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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
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1981

Space Shuttle main engine performance assessment - Columbia's first flight

Design features and performance of the Shuttle main engines first flight are presented. Each of the three engines produces 470,000 lb of thrust, operates at 3,012 psia, and has a 77.5 to 1 nozzle expansion ratio. The engines are designed for a 7.5 hr operational life, and will be tested at 109% capacity in future Shuttle flights. The developmental program is outlined, and includes 127,000 sec of operational testing on 19 engines. Engine operations and components are described, noting 100% burning of the hydrogen and oxidizer, high pressure fuel turbopumps, the controller assembly, etc.; details of solutions to fatigue failures and subsequent certification are provided. The nine minute first flight firing revealed a radiant heating of a control sensor transducer, which was shielded for succeeding flights. Alternatives are given for thrust augmentation, for which each 1% yields an additional 800 lb payload increase capability, and can be implemented by 1987.

Thompson, J. R., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Recent tests on the Carter small reciprocating steam engines

The Jay Carter Enterprises (JCE) Paratransit Vehicle steam engine was tested over a range of conditions which might be experienced by the power converter subsystem of the Small Community Solar Thermal Power Experiment. Some difficulties were encountered getting the engine ready for testing. These difficulties were related to the five year dormancy of the entire system and to incomplete development work that had been going on at the time of cessation of steam engine work at JCE. Other difficulties were related to the fact that the particular expander being tested never ran before and possessed some manufacturing defects. Nevertheless, the engine was operated successfully and results of testing do verify results of computer simulations of the engine in regard to the effect of temperature and power level variations. Engine efficiency was good but generally lower than expected and performance dropped as testing continued. The effect of change in expansion ratio was not demonstrated because of deterioration in engine performance. Post-test inspection revealed numerous correctable defects.

Kiceniuk, T.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Single-wire swirl flow turbulence measurements

A six-orientation, single wire hot wire technique is used to investigate nonswirling and swirling nonreacting flow in an axisymmetric test section with expansion ratio (test section/inlet nozzle diameter) = 2, which may be equipped with a strong contraction nozzle of area ratio 4 at a contraction nozzle downstream distance/test section diameter value = 2. The flowfield contains corner and central recirculation zones typical of gas turbine and ramjet combustion chambers. Swirl may be imparted to the incoming flow by means of a variable angle vane swirler. The effect of swirl on time mean velocities and complete Reynolds stress tensor is investigated, and extensive results are given for swirl vane angles of zero (swirler removed), 38, 45, 60 and 70 deg. The data are being used to aid in the evolution of turbulence models for these complex flow situations. A directional sensitivity analysis is included, which determines the relative accuracy of the measurement technique to approach velocity orientation.

Lilley, D. G.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Experimental study of flow reattachment in a single-sided sudden expansion

The reattachment of a fully turbulent, two dimensional, separated shear layer downstream of a single-sided sudden expansion in a planar duct flow was examined experimentally. The importance of changing the structure of the separated shear layer on the reattachment process itself was examined. For all cases, the Reynolds number based on step height was greater than 20,000, the expansion ratio was 5/3, and the inlet boundary layer was less than one-half step height in thickness. A crucially important phase was the development of a pulsed wall probe for measurement of skin friction in the reattachment region, thus providing an unambiguous definition of the reattachment length. Quantitative features of reattachment - including streamwise development of the mean and fluctuating velocity field, pressure rise, and skin friction - were found to be similar for all cases studied when scaled by the reattachment length. A definition of the reattachment zone is proposed.

Westphal, R. V.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Turbulence Characteristics of Swirling Flowfields

Combustor design phenomena; recirculating flows research; single-wire, six-orientation, eddy dissipation rate, and turbulence modeling measurement; directional sensitivity (DS); calibration equipment, confined jet facility, and hot-wire instrumentation; effects of swirl, strong contraction nozzle, and expansion ratio; and turbulence parameters; uncertain; and DS in laminar jets; turbulent nonswirling jets, and turbulent swirling jets are discussed.

