Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “ENGINES - PERFORMANCE”

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 649 records · Page 36

Technology for reducing aircraft engine pollution

Programs have been initiated by NASA to develop and demonstrate advanced technology for reducing aircraft gas turbine and piston engine pollutant emissions. These programs encompass engines currently in use for a wide variety of aircraft from widebody-jets to general aviation. Emission goals for these programs are consistent with the established EPA standards. Full-scale engine demonstrations of the most promising pollutant reduction techniques are planned within the next three years. Preliminary tests of advanced technology gas turbine engine combustors indicate that significant reductions in all major pollutant emissions should be attainable in present generation aircraft engines without adverse effects on fuel consumption. Fundamental-type programs are yielding results which indicate that future generation gas turbine aircraft engines may be able to utilize extremely low pollutant emission combustion systems.

Rudey, R. A.↗

Technology for reducing aircraft engine pollution

Programs have been initiated by NASA to develop and demonstrate advanced technology for reducing aircraft gas turbine and piston engine pollutant emissions. These programs encompass engines currently in use for a wide variety of aircraft from widebody-jets to general aviation. Emission goals for these programs are consistent with the established EPA standards. Full-scale engine demonstrations of the most promising pollutant reduction techniques are planned within the next three years. Preliminary tests of advanced technology gas turbine engine combustors indicate that significant reductions in all major pollutant emissions should be attainable in present generation aircraft engines without adverse effects on fuel consumption. Fundamental-type programs are yielding results which indicate that future generation gas turbine aircraft engines may be able to utilize extremely low pollutant emission combustion systems.

Rudey, R. A.↗

Laser engines operating by resonance absorption

Basic tutorial article on the thermodynamic feasibility of laser engines at the present state of the art. Three main options are considered: (1) laser power applied externally to a heat reservoir (boiler approach); (2) internal heating of working fluid by resonance absorption; and (3) direct conversion of selective excitation into work. Only (2) is considered practically feasible at present. Basic concepts and variants, efficiency relations, upper temperature limits of laser engines, selection of absorbing gases, engine walls, bleaching, thermodynamic cycles of optimized laser engines, laser-powered turbines, laser heat pumps are discussed. Photon engines and laser dissociation engines are also considered.

Garbuny, M.↗

Experimental results with hydrogen fueled internal combustion engines

The paper focuses on the most important experimental findings for hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engines, with particular reference to the application of these findings to the assessment of the potential of hydrogen engines. Emphasis is on the various tradeoffs that can be made, such as between maximum efficiency, maximum power, and minimum NO emissions. The various possibilities for induction and ignition are described. Some projections are made about areas in which hydrogen engines may find their initial application and about optimum ways to design such engines. It is shown that hydrogen-fueled reciprocal internal combustion engines offer important advantages with respect to thermal efficiency and exhaust emissions. Problems arising from preignition can suitably be avoided by restricting the fuel-air equivalence ratio to values below about 0.5. The direct cylinder injection appears to be a very attractive way to operate the engine, because it combines a wide range of possible power outputs with a high thermal efficiency and very low NO emissions at part loads.

De Boer, P. C. T.↗

Ceramic applications in the advanced Stirling automotive engine

The ideal cycle, its application to a practical machine, and the specific advantages of high efficiency, low emissions, multi-fuel capability, and low noise of the stirling engine are discussed. Certain portions of the Stirling engine must operate continuously at high temperature. Ceramics offer the potential of cost reduction and efficiency improvement for advanced engine applications. Potential applications for ceramics in Stirling engines, and some of the special problems pertinent to using ceramics in the Stirling engine are described. The research and technology program in ceramics which is planned to support the development of advanced Stirling engines is outlined.

Tomazic, W. A.↗

Effect of forward motion on engine noise

Methods used to determine a procedure for correcting static engine data for the effects of forward motion are described. Data were analyzed from airplane flyover and static-engine tests with a JT8D-109 low-bypass-ratio turbofan engine installed on a DC-9-30, with a CF6-6D high-bypass-ratio turbofan engine installed on a DC-10-10, and with a JT9D-59A high-bypass-ratio turbofan engine installed on a DC-10-40. The observed differences between the static and the flyover data bases are discussed in terms of noise generation, convective amplification, atmospheric propagation, and engine installation. The results indicate that each noise source must be adjusted separately for forward-motion and installation effects and then projected to flight conditions as a function of source-path angle, directivity angle, and acoustic range relative to the microphones on the ground.

