CRYOGENIC MAGNETS

DOEpatents

Post, R.F.; Taylor, C.E.

1963-05-21

A cryogenic magnet coil is described for generating magnetic fields of the order of 100,000 gauss with a minimum expenditure of energy lost in resistive heating of the coil inductors and energy lost irreversibly in running the coil refrigeration plant. The cryogenic coil comprises a coil conductor for generating a magnetic field upon energization with electrical current, and refrigeration means disposed in heat conductive relation to the coil conductor for cooling to a low temperature. A substantial reduction in the power requirements for generating these magnetic fields is attained by scaling the field generating coil to large size and particular dimensions for a particular conductor, and operating the coil at a particular optimum temperature commensurate with minimum overall power requirements. (AEC)

Simulation and experimental research of heat leakage of cryogenic transfer lines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, B. C.; Xie, X. J.; Pan, W.; Jiang, R. X.; Li, J.; Yang, S. Q.; Li, Q.

2017-12-01

The heat leakage of cryogenic transfer lines directly influences the performance of large-scale helium refrigerator. In this paper, a thermal model of cryogenic transfer line considering numerical simulation of support coupled with MLI was established. To validate the model, test platform of cryogenic transfer lines with the merits of disassembly outer pipe and changeable easily multi-layer insulation has been built. The experimental results of heat leakage through overall length of cryogenic transfer lines, support and multi-layer insulation were obtained. The heat leakages of multi-layer insulation, a support and the overall leakage are 1.02 W/m, 0.44 W and 1.46 W/m from experimental data, respectively. The difference of heat leakage of MLI between experiment and simulation were less than 5%. The temperature distribution of support and MLI obtained in presented model in good agreement with experimental data. It is expected to reduce the overall heat leakage of cryogenic transfer lines further by optimizing structure of support based on the above thermal model and test platform in this paper.

Robotic Manufacturing of 18-ft (5.5m) Diameter Cryogenic Fuel Tank Dome Assemblies for the NASA Ares I Rocket

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, Ronald E.; Carter, Robert W.

2012-01-01

The Ares I rocket was the first launch vehicle scheduled for manufacture under the National Aeronautic and Space Administration's Constellation program. A series of full-scale Ares I development articles were constructed on the Robotic Weld Tool at the NASA George C. Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. The Robotic Weld Tool is a 100 ton, 7- axis, robotic manufacturing system capable of machining and friction stir welding large-scale space hardware. This paper will focus on the friction stir welding of 18-ft (5.5m) diameter cryogenic fuel tank components; specifically, the liquid hydrogen forward dome and two common bulkhead manufacturing development articles.

Experimental feasibility study of the application of magnetic suspension techniques to large-scale aerodynamic test facilities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zapata, R. N.; Humphris, R. R.; Henderson, K. C.

1974-01-01

Based on the premises that (1) magnetic suspension techniques can play a useful role in large-scale aerodynamic testing and (2) superconductor technology offers the only practical hope for building large-scale magnetic suspensions, an all-superconductor three-component magnetic suspension and balance facility was built as a prototype and was tested successfully. Quantitative extrapolations of design and performance characteristics of this prototype system to larger systems compatible with existing and planned high Reynolds number facilities have been made and show that this experimental technique should be particularly attractive when used in conjunction with large cryogenic wind tunnels.

Large-Scale Cryogenic Testing of Launch Vehicle Ground Systems at the Kennedy Space Center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ernst, E. W.; Sass, J. P.; Lobemeyer, D. A.; Sojourner, S. J.; Hatfield, W. H.; Rewinkel, D. A.

2007-01-01

The development of a new launch vehicle to support NASA's future exploration plans requires significant redesign and upgrade of Kennedy Space Center's (KSC) launch pad and ground support equipment systems. In many cases, specialized test equipment and systems will be required to certify the function of the new system designs under simulated operational conditions, including propellant loading. This paper provides an overview of the cryogenic test infrastructure that is in place at KSC to conduct development and qualification testing that ranges from the component level to the integrated-system level. An overview of the major cryogenic test facilities will be provided, along with a detailed explanation of the technology focus area for each facility

Process configuration of Liquid-nitrogen Energy Storage System (LESS) for maximum turnaround efficiency

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dutta, Rohan; Ghosh, Parthasarathi; Chowdhury, Kanchan

