Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Experimental Results”

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 91 records · Page 5

Beam-waveguide antenna performance predictions with comparisons to experimental results

An overview of a NASA/JPL antenna project is presented, with specific focus on the methodology used to predict the microwave performance of a 34-m-diameter beam-waveguide (BWG) reflector antenna, designated DSS 13 (Deep Space Station 13). DSS 13 is the R&D facility serving the NASA/JPL Deep Space Network. Microwave performance predictions as well as a summary of test results for the antenna are given. The antenna has Cassegrain and centerline BWG operating modes at X-band (8.450-GHz) and Ka-band (32-GHz) frequencies. The performance predictions regarding antenna area efficiencies, corresponding beampeak gains, and for several (but not all) operating noise temperatures are found to agree reasonably well with the corresponding experimental results.

Bathker, Dan A.↗

Active vibration absorber for the CSI evolutionary model - Design and experimental results

The development of control of large flexible structures technology must include practical demonstrations to aid in the understanding and characterization of controlled structures in space. To support this effort, a testbed facility has been developed to study practical implementation of new control technologies under realistic conditions. The paper discusses the design of a second order, acceleration feedback controller which acts as an active vibration absorber. This controller provides guaranteed stability margins for collocated sensor/actuator pairs in the absence of sensor/actuator dynamics and computational time delay. Experimental results in the presence of these factors are presented and discussed. The robustness of this design under model uncertainty is demonstrated.

Bruner, Anne M.↗

Rotating Fluidized Bed Reactor for Space Nuclear Propulsion: Design Studies and Experimental Results - Annual Report

The rotating fluidized bed reactor concept is being investigated for possible application in nuclear propulsion systems. Physics calculations show U-233 to be superior to U-235 as a fuel for a cavity reactor of this type. Preliminary estimates of the effect of hydrogen in the reactor, reflector material, and power peaking are given. A preliminary engineering analysis was made for U-235 and U-233 fueled systems. An evaluation of the parameters affecting the design of the system is given, along with the thrust-to-weight ratios. The experimental equipment is described, as are the special photographic techniques and procedures. Characteristics of the fluidized bed and experimental results are given, including photographic evidence of bed fluidization at high rotational velocities.

Source record↗

Modal characterization of the ASCIE segmented optics testbed: New algorithms and experimental results

New frequency response measurement procedures, on-line modal tuning techniques, and off-line modal identification algorithms are developed and applied to the modal identification of the Advanced Structures/Controls Integrated Experiment (ASCIE), a generic segmented optics telescope test-bed representative of future complex space structures. The frequency response measurement procedure uses all the actuators simultaneously to excite the structure and all the sensors to measure the structural response so that all the transfer functions are measured simultaneously. Structural responses to sinusoidal excitations are measured and analyzed to calculate spectral responses. The spectral responses in turn are analyzed as the spectral data become available and, which is new, the results are used to maintain high quality measurements. Data acquisition, processing, and checking procedures are fully automated. As the acquisition of the frequency response progresses, an on-line algorithm keeps track of the actuator force distribution that maximizes the structural response to automatically tune to a structural mode when approaching a resonant frequency. This tuning is insensitive to delays, ill-conditioning, and nonproportional damping. Experimental results show that is useful for modal surveys even in high modal density regions. For thorough modeling, a constructive procedure is proposed to identify the dynamics of a complex system from its frequency response with the minimization of a least-squares cost function as a desirable objective. This procedure relies on off-line modal separation algorithms to extract modal information and on least-squares parameter subset optimization to combine the modal results and globally fit the modal parameters to the measured data. The modal separation algorithms resolved modal density of 5 modes/Hz in the ASCIE experiment. They promise to be useful in many challenging applications.

Carrier, Alain C.↗

Hypersonic waverider analysis - A comparison of numerical and experimental results

In this study two waverider configurations are analyzed numerically and experimentally. The geometries are designed using an inverse design and optimization code with the optimization procedure driven by maximized L/D and limited by geometric constraints. Euler and Navier-Stokes numerical simulations are performed with a partially flux-split finite-difference code developed at NASA Ames, F3D. Experimental data is obtained at NASA Langley in the Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel (UPWT) and the 20-Inch Mach 6 wind tunnel for flow visualization, force/moment, and surface pressure measurements at both on- and off-design conditions. Euler simulations are compared with analytic results obtained from conical flow theory, and Navier-Stokes simulations are compared with experimental results both qualitatively and quantitatively for on- and off-design conditions.

