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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 55 records · Page 3

Seeding Mechanism for High-Pressure Nozzles

NASA tests new launch and entry vehicle configurations in wind tunnels, where flow visualizations and quantitative flow field measurements are often desired. Some of these vehicles have rocket motors for propulsion, retro-propulsion, or reaction control. Unseeded,high-pressure air is often used to simulate these rocket motor plumes. However, it is difficult to make off-body measurements in these regions, for several reasons. First, the plumes themselves are usually unseeded and at such low pressures that the flow velocity cannot currently be measured. Second, the plumes displace seeded tunnel air, preventing measurements such as laser sheet visualizations. Third, they force shock waves ahead of the vehicle, which melts the ice crystal fog commonly used for many visualization and measurement techniques. The Virginia Tech Advanced Propulsion and Power Lab has designed and tested a novel method for seeding the flow in these small-scale, high-pressure nozzles to allow quantitative measurement with a particle-based measurement such as particle image velocimetry (PIV). The method involves a Venturi contraction to draw the seed liquid out of a reservoir and into the nozzle channel, wherein shearing forces atomize the seed into particles. The concept was tested with a laser sheet visualization, which showed the nozzle spray pattern and the controllability of the seeding flow rate. This relatively inexpensive and simple technique may prove useful in wind tunnel experiments involving particle-based laser diagnostics and small, high-pressure nozzles.

particle image velocimetry↗

Development of the Seeding System Used for Laser Velocimeter Surveys of the NASA Low-Speed Centrifugal Compressor Flow Field

Consideration is given to an atomizer-based system for distributing high-volume rates of polystyrene latex (PSL) seed material developed to support laser velocimeter investigations of the NASA Low-Speed Compressor flow field. Complete evaporation of the liquid carrier before the flow entering the compressor was of primary concern for the seeder system design. It is argued that the seed nozzle should incorporate a needle valve that can mechanically dislodge accumulated PSL seed material when the nozzle is turned off. Water is less expensive as the liquid carrier and should be used whenever adequate residence times are available to ensure complete evaporation. PSL agglomerates over time and needs to be mixed or blended before use. Arrangement of the spray nozzles needs to be adjustable to provide maximum seeding at the laser probe volume.

Wasserbauer, C. A.↗

A scalable approach of using biomass derived glycerol to synthesize cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Glycerol, a main byproduct of biodiesel, was used as the fuel agent in a scalable flame-assisted spray pyrolysis approach to synthesize micron-size cathode materials. Single droplet combustion, particle morphology, and electrochemical performance were examined considering the effects of salt concentration, water addition, and post-annealing time on synthesizing Li(Ni 1/3 Co 1/3 Mn 1/3 )O 2 (NCM111) cathode materials. Single droplet tests showed that a sufficient amount of water in the glycerol-based precursor could delay droplet inflation and ignition. Moreover, using a two-fluid atomization nozzle, spray tests demonstrated that adding water would result in less wrinkled and more uniform particles. Nevertheless, increasing water proportion in the precursor could reduce the reaction heat, resulting in that samples prepared with water addition needed longer post-annealing time to improve their electrochemical performance. Using the precursor without water, the best performed NCM111 cathode material was synthesized with only 2 h of post-annealing. It has a discharge capacity of 163.3 mAh/g at 0.1C and 85.5% capacity retention at 1C after 100 cycles. Furthermore, the current work confirmed the capability of using glycerol as a sustainable fuel agent to synthesize NCM111 cathode materials, and also provided basic conditions for the development of large-scale production in the future.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Numerical Modeling of No Vent Filling of a Cryogenic Tank