2017-12-01

Diverse power generation sector requires energy storage due to penetration of variable renewable energy sources and use of CO2 capture plants with fossil fuel based power plants. Cryogenic energy storage being large-scale, decoupled system with capability of producing large power in the range of MWs is one of the options. The drawback of these systems is low turnaround efficiencies due to liquefaction processes being highly energy intensive. In this paper, the scopes of improving the turnaround efficiency of such a plant based on liquid Nitrogen were identified and some of them were addressed. A method using multiple stages of reheat and expansion was proposed for improved turnaround efficiency from 22% to 47% using four such stages in the cycle. The novelty here is the application of reheating in a cryogenic system and utilization of waste heat for that purpose. Based on the study, process conditions for a laboratory-scale setup were determined and presented here.

The Atacama B-Mode Search: CMB Polarimetry with Transition-Edge-Sensor Bolometers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Essinger-Hileman, T.; Appel, J. W.; Beal, J. A.; Cho, H. M.; Fowler, J.; Halpern, M.; Hasselfield, M.; Irwin, K. D.; Marriage, T. A.; Niemack, M. D.; Page, L.; Parker, L. P.; Pufu, S.; Staggs, S. T.; Stryzak, O.; Visnjic, C.; Yoon, K. W.; Zhao, Y.

2009-12-01

The Atacama B-mode Search (ABS) experiment is a 145 GHz polarimeter designed to measure the B-mode polarization of the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) at large angular scales. The ABS instrument will ship to the Atacama Desert of Chile fully tested and ready to observe in 2010. ABS will image large-angular-scale CMB polarization anisotropies onto a focal plane of 240 feedhorn-coupled, transition-edge sensor (TES) polarimeters, using a cryogenic crossed-Dragone design. The ABS detectors, which are fabricated at NIST, use orthomode transducers to couple orthogonal polarizations of incoming radiation onto separate TES bolometers. The incoming radiation is modulated by an ambient-temperature half-wave plate in front of the vacuum window at an aperture stop. Preliminary detector characterization indicates that the ABS detectors can achieve a sensitivity of 300 μK√s in the field. This paper describes the ABS optical design and detector readout scheme, including feedhorn design and performance, magnetic shielding, focal plane architecture, and cryogenic electronics.

Low Cost Manufacturing of Composite Cryotanks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meredith, Brent; Palm, Tod; Deo, Ravi; Munafo, Paul M. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

This viewgraph presentation reviews research and development of cryotank manufacturing conducted by Northrup Grumman. The objectives of the research and development included the development and validation of manufacturing processes and technology for fabrication of large scale cryogenic tanks, the establishment of a scale-up and facilitization plan for full scale cryotanks, the development of non-autoclave composite manufacturing processes, the fabrication of subscale tank joints for element tests, the performance of manufacturing risk reduction trials for the subscale tank, and the development of full-scale tank manufacturing concepts.

A few ways of calculating the similarity parameter kappa* for real gases. [increase Reynolds number in cryogenic wind tunnels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lorenz-Meyer, W.

1977-01-01

In connection with the question on the applicability of test results obtained from cryogenic wind tunnels to the large-scale model the similarity parameter is referred to. A simple method is given for calculating the similarity parameter. From the numerical values obtained it can be deduced that nitrogen behaves practically like an ideal gas when it is close to the saturation point and in a pressure range up to 4 bar. The influence of this parameter on the pressure distribution of a supercritical profile confirms this finding.

Investigation of Vapor Cooling Enhancements for Applications on Large Cryogenic Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ameen, Lauren; Zoeckler, Joseph

