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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

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NASA NTRS1972

Investigation of the tone-burst tube for duct lining attenuation measurement

The tone burst technique makes practical the laboratory evaluation of potential inlet and discharge duct treatments. Tone burst apparatus requires only simple machined parts and standard components. Small, simply made, lining samples are quickly and easily installed in the system. Two small electromagnetric loudspeaker drivers produce peak sound pressure level of over 166 db in the 3-square-inch sample duct. Air pump available in most laboratories can produce air flows of over plus and minus Mach 0.3 in the sample duct. The technique uses short shaped pulses of sound propagated down a progressive wave tube containing the sample duct. The peak pressure level output of the treated duct is compared with the peak pressure level output of a substituted reference duct. The difference between the levels is the attenuation or insertion loss of the treated duct. Evaluations of resonant absorber linings by the tone burst technique check attenuation values predicted by empirical formulas based on full scale ducts.

Soffel, A. R.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Laboratory studies of the condensation and properties of amorphous silicate smokes

The results of experiments intended for defining the vapor phase condensation of refractory materials are reported, and the usefulness of applying laboratory data to astrophysical conditions is assessed. The testing apparatus used produced Mg-SiO smokes by boiling powders in an evaporator. Critical temperatures for the onset of nucleation were measured for SiO-H2 and Mg-SiO-H2 systems. Spectroscopic examination of the grains produced were determined to be similar to the spectra obtained from both carbonaceous chondrites and several stratospheric micrometeorites. The experiments demonstrated that direct nucleation of refractory silicates from the vapor phase yielded amorphous, metastable particles, resembling more circumstellar grains than a chondritic matrix. It is suggested that the formation of SiO(x) may control nucleation in oxygen-rich stars.

Nuth, J. A.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Droplet combustion at reduced gravity

The current work involves theoretical analyses of the effects identified, experiments in the NASA Lewis drop towers performed in the middeck areas of the Space Shuttle. In addition, there is laboratory work associated with the design of the flight apparatus. Calculations have shown that some of the test-matrix data can be obtained in drop towers, and some are achievable only in the space experiments. The apparatus consists of a droplet dispensing device (syringes), a droplet positioning device (opposing, retractable, hollow needles), a droplet ignition device (two matched pairs of retractable spark electrodes), gas and liquid handling systems, a data acquisition system (mainly giving motion-picture records of the combustion in two orthogonal views, one with backlighting for droplet resolution), and associated electronics.

Dryer, F. L.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Research and test facilities

A description is given of each of the following Langley research and test facilities: 0.3-Meter Transonic Cryogenic Tunnel, 7-by 10-Foot High Speed Tunnel, 8-Foot Transonic Pressure Tunnel, 13-Inch Magnetic Suspension & Balance System, 14-by 22-Foot Subsonic Tunnel, 16-Foot Transonic Tunnel, 16-by 24-Inch Water Tunnel, 20-Foot Vertical Spin Tunnel, 30-by 60-Foot Wind Tunnel, Advanced Civil Transport Simulator (ACTS), Advanced Technology Research Laboratory, Aerospace Controls Research Laboratory (ACRL), Aerothermal Loads Complex, Aircraft Landing Dynamics Facility (ALDF), Avionics Integration Research Laboratory, Basic Aerodynamics Research Tunnel (BART), Compact Range Test Facility, Differential Maneuvering Simulator (DMS), Enhanced/Synthetic Vision & Spatial Displays Laboratory, Experimental Test Range (ETR) Flight Research Facility, General Aviation Simulator (GAS), High Intensity Radiated Fields Facility, Human Engineering Methods Laboratory, Hypersonic Facilities Complex, Impact Dynamics Research Facility, Jet Noise Laboratory & Anechoic Jet Facility, Light Alloy Laboratory, Low Frequency Antenna Test Facility, Low Turbulence Pressure Tunnel, Mechanics of Metals Laboratory, National Transonic Facility (NTF), NDE Research Laboratory, Polymers & Composites Laboratory, Pyrotechnic Test Facility, Quiet Flow Facility, Robotics Facilities, Scientific Visualization System, Scramjet Test Complex, Space Materials Research Laboratory, Space Simulation & Environmental Test Complex, Structural Dynamics Research Laboratory, Structural Dynamics Test Beds, Structures & Materials Research Laboratory, Supersonic Low Disturbance Pilot Tunnel, Thermal Acoustic Fatigue Apparatus (TAFA), Transonic Dynamics Tunnel (TDT), Transport Systems Research Vehicle, Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel, and the Visual Motion Simulator (VMS).

Source record↗

NASA NTRS1994

Materials processing in space tasks. WBS task 5.4: Generic tasks

This task encompassed a wide range of activities related to materials processing in space. For example, all aspects of the space station's flight and ground based systems design were assessed for the Office of Advanced Concepts and Technology (OACT) Space Processing Division Office. Activities for that organization also included the consolidation of space processing payload requirements for the space station and the development of an OACT payload operations plan. Similar duties were performed for the MSFC Payload Project Office. The SPACECOM database was used to conduct preliminary design studies for microgravity payload carriers and to conduct assessments of materials processing technology. Concepts for the Advanced Protein Crystal Growth Facility (APCGF) were developed. Materials processing vent products were analyzed and a furnace facility filter concept was developed using those studies. A preliminary design for a space station aluminum payload rack was developed. Analysis was conducted to characterize the acceleration environment onboard the space shuttle. Equipment for two fluid experiment apparatus was designed and manufactured for the Space Science Laboratory. The Fluids and Materials Experiments (FAME) data base was expanded. Also, Mir payload integration, technology transfer, and spacelab-to-space station transition studies were conducted.

