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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 73 records · Page 4

Preliminary aerodynamic characteristics of several advanced VSTOL fighter/attack aircraft concepts

VSTOL attack aircraft to be developed in the mid- or late-1990's and research programs dealing with possible characteristics are discussed. Design studies of horizontal attitude takeoff and landing (HATOL) and vertical attitude takeoff and landing (VATOL) type aircraft were executed and wind tunnel models were built and tested. The configurations tested were a wing-canard HATOL concept with jet-diffuser ejectors as a vertical lift system and a variety of the same with nacelles which are closer together. Other proposals were a HATOL concept with wing-canard design and two vertical tails on twin afterbodies, and a VATOL concept which is tailless with an extended leading-edge wing to increase lift. Aerodynamic uncertainties were defined and wind tunnel tests were made. Special research concerning top-mounted air induction systems is also covered.

Nelms, W. P.↗

Protoflight photovoltaic power module system-level tests in the space power facility

Work Package Four, which includes the NASA-Lewis and Rocketdyne, has selected an approach for the Space Station Freedom Photovoltaic (PV) Power Module flight certification that combines system level qualification and acceptance testing in the thermal vacuum environment: The protoflight vehicle approach. This approach maximizes ground test verification to assure system level performance and to minimize risk of on-orbit failures. The preliminary plans for system level thermal vacuum environmental testing of the protoflight PV Power Module in the NASA-Lewis Space Power Facility (SPF), are addressed. Details of the facility modifications to refurbish SPF, after 13 years of downtime, are briefly discussed. The results of an evaluation of the effectiveness of system level environmental testing in screening out incipient part and workmanship defects and unique failure modes are discussed. Preliminary test objectives, test hardware configurations, test support equipment, and operations are presented.

Rivera, Juan C.↗

Protoflight photovoltaic power module system-level tests in the Space Power Facility

Work Package Four, which includes the NASA-Lewis and Rocketdyne, has selected an approach for the Space Station Freedom Photovoltaic (PV) Power Module flight certification that combines system level qualification and acceptance testing in the thermal vacuum environment: the 'protoflight' vehicle approach. This approach maximizes ground test verification to assure system level performance and to minimize risk of on-orbit failures. The preliminary plans for system level thermal vacuum environmental testing of the protoflight PV Power Module in the NASA-Lewis Space Power Facility (SPF) are addressed. Details of the facility modifications to refurbish SPF, after 13 years of downtime, are briefly discussed. The results of an evaluation of the effectiveness of system level environmental testing in screening out incipient part and workmanship defects and unique failure modes are discussed. Preliminary test objectives, test hardware configurations, test support equipment, and operations, are presented.

Rivera, Juan C.↗

Design review of fluid film bearing testers

The designs of three existing testers (Hybrid Bearing Tester, OTV Bearing Tester, and Long Life Bearing Tester) owned by NASA were reviewed for their capability to serve as a multi-purpose cryogenic fluid film bearing tester. The primary tester function is the validation of analytical predictions for fluid film bearing steady state and dynamic performance. Evaluation criteria were established for test bearing configurations, test fluids, instrumentation, and test objectives. Each tester was evaluated with respect to these criteria. A determination was made of design improvements which would allow the testers to meet the stated criteria. The cost and time required to make the design changes were estimated. A recommendation based on the results of this study was made to proceed with the Hybrid Bearing Tester.

Scharrer, Joseph K.↗

Testing of a Loop Heat Pipe Subjected to Variable Accelerating Forces

This paper presents viewgraphs of the functionality of a loop heat pipe that was subjected to variable accelerating forces. The topics include: 1) Summary of LHP (Loop Heat Pipe) Design Parameters; 2) Picture of the LHP; 3) Schematic of Test Setup; 4) Test Configurations; 5) Test Profiles; 6) Overview of Test Results; 7) Start-up; 8) Typical Start-up without Temperature Overshoot; 9) Start-up with a Large Temperature Overshoot; 10) LHP Operation Under Stationary Condition; 11) LHP Operation Under Continuous Acceleration; 12) LHP Operation Under Periodic Acceleration; 13) Effects of Acceleration on Temperature Oscillation and Hysteresis; 14) Temperature Oscillation/Hysteresis vs Spin Rate; and 15) Summary.

