SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “engineering”

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.

SourceResearch connectionFrom yearThrough year

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 703 records · Page 39

All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

NASA NTRS1978

Orbit Transfer Vehicle (OTV) engine phase A study

Requirements for the orbit transfer vehicle engine were examined. Engine performance/weight sensitivities, the effect of a service life of 300 start/shutdown cycles between overalls on the maximum engine operating pressure, and the sensitivity of the engine design point (i.e., thrust chamber pressure and nozzle area ratio) to the performance requirements specified are among the factors studied. Preliminary engine systems analyses were conducted on the stage combustion, expander, and gas generator engine cycles. Hydrogen and oxygen pump discharge pressure requirements are shown for various engine cycles. Performance of the engine cycles is compared.

Mellish, J. A.↗

NASA NTRS1979

New opportunities for future small civil turbine engines: Overviewing the GATE studies

An overview of four independent studies forecasts the potential impact of advanced technology turbine engines in the post 1988 market, identifies important aircraft and missions, desirable engine sizes, engine performance, and cost goals. Parametric evaluations of various engine cycles, configurations, design features, and advanced technology elements defined baseline conceptual engines for each of the important missions identified by the market analysis. Both fixed-wing and helicopter aircraft, and turboshaft, turboprop, and turbofan engines were considered. Sizable performance gains (e.g., 20% SFC decrease), and large engine cost reductions of sufficient magnitude are predicted to challenge the reciprocating engine in the 300-500 SHP class.

Strack, W. C.↗

NASA NTRS1978

Study, optimization, and design of a laser heat engine

Laser heat engine concepts, proposed for satellite applications, are analyzed to determine which engine concept best meets the requirements of high efficiency (50 percent or better), continuous operation in space using near-term technology. The analysis of laser heat engines includes the thermodynamic cycles, engine design, laser power sources, collector/concentrator optics, receiving windows, absorbers, working fluids, electricity generation, and heat rejection. Specific engine concepts, optimized according to thermal efficiency, are rated by their technological availability and scaling to higher powers. A near-term experimental demonstration of the laser heat engine concept appears feasible utilizing an Otto cycle powered by CO2 laser radiation coupled into the engine through a diamond window. Higher cycle temperatures, higher efficiencies, and scalability to larger sizes appear to be achievable from a laser heat engine design based on the Brayton cycle and powered by a CO laser.

Taussig, R. T.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Development of the Space Shuttle Main Engine /May 1979/

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. Engine system testing continued at the National Space Technology Laboratories on both single engines and a three-engine cluster. A third single engine test position was activated at the Rocketdyne Santa Susana Field Laboratory to provide additional capability for demonstrating increasing engine maturity and for solving problems. The results of engine system testing is discussed as well as the major problems identified and the design changes incorporated to solve those problems. A review of the program efforts toward the delivery of the first set of flight engines and the certification of the SSME for manned flight is included.

Colbo, H. I.↗

NASA NTRS1980

An overview of NASA research on positive displacement general-aviation engines

The research and technology program related to improved and advanced general aviation engines is described. Current research is directed at the near-term improvement of conventional air-cooled spark-ignition piston engines and at future alternative engine systems based on all-new spark-ignition piston engines, lightweight diesels, and rotary combustion engines that show potential for meeting program goals in the midterm and long-term future. The conventional piston engine activities involve efforts on applying existing technology to improve fuel economy, investigation of key processes to permit leaner operation and reduce drag, and the development of cost effective technology to permit flight at high-altitudes where fuel economy and safety are improved. The advanced engine concepts activities include engine conceptual design studies and enabling technology efforts on the critical or key technology items.

