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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 811 records · Page 45

Ceramic thermal-barrier coatings for cooled turbines

Ceramic thermal-barrier coatings on hot engine parts have the potential to reduce metal temperatures, coolant requirements, cost, and complexity of the cooling configuration, and to increase life, turbine efficiency and gas temperature. Coating systems consisting of a plasma-sprayed layer of zirconia stabilized with either yttria, magnesia or calcia over a thin alloy bond coat have been developed, their potential analyzed and their durability and benefits evaluated in a turbojet engine. The coatings on air-cooled rotating blades were in good condition after completing as many as 500 two-minute cycles of engine operation between full power at a gas temperature of 1644 K and flameout, or as much as 150 hours of steady-state operation on cooled vanes and blades at gas temperatures as high as 1644 K witn 35 start and stop cycles. On the basis of durability and processing cost, the yttria-stabilized zirconia was considered the best of the three coatings investigated.

Liebert, C. H.↗

Method of discrete modeling and its application to estimation of TF30 engine variables

A method of discrete modeling is presented that effectively isolates steady state model accuracy from dynamic model accuracy. The steady state model may be generated from the engine design equations with any desired degree of accuracy. The dynamic model is generated by applying a step disturbance of a manipulated variable to an open loop engine simulation. The sampled response of the variable is combined with the steady state model's response to form a set of weighting factors. These weighting factors are then used to weight past values of the manipulated variable, thus forming the dynamic model. The method is used to estimate various TF30-P-3 engine variables. A dynamic trim function is developed to compensate for the dynamic nonlinearities of the variables as well as for inaccuracies in dynamic definition. The trim function is shown to be realted to the square root of the sum of the squares of the weighting factors obtained at various engine operating conditions. Finally, the estimation of variables without dynamic modeling is discussed.

Arpasi, D. J.↗

Circumferential distortion modeling of the TF30-P-3 compression system

Circumferential inlet pressure and temperature distortion testing of the TF30 P-3 turbofan engine was conducted. The compressor system at the test conditions run was modelled according to a multiple segment parallel compressor model. Aspects of engine operation and distortion configuration modelled include the effects of compressor bleeds, relative pressure-temperature distortion alignment and circumferential distortion extent. Model predictions for limiting distortion amplitudes and flow distributions within the compression system were compared with test results in order to evaluate predicted trends. Relatively good agreement was obtained. The model also identified the low pressure compressor as the stall-initiating component, which was in agreement with the data.

Mazzawy, R. S.↗

Space Shuttle Plume and Plume Impingement Study

The extent of the influence of the propulsion system exhaust plumes on the vehicle performance and control characteristics is a complex function of vehicle geometry, propulsion system geometry, engine operating conditions and vehicle flight trajectory were investigated. Analytical support of the plume technology test program was directed at the two latter problem areas: (1) definition of the full-scale exhaust plume characteristics, (2) application of appropriate similarity parameters; and (3) analysis of wind tunnel test data. Verification of the two-phase plume and plume impingement models was directed toward the definition of the full-scale exhaust plume characteristics and the separation motor impingement problem.

Tevepaugh, J. A.↗

Dynamics of high-bypass-engine thrust reversal using a variable-pitch fan

The test program demonstrated that successful and rapid forward-to reverse-thrust transients can be performed without any significant engine operational limitations for fan blade pitch changes through either feather pitch or flat pitch. For through-feather-pitch operation with a flight inlet, fan stall problems were encountered, and a fan blade overshoot technique was used to establish reverse thrust.

Schaefer, J. W.↗

Aircraft equipment

The complex of functionally interconnected instruments and devices for controlling flight, engine operations, electrical systems, communications, and vital systems for passengers and crew is described. The aggregates of the aircraft automatic equipment are also discussed.

Source record↗

Measurement of far field combustion noise from a turbofan engine using coherence functions

Coherence measurements between fluctuating pressure in the combustor of a YF-102 turbofan engine and far-field acoustic pressure were made. The results indicated that a coherent relationship between the combustor pressure and far-field existed only at frequencies below 250 Hz, with the peak occurring near 125 Hz. The coherence functions and the far-field spectra were used to compute the combustor-associated far-field noise in terms of spectra, directivity, and acoustic power, over a range of engine operating conditions. The acoustic results so measured were compared with results obtained by conventional methods, as well as with various semiempirical predictions schemes. Examination of the directivity patterns indicated a peak in the combustion noise near 120 deg (relative to the inlet axis).

Karchmer, A. M.↗

In-flight performance of the Viking 75 Orbiter propulsion system

The configuration of the Viking 75 Spacecraft, which was used in two missions related to the exploration of the planet Mars, is examined and a description of the orbiter propulsion subsystem is provided. The propellants utilized were nitrogen tetroxide and monomethylhydrazine. Gaseous helium was used for pressurization. Orbiter maneuver durations ranged from the 39.4 minute Mars orbit insertion on VO-2, the longest engine firing in space to date, to the 1.7-second station keeping trim on VO-1. Total engine operating time was 2748.2 seconds for VO-1 and 2814.5 seconds for VO-2.

Schmit, D. D.↗

Linear aerospike engine

A description is presented of a dual-fuel modular split-combustor linear aerospike engine concept. The considered engine represents an approach to an integrated engine for a reusable single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) vehicle. The engine burns two fuels (hydrogen and a hydrocarbon) with oxygen in separate combustors. Combustion gases expand on a linear aerospike nozzle. An engine preliminary design is discussed. Attention is given to the evaluation process for selecting the optimum number of modules or divisions of the engine, aspects of cooling and power cycle balance, and details of engine operation.