Ku, Jentung↗

Modal Survey of ETM-3, A 5-Segment Derivative of the Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Booster

The complex interactions between internal motor generated pressure oscillations and motor structural vibration modes associated with the static test configuration of a Reusable Solid Rocket Motor have potential to generate significant dynamic thrust loads in the 5-segment configuration (Engineering Test Motor 3). Finite element model load predictions for worst-case conditions were generated based on extrapolation of a previously correlated 4-segment motor model. A modal survey was performed on the largest rocket motor to date, Engineering Test Motor #3 (ETM-3), to provide data for finite element model correlation and validation of model generated design loads. The modal survey preparation included pretest analyses to determine an efficient analysis set selection using the Effective Independence Method and test simulations to assure critical test stand component loads did not exceed design limits. Historical Reusable Solid Rocket Motor modal testing, ETM-3 test analysis model development and pre-test loads analyses, as well as test execution, and a comparison of results to pre-test predictions are discussed.

Nielsen, D.↗

Sector Tests of a Low-NO(sub x), Lean, Direct- Injection, Multipoint Integrated Module Combustor Concept Conducted

The low-emissions combustor development described is directed toward advanced high pressure aircraft gas-turbine applications. The emphasis of this research is to reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx) at high-power conditions and to maintain carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons at their current low levels at low power conditions. Low-NOx combustors can be classified into rich-burn and lean-burn concepts. Lean-burn combustors can be further classified into lean-premixed-prevaporized (LPP) and lean direct injection (LDI) concepts. In both concepts, all the combustor air, except for liner cooling flow, enters through the combustor dome so that the combustion occurs at the lowest possible flame temperature. The LPP concept has been shown to have the lowest NOx emissions, but for advanced high-pressure-ratio engines, the possibility of autoignition or flashback precludes its use. LDI differs from LPP in that the fuel is injected directly into the flame zone, and thus, it does not have the potential for autoignition or flashback and should have greater stability. However, since it is not premixed and prevaporized, good atomization is necessary and the fuel must be mixed quickly and uniformly so that flame temperatures are low and NOx formation levels are comparable to those of LPP. The LDI concept described is a multipoint fuel injection/multiburning zone concept. Each of the multiple fuel injectors has an air swirler associated with it to provide quick mixing and a small recirculation zone for burning. The multipoint fuel injection provides quick, uniform mixing and the small multiburning zones provide for reduced burning residence time, resulting in low NOx formation. An integrated-module approach was used for the construction where chemically etched laminates, diffusion bonded together, combine the fuel injectors, air swirlers, and fuel manifold into a single element. The multipoint concept combustor was demonstrated in a 15 sector test. The configuration tested had 36 fuel injectors and fuel-air mixers that replaced two fuel injectors in a conventional dual-annular combustor. During tests, inlet temperatures were up to 870 K and inlet pressures were up to 5400 kPa. A correlation was developed that related the NOx emissions with the inlet temperature, inlet pressure, fuel-air ratio, and pressure drop. At low-power conditions, fuel staging was used so that high combustion efficiency was obtained with only one-fourth of the fuel injectors flowing. The test facility had optical access, and visual images showed the flame to be very short, approximately 25 mm long.

Tacina, Robert R.↗

Comparison of Predicted and Measured Attenuation of Turbine Noise from a Static Engine Test

Aircraft noise has become an increasing concern for commercial airlines. Worldwide demand for quieter aircraft is increasing, making the prediction of engine noise suppression one of the most important fields of research. The Low-Pressure Turbine (LPT) can be an important noise source during the approach condition for commercial aircraft. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Pratt & Whitney (P&W), and Goodrich Aerostructures (Goodrich) conducted a joint program to validate a method for predicting turbine noise attenuation. The method includes noise-source estimation, acoustic treatment impedance prediction, and in-duct noise propagation analysis. Two noise propagation prediction codes, Eversman Finite Element Method (FEM) code [1] and the CDUCT-LaRC [2] code, were used in this study to compare the predicted and the measured turbine noise attenuation from a static engine test. In this paper, the test setup, test configurations and test results are detailed in Section II. A description of the input parameters, including estimated noise modal content (in terms of acoustic potential), and acoustic treatment impedance values are provided in Section III. The prediction-to-test correlation study results are illustrated and discussed in Section IV and V for the FEM and the CDUCT-LaRC codes, respectively, and a summary of the results is presented in Section VI.