Jackson, T. W.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Investigation of flowfields found in typical combustor geometries

Activities undertaken during the entire course of research are summarized. Studies were concerned with experimental and theoretical research on 2-D axisymmetric geometries under low speed nonreacting, turbulent, swirling flow conditions typical of gas turbine and ramjet combustion chambers. They included recirculation zone characterization, time-mean and turbulence simulation in swirling recirculating flow, sudden and gradual expansion flowfields, and furher complexities and parameter influences. The study included the investigation of: a complete range of swirl strengths; swirler performance; downstream contraction nozzle sizes and locations; expansion ratios; and inlet side-wall angles. Their individual and combined effects on the test section flowfield were observed, measured and characterized. Experimental methods included flow visualization (with smoke and neutrally-buoyant helium-filled soap bubbles), five-hole pitot probe time-mean velocity field measurements, and single-, double-, and triple-wire hot-wire anemometry measurements of time-mean velocities, normal and shear Reynolds sresses. Computational methods included development of the STARPIC code from the primitive-variable TEACH computer code, and its use in flowfield prediction and turbulence model development.

Lilley, D. G.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Oxygen-hydrogen thrusters for Space Station auxiliary propulsion systems

The feasibility and technology requirements of a low-thrust, high-performance, long-life, gaseous oxygen (GO2)/gaseous hydrogen (GH2) thruster were examined. Candidate engine concepts for auxiliary propulsion systems for space station applications were identified. The low-thrust engine (5 to 100 lb sub f) requires significant departure from current applications of oxygen/hydrogen propulsion technology. Selection of the thrust chamber material and cooling method needed or long life poses a major challenge. The use of a chamber material requiring a minimum amount of cooling or the incorporation of regenerative cooling were the only choices available with the potential of achieving very high performance. The design selection for the injector/igniter, the design and fabrication of a regeneratively cooled copper chamber, and the design of a high-temperature rhenium chamber were documented and the performance and heat transfer results obtained from the test program conducted at JPL using the above engine components presented. Approximately 115 engine firings were conducted in the JPL vacuum test facility, using 100:1 expansion ratio nozzles. Engine mixture ratio and fuel-film cooling percentages were parametrically investigated for each test configuration.

Berkman, D. K.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Experimental performance of a 1-kilowatt arcjet thruster

A formerly unused cathode and anode/nozzle assembly from a flight model arcjet was tested with nitrogen, hydrogen, and nitrogen-hydrogen mixture simulating ammonia decomposition products at arc power levels from about 300 to 950 W. Two different power sources and two nozzle configurations were tested at low back-ground pressures to exclude facility effects. Increased nozzle expansion ratio improved cold flow nozzle efficiency from 0.8 to 0.9. Hydrogen thrust efficiency of 0.26 at 872 sec specific impulse matched some 1964 performance on a similar device. Simulated ammonia thrust efficiency was 0.31 at 422 sec. Spontaneously occurring voltage mode changes at constant arc current could be partially stabilized with appropriate power source characteristics. In the higher voltage mode specific impulse was higher, but thrust efficiency changed only slightly from that of the lower voltage mode. Sustained tests of up to 2 hr duration exhibited no apparent performance degradation with time.

Nakanishi, S.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Review of the development of small- and medium-capacity gas turbines at the Motoren- und Turbinen Union

Small- and medium-capacity gas turbines under development for turboprop aircraft and helicopter, as well as for armored and commercial vehicle propulsion, are discussed. Design problems related to axial turbines, ceramic components, regenerative gas turbines, and the optimal expansion ratios for turbines with capacities from 250 to greater than 800 kW are considered; in addition, combustion chamber technology is mentioned. Prototype gas turbines with capacities of 500 to 600 kW or 800 to 1800 kW are described.

Heilmann, W.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Engineering and programming manual: Two-dimensional kinetic reference computer program (TDK)

The Two Dimensional Kinetics (TDK) computer program is a primary tool in applying the JANNAF liquid rocket thrust chamber performance prediction methodology. The development of a methodology that includes all aspects of rocket engine performance from analytical calculation to test measurements, that is physically accurate and consistent, and that serves as an industry and government reference is presented. Recent interest in rocket engines that operate at high expansion ratio, such as most Orbit Transfer Vehicle (OTV) engine designs, has required an extension of the analytical methods used by the TDK computer program. Thus, the version of TDK that is described in this manual is in many respects different from the 1973 version of the program. This new material reflects the new capabilities of the TDK computer program, the most important of which are described.

Nickerson, G. R.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Static internal performance of a thrust vectoring and reversing two-dimensional convergent-divergent nozzle with an aft flap

The static internal performance of a multifunction nozzle having some of the geometric characteristics of both two-dimensional convergent-divergent and single expansion ramp nozzles has been investigated in the static-test facility of the Langley 16-Foot Transonic Tunnel. The internal expansion portion of the nozzle consisted of two symmetrical flat surfaces of equal length, and the external expansion portion of the nozzle consisted of a single aft flap. The aft flap could be varied in angle independently of the upper internal expansion surface to which it was attached. The effects of internal expansion ratio, nozzle thrust-vector angle (-30 deg. to 30 deg., aft flap shape, aft flap angle, and sidewall containment were determined for dry and afterburning power settings. In addition, a partial afterburning power setting nozzle, a fully deployed thrust reverser, and four vertical takeoff or landing nozzle, configurations were investigated. Nozzle pressure ratio was varied up to 10 for the dry power nozzles and 7 for the afterburning power nozzles.

Re, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Low density gas dynamic wall boundary conditions

Low density nozzles or large expansion ratio nozzles used in space experience rarefaction effects near their exit in the form of velocity slip and temperature jump at the walls. In addition, the boundary layers become very thick and there is a very strong viscous/inviscid interaction. For these reasons no existing design technique has been found to accurately predict the nozzle flow properties up to the nozzle exit. The objective of this investigation was to examine the slip boundary conditions and formulate them in a form appropriate for use with a full Navier-Stokes numerical code. The viscous/inviscid interaction would automatically be accounted for by using a compressible Navier-Stokes code. Through examination of the interaction of molecules with solid surfaces, a model for the distribution function of the reflected molecules has been determined and this distribution function has been used to develop a new slip boundary condition that can be shown to yield more realistic surface boundary conditions.

Collins, F. G.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Experimental performance of a 1-kilowatt arcjet thruster

A formerly unused cathode and anode/nozzle assembly from a flight model arcjet was tested with nitrogen, hydrogen, and nitrogen-hydrogen mixture simulating ammonia decomposition products at arc power levels from about 300 to 950 W. Two different power sources and two nozzle configurations were tested at low background pressures to exclude facility effects. Increased nozzle expansion ratio improved cold flow nozzle efficiency from 0.8 to 0.9. Hydrogen thrust efficiency of 0.26 at 872 sec specific impulse matched some 1964 performance on a similar device. Simulated ammonia thrust efficiency was 0.31 at 422 sec. Spontaneously occurring voltage mode changes at constant arc current could be partially stabilized with appropriate power source characteristics. In the higher voltage mode specific impulse was higher, but thrust efficiency changed only slightly from that of the lower voltage mode. Sustained tests of up to 2 hr duration exhibited no apparent performance degradation with time.

Nakanishi, S.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Steady flow past sudden expansions at large Reynolds number. I - Boundary layer solutions

A global Newton method is used to obtain accurate finite difference solutions for uniform inflows to several sudden expansion geometries, avoiding the instabilities encountered at large Reynolds numbers. Steady solutions for lambda values greater than those attained previously are obtained only if lambda is below a critical value. The presence of a singularity at this critical value renders invalid the assumptions of the boundary layer model. The results indicate that for uniform inflows and smaller values of the expansion ratio, the eddy length will no longer increase linearly with R when R becomes sufficiently large.

