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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

High speed techniques for synthetic aperture radar image formation

One possible approach to high speed synthetic aperture radar signal reconstruction involves the utilization of two dimensional real time spatial light modulators as recyclable replacements for photographic film in the input transducer plane of a modified synthetic aperture radar (SAR) coherent optical processor. Leading candidate spatial light modulators include modified Pockels readout optical modulators (PROM), charge coupled devices (CCD) addressed liquid crystal light valves, and CCD addressed membrane light modulators. The fundamental physical limitations affecting SAR processor performance characteristics of such real time devices are under investigation. Current research on PROM is focused on the effects of device operatonal mode, device constitutive parameters, electro-optic crystal orientation, writing wavelength, frame rate/data overwrite/presuming, erasure completeness, and image retention on the overall quality of SAR image formation. Both modulated laser scanning and intensified CRT temporal to spatial input approaches are being examined.

Psaltis, D.↗

Application of Optical Measurement Techniques During Stages of Pregnancy: Use of Phantom High Speed Cameras for Digital Image Correlation (D.I.C.) During Baby Kicking and Abdomen Movements

Paired images were collected using a projected pattern instead of standard painting of the speckle pattern on her abdomen. High Speed cameras were post triggered after movements felt. Data was collected at 120 fps -limited due to 60hz frequency of projector. To ensure that kicks and movement data was real a background test was conducted with no baby movement (to correct for breathing and body motion).

Gradl, Paul↗

Qualitative Flow Visualization of a 110-N Hydrogen/Oxygen Laboratory Model Thruster

The flow field inside a 110 N gaseous hydrogen/oxygen thruster was investigated using an optically accessible, two-dimensional laboratory test model installed in a high altitude chamber. The injector for this study produced an oxidizer-rich core flow, which was designed to fully mix and react inside a fuel-film sleeve insert before emerging into the main chamber section, where a substantial fuel film cooling layer was added to protect the chamber wall. Techniques used to investigate the flow consisted of spontaneous Raman spectra measurements, visible emission imaging, ultraviolet hydroxyl spectroscopy, and high speed schlieren imaging. Experimental results indicate that the oxygen rich core flow continued to react while emerging from the fuel-film sleeve, suggesting incomplete mixing of the hydrogen in the oxygen rich core flow. Experiments also showed that the fuel film cooling protective layer retained its integrity throughout the straight section of the combustion chamber. In the converging portion of the chamber, however, a turbulent reaction zone near the wall destroyed the integrity of the film layer, a result which implies that a lower contraction angle may improve the fuel film cooling in the converging section and extend the hardware lifetime.

deGroot, Wim A.↗

High-Speed Scanning Interferometer Using CMOS Image Sensor and FPGA Based on Multifrequency Phase-Tracking Detection

A sub-aperture stitching optical interferometer can provide a cost-effective solution for an in situ metrology tool for large optics; however, the currently available technologies are not suitable for high-speed and real-time continuous scan. NanoWave s SPPE (Scanning Probe Position Encoder) has been proven to exhibit excellent stability and sub-nanometer precision with a large dynamic range. This same technology can transform many optical interferometers into real-time subnanometer precision tools with only minor modification. The proposed field-programmable gate array (FPGA) signal processing concept, coupled with a new-generation, high-speed, mega-pixel CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) image sensor, enables high speed (>1 m/s) and real-time continuous surface profiling that is insensitive to variation of pixel sensitivity and/or optical transmission/reflection. This is especially useful for large optics surface profiling.

Ohara, Tetsuo↗

Man machine interactive imaging and data processing using high speed digital mass storage

Attention is given to general questions regarding television systems, aspects of image distortion in TV systems, approaches of image restoration, noise limitations, and the digital image integrator. The digital image recorder has been built around a high-speed digital memory system. It is shown that television systems can be used to augment man's capabilities in the control loop of remote manipulation systems.

