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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 109 records · Page 6

Low-temperature heat pipe research program

Wick fluid flow and evaporator performance data of various fluids and materials varying in structure and thickness derived for low temperature spacecraft heat pipe design

Phillips, E. C.↗

An assessment of separable fluid connector system parameters to perform a connector system design optimization study

The key to optimization of design where there are a large number of variables, all of which may not be known precisely, lies in the mathematical tool of dynamic programming developed by Bellman. This methodology can lead to optimized solutions to the design of critical systems in a minimum amount of time, even when there are a great number of acceptable configurations to be considered. To demonstrate the usefulness of dynamic programming, an analytical method is developed for evaluating the relationship among existing numerous connector designs to find the optimum configuration. The data utilized in the study were generated from 900 flanges designed for six subsystems of the S-1B stage of the Saturn 1B space carrier vehicle.

Prasthofer, W. P.↗

Small centrifugal pumps for low-thrust rocket engines

Six small, low specific speed centrifugal pump configurations were designed, fabricated, and tested. The configurations included shrouded, and 25 and 100% admission open face impellers with 2 inch tip diameters; 25, 50, and 100% emission vaned diffusers; and volutes with conical exits. Impeller tip widths varied from 0.030 inch to 0.052 inch. Design specific speeds (N sub s = RPM*GPM**0.5.FT**0.75) were 430 (four configurations) and 215 (two configurations). The six configurations were tested with water as the pumped fluid. Noncavitating performance results are presented for the design speed of 24,500 rpm over a flowrate range from 1 to 6 gpm for the N sub s = 430 configurations and test speeds up to 29,000 rpm over a flowrate range from 0.3 to 1.2 gpm for the N sub s = 215 configurations. Cavitating performance results are presented over a flowrate range from 60 to 120% of design flow. Fabrication of the small pump conponents is also discussed.

Furst, R. B.↗

Summary of test techniques used in the NASA Langley 0.3-meter Transonic Cryogenic Tunnel

This paper describes test techniques used to obtain data in the 0.3-m Transonic Cryogenic Tunnel. Main sections include steady aerodynamic testing, unsteady aerodynamics, non-intrusive measurements, tunnel performance, and fluid mechanics. Test techniques with adequate previous documentation are briefly presented and referenced, and those for which no documentation yet exists are more thoroughly discussed. Attention is given to the model building and instrumentation technology necessary for testing at high Reynolds numbers in the presence of free transition. It is concluded that the testing techniques thus far demonstrated in the 0.3-m TCT are on par with modern transonic tunnels, and that the specialized techniques needed to exploit the advantages of cryogenic operation can be realized.

Lawing, P. L.↗

Changes in Blade Configuration Improve Turbopump

Cavitation reduced while suction increased. Tests conducted with model liquid-oxygen turbopump using water as pumped fluid confirms performance improved by "tandem" arrangement of blades. Findings expected to apply to other pumps having two adjacent rotor rows.

Meng, S. Y.↗

In-reach and out-reach programs

Information is given in viewgraph form on in-reach and out-reach programs in in-space technology experiments. Information is given on thermal energy storage materials technology, industry/university in-space technology experiments, heat pipe performance, working fluid behavior, a tank pressure control experiment, spacecraft glow, the Mid-Deck Zero-Gravity Dynamics Experiment, and emulsion chamber technology.

Pyle, Jon S.↗

Basic and applied research related to the technology of space energy conversion systems

The first six months' research effort on the Liquid Droplet Radiator (LDR) focussed on experimental and theoretical studies of radiation by an LDR droplet cloud. Improvements in the diagnostics for the radiation facility have been made which have permitted an accurate experimental test of theoretical predictions of LDR radiation over a wide range of optical depths, using a cloud of Dow silicone oil droplets. In conjunction with these measurements an analysis was made of the evolution of the cylindrical droplet cloud generated by a 2300-hole orifice plate. This analysis indicates that a considerable degree of agglomeration of droplets occurs over the first meter of travel. Theoretical studies have centered on developments of an efficient means of computing the angular scattering distribution from droplets in an LDR droplet cloud, so that a parameter study can be carried out for LDR radiative performance vs fluid optical properties and cloud geometry.

