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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
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1992

Initial overview of disconnection events in Halley's Comet 1986

We present an initial overview of the disconnection events (DE's) in Comet Halley in 1986. Although disconnection events are arguably the most spectacular of all dynamic comet phenomena, the mechanisms by which they occur are not fully understood. It is generally believed that the solar wind plays a major role in determining when disconnection events occur, but the details of the solar wind/cometary interactions responsible for initiating the tail disconnection are still under debate. The three most widely accepted models are: (1) high speed streams in the solar wind cause the tail to disconnect due to pressure effects; (2) decreased production of cometary ions in a high speed stream allows magnetic field to slip away from the comet; and (3) the tail disconnects after frontside reconnection of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) as the comet crosses a magnetic field sector boundary. We find that the front-side magnetic reconnection model is the best explanation for the DE's we have considered.

Brandt, John C.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Disconnection of open coronal magnetic structures

We have examined the Solar Maximum Mission coronagraph/polarimeter observations for evidence of magnetic disconnection of previously open magnetic structures and a number of likely examples have been found. Probable coronal disconnections typically appear as pinching off of helmet streamers followed by the release and outward acceleration of a large U or V-shaped structure. The observed sequence of events is consistent with reconnection across the heliospheric current sheet between previously open magnetic field regions, and the creation of a detached magnetic structure which is open to interplanetary space at both ends. Sunward of the reconnection point, coronal disconnection events would return previously open magnetic flux to the Sun as closed field arches. Here we (1) describe one clear disconnection event (1 June 1989); (2) examine the results of a limited survey of disconnection events; and (3) discuss the potential importance of coronal disconnections for maintaining flux in interplanetary space.

Mccomas, D. J.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Positive isolation disconnect

A positive isolation disconnect was developed for component replacement in serviced liquid and gaseous spacecraft systems. Initially a survey of feasible concepts was made to determine the optimum method for fluid isolation, sealing techniques, coupling concepts, and foolproofing techniques. The top concepts were then further evaluated, including the fabrication of a semifunctional model. After all tradeoff analyses were made, a final configuration was designed and fabricated for development testing. This resulted in a 6.35 mm (1/4 inch) line and 12.7 mm (1/2 inch) line positive isolation disconnect, each unit consisting of two coupled disconnect halves, each capable of fluid isolation with essentially zero clearance between them for zero leakage upon disconnect half disengagement. An interlocking foolproofing technique was incorporated that prevents uncoupling of disconnect halves prior to fluid isolation.

Rosener, A. A.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Flight representative positive isolation disconnect

Resolutions were developed for each problem encountered and a tradeoff analysis was performed to select a final configuration for a flight representative PID (Positive Isolation Disconnect) that is reduced in size and comparable in weight and pressure drop to the developmental PID. A 6.35 mm (1/4-inch) line size PID was fabricated and tested. The flight representative PID consists of two coupled disconnect halves, each capable of fluid isolation with essentially zero clearance between them for zero leakage upon disconnect half disengagement. An interlocking foolproofing technique prevents uncoupling of disconnect halves prior to fluid isolation. Future development efforts for the Space Shuttle subsystems that would benefit from the use of the positive isolation disconnect are also recommended. Customary units were utilized for principal measurements and calculations with conversion factors being inserted in equations to convert the results to the international system of units.

Rosener, A. A.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Space transportation system disconnect

The use of medium duty 300 psi fluid disconnects for orbital servicing was demonstrated to be both practical and technically feasible. A prototype disconnect was designed and tested, based on criteria formulated from a survey of expected usage requirements for orbital servicing concepts. Testing involved the comparison of three seal materials (EPR, Neoprene and Teflon), and two test media (helium and Freon 21), and was conducted over a temperature range of -150 F to +225 F. Results indicate low helium leakage (10 to the -4 power sccs) and extremely low engagement forces (56 lb sub f). Testing was also performed on a new seal design. Design concepts for a cryogenic disconnect and a high pressure disconnect were investigated. Results of an industry survey for usable orbital servicing disconnects and areas needing attention in future studies are discussed.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1981

Drive mechanism for the shuttle orbiter/external tank propellant disconnect

The Space Shuttle design required development of a large, 0.43-m (17-in.) nominal diameter separable disconnect for the liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellant lines at the orbiter-to-external-tank interface. The disconnect must provide for shutoff of the propellant flow area by simultaneous action of two rotary flapper valves (orbiter and external tank) prior to disconnect separation. In the case of pneumatic system failure, the rotary flapper valves are closed automatically through mechanical interlocking linkage during disconnect separation. The mechanism must meet requirements while accommodating changes in bearing clearances and linkage geometry over a wide temperature range from ambient to 20.37 K (-423°F). The mechanical design of the separable disconnect, kinematics of the drive mechanism, and the analysis and test methods used to verify proper operation and qualification for the Space Shuttle dynamic environments are presented.

E. Thomas↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

An Application of Flexible Multibody Simulations to Space Launch Systems Liftoff Pad Separation and Umbilical Disconnect

A flexible multibody dynamics approach is applied to the Space Launch System (SLS) liftoff Coupled Loads Analysis (CLA), enabling the inclusion of a large array of component nonlinearities with extreme computational efficiency. The nonlinearities include the cryogenic induced preloads due to the large rotations of the aft struts connecting the Core Stage (CS) to the boosters, the contact/separation and potential re-contact at the booster aft skirt to Mobile Launcher(ML) interface, contact/separation and potential re-contact at the ML/extensible columns interfaces, secondary disconnect of the CS umbilicals including the LOX and LH2 Tail Service Mast Umbilicals (TSMUs), and the disconnect of the upper stage umbilical, the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage Umbilical (ICPSU). The ICPSU disconnect involves algorithms simulating the winch motors reeling lanyard ropes, the nonlinear modeling of ropes and hoses, the disconnect and capture of multiple umbilical ground plates by catch-nets (geometrically nonlinear models), and the large rotations of the ML gantry in order to track clearances between the lifting SLS vehicle and umbilicals rotating out of the way. The flexible multibody dynamics framework utilized for these simulations provided a systematic and efficient framework for adding complex nonlinearities at the system level which would have otherwise not been possible in standard CLAs or would have to be treated by separate local analyses thereby not accounting for the coupled system behavior.

Application↗
NASA NTRS1978

Positive isolation disconnect

A disconnect composed basically of two halves each consisting of a poppet valve operable to isolate fluid with essentially zero fluid loss is presented. The two halves are coupled together by a quickly releasable coupling which may be either a coupling ring tightened or loosened by a twisting motion, or a clamp operated by a pivoted to prevent disconnecting the two halves until both valves are in closed condition. The positive feature of the device is one requiring a valve closing step before a disconnect step, and takes structural form in an accentric lobe mounted on the valve operating stem. If some obstruction prevents the poppet from moving to its seat, the eccentric lobe cannot be rotated to the closed position, and the interlock prevents a disconnect.

Friedell, M. V.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Engineering test results for the Moog Single Line Disconnect

New and innovative types of disconnects will be required to service, resupply, and maintain future spacecraft subsystems. Efficiently maintaining orbiting scientific instruments, spacecraft support systems, and a manned space station over a long period of time will require the periodic replenishment of consumables and the replacement of components. To accomplish these tasks, the fluid disconnect must be designed to allow the connection and separation of fluid lines and components with minimal hazard to crew and equipment. The capability to simply connect a refueling line or to easily replace a failed component greatly extends the life of a space based fluid system. A test program was initiated to evaluate the Moog Single Line Disconnect. The objective of the test program was to demonstrate the operational characteristics of the disconnect and to verify compliance with current safety regulations. The results of the program are summarized in the referenced document.

Glubke, Scott E.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Observations of disconnection of open coronal magnetic structures

The solar maximum mission coronagraph/polarimeter observations are surveyed for evidence of magnetic disconnection of previously open magnetic structures and several sequences of images consistent with this interpretation are identified. Such disconnection occurs when open field lines above helmet streamers reconnect, in contrast to previously suggested disconnections of CMEs into closed plasmoids. In this paper a clear example of open field disconnection is shown in detail. The event, on June 27, 1988, is preceded by compression of a preexisting helmet streamer and the open coronal field around it. The compressed helmet streamer and surrounding open field region detach in a large U-shaped structure which subsequently accelerates outward from the sun. The observed sequence of events is consistent with reconnection across the heliospheric current sheet and the creation of a detached U-shaped magnetic structure. Unlike CMEs, which may open new magnetic flux into interplanetary space, this process could serve to close off previously open flux, perhaps helping to maintain the roughly constant amount of open magnetic flux observed in interplanetary space.

Mccomas, D. J.↗
NASA NTRS2024

Replicating the Hadley Cell Edge and Subtropical Jet Latitude Disconnect in Idealized Atmospheric Models

Recent work has shown that variability in the subtropical jet's (STJ) latitude, ϕSTJ, is not coupled to that of the Hadley cell (HC) edge, ϕHC, but the robustness of this disconnect has not been examined in detail. Here, we use meteorological reanalysis products, comprehensive climate models, and an idealized atmospheric model to determine the necessary processes for a disconnect between ϕHC and ϕSTJ in the Northern Hemisphere's December–January–February season. We find that a decoupling can occur in a dry general circulation model, indicating that large-scale dynamical processes are sufficient to reproduce the metrics' relationship. It is therefore not reliant on explicit variability in the zonal structure, convection, or radiation. Rather, the disconnect requires a sufficiently realistic climatological basic state. Further, we confirm that the robust disconnect between ϕSTJ and ϕHC across the model hierarchy reveals their differing sensitivities to midlatitude eddy momentum fluxes; ϕHC is consistently coupled to the latitude of maximum eddy momentum flux, but ϕSTJ is not.

Molly E. Menzel↗
NASA NTRS1982

Interplanetary gas. XXVIII - A study of the three-dimensional properties of interplanetary sector boundaries using disconnection events in cometary plasma tails

Studies of the solar wind on the basis of cometary plasma tail observations are considered. Niedner and Brandt (1978, 1979) have concluded that the plasma tail frequently disconnects from the cometary head, and that these disconnection events (DEs) are produced by magnetic reconnection at sector boundary passages. They proposed that the disconnections are a natural combination of Alfven's model and the solar-wind sector structure first discovered by Wilcox and Ness (1965). The DEs can be utilized as probes of interplanetary sector structure. Correlations between DEs and sector boundaries observed at earth are considered, and sector boundary properties deduced from DEs are discussed. Attention is given to a review of the warped sheet model, the latitude extent of sector structure, the sector boundary tilt, and specific sources of error in the tilt angles derived from DEs.

Niedner, M. B., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Computational fluid dynamics analysis of space shuttle main propulsion feed line 17-inch disconnect valves

A steady incompressible three-dimensional (3-D) viscous flow analysis was conducted for the Space Shuttle Main Propulsion External Tank (ET)/Orbiter (ORB) propellant feed line quick separable 17-inch disconnect flapper valves for liquid oxygen (LO2) and liquid hydrogen (LH2). The main objectives of the analysis were to predict and correlate the hydrodynamic stability of the flappers and pressure drop with available water test data. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) computer codes were procured at no cost from the public domain, and were modified and extended to carry out the disconnect flow analysis. The grid generator codes SVTGD3D and INGRID were obtained. NASA Ames Research Center supplied the flow solution code INS3D, and the color graphics code PLOT3D. A driver routine was developed to automate the grid generation process. Components such as pipes, elbows, and flappers can be generated with simple commands, and flapper angles can be varied easily. The flow solver INS3D code was modified to treat interior flappers, and other interfacing routines were developed, which include a turbulence model, a force/moment routine, a time-step routine, and initial and boundary conditions. In particular, an under-relaxation scheme was implemented to enhance the solution stability. Major physical assumptions and simplifications made in the analysis include the neglect of linkages, slightly reduced flapper diameter, and smooth solid surfaces. A grid size of 54 x 21 x 25 was employed for both the LO2 and LH2 units. Mixing length theory applied to turbulent shear flow in pipes formed the basis for the simple turbulence model. Results of the analysis are presented for LO2 and LH2 disconnects.

Kandula, Max↗
NASA NTRS1991

The 10 January 1986 disconnection event in Comet Halley

The disconnection event (DE) in the plasma tail of Comet Halley on January 9-12, 1986 is examined. The distances between the comet head and the disconnected tail are measured for a series of images for that time period and then extrapolated to the nucleus to determine the disconnection time: January 9.60 +/- 0.2 days. The approximate solar-wind conditions at the time of the DE were obtained by corotation of IMP-8 satellite data in earth orbit to Comet Halley. At the time of the DE, Comet Halley is inferred to have been close to a magnetic-sector boundary and a high-speed stream-compression region. However, a heliographic latitude separation of 22 degrees (between the comet and IMP-8) and gaps in the IMP-8 data render a more definitive statement about the linkage of the DE to external conditions quite difficult. It is not possible to resolve the effects of magnetic changes associated with the sector boundary and plasma pressure in the compression region.

Niedner, Malcolm B., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS2008

Residual Strahls in Solar Wind Electron Dropouts: Signatures of Magnetic Connection to the Sun, Disconnection, or Interchange Reconnection?

A recent assessment of suprathermal electron heat flux dropouts (HFDs) in the solar wind eliminated 90% as possible signatures of field lines disconnected from the Sun at both ends (Pagel et al., 2005b). The primary reason for elimination was the presence of a residual field-aligned strahl presumably signaling field lines connected to the Sun. Using high-time-resolution data from the Wind spacecraft, this paper tests whether the residual strahls were an artifact of averaging over pitch angle distributions (PADs) with and without strahls. An automated search for PADs without strahls (flat PADs) yields an occurrence rate of only 14% within HFDs, but a detailed case study shows that these flat PADs are imbedded within intervals of nearly flat PADs, that is, PADS with residual strahls that cannot be artifacts of averaging. An attractive alternative is that the residual strahls result from intermixing of originally back-scattered fluxes (haloes) of unequal intensities on field lines that have either disconnected or interchange reconnected at the Sun. A reevaluation of reported streaming of higher-energy electrons in HFDs suggests a similar cause. While the high-time-resolution data show high variability of PAD profiles within HFDs, this paper reopens the possibility that a substantial fraction signal disconnection or interchange reconnection. Estimated occurrence rates of fields having undergone these processes based upon published HFD rates are of the same order of magnitude as the surprisingly low values of 1-5% recently predicted by a model of a balanced heliospheric flux budget (Owens and Crooker, 2007).

Crooker, N. U.↗
NASA NTRS1964

Self sealing disconnect for tubing forms metal seal after breakaway

Disconnect fittings form a positive metal seal when the fill tube pulls against a metal sleeve when disconnected by force. A specially designed sleeve surrounds the fill tube. O-rings in the shoulder of the sleeve and near the outer end of the fill tube seal against leakage.

Gernandt, H. H.↗
NASA NTRS1964

Sleeve and cutter simplify disconnecting welded joint in tubing

To test equipment, welded tubing joints may have to be disconnected and rewelded. To eliminate rewelding, a nonstandard welding sleeve permits the tubing to be welded and then disconnected by a specially designed sleeve cutter. Use of this tool assures that only the sleeve is cut.

Perkins, G. S.↗