This paper presents a multi-node finite volume model of the chilling and filling of a cryogenic tank using the Generalized Fluid System Simulation Program (GFSSP), a general purpose flow network code. Vented Chill and No Vent Fill (VCNVF) tests were conducted at Marshall Space Flight Center where a flight-like tank was filled with liquid nitrogen from a supply tank. In the VCNVF tests, the tank was partially chilled while the vent valve was open. After the partial chilling, the vent valve was closed and the tank was filled without any venting. An integrated numerical model of the test set up was developed. The model included the transfer line from the supply tank, the target tank with the spray nozzle and solid walls, and the discharge line with the vent valve. The tank was discretized into multiple fluid nodes and branches to represent the ullage and liquid nitrogen and multiple solid nodes to represent the tank wall and structure. The heat transfer between solid to fluid was calculated from pool boiling correlations which include film, transition, and nucleate boiling, as well as natural convection during pre- and post-boiling. The model also accounts for the condensation of vapor in the tank when it comes in contact with the liquid spray. The predicted pressure, resident mass, wall and ullage temperature in the tank were compared with the test data.

Alok Majumdar↗

Numerical Modeling of No Vent Filling of a Cryogenic Tank

This paper presents a multi-node finite volume model of the chilling and filling of a cryogenic tank using the Generalized Fluid System Simulation Program (GFSSP), a general purpose flow network code. Vented Chill and No Vent Fill (VCNVF) tests were conducted at Marshall Space Flight Center where a flight-like tank was filled with liquid nitrogen from a supply tank. In the VCNVF tests, the tank was partially chilled while the vent valve was open. After the partial chilling, the vent valve was closed and the tank was filled without any venting. An integrated numerical model of the test set up was developed. The model included the transfer line from the supply tank, the target tank with the spray nozzle and solid walls, and the discharge line with the vent valve. The tank was discretized into multiple fluid nodes and branches to represent the ullage and liquid nitrogen and multiple solid nodes to represent the tank wall and structure. The heat transfer between solid to fluid was calculated from pool boiling correlations which include film, transition, and nucleate boiling, as well as natural convection during pre- and post-boiling. The model also accounts for the condensation of vapor in the tank when it comes in contact with the liquid spray. The predicted pressure, resident mass, wall and ullage temperature in the tank were compared with the test data.

Alok Majumdar↗

PSL Icing Facility Upgrade Overview

The NASA Glenn Research Center Propulsion Systems Lab (PSL) was recently upgraded to perform engine inlet ice crystal testing in an altitude environment. The system installed 10 spray bars in the inlet plenum for ice crystal generation using 222 spray nozzles. As an altitude test chamber, the PSL is capable of simulating icing events at altitude in a groundtest facility. The system was designed to operate at altitudes from 4,000 to 40,000 ft at Mach numbers up to 0.8M and inlet total temperatures from -60 to +15 degF. This paper and presentation will be part of a series of presentations on PSL Icing and will cover the development of the icing capability through design, developmental testing, installation, initial calibration, and validation engine testing. Information will be presented on the design criteria and process, spray bar developmental testing at Cox and Co., system capabilities, and initial calibration and engine validation test. The PSL icing system was designed to provide NASA and the icing community with a facility that could be used for research studies of engine icing by duplicating in-flight events in a controlled ground-test facility. With the system and the altitude chamber we can produce flight conditions and cloud environments to simulate those encountered in flight. The icing system can be controlled to set various cloud uniformities, droplet median volumetric diameter (MVD), and icing water content (IWC) through a wide variety of conditions. The PSL chamber can set altitudes, Mach numbers, and temperatures of interest to the icing community and also has the instrumentation capability of measuring engine performance during icing testing. PSL last year completed the calibration and initial engine validation of the facility utilizing a Honeywell ALF502-R5 engine and has duplicated in-flight roll back conditions experienced during flight testing. This paper will summarize the modifications and buildup of the facility to accomplish these tests.

Griffin, Thomas A.↗

Thermodynamic performance testing of the orbiter flash evaporator system

System level testing of the space shuttle orbiter's development flash evaporator system (FES) was performed in a thermal vacuum chamber capable of simulating ambient ascent, orbital, and entry temperature and pressure profiles. The test article included the evaporator assembly, high load and topping exhaust duct and nozzle assemblies, and feedwater supply assembly. Steady state and transient heat load, water pressure/temperature and ambient pressure/temperature profiles were imposed by especially designed supporting test hardware. Testing in 1978 verified evaporator and duct heater thermal design, determined FES performance boundaries, and assessed topping evaporator plume characteristics. Testing in 1979 combined the FES with the other systems in the orbiter active thermal control subsystem (ATCS). The FES met or exceeded all nominal and contingency performance requirements during operation with the integrated ATCS. During both tests stability problems were encountered during steady state operations which resulted in subsequent design changes to the water spray nozzle and valve plate assemblies.

