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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 91 records · Page 5

Station-keeping guidance

The station-keeping guidance system is described, which is designed to automatically keep one orbiting vehicle within a prescribed zone fixed with respect to another orbiting vehicle. The active vehicle, i.e. the one performing the station-keeping maneuvers, is referred to as the shuttle. The other passive orbiting vehicle is denoted as the workshop. The passive vehicle is assumed to be in a low-eccentricity near-earth orbit. The primary navigation sensor considered is a gimballed tracking radar located on board the shuttle. It provides data on relative range and range rate between the two vehicles. Also measured are the shaft and trunnion axes gimbal angles. An inertial measurement unit (IMU) is provided on board the orbiter. The IMU is used at all times to provide an attitude reference for the vehicle. The IMU accelerometers are used periodically to monitor the velocity-correction burns applied to the shuttle during the station-keeping mode. The guidance system is capable of station-keeping the shuttle in any arbitrary position with respect to the workshop by periodically applying velocity-correction pulses to the shuttle.

Gustafson, D. E.↗

Development of Erosive Burning Models for CFD Predictions of Solid Rocket Motor Internal Environments

Four erosive burning models, equations (11) to (14). are developed in this work by using a power law relationship to correlate (1) the erosive burning ratio and the local velocity gradient at propellant surfaces; (2) the erosive burning ratio and the velocity gradient divided by centerline velocity; (3) the erosive burning difference and the local velocity gradient at propellant surfaces; and (4) the erosive burning difference and the velocity gradient divided by centerline velocity. These models depend on the local velocity gradient at the propellant surface (or the velocity gradient divided by centerline velocity) only and, unlike other empirical models, are independent of the motor size. It was argued that, since the erosive burning is a local phenomenon occurring near the surface of the solid propellant, the erosive burning ratio should be independent of the bore diameter if it is correlated with some local flow parameters such as the velocity gradient at the propellant surface. This seems to be true considering the good results obtained by applying these models, which are developed from the small size 5 inch CP tandem motor testing, to CFD simulations of much bigger motors.

Wang, Qun-Zhen↗

Model assessment of synthetic jets for turbulent combustion experiments

Abstract Understanding turbulent premixed flames is essential to predict and optimize advanced combustion strategies, but critical capability gaps exist for collecting and validating measurements such as turbulent flame speed. Here, we evaluate synthetic jets as a new, promising turbulence generation device for constant-volume combustion chambers, quantitatively assessing turbulence intensity and spatial uniformity in a hypothetical 4,189-cm 3 vessel for various premixture conditions. Graphic Abstract

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

Direct numerical simulations of turbulent premixed cool flames: Global and local flame dynamics analysis

The cool flame dynamics, especially in turbulent flows, is of great interest for both practical application and fundamental research. Here, in this study, a series of direct numerical simulations of turbulent premixed n-C 7 H 16 /O 2 /O 3 /N 2 cool flames are performed, with the focus on the influence of turbulence intensity (u'/S L , where S L is the laminar flame speed) on the flame structure as well as the global and local cool flame dynamics. It is found that the cool flame front is considerably wrinkled by turbulence at high u'/S L , leading to significantly thickened turbulent cool flame brush and largely altered local reactivity compared with the reference laminar flame. However, the turbulent flame structure in the temperature space is found to be insensitive to u'/S L . Besides, with increasing u'/S L , the normalized turbulent cool flame speed (S L /S L ) is monotonically increased, attributed to substantial augmentation on the flame surface area (A T /A L ), while the stretching factor (I 0 ) remains almost constant and is smaller than 1. The underlying mechanisms for such variations are revealed through local flame dynamics analysis. Specifically, the local flame displacement speed S d is found to be strongly negatively correlated with flame curvature; meanwhile, such negative correlation and the probability distribution function (PDF) of flame curvature are barely influenced by u'/S L , leading to a weak dependence of I 0 on u'/S L . In contrast, the PDF of the tangential strain rate is found to span a much wider range and shift to the positive side as u'/S L increases, suggesting that the enhanced tangential strain rate is the main cause for the increase in surface area of the turbulent premixed cool flame. Finally, the influence of equivalence ratio on above findings is found to be insignificant, indicating that although the local reactivity of turbulent premixed cool flames is altered due to the differential diffusion, the resultant flame- stretch interaction is insensitive to the equivalence ratio. This study presents some unique cool flame dynamics that are distinct from hot flames, which can help improve the understanding and modeling of turbulent cool flames.

