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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 145 records · Page 8
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1987

Performance of two 10-lb/sec centrifugal compressors with different blade and shroud thicknesses operating over a range of Reynolds numbers

Centrifugal compressors often cannot be directly scaled to very small flow sizes because of structural and manufacturing limitations. The inability to directly scale all design parameters leads to a performance loss other than that which can be associated with the lower Reynolds number. A 10-lb/sec centrifugal compressor was scaled down to 2-lb/sec where adjustments to blade and shroud thickness and fillet radii were required. The modified 2-lb/sec compressor was then directly scaled back up to 10 lb/sec so that the effect of the modifications could be determined. The performance of the two 10-lb/sec compressors is compared over a range of speed and mass flow. The effect of variations in Reynolds number, impeller tip clearance, and shroud thickness on compressor performance is also presented.

Skoch, Gary J.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Centrifugal inertia effects in two-phase face seal films

A simplified, semianalytical model has been developed to analyze the effect of centrifugal inertia in two-phase face seals. The model is based on the assumption of isothermal flow through the seal, but at an elevated temperature, and takes into account heat transfer and boiling. Using this model, seal performance curves are obtained with water as the working fluid. It is shown that the centrifugal inertia of the fluid reduces the load-carrying capacity dramatically at high speeds and that operational instability exists under certain conditions. While an all-liquid seal may be starved at speeds higher than a 'critical' value, leakage always occurs under boiling conditions.

Basu, P.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Performance of two 10-lb/sec centrifugal compressors with different blade and shroud thicknesses operating over a range of Reynolds numbers

Centrifugal compressors often cannot be directly scaled to very small flow sizes because of structural and manufacturing limitations. The inability to directly scale all design parameters leads to a performance loss other than that which can be associated with the lower Reynolds number. A 10-lb/sec centrifugal compressor was scaled down to 2-lb/sec where adjustments to blade and shroud thickness and fillet radii were required. The modified 2-lb/sec compressor was then directly scaled back up to 10 lb/sec so that the effect of the modifications could be determined. The performance of the two 10-lb/sec compressors is compared over a range of speed and mass flow. The effect of variations in Reynolds number, impeller tip clearance, and shroud thickness on compressor performance is also presented.

Skoch, Gary J.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Preliminary analysis of an integrated logistics system for OSSA payloads. Volume 4: Supportability analysis of the 1.8m centrifuge

Supportability issues for the 1.8 meter centrifuge in the Life Science Research Facility are addressed. The analysis focuses on reliability and maintainability and the potential impact on supportability and affordability. Standard logistics engineering methodologies that will be applied to all Office of Space Science and Applications' (OSSA) payload programs are outlined. These methodologies are applied to the 1.8 meter centrifuge.

Palguta, T.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Unsteady diffuser vane pressure and impeller wake measurements in a centrifugal pump

Unsteady surface pressure measurements on a vaned diffuser of a centrifugal pump, and wake measurements of the flow exiting a centrifugal impeller into a vaneless diffuser are presented. Frequency spectra and ensemble averages are given for the unsteady measurements. Two different impellers were used, the pump impeller of the HPOTP (High Pressure Oxygen Turbopump) of the SSME (Space Shuttle Main Engine) and a two-dimensional impeller. The magnitude of the unsteady total pressure measured in the stationary frame at the impeller exit was found to be of the same order of magnitude as the total pressure rise across the pump. The magnitude of the unsteady diffuser vane pressures was observed to be significantly different on suction and pressure side of the vane, attaining its largest value on the suction side the leading edge while decreasing along the vane.

Arndt, N.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Influence of impeller and diffuser geometries on the lateral fluid forces of whirling centrifugal impeller

Lateral fluid forces on two-dimensional centrifugal impellers, which whirl on a circular orbit in a vaneless diffuser, were reported. Experiments were further conducted for the cases in which a three-dimensional centrifugal impeller, a model of the boiler feed pump, whirls in vaneless and vaned diffusers. The influence of the clearance configuration between the casing and front shroud of the impeller was also investigated. The result indicated that the fluid dynamic interaction between the impeller and the guide vanes induces quite strong fluctuating fluid forces to the impeller, but nevertheless its influence on radial and tangential force components averaged over a whirling orbit is relatively small.