Kempke, E. E., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Orbit transfer vehicle engine study, phase A extension. Volume 1: Executive summary

A 1980 state-of-the-art advanced expander engine was configured that delivers near-optimum payload-performance and exhibits the simplicity reliability, and life characteristics required of the OTV mission. Engine optimization studies indicate that the performance of the conventional expander cycle engine can be improved substantially through combustion chamber surface area enhancement, thermal enhancement, turbine regeneration, and power cycle efficiency enhancement procedures. The 20K lb. thrust staged combustion engine can be adapted to operate at extended periods in the 1 to 2K lb. thrust regime. The study results indicate that long-life, high performnce operation in the low thrust mode can be achieved with minimum modifications (kitting) of the engine. Although the main contribution to mission success and crew safety stems from propulsion system redundancy, significant reliability can be gained from engine component redundancy, specific engine design features ensuring safety and reliability, including an engine health monitoring system, and from a total program approach to safety and reliability, such as that presently applied to the space shuttle.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS1982

Advanced stratified charge rotary aircraft engine design study

A technology base of new developments which offered potential benefits to a general aviation engine was compiled and ranked. Using design approaches selected from the ranked list, conceptual design studies were performed of an advanced and a highly advanced engine sized to provide 186/250 shaft Kw/HP under cruise conditions at 7620/25,000 m/ft altitude. These are turbocharged, direct-injected stratified charge engines intended for commercial introduction in the early 1990's. The engine descriptive data includes tables, curves, and drawings depicting configuration, performance, weights and sizes, heat rejection, ignition and fuel injection system descriptions, maintenance requirements, and scaling data for varying power. An engine-airframe integration study of the resulting engines in advanced airframes was performed on a comparative basis with current production type engines. The results show airplane performance, costs, noise & installation factors. The rotary-engined airplanes display substantial improvements over the baseline, including 30 to 35% lower fuel usage.

Badgley, P.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Assessment of a 40-kilowatt stirling engine for underground mining applications

An assessment of alternative power souces for underground mining applications was performed. A 40-kW Stirling research engine was tested to evaluate its performance and emission characteristics when operated with helium working gas and diesel fuel. The engine, the test facility, and the test procedures are described. Performance and emission data for the engine operating with helium working gas and diesel fuel are reported and compared with data obtained with hydrogen working gas and unleaded gasoline fuel. Helium diesel test results are compared with the characteristics of current diesel engines and other Stirling engines. External surface temperature data are also presented. Emission and temperature results are compared with the Federal requirements for diesel underground mine engines. The durability potential of Stirling engines is discussed on the basis of the experience gaind during the engine tests.

Cairelli, J. E.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Effect of steady-state pressure distortion on inlet flow to a high-bypass-ratio turbofan engine

Static pressure and total pressure distributions were measured in the inlet duct upstream of the engine inlet and within the fan and compressor of a YTF34 turbofan engine. In addition, the free stream flow angle was measured between the distortion generator and the engine inlet. Distortions were generated using three screen configurations with extents of 90 deg or 180 deg. The screens were mounted on a rotatable screen assembly. Reynolds number index upstream of the distortion device was maintained at 0.5 or 0.2, and engine fan speed corrected to station 2 temperature was maintained at 80 or 90 percent of rated condition (7005 rpm). Flow angle was nearly constant near the distortion device and increased as flow approached the engine inlet. The largest flow angle occurred in the hub region of the engine inlet. Static pressure distortion along the inlet duct increased exponentially as the flow approached the engine. Both static pressure and total pressure distortions were attenuated between engine inlet and compressor exit.

Soeder, R. H.↗

NASA NTRS1982

The JT8D and JT9D engine component improvement: Performance improvement program

The NASA sponsored Engine Component Improvement - Performance Improvement Program at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft advanced the state of the art of thermal barrier coatings and ceramic seal systems, demonstrated the practicality of an advanced turbine clearance control system and an advanced fan design in the JT9D engine, and demonstrated the advantages of modern cooling, sealing, and aerodynamic designs in the high pressure turbine and compressor of the JT8D engine. Several of these improvements are already in airline service in JT8D and JT9D engines, and others will enter service soon in advanced models of these engines. In addition, the technology advances are being transferred to completely new engine configurations, the PW2037 engine and the NASA sponsored Energy Efficient Engine.

