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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 19 records

Charged particle tracking through electrostatic wire meshes using the finite element method

Wire meshes are used across many disciplines to accelerate and focus charged particles, however, analytical solutions are non-exact and few codes exist which simulate the exact fields around a mesh with physical sizes. A tracking code based in Matlab-Simulink using field maps generated using finite element software has been developed which tracks electrons or ions through electrostatic wire meshes. The fields around such a geometry are presented as an analytical expression using several basic assumptions, however, it is apparent that computational calculations are required to obtain realistic values of electric potential and fields, particularly when multiple wire meshes are deployed. The tracking code is flexible in that any quantitatively describable particle distribution can be used for both electrons and ions as well as other benefits such as ease of export to other programs for analysis. The code is made freely available and physical examples are highlighted where this code could be beneficial for different applications.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

CCD Photometry of bright stars using objective wire mesh

Obtaining accurate photometry of bright stars from the ground remains problematic due to the danger of overexposing the target and/or the lack of suitable nearby comparison stars. The century-old method of using objective wire mesh to produce multiple stellar images seems promising for the precise CCD photometry of such stars. Furthermore, our tests on β Cep and its comparison star, differing by 5 mag, are very encouraging. Using a CCD camera and a 20 cm telescope with the objective covered by a plastic wire mesh, in poor weather conditions, we obtained differential photometry with a precision of 4.5 mmag per two minute exposure. Our technique is flexible and may be tuned to cover a range as big as 6-8 mag. We discuss the possibility of installing a wire mesh directly in the filter wheel.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Electrical performance of wire mesh for spacecraft deployable reflector antennas

Mobile satellite communications systems require large, high gain antennas at the spacecraft to minimize the antenna gain and power requirements for mobile user elements. The use of a deployable reflector antenna for these applications provides a lightweight system that can be compactly stowed prior to deployment on orbit. The mesh surface material is a critical component in the deployable reflector antenna design. The mesh is required to provide the desired electrical performance as well as the mechanical properties that are necessary to deploy and maintain the reflector surface on orbit. Of particular interest in multi-channel communications applications is the generation of Passive InterModulation (PIM) products at the reflector surface that can result in interference in the receive band. Wire mesh was specifically identified by some as having a high potential for PIM generation based solely on the existence of nonpermanent metal to metal contacts at the junctions that are inherent in the mesh design. There are a number of other factors, however, that reduce the likelihood of PIM occurring at the mesh reflector surface. Experimental data presented demonstrate that mesh PIM generation is not significant for typical applications. PIM and reflectivity performance of wire mesh composed of gold plated molybdenum wire in a tricot knit are described. This type of mesh was successfully used for the deployable Single Access Antennas of the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System.

Turner, Greg↗

Transfer impedance measurements of the space shuttle Solid Rocket Motor (SRM) joints, wire meshes and a carbon graphite motor case

Using three different current injection methods and a simple voltage probe, transfer impedances for Solid Rocket Motor (SRM) joints, wire meshes, aluminum foil, Thorstrand and a graphite composite motor case were measured. In all cases, the surface current distribution for the particular current injection device was calculated analytically or by finite difference methods. The results of these calculations were used to generate a geometric factor which was the ratio of total injected current to surface current density. The results were validated in several ways. For wire mesh measurements, results showed good agreement with calculated results for a 14 by 18 Al screen. SRM joint impedances were independently verified. The filiment wound case measurement results were validated only to the extent that their curve shape agrees with the expected form of transfer impedance for a homogeneous slab excited by a plane wave source.

Papazian, Peter B.↗

Wrinkle-Free Hydroforming of Wire Mesh

Plastic films lubricate workpiece so it deforms smoothly. Thin layers of plastic below top die and above bottom die ensure wire screen slides as shaped by hydroforming. Plastic layers are 0.0043 in. (0.11 m) thick. Preformed to contours of dies and final workpiece. New method of hydroforming fine-wire-mesh heat-shield screens eliminates wrinkles and marks. Prevents screen from being damaged and pores from becoming blocked.

Fadness, J.↗

Plated nickel wire mesh makes superior catalyst bed

Porous nickel mesh screen catalyst bed produces gas evolution in hydrogen peroxide thrust chambers used for attitude control of space vehicles. The nickel wire mesh disks in the catalyst bed are plated in rugose form with a silver-gold coating.

Sill, M.↗

Three-dimensional wire-mesh capacitor system measures fluid density

Gaging system automatically measures the bulk density of a stored, electrically nonconductive fluid containing varying portions of liquid and vapor. The system employs a three-dimensional wire-mesh capacitor whose capacitance varies with the bulk density of the fluid dielectric medium between the capacitor plates.

Source record↗

Preliminary Investigation of the Supersonic Flow Field Downstream of Wire-mesh Nozzles in a Constant-area Duct / Lawrence I. Gould

An investigation was conducted in a 3.4- by 3.4-inch duct to determine the characteristics of the supersonic flow downstream of four wire-mesh screen nozzles with nominal design Mach numbers in the range between 1.97 and 2.58. Two types of disturbances were observed in the flow field: a fine network of interacting expansion and compression waves which were formed immediately downstream of the screens and appeared to dissipate within 25 to 40 wave intersections; and relatively strong oblique shock waves that originated at the junctions of the screens and the walls and were reflected throughout the length of the duct. Regions of fairly uniform flow were found to exist. The total-pressure loss across the screens varied from 22 percent at Mach number 1.58 to 43 percent at Mach number 2.06.

WIND TUNNELS↗

Passive intermodulation generation in wire mesh deployable reflector antennas

Deployable reflector antennas represent a proven technology with obvious benefits for mobile satellite applications. Harris Corporation has provided deployable reflector antennas for NASA's Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS). These antennas utilize a rigid, radial rib unfurlable reflector with a wire mesh surface. This type of mesh has been identified as a potential design risk for multichannel communications applications based on the potential for generation of Passive Intermodulation (PIM). These concerns are based on the existence of numerous, nonpermanent metal to metal contacts that are inherent to the mesh design. To address this issue, Harris has an ongoing IR&D program to characterize mesh PIM performance. This paper presents the results of the investigation into mesh PIM performance to date and provides background information on the design and performance of the Harris radial rib deployable reflector.

Turner, Gregory M.↗