Jaax, J. R.↗

Effectiveness of Rain Cleaning on Artificially Soiled PV Modules With and Without Anti-Soiling Coatings

A simple, inexpensive methodology for testing the effectiveness of rain cleaning on artificially soiled single-cell and multi-cell photovoltaic (PV) modules having anti-soiling coatings has been developed. Using an indoor soil deposition chamber and methodology as described in our previously published work, multiple layers of soil were deposited on to the glass surface of single-cell PV modules subjected to controlled temperature and humidity cycles. Three single-cell monocrystalline PV modules are reported in this study, two of which had different anti-soiling (AS) coatings applied to the surface and the third did not have any AS coating. The set-up and operation of a rain-simulator is described as well as the rain cleaning parameters the PV test modules were exposed to. The purpose of this work is to determine the effectiveness of anti-soiling coatings and cleaning techniques, so vendor claims can be quantitatively validated using an appropriately controlled soil deposition chamber and a rain simulating spray nozzle.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Ion sources for electric propulsion

Ion systems, which accelerate ions of Cs, Hg, or colloid particles by electrostatic fields, are furthest advanced and ready for application. Four kinds of ion sources have been developed: The contact ionization source for Cs as propellants, the electron bombardment source for Cs or Hg, the RF ionization source for Hg, and the hollow needle spray nozzle for colloidal glycerol particles. In each case, the ion beam must be neutralized by injection of electrons shortly behind the exit orifice to avoid adverse space charge effects.

Stuhlinger, E.↗

Modifications that improve performance of a double annular combustor at simulated engine idle conditions

Techniques were evaluated to determine if simple combustor modifications could be used to reduce the engine ground idle emissions of a double annular combustor designed for Mach 3.0 cruise operation. These techniques were radial fuel staging, the use of radial-inflow rather than axial-flow air swirlers, and the optimization of fuel-nozzle spray angle and differential pressure. Radial fuel staging and the use of radial-inflow air swirlers significantly improved performance at two ground idle test conditions simulating both low- and high-compression ratio engines.

Schultz, D. F.↗

Mixing ingredients in foam dispenser

Mixing insert built into nozzle blends fluids so that nozzle sprays homogeneous mixture. Simple construction of dispenser makes cleanup easy.

Simpson, W. G.↗

Scanning radiometer for measurement of forward-scattered light to determine mean diameter of spray particles

A scanning radiometer is reported that measures forward-scattered light to determine the mean diameter of spray particles. An optical scanning method gives a continuous measurement of the light-scattering angle during spray nozzle tests. A method of calibration and a correction for background light are presented. Mean particle diameters of 10 to 500 micrometers can be measured.

Buchele, D. R.↗

Method of producing silicon

A liquid reactant injector assembly suited for the injection of liquid reactant into a high temperature metal reductant vapor and carrier gas stream for the production of metal is presented. The assembly is especially adapted for the continuous production of high purity silicon by the reduction of SiCl4 with sodium. The assembly includes a refractory-lined, hollow metal shell having ten equally-spaced, concentric, radially directed ports provided in the shell and wall. A hydraulic, atomizing type spray nozzle is mounted in each of the ports recessed from the inner wall surface.

Wolf, C. B.↗

Analysis and testing of a new method for drop size measurement using laser scatter interferometry

Research was conducted on a laser light scatter detection method for measuring the size and velocity of spherical particles. The method is based upon the measurement of the interference fringe pattern produced by spheres passing through the intersection of two laser beams. A theoretical analysis of the method was carried out using the geometrical optics theory. Experimental verification of the theory was obtained by using monodisperse droplet streams. Several optical configurations were tested to identify all of the parametric effects upon the size measurements. Both off-axis forward and backscatter light detection were utilized. Simulated spray environments and fuel spray nozzles were used in the evaluation of the method. The measurements of the monodisperse drops showed complete agreement with the theoretical predictions. The method was demonstrated to be independent of the beam intensity and extinction resulting from the surrounding drops. Signal processing concepts were considered and a method was selected for development.

Bachalo, W. D.↗

Phase/doppler spray analyzer for simultaneous measurements of drop size and velocity distributions

Research was conducted on a laser light scatter detection method for measuring the size and velocity of spherical particles. The method is based upon the measurement of the interference fringe pattern produced by spheres passing through the intersection of two laser beams. A theoretical analysis of the method was carried out using the geometrical optics theory. The instrument response function was determined to be linear with drop size. Experimental verification of the theory was obtained by using monodisperse droplet streams. Several optical configurations were tested to identify all of the parametric effects upon the size measurements. Both off-axis forward-scatter and back-scatter light detection were utilized. Simulated spray environments and fuel spray nozzles were used in the evaluation of the method. The measurements of the monodisperse drops showed complete agreement with the theoretical predictions. The method was demonstrated to be independent of the beam intensity and extinction resulting from the surrounding drops. An instrument based on the concept has been developed.

Bachalo, W. D.↗

De-icing of the altitude wind tunnel turning vanes by electro-magnetic impulse

The Altitude Wind Tunnel at the NASA-Lewis facility is being proposed for a refurbishment and moderization. Two major changes are: (1) the increasing of the test section Mach number to 0.90, and (2) the addition of spray nozzles to provide simulation of flight in icing clouds. Features to be retained are the simulation of atmospheric temperature and pressure to 50,000 foot altitude and provision for full-scale aircraft engine operation by the exhausting of the aircraft combustion gases and ingestion of air to replace that used in combustion. The first change required a re-design of the turning vanes in the two corners downstream of the test section due to the higher Mach number at the corners. The second change threatens the operation of the turning vanes by the expected ice build-up, particulary on the first-corner vanes. De-icing by heat has two drawbacks: (1) an extremely large amount of heat is required, and (2) the melted ice would tend to collect as ice on some other surfaces in the tunnel, namely, the tunnel propellers and the cooling coils. An alternate de-icing method had been under development for three years under NASA-Lewis grants to the Wichita State University. This report describes the electro-impulse de-icing (EIDI) method and the testing work done to assess its applicability to wind tunnel turning vane de-icing. Tests were conducted in the structural dynamics laboratory and in the NASA Icing Research Tunnel. Good ice protection was achieved at lower power consumption and at a wide range of tunnel operations conditions. Recommendations for design and construction of the system for this application of the EIDI method are given.

Zumwalt, G. W.↗

Research on antimisting fuel for suppression of postcrash aircraft fires

Recent experimental results in the field of post-crash aircraft fire suppression are reviewed, with emphasis given to antimisting kerosene fuel (AMK). Findings in three major areas of study are presented, including: rheological studies (skin friction, and heat transfer); fuel breakup processes and nozzle spray combustion; and the development of inline blenders for production of AMK at the refueling point. An interpretation of the results of the FAA/NASA Controlled Impact Demonstration of AMK fuel is also presented. It is concluded that AMK is a sound concept and offers several advantages over conventional fuels in any crash scenario involving post-crash fires.

Sarohia, V.↗

Mod II engine performance

The testing of a prototype of an automotive Stirling engine, the Mod II, is discussed. The Mod II is a one-piece cast block with a V-4 single-crankshaft configuration and an annular regenerator/cooler design. The initial testing of Mod II concentrated on the basic engine, with auxiliaries driven by power sources external to the engine. The performance of the engine was tested at 720 C set temperature and 820 C tube temperature. At 720 C, it is observed that the power deficiency is speed dependent and linear, with a weak pressure dependency, and at 820 C, the power deficiency is speed and pressure dependent. The effects of buoyancy and nozzle spray pattern on the heater temperature spread are investigated. The characterization of the oil pump and the operating cycle and temperature spread tests are proposed for further evaluation of the engine.

Richey, Albert E.↗