Blankenship, G. L.↗

Update on the development of the Space Shuttle main engine /as of June 20, 1978/

During the last year, significant progress was made toward the development of the Space Shuttle Main Engine which will provide propulsion for the Space Shuttle Orbiter Vehicle. Component and subsystem testing was conducted at the Rocketdyne Santa Susana Field Laboratory on combustion devices, turbomachinery, and the engine POGO suppression system. Engine testing continued at the National Space Technology Laboratories on both single engines and a three-engine cluster. As a result of these tests, hardware limitations were identified and design modifications were incorporated and evaluated by further testing. Current effort is being directed toward the delivery of the first flight engines and certification of the SSME for manned flight.

Johnson, J. R.↗

Investigation of wing shielding effects on CTOL engine noise

A full scale engine wing shielding investigation was conducted at the Lewis Research Center using a 97,900-N (22,000 lb) thrust turbofan engine and a simulated wing section sized around a conventional-take-off type four-engine narrow body airplane. Sound data were obtained for the wing placed at seven positions in a plane parallel to the engine axis, and were compared to data obtained without the wing at both take off and approach power. In addition, the engine was operated with and without extensive acoustic treatment, including a sonic inlet in order to evaluate wing shielding effectiveness with a highly suppressed engine. The wing shielding effectiveness was also calibrated using a 3.8 cm diam air nozzle as a second source. Results indicated that even though about 10 dB broad band shielding was achieved, the equivalent flyover noise reduction was less than 3.0 EPNdB for most configurations.

Bloomer, H. E.↗

Design of a preprototype Stirling Laboratory Research Engine

A description is given for the design and fabrication of a first generation, preprototype Stirling Laboratory Research Engine. The engine represents the first step in providing a research tool to be used to support the development of a broad range of analytical modeling and experimental efforts, and to evaluate new approaches to the design of components for Stirling engines. The test engine is a horizontally-opposed, two-piston, single-acting machine with a dual crankshaft drive mechanism. The preprototype engine is rated at 10 kW and was designed for maximum modularity. The long term objective of the project is to provide a proven design of a standardized test engine, which can be commercially produced, for national research on Stirling cycle machines.

Hoehn, F. W.↗

Investigation of wing shielding effects on CTOL engine noise

A full scale engine wing shielding investigation was conducted at the Lewis Research Center using a 97,900-N (22,000 lb) thrust turbofan engine and a simulated wing section sized around a conventional-take-off type four-engine narrow body airplane. Sound data were obtained for the wing placed at seven positions in a plane parallel to the engine axis, and were compared to data obtained without the wing at both take off and approach power. In addition the engine was operated with and without extensive acoustic treatment including a sonic inlet in order to evaluate wing shielding effectiveness with a highly suppressed engine. The wing shielding effectiveness was also calibrated using a 3.8 cm diam air nozzle as a sound source. Results indicated that even though about 10 dB broad band shielding was achieved, the equivalent flyover noise reduction was less than 3.0 EPNdB for most configurations.

Bloomer, H. E.↗

Brayton engines for dispersed solar power

This paper describes the procedures being used to characterize and to analyze Brayton cycle gas turbines for application in dispersed solar electrical power plants whose cost of electricity is economically viable. Three Brayton engine types are under consideration - atmospheric (an open cycle engine), subatmospheric (also an open cycle engine) and the closed cycle engine. This analysis will be utilized to identify and select suitable candidates from existing engine configurations for near-term system demonstrations and to define optimum configurations for production in the 1990 era. Engine designs are being targeted to a system specific capital cost goal of 1000 dollars per design kilowatt, a value believed to make the cost of solar generated electricity competitive.

Ashe, T. L.↗

Dynamics and control of Stirling engines in a 15 kWe solar electric generation concept

This paper discusses the application of kinematic and free piston Stirling engines in a 15 kWe dish-electric approach for solar thermal electric generation. Initially, the principle of operation of Stirling engines in solar thermal electric generation is discussed. Then, under certain simplifying assumptions, mathematical models describing the dynamic operation of the kinematic and free piston Stirling engines are developed. It is found that the engine dynamics may be approximated by second order models. Control mechanisms for both types of Stirling engines are discussed. An approach based on the modulation of the working fluid mean pressure is presented. It is concluded that this approach offers a fast and effective means of control. The free piston Stirling engine, being a thermally driven mechanical oscillator, presents unique control requirements. These are discussed in this paper.

Das, R. L.↗

Start up system for hydrogen generator used with an internal combustion engine

A hydrogen generator provides hydrogen rich product gases which are mixed with the fuel being supplied to an internal combustion engine for the purpose of enabling a very lean mixture of that fuel to be used, whereby nitrous oxides emitted by the engine are minimized. The hydrogen generator contains a catalyst which must be heated to a pre-determined temperature before it can react properly. To simplify the process of heating up the catalyst at start-up time, either some of the energy produced by the engine such as engine exhaust gas, or electrical energy produced by the engine, or the engine exhaust gas may be used to heat up air which is then used to heat the catalyst.

Houseman, J.↗

Orbital Transfer Vehicle (OTV) engine study. Phase A: Extension

An orbital transfer vehicle OTV engine study program was undertaken to provide additional expander and staged combustion cycle data in the design definition of the OTV engine. The proposed program effort optimizes the expander cycle engine concept (consistent with identified OTV engine requirements), investigates the feasibility of kitting the staged combustion cycle engine to provide extended low thrust operation, and conducts in-depth analysis of development risk, crew safety, and reliability for both cycles. Additional tasks to establish the cost of a 10K thrust expander cycle engine and to render support of OTV systems study contractors are reported.

Sobin, A. J.↗

Quiet Clean Short-haul Experimental Engine (QCSEE) main reduction gears test program

Sets of under the wing (UTW) engine reduction gears and sets of over the wing (OTW) engine reduction gears were fabricated for rig testing and subsequent installation in engines. The UTW engine reduction gears which have a ratio of 2.465:1 and a design rating of 9712 kW at 3157 rpm fan speed were operated at up to 105% speed at 60% torque and 100% speed at 125% torque. The OTW engine reduction gears which have a ratio of 2.062:1 and a design rating of 12,615 kW at 3861 rpm fan speed were operated at up to 95% speed at 50% torque and 80% speed at 109% torque. Satisfactory operation was demonstrated at powers up to 12,172 kW, mechanical efficiency up to 99.1% UTW, and a maximum gear pitch line velocity of 112 m/s (22,300 fpm) with a corresponding star gear spherical roller bearing DN of 850,00 OTW. Oil and star gear bearing temperatures, oil churning, heat rejection, and vibratory characteristics were acceptable for engine installation.

Misel, O. W.↗

Orbital Transfer Vehicle (OTV) engine study phase A, extension

The current Phase A-Extension of the OTV engine study program seeks to provide additional expander and staged combustion cycle data that will lead to design definition of the OTV engine. The proposed program effort will optimize the expander cycle engine concept (consistent with identified OTV engine requirements), investigate the feasibility of kitting the stage combustion cycle engine to provide extended low thrust operation, and conduct in-depth analysis of development risk, crew safety, and reliability for both cycles. Additional task will address costing of a 10k thrust expander cycle engine and support of OTV systems study contractors.

Sobin, A. J.↗

New opportunities for future, small, General-Aviation Turbine Engines (GATE)

The results of four independent contracted studies to explore the opportunities for future small turbine engines are summarized in a composite overview. Candidate advanced technologies are screened, various cycles and staging arrangements are parametrically evaluated, and optimum conceptual engines are identified for a range of 300 to 600 horsepower applications. Engine improvements of 20 percent in specific fuel consumption and 40 percent in engine cost were forecast using high risk technologies that could be technically demonstrated by 1988. The ensuing economic benefits are in the neighborhood of 20 to 30 percent for twin-engine aircraft currently powered by piston engines.

Strack, W. C.↗

Orbital Transfer Vehicle (OTV) engine study. Phase A: Extension

The current Phase A-Extension of the OTV engine study program aims to provide additional expander and staged combustion cycle data that will lead to design definition of the OTV engine. The proposed program effort seeks to optimize the expander cycle engine concept (consistent with identified OTV engine requirements), investigate the feasibility of kitting the staged combustion cycle engine to provide extended thrust operation, and conduct in-depth analysis of development risk, crew safety, and reliability for both cycles. Additional tasks address the costing of a 10/K thrust expander cycle engine and support of OTV systems study contractors.

Sobin, A. J.↗