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At least 109 records · Page 6

Small gas turbine combustor primary zone development

Designers of small gas turbine engines prefer a close-coupled compressor to turbine shafting arrangement, which in some designs necessitates the use of a small reverse-flow annular combustor. A design methodology for obtaining the maximum performance potential of these combustors is necessary. This paper describes an approach to optimize the design process and gain insight into primary zone performance through interactive theoretical analyses and experimental tests. Three candidate combustor designs are described which address the performance limiting problem areas associated with small annular combustors. Design methodology centers around understanding and controlling primary zone aerodynamics and the interaction of the distributed fuel with internal airflow patterns. Complete three-dimensional flow field analytical performance prediction procedures are presented and results compared with performance and emission measurements described by probes located at the exit of the primary zone. The effective use of analytical performance prediction methods in the design process is demonstrated.

Sullivan, R. E.↗

A variable-geometry combustor used to study primary and secondary zone stoichiometry

A combustion program is underway to evaluate fuel quality effects on gas turbine combustors. A rich-lean variable geometry combustor design was chosen to evaluate fuel quality effects over a wide range of primary and secondary zone equivalence ratios at simulated engine operating conditions. The first task of this effort, was to evaluate the performance of the variable geometry combustor. The combustor incorporates three stations of variable geometry to control primary and secondary zone equivalence ratio and overall pressure loss. Geometry changes could be made while a test was in progress through the use of remote control actuators. The primary zone liner was water cooled to eliminate the concern of liner durability. Emissions and performance data were obtained at simulated engine conditions of 80 percent and full power. Inlet air temperature varied from 611 to 665K, inlet total pressure varied from 1.02 to 1.24 MPa, reference velocity was a constant 1400 K.

Briehl, D.↗

Small Gas Turbine Combustor Primary Zone Study

A development process is described which consists of design, fabrication, and preliminary test evaluations of three approaches to internal aerodynamic primary zone flow patterns: (1) conventional double vortex swirl stabilization; (2) reverse flow swirl stabilization; and (3) large single vortex flow system. Each concept incorporates special design features aimed at extending the performance capability of the small engine combustor. Since inherent geometry of these combustors result in small combustion zone height and high surface area to volume ratio, design features focus on internal aerodynamics, fuel placement, and advanced cooling. The combustors are evaluated on a full scale annular combustor rig. A correlation of the primary zone performance with the overall performance is accomplished using three intrusion type gas sampling probes located at the exit of the primary zone section. Empirical and numerical methods are used for designing and predicting the performance of the three combustor concepts and their subsequent modifications. The calibration of analytical procedures with actual test results permits an updating of the analytical design techniques applicable to small reverse flow annular combustors.

Sullivan, R. E.↗

Application of 3D aerodynamic/combustion model to combustor primary zone study

A description is provided of the three-dimensional elliptic code for reacting flows used in the combustor design process during the program 'Small Gas Turbine Combustor Primary Zone Study' carried out by a U.S. company. The code, designated MARC-I (multidimensional aerodynamic recirculating combustion-Version I) is an adaptation of the model described by Mongia et al. (1979). The program has the objective to advance the technology of the small reverse-flow annular combustor design through an understanding of primary zone performance factors. The MARC-I code was used for performance predictions of both original designs and later modifications. A test program consisting of both primary zone sampling and overall combustor performance measurements was carried out. It was, therefore, possible to compare the analytical predictions with actual test measurements.

Sullivan, R. E.↗

A comparison of rating scale, secondary-task, physiological, and primary-task workload estimation techniques in a simulated flight task emphasizing communications load

Sixteen potential metrics of pilot mental workload were investigated regarding their sensitivity to communication load and their intrusion on primary-task performance. A moving-base flight simulator was used to present three cross-country flights. The flights varied only in the difficulty of the communications requirements. Rating scale measures were obtained immediately postflight; all others were taken over a 7-min segment of the flight task. The results indicated that both the Modified Cooper-Harper Scale and the workload Multi-descriptor Scale were sensitive to changes in communications load. The secondary-task measure of time estimation and the physiological measure of pupil diameter were also sensitive. As expected, those primary-task measures that were direct measures of communicative performance were also sensitive to load, whereas aicraft control primary-task measures were not, attesting to the task specificity of such measures. Finally, the intrusion analysis revealed no differential interference between workload measures.

Casali, J. G.↗

Primary cosmic ray spectrum in the 10 to the 12th power - 10 to the 16th power eV energy range from the NUSEX experiment

A primary cosmic ray spectrum was derived which fits both experimental multiple muon rates and the all-nucleon flux derived from the single muon intensities underground. In the frame of the interaction model developed by Gaisser, Elbert and Stanev, it is possible to reproduce NUSEX muon data with a primary composition in which the iron spectrum is only slightly flatter than the proton one. This result rules out the popular idea that the primary composition varies drastically with increasing energy, leading to the dominance of heavier nuclei at energies 10 to the 15th power to 10 to the 16th power eV.

