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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 NTRS2004

Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cells for Space Applications

This presentation will provide a summary of the PEM fuel cell development at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Johnson Space Center (NASA, JSC) in support of future space applications. Fuel cells have been used for space power generation due to their high energy storage density for multi-day missions. The Shuttle currently utilizes the alkaline fuel cell technology, which has highly safe and reliable performance. However, the alkaline technology has a limited life due to the corrosion inherent to the alkaline technology. PEM fuel cells are under development by industry for transportation, residential and commercial stationary power applications. NASA is trying to incorporate some of this stack technology development in the PEM fuel cells for space. NASA has some unique design and performance parameters which make developing a PEM fuel cell system more challenging. Space fuel cell applications utilize oxygen, rather than air, which yields better performance but increases the hazard level. To reduce the quantity of reactants that need to be flown in space, NASA also utilizes water separation and reactant recirculation. Due to the hazards of utilizing active components for recirculation and water separation, NASA is trying to develop passive recirculation and water separation methods. However, the ability to develop recirculation components and water separators that are gravity-independent and successfully operate over the full range of power levels is one of the greatest challenges to developing a safe and reliable PEM fuel cell system. PEM stack, accessory component, and system tests that have been performed for space power applications will be discussed.

Bradley, Karla↗
NASA NTRS2006

Fan Performance From Duct Rake Instrumentation on a 1.294 Pressure Ratio, 725 ft/sec Tip Speed Turbofan Simulator Using Vaned Passage Casing Treatment

A 1.294 pressure ratio, 725 ft/sec tip speed, variable pitch low noise fan was designed and tested in the NASA Glenn 9- by 15-foot Wind Tunnel. The design included a casing treatment that used recirculation to extend the fan stall line and provide an acceptable operating range. Overall aerodynamic experimental results are presented for this low tip speed, low noise fan without casing treatment as well as using several variants of the casing treatment that moved the air extraction and insertion axial locations. Measurements were made to assess effects on performance, operability, and noise. An unusual instability was discovered near the design operating line and is documented in the fan operating range. Measurements were made to compare stall margin improvements as well as measure the performance impact of the casing treatments. Experimental results in the presence of simulated inlet distortion, via screens, are presented for the baseline and recirculation casing treatment configurations. Estimates are made for the quantity of recirculation weight flow based on limited instrumentation in the recirculation system along with discussion of results and conclusions

Fite, E. Brian↗
NASA NTRS2012

Overheating Anomalies during Flight Test Due to the Base Bleeding

In this paper we present the results of the analytical and numerical studies of the plume interaction with the base flow in the presence of base out-gassing. The physics-based analysis and CFD modeling of the base heating for single solid rocket motor performed in this research addressed the following questions: what are the key factors making base flow so different from that in the Shuttle [1]; why CFD analysis of this problem reveals small plume recirculation; what major factors influence base temperature; and why overheating was initiated at a given time in the flight. To answer these questions topological analysis of the base flow was performed and Korst theory was used to estimate relative contributions of radiation, plume recirculation, and chemically reactive out-gassing to the base heating. It was shown that base bleeding and small base volume are the key factors contributing to the overheating, while plume recirculation is effectively suppressed by asymmetric configuration of the flow formed earlier in the flight. These findings are further verified using CFD simulations that include multi-species gas environment both in the plume and in the base. Solid particles in the exhaust plume (Al2O3) and char particles in the base bleeding were also included into the simulations and their relative contributions into the base temperature rise were estimated. The results of simulations are in good agreement with the temperature and pressure in the base measured during the test.

base bleeding↗
NASA NTRS2015

Fundamental Study of a Single Point Lean Direct Injector. Part I: Effect of Air Swirler Angle and Injector Tip Location on Spray Characteristics

