which were required by previous methods of solution, for a first-order scheme in the streamwise direction. A new global iteration procedure is employed to impose the shock boundary conditions. The procedure prevents the global iteration instability encountered by the basic method of solution and improves the convergence rate of the global iteration procedure of later methods devised to overcome this difficulty. The new technique reduces the computation time by 65-95 percent as compared to previous methods of solution. The method can efficiently be implemented in vector/parallel computers.

Gordon, Rachel↗

STS-99 Flight Day 04 Highlights and Crew Activities Report

The primary objective of the STS-99 mission was to complete high resolution mapping of large sections of the Earth's surface using the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), a specially modified radar system. This radar system produced unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's Surface. The mission was launched at 12:31 on February 11, 2000 onboard the space shuttle Endeavour. and led by Commander Kevin Kregel. The crew was Pilot Dominic L. Pudwill Gorie and Mission Specialists Janet L. Kavandi, Janice E. Voss, Mamoru Mohri from the National Space Development Agency (Japanese Space Agency), and Gerhard P. J. Thiele from DARA (German Space Agency).On the fourth day of the mission the blue team's Dominic Gorie led off the day's tape with a brief memorial to Charles Schultz, as he spoke of some of the vessels that were named for characters in Peanuts, and called to mind the Silver Snoopy, one of the highest awards NASA bestows. Janice Voss answered a couple of questions sent over the internet about a problem with a small thruster on the end of the 200 foot long mast. Mamoru Mohri talks about the EarthKam. Gerhard Thiele and Janet Kavandi describe the process of achieving the digital map of the entire world. At the end of the videotape some of the recently released views from the SRTM are shown. These include shots of the South Island of New Zealand.

Source record↗

Effects of Inert Dust Clouds on the Extinction of Strained, Laminar Flames at Normal and Micro Gravity

A combined experimental and detailed numerical study was conducted on the interaction between chemically inert solid particles and strained, atmospheric methane/air and propane/air laminar flames, both premixed and non-premixed. Experimentally, the opposed jet configuration was used with the addition of a particle seeder capable of operating in conditions of varying gravity. The particle seeding system was calibrated under both normal and micro gravity and a noticeable gravitational effect was observed. Flame extinction experiments were conducted at normal gravity by seeding inert particles at various number densities and sizes into the reacting gas phase. Experimental data were taken for 20 and 37 (mu) nickel alloy and 25 and 60 (mu) aluminum oxide particles. The experiments were simulated by solving along the stagnation streamline the conservation equations of mass, momentum, energy, and species conservation for both phases, with detailed descriptions of chemical kinetics, molecular transport, and thermal radiation. The experimental data were compared with numerical simulations, and insight was provided into the effects on extinction of the fuel type, equivalence ratio, flame configuration, strain rate. particle type. particle size. particle mass, delivery rate. the orientation of particle injection with respect to the flame and gravity. It was found that for the same injected solid mass, larger particles can result in more effective flame cooling compared to smaller particles, despite the fact that equivalent masses of the larger particles have smaller total surface area to volume ratio. This counter-intuitive finding resulted from the fact that the heat exchange between the two phases is controlled by the synergistic effect of the total contact area and the temperature difference between the two phases. Results also demonstrate that meaningful scaling of interactions between the two phases may not be possible due to the complexity of the couplings between the dynamic and thermal parameters of the problem.

Andac, M. Gurhan↗

Uncertainty Determination for Aeroheating in Uranus and Saturn Probe Entries by the Monte Carlo Method

The 2013-2022 Decaedal survey for planetary exploration has identified probe missions to Uranus and Saturn as high priorities. This work endeavors to examine the uncertainty for determining aeroheating in such entry environments. Representative entry trajectories are constructed using the TRAJ software. Flowfields at selected points on the trajectories are then computed using the Data Parallel Line Relaxation (DPLR) Computational Fluid Dynamics Code. A Monte Carlo study is performed on the DPLR input parameters to determine the uncertainty in the predicted aeroheating, and correlation coefficients are examined to identify which input parameters show the most influence on the uncertainty. A review of the present best practices for input parameters (e.g. transport coefficient and vibrational relaxation time) is also conducted. It is found that the 2(sigma) - uncertainty for heating on Uranus entry is no more than 2.1%, assuming an equilibrium catalytic wall, with the uncertainty being determined primarily by diffusion and H(sub 2) recombination rate within the boundary layer. However, if the wall is assumed to be partially or non-catalytic, this uncertainty may increase to as large as 18%. The catalytic wall model can contribute over 3x change in heat flux and a 20% variation in film coefficient. Therefore, coupled material response/fluid dynamic models are recommended for this problem. It was also found that much of this variability is artificially suppressed when a constant Schmidt number approach is implemented. Because the boundary layer is reacting, it is necessary to employ self-consistent effective binary diffusion to obtain a correct thermal transport solution. For Saturn entries, the 2(sigma) - uncertainty for convective heating was less than 3.7%. The major uncertainty driver was dependent on shock temperature/velocity, changing from boundary layer thermal conductivity to diffusivity and then to shock layer ionization rate as velocity increases. While radiative heating for Uranus entry was negligible, the nominal solution for Saturn computed up to 20% radiative heating at the highest velocity examined. The radiative heating followed a non-normal distribution, with up to a 3x variation in magnitude. This uncertainty is driven by the H(sub 2) dissociation rate, as H(sub 2) that persists in the hot non-equilibrium zone contributes significantly to radiation.

Palmer, Grant↗

Dynamic Shaping of Grid Response of Multi-Machine Multi-Inverter Systems Through Grid-Forming IBRs: Preprint

We consider the problem of controlling the frequency response of weakly-coupled multi-machine multi-inverter low-inertia power systems via grid-forming inverter-based resources (IBRs). In contrast to existing methods, our approach relies on dividing the larger system into multiple strongly-coupled subsystems, without ignoring either the underlying network or approximating the subsystem response as an aggregate harmonic mean model. Rather, through a structured clustering and recursive dynamic shaping approach, the frequency response of the overall system to load perturbations is shaped appropriately. We demonstrate the proposed approach for a three-node triangular configuration and a small-scale radial network. Furthermore, for small-scale radial microgrids, we demonstrate the ability of IBRs to tune the effective transfer functions of synchronous machines. This enables us to relax the uniform turbine time-constant assumptions and widen the scope of existing synchronization results for proportionally heterogeneous machines.

frequency-shaping control↗

Frequency-Weighting Filter Selection, for H2 Control of Microgravity Isolation Systems: A Consideration of the "Implicit Frequency Weighting" Problem

Many space-science experiments need an active isolation system to provide them with the requisite microgravity environment. The isolation systems planned for use with the International Space Station (ISS) have been appropriately modeled using relative position, relative velocity, and acceleration states. In theory, frequency-weighting design filters can be applied to these state-space models, in order to develop optimal H2 or mixed-norm controllers with desired stability and performance characteristics. In practice, however, since there is a kinematic relationship among the various states, any frequency weighting applied to one state will implicitly weight other states. These implicit frequency-weighting effects must be considered, for intelligent frequency-weighting filter assignment. This paper suggests a rational approach to the assignment of frequency-weighting design filters, in the presence of the kinematic coupling among states that exists in the microgravity vibration isolation problem.

Hampton, Roy David↗