2017-01-01

The need to demonstrate and evaluate the effectiveness of heat interception methods for use on a relevant cryogenic propulsion stage at a system level has been identified. Evolvable Cryogenics (eCryo) Structural Heat Intercept, Insulation and Vibration Evaluation Rig (SHIIVER) will be designed with vehicle specific geometries (SLS Exploration Upper Stage (EUS) as guidance) and will be subjected to simulated space environments. One method of reducing structure-born heat leak being investigated utilizes vapor-based heat interception. Vapor-based heat interception could potentially reduce heat leak into liquid hydrogen propulsion tanks, increasing potential mission length or payload capability. Due to the high number of unknowns associated with the heat transfer mechanism and integration of vapor-based heat interception on a realistic large-scale skirt design, a sub-scale investigation was developed. The sub-project effort is known as the Small-scale Laboratory Investigation of Cooling Enhancements (SLICE). The SLICE aims to study, design, and test sub-scale multiple attachments and flow configuration concepts for vapor-based heat interception of structural skirts. SLICE will focus on understanding the efficiency of the heat transfer mechanism to the boil-off hydrogen vapor by varying the fluid network designs and configurations. Various analyses were completed in MATLAB, Excel VBA, and COMSOL Multiphysics to understand the optimum flow pattern for heat transfer and fluid dynamics. Results from these analyses were used to design and fabricate test article subsections of a large forward skirt with vapor cooling applied. The SLICE testing is currently being performed to collect thermal mechanical performance data on multiple skirt heat removal designs while varying inlet vapor conditions necessary to intercept a specified amount of heat for a given system. Initial results suggest that applying vapor-cooling provides a 50 heat reduction in conductive heat transmission along the skirt to the tank. The information obtained by SLICE will be used by the SHIIVER engineering team to design and implement vapor-based heat removal technology into the SHIIVER forward skirt hardware design.

Automatic control of cryogenic wind tunnels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Balakrishna, S.

1989-01-01

Inadequate Reynolds number similarity in testing of scaled models affects the quality of aerodynamic data from wind tunnels. This is due to scale effects of boundary-layer shock wave interaction which is likely to be severe at transonic speeds. The idea of operation of wind tunnels using test gas cooled to cryogenic temperatures has yielded a quantrum jump in the ability to realize full scale Reynolds number flow similarity in small transonic tunnels. In such tunnels, the basic flow control problem consists of obtaining and maintaining the desired test section flow parameters. Mach number, Reynolds number, and dynamic pressure are the three flow parameters that are usually required to be kept constant during the period of model aerodynamic data acquisition. The series of activity involved in modeling, control law development, mechanization of the control laws on a microcomputer, and the performance of a globally stable automatic control system for the 0.3-m Transonic Cryogenic Tunnel (TCT) are discussed. A lumped multi-variable nonlinear dynamic model of the cryogenic tunnel, generation of a set of linear control laws for small perturbation, and nonlinear control strategy for large set point changes including tunnel trajectory control are described. The details of mechanization of the control laws on a 16 bit microcomputer system, the software features, operator interface, the display and safety are discussed. The controller is shown to provide globally stable and reliable temperature control to + or - 0.2 K, pressure to + or - 0.07 psi and Mach number to + or - 0.002 of the set point value. This performance is obtained both during large set point commands as for a tunnel cooldown, and during aerodynamic data acquisition with intrusive activity like geometrical changes in the test section such as angle of attack changes, drag rake movements, wall adaptation and sidewall boundary-layer removal. Feasibility of the use of an automatic Reynolds number control mode with fixed Mach number control is demonstrated.

Development of superconductor magnetic suspension and balance prototype facility for studying the feasibility of applying this technique to large scale aerodynamic testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zapata, R. N.; Humphris, R. R.; Henderson, K. C.

1975-01-01

The unique design and operational characteristics of a prototype magnetic suspension and balance facility which utilizes superconductor technology are described and discussed from the point of view of scalability to large sizes. The successful experimental demonstration of the feasibility of this new magnetic suspension concept of the University of Virginia, together with the success of the cryogenic wind-tunnel concept developed at Langley Research Center, appear to have finally opened the way to clean-tunnel, high-Re aerodynamic testing. Results of calculations corresponding to a two-step design extrapolation from the observed performance of the prototype magnetic suspension system to a system compatible with the projected cryogenic transonic research tunnel are presented to give an order-of-magnitude estimate of expected performance characteristics. Research areas where progress should lead to improved design and performance of large facilities are discussed.

CALDER: Cryogenic light detectors for background-free searches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Di Domizio, S.; Bellini, F.; Cardani, L.; Casali, N.; Castellano, M. G.; Colantoni, I.; Cosmelli, C.; Cruciani, A.; D'Addabbo, A.; Martinez, M.; Minutolo, L.; Tomei, C.; Vignati, M.

2018-01-01

CALDER is a R&D project for the development of cryogenic light detectors with an active surface of 5x5cm2 and an energy resolution of 20 eV RMS for visible and UV photons. These devices can enhance the sensitivity of next generation large mass bolometric detectors for rare event searches, providing an active background rejection method based on particle discrimination. A CALDER detector is composed by a large area Si absorber substrate with superconducting kinetic inductance detectors (KIDs) deposited on it. The substrate converts the incoming light into athermal phonons, that are then sensed by the KIDs. KID technology combine fabrication simplicity with natural attitude to frequency-domain multiplexing, making it an ideal candidate for a large scale bolometric experiments. We will give an overview of the CALDER project and show the performances obtained with prototype detectors both in terms of energy resolution and efficiency.