Lean direct injection (LDI) is a combustion concept to reduce oxides of nitrogen (NOx) for next generation aircraft gas turbine engines. These newer engines have cycles that increase fuel efficiency through increased operating pressures, which increase combustor inlet temperatures. NOx formation rates increase with higher temperatures; the LDI strategy avoids high temperature by staying fuel lean and away from stoichiometric burning. Thus, LDI relies on rapid and uniform fuel/air mixing. To understand this mixing process, a series of fundamental experiments are underway in the Combustion and Dynamics Facility at NASA Glenn Research Center. This first set of experiments examines cold flow (non-combusting) mixing using air and water. Using laser diagnostics, the effects of air swirler angle and injector tip location on the spray distribution, recirculation zone, and droplet size distribution are examined. Of the three swirler angles examined, 60 degrees is determined to have the most even spray distribution. The injector tip location primarily shifts the flow without changing the structure, unless the flow includes a recirculation zone. When a recirculation zone is present, minimum axial velocity decreases as the injector tip moves downstream towards the venturi exit; also the droplets become more uniform in size and angular distribution.

vortex↗
NASA NTRS1975

Copper emissions from a high volume air sampler

High volume air samplers (hi vols) are described which utilize a brush-type electric motor to power the fans used for pulling air through the filter. Anomalously high copper values were attributed to removal of copper from the commutator into the air stream due to arcing of the brushes and recirculation through the filter. Duplicate hi vols were set up under three operating conditions: (1) unmodified; (2) gasketed to prevent internal recirculation; and (3) gasketed and provided with a pipe to transport the motor exhaust some 20 feet away. The results of 5 days' operation demonstrate that hi vols can suddenly start emitting increased amounts of copper with no discernible operational indication, and that recirculation and capture on the filter can take place. Copper levels found with hi vols whose exhaust was discharged at a distance downwind were among the lowest found, and apparently provides a satisfactory solution to copper contamination.

King, R. B.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Reduced bleed air extraction for DC-10 cabin air conditioning

It is noted that a significant fuel savings can be achieved by reducing bleed air used for cabin air conditioning. Air in the cabin can be recirculated to maintain comfortable ventilation rates but the quality of the air tends to decrease due to entrainment of smoke and odors. Attention is given to a development system designed and fabricated under the NASA Engine Component Improvement Program to define the recirculation limit for the DC-10. It is shown that with the system, a wide range of bleed air reductions and recirculation rates is possible. A goal of 0.8% fuel savings has been achieved which results from a 50% reduction in bleed extraction from the engine.

Newman, W. H.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Numerical predictions of residence times behind a rearward facing step with transverse injection

A numerical investigation of the two-dimensional recirculation zone formed between a rear-ward facing step and a transverse hydrogen jet in a supersonic flow is presented. Calculations were made using an elliptic flow computer code with a time-relaxation finite difference integration algorithm. Cases were examined for jet static pressures between 2 and 5 times mainstream with jets located 3 to 7 step heights downstream of the step. Nominal mainstream flow conditions were Mach 2.4 air at 1 atm pressure and 1000K (1800R) static temperature. Results in the form of mean properties in the recirculation zone and residence time are presented. Calculations of the decay of hydrogen mass from the steady state are presented for selected cases. The combustion potential for each case is assessed by comparison of computed conditions in the recirculation zone with the results from a well-stirred reactor theory.

Rogers, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Numerical predictions of residence times behind a rearward facing step with transverse injection

A numerical investigation of the two-dimensional recirculation zone formed between a rearward facing step and a transverse hydrogen jet in a supersonic flow is presented. Calculations were made using an elliptic flow computer code with a time-relaxation finite difference integration algorithm. Cases were examined for jet static pressures between 2 and 5 times mainstream with jets located 3 to 7 step heights downstream of the step. Nominal mainstream flow conditions were Mach 2.4 air at 1 atm pressure and 1000 K (1800 R) static temperature. Results in the form of mean properties in the recirculation zone and residence time are presented. Calculations of the decay of hydrogen mass from the steady state are presented for selected cases. The combustion potential for each case is assessed by comparison of computed conditions in the recirculation zone with the results from a well-stirred reactor theory.

Rogers, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Euler and Navier-Stokes solutions for supersonic shear flow past a circular cylinder

Euler and Navier-Stokes solutions of the supersonic shear flow past a circular cylinder are obtained. These solutions are used to study the basic flow structure around the cylinder. Both the inviscid and viscous calculations show the formation of a large recirculating flow region around the front stagnation point. The calculations further show that the overall size of the recirculating region is approximately the same for the Euler and Navier-Stokes solutions but the inside structure is quite different. The inviscid flow shows only one vortex whereas the viscous flow shows two vortices inside the recirculating flow region. The inner vortex in the Navier-Stokes solution is formed primarily due to the viscous effects near the body surface and its size depends upon the Reynolds number. It is found that with increasing Reynolds number, the inner vortex diminishes in size and the Navier-Stokes solution asymptotically approaches the Euler solution. These results indicate that the Euler equations may correctly predict certain high Reynolds number separation phenomenon in flows with natural inviscid vorticity source.

Kumar, A.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Computation of confined turbulent coaxial jet flows

The characteristics of the recirculation zones in confined coaxial turbulent jets are investigated numerically employing the k-epsilon turbulent model. The geometrical arrangement corresponds to the experimental study of Owen (1976) and the investigation is undertaken to provide information for isothermal flow relevant to combustor flows. For the first time, the shape, size, and location of the recirculation zones for the above experimental configuration are correctly predicted. The processes leading to the observed results are explained. Detailed comparisons of the prediction with measurements are made. It is shown that the recirculation zones are very sensitive to the central jet exit configuration and the velocity ratio of the jets.

Nallasamy, M.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Applications of a new wall function to turbulent flow computations

A new wall function approach is developed based on a wall law suitable for incompressible turbulent boundary layers under strong adverse pressure gradients. This wall law was derived from a one-dimensional analysis of the turbulent kinetic energy equation with gradient diffusion concept employed in modeling the near-wall shear stress gradient. Numerical testing cases for the present wall functions include turbulent separating flows around an airfoil and turbulent recirculating flows in several confined regions. Improvements on the predictions using the present wall functions are illustrated. For cases of internal recirculating flows, one modification factor for improving the performance of the k-epsilon turbulence model in the flow recirculation regions is also included.

Chen, Y. S.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Periodic oscillations observed in swirling flows with and without combustion

Data obtained by laser induced Rayleigh scattering and hot-wire anemometry are used to study periodic oscillations in swirling flows with and without combustion present. Power spectral density functions reveal the presence of energetic, periodic oscillations in the flow. A band of low frequency oscillations (25-100 Hz) is observed on and near the centerline in the presence of a recirculation zone and is attributed to axial oscillations of the recirculation zone which are amplified with combustion by an interaction between the mechanism for flow recirculation and flow changes induced by combustion. High frequency oscillations between 300-500 Hz are observed in an annular region located in the vortex core. A stability analysis is performed, and it is concluded that these oscillations are most likely helical waves resulting from hydrodynamic instability in the vortex core upstream of the test section.

Gouldin, F. C.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Multiple-Scale Turbulence Model

Turbulence in complex, recirculating flows not in spectral equilibrium. Report discusses mathematical fluid-flow model that includes multiple turbulence scales. Model developed for numerical prediction of confined, recirculating flows. Based on multiple-timescale concepts introduced in previous study, model takes into account turbulence in recirculating flow not in spectral equilibrium and different energy-transfer rates for eddies of different spatial scales treated separately.

Chen, C.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Plasma torch igniter for scramjets

A small, uncooled plasma torch was developed and used in combination with an injector designed to study ignition and flameholding in hydrogen-fueled supersonic flows. The plasma torch was operated on mixtures of hydrogen and argon with total flows of 10 to 70 scfh. The fuel injector design consisted of five small upstream pilot fuel injectors, a rearward facing step for recirculation, and three main fuel injectors downstream of the step. The plasma torch was located in the recirculation region, and all injection was perpendicular to the Mach 2 stream. Both semi-freejet and ducted tests were conducted. The experimental results indicate that a low power plasma torch operating on a 1:1 volumetric mixture of hygrogen and argon and located in the recirculation zone fueled by the upstream pilot fuel injectors is a good igniter for flow conditions simulating a flight Mach number of 3.7. The total temperature required to autoignite the hydrogen fuel for this injector geometry was 2640 R. The injector configuration was shown to be a good flameholder over a wide range of total temperature. Spectroscopic measurements were used to verify the presence of air total temperatures below 1610 R.

Wagner, Timothy C.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Finite analytic numerical solution of two-dimensional channel flow over a backward-facing step

Laminar channel flow over a backward-facing step is investigated. The finite analytic (FA) method is used to obtain the numerical solution. The FA solutions predict the recirculation zone lengths and the recirculated mass flow rates for Reynolds numbers, Re, of 25, 50, 73, 125, 191 and 229 which correlate well with experimental measurements. The general flow patterns of the recirculation region flows for the Reynolds numbers considered in this study are similar to each other.

Ho, K.-S.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Development and evaluation of a 1 kW plasma torch ignitor for scramjets

A low power, uncooled plasma torch was tested in combination with a new injector design to study ignition and flameholding in hydrogen-fueled supersonic flows. Both semifree jet and ducted tests were conducted in a Mach 2 flow under simulated scramjet combustor conditions at 1 atmosphere static pressure and total temperatures between 1400 and 2800 R. The injector design incorporates a small upstream pilot fuel flow, a step for recirculation, and primary fuel injectors downstream of the recirculation region. Using a 1:1 volumetric mixture of hydrogen and argon, good performance at a simulated flight Mach number of 3.7 is found for a 1-kW torch which is located in the recirculation zone and fueled by the upstream pilot fuel injectors. Spectroscopic measurements verified the presence of hydrogen atoms in the torch exhaust, and it is suggested that hydrogen atoms are responsible for the ignition.

Wagner, Timothy C.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Characteristics of a trailing flap flow with small separation

Detailed measurements of pressure and velocity characteristics are reported for the flow on and downstream of a trailing flap, whose 16 degree angle of incidence resulted in boundary layer separation, a small region of recirculating flow, and a curved downstream wake. Emphasis is placed on the region of recirculating flow and on the downstream wake. The characteristics were quantified by the use of pressure, hot-wire, and flying hot-wire probes. The flow characteristics are compared to those of a similar flow but with a larger region of recirculation reported by Thompson and Whitelaw (1985). The relative importance of the terms in the transport equations for mean momentum and turbulence energy are quantified and the implications of the results for viscous-inviscid interaction methods and turbulence modeling are discussed.

Adair, D.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Two-phase measurements of a spray in the wake of a bluff body

The dynamics of spray drop interaction with the turbulent, recirculating wake of a flat disk bluff body were investigated using a phase Doppler particle analyzer to determine drop size and velocity and the gas-phase velocity. Detailed measurements obtained included spray drop size, axial and radial velocity, angle of trajectory, and size-velocity correlations. The gas-phase velocity was determined from seeding of the two-phase flow. Results showed dramatic differences in drop behavior for various size classes when interacting with the turbulent flow field. Small drops were quickly entrained and recirculated, while initially, the larger drops continued in the general direction of the spray cone. Further downstream, significant numbers of large drops recirculated, generating a bifurcated size-velocity correlation. These lateral convections and streamwise accelerations and decelerations strongly influenced the number density along with size and velocity distributions. The complex interaction of the spray with the turbulent air-flow points out the need for spatially-resolved measurements that determine drop behavior for individual size classes, rather than characterizing a spray only via simple integral quantities such as the Sauter mean diameter.

Rudoff, R. C.↗