Jones, K. D.↗

Design and Preliminary Experimental Results on a Uniform-Field Test Fixture for Power Flow Experiments

Electrodes that produce a uniform electric field across their surfaces are desired for a variety of high-voltage systems including spark-gap switches and transversely excited atmospheric lasers. Here, the implementation of uniform-field electrodes to a parallel-plate load is described for the study of vacuum power flow under pulsed-power applications. We begin with an overview of general uniform-field geometries, and provide an open-source program that generates these geometries as described by Ernst. Following that, a modification to an existing power-flow experimental platform, that adopts a uniform-field geometry, is introduced and its utility is described. Lastly, preliminary experimental results are presented and future steps are outlined.

Capacitors↗

Costas loop demodulation of suppressed carrier BPSK signals in the DSN environment: Experimental results obtained at TDL

Suppressed carrier binary phase-shift keyed (BPSK) signalling is currently being considered as a design alternative for future DSN telemetry in the multimegabit range. Carrier tracking of such signals is usually achieved by a Costas loop, as opposed to the ordinary phase lock loop. A Costas loop capable of demodulating BPSK signals with data rates up to 1 Msps was designed and constructed and its Doppler tracking performance with respect to a Block 3 receiver was tested at the Telecommunications Development Laboratory (TDL). The compatibility of suppressed carrier signalling with the current radiometric system, specifically Doppler tracking and ranging, was investigated. The experimental results obtained to-date with respect to Doppler tracking are presented.

Reasoner, R.↗

Object impedance control for cooperative manipulation - Theory and experimental results

The dynamic control module being developed in the Dynamic and Strategic Control of Cooperative Manipulators (DASCCOM) project at the Stanford University Aerospace Robotics Laboratory is described. First, the cooperative manipulation problem is analyzed from a systems perspective, and the desirable features of a control system for cooperative manipulation are discussed. Next, a control policy is developed that enforces a controlled impedance not of the individual arm endpoints, but of the manipulated object itself. A parallel implementation for a multiprocessor system is presented. The controller fully compensates for the system dynamics and directly controls the object internal forces. Most importantly, it presents a simple, powerful, intuitive interface to the strategic controller. Experimental results for a dual two-link arm robotic system are presented to verify the controllers performance, for both free-motion slews and environmental contact.

Schneider, Stanley A.↗

Object impedance control for cooperative manipulation - Theory and experimental results

This paper presents the dynamic control module of the Dynamic and Strategic Control of Cooperating Manipulators (DASCCOM) project at Stanford University's Aerospace Robotics Laboratory. First, the cooperative manipulation problem is analyzed from a systems perspective, and the desirable features of a control system for cooperative manipulation are discussed. Next, a control policy is developed that enforces a controlled impedance not of the individual arm endpoints, but of the manipulated object itself. A parallel implementation for a multiprocessor system is presented. The controller fully compensates for the system dynamics and directly controls the object internal forces. Most importantly, it presents a simple, powerful, intuitive interface to higher level strategic control modules. Experimental results from a dual two-link-arm robotic system are used to compare the object impedance controller with other strategies, both for free-motion slews and environmental contact.

Schneider, Stanley A.↗

Experimental Results for an Inverter Integrated with A High-Speed Surface Permanent Magnet External Rotor Motor

This work presents the prototyping and testing of a high-speed outer rotor surface permanent magnet motor. The motor employs non-heavy rare-earth permanent magnets and operates at a rated speed of 6,666 rpm. In-slot ceramic heat exchangers are used to cool the windings. The external rotor configuration provides substantial space within the stator bore, which is used for power electronics integration. This integration introduces several design and thermal management challenges that are discussed in the paper. The machine has been prototyped and tested under various operating conditions, and both simulation and experimental results are presented.

Rallabandi, Vandana [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000236241901↗

Inlet Flow Test Calibration for a Small Axial Compressor Facility. Part 1: Design and Experimental Results

An axial compressor test rig has been designed for the operation of small turbomachines. The inlet region consisted of a long flowpath region with two series of support struts and a flapped inlet guide vane. A flow test was run to calibrate and determine the source and magnitudes of the loss mechanisms in the inlet for a highly loaded two-stage axial compressor test. Several flow conditions and IGV angle settings were established in which detailed surveys were completed. Boundary layer bleed was also provided along the casing of the inlet behind the support struts and ahead of the IGV. A detailed discussion of the flowpath design along with a summary of the experimental results are provided in Part 1.