Chien, Eugene W.↗

Integrated Docking Simulation and Testing with the Johnson Space Center Six-Degree of Freedom Dynamic Test System

The Exploration Systems Architecture defines missions that require rendezvous, proximity operations, and docking (RPOD) of two spacecraft both in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and in Low Lunar Orbit (LLO). Uncrewed spacecraft must perform automated and/or autonomous rendezvous, proximity operations and docking operations (commonly known as Automated Rendezvous and Docking, AR&D). The crewed versions may also perform AR&D, possibly with a different level of automation and/or autonomy, and must also provide the crew with relative navigation information for manual piloting. The capabilities of the RPOD sensors are critical to the success of the Constellation Program; this is carried as one of the CEV Project top risks. The Exploration Technology Development Program (ETDP) AR&D Sensor Technology Project seeks to reduce this risk by increasing technology maturation of selected relative navigation sensor technologies through testing and simulation. One of the project activities is a series of "pathfinder" testing and simulation activities to integrate relative navigation sensors with the Johnson Space Center Six-Degree-of-Freedom Test System (SDTS). The SDTS will be the primary testing location for the Orion spacecraft s Low Impact Docking System (LIDS). Project team members have integrated the Orion simulation with the SDTS computer system so that real-time closed loop testing can be performed with relative navigation sensors and the docking system in the loop during docking and undocking scenarios. Two relative navigation sensors are being used as part of a "pathfinder" activity in order to pave the way for future testing with the actual Orion sensors. This paper describes the test configuration and test results.

Mitchell, Jennifer D.↗

Taurus II Stage Test Simulations: Using Large-Scale CFD Simulations to Provide Critical Insight into Plume Induced Environments During Design

This paper describes the use of targeted Loci/CHEM CFD simulations to evaluate the effects of a dual-engine first-stage hot-fire test on an evolving integrated launch pad/test article design. This effort was undertaken as a part of the NESC Independent Assessment of the Taurus II Stage Test Series. The underlying conceptual model included development of a series of computational models and simulations to analyze the plume induced environments on the pad, facility structures and test article. A pathfinder simulation was first developed, capable of providing quick-turn around evaluation of plume impingement pressures on the flame deflector. Results from this simulation were available in time to provide data for an ongoing structural assessment of the deflector. The resulting recommendation was available in a timely manner and was incorporated into construction schedule for the new launch stand under construction at Wallops Flight Facility. A series of Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) quasi-steady simulations representative of various key elements of the test profile was performed to identify potential concerns with the test configuration and test profile. As required, unsteady Hybrid-RANS/LES simulations were performed, to provide additional insight into critical aspects of the test sequence. Modifications to the test-specific hardware and facility structures thermal protection as well as modifications to the planned hot-fire test profile were implemented based on these simulation results.

Struzenberg, L. L.↗

Experimental Configuration and Preliminary Results of Testing a Rapid Cycle Adsorption Pump for Martian CO2 Acquisition

Temperature-swing adsorption pumps have been proposed as a method of acquiring and compressing Martian atmospheric CO2 for downstream processing. Most industrial applications and previous research targeted at space in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) utilize long (~hours) temperature swing periods, typically limited by the ability to transfer heat from a naturally insulating sorbent bed. A rapid cycle adsorption pump (RCAP) would reduce these periods to minutes, in the hope of increasing overall throughput. This paper details the design and preliminary experimental results from testing an RCAP in a simulated Martian environment. The test configuration features a central, liquid-cooled and heated heat transfer plate surrounded by symmetrical rectangular sorbent beds. Various bed thicknesses and commercially available Zeolite 13X sorbent particle sizes are evaluated to both determine performance and provide data for a parallel modeling effort. Discussions of multi-stage configurations and methods of boosting bed conductivity are included.

Berg, Jared↗

Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization, and Ices Explorer, One Quarter Scale Prototype Thermal Testing

The Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization, and Ices Explorer (SPHEREx) instrument has been proposed as NASA Small Explorer (SMEX) and Medium Explorer (MIDEX) missions designed to perform an all-sky near-infrared survey. The primary science objective of the SPHEREx instrument is the mapping and cataloging of data on galaxy red shifts and absorption spectra. The SPHEREx instrument utilizes a linear variable band pass filter to provide discrete spectral coverage of the 0.75 to 5.0 μm range. The nominal on-orbit mission lifetime for the instrument is two years with continuous primary science imaging. The SPHEREx instrument will be placed in a near-circular LEO sun-synchronous terminator orbit with a mean altitude of 600 km, and solar beta angles ranging from 59° to 90°. A passive V-groove radiator cooling system was selected for the SPHEREx instrument. This design was chosen for its simplicity and lack of vibration. It includes five radiator stages with the coldest two stages providing temperatures below 80K and 55K for the 2.5μm and 5.3μm detectors respectively. A one quarter scale thermal prototype was constructed to characterize the performance of the SPHEREx thermal control subsystem. This prototype was directly derived and scaled from the current flight design, and accurately replicates all heat flow paths at scale. The prototype was tested in two bounding hot flight-like environments in the Cryogenic Systems Engineering, Advanced Thermal Technology Lab at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Following testing, a previously developed one quarter scale thermal model was correlated to the two conditions seen in test. The resultant correlated model is able to predict the prototype test temperatures to within 1K for all critical radiator stages. An overview of the thermal control design approach, the test configuration, and test and correlation results are presented.

