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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 577 records · Page 32

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NASA NTRS1977

Electric prototype power processor for a 30cm ion thruster

An electrical prototype power processor unit was designed, fabricated and tested with a 30 cm mercury ion engine for primary space propulsion. The power processor unit used the thyristor series resonant inverter as the basic power stage for the high power beam and discharge supplies. A transistorized series resonant inverter processed the remaining power for the low power outputs. The power processor included a digital interface unit to process all input commands and internal telemetry signals so that electric propulsion systems could be operated with a central computer system. The electrical prototype unit included design improvement in the power components such as thyristors, transistors, filters and resonant capacitors, and power transformers and inductors in order to reduce component weight, to minimize losses, and to control the component temperature rise. A design analysis for the electrical prototype is also presented on the component weight, losses, part count and reliability estimate. The electrical prototype was tested in a thermal vacuum environment. Integration tests were performed with a 30 cm ion engine and demonstrated operational compatibility. Electromagnetic interference data was also recorded on the design to provide information for spacecraft integration.

Biess, J. J.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Overview of containerless processing technologies

Many of the experiments to be carried out in the Space Shuttle will require containerless processing techniques that will provide manipulation and control of weightless (molten) materials without physical contact with container walls or other holding devices. The variety of containerless processing technologies now being developed for space- and ground-based materials processing facilities is surveyed. It is shown how the utilization of air jets or high-intensity acoustic, electromagnetic, or electrostatic fields can produce forces that support and manipulate materials. Most of the present containerless research seeks to develop high-temperature systems capable of melting and resolidifying materials. An introduction to available NASA test facilities is provided.

Barmatz, M.↗

NASA NTRS2014

Hexavalent Chrome Free Coatings for Electronics; Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Shielding Effectiveness (SE)

The purpose of this testing is to determine the suitability of trivalent chromium conversion coatings that meet the requirements of MIL-DTL-5541, Type II, for use in applications where high-frequency electrical performance is important. This project will evaluate the ability of coated aluminum to form adequate EMI seals. Testing will assess performance of the trivalent chromium coatings against the known control hexavalent chromium MIL-DTL-5541 Type I Class 3 before and after they have been exposed to a set of environmental conditions. Performance will be assessed by evaluating shielding effectiveness (SE) test data from a variety of test samples comprised of different aluminum types and/or conversion coatings.

hexavalent chrome↗

NASA NTRS1980

The development of a stepped frequency microwave radiometer and its application to remote sensing of the Earth

The design, development, application, and capabilities of a variable frequency microwave radiometer are described. This radiometer demonstrated the versatility, accuracy, and stability required to provide contributions to the geophysical understanding of ocean and ice processes. A closed-loop feedback method was used, whereby noise pulses were added to the received electromagnetic radiation to achieve a null balance in a Dicke switched radiometer. Stability was achieved through the use of a constant temperature enclosure around the low loss microwave front end. The Dicke reference temperature was maintained to an absolute accuracy of 0.1 K using a closed-loop proportional temperature controller. A microprocessor based digital controller operates the radiometer and records the data on computer compatible tapes. This radiometer exhibits an absolute accuracy of better than 0.5 K when the sensitivity is 0.1 K. The sensitivity varies between 0.0125 K and 1.25 K depending upon the bandwidth and integration time selected by the digital controller. Remote sensing experiments were conducted from an aircraft platform and the first radiometeric mapping of an ocean polar front; exploratory experiments to measure the thickness of lake ice; first discrimination between first year and multiyear ice below 10 GHz; and the first known measurements of frequency sensitive characteristics of sea ice.

Harrington, R. F.↗

NASA NTRS1991

A fully coupled flow simulation around spacecraft in low earth orbit

The primary objective of this investigation is to provide a full flow simulation of a spacecraft in low earth orbit (LEO). Due to the nature of the environment, the simulation includes the highly coupled effects of neutral particle flow, free stream plasma flow, nonequilibrium gas dynamics effects, spacecraft charging and electromagnetic field effects. Emphasis is placed on the near wake phenomenon and will be verified in space by the Wake Shield Facility (WSF) and developed for application to Space Station conditions as well as for other spacecraft. The WSF is a metallic disk-type structure that will provide a controlled space platform for highly accurate measurements. Preliminary results are presented for a full flow around a metallic disk.

Justiz, C. R.↗

NASA NTRS1997

Lightning Effects in the Payload Changeout Room

Analytical and empirical studies have been performed to provide better understanding of the electromagnetic environment inside the Payload Changeout Room and Orbiter payload bay resulting from lightning strikes to the launch pad lightning protection system. The analytical studies consisted of physical and mathematical modeling of the pad structure and the Payload Changeout Room. Empirical testing was performed using a lightning simulator to simulate controlled (8 kA) lightning strikes to the catenary wire lightning protection system. In addition to the analyses and testing listed above, an analysis of the configuration with the vehicle present was conducted, in lieu of testing, by the Finite Difference, Time Domain method.