Alsberg, H.↗

Conceptual Design of a Test Section for a Cryogenic Transfer Line Experiment

This project presents the development of a comprehensive computer-aided design (CAD) model for the Transfer Line test section, which is an upcoming test module for the Flow Boiling and Condensation Experiment (FBCE) aboard the International Space Station. The FBCE aims to serve as the primary platform to study two-phase flow in microgravity, and the Transfer Line module aims to utilize its existing hardware to study cryogenic chilldown; a critical component of cryogenic propellant transfer in space. The CAD model was created using SolidWorks software and includes the test section’s main components: a heat transfer line, a flow visualization line, insulation, high-speed visible imaging, and infrared imaging. The heat transfer line primarily consists of a stainless steel tube that will be heated via Joule heating. The flow visualization line consists of segmented Indium-Titanium-Oxide coated sapphire tubes, which allow for visualization of flow regimes by high-speed and infrared cameras, similar thermal properties as the stainless steel tube, and Joule heating via the ITO coating resistance. Polyether Ether Ketone was used to insulate and encapsulate the two sections. High-speed visible imaging and infrared imaging were also incorporated to view the propagation of fluid during inverted annular flow and map out the thermal profile of the ITO-coated sapphire tube. This model serves as the guiding concept design for the Transfer Line project and will assist the project team during future safety reviews and concept design reviews. Overall, this work is significant in two-phase flow research and offers a promising path towards an established facility for cryogenic transfer line research in microgravity.

Flow boiling↗

Multi-Point Line Focused Laser Differential Interferometer for High-Speed Flow Fluctuation Measurements

A multi-point focused laser differential interferometer (FLDI) has been developed to measure density fluctuations at 16 points along a line. A pair of cylindrical lenses on the transmitter side of a conventional single-point FLDI instrument form two closely spaced (≤200 μm), orthogonally polarized, parallel laser lines at the instrument’s focus. On the receiver side of the instrument, the interference of the beams on a 16-element photodiode array results in a single line of measurements. The further addition of a Nomarski prism creates two separate measurement lines, and the addition of a second photodiode array to the instrument enables simultaneous measurements of density fluctuations along the two lines separated by several millimeters. These two lines of measurement can be conveniently oriented at any azimuthal angle relative to the instrument’s optical axis on the measurement plane, coinciding with the instrument’s focus. Two experiments were performed to demonstrate the capabilities of the instrument. In the first experiment, a laser-induced breakdown spark generated a traveling spherical shock wave, and measurements of the resulting density disturbance and wave velocity were obtained. These results were compared to high-speed schlieren images of the shock wave acquired at 400 kHz. In the second experiment, the multi-point FLDI instrument was used to measure density disturbances in the boundary layer of a flat plate in a Mach 6 freestream flow. The measurements were made along two lines, both approximately 6 mm in length, extending from the surface of the plate through the boundary layer. High-speed schlieren images were acquired at 100 kHz during separate wind tunnel runs at matching unit Reynolds numbers to visualize the unsteady boundary layer flow and compare to the FLDI measurements.

Laser beam shaping↗

Investigation of Critical Heat Flux in Reduced Gravity Using Photomicrographic Techniques

Experiments were performed to examine the effects of body force on flow boiling critical heat flux (CHF). FC-72 was boiled along one wall of a transparent rectangular flow channel that permitted photographic study of the vapor-liquid interface just prior to CHF. High-speed video imaging techniques were used to identify dominant CHF mechanisms corresponding to different flow orientations and liquid velocities. Six different CHF regimes were identified: Wavy Vapor Layer, Pool Boiling, Stratification, Vapor Counterflow, Vapor Stagnation, and Separated Concurrent Vapor Flow. CHF showed significant sensitivity to orientation for flow velocities below 0.2 m/s, where extremely low CHF values where measured, especially with downward-facing heated wall and downflow orientations. High flow velocities dampened the effects of orientation considerably. The CHF data were used to assess the suitability of previous CHF models and correlations. It is shown the Interfacial Lift-off Model is very effective at predicting CHF for high velocities at all orientations. The flooding limit, on the other hand, is useful at estimating CHF at low velocities and for downflow orientations. A new method consisting of three dimensionless criteria is developed for determining the minimum flow velocity required to overcome body force effects on near-saturated flow boiling CHF. Vertical upflow boiling experiments were performed in pursuit of identifying the trigger mechanism for subcooled flow boiling CHF. While virtually all prior studies on flow boiling CHF concern the prediction or measurement of conditions that lead to CHF, this study was focused on events that take place during the CHF transient. High-speed video imaging and photomicrographic techniques were used to record the transient behavior of interfacial features from the last steady-state power level before CHF until the moment of power cut-off following CHF. The video records show the development of a wavy vapor layer which propagates along the heated wall, permitting cooling prior to CHF only in wetting fronts corresponding to the wave troughs. Image analysis software was developed to estimate void fraction from the individual video images. The void fraction records for subcooled flow boiling show the CHF transient is accompanied by gradual lift-off of wetting fronts culminating in some maximum vapor layer mean thickness, following which the vapor layer begins to thin down as the transition to film boiling ensues. This study proves the Interfacial Lift-off Model, which has been validated for near-saturated flow boiling CHF, is equally valid for subcooled conditions.

