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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 1,297 records · Page 72

Onset of condensation effects as detected by total pressure probes in the Langley 0.3-meter transonic cryogenic tunnel

Total pressure probes mounted in the test section of a 0.3 meter transonic cryogenic tunnel were used to detect the onset of condensation effects for free stream Mach numbers of 0.50, 0.75, 0.85, and 0.95 and for total pressure between one and five atmospheres. The amount of supercooling was found to be about 3 K and suggests that condensation was occurring on pre-existing liquid nitrogen droplets resulting from incomplete evaporation of the liquid nitrogen injected to cool the tunnel. The liquid nitrogen injection process presently being used for the 0.3 m tunnel was found to result in a wide spectrum of droplet sizes being injected into the flow. Since the relatively larger droplets took much more time to evaporate than the more numerous smaller droplets, the larger ones reached the test section first as the tunnel operating temperature was reduced. However, condensation effects in the test section were not immediately measurable because there was not a sufficient number of the larger droplets to have an influence on the thermodynamics of the flow.

Hall, R. M.↗

High Current Lanthanum Hexaboride Hollow Cathode for 20-200 kW Hall Thrusters

The demand for higher power Hall and ion thrusters continues for providing high thrust and long life for deep space mission. The X3 nested Hall thruster is capable of power levels in the 20 to 200-kW range, and is being developed by the University of Michigan and Aerojet for future cargo and manned-missions. The cathode for this thruster is required to produce discharge currents of 50 to 350 A with lifetimes in excess of 10 khrs. A high-current lanthanum hexaboride (LaB6) hollow cathode was previously developed at JPL for these applications, and was successfully operated at over 250 A of discharge current. An updated version of this cathode has been designed, built and tested at JPL, and then used to run the X3 nested Hall thruster at currents of up to 250 A. The new version is designed to reduced orifice plate overheating at high currents, and is capable of injecting auxiliary gas directly into the near-cathode plume from two locations to minimize energetic ion generation at high current. The cathode is predicted to be capable of producing over 350 A of discharge current, and has been tested to date at JPL at steady-state discharge currents from 25 A to 300 A.

Goebel, Dan M.↗

Comparison of the Optical Connectivity Method to X-Ray spray measurements in the near field of a diesel injector

For diesel sprays, the primary breakup processes are only rarely understood due to the high optical density and the resulting difficulties to measure them with extremely high spatial and sufficient temporal resolution. The Optical Connectivity Method (OCM) has been proposed in the last years to allow the determination of the breakup length of the connected liquid core, thus giving a measurement quantity of the primary breakup. In this research, an improved optical setup of the OCM is applied to a three-hole test injector nozzle where several measurement techniques are compared currently under well-defined conditions up to 100 MPa injection pressure. In this work, the direct comparison with X-Ray measurements done at the Advanced Photon Source of the Argonne National Laboratory will be described. This allows an evaluation of the OCM technique and a comparison of the different measurement quantities in the first 500 μm range of the spray. The structure of the spray is measured by X-Ray phase contrast imaging and the fuel mass distribution is measured by X-Ray absorption imaging. A detailed comparison of the two X-Ray techniques and the OCM technique has been possible for the first time. It is found that the measurement data of the spray near field are very congruent with all three methods. Due to this comparison, the measurement of the non-perturbed length, which describes the distance from the nozzle orifice up to the point where the formation of surface disturbances is starting, by the OCM is validated for the first time. Within this non-perturbed length of the spray, the OCM signal is weak before it starts to illuminate from the scattering of the perturbed surface. Hence, the OCM technique can deliver two characteristic length scales, the non-perturbed length and the breakup length , characterizing the primary spray breakup.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

EGS Collab Experiment 2: Microseismic Monitoring

This dataset contains continuous seismic waveform data recorded during stimulation and thermal circulation tests for the Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) Collab Experiment #2, conducted from February to September 2022 at the Sanford Underground Research Facility in Lead, South Dakota. This experiment aimed to study and validate models of geothermal systems by injecting high-pressure fluids into rock formations 1200-1500 meters below the surface, inducing microseismic events. The seismic monitoring system included 16 three-component accelerometers and a 24-channel hydrophone array, installed in boreholes surrounding the test area. Data were recorded at high sampling rates using a continuous waveform recording system to monitor seismic activity in real time. The dataset contains the raw data stored in binary format, with files named based on timestamps, and includes calibration certificates for some sensors to facilitate corrections to real units. Users are strongly advised to consult the accompanying detailed report, which outlines the experimental setup, sensor specifications, installation procedures, and data processing methods. The report also describes important nuances, such as the hardware filters on hydrophones, sensor calibration details, and the naming conventions for the recorded data. Proper use of this dataset may require familiarity with seismic data analysis tools, such as the Obspy Python package, and an understanding of the SEED naming conventions used for channel identification.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗

Newberry SHR Demonstration Project – Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Enhanced Geothermal (EGS) Pilot Demonstration (Abstract)

This project will create an Engineered Geothermal System (EGS) comprising two or more wells drilled to a depth of 4.25 km into superhot rock (SHR) with a temperature of 425 °C at Newberry Volcano in Central Oregon. An EGS is a manufactured heat exchanger in which water is injected in a deep injection well, or injector, to extract heat from the hot rock at depth and steam is returned to the surface in a production well, or producer, to generate electricity. In this project, the SHR EGS will be made using new methods and technologies to stimulate and connect hydraulic and natural fractures to enable multiple flow pathways between wells, allowing for optimal heat mining from the reservoir rock. The new technologies are designed to operate at rock temperatures much higher than those encountered in traditional geothermal. Following EGS completion, water will be injected into the injector well and steam extracted from the producer well in a long-term connectivity flow test demonstrating SHR reservoir evolution with time and use. Success will be measured by demonstrating the efficacy of new technologies and by producing economic quantities of steam (>40 MWth).

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗

Adhesive fracture mechanics

In studies of fracture mechanics the adhesive fracture energy is regarded as a fundamental property of the adhesive system. It is pointed out that the value of the adhesive fracture energy depends on surface preparation, curing conditions, and absorbed monolayers. A test method reported makes use of a disk whose peripheral part is bonded to a substrate material. Pressure is injected into the unbonded central part of the disk. At a certain critical pressure value adhesive failure can be observed. A numerical stress analysis involving arbitrary geometries is conducted.

Bennett, S. J.↗

Filtration effects on ball bearing life and condition in a contaminated lubricant

Ball bearings were fatigue tested with a noncontaminated lubricant and with a contaminated lubricant under four levels of filtration. The test filters had absolute particle removal ratings of 3, 30, 49, and 105 microns. Aircraft turbine engine contaminants were injected into the filter's supply line at a constant rate of 125 milligrams per bearing hour. Bearing life and running track condition generally improved with finer filtration. The experimental lives of 3 and 30 micron filter bearings were statistically equivalent, approaching those obtained with the noncontaminated lubricant bearings. Compared to these bearings, the lives of the 49 micron bearings were statistically lower. The 105 micron bearings experienced gross wear. The degree of surface distress, weight loss, and probable failure mode were dependent on filtration level, with finer filtration being clearly beneficial.

Loewenthal, S. H.↗

Filtration effects on ball bearing life and condition in a contaminated lubricant

Ball bearings were fatigue tested with a noncontaminated MIL-L-23699 lubricant and with a contaminated MIL-L-23699 lubricant under four levels of filtration. The test filters had absolute particle removal ratings of 3, 30, 49, and 105 microns. Aircraft turbine engine contaminants were injected into the filter's supply line at a constant rate of 125 milligrams per bearing hour. Bearing life and running track condition generally improved with finer filtration. The experimental lives of 3- and 30-micron filter bearings were statistically equivalent, approaching those obtained with the noncontaminated lubricant bearings. Compared to these bearings, the lives of the 49-micron bearings were statistically lower. The 105-micron bearings experienced gross wear. The degree of surface distress, weight loss, and probable failure mode were dependent on filtration level, with finer filtration being clearly beneficial.

Loewenthal, S. H.↗

Development and operating characteristics of an advanced two-stage combustor

Results are presented from an experimental program aimed at optimizing the features of an advanced two-stage combustor that currently is being developed as part of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration/Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Energy Efficient Engine program. The combustor is designed to meet stringent goals for performance, emissions, durability and operational characteristics. An overview of the design selection process in light of these goals is discussed. Combustor rig test results, which highlight the techniques used to reduce emissions, development of the pilot and main power zone fuel injection systems, and methods of achieving efficient fuel staging, are presented.

Greene, W.↗

Oxidation stability of advanced reaction-bonded Si3N4 materials

Four slip-cast, injection-molded and isostatically-pressed specimens of reaction-bonded silicon nitride (RBSN) were subjected to static oxidation tests at 900 C for 10 hours. Specimens containing 8-10% interconnected open porosity of size greater than one micron exhibited a 20-30% decrease in average room temperature four-point flexure strength, while those with 10% open porosity of magnitudes much smaller than one micron as well as those with 2-4% interconnected open porosity of about one micron did not decrease in strength after 900 C exposure. It was determined that preoxidation treatment at 1350 C prevents the 20-30% strength degradation due to internal oxidation, and evidence is presented which suggests that surface pit formation in some RBSN may result from contamination by the furnace environment rather than any intrinsic material properties.

