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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 163 records · Page 9

Dual nozzle aerodynamic and cooling analysis study

Analytical models to predict performance and operating characteristics of dual nozzle concepts were developed and improved. Aerodynamic models are available to define flow characteristics and bleed requirements for both the dual throat and dual expander concepts. Advanced analytical techniques were utilized to provide quantitative estimates of the bleed flow, boundary layer, and shock effects within dual nozzle engines. Thermal analyses were performed to define cooling requirements for baseline configurations, and special studies of unique dual nozzle cooling problems defined feasible means of achieving adequate cooling.

Meagher, G. M.↗

Characterization of initial cure reactions in propargyl and nadic end capped model compounds

Imide model compounds containing propargyl and nadic groups were studied to obtain a fundamental understanding of the reaction of these groups attached to imide oligomers. The initial cure reactions were examined by a variety of characterization techniques including high pressure liquid chromatography, infrared spectroscopy, thermal analyses, and mass spectroscopy. The initial step in the cure of propargyl end capped model compounds probably involved the formation of a new terminal acetylenic group. Configurational changes involving endo/exo isomerism was found in the nadimide model compounds. Nadimide compounds heated in air and in nitrogen appeared to cure by different mechanisms.

Young, P. R.↗

Characterization of aging effects of LARC-160

Specimens of freshly prepared polyimide precursor resin LARC-160 and resin aged at room temperature up to 45 days were characterized by high-pressure liquid chromatography and several different thermal analyses. Graphite reinforced composites were then fabricated from fresh and aged resin and tested to determine if changes observed by these techniques were significant. It was found that resin aging resulted in greater flow during processing and poorer composite isothermal stability. However, aging did not affect the room-temperature flexural or short-beam-shear strengths of the composites.

Young, P. R.↗

Shuttle compatible cryogenic liquid storage and supply systems

A detailed introduction is given to a wide variety of orbital cryogenic liquid storage and supply systems required for future vehicles by NASA and DOD. The systems include small cooling applications, large chemical and electrical orbit transfer vehicles and resupply tankers, and all have the common requirements of low-g fluid management for the accomplishment of gas-free liquid expulsion, and efficient thermal control in order to manage heat leak and tank pressure. The present study considers hydrogen, oxygen, methane, argon and helium tanks ranging from 0.6 to 37.4 cu m. Conceptual designs were generated for each tank system, and fluid dynamic, structural and thermal analyses were performed in view of Shuttle requirements.

Eberhardt, R. N.↗

The SPAR thermal analyzer: Present and future

The SPAR thermal analyzer, a system of finite-element processors for performing steady-state and transient thermal analyses, is described. The processors communicate with each other through the SPAR random access data base. As each processor is executed, all pertinent source data is extracted from the data base and results are stored in the data base. Steady state temperature distributions are determined by a direct solution method for linear problems and a modified Newton-Raphson method for nonlinear problems. An explicit and several implicit methods are available for the solution of transient heat transfer problems. Finite element plotting capability is available for model checkout and verification.

Marlowe, M. B.↗

A transmittance-optimized, point-focus Fresnel lens solar concentrator

The development of a point-focus Fresnel lens solar concentrator for high-temperature solar thermal energy system applications is discussed. The concentrator utilizes a transmittance-optimized, short-focal-length, dome-shaped refractive Fresnel lens as the optical element. This concentrator combines both good optical performance and a large tolerance for manufacturing, deflection, and tracking errors. The conceptual design of an 11-meter diameter concentrator which should provide an overall collector efficiency of about 70% at an 815 C (1500 F) receiver operating temperature and a 1500X geometric concentration ratio (lens aperture area/receiver aperture area) was completed. Results of optical and thermal analyses of the collector, a discussion of manufacturing methods for making the large lens, and an update on the current status and future plans of the development program are included.

Oneill, M. J.↗

Engineering and fabrication cost considerations for cryogenic wind tunnel models

Design and fabrication cost drivers for cryogenic transonic wind tunnel models are defined. The major cost factors for wind tunnel models are model complexity, tolerances, surface finishes, materials, material validation, and model inspection. The cryogenic temperatures require the use of materials with relatively high fracture toughness but at the same time high strength. Some of these materials are very difficult to machine, requiring extensive machine hours which can add significantly to the manufacturing costs. Some additional engineering costs are incurred to certify the materials through mechanical tests and nondestructive evaluation techniques, which are not normally required with conventional models. When instrumentation such as accelerometers and electronically scanned pressure modules is required, temperature control of these devices needs to be incorporated into the design, which requires added effort. Additional thermal analyses and subsystem tests may be necessary, which also adds to the design costs. The largest driver to the design costs is potentially the additional static and dynamic analyses required to insure structural integrity of the model and support system.

Boykin, R. M., Jr.↗

The Application of the Implicit Alternating-direction Numerical Technique to Thermal Analysis Involving Conduction and Convection

A computerized model was developed for analyzing the temperature distribution of a two dimensional body which is located at or near the soil surface and is partially exposed to solar radiation. The body may have one or more interior cavities containing air or another fluid. The methodology which evolved is also applicable to a general class of thermal analyses involving a body surrounded by a semi-infinite medium exposed to surface radiation energy. The theoretical analysis, numerical procedure, and a sample case are discussed.

Hughes, R. D.↗

Mechanically scanned deployable antenna study

The conceptual design of a Mechanically Scanned Deployable Antenna which is launched by the STS (Space Shuttle) to provide radiometric brightness temperature maps of the Earth and oceans at selected frequency bands in the frequency range of 1.4 GHz to 11 GHz is presented. Unlike previous scanning radiometric systems, multiple radiometers for each frequency are required in order to fill in the resolution cells across the swath created by the 15 meter diameter spin stabilized system. This multiple beam radiometric system is sometimes designated as a ""whiskbroom'' system in that it combines the techniques of the scanning and ""pushbroom'' type systems. The definition of the feed system including possible feed elements and location, determination of the fundamental reflector feed offset geometry including offset angles and f/D ratio, preliminary estimates of the beam efficiency of the feed reflector system, a summary of reflector mesh losses at the proposed radiometric frequency bands, an overall conceptual configuration design and preliminary structural and thermal analyses are included.

Source record↗

Ultra-high molecular weight silphenylene-siloxane polymers

Silphenylene-siloxane copolymers with molecular weights above one million were prepared using a two stage polymerization technique. The technique was successfully scaled up to produce 50 grams of this high polymer in a single run. The reactive monomer approach was also investigated using the following aminosilanes: bis(dimethylamino)dimethylsilane, N,N-bis(pyrrolidinyl)dimethylsilane and N,N-bis(gamma-butyrolactam)dimethylsilane). Thermal analyses were performed in both air and nitrogen. The experimental polymers decomposed at 540 to 562 C, as opposed to 408 to 426 C for commercial silicones. Differential scanning calorimetry showed a glass transition (Tg) at -50 to -55 C for the silphenylene-siloxane copolymer while the commercial silicones had Tg's at -96 to -112 C.

Patterson, W. J.↗

A Transmittance-optimized, Point-focus Fresnel Lens Solar Concentrator

The development of a point-focus Fresnel lens solar concentrator for high-temperature solar thermal energy system applications is discussed. The concentrator utilizes a transmittance-optimized, short-focal-length, dome-shaped refractive Fresnel lens as the optical element. This concentrator combines both good optical performance and a large tolerance for manufacturing, deflection, and tracking errors. The conceptual design of an 11-meter diameter concentrator which should provide an overall collector efficiency of about 70% at an 815 C (1500 F) receiver operating temperature and a 1500X geometric concentration ratio (lens aperture area/receiver aperture area) was completed. Results of optical and thermal analyses of the collector, a discussion of manufacturing methods for making the large lens, and an update on the current status and future plans of the development program are included.

Oneill, M. J.↗

Environmental stability graphite/PMR-15 composites

During the past few years the Boeing Company was screening graphite composites for use in hot areas of engine nacelle structure. Structural and thermal analyses have shown that there is the potential for a 25 to 30 percent weight savings by using a graphite polyimide (Gr/PI) composite material in this type of structure. Work conducted on the NASA CASTS program (Composites for Advanced Space Transportation Systems) amply demonstrated the capability of Graphite/PMR-15 for short term service (125 hours) at temperatures up to 589 K (600 F). In addition, the CASTS program demonstrated that large structures could be fabricated using Gr/PMR-15. In commercial applications, however, the requirement exists for long term service capability (tens of thousands of hours) at temperatures ranging upwards from 449 K (350 F). The results of Graphite/PMR-15 materials characterization efforts conducted at Boeing are presented with emphasis on materials properties after isothermal aging at temperatures of 449 K (350 F) and above.