Mudawar, Issam↗

The Compressive Behavior of Isocyanate-crosslinked Silica Aerogel at High Strain Rates

Aerogels are low-density, highly nano-porous materials. Their engineering applications are limited due to their brittleness and hydrophilicity. Recently, a strong lightweight crosslinked silica aerogel has been developed by encapsulating the skeletal framework of amine-modified silica aerogels with polyureas derived by isocyanate. The mesoporous structure of the underlying silica framework is preserved through conformal polymer coating, and the thermal conductivity remains low. Characterization has been conducted on the thermal, physical properties and the mechanical properties under quasi-static loading conditions. In this paper, we present results on the dynamic compressive behavior of the crosslinked silica aerogel (CSA) using a split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB). A new tubing pulse shaper was employed to help reach the dynamic stress equilibrium and constant strain rate. The stress-strain relationship was determined at high strain rates within 114-4386/s. The effects of strain rate, density, specimen thickness and water absorption on the dynamic behavior of the CSA were investigated through a series of dynamic experiments. The Young's moduli (or 0.2% offset compressive yield strengths) at a strain rate approx.350/s were determined as 10.96/2.08, 159.5/6.75, 192.2/7.68, 304.6/11.46, 407.0/20.91 and 640.5/30.47 MPa for CSA with densities 0.205, 0.454, 0.492, 0.551,0.628 and 0.731 g/cu cm, respectively. The deformation and failure behaviors of a native silica aerogel with density (0.472 g/cu cm ), approximately the same as a typical CSA sample were observed with a high speed digital camera. Digital image correlation technique was used to determine the surface strains through a series of images acquired using high speed photography. The relative uniform axial deformation indicated that localized compaction did not occur at a compressive strain level of approx.17%, suggesting most likely failure mechanism at high strain rate to be different from that under quasi-static loading condition. The Poisson s ratio was determined to be 0.162 in nonlinear regime under high strain rates. CSA samples failed generally by splitting, but were much more ductile than native silica aerogels.

Luo, H.↗

Quantitative Radiation Thermometry Using Commercially Available High-Speed Video Cameras

In order to understand the risk posed to astronauts by electric arc-generated particles, high-speed, high-resolution, quantitative thermal imaging was needed. The measurement requirements appeared to be beyond the capabilities of commercial thermal imaging systems, but the particles were known to have a significant amount of emission in the visible spectrum. This led to the use of commercially available, high-speed video cameras as imaging radiometers. Measured particle temperatures were consistent with predictions and other measurement data. The optical temperature measurement method, results, and conclusions are presented, along with recommendations for further work.

Thermal imaging↗

100-kHz Rate Rayleigh Imaging for Combustion and Flow Diagnostics

Two-dimensional (2D) Rayleigh scattering (RS) imaging at an ultrahigh repetition rate of 100 kHz is demonstrated in non-reacting and reacting flows employing a high-energy burst-mode laser system. Image sequences of flow mixture fraction were directly derived from high-speed RS images. Additionally, a 2D instantaneous flow velocity field at 100 kHz was obtained through optical-flow-based analysis of the RS images. The technique was also applied to study turbulent flames having a near-constant Rayleigh cross section. The demonstrated high-speed RS technique in conjunction with optical-flow-based analysis provides non-intrusive, simultaneous measurements of the flow mixing and velocity field, extending the measurement capability of the RS technique to high-speed non-reacting and reacting flows.

Jiang, Naibo↗

High-Speed Binary-Output Image Sensor

Photodetector outputs digitized by circuitry on same integrated-circuit chip. Developmental special-purpose binary-output image sensor designed to capture up to 1,000 images per second, with resolution greater than 10 to the 6th power pixels per image. Lower-resolution but higher-frame-rate prototype of sensor contains 128 x 128 array of photodiodes on complementary metal oxide/semiconductor (CMOS) integrated-circuit chip. In application for which it is being developed, sensor used to examine helicopter oil to determine whether amount of metal and sand in oil sufficient to warrant replacement.

Fossum, Eric↗

Dynamic Analysis of Reynolds Number Effects on Trailing Edge Transonic Vortex Shedding and Its Impact on Turbine Blade Aerodynamic Performance

Time-resolved, high-speed self-aligned focusing schlieren images were acquired in the NASA Glenn Research Center Transonic Turbine Blade Cascade facility to help understand the aerodynamic behavior of high-pressure, thick trailing edge turbine blades. The trailing edge thickness of 9% of axial chord tested represents simulated ceramic matrix composite fabrication constraints, which was verified previously to possess a high-loss flow regime at high inlet turbulence conditions over a narrow range of Reynolds numbers and at a fixed design exit Mach number of 0.74. Our high-speed images, which were acquired at 10 distinct Reynolds numbers, show a significant increase in energy from flow oscillations due to transonic vortex shedding at Reynolds numbers corresponding to the high loss conditions. For those conditions, strong acoustic waves turn into shock waves. Spectral Proper Orthogonal Decomposition of the high-speed images shows acoustic waves from trailing edge vortex shedding at all conditions, with increased spectral energy at the high-loss conditions and slightly increasing frequency (about 6%) as a function of Reynolds number. Analysis of potential feedback timing is performed using velocity fields from a previous LES simulation, considering different feedback mechanisms. Most noteworthy is the acoustic/shock-boundary layer interaction mechanism on the suction surface at the blade geometric throat, which likely plays an important role in realistic curved blade passages.

Trailing Edge↗

Evaluation of an experimental system for spaceborne processing of multispectral image data

An experimental data processing system has been developed to demonstrate the feasibility of processing high speed, multispectral image data on board the spacecraft. The design incorporates real-time processing with adaptable operation in an expandable architecture. The experimental hardware is coupled to test support and computing equipment to provide a laboratory tool for evaluating and demonstrating each of the processing functions as well as the overall system operation. An evaluation of the high speed processor was conducted to ensure that the desired system throughput was achieved without sacrificing processing accuracy. A description of the system is presented along with the results of the test and evaluation activity.

Meredith, B. D.↗

Liquid Fuels: Pyrolytic Degradation and Fire Spread Behavior as Influenced by Buoyancy

This project was conducted by the Combustion and Emission Control Lab in the Engineering Department at Clark Atlanta University under NASA Grant No. NCC3-707. The work aimed at providing data to supplement the ongoing NASA research activities on flame spread across liquid pools by providing flow visualization and velocity measurements especially in the gas phase and gas-liquid interface. During this investigation, the detailed physics of flame spread across liquid pools was revealed using particle image velocimetry (PIV), 3-dimensional Laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV) and high-speed video imaging system (HSVS). Flow fields (front and side views) of both the liquid and gas phases were visually investigated for the three subflash regimes of flame spread behavior. Some interesting findings obtained from the front and side views on flame spread across butanol pools are presented. PIV results showed the size of the transient vortex in the liquid phase near the flame front varied with the initial pool temperature. The transient vortex ahead of the flame front in the gas phase was, for the first time, clearly observed located just within 0-3 mm above the liquid surface and its size was dependent on the initial pool temperature. We calculated the flow velocity at 1 mm below the liquid surface near the flame front and inferred the generation mechanism of the vortex in the gas phase. Finally, after comparison of the flow velocity of the liquid surface and the flame spread rate, a reasonable explanation to the formation mechanism of the pulsating characteristic was proposed. This explanation is compatible with the previous numerical calculations and deductions.

Ross, Howard D.↗