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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

Investigating Particle-Particle Electrostatic Effects on Charged Lunar Dust Transport via Discrete Element Modeling

NASA surface exploration missions have always seen negative effects of dust including the Apollo missions. The astronaut-witnessed unusual behavior of the dust particles that surround the vehicle after engine cutoff has the potential to have more of an influence on surface systems dust loading than the high velocity lunar rocket plume ejecta in the landing process. The levitation and transport of the fine components of regolith on lunar surface has been linked to electrostatic effects and electric field, but so far there is no accurate model considering the inter-particle electrostatic interactions, especially when the particles are charged by rocket plume or other mechanical interactions due to exploration activities. This study is proposed to investigate the dynamics of charged lunar regolith with a discrete element method (DEM) approach focusing on the inter-particle interactions and contact charge transfer. The grain dynamics is coupled with mechanical and electrical particle interactions, and both short- and long-range interactions between spherical particles are incorporated. A tribo-charging model based on instantaneous collisions between particles is adopted and validated by comparing the simulation results to existing experimental data. Sensitivity analysis is conducted to quantify the effects of initial charge, tribo-charging, and E-field on transport of lunar dust based on JSC-1 simulants with a radius of 50 lm. DEM simulations are also conducted in a near realistic lunar environment with the estimations of initial conditions that shows the difference in position and velocity distributions between charged particles and uncharged particles. The results indicate that the charged dust particles have higher dispersion of position and velocity by several orders of magnitude due to electrostatic effects. This provides a potential explanation for the phenomena of the approximately 30 s dust lofting following Apollo Lunar Module landing.

Lunar dust↗

Progressive Damage Analysis of Post-Buckled Stiffened Panels under Static Compressive Loading

The validation of progressive damage analysis methods requires experimental data that captures the initiation of damage, its evolution with continued loading, and the morphology of damage throughout its evolution. In support of the NASA Advanced Composites Project, several validation specimens of increasing complexity have been tested and characterized in order to provide the data required to assess the capabilities of several progressive damage analysis methods for fiber-reinforced composite materials. The analytical capabilities of interest for this validation program include networks of interacting matrix cracks and delaminations in post-buckled stiffened structures. A series of single stringer compression specimens was tested and characterized at NASA Langley Research Center. The experimental data from these tests are compared with progressive damage finite element analysis results. Test/analysis comparisons are made in terms of load/displacement histories, damage morphology, and damage size versus load metrics.

Frank A Leone↗

Computation of viscous flow in curved ducts and comparison with experimental data

A three dimensional analysis for fully viscous subsonic internal flow is evaluated. The analysis, designated PEPSIG, solves an approximate form of the Navier-Stokes equations by an implicit spatial marching procedure. Results of calculations are presented for laminar flow through two different circular cross-sectioned 180 degree bends, and for laminar and turbulent flow through circular and square cross-sectioned 22.5 to 22.5 degree S-ducts. Quantitative comparisons with experimental data are shown for all cases. Special emphasis is placed on verifying the ability of the analysis to accurately predict the distorted flow fields resulting from pressure-driven secondary flows.

Towne, C. E.↗

Computation of viscous flow in curved ducts and comparison with experimental data

A three dimensional analysis for fully viscous subsonic internal flow is evaluated. The analysis, designated PEPSIG, solves an approximate form of the Navier-Stokes equations by an implicit spatial marching procedure. Results of calculations are presented for laminar flow through two different circular cross-sectioned 180 degree bends, and for laminar and turbulent flow through circular and square cross-sectioned 22.5 to 22.5 degree S-ducts. Quantitative comparisons with experimental data are shown for all cases. Special emphasis is placed on verifying the ability of the analysis to accurately predict the distored flow fields resulting from pressure-driven secondary flows. Previously announced in STAR as N84-13404

Towne, C. E.↗

User's manual for the one-dimensional hypersonic experimental aero-thermodynamic (1DHEAT) data reduction code

A FORTRAN computer code for the reduction and analysis of experimental heat transfer data has been developed. This code can be utilized to determine heat transfer rates from surface temperature measurements made using either thin-film resistance gages or coaxial surface thermocouples. Both an analytical and a numerical finite-volume heat transfer model are implemented in this code. The analytical solution is based on a one-dimensional, semi-infinite wall thickness model with the approximation of constant substrate thermal properties, which is empirically corrected for the effects of variable thermal properties. The finite-volume solution is based on a one-dimensional, implicit discretization. The finite-volume model directly incorporates the effects of variable substrate thermal properties and does not require the semi-finite wall thickness approximation used in the analytical model. This model also includes the option of a multiple-layer substrate. Fast, accurate results can be obtained using either method. This code has been used to reduce several sets of aerodynamic heating data, of which samples are included in this report.