Thomas, Garland L.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Electromagnetic plasma models for microwave plasma cavity reactors

A procedure used to design cavity applicators that efficiently produce cylindrical and disk microwave discharges is reviewed. In contrast to most microwave applicators these cavities utilize single mode excitation of the plasma. This method of excitation has the advantage of providing efficient coupling (zero reflected power) to the plasma over a wide range of discharge loading conditions while also allowing, if desired, electric feedback control of the heating process. The design procedure is generalized to any lossy dielectric. Experimental and theoretical research required to further understand microwave discharges is also discussed.

Frasch, L.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Turbulent burst control through phase-locked traveling surface depressions

The influence of a traveling, surface depression on turbulent pre-burst flow has been investigated both theoretically and experimentally. Two-dimensional calculations of a transverse vortex (representing a 'typical' eddy) embedded in a laminar boundary layer show that properly phased-wall motion can reduce vorticity and raise wall pressure beneath the convecting vortex. Experiments in low-speed air with an electromagnetically driven wall membrane show that a traveling wall depression can accelerate flow near the wall and reduce pre-burst Reynolds stress.

Wilkinson, S. P.↗

NASA NTRS2005

NASA capabilities roadmap: advanced telescopes and observatories

The NASA Advanced Telescopes and Observatories (ATO) Capability Roadmap addresses technologies necessary for NASA to enable future space telescopes and observatories collecting all electromagnetic bands, ranging from x-rays to millimeter waves, and including gravity-waves. It has derived capability priorities from current and developing Space Missions Directorate (SMD) strategic roadmaps and, where appropriate, has ensured their consistency with other NASA Strategic and Capability Roadmaps. Technology topics include optics; wavefront sensing and control and interferometry; distributed and advanced spacecraft systems; cryogenic and thermal control systems; large precision structure for observatories; and the infrastructure essential to future space telescopes and observatories.

Feinberg, Lee D.↗

NASA NTRS2010

Reverberation Chamber Uniformity Validation and Radiated Susceptibility Test Procedures for the NASA High Intensity Radiated Fields Laboratory

The NASA Langley Research Center's High Intensity Radiated Fields Laboratory has developed a capability based on the RTCA/DO-160F Section 20 guidelines for radiated electromagnetic susceptibility testing in reverberation chambers. Phase 1 of the test procedure utilizes mode-tuned stirrer techniques and E-field probe measurements to validate chamber uniformity, determines chamber loading effects, and defines a radiated susceptibility test process. The test procedure is segmented into numbered operations that are largely software controlled. This document is intended as a laboratory test reference and includes diagrams of test setups, equipment lists, as well as test results and analysis. Phase 2 of development is discussed.

Koppen, Sandra V.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Power Systems integration

Power systems integration in large flexible space structures is discussed with emphasis upon body control. A solar array is discussed as a typical example of spacecraft configuration problems. Information on how electric batteries dominate life-cycle costs is presented in chart form. Information is given on liquid metal droplet generators and collectors, hot spot analysis, power dissipation in solar arrays, solar array protection optimization, and electromagnetic compatibility for a power system platform.

Brantley, L. W.↗

NASA NTRS1999

Effect of X-Rays on the Mechanical Properties of Aluminized FEP Teflon(trademark)

Pieces of the multilayer insulation (MLI) that is integral to the thermal control of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) have been returned by two servicing missions after 3.6 and 6.8 years in orbit. They reveal that the outer layer, which is made from 5 mil (0.13 mm) thick aluminized fluorinated ethylenepropylene (FEP) Teflon. has become severely embrittled. Although possible agents of this embrittlement include electromagnetic radiation across the entire solar spectrum, trapped particle radiation, atomic oxygen, and thermal cycling, intensive investigations have not yielded unambiguous causes. Previous studies utilizing monoenergetic photons in the 69-1900 eV range did not cause significant embrittlement, even at much higher doses than were experienced by the HST MLI. Neither did x-rays in the 3 to 10 keV range generated in a modified electron bean evaporator. An antidotal aluminized FEP sample that was exposed to an intensive dose from unfiltered Mo x-ray radiation from a rotating anode generator, however, did show the requisite embrittlement. Thus, a study was undertaken to determine the effects of x-ray exposure on the embrittlement of aluminized FEP in hopes that it might elucidate the HST MLI degradation mechanism. Tensile specimens of aluminized 5 mil thick FEP were exposed to a constant fluence of unfiltered x-ray radiation from a Mo target whose maximum energy ranged from 20-60 kV. Other samples were annealed, thermally cycled (100x) between 77-333 K, or cycled and irradiated. Tensile tests and density measurements were then performed on the samples. Only the samples which had been irradiated had the drastically reduced elongation-to-break, characteristic of the HST samples. Thermal cycling may accelerate the embrittlement, but the effect was near the scatter in the measurements. Annealing and thermal cycling had no apparent effect. Only the samples which had been irradiated and annealed showed significant density increases, likely implicating polymer chain scission and annealing.