Kirby, F. M.↗

Measurement of far field combustion noise from a turbofan engine using coherence functions

Coherence measurements between fluctuating pressure in the combustor of a YF-102 turbofan engine and far-field acoustic pressure were made. The results indicated that a coherent relationship between the combustor pressure and far-field existed only at frequencies below 250 Hz, with the peak occurring near 125 Hz. The coherence functions and the far-field spectra were used to compute the combustor-associated far-field noise in terms of spectra, directivity, and acoustic power, over a range of engine operating conditions. The acoustic results so measured were compared with results obtained by conventional methods, as well as with various semiempirical predictions schemes. Examination of the directivity patterns indicated a peak in the combustion noise near 120 deg (relative to the inlet axis).

Karchmer, A. M.↗

Effect of ambient temperature and humidity on emissions of an idling gas turbine

The effects of inlet pressure, temperature, and humidity on the oxides of nitrogen produced by an engine operating at takeoff power setting were investigated and numerous correction factors were formulated. The effect of ambient relative humidity on gas turbine idle emissions was ascertained. Experimentally, a nonvitiating combustor rig was employed to simulate changing combustor inlet conditions as generated by changing ambient conditions. Emissions measurements were made at the combustor exit. For carbon monoxide, a reaction kinetic scheme was applied within each zone of the combustor where initial species concentrations reflected not only local combustor characteristics but also changing ambient conditions.

Kauffman, C. W.↗

Reliability analysis of forty-five strain-gage systems mounted on the first fan stage of a YF-100 engine

The reliability of 45 state-of-the-art strain gage systems under full scale engine testing was investigated. The flame spray process was used to install 23 systems on the first fan rotor of a YF-100 engine; the others were epoxy cemented. A total of 56 percent of the systems failed in 11 hours of engine operation. Flame spray system failures were primarily due to high gage resistance, probably caused by high stress levels. Epoxy system failures were principally erosion failures, but only on the concave side of the blade. Lead-wire failures between the blade-to-disk jump and the control room could not be analyzed.

Holanda, R.↗

Experimental clean combustor program: Turbulence characteristics of compressor discharge flows

The results of turbulence measurements at the entrance to the diffuser duct of a large gas turbine are presented. Hot film and hot wire measurements were conducted over a compressor discharge temperature range of 450K to 608K. It was found that the turbulent intensity at the I.D. and midspan locations increases gradually from 6 + or - 1 percent at idle to 7 + or - 1 percent at approach; the turbulent intensity at the O.D. location increases from 7.5 + or - 0.5 percent at idle to 15 + or - 0.5 percent at approach. The energy in the velocity waves is uniformly distributed over a 0.1 to 5 kHz bandwidth, and the cut-off frequency is not a strong function of the engine operation. The axial length of the Fourier components within this bandwidth varies from 0.021 to 1.05m. The turbulence near the diffuser O.D. is of sufficient amplitude and scale to affect the flow to the front end sections of the burner.

Follansbee, P. S.↗

Analytical study of thermal barrier coated first-stage blades in an F100 engine

Heat transfer and stress analyses were performed on two sections of a thermal barrier coated (TBC) F100 1st-stage turbine blade. Results of the analyses indicate that the TBC on the leading edges of both sections experience the highest elastic strain ranges and these occur during transient engine operation. Further study is recommended to determine the effects of plastic deformation (creep) and creep-fatigue interaction on coating life.

Andress, D. E.↗

Space electric power design study

The conversion of laser energy to electrical energy is discussed. Heat engines in which the laser heats the gas inside the engine through a window as well as heat engines in which the gas is heated by a thermal energy storage reservoir which has been heated by laser radiation are both evaluated, as well as the necessary energy storage, transmission and conversion components needed for a full system. Preliminary system concepts are presented and a recommended development program is outlined. It appears possible that a free displacer Stirling engine operating directly a linear electric generator can convert 65% of the incident laser energy into electricity.

Martini, W. R.↗

Inlet technology for powered-lift aircraft

The concepts, analytical tools, and experimental data available for designing inlets for powered lift aircraft are discussed. It is shown that inlets can be designed to meet noise, distortion, and cruise drag requirements at the flight and engine operating conditions of a powered lift aircraft. The penalty in pressure recovery for achieving the required noise suppression was 0.3 percent.

Luidens, R. W.↗

Fabrication and test of digital output interface devices for gas turbine electronic controls

A program was conducted to develop an innovative digital output interface device, a digital effector with optical feedback of the fuel metering valve position, for future electronic controls for gas turbine engines. A digital effector (on-off solenoids driven directly by on-off signals from a digital electronic controller) with optical position feedback was fabricated, coupled with the fuel metering valve, and tested under simulated engine operating conditions. The testing indicated that a digital effector with optical position feedback is a suitable candidate, with proper development for future digital electronic gas turbine controls. The testing also identified several problem areas which would have to be overcome in a final production configuration.

Newirth, D. M.↗

Compressor seal rub energetics study

The rub mechanics of compressor abradable blade tip seals at simulated engine conditions were investigated. Twelve statistically planned, instrumented rub tests were conducted with titanium blades and Feltmetal fibermetal rubstrips. The tests were conducted with single stationary blades rubbing against seal material bonded to rotating test disks. The instantaneous rub torque, speed, incursion rate and blade temperatures were continuously measured and recorded. Basic rub parameters (incursion rate, rub depth, abradable density, blade thickness and rub velocity) were varied to determine the effects on rub energy and heat split between the blade, rubstrip surface and rub debris. The test data was reduced, energies were determined and statistical analyses were completed to determine the primary and interactive effects. Wear surface morphology, profile measurements and metallographic analysis were used to determine wear, glazing, melting and material transfer. The rub energies for these tests were most significantly affected by the incursion rate while rub velocity and blade thickness were of secondary importance. The ratios of blade wear to seal wear were representative of those experienced in engine operation of these seal system materials.

Laverty, W. F.↗