Cool flames↗

Primary propulsion/large space system interaction study

An interaction study was conducted between propulsion systems and large space structures to determine the effect of low thrust primary propulsion system characteristics on the mass, area, and orbit transfer characteristics of large space systems (LSS). The LSS which were considered would be deployed from the space shuttle orbiter bay in low Earth orbit, then transferred to geosynchronous equatorial orbit by their own propulsion systems. The types of structures studied were the expandable box truss, hoop and column, and wrap radial rib each with various surface mesh densities. The impact of the acceleration forces on system sizing was determined and the effects of single point, multipoint, and transient thrust applications were examined. Orbit transfer strategies were analyzed to determine the required velocity increment, burn time, trip time, and payload capability over a range of final acceleration levels. Variables considered were number of perigee burns, delivered specific impulse, and constant thrust and constant acceleration modes of propulsion. Propulsion stages were sized for four propellant combinations; oxygen/hydrogen, oxygen/methane, oxygen/kerosene, and nitrogen tetroxide/monomethylhydrazine, for pump fed and pressure fed engine systems. Two types of tankage configurations were evaluated, minimum length to maximize available payload volume and maximum performance to maximize available payload mass.

Coyner, J. V.↗

Measurements of dense fuel hydrodynamics in the NIF burning plasma experiments using backscattered neutron spectroscopy

The hydrodynamics of the dense confining fuel shell is of great importance in defining the behavior of the burning plasma and burn propagation regimes of inertial confinement fusion experiments. However, it is difficult to probe due to its low emissivity in comparison with the central fusion core. In this work, we utilize the backscattered neutron spectroscopy technique to directly measure the hydrodynamic conditions of the dense fuel during fusion burn. Experimental data are fit to obtain dense fuel velocities and apparent ion temperatures. Trends of these inferred parameters with yield and velocity of the burning plasma are used to investigate their dependence on alpha heating and low mode drive asymmetry. It is shown that the dense fuel layer has an increased outward radial velocity as yield increases, showing that burn has continued into re-expansion, a key signature of hotspot ignition. A comparison with analytic and simulation models shows that the observed dense fuel parameters are displaying signatures of burn propagation into the dense fuel layer, including a rapid increase in dense fuel apparent ion temperature with neutron yield.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Apollo 16 mission report. Supplement 2: Service Propulsion system final flight evaluation

The Apollo 16 Mission was the sixteenth in a series of flights using Apollo flight hardware and included the fifth lunar landing of the Apollo Program. The Apollo 16 Mission utilized CSM 113 which was equipped with SPS Engine S/N 66 (Injector S/N 137). The engine configuration and expected performance characteristics are presented. Since previous flight results of the SPS have consistently shown the existence of a negative mixture ratio shift, SPS Engine S/N 66 was reorificed to increase the mixture ratio for this mission. The propellant unbalance for the two major engine firings is compared with the predicted unbalance. Although the unbalance at the end of the TEI burn is significantly different than the predicted unbalance, the propellant mixture ratio was well within limits. The SPS performed six burns during the mission, with a total burn duration of 575.3 seconds. The ignition time, burn duration and velocity gain for each of the six SPS burns are reported.