Miller, D. P.↗

Experimental results of a magnetically coupled piezoelectric actuator to relieve microchannel heat exchanger maldistribution

Refrigerant maldistribution is a common issue in microchannel heat exchangers. Refrigerant maldistribution can have significant negative effects on the heat transfer performance and increase the pressure drop, leading to increased superheat temperature at the outlet and increased compressor work, lowering system efficiency. In this work, a novel piezoelectric-driven magnetic actuator (PEDMA) was fabricated and inserted into the inlet header of the microchannel evaporator, with the goal of improving the non-uniformity of the flow distribution by regulating the flow in the header to the microchannels. Two prototype PEDMA designs were tested and showed significant impact on the refrigerant flow in the region of actuation. In the first design, the experimental data showed superheat reductions up to 9 °C when the individual channel temperatures were measured. The second design redistributed the refrigerant such that a 1% increase in capacity was calculated for the whole heat exchanger without significantly impacting the heating efficiency. The experimental results demonstrate the successful operation of the PEDMA devices and represent a new method of active flow distribution control which is based on a simple design with minimal additional energy consumption, and which can be inserted into microchannel heat exchanger headers to potentially relieve the refrigerant maldistribution.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Experimental results for the transpired turbulent boundary layer in an adverse pressure gradient

The fluid mechanics of transpired incompressible turbulent boundary layers under zero and adverse pressure gradient conditions is investigated using an open-ended wind tunnel with a porous floor in the test section and a secondary air system for supply and metering of the transpiration air. All velocity profiles and turbulence profiles are obtained by linearized constant-temperature hot-wire anemometry. The wall shear stress is determined by measuring the shear stress away from the wall and extrapolating to the wall by integrating the boundary layer equations for the shear-stress profile. Equilibrium boundary layers are obtained when the transpiration velocity is varied such that the blowing parameter and the Clauser pressure gradient parameter are held constant. The experimental results obtained are presented in tabular and graphical forms.

Andersen, P. S.↗

Vapor liquid equilibrium of pure and aqueous Methyl diethanolamine (MDEA), 2-Dimethylmonoethanolamine (DMMEA), N-Methylmonoethanolamine (MMEA) and 1-(2-Aminoethyl)piperazine (AEP): Experimental results and modeling

This work presents new vapor-liquid data for the pure components 2-dimethylmonoethanolamine (DMMEA) and N-methylethanolamine (MMEA) and for the binary systems of aqueous methyldiethanolamine (MDEA), DMMEA, MMEA, and 1-(2-aminoethyl)piperazine (AEP). New Antoine models are developed for the pure component systems, and new and improved NRTL models for the binary systems. In the model development, together with new data from this work, all available data on VLE, excess heat of mixing, H E , freezing point depression, and specific heat were gathered, evaluated and used selectively for parameter optimization. Emphasis has been put on a best possible representation of amine volatility to enable reasonable predictions of amine emissions from absorption plants and to form a basis for subsequent models of ternary systems with CO 2 . In conclusion, model predictions are compared with experimental results and other models, source by source, and the overall results are satisfactory.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

(abstract) Experimental Results From Internetworking Data Applications Over Various Wireless Networks Using a Single Flexible Error Control Protocol

This paper describes results from several wireless field trials in New Jersey, California, and Colorado, conducted jointly by researchers at Bellcore, JPL, and US West over the course of 1993 and 1994. During these trials, applications communicated over multiple wireless networks including satellite, low power PCS, high power cellular, packet data, and the wireline Public Switched Telecommunications Network (PSTN). Key goals included 1) designing data applications and an API suited to mobile users, 2) investigating internetworking issues, 3) characterizing wireless networks under various field conditions, and 4) comparing the performance of different protocol mechanisms over the diverse networks and applications. We describe experimental results for different protocol mechanisms and parameters, such as acknowledgment schemes and packet sizes. We show the need for powerful error control mechanisms such as selective acknowledgements and combining data from multiple transmissions. We highlight the possibility of a common protocol for all wireless networks, from micro-cellular PCS to satellite networks.

wireless networks field trials mobile users protoc↗

A stereo triangulation system for structural identification: Analytical and experimental results

Identification of large space structures' distributed mass, stiffness, and energy dissipation characteristics poses formidable analytical, numerical, and implementation difficulties. Development of reliable on-orbit structural identification methods is important for implementing active vibration suppression concepts which are under widespread study in the large space structures community. Near the heart of the identification problem lies the necessity of making a large number of spatially distributed measurements of the structure's vibratory response and the associated force/moment inputs with sufficient spatial and frequency resolution. In the present paper, we discuss a method whereby tens of active or passive (retro-reflecting) targets on the structure are tracked simultaneously by the focal planes of two or more video cameras mounted on an adjacent platform. Triangulation (optical ray intersection) of the conjugate image centroids yield inertial trajectories of each target on the structure. Given the triangulated motion of the targets, we apply and extend methodology developed by Creamer, Junkins, and Juang to identify the frequencies, mode shapes, and updated estimates for the mass/stiffness/damping parameterization of the structure. The methodology is semi-automated, for example, the post experiment analysis of the video imagery to determine the inertial trajectories of the targets typically requires less than thirty minutes of real time. Using methodology discussed herein, the frequency response of a large number of points on the structure (where reflective targets are mounted) on the structure can be determined from optical measurements alone. For comparison purposes, we also utilize measurements from accelerometers and a calibrated impulse hammer. While our experimental work remains in a research stage of development, we have successfully tracked and stereo triangulated 20 targets (on a vibrating cantilevered grid structure) at a sample frequency of 200 HZ, and have established conclusively the feasibility and desirability of this approach. We discuss, in summary, recent advances in analog and digital video processing methodology, actuation methods, and bring them to bear on the structural identification problem. We include a brief discussion of our experimental hardware and some recent experimental results which support the practical feasibility of this structural vibration sensing approach.

Junkins, J. L.↗

Experimental Results of the First Two Stages of an Advanced Transonic Core Compressor Under Isolated and Multi-Stage Conditions

NASA's Environmentally Responsible Aviation (ERA) Program calls for investigation of the technology barriers associated with improved fuel efficiency of large gas turbine engines. Under ERA the task for a High Pressure Ratio Core Technology program calls for a higher overall pressure ratio of 60 to 70. This mean that the HPC would have to almost double in pressure ratio and keep its high level of efficiency. The challenge is how to match the corrected mass flow rate of the front two supersonic high reaction and high corrected tip speed stages with a total pressure ratio of 3.5. NASA and GE teamed to address this challenge by using the initial geometry of an advanced GE compressor design to meet the requirements of the first 2 stages of the very high pressure ratio core compressor. The rig was configured to run as a 2 stage machine, with Strut and IGV, Rotor 1 and Stator 1 run as independent tests which were then followed by adding the second stage. The goal is to fully understand the stage performances under isolated and multi-stage conditions and fully understand any differences and provide a detailed aerodynamic data set for CFD validation. Full use was made of steady and unsteady measurement methods to isolate fluid dynamics loss source mechanisms due to interaction and endwalls. The paper will present the description of the compressor test article, its predicted performance and operability, and the experimental results for both the single stage and two stage configurations. We focus the detailed measurements on 97 and 100 of design speed at 3 vane setting angles.

turbomachinery↗

Experimental Results From a 2kW Brayton Power Conversion Unit

This paper presents experimental test results from operation of a 2 kWe Brayton power conversion unit. The Brayton converter was developed for a solar dynamic power system flight experiment planned for the Mir Space Station in 1997. The flight experiment was cancelled, but the converter was tested at Glenn Research Center as part of the Solar Dynamic Ground Test Demonstration system which included a solar concentrator, heat receiver, and space radiator. In preparation for the current testing, the heat receiver was removed and replaced with an electrical resistance heater, simulating the thermal input of a steady-state nuclear source. The converter was operated over a full range of thermal input power levels and rotor speeds to generate an overall performance map. The converter unit will serve as the centerpiece of a Nuclear Electric Propulsion Testbed at Glenn. Future potential uses for the Testbed include high voltage electrical controller development, integrated electric thruster testing and advanced radiator demonstration testing to help guide high power Brayton technology development for Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP).

Hervol, David↗