Crull, Robert↗

NASA NTRS1994

Ground based research in microgravity materials processing

The core activities performed during this time period have been concerned with tracking the TEMPEST experiments on the shuttle with drops of Zr, Ni, and Nb alloys. In particular a lot of Zr drops are being made to better define the recalescence characteristics of that system so that accurate comparisons of the drop tube results with Tempest can be made. A new liner, with minimal reflectivity characteristics, has been inserted into the drop tube in order to improve the recalescence measurements of the falling drops. The first installation to make the geometric measurements to ensure a proper fit has been made. The stovepipe sections are currently in the shop at MSFC being painted with low reflectivity black paint. Work has also continued on setting up the MEL apparatus obtained from Oak Ridge in the down stairs laboratory at the Drop Tube Facilities. Some ground-based experiments on the same metals as are being processed on TEMPEST are planned for the MEL. The flight schedules for the KC-135 experiments are still to be determined in the near future.

Workman, Gary L.↗

NASA NTRS2002

Thermal Performance of Cryogenic Piping Multilayer Insulation in Actual Field Installations

A standardized way of comparing the thermal performance of different pipelines in different sizes is needed. Vendor data for vacuum-insulated piping are typically given in heat leak rate per unit length (W/m) for a specific diameter pipeline. An overall k-value for actual field installations (k(sub oafi)) is therefore proposed as a more generalized measure for thermal performance comparison and design calculation. The k(sub oafi) provides a direct correspondence to the k-values reported for insulation materials and illustrates the large difference between ideal multilayer insulation (MLI) and actual MLI performance. In this experimental research study, a section of insulated piping was tested under cryogenic vacuum conditions, including simulated spacers and bending. Several different insulation systems were tested using a 1-meter-long cylindrical cryostat test apparatus. The simulated spacers tests showed significant degradation in the thermal performance of a given insulation system. An 18-meter-long pipeline test apparatus is now in operation at the Cryogenics Test Laboratory, NASA Kennedy Space Center, for conducting liquid nitrogen thermal performance tests.

Fesmire, J.↗

NASA NTRS2012

Precision Mass Property Measurements Using a Five-Wire Torsion Pendulum

A method for measuring the moment of inertia of an object using a five-wire torsion pendulum design is described here. Typical moment of inertia measurement devices are capable of 1 part in 10(exp 3) accuracy and current state of the art techniques have capabilities of about one part in 10(exp 4). The five-wire apparatus design shows the prospect of improving on current state of the art. Current measurements using a laboratory prototype indicate a moment of inertia measurement precision better than a part in 10(exp 4). In addition, the apparatus is shown to be capable of measuring the mass center offset from the geometric center. Typical mass center measurement devices exhibit a measurement precision up to approximately 1 micrometer. Although the five-wire pendulum was not originally designed for mass center measurements, preliminary results indicate an apparatus with a similar design may have the potential of achieving state of the art precision.

Swank, Aaron J.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Laboratory and theoretical studies of baroclinic processes

An understanding is being developed for processes which may be important in the atmosphere, and the definition and analysis of baroclinic experiments utilizing the geophysical fluid flow cells (GFFC) apparatus in microgravity space flights. Included are studies using numerical codes, theoretical models, and terrestrial laboratory experiments. The numerical modeling is performed in three stages: calculation of steady axisymmetric flow, calculation of fastest-growing linear eigenmodes, and nonlinear effects (first, wave-mean flow interactions, then wave-wave interactions). The code can accommodate cylindrical, spherical, or channel geometry. It uses finite differences in the vertical and meridional directions, and is spectral in the azimuthal. The theoretical work was mostly in the area of effects of topography upon the baroclinic instability problem. The laboratory experiments are performed in a cylindrical annulus which has a temperture gradient imposed upon the lower surface and an approximately isothermal outer wall, with the upper and inner surfaces being nominally thermally insulating.

Miller, Timothy↗

NASA NTRS1986

Equipment concept design and development plans for microgravity science and applications research on space station: Combustion tunnel, laser diagnostic system, advanced modular furnace, integrated electronics laboratory

Taking advantage of the microgravity environment of space NASA has initiated the preliminary design of a permanently manned space station that will support technological advances in process science and stimulate the development of new and improved materials having applications across the commercial spectrum. Previous studies have been performed to define from the researcher's perspective, the requirements for laboratory equipment to accommodate microgravity experiments on the space station. Functional requirements for the identified experimental apparatus and support equipment were determined. From these hardware requirements, several items were selected for concept designs and subsequent formulation of development plans. This report documents the concept designs and development plans for two items of experiment apparatus - the Combustion Tunnel and the Advanced Modular Furnace, and two items of support equipment the Laser Diagnostic System and the Integrated Electronics Laboratory. For each concept design, key technology developments were identified that are required to enable or enhance the development of the respective hardware.