Gaffin, W. O.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Rotorcraft convertible engine study

The objective of the Rotorcraft Convertible Engine Study was to define future research and technology effort required for commercial development by 1988 of convertible fan/shaft gas turbine engines for unconventional rotorcraft transports. Two rotorcraft and their respective missions were defined: a Fold Tilt Rotor aircraft and an Advancing Blade Concept (ABC) rotorcraft. Sensitivity studies were conducted with these rotorcraft to determine parametrically the influence of propulsion characteristics on aircraft size, mission fuel requirements, and direct operating costs (DOC). The two rotorcraft were flown with conventional propulsion systems (separate lift/cruise engines) and with convertible propulsion systems to determine the benefits to be derived from convertible engines. Trade-off studies were conducted to determine the optimum engine cycle and staging arrangement for a convertible engine. Advanced technology options applicable to convertible engines were studied. Research and technology programs were identified which would ensure technology readiness for commercial development of convertible engines by 1988.

Gill, J. C.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Downsizing assessment of automotive Stirling engines

A 67 kW (90 hp) Stirling engine design, sized for use in a 1984 1440 kg (3170 lb) automobile was the focal point for developing automotive Stirling engine technology. Since recent trends are towards lighter vehicles, an assessment was made of the applicability of the Stirling technology being developed for smaller, lower power engines. Using both the Philips scaling laws and a Lewis Research Center (Lewis) Stirling engine performance code, dimensional and performance characteristics were determined for a 26 kW (35 hp) and a 37 kW (50 hp) engine for use in a nominal 907 kg (2000 lb) vehicle. Key engine elements were sized and stressed and mechanical layouts were made to ensure mechanical fit and integrity of the engines. Fuel economy estimates indicated that the Stirling engine would maintain a 30 to 45 percent fuel economy advantage comparable spark ignition and diesel powered vehicles in the 1984 period.

Knoll, R. H.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Effect of combined pressure and temperature distortion orientation on high-bypass-ratio turbofan engine stability

Total-temperature, static-pressure and total-pressure distributions were measured in the inlet duct upstream of the engine inlet and within the fan and compressor of a YTF34 turbofan engine. Free-stream and boundary layer yaw angle variations were measured between a rotable screen assembly and the engine inlet. Total pressure distortions were generated using three 180 deg extent screens and total temperature distortions were generated using a rotatable hydrogen burner. Reynolds number index upstream of the rotatable screen assembly was maintained at 0.5 (based on the undistorted sectors at station 1, the inlet flow measuring station). The engine mechanical fan speed at sea level condition was rated at 7005 rpm. The engine was tested at a corrected fan speed of 90 percent of rated condition. Yaw angle increased between the rotatable screen assembly and the engine inlet. The largest variation in free-stream and boundary layer yaw angle occurs when the combined distortions are 180 deg out-of-phase. Static-pressure distortion increased exponentially as flow approached the engine. Total-pressure distortions were attenuated between the engine inlet and the compressor exit. Total-temperature distortion persisted through the compressor for all four combined distortions investigated.

Soeder, R. H.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Generative engineering databases - Toward expert systems

Engineering data management, incorporating concepts of optimization with data representation, is receiving increasing attention as the amount and complexity of information necessary for performing engineering operations increases and the need to coordinate its representation and use increases. Research in this area promises advantages for a wide variety of engineering applications, particularly those which seek to use data in innovative ways in the engineering process. This paper presents a framework for a comprehensive, relational database management system that combines a knowledge base of design constraints with a database of engineering data items in order to achieve a 'generative database' - one which automatically generates new engineering design data according to the design constraints stored in the knowledge base. The representation requires a database that is able to store all of the data normally associated with engineering design and to accurately represent the interactions between constraints and the stored data while guaranteeing its integrity. The representation also requires a knowledge base that is able to store all the constraints imposed upon the engineering design process.