Battistoni, G.↗

The muon content of EAS as a function of primary energy

The muon content of extensive air showers (EAS) was measured over the wide primary energy range 10 to the 16th power to 10 to the 20th power eV. It is reported that the relative muon content of EAS decreases smoothly over the energy range 10 to the 17th power to 10 to the 19th power eV and concluded that the primary cosmic ray flux has a constant mass composition over this range. It is also reported that an apparent significant change in the power index occurs below 10 to the 17th power eV rho sub c (250 m) sup 0.78. Such a change indicates a significant change in primary mass composition in this range. The earlier conclusions concerning EAS of energy 10 to the 17th power eV are confirmed. Analysis of data in the 10 to the 16th power - 10 to the 17th power eV range revealed a previously overlooked selection bias in the data set. The full analysis of the complete data set in the energy range 10 to the 16th power - 10 to the 17th power ev with the selection bias eliminated is presented.

Blake, P. R.↗

Composition of primary cosmic rays at energies 10(15) to approximately 10(16) eV

The sigma epsilon gamma spectrum in 1 approx. 5 x 1000 TV observed at Mt. Fuji suggests that the flux of primary protons 10 to the 15 approx 10th eV is lower by a factor of 2 approx. 3 than a simple extrapolation from lower energies; the integral proton spectrum tends to be steeper than around to the power V and the spectral index tends to be steeper than Epsilon to the -17th power around 10 to the 14th power eV and the spectral index becomes approx. 2.0 around 10 to the 15th power eV. If the total flux of primary particles has no steepening up to approx 10 to the 15th power eV, than the fraction of primary protons to the total flux should be approx 20% in contrast to approx 45% at lower energies.

Amenomori, M.↗

Nuclear cascades in electromagnetic showers produced by primary gamma-quanta in the atmosphere

Distributions were calculated for the number of electrons N sub e, number of muons with the energy above 5 GeV N sub mu and the energy of hadron component E sub h in electromagnetic showers, produced by primary gamma-quanta with energies theta approx. equals 30 deg and observed at the mountain level 700 g/square centimeters. The mean number of nuclear interactions of photos with the energy above 5 GeV is about 0.3 per each TeV of the primary energy and nuclear cascades take out in average about 2% of the total shower energy. The mean number of 5 GeV muons for the electromagnetic shower is (2 to 5)% from the number of muons in cosmic ray showers with the same number of electrons at the observation level. similar value for the total energy of hadron component is also (2 to 5)%. N sub mu and N sub e values as well as E sub h and n sub e don't correlate at the fixed primary energy E sug gamma (o). Between N sub mu and E sub h there is a positive correlation at the given E sub gamma.

Danilova, T. V.↗

Component testing of a ground based gas turbine steam cooled rich-burn primary zone combustor for emissions control of nitrogeneous fuels

This effort summarizes the work performed on a steam cooled, rich-burn primary zone, variable geometry combustor designed for combustion of nitrogeneous fuels such as heavy oils or synthetic crude oils. The steam cooling was employed to determine its feasibility and assess its usefulness as part of a ground based gas turbine bottoming cycle. Variable combustor geometry was employed to demonstrate its ability to control primary and secondary zone equivalence ratios and overall pressure drop. Both concepts proved to be highly successful in achieving their desired objectives. The steam cooling reduced peak liner temperatures to less than 800 K. This low temperature offers the potential of both long life and reduced use of strategic materials for liner fabrication. These degrees of variable geometry were successfully employed to control air flow distribution within the combustor. A variable blade angle axial flow air swirler was used to control primary zone air flow, while the secondary and tertiary zone air flows were controlled by rotating bands which regulated air flow to the secondary zone quench holes and the dilutions holes respectively.

Schultz, D. F.↗

Comparison of large aperture telescopes with parabolic and spherical primaries

Quasi-Cassegrain-type four-mirror telescopes are compared to conventional two-mirror Cassegrain telescopes for use as high performance, very large aperture space telescopes. Spherical and parabolic primaries with continuous as well as segmented surfaces are considered. Imaging characteristics and misalignment sensitivities serve as the principal criteria of comparison. The evaluation shows that parabolic primaries yield superior wide-field performance, whereas spherical primaries hold distinct advantages regarding manufacturability and regarding certain alignment aspects in the case of segmentation.

Korsch, D.↗

Martian mantle primary melts - An experimental study of iron-rich garnet lherzolite minimum melt composition

The minimum melt composition in equilibrium with an iron-rich garnet lherzolite assemblage is ascertained from a study of the liquidus relations of iron-rich basaltic compositions at 23 kb. The experimentally determined primary melt composition and its calculated sodium content reveal that Martian garnet lherzolite minimum melts are picritic alkali olivine basalts. Martian primary melts are found to be more picritic than terrestrial garnet lherzolite primary melts.