Ohashi, Hideo↗
NASA NTRS1989

High stability design for new centrifugal compressor

It is essential that high-performance centrifugal compressors be free of subsynchronous vibrations. A new high-performance centrifugal compressor has been developed by applying the latest rotordynamics knowledge and design techniques: (1) To improve the system damping, a specially designed oil film seal was developed. This seal attained a damping ratio three times that of the conventional design. The oil film seal contains a special damper ring in the seal cartridge. (2) To reduce the destabilizing effect of the labyrinth seal, a special swirl canceler (anti-swirl nozzle) was applied to the balance piston seal. (3) To confirm the system damping margin, the dynamic simulation rotor model test and the full load test applied the vibration exciting test in actual load conditions.

Kanki, H.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Centrifugal Barrel Finishing Of Turbine-Blade "Fir Trees"

Modified centrifugal barrel-finishing machine imparts desired residual compressive stresses to "fir trees" of turbine blades. Centrifugal forces generate compressive stresses, which are transmitted to turbine blades through abrasive slurries in which suspended. Eliminates need for shot peening, rounding of edges and burrs caused by shot peening and, consequently, need for mass finishing operations to remove burrs. Improves surface finish of "fir trees".

Mandel, Johnny L.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Variable-Speed Instrumented Centrifuges

Report describes conceptual pair of centrifuges, speed of which varied to produce range of artificial gravities in zero-gravity environment. Image and data recording and controlled temperature and gravity provided for 12 experiments. Microprocessor-controlled centrifuges include video cameras to record stop-motion images of experiments. Potential applications include studies of effect of gravity on growth and on production of hormones in corn seedlings, experiments with magnetic flotation to separate cells, and electrophoresis to separate large fragments of deoxyribonucleic acid.

Chapman, David K.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Centrifuge Facility Conceptual System Study. Volume 1: Facility overview and habitats

The results are presented for a NASA Phase 1 study conducted from mid 1987 through mid 1989 at Ames Research Center. The Centrifuge Facility is the major element of the biological research facility for the implementation of NASA's Life Science Research Program on Space Station Freedom using non-human specimens (such as small primates, rodents, plants, insects, cell tissues). Five systems are described which comprise the Facility: habitats, holding units, centrifuge, glovebox, and service unit. Volume 1 presents a facility overview and describes the habitats - modular units which house living specimens.

Synnestvedt, Robert↗
NASA NTRS1990

Compatibility of the Space Station Freedom life sciences research centrifuge with microgravity requirements

NASA is developing a Life Sciences Centrifuge Facility for Space Station Freedom. In includes a 2.5-meter artificial gravity Bioresearch Centrifuge (BC), which is perhaps the most critical single element in the life sciences space research program. It rotates continuously at precise selectable rates, and utilizes advanced reliable technologies to reduce vibrations. Three disturbance types are analyzed using a current Space Station Freedom dynamic model in the 0.0 to 5.0 Hz range: sinusoidal, random, and transient. Results show that with proper selection of proven design techniques, BC vibrations are compatible with requirements.

Hasha, Martin D.↗
NASA NTRS1992

A survey of instabilities within centrifugal pumps and concepts for improving the flow range of pumps in rocket engines

Design features and concepts that have primary influence on the stable operating flow range of propellant-feed centrifugal turbopumps in a rocket engine are discussed. One of the throttling limitations of a pump-fed rocket engine is the stable operating range of the pump. Several varieties of pump hydraulic instabilities are mentioned. Some pump design criteria are summarized and a qualitative correlation of key parameters to pump stall and surge are referenced. Some of the design criteria were taken from the literature on high pressure ratio centrifugal compressors. Therefore, these have yet to be validated for extending the stable operating flow range of high-head pumps. Casing treatment devices, dynamic fluid-damping plenums, backflow-stabilizing vanes and flow-reinjection techniques are summarized. A planned program was undertaken at LeRC to validate these concepts. Technologies developed by this program will be available for the design of turbopumps for advanced space rocket engines for use by NASA in future space missions where throttling is essential.

Veres, Joseph P.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Transport modes during crystal growth in a centrifuge

Flow modes arising under average acceleration in centrifugal crystal growth, the gradient of acceleration, and the Coriolis force are investigated using a fully nonlinear three-dimensional numerical model for a centrifugal crystal growth experiment. The analysis focuses on an examination of the quasi-steady state flow modes. The importance of the gradient acceleration is determined by the value of a new nondimensional number, Ad.

Arnold, William A.↗
NASA NTRS1991

The centrifuge facility - A life sciences research laboratory for Space Station Freedom

The paper describes the centrifugal facility that is presently being developed by NASA for studies aboard the Space Station Freedom on the role of gravity, or its absence, at varying intensities for varying periods of time and with multiple model systems. Special attention is given to the design of the centrifuge system, the habitats designed to hold plants and animals, the glovebox system designed for experimental manipulations of the specimens, and the service unit. Studies planned for the facility will include experiments in the following disciplines: cell and developmental biology, plant biology, regulatory physiology, musculoskeletal physiology, behavior and performance, neurosciences, cardiopulmonary physiology, and environmental health and radiation.

Fuller, Charles A.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Spaceborne centrifugal relays for spacecraft propulsion

Acceleration using centrifugal relays is a recently discovered method for the acceleration of spaceborne payloads to high velocity at high thrust. Centrifugal relays are moving rotors which progressively accelerate reaction mass to higher velocities. One important engineering problem consists of accurately tracking the position of the projectiles and rotors and guiding each projectile exactly onto the appropriate guide tracks on each rotor. The topics of this research are the system kinematics and dynamics and the computerized guidance system which will allow the projectile to approach each rotor with exact timing with respect to the rotor rotation period and with very small errors in lateral positions. Kinematics studies include analysis of rotor and projectile positions versus time and projectile/rotor interactions. Guidance studies include a detailed description of the tracking mechanism (interrupt of optical beams) and the aiming mechanism (electromagnetic focusing) including the design of electromagnetic deflection coils and the switching circuitry.

Ouzidane, Malika↗
NASA NTRS1992

Experimental and computational investigation of the NASA Low-Speed Centrifugal Compressor flow field

An experimental and computational investigation of the NASA Low-Speed Centrifugal Compressor (LSCC) flow field has been conducted using laser anemometry and Dawes' 3D viscous code. The experimental configuration consists of a backswept impeller followed by a vaneless diffuser. Measurements of the three-dimensional velocity field were acquired at several measurement planes through the compressor. The measurements describe both the throughflow and secondary velocity field along each measurement plane. In several cases the measurements provide details of the flow within the blade boundary layers. Insight into the complex flow physics within centrifugal compressors is provided by the computational analysis, and assessment of the CFD predictions is provided by comparison with the measurements. Five-hole probe and hot-wire surveys at the inlet and exit to the rotor as well as surface flow visualization along the impeller blade surfaces provide independent confirmation of the laser measurement technique.

Hathaway, M. D.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Prediction of active control of subsonic centrifugal compressor rotating stall

A mathematical model is developed to predict the suppression of rotating stall in a centrifugal compressor with a vaned diffuser. This model is based on the employment of a control vortical waveform generated upstream of the impeller inlet to damp weak potential disturbances that are the early stages of rotating stall. The control system is analyzed by matching the perturbation pressure in the compressor inlet and exit flow fields with a model for the unsteady behavior of the compressor. The model was effective at predicting the stalling behavior of the Purdue Low Speed Centrifugal Compressor for two distinctly different stall patterns. Predictions made for the effect of a controlled inlet vorticity wave on the stability of the compressor show that for minimum control wave magnitudes, on the order of the total inlet disturbance magnitude, significant damping of the instability can be achieved. For control waves of sufficient amplitude, the control phase angle appears to be the most important factor in maintaining a stable condition in the compressor.

Lawless, Patrick B.↗
NASA NTRS1990

NASA low speed centrifugal compressor

The flow characteristics of a low speed centrifugal compressor were examined at NASA Lewis Research Center to improve understanding of the flow in centrifugal compressors, to provide models of various flow phenomena, and to acquire benchmark data for three dimensional viscous flow code validation. The paper describes the objectives, test facilities' instrumentation, and experiment preliminary comparisons.

Hathaway, Michael D.↗