Hollis, Brian R.↗

Pre-Test CFD for the Design and Execution of the Enhanced Injection and Mixing Project at NASA Langley Research Center

With the increasing costs of physics experiments and simultaneous increase in availability and maturity of computational tools it is not surprising that computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is playing an increasingly important role, not only in post-test investigations, but also in the early stages of experimental planning. This paper describes a CFD-based effort executed in close collaboration between computational fluid dynamicists and experimentalists to develop a virtual experiment during the early planning stages of the Enhanced Injection and Mixing project at NASA Langley Research Center. This projects aims to investigate supersonic combustion ramjet (scramjet) fuel injection and mixing physics, improve the understanding of underlying physical processes, and develop enhancement strategies and functional relationships relevant to flight Mach numbers greater than 8. The purpose of the virtual experiment was to provide flow field data to aid in the design of the experimental apparatus and the in-stream rake probes, to verify the nonintrusive measurements based on NO-PLIF, and to perform pre-test analysis of quantities obtainable from the experiment and CFD. The approach also allowed for the joint team to develop common data processing and analysis tools, and to test research ideas. The virtual experiment consisted of a series of Reynolds-averaged simulations (RAS). These simulations included the facility nozzle, the experimental apparatus with a baseline strut injector, and the test cabin. Pure helium and helium-air mixtures were used to determine the efficacy of different inert gases to model hydrogen injection. The results of the simulations were analyzed by computing mixing efficiency, total pressure recovery, and stream thrust potential. As the experimental effort progresses, the simulation results will be compared with the experimental data to calibrate the modeling constants present in the CFD and validate simulation fidelity. CFD will also be used to investigate different injector concepts, improve understanding of the flow structure and flow physics, and develop functional relationships. Both RAS and large eddy simulations (LES) are planned for post-test analysis of the experimental data.

Drozda, Tomasz G.↗

A method for phenomenological analysis of ecological data.

The experimental meaning of the phenomenological differential equations for a competing population is reviewed. It is concluded that it is virtually impossible to construct the differential equations precise enough for studying stability. We consider instead a method of phenomenological analysis which can be applied to a set of population curves. We suggest an ecological index calculated from the population curves, which indicates a group property of the entire system. As a function of time, the index is presumably insensitive to Volterra type fluctuations. A marked increase of the index's value however indicates a marked change of the environmental conditions. It is not easy to deduce the group property from the population curves alone, because a change in population is in general due to the superposition of external disturbances and Volterra fluctuations.

Huang, H.-W.↗

Analysis of AIS data of the Bonanza Creek Experimental Forest, Alaska

Airborne Imaging Spectrometer (AIS) data were acquired in 1985 over the Bonanza Creek Experimental Forest, Alaska for the analysis of canopy characteristics including biochemistry. Concurrent with AIS overflights, foliage from fifteen coniferous and deciduous forest stands were analyzed for a variety of biochemical constituents including nitrogen, lignin, protein, and chlorophyll. Preliminary analysis of AIS spectra indicates that the wavelength region between 1450 to 1800 namometers (nm) displays distinct differences in spectral response for some of the forest stands. A flat field subtraction (forest stand spectra - flat field spectra) of the AIS spectra assisted in the interpretation of features of the spectra that are related to biology.

Spanner, M. A.↗

Ultrasonic Nondestructive Evaluation Techniques Applied to the Quantitative Characterization of Textile Composite Materials

In this Progress Report, we describe our recent developments of advanced ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation methods applied to the characterization of anisotropic materials. We present images obtained from experimental measurements of ultrasonic diffraction patterns for a thin woven composite in an immersion setup. In addition, we compare apparent signal loss measurements of the thin woven composite for phase-sensitive and phase-insensitive detection methods. All images of diffraction patterns have been included on the accompanying CD-ROM in the Adobe(Trademark) Portable Document Format (PDF). Due to the extensive amount of data, however, hardcopies of only a small representative selection of the images are included within the printed report. This Progress Report presents experimental results that support successful implementation of single element as well as one and two-dimensional ultrasonic array technologies for the inspection of textile composite structures. In our previous reports, we have addressed issues regarding beam profiles of ultrasonic pressure fields transmitted through a water reference path and transmitted through a thin woven composite sample path. Furthermore, we presented experimental results of the effect of a thin woven composite on the magnitude of an insonifying ultrasonic pressure field. In addition to the study of ultrasonic beam profiles, we consider issues relevant to the application of single-element, one-dimensional, and two-dimensional array technologies towards probing the mechanical properties of advanced engineering composites and structures. We provide comparisons between phase-sensitive and phase-insensitive detection methods for determination of textile composite structure parameters. We also compare phase-sensitive and phase-insensitive - - ---- ----- apparent signal loss measurements in an effort to study the phenomenon of phase cancellation at the face of a finite-aperture single-element receiver. Furthermore, in this Progress Report we extend our work on ultrasonic beam profile issues through investigation of the phase fronts of the pressure field. In Section H of this Progress Report we briefly describe the experimental arrangement and methods for data acquisition of the ultrasonic diffraction patterns upon transmission through a thin woven composite. Section III details the analysis of the experimental data followed by the experimental results in Section IV. Finally, a discussion of the observations and conclusions is found in Section V.

Miller, James G.↗

Investigating the Molecular Response in Irradiated Yeast in Support of the BioSentinel CubeSat Mission

The BioSentinel CubeSat mission is NASA’s first deep space bioscience mission scheduled to fly as a secondary payload onboard Artemis I. BioSentinel seeks to understand the impacts of deep space radiation on living organisms using the model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae, or budding yeast. In recent years, the BioSentinel team has conducted ground-based investigations into the effects of ionizing radiation (IR) on budding yeast to better understand spaceflight data. One investigation focuses on the impacts of radiation on budding yeast metabolics using the redox dye alamarBlue, an indicator that will also be used onboard BioSentinel. In this investigation, we have observed metabolic changes in both wild-type and in mutant yeast cells deficient in DNA repair. The focus of our research is to support the ongoing investigation into the molecular mechanisms that explain these observed changes. To do this, we first conducted preliminary research into the metabolic processes of S. cerevisiae to identify any potential vulnerabilities to radiation. We then conducted a statistical kinetic analysis on past experimental metabolic data, in addition to an analysis of data from a multisensor metabolic rig experiment. Ultimately, we identified numerous redox-related changes with increasing doses of radiation in both wild-type and mutant cells. These findings highlight the mitochondrial Electron Transport Chain (ETC) as a potential candidate process to account for these observed changes. Specifically, we are focused on the electron carriers of the ETC, including NADH and FADH2, given their participation in numerous redox mechanisms. We propose future experiments, including NADH assays, an investigation into the glycerol-3-phosphate shuttle, and investigations into other ETC complexes.

BioSentinel↗

Experimental Studies in Helicopter Vertical Climb Performance

Data and analysis from an experimental program to measure vertical climb performance on an eight-foot model rotor are presented. The rotor testing was performed using a unique moving-model facility capable of accurately simulating the flow conditions during axial flight, and was conducted from July 9, 1992 to July 16, 1992 at the Dynamic Model Track, or 'Long Track,' just prior to its demolition in August of 1992. Data collected during this brief test program included force and moment time histories from a sting-mounted strain gauge balance, support carriage velocity, and rotor rpm pulses. In addition, limited video footage (of marginal use) was recorded from smoke flow studies for both simulated vertical climb and descent trajectories. Analytical comparisons with these data include a series of progressively more detailed calculations ranging from simple momentum theory, a prescribed wake method, and a free-wake prediction.

McKillip, Robert M., Jr.↗

Analysis of Experimental Sea-level Transient Data and Analog Method of Obtaining Altitude Response for Turbine-propeller Engine with Relay-type Speed Control

Correlation has been established between transient engine and control data obtained experimentally and data obtained by simulating the engine and control with an analog computer. This correlation was established at sea-level conditions for a turbine-propeller engine with a relay-type speed control. The behavior of the controlled engine at altitudes of 20,000 and 35,000 feet was determined with an analog computer using the altitude pressure and temperature generalization factors to calculate the new engine constants for these altitudes. Because the engine response varies considerably at altitude some type of compensation appears desirable and four methods of compensation are discussed.

ENGINES, CONTROL↗

Time-Dependent Material Data Essential for the Durability Analysis of Composite Flywheels Provided by Compressive Experiments

Successful spaceflight operations require onboard power management systems that reliably achieve mission objectives for a minimal launch weight. Because of their high specific energies and potential for reduced maintenance and logistics, composite flywheels are an attractive alternative to electrochemical batteries. The Rotor Durability Team, which comprises members from the Ohio Aerospace Institute (OAI) and the NASA Glenn Research Center, completed a program of elevated temperature testing at Glenn' s Life Prediction Branch's Fatigue Laboratory. The experiments provided unique design data essential to the safety and durability of flywheel energy storage systems for the International Space Station and other manned spaceflight applications. Analysis of the experimental data (ref. 1) demonstrated that the compressive stress relaxation of composite flywheel rotor material is significantly greater than the commonly available tensile stress relaxation data. Durability analysis of compression preloaded flywheel rotors is required for accurate safe-life predictions for use in the International Space Station.

Thesken, John C.↗

Analysis of liquid rocket combustion chamber turbulence levels from diffusion data

The intensity of turbulence and the Lagrangian correlation coefficient in a liquid-rocket combustion chamber have been analytically determined from an analysis of experimental diffusion data obtained in a small rocket engine which operated at 300-psia chamber pressure and produced approximately 250 pounds thrust. Results of gas-sample measurements obtained by Orsat and gas-chromatograph techniques to determine helium-concentration profiles were analyzed on the basis of Taylor's (1921) turbulent diffusion theory to obtain turbulence flow-field parameters. The results of the analysis indicate that turbulent diffusion in a combustion chamber can be adequately modeled by the one-dimensional Taylor theory, which assumes that the intensity of turbulence is a function only of axial distance in the chamber and that the Lagrangian correlation coefficient is expressed by a power law. The results indicate a higher intensity of turbulence and lower correlation than previously expected.

Smith, L. O., Jr.↗

Ultrasonic Nondestructive Evaluation Techniques Applied to the Quantitative Characterization of Textile Composite Materials

In this Progress Report, we describe our further development of advanced ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation methods applied to the characterization of anisotropic materials. We present images obtained from experimental measurements of ultrasonic diffraction patterns transmitted through water only and transmitted through water and a thin woven composite. All images of diffraction patterns have been included on the accompanying CD-ROM in the JPEG format and Adobe TM Portable Document Format (PDF), in addition to the inclusion of hardcopies of the images contained in this report. In our previous semi-annual Progress Report (NAG 1-1848, December, 1996), we proposed a simple model to simulate the effect of a thin woven composite on an insonifying ultrasonic pressure field. This initial approach provided an avenue to begin development of a robust measurement method for nondestructive evaluation of anisotropic materials. In this Progress Report, we extend that work by performing experimental measurements on a single layer of a five-harness biaxial woven composite to investigate how a thin, yet architecturally complex, material interacts with the insonifying ultrasonic field. In Section 2 of this Progress Report we describe the experimental arrangement and methods for data acquisition of the ultrasonic diffraction patterns upon transmission through a thin woven composite. We also briefly describe the thin composite specimen investigated. Section 3 details the analysis of the experimental data followed by the experimental results in Section 4. Finally, a discussion of the observations and conclusions is found in Section 5.

Miller, James G.↗

Pilot modeling, modal analysis, and control of large flexible aircraft

The issues to be addressed are threefold. The first deals with the question of whether dynamic aeroelastic effects can significantly impact piloted flight dynamics. For example, if one were to explore this problem experimentally, what mathematical model would be appropriate to use in the simulation? What modes, for example, should be included in the simulation, or what linear model should be used in the control synthesis? The second question deals with the appropriate design criteria or design objectives. In the case of active control, for example, what would be the design objectives for the control synthesis if aeroelastic effects are a problem? The outline of the topics includes a description of a model analysis methodology aimed at answering the question of the significance of higher order dynamics. Secondly, a pilot vehicle analysis of some experimental data addresses the question of ""What's important in the task?'' The experimental data will be presented briefly, followed by the results of an open-loop modal analysis of the generic vehicle configurations in question. Finally, one of the vehicles will be augmented via active control and the results presented.

Schmidt, D. K.↗

Experimental boundary integral equation applications in speckle interferometry

A complete data analysis system utilizing laser speckle interferometry and Experimental Integral Equation Method (EBIE) is described. A host computer provides the optical data analysis and serves as an input device to a PDP11/VAX computer for numerical analysis. The basic theory of pointwise filtering and digital correlation is described as experimental data input to the BIE method.

Fraley, J. E.↗