Bertka, Constance M.↗

Satellite detection of transient enhanced primary production in the western Mediterranean Sea

Extensive ship sampling of chlorophyll a and primary production of CO2 in the western Mediterranean Sea was conducted contemporaneous with Nimbus-7 coastal zone color scanner imagery. This approach resulted in an empirical model for estimating integrated water-column primary production from satellite imagery. Precision was adequate to resolve short-term fluctuations in primary production associated with a mesoscale circulation feature.

Lohrenz, Steven E.↗

Primary mirror and mount technology for the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) telescope

Candidate technologies for a lightweight primary mirror for the SOFIA telescope are evaluated for both mirror blank fabrication and polishing. Two leading candidates for the type mirror blank are considered: the frit-bonded, structured form, and the thin meniscus form. The feasible mirror is required to be very lightweight with an areal density of approximately 100 kg/sq m, have an f/ratio near 1.0, and have surface quality that permits imaging in the visible as well as the infrared. Also considered are the results of a study conducted to assess the feasibility of designing a suitable mounting system for the primary mirror. The requirements for the mount design are given both in terms of the environmental conditions and the expected optical performance. PATRAN and NASTRAN programs are used to model mirror and mounting. The sandwich-type mirror made of ultra low expansion silica with square cells in the core, is modeled using equivalent solid elements for the core. The design study produces primary mirror surface deflections in 1g as a function of mirror elevation angles. The surface is analyzed using an optical analysis program, FRINGE, to give a prediction of the mirror optical performance. Results from this analysis are included.

Melugin, Ramsey K.↗

Relative abundances of secondary and primary cosmic rays at high energies

New results on the energy spectra of the cosmic-ray nuclei boron, carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen up to energies around 1 TeV per amu are described. The measurements were performed on the Spacelab 2 mission of the Space Shuttle in 1985. Carbon and oxygen are essentially primary cosmic rays, while boron is purely secondary, and nitrogen has secondary as well as primary contributions. Therefore, the relative abundances of these nuclei provide sensitive information on the propagation of cosmic rays through the Galaxy. It is found that the flux of the secondary cosmic rays continues to decrease relative to that of the primaries over the energy range covered with this observation, and that the mean escape length near 1 TeV per amu is about 1 g/sq cm.

Swordy, Simon P.↗

The petrogenesis of primary mid-ocean ridge basalts

The nature of primary mid-ocean ridge basalts (MORB) is reviewed from the primary-magma composition point of view. The concept of primary MORB magma used in the study stipulates that melting of the mantle produces a discrete identifiable magma that separates from the mantle and ascends toward the surface. Constraints from abyssal peridotites are considered along with constraints from high-pressure phase equilibria studies with emphasis on partial melting of mantle peridotites, basalt-peridotite sandwich techniques, high-pressure experiments on MORB-type compositions, and constraints on the pressure of origin from mineral compositions. Compositional variations in primitive MORB glasses are discussed, and possible models for the origin of these glasses are presented.

Elthon, Don↗

Feasibility of using a knowledge-based system concept for in-flight primary-flight-display research

Flight test results have been obtained which demonstrate the feasibility and desirability of using knowledge-based systems architectures for flight test investigations of primary flight display information management-related issues. LISP-based software was used for real-time operation of the primary flight display. The two integrated knowledge-based systems designed to control the primary flight displays were implemented aboard a NASA-Langley B-737. The programmer is noted to be capable of more easily developing initial systems via the present method than with more conventional techniques.

Ricks, Wendell R.↗

Primary lithium cell life studies

One solution for providing a truly independent power source is to package, within the critical subsystem element, a primary battery that can remain dormant for time periods as long as the mission life, which can be 10-15 years, maximum. When primary power from the spacecraft solar array/battery system is interrupted, the backup battery system, which is connected through a diode to the power input line, would automatically support the load to avoid a power interruption to the critical load for a time period long enough to ensure that ground control could access the satellite and correct the anomaly by sending appropriate commands to the spacecraft. Critical subsystems identified for the application are telemetry and command circuits, volatile computer memory, attitude control circuits, and some critical payloads. Due to volume packaging and weight restrictions that exist on most spacecraft, coupled with the long storage periods required, lithium cell technology was selected for the backup power source. Because of the high energy density (200-400 Wh/kg), long shelf life, and load capability, soluble cathode primary lithium technology was chosen. The most important lithium cell properties that require detail characterization for this application are capacity loss, shelf life, and the voltage delay mechanism. These are functions of storage time and temperature. During storage, a passive film builds up on the lithium electrode. The film protects the lithium electrode from progressive capacity decay but requires time to break down when a load is applied. This phenomenon results in a depressed voltage during the period of film breakdown which can last from fractions of a second to minutes.

Capulli, John↗