Sheppard, C. H.↗

Tethered constellations, their utilization as microgravity platforms and relevant features

The gravitational, thermal, and dynamic docking effects on tethered platforms were studied. The near-earth environment has gravitational effects such a g-jitters and intermittencies, g-noise, and frequency and amplitude features which may influence life science, materials processing, and fluid processes research and commercial activities. Artificial gravity is produced by minute accelerations imparted by tethers. The magnitudes of gravitational forces produced by tethers 100 and 100,000 m long at various altitudes from 463 to 35,786 km are calculated. Thermal analyses were performed for stainless steel and Kevlar tethers, showing the steel tether could vary 300 m in length and the polyamide 25 m during one orbit. Finally, consideration given to docking with a tethered platform revealed that the center of mass could change, which would produce, however, negligible changes in orbit and therefore gravity.

Napolitano, L. G.↗

Proven, long-life hydrogen/oxygen thrust chambers for space station propulsion

The development of the manned space station has necessitated the development of technology related to an onboard auxiliary propulsion system (APS) required to provide for various space station attitude control, orbit positioning, and docking maneuvers. A key component of this onboard APS is the thrust chamber design. To develop the required thrust chamber technology to support the Space Station Program, the NASA Lewis Research Center has sponsored development programs under contracts with Aerojet TechSystems Company and with Bell Aerospace Textron Division of Textron, Inc. During the NASA Lewis sponsored program with Aerojet TechSystems, a 25 lb sub f hydrogen/oxygen thruster has been developed and proven as a viable candidate to meet the needs of the Space Station Program. Likewise, during the development program with Bell Aerospace, a 50 lb sub f hydrogen/oxygen Thrust Chamber has been developed and has demonstrated reliable, long-life expectancy at anticipated space station operating conditions. Both these thrust chambers were based on design criteria developed in previous thruster programs and successfully verified in experimental test programs. Extensive thermal analyses and models were used to design the thrusters to achieve total impulse goals of 2 x 10 to the 6th power lb sub f-sec. Test data for each thruster will be compared to the analytical predictions for the performance and heat transfer characteristics. Also, the results of thrust chamber life verification tests will be presented.

Richter, G. P.↗

Development of a prototype automated on-orbit contact heat exchanger

An automated contact heat exchanger is being developed for use aboard the manned Space Station, serving as an interface heat exchanger between the pressurized module internal thermal buses and the central external thermal bus. The concept makes use of an array of flattened, thin-walled, flexible tubes that expand or contract to make or break the thermal connection as the internal pressure changes. Because of its simplicity, it permits on-orbit assembly by the remote manipulator system, thus eliminating the need for expensive EVA to make connections. A design methodology based on stress and thermal analyses has been developed and used to perform trade-offs between performance and cost, and to optimize design parameters. Simple verification tests have been performed to confirm the stress analysis model. Two conceptual variants of the contact heat exchanger are described, each designed for a 25 kW total heat load and a minimum uniform heat flux of 2.15 W/sq cm.

Lee, C. Y.↗

Development of a dome Fresnel lens/gallium arsenide photovoltaic concentrator for space applications

A novel photovoltaic concentrator system is currently being developed. Phase I of the program, completed in late 1986, produced a conceptual design for the concentrator system, including an array weight and performance estimates based on optical, electrical, and thermal analyses. Phase II of the program, just underway, concerns the fabrication and testing of prototype concentrator panels of the design. The concentrator system uses dome Fresnel lenses for optical concentration; gallium arsenide concentrator cells for power generation; prismatic cell covers to eliminate gridline obscuration losses; a backplane radiator for heat rejection; and a honeycomb structure for the deployable panel assembly. The conceptual design of the system, its anticipated performance, and its estimated weight are reported.

O'Neill, Mark J.↗

3-D thermal analysis using finite difference technique with finite element model for improved design of components of rocket engine turbomachines for Space Shuttle Main Engine SSME

Three-dimensional finite element models were generated and transferred into three-dimensional finite difference models to perform transient thermal analyses for the SSME high pressure fuel turbopump's first stage nozzles and rotor blades. STANCOOL was chosen to calculate the heat transfer characteristics (HTCs) around the airfoils, and endwall effects were included at the intersections of the airfoils and platforms for the steady-state boundary conditions. Free and forced convection due to rotation effects were also considered in hollow cores. Transient HTCs were calculated by taking ratios of the steady-state values based on the flow rates and fluid properties calculated at each time slice. Results are presented for both transient plots and three-dimensional color contour isotherm plots; they were also converted into universal files to be used for FEM stress analyses.

Sohn, Kiho D.↗