Smith, R. J.↗

National Ignition Campaign Data Analysis by an ICF Outsider

A simple DT burn model, with no alpha-particle warming feedback, using a combination of ICF inputs and the measured ion temperature, T, volume compression, C, ablator velocity, v, and burn width time, Δt, can reproduce the national-ignition campaign (NIC) fusion yields with a rms percent difference of ~40%. Analysis suggestion the fusion-yield reproducibility of NIC events with nominally identically measured T, C, v, and Δt is <30%. The highest fusion yields, at a fixed laser energy are obtained with depleted-uranium (DU) hohlraums and high-density carbon (HDC) ablators. Small diameter fit tubes (≤5 μm) enhance fusion yields by an average of 26±15% relative to 10-μm diameter fit tubes. A dependence of fusion yield on the diameter of the capsule relative to the diameter of the hohlraum is inferred for fixed T, C, v, and Δt. No evidence of conditions close to ignition, or alpha-particle warming is found in the existing NIC data with LEH< 2MJ. To obtain a predictive model for extrapolation proposes we map the T, C, and v into power laws as a function of LEH. The above mentioned extrapolatable model has a rms percent difference from the yields of the second half of the NIC of (56 ± 4)%. Higher (and significantly lower) DT temperatures are obtained with HDC ablators (and low-foot drives). The highest compressions are obtained via low-foot drives, but this does not compensate for the corresponding lower temperatures. An extrapolation of the presented model suggests significant alpha-particle heating at an LEH of ~5 MJ. It is hoped that others more familiar it the conditions needed for ignition will use to presented model to estimate the LEH required for ignition.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Burning of particles undergoing stripping breakup

A simple model for condensed-phase particle burning has been presented. Particles are assumed to start burning in quiescent air. Particles are then accelerated, adding convective effects. Convective effect due to the relative motion between the particle and air on heat and mass transfer is included by introducing the Nusselt number. Stripping of liquid is included at higher particle velocity. Evaporation and burning from the stripped tail are also included.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Size Distribution and Velocity of Ethanol Drops in a Rocket Combustor Burning Ethanol and Liquid Oxygen

Single jets of ethanol were studied photomicrographically inside a rocket chamber as they broke up into sprays of drops which underwent simultaneous acceleration and vaporization with chemical reaction occurring in the surrounding combustion gas stream. In each rocket test-firing, liquid oxygen was used as the oxidant. Both drop velocity and drop size distribution data were obtained from photomicrographs of the ethanol drops taken with an ultra-high speed tracking camera developed at NASA, Lewis Research Center.

Ingebo, Robert D.↗

Computing Optimal Multiarc Trajectories

Optimal Multi-Arc Trajectories (OMAT) computer program designed to calculate solution to optimal-trajectory problem in cases of low thrust-to-weight ratios. Developed for two-body exoatmospheric problem with three degrees of freedom in inverse-square force field. Offers two different options: impulsive changes in velocity and finite burns with low thrust-to-weight ratios. Two distinct solutions available from program: optimal multi-impulse (OMI) solution and optimal multiburn (OMB) solution. Two solutions obtained separately, or results of OMI solution used to guess unknown parameters of OMB solution. Written for DEC VAX-series computer. Written completely in FORTRAN 77.

Jezewski, Donald J.↗

Pre-main-sequence stars in the young cluster IC 2391

Seven or eight new, late-type members of the poor open cluster IC 2391 are identified, and membership is confirmed for two other stars. The new members fall approximately along a 3 x 10 to the 7th yr isochrone, which is the age estimated for the cluster on the basis of it super main-seqence turnoff. Echelle spectra were obtained for the most probable cluster members. Most show H-alpha in emission and a strong Li 6707 A absorption line, and a few are rapid rotators. The Li abundances for cluster stars cooler than the sun are considerably less than the primordial Li abundance, providing the first direct evidence for substantial premain-sequence Li burning. The rotational velocities show a range from about 15 to 150 km/s, with a distribution of rotational velocities not significantly different from that observed for low-mass stars in the Pleiades.