Gaier, James R.↗

NASA NTRS1996

Pulsed Plasma Thruster Technology

The continuing emphasis on reducing costs and downsizing spacecraft is forcing increased emphasis on reducing the subsystem mass and integration costs. For many commercial, scientific, and Department of Defense space missions, onboard propulsion is either the predominant spacecraft mass or it limits the spacecraft lifetime. Electromagnetic-pulsed-plasma thrusters (PPT's) offer the combined benefits of extremely low average electric power requirements (1 to 150 W), high specific impulse (approx. 1000 sec), and system simplicity derived from the use of an inert solid propellant. Potential applications range from orbit insertion and maintenance of small satellites to attitude control for large geostationary communications satellites.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS2011

Generalized Jeans' Escape of Pick-Up Ions in Quasi-Linear Relaxation

Jeans escape is a well-validated formulation of upper atmospheric escape that we have generalized to estimate plasma escape from ionospheres. It involves the computation of the parts of particle velocity space that are unbound by the gravitational potential at the exobase, followed by a calculation of the flux carried by such unbound particles as they escape from the potential well. To generalize this approach for ions, we superposed an electrostatic ambipolar potential and a centrifugal potential, for motions across and along a divergent magnetic field. We then considered how the presence of superthermal electrons, produced by precipitating auroral primary electrons, controls the ambipolar potential. We also showed that the centrifugal potential plays a small role in controlling the mass escape flux from the terrestrial ionosphere. We then applied the transverse ion velocity distribution produced when ions, picked up by supersonic (i.e., auroral) ionospheric convection, relax via quasi-linear diffusion, as estimated for cometary comas [1]. The results provide a theoretical basis for observed ion escape response to electromagnetic and kinetic energy sources. They also suggest that super-sonic but sub-Alfvenic flow, with ion pick-up, is a unique and important regime of ion-neutral coupling, in which plasma wave-particle interactions are driven by ion-neutral collisions at densities for which the collision frequency falls near or below the gyro-frequency. As another possible illustration of this process, the heliopause ribbon discovered by the IBEX mission involves interactions between the solar wind ions and the interstellar neutral gas, in a regime that may be analogous [2].

Moore, T. E.↗

NASA NTRS1994

Linear Electromagnetic Acutator With Manual Override

Conceptual permanent-magnet-assisted electromagnetic linear actuator used to set axial position of metering component in valve. One notable feature of actuator is external pole-piece subassembly that swivels manually about axis of linear motion (which is also axis of cylindrical symmetry) to vary distribution of magnetic flux in such way as to override electrical position control. Armature and magnets hermetically sealed.

Abel, Stephen G.↗

NASA NTRS1998

A Magnetic Suspension and Excitation System for Spin Vibration Testing of Turbomachinery Blades

The Dynamic Spin Rig (DSR) is used to perform vibration tests of turbomachinery blades and components under spinning conditions in a vacuum. A heteropolar radial active magnetic bearing was integrated into the DSR to provide non-contact magnetic suspension and mechanical excitation of the rotor to induce turbomachinery blade vibrations. The magnetic bearing replaces one of the two existing conventional radial ball bearings. Prior operation of the DSR used two voice-coil type linear electromagnetic shakers which provided axial excitation of the rotor. The new magnetic suspension and excitation system has provided enhanced testing capabilities. Tests were performed at high rotational speeds for longer duration and higher vibration amplitudes. Some characteristics of the system include magnetic bearing stiffness values up to 60,000 lb./in., closed loop control bandwidth around 500 Hz, and multi-directional radial excitation of the rotor. This paper reports on the implementation and operation of this system and presents some test results using this system.

Johnson, Dexter↗

NASA NTRS1971

Low power electromagnetic flowmeter providing accurate zero set

A low power, small size electromagnetic flowmeter system is described which produces a zero output signal for zero flow. The system comprises an air core type electromagnetic flow transducer, a field current supply circuit for the transducer coils and a pre-amplifier and demodulation circuit connected to the output of the transducer. To prevent spurious signals at zero flow, separate, isolated power supplies are provided for the two circuits. The demodulator includes a pair of synchronous rectifiers which are controlled by signals from the field current supply circuit. Pulse transformer connected in front of the synchronous rectifiers provide isolation between the two circuits.

Fryer, T. B.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Isolated Fast High-Voltage Switching Circuit

Electrically isolated switching circuit supplies pulses at potentials up to 6.5 kV and currents up to 6.5 A, lasting as long as few microseconds. Turn-on time about 40 ns; turn-off time about 3 microseconds. Electrically isolated from control circuitry by means of fiber-optic signal coupling and isolated power supply. Electrical isolation protects both technician and equipment. This and similar circuits useful in such industrial and scientific applications as high-voltage, high-frequency test equipment; electrostatic-discharge test equipment; plasma-laboratory instrumentation; spark chambers; and electromagnetic-interference test equipment.

Rizzi, Anthony↗