Bolton, Douglas A.↗

Determination of Autogenous Ignition Temperature for Isopropyl Alcohol and Ethanol

As part of a recent liquid rocket engine shutdown investigation, a commercial partner requested that NASA provide the autogenous ignition (or autoignition) temperature (AIT) of isopropyl alcohol (IPA). NASA provided the available data, but the data were somewhat scattered, likely due to test configuration and test technique differences. NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) support was requested to experimentally determine the AIT of IPA and ethanol, both of which are extensively applied to propulsion systems. This report contains the outcome of the NESC assessment.

Autoignition Temperature; Isopropyl Alcohol; Comme↗

Impedance Measurements of Motor Drives and Supplies in NASA NEAT Facility

Many electrified aircraft configurations consist of a number of power components operating on the same shared electrical bus. Understanding the impedance performance of electrical loads and sources is key to understanding, and designing for, acceptable overall vehicle power quality and power system stability. This paper discusses impedance measurements made on the NASA Electric Aircraft Testbed (NEAT) Electrical Power System (EPS) at NASA Glenn Research Center. First, an overall discussion of the NEAT facility configuration during testing is presented. Then, details of the impedance measurement approach and the various testing configurations are discussed. Next, input impedance measurements at NEAT, including sources (DC supplies) and loads (multiple motor drives, electric machines, and resistive load banks, with long interconnecting cable leads), are performed under a number of conditions, and results, including load model comparisons and stability analysis, are presented and discussed.

electrified aircraft propulsion↗

Impedance Measurements of Motor Drives and Supplies in NASA NEAT Facility

Many electrified aircraft configurations consist of a number of power components operating on the same shared electrical bus. Understanding the impedance performance of electrical loads and sources is key to understanding, and designing for, acceptable overall vehicle power quality and power system stability. This paper discusses impedance measurements made on the NASA Electric Aircraft Testbed (NEAT) Electrical Power System (EPS) at NASA Glenn Research Center. First, an overall discussion of the NEAT facility configuration during testing is presented; then details of the impedance measurement approach and the various testing configurations are discussed. Next, input impedance measurements at NEAT, including sources (DC supplies) and loads (multiple motor drives, electric machines, and resistive load banks, with long interconnecting cable leads), are performed under a number of conditions, and results, including load model comparisons and stability analysis, are presented and discussed.

electrified aircraft propulsion↗

Critical Propulsion and Noise reduction Technologies for Future Commercial Subsonic Engines. Area of Interest 14.3: Separate Flow Exhaust System Noise

This presentation discusses: Project Objectives, Approach and Goal; Baseline Nozzles and Test Cycle Definition; Repeatability and Baseline Nozzle Results; Noise Reduction Concepts; Noise Reduction Tests Configurations of BPR=5 Internal Plug Nozzle adn Acoustic Results; Noise Reduction Test Configurations of BPR=5 External Plug Nozzle and Acoustic Results; and Noise Reduction Tests Configurations of BPR=8 External Plug Nozzle and Acoustic Results.

Janardan, B. A.↗

A portable Ka-band front-end test package for beam-waveguide antenna performance evaluation. Part 2: Tests on the antenna

In part one of this article, a description was given of a Ka-band test package developed to enable testing of the Deep Space Station (DDS) 13 34-m beam-waveguide (BWG) antenna at 32 GHz. Test results were given for the Ka-band test package in an on-the-ground test configuration. This article is a companion article concerned with Ka-band test results for the test package in an on-the-antenna test configuration. Included are Ka-band zenith noise-temperature values, tipping-curve data, and subreflector test results obtained at the Cassegrain focal point, as well as at the final BWG focal point (located in a subterranean pedestal room). Test results show that, through the use of the Ka-band test package, the BWG antenna performance was successfully evaluated at Ka-band. The Ka-band test package operated well in all of the different antenna test configurations.

Otoshi, T. Y.↗

Leading-edge deflection optimization for a highly swept arrow wing configuration

Tests were also conducted to determine the sensitivity of the lateral stability derivative C sub l sub beta to geometric anhedral. The optimized leading edge deflection was developed by aligning the leading edge with the incoming flow along the entire span. Owing to the spanwise variation of upwash, the resulting optimized leading edge was a smooth, continuously warped surface. For the particular configuration studied, levels of leading edge suction on the order of 90 percent were achieved with the smooth, continuously warped leading edge contour. The results of tests conducted to determine the sensitivity of C sub l sub beta to geometric anhedral indicate values of delta C sub l sub beta/delta T which are in reasonable agreement with estimates provided by simple vortex lattice theories.

Coe, P. L., Jr.↗