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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

Advanced X ray Astrophysics Facility-Imaging (AXAF-I) thermal analyses using Integrated Thermal Analysis System (ITAS) program

The complex geometry and stringent thermal requirements associated with the Advanced X-ray Astrophysics Facility - Imaging (AXAF-I) necessitate a detailed and accurate thermal analysis of the proposed system. A brief description of said geometry and thermal requirements is included. Among the tools considered for the aforementioned analysis is a PC-compatible version of the Integrated Thermal Analysis System (ITAS). Several bench-mark studies were performed to evaluate the capabilities of ITAS and to compare the corresponding results with those obtained using TRASYS and SINDA. Comparative studies were conducted for a typical Space Station module. Four models were developed using various combinations of the available software packages (i.e. ITAS, SINDA, and TRASYS). Orbital heating and heat transfer calculations were performed to determine the temperature distributions along the surfaces of this module. A comparison of the temperature distributions obtained for each of the four cases is presented. Results of this investigation were used to verify the different ITAS modules including those used for model generation, steady state and transient orbital heating analyses, radiative and convective heat flow analyses, and SINDA/TRASYS model translation. The results suggest that ITAS is well suited to subsequent analyses of the AXAF-I.

Ghaffarian, Benny↗

Nonlinear Thermal Analyses of a Liquid Hydrogen Tank Wall

A thermal evaluation of a composite tank wall design for a liquid hydrogen tank was performed in the present study. The primary focus of the current effort was to perform one-dimensional, temperature nonlinear, transient thermal analyses to determine the through-the-thickness temperature profiles. These profiles were used to identify critical points within the flight envelope that could have detrimental effects on the adhesive bondlines used in the construction of the tank wall. Additionally, this paper presents the finite element models, analysis strategies, and thermal analysis results that were determined for several vehicle flight conditions. The basic tank wall configuration used to perform the thermal analyses consisted of carbon-epoxy facesheets and a Korex honeycomb core sandwich that was insulated with an Airex cryogenic foam and an Alumina Enhanced Thermal Barrier (AETB-12). Nonlinear, transient thermal analyses were conducted using the ABAQUS finite element code. Tank wall models at a windward side location on the fuel tank were analyzed for three basic flight conditions: cold-soak (ground-hold), ascent, and re-entry. Additionally, three ambient temperature boundary conditions were applied to the tank wall for the cold-soak condition, which simulated the launch pad cooldown process. Time-dependent heating rates were used in the analyses of the ascent and reentry segments of the flight history along with temperature dependent material properties. The steady-state through-the-thickness temperature profile from the cold-soak condition was used as the initial condition for the ascent analyses. Results from the nonlinear thermal analyses demonstrated very good correlation with results from similar models evaluated by Northrop- Grumman using a different analysis tool. Wall through-the-thickness temperature gradients as a function of flight time were obtained for future incorporation into a full-scale thermostructural analysis to evaluate the adhesive bondlines. As a result of the thermal analyses conducted, a sufficient level of confidence was demonstrated in the thermal modeling and analysis capabilities of ABAQUS to warrant future use as a thermo-structural analysis tool to evaluate cryogenic tank wall designs.

Smeltzer, Stanley S., III↗

On the application of nonlinear load elements to thermal analyses using the NASTRAN thermal analyzer

The nonlinear load elements in thermal analysis are used to simulate an undocumented nonlinear thermal boundary condition. The treatment of the nonlinearity arising from the temperature-dependent convective film coefficients is shown in detail. As an illustration, emphasis is placed on the modeling techniques and their interrelationships with the solution accuracy as affected by a specific integration algorithm of the transient thermal analysis used in the NASTRAN Thermal Analyzer. Briefly shown is the underlying theory on which the maneuvering of terms pertinent to the modeling depends. This demonstration provides some insight into the intricacies of the method that would be general to all applications. A recommendation is also made to modify a nonlinear load element that will enhance the solution capability and broaden the scope of application.

Lee, H. P.↗

Comparison of NASTRAN and MITAS nonlinear thermal analyses of a convectively cooled structure

Comparative steady state nonlinear thermal analyses of a scramjet fuel injection strut are presented. The analyses were performed using the NASTRAN finite element program and MITAS, a lumped-parameter thermal analyzer. The strut is subjected to aerodynamic heating on two sides and is internally cooled by hydrogen flowing from internal manifolds through heat exchangers bonded to the primary structure. Based on coolant temperatures determined by MITAS, NASTRAN predicted temperature distributions throughout the strut which were in close agreement with similar MITAS predictions.

Thornton, E. A.↗

Transient Thermal Analyses of Passive Systems on SCEPTOR X-57

As efficiency, emissions, and noise become increasingly prominent considerations in aircraft design, turning to an electric propulsion system is a desirable solution. Achieving the intended benefits of distributed electric propulsion (DEP) requires thermally demanding high power systems, presenting a different set of challenges compared to traditional aircraft propulsion. The embedded nature of these heat sources often preclude the use of traditional thermal management systems in order to maximize performance, with less opportunity to exhaust waste heat to the surrounding environment. This paper summarizes the thermal analyses of X-57 vehicle subsystems that don't employ externally air-cooled heat sinks. The high-power battery, wires, high-lift motors, and aircraft outer surface are subjected to heat loads with stringent thermal constraints. The temperature of these components are tracked transiently, since they never reach a steady-state equilibrium. Through analysis and testing, this report demonstrates that properly characterizing the material properties is key to accurately modeling peak temperature of these systems, with less concern for spatial thermal gradients. Experimentally validated results show the thermal profile of these systems can be sufficiently estimated using reduced order approximations.

Thermal Analyses↗

Numerical thermal analyses that contributed to the elimination of turbine blade firtree cracks in the Space Shuttle Main Engine High Pressure Fuel Turbopump turbine

NASA-Marshall has undertaken analytical and experimental efforts to eliminate all turbine blade cracking and further improve the safety and reliability of the SSME. This work is focused on the elimination of cracks at the blade firtree attachment to the disk, in both the first- and second-stage rotors of the High Pressure Fuel Turbopump. Emphasis is placed on thermal analyses that preceded the overall structural evaluation of the blade firtrees. Thermally-induced contributions to the stresses and strains in the firtrees were quantified by these studies, and feasible design improvement options were identified and tested.

Principe, R. S.↗

Software For Three-Dimensional Stress And Thermal Analyses

BEST3D is advanced engineering software system for three-dimensional thermal and stress analyses, particularly of components of hot sections of gas-turbine engines. Utilizes boundary element method, offering, in many situations, more accuracy, efficiency, and ease of use than finite element method. Performs engineering analyses of following types: elastic, heat transfer, plastic, forced vibration, free vibration, and transient elastodynamic. Written in FORTRAN 77.

Banerjee, P. K.↗

Thermal analyses of the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) scientific instrument using the NASTRAN thermal analyzer (NTA): A general purpose summary

The NTA Level 15.5.2/3, was used to provide non-linear steady-state (NLSS) and non-linear transient (NLTR) thermal predictions for the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) Scientific Instrument (SI). NASTRAN structural models were used as the basis for the thermal models, which were produced by a straight forward conversion procedure. The accuracy of this technique was sub-sequently demonstrated by a comparison of NTA predicts with the results of a thermal vacuum test of the IUE Engineering Test Unit (ETU). Completion of these tasks was aided by the use of NTA subroutines.

Jackson, C. E., Jr.↗

Thermal Analyses of Apollo Lunar Soils Provide Evidence for Water in Permanently Shadowed Areas

Thermally-evolved-gas analyses were performed on the Apollo lunar soils shortly after their return to Earth [1-8]. The analyses revealed the presence of water evolving at temperatures above 200 C. Of particular interest are samples that were collected from permanently-shadowed locations (e.g., under a boulder) with a second sample collected in nearby sunlight, and pairs in which one was taken from the top of a trench, and the second was taken at the base of the trench, where the temperature would have been -10 to -20 C prior to the disturbance [9]. These samples include 63340/63500, 69941/69961, and 76240/76280. At the time that this research was first reported, the idea of hydrated minerals on the lunar surface was somewhat novel. Nevertheless, goethite was observed in lunar breccias from Apollo 14 [10], and it was shown that goethite, hematite and magnetite could originate in an equilibrium assemblage of lunar rocks

Cooper, Bonnie L.↗

Asteroid Bennu Temperature Maps for OSIRIS-REx Spacecraft and Instrument Thermal Analyses

A thermophysical model has been developed to generate asteroid Bennu surface temperature maps for OSIRIS-REx spacecraft and instrument thermal design and analyses at the Critical Design Review (CDR). Two-dimensional temperature maps for worst hot and worst cold cases are used in Thermal Desktop to assure adequate thermal design margins. To minimize the complexity of the Bennu geometry in Thermal Desktop, it is modeled as a sphere instead of the radar shape. The post-CDR updated thermal inertia and a modified approach show that the new surface temperature predictions are more benign. Therefore the CDR Bennu surface temperature predictions are conservative.

thermal analysis↗

Steady State Thermal Analyses of SCEPTOR X-57 Wingtip Propulsion

Electric aircraft concepts enable advanced propulsion airframe integration approaches that promise increased efficiency as well as reduced emissions and noise. NASA's fully electric Maxwell X-57, developed under the SCEPTOR program, features distributed propulsion across a high aspect ratio wing. There are 14 propulsors in all: 12 high lift motor that are only active during take off and climb, and 2 larger motors positioned on the wingtips that operate over the entire mission. The power electronics involved in the wingtip propulsion are temperature sensitive and therefore require thermal management. This work focuses on the high and low fidelity heat transfer analysis methods performed to ensure that the wingtip motor inverters do not reach their temperature limits. It also explores different geometry configurations involved in the X-57 development and any thermal concerns. All analyses presented are performed at steady state under stressful operating conditions, therefore predicting temperatures which are considered the worst-case scenario to remain conservative.

Thermal↗

Discipline report on thermal analyses of M551, M552, and M553 experiments

Reduced gravity does not significantly affect the thermal histories in the M551 specimen, even if molten metal flow pattern is different from that in terrestrial conditions. Thermal histories corresponding to terrestrial experimental conditions were calculated by use of the computer programs. Heat conduction through brazing alloy (M552 experiment) is improved in the Skylab conditions, because of the increased extent, rate and uniformity of braze spreading in space. Effects of reduced gravity on heat flow in the M553 specimen are insignificant, because convection effects appear instantaneously and conduction is a governing factor on the heat flow.

Muraki, T.↗

Development of NASA's Sample Cartridge Assembly: Summary of GEDS Design, Development Testing, and Thermal Analyses

Outline: Background of ISS (International Space Station) Material Science Research Rack; NASA SCA (Sample Cartridge Assembly) Design; GEDS (Gravitational Effects in Distortion in Sintering) Experiment Ampoule Design; Development Testing Summary; Thermal Modeling and Analysis. Summary: GEDS design development challenging (GEDS Ampoule design developed through MUGS (Microgravity) testing; Short duration transient sample processing; Unable to measure sample temperatures); MUGS Development testing used to gather data (Actual LGF (Low Gradient Furnace)-like furnace response; Provided sample for sintering evaluation); Transient thermal model integral to successful GEDS experiment (Development testing provided furnace response; PI (Performance Indicator) evaluation of sintering anchored model evaluation of processing durations; Thermal transient model used to determine flight SCA sample processing profiles).

O'Connor, Brian↗

Thermal analyses of a materials processing furnace being developed for use with heat pipes

A special materials processing furnace is being developed for the forthcoming Spacelab missions to study the solidification under closely controlled conditions of various sample materials in the absence of gravity. The samples are to be rod shaped and subjected to both heating and cooling simultaneously. The thermal model is based on a developed Thermal Analyzer computer program. The model was developed to be very general to enable the simulation of variations in the furnace design and, hence, serve as an aid in finalizing the design. The thermal model is described and a user's guide given. Some preliminary results obtained in testing the model are also given.

Mcanally, J. V.↗