Rasdorf, W. J.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Year 2000 small engine technology payoffs in cruise missiles

A study has been conducted for advanced small (450-850 pounds thrust) gas turbine engines for a subsonic strategic cruise missile application, using projected year-2000 technology. Engine performance and configuration analyses were performed for two and three spool turbofan and propfan engine concepts. Mission and Life Cycle Cost (LCC) analyses were performed in which the candidate engines were compared to the baseline engine over a prescribed mission. The advanced technology engines reduced system LCC up to 41 percent relative to the baseline engine. The critical aerodynamic materials and mechanical systems necessary for turbine engine technology were identified.

Singh, B.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Outdoor test stand performance of a convertible engine with variable inlet guide vanes for advanced rotorcraft propulsion

A variable inlet guide van (VIGV) type convertible engine that could be used to power future high-speed rotorcraft was tested on an outdoor stand. The engine ran stably and smoothly in the turbofan, turboshaft, and dual (combined fan and shaft) power modes. In the turbofan mode with the VIGV open fuel consumption was comparable to that of a conventional turbofan engine. In the turboshaft mode with the VIGV closed fuel consumption was higher than that of present turboshaft engines because power was wasted in churning fan-tip airflow. In dynamic performance tests with a specially built digital engine control and using a waterbrake dynamometer for shaft load, the engine responded effectively to large steps in thrust command and shaft torque. Previous mission analyses of a conceptual X-wing rotorcraft capable of 400-knot cruise speed were revised to account for more fan-tip churning power loss than was originally estimated. The new calculations confirm that using convertible engines rather than separate lift and cruise engines would result in a smaller, lighter craft with lower fuel use and direct operating cost.

Mcardle, Jack G.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Configuration evaluation and criteria plan. Volume 1: System trades study and design methodology plan (preliminary). Space Transportation Main Engine (STME) configuration study

The System Trades Study and Design Methodology Plan is used to conduct trade studies to define the combination of Space Shuttle Main Engine features that will optimize candidate engine configurations. This is accomplished by using vehicle sensitivities and engine parametric data to establish engine chamber pressure and area ratio design points for candidate engine configurations. Engineering analyses are to be conducted to refine and optimize the candidate configurations at their design points. The optimized engine data and characteristics are then evaluated and compared against other candidates being considered. The Evaluation Criteria Plan is then used to compare and rank the optimized engine configurations on the basis of cost.

Bair, E. K.↗

NASA NTRS1987

RE-1000 free-piston Stirling engine hydraulic output system description

The NASA Lewis Research Center was involved in free-piston Stirling engine research since 1976. Most of the work performed in-house was related to characterization of the RE-1000 engine. The data collected from the RE-1000 tests were intended to provide a data base for the validation of Stirling cycle simulations. The RE-1000 was originally build with a dashpot load system which did not convert the output of the engine into useful power, but was merely used as a load for the engine to work against during testing. As part of the interagency program between NASA Lewis and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, (ORNL), the RE-1000 was converted into a configuration that produces useable hydraulic power. A goal of the hydraulic output conversion effort was to retain the same thermodynamic cycle that existed with the dashpot loaded engine. It was required that the design must provide a hermetic seal between the hydraulic fluid and the working gas of the engine. The design was completed and the hardware was fabricated. The RE-1000 was modified in 1985 to the hydraulic output configuration. The early part of the RE-1000 hydraulic output program consisted of modifying hardware and software to allow the engine to run at steady-state conditions. A complete description of the engine is presented in sufficient detail so that the device can be simulated on a computer. Tables are presented showing the masses of the oscillating components and key dimensions needed for modeling purposes. Graphs are used to indicate the spring rate of the diaphragms used to separate the helium of the working and bounce space from the hydraulic fluid.

Schreiber, Jeffrey G.↗