Uhran, M. L.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Atomic beam system for laboratory simulation of upper atmosphere oxygen atom impact on STS surfaces

An atomic beam apparatus capable of producing a collimated beam of O atoms or other atmospheric species at the STS impact velocity of 8 km/s is described. A conventional ion beam charge transfer neutralization approach was adopted to produce the projectile beam. The prime considerations favoring this approach are: the ability to vary the velocity of the impacting species at will over a wide range on either side of the optimum required value of 8 km/s; and sample irradiation can be made with species other than O-atoms, such as O2, N, or N2.

Mahadevan, P.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Laboratory test methods for evaluating the fire response of aerospace materials

The test methods which were developed or evaluated were intended to serve as means of comparing materials on the basis of specific responses under specific sets of test conditions, using apparatus, facilities, and personnel that would be within the capabilities of perhaps the majority of laboratories. Priority was given to test methods which showed promise of addressing the pre-ignition state of a potential fire. These test methods were intended to indicate which materials may present more hazard than others under specific test conditions. These test methods are discussed and arranged according to the stage of a fire to which they are most relevant. Some observations of material performance which resulted from this work are also discussed.

Hilado, C. J.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Apparatus and methodology for fire gas characterization by means of animal exposure

While there is a great deal of information available from small-scale laboratory experiments and for relatively simple mixtures of gases, considerable uncertainty exists regarding appropriate bioassay techniques for the complex mixture of gases generated in full-scale fires. Apparatus and methodology have been developed based on current state of the art for determining the effects of fire gases in the critical first 10 minutes of a full-scale fire on laboratory animals. This information is presented for its potential value and use while further improvements are being made.

Marcussen, W. H.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Evaluation of the smoke density chamber as an apparatus for fire toxicity screening tests

The smoke density chamber is perhaps the most widely used apparatus for smoke measurements. Because of its availability, it has been proposed as an apparatus for evaluating fire toxicity. The standard apparatus and procedure were not found suitable for toxicity screening tests using laboratory animals, because not enough materials of interest produced animal mortality or even incapacitation under standard test conditions. With modifications, the chamber offers greater promise as a screening tool, but other tests specifically designed to measure relative toxicity may be more cost-effective. Where one-dimensional heat flux is a requirement, the chamber is the most suitable apparatus available. It should be improved in regard to visibility of animals and ease of cleaning.

Hilado, C. J.↗

NASA NTRS1975

X-Y alphanumeric character generator for oscilloscopes

A method and apparatus is disclosed by which any general purpose external trigger laboratory oscilloscope can be utilized to display alphanumeric characters. Each character to be displayed is composed of a plurality of segments appearing at various segment positions in various segment rows to define a conventional matrix. In between character segments to be displayed, or when no display is desired, the trace is effectively blanked by a vertical clamping voltage so as to position the oscilloscope trace in an off-screen position. The clamping technique of the invention, i.e., biasing the oscilloscope trace to an off-screen position when no character segment is to be displayed; it eliminates the necessity of providing Z-axis modulation to effect blanking.

Lokerson, D. C.↗

NASA NTRS1978

A simple laboratory method for determining ignitability of materials

A simple laboratory method for determining ignitability of materials is described. The apparatus consists of a Mellen high-flux heater capable of producing up to 13 W/sq cm heat flux, a Medtherm water-cooled radiometer for measuring heat flux, a mounting frame to hold all components in proper position, and specimen holders of the type used for the NBS smoke test. Time to ignition at different heat flux levels is recorded. Test results are presented for a variety of materials.

Hilado, C. J.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Apparatus Circulates Sterilizing Gas

Apparatus circulates sterilizing gas containing ethylene oxide and chlorofluorocarbon through laboratory or medical equipment. Confines sterilizing gas, circulating it only through parts to be treated. Consists of two units. One delivers ethylene oxide/chlorofluorocarbon gas mixture and removes gas after treatment. Other warms, humidifies, and circulates gas through equipment to be treated. Process provides reliable sterilization with negligible residual toxicity from ethylene oxide. Particularly suitable for sterilization of interiors of bioreactors, heart/lung machines, dialyzers, or other equipment including complicated tubing.

Cross, John H.↗

NASA NTRS1972

Concepts related to the origin of the genetic apparatus.

Since the genetic apparatus is composed of nucleic acid and protein, the origin of the apparatus involves the origin of polyaminoacids and of polynucleotides, separately or together. Laboratory models for the origins of the separate macromolecular types are considered. The origin of their joint synthesis, believed to have been necessary at a later stage, is also discussed. Proteins and nucleic acids appear to have definite relationships with each other in three major contemporary biological systems, including chromatin, ribosomes, and the protein synthesizing system using nucleic acid templates. Stages considered in connection with the flow of information in the early evolution of the apparatus are environment, protoprotein, protein, RNA, and DNA.

Lacey, J. C., Jr.↗