Lindberg, L. J.↗

Spontaneous Ignition Characteristics of Hydrocarbon Fuel-air Mixtures

Although the subject of spontaneous ignition of liquid fuels has received considerable attention in the past, the role of fuel evaporation in the overall spontaneous ignition process is still unclear. A main purpose of this research is to carry out measurements of ignition delay times, using fuels of current and anticipated future aeronautical interest, at test conditions that are representative of those encountered in modern gas turbine engines. Attention is focused on the fuel injection process, in particlar the measurement and control of man fuel drop size and fuel-air spatial distribution. The experiments are designed to provide accurate information on the role of fuel evaporation processes in determining the overall ignition delay time. The second objective is to examine in detail the theoretical aspects of spontaneous ignition in order to improve upon current knowledge and understanding of the basic processes involved, so that the results of the investigation can find general and widespead application.

Lefebvre, A. H.↗

The influence of jet-grid turbulence on heat transfer from the stagnation region of a cylinder in crossflow

The effect of high-intensity turbulence on heat transfer from the stagnation region of a circular cylinder in crossflow was studied. The work was motivated by the desire to be able to more fully understand and predict the heat transfer to the leading edge of a turbine airfoil. In order to achieve high levels of turbulence with a reasonable degree of isotropy and homogeneity, a jet-injection turbulence grid was used. The jet grid provided turbulence intensities of 10 to 12 percent, measured at the test cylinder location, for downstream blowing with the blowing rate adjusted to an optimal value for flow uniformity. Heat transfer augmentation above the zeroturbulence case ranged from 37 to 53 percent for the test cylinder behind the jet grid for a cylinder Reynolds number range of 48,000 to 180,000, respectively. The level of heat transfer augmentation was found to be fairly uniform with respect to circumferential distance from the stagnation line. Stagnation point heat transfer results (expressed in terms of the Frossling number) were found to be somewhat low with respect to previous studies, when compared on the basis of equal values of the parameter Tu Re(1/2), indicating an additional Reynolds number effect as observed by previous investigators. Consequently, for a specified value of Tu Re(1/2), data obtained with a relatively high turbulence intensity will have a lower value of the Frossling number.

Obrien, J. E.↗

Fuel Vaporization and Its Effect on Combustion in a High-Speed Compression-Ignition Engine

The tests discussed in this report were conducted to determine whether or not there is appreciable vaporization of the fuel injected into a high-speed compression-ignition engine during the time available for injection and combustion. The effects of injection advance angle and fuel boiling temperature were investigated. The results show that an appreciable amount of the fuel is vaporized during injection even though the temperature and pressure conditions in the engine are not sufficient to cause ignition either during or after injection, and that when the conditions are such as to cause ignition the vaporization process affects the combustion. The results are compared with those of several other investigators in the same field.

Rothrock, A M↗

Detection of emetic activity in the cat by monitoring venous pressure and audio signals

To investigate the use of audio signals as a simple, noninvasive measure of emetic activity, the relationship between the somatic events and sounds associated with retching and vomiting was studied. Thoracic venous pressure obtained from an implanted external jugular catheter was shown to provide a precise measure of the somatic events associated with retching and vomiting. Changes in thoracic venous pressure monitored through an indwelling external jugular catheter with audio signals, obtained from a microphone located above the animal in a test chamber, were compared. In addition, two independent observers visually monitored emetic episodes. Retching and vomiting were induced by injection of xylazine (0.66mg/kg s.c.), or by motion. A unique audio signal at a frequency of approximately 250 Hz is produced at the time of the negative thoracic venous pressure change associated with retching. Sounds with higher frequencies (around 2500 Hz) occur in conjunction with the positive pressure changes associated with vomiting. These specific signals could be discriminated reliably by individuals reviewing the audio recordings of the sessions. Retching and those emetic episodes associated with positive venous pressure changes were detected accurately by audio monitoring, with 90 percent of retches and 100 percent of emetic episodes correctly identified. Retching was detected more accurately (p is less than .05) by audio monitoring than by direct visual observation. However, with visual observation a few incidents in which stomach contents were expelled in the absence of positive pressure changes or detectable sounds were identified. These data suggest that in emetic situations, the expulsion of stomach contents may be accomplished by more than one neuromuscular system and that audio signals can be used to detect emetic episodes associated with thoracic venous pressure changes.