Stauffer, John↗

Laboratory test methods for combustion stability properties of solid propellants

An overview is presented of experimental methods for determining the combustion-stability properties of solid propellants. The methods are generally based on either the temporal response to an initial disturbance or on external methods for generating the required oscillations. The size distribution of condensed-phase combustion products are characterized by means of the experimental approaches. The 'T-burner' approach is shown to assist in the derivation of pressure-coupled driving contributions and particle damping in solid-propellant rocket motors. Other techniques examined include the rotating-valve apparatus, the impedance tube, the modulated throat-acoustic damping burner, and the magnetic flowmeter. The paper shows that experimental methods do not exist for measuring the interactions between acoustic velocity oscillations and burning propellant.

Strand, L. D.↗

Research Performed within the Non-Destructive Evaluation Team at NASA Glenn Research Center

Non-destructive testing is essential in many fields of manufacturing and research in order to perform reliable examination of potentially damaged materials and parts without destroying the inherent structure of the materials. Thus, the Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) Team at NASA Glenn Research Center partakes in various projects to improve materials testing equipment as well as analyze materials, material defects, and material deficiencies. Due to the array of projects within the NDE Team at this time, five research aims were supplemental to some current projects. A literature survey of "DE and testing methodologies as related to rocks was performed. Also, Mars Expedition Rover technology was assessed to understand the requirements for instrumentation in harsh space environments (e.g. temperature). Potential instrumentation and technologies were also considered and documented. The literature survey provided background and potential sources for a proposal to acquire funding for ultrasonic instrumentation on board a future Mars expedition. The laboratory uses a Santec Systems AcousticScope AS200 acoustography system. Labview code was written within the current program in order to improve the current performance of the acoustography system. A sample of Reinforced Carbon/Carbon (RCC) material from the leading edge of the space shuttle underwent various non-destructive tests (guided wave scanning, thermography, computed tomography, real time x-ray, etc.) in order to characterize its structure and examine possible defects. Guided wave scan data of a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) panel was reanalyzed utilizing image correlations and signal processing variables. Additional guided wave scans and thermography were also performed on the CMC panel. These reevaluated data and images will be used in future presentations and publications. An additional axis for the guided wave scanner was designed, constructed, and implemented. This additional axis allowed incremental spacing of the previously fixed transducers for ultrasonic velocity measurements.

Burns, Erin A.↗

Development of a miniature solid propellant rocket motor for use in plume simulation studies

A miniature solid propellant rocket motor has been developed to be used in a program to determine those parameters which must be duplicated in a cold gas flow to produce aerodynamic effects on an experimental model similar to those produced by hot, particle-laden exhaust plumes. Phenomena encountered during the testing of the miniature solid propellant motors included erosive propellant burning caused by high flow velocities parallel to the propellant surface, regressive propellant burning as a result of exposed propellant edges, the deposition of aluminum oxide on the nozzle surfaces sufficient to cause aerodynamic nozzle throat geometry changes, and thermal erosion of the nozzle throat at high chamber pressures. A series of tests was conducted to establish the stability of the rocket chamber pressure and the repeatibility of test conditions. Data are presented which define the tests selected to represent the final test matrix. Qualitative observations are also presented concerning the phenomena experienced based on the results of a large number or rocket tests not directly applicable to the final test matrix.

Baran, W. J.↗

A numerical study of Li-SF6 wick combustion - Forced and mixed convective burning

A numerical study is conducted to study Li-SF6 wick diffusion flames under mixed convective burning conditions at a pressure of 0.01 MPa. Both planar and cylindrical wicks are considered. The model is based on a conserved scalar approach. The objective of this study is to assess the effects of particular parameters on the burning rate and heat transfer. The flat-plate solution yields a fuel mass burning rate per unit surface area following the x exp -1/2 dependence of the classical similarity solution, where x is the streamwise distance. Cylindrical wick geometries yield enhanced burning rates over planar wicks. For the case of mixed convective burning, the burning rate results approach either the forced or natural convective burning limits as ambient streamwise velocity is changed. Critical Richardson numbers specifying these burning limits are determined for a given condition. Reducing gravity results in a lower burning rate because the influence of natural convection is diminished. Under reduced gravity of 1/1000 of the sea-level value, mixed convective burning nearly resembles forced convection.

Damaso, R. C.↗