Hertzberg, A.↗

Analysis and design of helium-buffered face seals for the SSME high-pressure oxygen turbopump

One form of a gas-buffered seal consists of two opposed fluid-film face seals, each mating against a single collar. The buffer fluid is introduced at the OD and flows through the radial clearances of each seal to opposite and separate environments at the IDs. This arrangement was investigated for the helium buffer seals applied to the oxidizer pump of the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME). A variety of face configurations were considered, and the self-energized-hydrostatic and spiral-groove geometries were selected for detailed evaluation. Fluid-film performance, dynamic response, and thermoelastic distortions were determined. Because of very high temperature gradients, distortions of the turbine-side seal ring were excessive. Otherwise, performance was excellent in all respects.

Shapiro, Wilbur↗

Solventless, curable fluid oligomeric systems for high performance microwave, acoustical and mechanical applications

While establishing the basis for a 'Technology 2000' product plan several years ago we plugged in the usual factors contributing toward product success: price/performance justifiable; profitable, warranting high quality maintenance, enhancement, and specific property improvement; narrow inventory requirements; and raw material integrable backwards with easily variable properties (molecular weight, functionality, and isomer control). We resolved this by selecting radical functional, low molecular weight polybutadiene liquid polymers. Encouraged by the need for solid rocket binders, several companies embarked on various perceptions of binder performance requirements over four decades ago. Initially dominated by progress of liquid polysulfides, soon a few settled primarily upon polybutadiene based binders. Such an approach in a few instances was exploited quite viably with a series of functional group terminated liquid polybutadienes: hydroxyl, mercaptan, carboxyl, vinyl, and amine. Good results are obtained for oligomers, liquid polymers, and their hybrids. The only significant limits on compounded products has been solvent resistance and oxidative sensitivity, unless sufficient proportion of sulfide or nitrile moiety is incorporated. For convenience, they have been grouped under the trademarks Nylane, Seamax, Oligomax, and Castomax.

Lefave, G. M.↗

The value of the 4-day headdown bedrest model for screening countermeasures

In order to evaluate the benefits of periodic exposure to the +G(z) vector as a countermeasure to the physiological responses to minus 6 degree head down bedrest (HDT), we considered a two-tiered approach: (a) to use 4 days HDT as a quick and inexpensive means of screening countermeasures, (b) to use a 60 day HDT to validate the most promising candidates. The approach and results of a 4 day study are described here. Methods: Nine males were admitted to our Human Research Facility for one ambulatory control day followed by 4 days HDT and were released on the next day after completion of a peak oxygen consumption test (VO(sub 2 peak)). A battery of tests was selected and standardized to evaluate the known early effects of HDT on plasma volume, early bone markers, orthostatic tolerance, physical performance, and fluid and electrolytes and their hormone regulation. Fluid sodium (Na) and potassium (K) intake and output in the urine were monitored throughout. Plasma volume was determined with a modified Evans Blue method and orthostatic tolerance with a 60 degree head-up tilt test for 30 minutes - both of which were determined on the ambulatory control day and on day 4 of HDT. Immediately after completion of the tilt test subjects were returned to the minus 6 degree position until the next morning when a VO(sub 2 peak) (horizontal ergometer) was done. This was compared to a similar control test determined on 2 separate occasions before subject admission. Results: Four hours after going HDT produced significant decreases (p less than 0.05) in the circulating concentration of fluid and electrolyte regulating hormones. Plasma volume, orthostatic tolerance and VO(sub 2 peak) changed significantly after 4 days HDT. There was also the expected natriuresis on day 1 of HDT but no significant diuresis. The consistency of the pre-bedrest VO(sub 2 peak) tilt tests and plasma volumes was remarkable. Conclusions: The 4 day HDT model seems highly promising for screening a variety of countermeasures alone and in combination before validating their benefits in extended bedrest or flight experiments.

