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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 127 records · Page 7
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1976

Breadboard CO2 and humidity control system

A regenerable CO2 and humidity control system is being developed for potential use on shuttle as an alternate to the baseline lithium hydroxide (LiOH)/condensing heat exchanger system. The system utilizes a sorbent material, designated HS-C, to adsorb CO2 and water vapor from the cabin atmosphere. The material is regenerated by exposing it to space vacuum. A half-size breadboard system, utilizing a flight representative HS-C canister, was designed, built, and performance tested to shuttle requirements for total CO2 and total humidity removal. The use of a new chemical matrix material allowed significant optimization of the system design by packing the HS-C chemical into the core of a heat exchanger which is manifolded to form two separate and distinct beds. Breadboard system performance was proven by parametric testing and simulated mission testing over the full range of shuttle crew sizes and metabolic loadings. Vacuum desorption testing demonstrated considerable savings in previously projected shuttle vacuum duct sizing.

Boehm, A. M.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Equations for the determination of humidity from dewpoint and psychrometric data

A general expression based on the Claperon-Clausius differential equation that relates saturation vapor pressure, absolute temperature, and the latent heat of transformation was derived that expresses saturation vapor pressure as a function of absolute temperature. This expression was then used to derive general expressions for vapor pressure, absolute humidity, and relative humidity as functions of either dewpoint and ambient temperature or psychrometric parameters. Constants for all general expressions were then evaluated to give specific expressions in both the international system of units and U.S. customary units for temperatures above and below freezing.

Parish, O. O.↗
NASA NTRS1976

CO2 and humidity removal system for extended Shuttle missions - Equilibrium testing and performance analysis

In Shuttle orbiter cabins, lithium hydroxide (LiOH) canisters are currently planned to be used for CO2 adsorption and condensing heat exchangers for humidity control. In this paper a more effective CO2 and humidity removal method is proposed by replacing the LiOH component with HS-C adsorbent (a polyethylenimine coated acrylic ester), thus eliminating the low temperature constraints on the active thermal control system. Since the adsorption of CO2 and H2O are reversible, a double bed configuration operating cyclicly is planned to provide continuous atmospheric control. Apparatus and the experimental procedure to test the adsorption equilibrium are described and some of the indicative results, tabulated by computers, are presented with the help of exponential expressions and differential equations. By using a computer model of the Shuttle HS-C system, performance predictions are made.

Davis, S. H.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Effect of ambient temperature and humidity on emissions of an idling gas turbine

The effects of inlet pressure, temperature, and humidity on the oxides of nitrogen produced by an engine operating at takeoff power setting were investigated and numerous correction factors were formulated. The effect of ambient relative humidity on gas turbine idle emissions was ascertained. Experimentally, a nonvitiating combustor rig was employed to simulate changing combustor inlet conditions as generated by changing ambient conditions. Emissions measurements were made at the combustor exit. For carbon monoxide, a reaction kinetic scheme was applied within each zone of the combustor where initial species concentrations reflected not only local combustor characteristics but also changing ambient conditions.

Kauffman, C. W.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Flight prototype CO2 and humidity control system

A regenerable CO2 and humidity control system is presently being developed for potential use on shuttle as an alternative to the baseline lithium hydroxide system. The system utilizes a sorbent material (designated HS-C) to adsorb CO2 and the latent heat load from the cabin atmosphere and desorb the CO2 and water vapor overboard when exposed to a space vacuum, thus reducing the overall vehicle heat rejection load. Continuous operation is achieved by utilizing two beds which are alternatively cycled between adsorption and desorption. The HS-C material process was verified. Design concepts for the auxiliary components for the HS-C prototype system were generated. Performance testing verified system effectiveness in controlling CO2 partial pressure and humidity.

Rudy, K. M.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Effect of production microclimate on female thermal state with increased temperature and air humidity

The thermal state of women during the effect of high air temperature and relative humidity with a varying degree of physical loads was studied. Parameters for air temperature, relative humidity, and air movement were established. It was established that in women the thermo-regulatory stress occurs at lower air temperatures and with lower physical loads than in men. The accumulation of heat in women was revealed with lower air temperature than in men. It is concluded that to preserve the normal physiological state of the female organism it is necessary to create more favorable microclimate conditions and decrease the physical loads.

Machablishvili, O. G.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Effect of humidity on jet engine axial-flow compressor performance

Two problems related to the ingestion of humid air into jet engine axial compressors have been studied: (1) the changes in the performance of the compressor in the absence of condensation and (2) the changes in the entry conditions to the compressor when condensation occurs. Regarding the first, the extent of changes are predicted and also measured in the case of a six-stage compressor operated with air-methane gas mixture utilizing the similarities in the thermodynamic properties between water vapor and methane. For the condensation process in an inlet, a model is described that takes into account the presence of micro particulates and the flow field changes in the vicinity of the inlet wall. Finally, the effects of humidity on engine performance are discussed in relation to engine trim and control schemes.

Ehresman, C. M.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Temperature and humidity profiles in the atmosphere from spaceborne lasers: A feasibility study

Computer simulations of the differential absorption lidar technique in a space craft for the purpose of temperature and humidity profiling indicate: (1) Current technology applied to O2 and H2O lines in the .7 to .8 micrometers wavelength band gives sufficiently high signal-to-noise ratios (up to 50 for a single pulse pair) if backscattering by aerosol particles is high, i.e. profiling accurate to 2 K for temperature and 10% for humidity should be feasible within the turbid lower troposphere in 1 km layers and with an averaging over approximately 100 pulses. (2) The impact of short term fluctuations in aerosol particle concentration is too big for a one laser system. Only a two laser system firing at a time lag of about 1 millisecond can surmount these difficulties. (3) The finite width of the laser line and the quasi-random shift of this line introduce tolerable, partly systematic errors.

Grassl, H.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Low-Cost Humidity Sensor

Electronic humidity sensor is simple, inexpensive, and produces output readily used by indicator or control circuits. Sensor operates at safe, low voltage and is relatively invulnerable to electrolysis effects. Sensor used to measure humidity in atmosphere, in soil, and industrial gases, for example.

Laue, E. G.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Effect of humidity on fretting wear of several pure metals

Fretting wear experiments with several pure metals were conducted in air at various relative humidity levels. The materials used were iron, aluminum, copper, silver, chromium, titanium, and nickel. Each pure metal had a maximum fretting wear volume at a specific humidity level RH sub max that was not dependent on mechanical factors such as contact load, fretting amplitude, and frequency in the ranges studied. The weight loss due to fretting wear at RH sub max for each pure metal decreased with increasing heat of oxygen adsorption on the metal, indicating that adhesive wear dominated at RH sub max.

Goto, H.↗
NASA NTRS1986

The aging correlation (RH + t): Relative humidity (%) + temperature (deg C)

An aging correlation between corrosion lifetime, and relative humidity RH (%) and temperature t (C) has been reported in the literature. This aging correlation is a semi-log plot of corrosion lifetime on the log scale versus the interesting summation term RH(%) + t(C) on the linear scale. This empirical correlation was derived from observation of experimental data trends and has been referred to as an experimental law. Using electrical resistivity data of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) measured as a function of relative humidity and temperature, it was found that the electrical resistivity could be expressed as a function of the term RH(%) t(C). Thus, if corrosion is related to leakage current through an organic insulator, which, in turn, is a function of RH and t, then some partial theoretical validity for the correlation is indicated. This article describes the derivation of the term RH(%) t(C) from PVB electrical resistivity data.

Cuddihy, E. F.↗
NASA NTRS1985

The (RH+t) aging correlation. Electrical resistivity of PVB at various temperatures and relative humidities

Electrical products having organic materials functioning as pottants, encapsulants, and insulation coatings are commonly exposed to elevated conditions of temperature and humidity. In order to assess service life potential from this method of accelerated aging, it was empirically observed that service life seems proportional to an aging correlation which is the sum of temperature in degrees Celsius (t), and the relative humidity (RH) expressed in percent. Specifically, the correlation involves a plot of time-to-failure on a log scale versus the variable RH + T plotted on a linear scale. A theoretical foundation is provided for this empirically observed correlation by pointing out that the correlation actually involves a relationship between the electrical resistivity (or conductivity) of the organic material, and the variable RH + t. If time-to-failure is a result of total number of coulombs conducted through the organic material, then the correlation of resistivity versus RH + t is synonymous with the empirical correlation of time-to-failure versus RH + t.