Cavallo's multiplier for in situ generation of high voltage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clayton, S. M.; Ito, T. M.; Ramsey, J. C.; Wei, W.; Blatnik, M. A.; Filippone, B. W.; Seidel, G. M.

2018-05-01

A classic electrostatic induction machine, Cavallo's multiplier, is suggested for in situ production of very high voltage in cryogenic environments. The device is suitable for generating a large electrostatic field under conditions of very small load current. Operation of the Cavallo multiplier is analyzed, with quantitative description in terms of mutual capacitances between electrodes in the system. A demonstration apparatus was constructed, and measured voltages are compared to predictions based on measured capacitances in the system. The simplicity of the Cavallo multiplier makes it amenable to electrostatic analysis using finite element software, and electrode shapes can be optimized to take advantage of a high dielectric strength medium such as liquid helium. A design study is presented for a Cavallo multiplier in a large-scale, cryogenic experiment to measure the neutron electric dipole moment.

Issues of Long-Term Cryogenic Propellant Storage in Microgravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Muratov, C. B.; Osipov, Viatcheslav V.; Smelyanskiy, Vadim N.

2011-01-01

Modern multi-layer insulation (MLI) allows to sharply reduce the heat leak into cryogenic propellant storage tanks through the tank surface and, as a consequence, significantly extend the storage duration. In this situation the MLI penetrations, such as support struts, feed lines, etc., become one of the most significant challenges of the tanks heat management. This problem is especially acute for liquid hydrogen (LH2) storage, since currently no efficient cryocoolers exist that operate at very low LH2 temperatures (20K). Even small heat leaks under microgravity conditions and over the period of many months give rise to a complex slowly-developing, large-scale spatiotemporal physical phenomena in a multi-phase liquid-vapor mixture. These phenomena are not well-understood nor can be easily controlled. They can be of a potentially hazardous nature for long-term on-orbital cryogenic torage, propellant loading, tank chilldown, engine restart, and other in-space cryogenic fluid management operations. To support the engineering design solutions that would mitigate these effects a detailed physics-based analysis of heat transfer, vapor bubble formation, growth, motion, coalescence and collapse is required in the presence of stirring jets of different configurations and passive cooling devices such as MLI, thermodynamic vent system, and vapor-cooled shield. To develop physics-based models and correlations reliable for microgravity conditions and long-time scales there is a need for new fundamental data to be collected from on-orbit cryogenic storage experiments. Our report discusses some of these physical phenomena and the design requirements and future studies necessary for their mitigation. Special attention is payed to the phenomena occurring near MLI penetrations.

Thermal System Verification and Model Validation for NASA's Cryogenic Passively Cooled James Webb Space Telescope

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cleveland, Paul E.; Parrish, Keith A.

2005-01-01

A thorough and unique thermal verification and model validation plan has been developed for NASA s James Webb Space Telescope. The JWST observatory consists of a large deployed aperture optical telescope passively cooled to below 50 Kelvin along with a suite of several instruments passively and actively cooled to below 37 Kelvin and 7 Kelvin, respectively. Passive cooling to these extremely low temperatures is made feasible by the use of a large deployed high efficiency sunshield and an orbit location at the L2 Lagrange point. Another enabling feature is the scale or size of the observatory that allows for large radiator sizes that are compatible with the expected power dissipation of the instruments and large format Mercury Cadmium Telluride (HgCdTe) detector arrays. This passive cooling concept is simple, reliable, and mission enabling when compared to the alternatives of mechanical coolers and stored cryogens. However, these same large scale observatory features, which make passive cooling viable, also prevent the typical flight configuration fully-deployed thermal balance test that is the keystone to most space missions thermal verification plan. JWST is simply too large in its deployed configuration to be properly thermal balance tested in the facilities that currently exist. This reality, when combined with a mission thermal concept with little to no flight heritage, has necessitated the need for a unique and alternative approach to thermal system verification and model validation. This paper describes the thermal verification and model validation plan that has been developed for JWST. The plan relies on judicious use of cryogenic and thermal design margin, a completely independent thermal modeling cross check utilizing different analysis teams and software packages, and finally, a comprehensive set of thermal tests that occur at different levels of JWST assembly. After a brief description of the JWST mission and thermal architecture, a detailed description of the three aspects of the thermal verification and model validation plan is presented.

Effect of Interfacial Turbulence and Accommodation Coefficient on CFD Predictions of Pressurization and Pressure Control in Cryogenic Storage Tank

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kassemi, Mohammad; Kartuzova, Olga; Hylton, Sonya

2015-01-01

Laminar models agree closely with the pressure evolution and vapor phase temperature stratification but under-predict liquid temperatures. Turbulent SST k-w and k-e models under-predict the pressurization rate and extent of stratification in the vapor but represent liquid temperature distributions fairly well. These conclusions seem to equally apply to large cryogenic tank simulations as well as small scale simulant fluid pressurization cases. Appropriate turbulent models that represent both interfacial and bulk vapor phase turbulence with greater fidelity are needed. Application of LES models to the tank pressurization problem can serve as a starting point.

Cryogenics for superconductors: Refrigeration, delivery, and preservation of the cold

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ganni, Venkatarao; Fesmire, James

2012-06-01

Applications in superconductivity have become widespread, enabled by advancements in cryogenic engineering. In this paper, the history of cryogenic refrigeration, its delivery, its preservation and the important scientific and engineering advancements in these areas in the last 100 years will be reviewed, beginning with small laboratory dewars to very large scale systems. The key technological advancements in these areas that enabled the development of superconducting applications at temperatures from 4 to 77 K are identified. Included are advancements in the components used up to the present state-of-the-art in refrigeration systems design. Viewpoints as both an equipment supplier and the end-user with regard to the equipment design and operations will be presented. Some of the present and future challenges in these areas will be outlined. Most of the materials in this paper are a collection of the historical materials applicable to these areas of interest.

the Cryogenic Underground Observatory for Rare Events: Status and Prospects

DOE PAGES

Alduino, C.; Alfonso, K.; Artusa, D. R.; ...

2017-05-09

The Cryogenic Underground Observatory for Rare Events (CUORE) is a large-scale double beta decay experiment utilizing cryogenic bolometers that is currently being commissioned at the Gran Sasso National Laboratory (LNGS) in Italy. Its primary focus is to search for the neutrinoless double beta decay of 130Te with a projected sensitivity to Majorana neutrino masses near the inverted mass hierarchy region. The detector is composed of 988 5x5x5-cm 3 TeO 2 crystals of natural isotopic composition arranged in 19 towers of 52 crystals each, all housed in a common dilution refrigerator. A single CUORE-like tower, CUORE-0, was assembled and operated asmore » a stand-alone detector for a period of approximately two years. In this report, the results from CUORE-0 and the current status and physics potential of CUORE are presented.« less

Cryogenics for superconductors: Refrigeration, delivery, and preservation of the cold

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Venkatarao Ganni, James Fesmire

Applications in superconductivity have become widespread, enabled by advancements in cryogenic engineering. In this paper, the history of cryogenic refrigeration, its delivery, its preservation and the important scientific and engineering advancements in these areas in the last 100 years will be reviewed, beginning with small laboratory dewars to very large scale systems. The key technological advancements in these areas that enabled the development of superconducting applications at temperatures from 4 to 77 K are identified. Included are advancements in the components used up to the present state-of-the-art in refrigeration systems design. Viewpoints as both an equipment supplier and the end-usermore » with regard to the equipment design and operations will be presented. Some of the present and future challenges in these areas will be outlined. Most of the materials in this paper are a collection of the historical materials applicable to these areas of interest.« less

Cryogenics for Superconductors: Refrigeration, Delivery, and Preservation of the Cold

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ganni, V.; Fesmire, J. E.

2011-01-01

Applications in superconductivity have become widespread, enabled by advancements in cryogenic engineering. In this paper, the history of cryogenic refrigeration, its delivery, its preservation and the important scientific and engineering advancements in these areas in the last 100 years will be reviewed, beginning with small laboratory dewars to very large scale systems. The key technological advancements in these areas that enabled the development of superconducting applications at temperatures from 4 to 77 K are identified. Included are advancements in the components used up to the present state-of-the-art in refrigeration systems design. Viewpoints as both an equipment supplier and the end-user with regard to the equipment design and operations will be presented. Some of the present and future challenges in these areas will be outlined. Most of the materials in this paper are a collection of the historical materials applicable to these areas of interest.

Development of a 100-W, single-frequency Nd:YAG laser for large-scale cryogenic gravitational wave telescope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takeno, K.; Ozeki, T.; Moriwaki, S.; Mio, N.

2006-03-01

We have built a 100-W injection-locked Nd:YAG laser for a Japanese next generation gravitational wave detector. A 2-W master laser was directly injected to a high-power slave laser, which led to coherent radiation of 100 W at 1064 nm.

Analysis of the Thermal Loads on the KSTAR Cryogenic System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Y. S.; Oh, Y. K.; Kim, W. C.; Park, Y. M.; Lee, Y. J.; Jin, S. B.; Sa, J. W.; Choi, C. H.; Cho, K. W.; Bak, J. S.; Lee, G. S.

2004-06-01

A large-scale helium refrigeration system is one of the key components for the KSTAR (Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research) device. In the design of the refrigeration system, an estimation of the thermal loads on the cold mass is an important issue according to the operation scenario. The cold mass of the KSTAR device is about 250 tons including 30 superconducting (SC) coils and the magnet structure. In addition to the static thermal loads, pulsed thermal loads to the refrigeration system have been considered in the operation stage. The main pulsed thermal loads on magnet system are AC losses in the SC coils and eddy current losses in the magnet structure that depend on the magnetic field variation rate. The nuclear radiation loss due to plasma pulse operation is also considered. The designed cooling capacity of the refrigeration system is estimated to be about 9 kW at 4.5 K isothermal. In this paper, calculation of the various kinds of thermal loads on KSTAR cryogenic system and design of the large-scale helium refrigeration system are presented.

Large-Aperture Wide-Bandwidth Anti-Reflection-Coated Silicon Lenses for Millimeter Wavelengths

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Datta, R.; Munson, C. D.; Niemack, M. D.; McMahon, J. J.; Britton, J.; Wollack, E. J.; Beall, J.; Devlin, M. J.; Fowler, J.; Gallardo, P.;

Large-aperture Wide-bandwidth Antireflection-coated Silicon Lenses for Millimeter Wavelengths

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Datta, R.; Munson, C. D.; Niemack, M. D.; McMahon, J. J.; Britton, J.; Wollack, Edward J.; Beall, J.; Devlin, M. J.; Fowler, J.; Gallardo, P.;

Technique for Configuring an Actively Cooled Thermal Shield in a Flight System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barkfknecht, Peter; Mustafi, Shuvo

2011-01-01

Broad area cooling shields are a mass-efficient alternative to conductively cooled thermal radiation shielding. The shield would actively intercept a large portion of incident thermal radiation and transport the heat away using cryogenic helium gas. The design concept consists of a conductive and conformable surface that maximizes heat transfer and formability. Broad Area Cooled (BAC) shields could potentially provide considerable mass savings for spaceflight applications by eliminating the need for a rigid thermal radiation shield for cryogen tanks. The BAC consists of a network of capillary tubes that are thermally connected to a conductive shield material. Chilled helium gas is circulated through the network and transports unwanted heat away from the cryogen tanks. The cryogenic helium gas is pumped and chilled simultaneously using a specialized pulse-tube cryocooler, which further improves the mass efficiency of the system. By reducing the thermal environment temperature from 300 to 100 K, the radiative heat load on a cryogen tank could be reduced by an order of magnitude. For a cryogenic liquid propellant scenario of oxygen and hydrogen, the boiloff of hydrogen would be significantly reduced and completely eliminated for oxygen. A major challenge in implementing this technology on large tanks is that the BAC system must be easily scalable from lab demonstrations to full-scale missions. Also, the BAC shield must be conformable to complex shapes like spheres without losing the ability to maintain constant temperature throughout. The initial design maximizes thermal conductivity between the capillary tube and the conductive radiation shielding by using thin, corrugated aluminum foil with the tube running transverse to the folds. This configuration has the added benefit of enabling the foil to stretch and contract longitudinally. This allows the BAC to conform to the complex curvature of a cryogen tank, which is key to its success. To demonstrate a BAC shield system with minimal impact to current cryogen tank designs, the shielding must be applied after the final assembly of the tank and supporting structure. One method is to pre-fabricate the shield in long strips. A spool of corrugated aluminum foil with a thermally sunk aluminum capillary running through the center could then be simply wound around the cryogen tanks and encapsulated within the multi-layer insulation (MLI) blanket. Then, on orbit, the BAC would intercept thermal radiation coming in through the MLI and transport it away from the cryogen tanks. An optimization of the design could be done to take into account mass savings from thinner MLI blankets, eliminating solid thermal shields, and ultimately, a reduction in the required cryogen tank size.

Validation and performance of the LHC cryogenic system through commissioning of the first sector

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Serio, L.; Bouillot, A.; Casas-Cubillos, J.

2007-12-01

The cryogenic system [1] for the Large Hadron Collider accelerator is presently in its final phase of commissioning at nominal operating conditions. The refrigeration capacity for the LHC is produced using eight large cryogenic plants and eight 1.8 K refrigeration units installed on five cryogenic islands. Machine cryogenic equipment is installed in a 26.7-km circumference ring deep underground tunnel and are maintained at their nominal operating conditions via a distribution system consisting of transfer lines, cold interconnection boxes at each cryogenic island and a cryogenic distribution line. The functional analysis of the whole system during all operating conditions was establishedmore » and validated during the first sector commissioning in order to maximize the system availability. Analysis, operating modes, main failure scenarios, results and performance of the cryogenic system are presented.« less

Reliable determination of oxygen and hydrogen isotope ratios in atmospheric water vapour adsorbed on 3A molecular sieve.

PubMed

Han, Liang-Feng; Gröning, Manfred; Aggarwal, Pradeep; Helliker, Brent R

2006-01-01

The isotope ratio of atmospheric water vapour is determined by wide-ranging feedback effects from the isotope ratio of water in biological water pools, soil surface horizons, open water bodies and precipitation. Accurate determination of atmospheric water vapour isotope ratios is important for a broad range of research areas from leaf-scale to global-scale isotope studies. In spite of the importance of stable isotopic measurements of atmospheric water vapour, there is a paucity of published data available, largely because of the requirement for liquid nitrogen or dry ice for quantitative trapping of water vapour. We report results from a non-cryogenic method for quantitatively trapping atmospheric water vapour using 3A molecular sieve, although water is removed from the column using standard cryogenic methods. The molecular sieve column was conditioned with water of a known isotope ratio to 'set' the background signature of the molecular sieve. Two separate prototypes were developed, one for large collection volumes (3 mL) and one for small collection volumes (90 microL). Atmospheric water vapour was adsorbed to the column by pulling air through the column for several days to reach the desired final volume. Water was recovered from the column by baking at 250 degrees C in a dry helium or nitrogen air stream and cryogenically trapped. For the large-volume apparatus, the recovered water differed from water that was simultaneously trapped by liquid nitrogen (the experimental control) by 2.6 per thousand with a standard deviation (SD) of 1.5 per thousand for delta(2)H and by 0.3 per thousand with a SD of 0.2 per thousand for delta(18)O. Water-vapour recovery was not satisfactory for the small volume apparatus. Copyright (c) 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Liquid Oxygen Propellant Densification Unit Ground Tested With a Large-Scale Flight-Weight Tank for the X-33 Reusable Launch Vehicle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tomsik, Thomas M.

2002-01-01

Propellant densification has been identified as a critical technology in the development of single-stage-to-orbit reusable launch vehicles. Technology to create supercooled high-density liquid oxygen (LO2) and liquid hydrogen (LH2) is a key means to lowering launch vehicle costs. The densification of cryogenic propellants through subcooling allows 8 to 10 percent more propellant mass to be stored in a given unit volume, thereby improving the launch vehicle's overall performance. This allows for higher propellant mass fractions than would be possible with conventional normal boiling point cryogenic propellants, considering the normal boiling point of LO2 and LH2.

Cryogenic Calcite: A Morphologic and Isotopic Analog to the ALH84001 Carbonates

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Niles, P. B.; Leshin, L. A.; Socki, R. A.; Guan, Y.; Ming, D. W.; Gibson, E. K.

2004-01-01

Martian meteorite ALH84001 carbonates preserve large and variable microscale isotopic compositions, which in some way reflect their formation environment. These measurements show large variations (>20%) in the carbon and oxygen isotopic compositions of the carbonates on a 10-20 micron scale that are correlated with chemical composition. However, the utilization of these data sets for interpreting the formation conditions of the carbonates is complex due to lack of suitable terrestrial analogs and the difficulty of modeling under non-equilibrium conditions. