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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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NASA NTRS1984

Atomic hydrogen maser active oscillator cavity and bulb design optimization

The performance characteristics and reliability of the active oscillator atomic hydrogen maser depend upon oscillation parameters which characterize the interaction region of the maser, the resonant cavity and atom storage bulb assembly. With particular attention to use of the cavity frequency switching servo (1) to reduce cavity pulling, it is important to maintain high oscillation level, high atomic beam flux utilization efficiency, small spin exchange parameter and high cavity quality factor. It is also desirable to have a small and rigid cavity and bulb structure and to minimize the cavity temperature sensitivity. Curves for a novel hydrogen maser cavity configuration which is partially loaded with a quartz dielectric cylinder and show the relationships between cavity length, cavity diameter, bulb size, dielectric thickness, cavity quality factor, filling factor and cavity frequency temperature coefficient are presented. The results are discussed in terms of improvement in maser performance resulting from particular design choices.

Peters, H. E.↗

NASA NTRS2016

LISA Laser Development in the US

Lowering phase noise: 1) optimize optical cavity reflectivity slope to strong feedback to low noise. 2) optimize gain chip for low loss to low noise. 3) select gain chip for lowest 1/f noise.

External Cavity Laser↗

NASA NTRS2003

Optimized Shapes of Ocsillating Resonators for Generating High-Amplitude Pressure Waves

It is well known that the resonator geometry strongly influences the resonant frequencies of an acoustical resonator and the generated nonlinear standing pressure waveform. Maximizing the ratio of maximum to minimum gas pressure at an end of an oscillating resonator by optimizing the cavity contour is investigated numerically. A quasi-Newton type scheme is used to find optimized axisymmetric resonator shapes to achieve the maximum pressure compression ratio. The acoustical field is solved using a one-dimensional model, and the resonance frequency shift and hysteresis effects are obtained through an automation scheme based on continuation methods. Results are presented from optimizing cone, horn-cone, and cosine resonator geometries. Significant performance improvement is found in the optimized shapes over others previously published. Different optimized shapes are found when starting with different initial guesses, indicating multiple local extrema. The numerical model is validated by comparing with the experimental results of a horn-cone shaped resonator.

Li, Xiao-Fan↗

NASA NTRS2006

Cavity Self-Stabilization and Enhancement of Laser Gyroscopes by (Coupled) Optical Resonators

We analyze the effect of a highly dispersive element placed inside a modulated optical cavity on the frequency and amplitude of the modulation to determine the conditions for cavity self-stabilization and enhanced gyroscopic sensitivity. Hence, we model cavity rotation or instability by an arbitrary AM/FM modulation, and the dispersive element as a phase and amplitude filter. We find that anomalous dispersion may be used to self-stabilize a laser cavity, provided the magnitude of the group index of refraction is smaller than the phase index of refraction in the cavity. The optimal stabilization is found to occur when the group index is zero. Group indices with magnitudes larger than the phase index (both normal and anomalous dispersion) are found to enhance the sensitivity of a laser gyroscope to rotation. Furthermore, our results indicate that atomic media, even coherent superpositions in multilevel atoms, are not useful for these applications, because the amplitude and phase filters work against one another, i.e., decreasing the modulation frequency increases its amplitude and vice versa, with one exception: negative group indices whose magnitudes are larger than the phase index result in negative, but enhanced, beat frequencies. On the other hand, for optical resonators the dispersion reversal associated with critical coupling enables the amplitude and phase filters to work together under a greater variety of circumstances than for atomic media. We find that for single over-coupled resonators, or in the case of under-coupled coupled-resonator-induced absorption, the absorption and normal dispersion on-resonance increase the contrast and frequency of the beat-note, respectively, resulting in a substantial enhancement of the gyroscopic response. Moreover, for cavity self-stabilization, we propose the use of a variety of coupled-resonator induced transparency that is accompanied by anomalous dispersion.

Smith, David D.↗

NASA NTRS2018

Meander-Like Shape Optimization of the Stator-Rotor Platform Cavity

Recent progress in additive manufacturing has enabled opportunities to explore novel stator rim geometries which can be implemented to improve cooling strategies in turbomachinery. This paper presents a simplified stationary geometry optimization strategy to produce enhanced stator-rotor cavity sealing and highlights main driving mechanisms.The stator and rotor rims were designed using a design strategy based on inspiration from the meandering of rivers. A minimum thickness of 2 millimeters was maintained throughout the cavity to ensure a practical implementation. The computational domain comprised of the stator outlet, hub disk leakage cavity, and rotor platform was meshed using NUMECA Int. package, Hexpress. The numerical analysis required 3D Unsteady Reynolds Average Navier-Stokes to replicate vorticial structures using Ansys Fluent. The operating conditions were representative of engine-like conditions, exploring a wide range of mass flow ratios from 1 to 3 percent. The optimization yielded designs that provide 30 percent reduction in rear platform temperature while minimizing coolant mass flow. The applicability of the design was compared against 3D sector in both stationary and in rotation.

Shape Optimization↗

NASA NTRS1990

Novel Si(1-x)Ge(x)/Si heterojunction internal photoemission long wavelength infrared detectors

There is a major need for long-wavelength-infrared (LWIR) detector arrays in the range of 8 to 16 microns which operate with close-cycle cryocoolers above 65 K. In addition, it would be very attractive to have Si-based infrared (IR) detectors that can be easily integrated with Si readout circuitry and have good pixel-to-pixel uniformity, which is critical for focal plane array (FPA) applications. Here, researchers report a novel Si(1-x)Ge(x)/Si heterojunction internal photoemission (HIP) detector approach with a tailorable long wavelength infrared cutoff wavelength, based on internal photoemission over the Si(1-x)Ge(x)/Si heterojunction. The HIP detectors were grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), which allows one to optimize the device structure with precise control of doping profiles, layer thickness and composition. The feasibility of a novel Si(1-x)Ge(x)/Si HIP detector has been demonstrated with tailorable cutoff wavelength in the LWIR region. Photoresponse at wavelengths 2 to 10 microns are obtained with quantum efficiency (QE) above approx. 1 percent in these non-optimized device structures. It should be possible to significantly improve the QE of the HIP detectors by optimizing the thickness, composition, and doping concentration of the Si(1-x)Ge(x) layers and by configuring the detector for maximum absorption such as the use of a cavity structure. With optimization of the QE and by matching the barrier energy to the desired wavelength cutoff to minimize the thermionic current, researchers predict near background limited performance in the LWIR region with operating temperatures above 65K. Finally, with mature Si processing, the relatively simple device structure offers potential for low-cost producible arrays with excellent uniformity.

Lin, T. L.↗

NASA NTRS1992

SSME HPOTP impeller backcavity CFD analysis

The ball bearings behind the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) HPOTP preburner pump have a history of premature wear requiring their replacement. Extensive tests have been conducted in an attempt to identify the operating factors that contribute to the wear. It has been conjectured that the coolant inflow velocity swirl pattern can aid bearing operation by matching ball orbit speed and thus affect bearing life. However, control of the velocity distribution up to now could only be achieved by trial and error following hardware testing. Observation of hardware from recent flight and development operation led to the hypothesis that certain assemblies with more extensive grinding patterns on the backwall of the impeller for rotor balancing correlated with improved bearing wear. To analytically evaluate the effect of cavity configuration on the flowfield, 3-D computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analyses of various geometries was successfully executed using REACT3D. Height of the anti-vortex ribs on the stationary wall was varied, as was the configuration of the rotating wall, from smooth to simulations of various grindout patterns. The results obtained indicate the effects of the various geometries and provide valuable guidelines for cavity modification to optimize bearing cooling.

Hsu, W. W.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Power scaling of diode-pumped neodymium yttrium aluminum borate laser

Preliminary results are presented of the efficient diode-pumped operation of a neodymium yttrium aluminum borate (NYAB) laser at 531.5 nm using two 1-W diode-laser arrays for the pump. With 1380 mW of CW power incident on the crystal, as much as 51 mW of 532.5-nm laser radiation was obtained with the unoptimized cavity. The corresponding optical-to-optical conversion efficiency was 3.7 percent. A plot of the output 531.5 nm vs incident 807 nm pump power is shown. The crystal output power was critically dependent on the rotational and translational adjustment of the NYAB crystal inside the cavity. It is suggested that a crystal cut at the exact phase matching angle, placed in a cavity with proper optimal reflection and transmission mirror coatings, and pumped at proper wavelength can result in higher output power. Thus, the NYAB output power approaches that of a CW intracavity frequency doubled Nd:YAG laser.

Hemmati, Hamid↗

NASA NTRS1997

Remote Sensing Applications for Antrim Shale Fracture Characterization, Michigan Basin

Advanced Research International (ARI) sent seven staff members to the 1997 International Coalbed Methane Symposium, held in Tuscaloosa, Alabama from May 12-17. ARI gave a short course on risk reduction strategies, including remote fracture detection, for coalbed methane exploration and development that was attended by about 25 coalbed methane industry professionals; and presented a paper entitled 'Optimizing coalbed methane cavity completion operations with the application of a new discrete element model.' We met with many potential clients and discussed our fracture detection services. China has vast coalbed methane resources, but is still highly dependent on coal-and wood-burning. This workshop, sponsored by the United Nations, was intended to help China develop its less-polluting energy reserves. ARI is successfully finding new applications for its fracture detection services. Coalbed methane exploration became an important market in this quarter, with the inception of a joint industry/government collaboration between ARI, Texaco and DOE to use remote fracture detection to identify areas with good potential for coalbed methane production in the Ferron Coal Trend of central Utah. Geothermal energy exploration is another emerging market for ARI, where fracture detection is applied to identify pathways for groundwater recharge, movement, and the locations of potential geothermal reservoirs. Ari continued work on two industry/government collaborations to demonstrate fracture detection to potential clients. Also completed the technical content layout for multimedia CD-ROM that describes our remote fracture detection services.

Kuuskraa, Vello↗

NASA NTRS2002

Laser Pulse-Stretching Using Multiple Optical Ring-Cavities

We describe a simple and passive nanosecond-long (ns-long) laser 'pulse-stretcher' using multiple optical ring-cavities. We present a model of the pulse-stretching process for an arbitrary number of optical ring-cavities. Using the model, we optimize the design of a pulse-stretcher for use in a spontaneous Raman scattering excitation system that avoids laser-induced plasma spark problems. From the optimized design, we then experimentally demonstrate and verify the model with a 3-cavity pulse-stretcher system that converts a 1000 mJ, 8.4 ns-long input laser pulse into an approximately 75 ns-long (FWHM) output laser pulse with a peak power reduction of 0.10X, and an 83% efficiency.

Kojima, Jun↗

NASA NTRS2010

Temporal laser pulse manipulation using multiple optical ring-cavities

An optical pulse stretcher and a mathematical algorithm for the detailed calculation of its design and performance is disclosed. The optical pulse stretcher has a plurality of optical cavities, having multiple optical reflectors such that an optical path length in each of the optical cavities is different. The optical pulse stretcher also has a plurality of beam splitters, each of which intercepts a portion of an input optical beam and diverts the portion into one of the plurality of optical cavities. The input optical beam is stretched and a power of an output beam is reduced after passing through the optical pulse stretcher and the placement of the plurality of optical cavities and beam splitters is optimized through a model that takes into account optical beam divergence and alignment in the pluralities of the optical cavities. The optical pulse stretcher system can also function as a high-repetition-rate (MHz) laser pulse generator, making it suitable for use as a stroboscopic light source for high speed ballistic projectile imaging studies, or it can be used for high speed flow diagnostics using a laser light sheet with digital particle imaging velocimetry. The optical pulse stretcher system can also be implemented using fiber optic components to realize a rugged and compact optical system that is alignment free and easy to use.

Nguyen, Quang-Viet↗

NASA NTRS1989

Use of piezoelectric foil for flow diagnostics

A laboratory investigation was conducted to characterize two piezoelectric-film sensor configurations, a rigidly mounted sensor and a sensor mounted over an air cavity. The sensors are evaluated for sensitivity and frequency response, and methods to optimize data are presented. The cavity-mounted sensor exhibited a superior frequency response and was more sensitive to normal pressure fluctuations and less sensitive to vibrations through the structure. Both configurations were sensitive to large-scale structural vibrations. Flight-test data are shown for cavity-mounted sensors, illustrating practical aspects to consider when designing sensors for application in such harsh environments. The relation of the data to skin friction and maximum shear stress, transition detection, and turbulent viscous layers is derived through analysis of the flight data.

Carraway, Debra L.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Passive maser development at NRL

The application of passive hydrogen masers to satellites was investigated. The NRL maser is of compact design suitable for the space environment. It is based on a dielectrically loaded sapphire cavity and uses a computer optimized set of four shields. The servo design is a phase sensitive method which directly measures the phase dispersion of the interrogating signal as it passes through the cavity.

White, J. D.↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Simulations of the Modular Axisymmetric Scramjet Test Rig Under Reacting Flow Conditions

Simulations of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Modular Axisymmetric Scramjet Test Rig (MASTeR) are presented. MASTeR is a parametric test article capable of investigating various scramjet cavity flameholder designs and fueling strategies with the goal to characterize and optimize flameholding capability. In the current work, three cavity aspect ratios, and two fueling strategies (upstream and in-cavity) with ethylene at a nominal facility pressure and temperature condition are evaluated. The reacting simulations are performed, and the resulting flow characteristics are discussed. For each configuration and fueling strategy, cavity residence time, entrainment rate, and fuel-air equivalence ratio are computed. The MASTeR geometry is defined in Engineering Sketch Pad (ESP) and the simulations use a sketch-to-solution (S2S) automated unstructured grid adaptation tool in VULCAN-CFD. This tool automatically generates a simulation grid from the ESP geometry and systematically adapts it to the numerical solution based on the Hessian error estimate of a specified flow field parameter. Reynolds averaged simulations (RAS) are used with a two-equation linear eddy viscosity and diffusivity model. The resulting database can be compared with the experimental data as those become available, and explored to develop models for cavity performance for scramjet propulsion design applications.

hypersonics↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Simulations of the Modular Axisymmetric Scramjet Test Rig Under Reacting Flow Conditions

Simulations of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Modular Axisymmetric Scramjet Test Rig (MASTeR) are presented. MASTeR is a parametric test article capable of investigating various scramjet cavity flameholder designs and fueling strategies with the goal to characterize and optimize flameholding capability. In the current work, three cavity aspect ratios, three depths, and two fueling strategies (upstream and in-cavity) with ethylene at a nominal facility pressure and temperature conditions are evaluated. The simulations are performed for mixing-only and reacting flows, and the resulting flow characteristics are compared. For each configuration and fueling strategy, cavity residence time, entrainment rate, and fuel-air equivalence ratio are computed. The MASTeR geometry is defined in the Engineering Sketch Pad (ESP) and the simulations use a sketch-to-solution (S2S) automated unstructured grid adaptation tool in VULCAN-CFD. This tool automatically generates a simulation grid from the ESP geometry and systematically adapts it to the numerical solution based on the Hessian error estimate of a specified flow field parameter. Reynolds averaged simulations (RAS) are used with typical two-equation linear eddy viscosity and diffusivity model. The resulting database can be compared with the experimental data as those becomes available and explored to develop models for cavity performance for scramjet propulsion design applications.

hypersonics↗

NASA NTRS1984

Calibration of diode laser spectra using a confocal etalon

The dual-beam diode laser spectrometer described by Jennings (1980) is adapted to use a 50-cm confocal etalon for frequency calibration. The collimated radiation from the laser is split at a wedged ZnSe window, and the reference beam is then focused at the midpoint of the etalon length. After the etalon, the reference beam is recollimated and continues its regular path to the monochromator and detectors. An aperture is placed before the etalon in order to limit the entrance beam diameter to approximately 5 mm. Both ends of the etalon are furnished with two-axis adjustments. Initial alignment is achieved using an He-Ne laser, and final optimization involves adjustment of the cavity length as well as the etalon pitch and yaw. The 50-cm confocal etalon produces fringes separated by 150 MHz (0.005/cm). With the aid of a CO2 laser, it is found to have fringe widths (FWHM) of 2 MHz. The confocal etalon makes it possible to improve the accuracy of relative frequency measurements in diode laser spectra and to check the spectral purity and stability of the laser during the recording of spectra.

Jennings, D. E.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Computer-aided design analysis of 57-mm, angular-contact, cryogenic turbopump bearings

The Space Shuttle main engine high-pressure oxygen turbopumps have not experienced the sevice life required of them. This insufficiency has been due in part to the shortened life of the bearings. To improve the life of the existing turbopump bearings, an effort is under way to investigate bearing modifications that could be retrofitted into the present bearing cavity. Several bearing parameters were optimized using the computer program SHABERTH, which performs a thermomechanical simulation of a load support system. The computer analysis showed that improved bearing performance is feasible if low friction coefficients can be attained. Bearing geometries were optimized considering heat generation, equilibrium temperatures, and relative life. Thermal gradients through the bearings were found to be lower with liquid lubrication than with solid film lubrication, and a liquid oxygen coolant flowrate of approximately 4.0 kg/s was found to be optimal. This paper describes the analytical modeling used to determine these feasible modifications to improve bearing performance.

Armstrong, Elizabeth S.↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Optimization of Variable Depth Acoustic Liners with Grazing Flow

Acoustic liners, typically used as a noise control treatment in the engine nacelles of conventional aircraft, are being considered for noise treatment in the proprotor ducts of a vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. This work considers a new optimization method to design an acoustic liner with variable depth cavities for broadband and low-frequency attenuation. This method, termed the direct optimization method, minimizes the radiated sound from a duct. In this paper, the new method is compared with an existing indirect method to design multiple variable depth acoustic liners. Acoustic impedances of liners designed using both methods are predicted using a semianalytical impedance model and impedance predictions for two designs are compared to experimental results acquired from grazing flow impedance testing. For the work presented here, liners designed using the indirect approach provide improved attenuation spectra over those designed using the direct approach but potential improvements to the performance of the direction optimization method are discussed.

Proprotor↗