Milos, F. S.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Uprated OMS engine status and future applications

The baseline Orbital Maneuvering Engine (OME) of the Space Shuttle has the potential for significant performance uprating, leading to increased Shuttle performance capability. The approach to uprating that is being pursued at the NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center is the use of a gas generator-driven turbopump to increase OME operating pressure. A higher pressure engine can have a greater nozzle expansion ratio in the same envelope and at the same thrust level, giving increased engine Isp. The results of trade studies and analyses that have led to the preferred uprated OME configuration are described. The significant accomplishments of a pre-development component demonstration program are also presented, including descriptions of test hardware and discussion of test results. It is shown that testing to date confirms the capability of the preferred uprated OME configuration to meet or exceed performance and life requirements. Potential future activities leading up to a full-scale development program are described, and the capability for the uprated OME to be used in future storable propellant upper stages is discussed.

Boyd, W. C.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Steady flow past sudden expansions at large Reynolds number. II - Navier-Stokes solutions for the cascade expansion

The equations of motion in the steady laminar flow past a sudden expansion at large Reynolds number, R, reduce to the boundary layer equations as R tends to the freestream valve, when the longitudinal length scale of the separated eddy increases linearly and indefinitely with R. A global Newton method is presently used to obtain finite difference solutions to the steady Navier-Stokes equations up to R of 1000 for a uniform inflow past a cascade of sudden expansions. For large expansion ratio values, the eddy length increases linearly with R; for smaller values, however, where boundary layer equation solutions could not be found, the steady solutions to the Navier-Stokes equations approach the limit of an inviscid eddy in length with increasing R.

Milos, Frank S.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Arcjet thruster research and technology, phase 1

The objectives of Phase 1 were to evaluate analytically and experimentally the operation, performance, and lifetime of arcjet thrusters operating between 0.5 and 3.0 kW with catalytically decomposed hydrazine (N2H4) and to begin development of the requisite power control unit (PCU) technology. Fundamental analyses were performed of the arcjet nozzle, the gas kinetic reaction effects, the thermal environment, and the arc stabilizing vortex. The VNAP2 flow code was used to analyze arcjet nozzle performance with non-uniform entrance profiles. Viscous losses become dominant beyond expansion ratios of 50:1 because of the low Reynolds numbers. A survey of vortex phenomena and analysis techniques identified viscous dissipation and vortex breakdown as two flow instabilities that could affect arcjet operation. The gas kinetics code CREK1D was used to study the gas kinetics of high temperature N2H4 decomposition products. The arc/gas energy transfer is a non-equilibrium process because of the reaction rate constants and the short gas residence times. A thermal analysis code was used to guide design work and to provide a means to back out power losses at the anode fall based on test thermocouple data. The low flow rate and large thermal masses made optimization of a regenerative heating scheme unnecessary.

Knowles, Steven C.↗
NASA NTRS1988

A static investigation of a simultaneous pitch and yaw thrust vectoring 2-D C-D nozzle

An investigation has been conducted in the static test facility of the Langley 16-Foot Transonic Tunnel to determine the internal performance and flow-turning capability of a two-dimensional convergent-divergent nozzle. Thrust vectoring in the pitch plane was provided by rotation of the divergent flaps. The exhaust stream was turned in the yaw direction by deflection of yaw flaps hinged at the end of the nozzle sidewalls. The yaw flap hinge location was varied along the divergent region of the nozzle at four locations including the exit plane and the throat plane. The three hinge locations upstream of the nozzle exit plane required the downstream corners of both upper and lower divergent flaps to be cut off to eliminate interference when the yaw flaps were deflected. Three different lengths of yaw flaps were tested at several angles of deflection. The nozzle simulated a dry power setting with an expansion ratio typical of subsonic cruise and was tested at nozzle pressure ratios from 2.0 to 7.0.

Taylor, John G.↗