Vernikos, J.↗

Engineering Aspects in Blood Pump Development

NASA turbomachinery computer codes assisted in the design of the Cleveland Clinic Foundation's centrifugal bladed blood pump. The codes were originally developed for the aerospace industry, but are applicable to the blood pump because of a high degree of synergy with this application. Traditional turbomachinery design criteria were used in the design of the blood pump centrifugal impeller and volute casing. The fluid dynamic performance of the blood pump is meeting the engineering design goals of flow rate and pressure rise.

Golding, Leonard↗

Aerothermodynamic Analysis of the Project FIRE II Afterbody Flow

35 years later, the Project FIRE II ballistic reentry to Earth at a nominal velocity of 11.4 km/s remains one of the best sources of heating data for the design of sample return capsules. The data from this flight experiment encompass both the thermochemical non-equilibrium and equilibrium flow regimes and include measurements of both radiative and total heating on the forebody and afterbody. Because of this, a number of researchers have performed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of the forebody of the FIRE II entry vehicle, with generally good results. In particular, Olynick et. al. coupled a Navier-Stokes solver (GIANTS) with a radiation code (NOVAR) and showed excellent agreement in surface heat transfer over the FIRE II trajectory between 1634 and 1651 seconds (77 km to 37 km). However, in most cases the primary motivation of the previous work was to understand and model the coupling between shock layer radiation and aerothermodynamics, and thus the simulations concentrated on the forebody flow only. To our knowledge there have been no prior published attempts to reproduce the afterbody heating data. However, an understanding of this data is critical to our efforts to design the next generation of Earth and planetary entry vehicles and to assess our need for additional flight data.

Wright, Micheal J.↗

Investigation of Enhanced Surface Spray Cooling

Experiments were conducted to study the effects of enhanced surfaces on heat transfer during spray cooling. The surface enhancements consisted of cubic pin fins, pyramids, and straight fins (uniform cross sectional straight fins) machined on the top surface of copper heater blocks. Each had a cross-sectional area of 2.0 square cm. Measurements were also obtained on a heater block with a flat surface for baseline comparison purposes. A 2x2 nozzle array was used with PF-5060 as the working fluid. Thermal performance data was obtained under nominally degassed (chamber pressure of 41.4 kPa ) and gassy conditions (chamber with N2 gas at 101 kPa). The results show that the straight fins had the largest enhancement in heat flow. Critical heat flux (CHF) for this surface showed an increase of 55% in comparison to the flat surface for the nominally degassed condition. The cubic pin finned and pyramid surfaces provided slightly more than half the heat flux enhancement (30% - 40% greater than the flat surface) of the straight fins. The gassy case showed that the straight fins again provided the largest enhancement (48%) in CHF relative to the flat surface. This was followed by the cubic pin fins, and pyramids which had increases of 31% and 18% respectively. No significant effect was observed in the surface temperature at which CHF occurs for either portion of the study.

Silk, Eric A.↗

Spray Cooling Trajectory Angle Impact Upon Heat Flux Using a Straight Finned Enhanced Surface

Experiments were conducted to study the effects of spray trajectory angles upon heat flux for flat and enhanced surface spray cooling. The surface enhancement consisted of straight fins machined on the top surface of a copper heater block. Spray cooling curves were obtained with the straight fin surface aligned both parallel (axial) and perpendicular (transverse) to the spray axis. Measurements were also obtained on a flat surface heater block for comparison purposes. Each copper block had a cross-sectional area of 2.0 sq cm. A 2x2 nozzle array was used with PF-5060 as the working fluid. Thermal performance data was obtained under nominally degassed (chamber pressure of 41.4 kPa) conditions. Results show that the maximum CHF in all cases was attained for a trajectory angle of 30' from the surface normal. Furthermore, trajectory angles applied to straight finned surfaces can have a critical heat flux (CHF) enhancement as much as 75% (heat flux value of 140 W/sq cm) relative to the vertical spray orientation for the analogous flat surface case under nominally degassed conditions.

Silk, Eric A.↗