A Nagahara↗

Oxygen-Rich Combustion Experiments in LOX/GH2 Uni-Element Rocket

Research efforts are directed towards understanding specific technical issues that must be resolved to minimize the risk and cost associated with developing oxygen-rich rocket preburners. The experiments concentrate on hot-fire uni-element tests to demonstrate concepts which can be incorporated into hardware design and development. Two concepts under consideration are direct injection of propellants at high O/F (oxidizer/fuel ratio), and stoichiometric injection followed by downstream injection of LOX to achieve the high O/F. The specific results given here address the performance, ignition, combustion stability, and wall heat transfer aspects of a direct-injection swirl coaxial element design operating at high O/F.

Rahman, S. A.↗

Medium Fidelity Simulation of Oxygen Tank Venting

The item to he cleared is a medium-fidelity software simulation model of a vented cryogenic tank. Such tanks are commonly used to transport cryogenic liquids such as liquid oxygen via truck, and have appeared on liquid-fueled rockets for decades. This simulation model works with the HCC simulation system that was developed by Xerox PARC and NASA Ames Research Center. HCC has been previously cleared for distribution. When used with the HCC software, the model generates simulated readings for the tank pressure and temperature as the simulated cryogenic liquid boils off and is vented. Failures (such as a broken vent valve) can be injected into the simulation to produce readings corresponding to the failure. Release of this simulation will allow researchers to test their software diagnosis systems by attempting to diagnose the simulated failure from the simulated readings. This model does not contain any encryption software nor can it perform any control tasks that might be export controlled.

Sweet, Adam↗

The Plasmoid Thruster Experiment (PTX)

A plasmoid is a compact plasma structure with an integral magnetic field, that may be categorized according to the relative strength of the poloidal and toroidal magnetic fields. If B(sup p)/B(sub t) is much greater than 1, it is an FRC; if B(sub p) approximately equals B(sub t), it is a Spheromak. A plasmoid thruster would operate by repetitively producing plasmoids that are accelerated to high velocity. The process is inductive, and the magnetic structure of the plasmoid suppresses thermal and mass losses, and improves detachment of the exhaust. This concept should be capable of producing an Isp in the range of 5,000 - 10,OOO seconds, with high thrust density. PTX is a device designed to study this concept. The plasmoid is formed inside of a single turn conical theta-pinch coil, driven by a 560 nF, 35 kV capacitor bank. Experiments conducted with a static-fill of propellant gas (6% H2 in He) demonstrated reliable ionization over a pressure range of 40 - 200 mTorr. A fast gas-puff valve to inject propellant has since been added, and a ringing pre-ionization circuit to independently control ionization has been tested. Hydrogen, deuterium, argon, and an N2/H2 mixture have been tried as propellants. Measurements of the plasmoid shape, mass, and velocity, using a variety of diagnostics will be presented,

Martin, Adam↗

STITCH: A Subgrid-Scale Model for Energy Buildup in the Solar Corona

The solar corona routinely exhibits explosive activity, in particular coronal mass ejections and their accompanying eruptive ares, that have global-scale consequences. These events and their smaller counterparts, coronal jets, originate in narrow, sinuous lament channels. The key processes that form and evolve the channels operate on still smaller spatial scales and much longer time scales, culminating in a vast separation of characteristic lengths and times that govern these explosive phenomena. In this article, we describe implementation and tests of an efficient subgrid-scale model for generating eruptive structures in magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) coronal simulations. STITCH {STatistical InjecTion of Condensed Helicity { is a physics-based, reduced representation of helicity condensation: a process wherein small-scale vortical surface convection forms ubiquitous current sheets, and pervasive reconnection across the sheets mediates an inverse cascade of magnetic helicity and free energy, thereby forming the lament channels. We have developed a formalism, STITCH, that abstracts these complex processes into a single term in Ohm's law and the induction equation that directly injects tangential magnetic flux into the low corona. We show that our approach is in very good agreement with a full helicity-condensation calculation that treats all of the dynamics explicitly, while enabling substantial reductions in temporal duration and spatial resolution. In addition, we illustrate the flexibility of STITCH at forming localized lament channels and at energizing complex surface flux distributions that have sinuous boundaries. STITCH is simple to implement and computationally ecient, making it a powerful technique for physics-based modeling of solar eruptive events.

J T Dahlin↗