Cuddihy, E. F.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Remote sensing of near surface humidity over north Pacific

Humidity soundings at 12 midocean stations of small islands and weather ships in the north Pacific from 7 deg N to 57 deg N during a 9-year period from 1972 to 1980 were used to study the variation of columnar water vapor W (as measured by spaceborne sensors) in relation to the variation of surface level specific humidity Q (as required in the determination of air-sea moisture and latent heat exchanges). It was found that a simple regression can be used to specify monthly mean Q from W to an accuracy of about 0.0008, corresponding to about 20 W/sq m in latent heat flux. The regression accounts for both temporal and spatial variations of Q and W. Better accuracy can be achieved by using regional regressions. The study affirms the potential of spaceborne sensors in providing global monitoring of air-sea moisture and heat exchanges.

Liu, W. T.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Performance and endurance testing of a prototype carbon dioxide and humidity control system for Space Shuttle extended mission capability

An advanced flight prototype regenerable CO2 and humidity control system was delivered to NASA-JSC in February 1980. It is pointed out that this system offers substantial weight savings compared with the Shuttle Orbiter expendable lithium hydroxide CO2 removal system for extended duration missions. The present paper provides a brief description of the 4- to 10-man regenerable CO2 and humidity control system. The potential advantages which can be realized for an extended duration Shuttle mission are considered along with the results of extensive testing conducted at JSC. The performance evaluation and endurance tests show that the system is capable of long-term operation (up to 60 days) without maintenance.

Lin, C. H.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Fatigue cracking of aluminum under spectrum loading at various humidities

The effect of moisture on Stage I fatigue in aluminum was studied under constant amplitude loading and under a severe log-normal spectrum loading. Crack initiation and early crack growth was monitored using accurate specimen compliance measurements statistically generated using computer-aided data acquisition and analysis. Fatigue strength in aluminum was found to be greatly reduced by humidity under both constant amplitude and log-normal spectrum loading. Use of Miner's theory of cumulative damage to predict the outcome of the spectrum tests, given the results of the constant amplitude tests, was investigated. A systematic pattern of deviation from Miner's theory was found, which was also a function of the humidity level.

Chappell, D. P.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Water-absorbing capacitor system for measuring relative humidity

A method and apparatus using a known water-absorbent polymer as a capacitor which is operated at a dc voltage for measuring relative humidity is presented. When formed as a layer between porous electrically-conductive electrodes and operated in an RC oscillator circuit, the oscillator frequency varies inversely with the partial pressure of the moisture to be measured. In a preferred embodiment, the capacitor is formed from Nafion and is operated at a low dc voltage with a resistor as an RC circuit in an RC oscillator. At the low voltage, the leakage current is proper for oscillation over a satisfactory range. The frequency of oscillation varies in an essentially linear fashion with relative humidity which is represented by the moisture being absorbed into the Nafion. The oscillation frequency is detected by a frequency detector.

Laue, Eric G.↗
NASA NTRS1988

First-guess dependence of a physically based set of temperature-humidity retrievals from HIRS2/MSU data

The first-guess dependence of temperature and humidity fields retrieved from HIRS2/MSU data using the GLA (Goddard Laboratory for Atmospheres) physically based retrieval scheme is examined. Retrievals were performed over the ALPEX region for two successive synoptic periods, 1200 UTC March 4 and 00000 UTC March 5, 1982, using three different initial guesses for each period. Results show rather low first-guess dependence for the thickness fields and larger first-guess dependence for the precipitable water fields, especially close to the surface. The humidity retrieval algorithm used is described. The processing system has the property of maintaining the accuracy of a good guess and improving a poor one for both thickness and precipitable water at all levels.

Reuter, D.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Acoustic Humidity Sensor

Industrial humidity sensor measures volume fraction of water in air via its effect on speed of sound. Only portion of sensor exposed to sensed atmosphere is pair of stainless-steel tubes, one containing dry air and other containing moist air. Counters measure intervals between reflected pulses. Sensor rugged enough for use in harsh environments like those used to control drying of paper in paper mills, where most humidity sensors do not survive.

Shakkottai, Parthasarathy↗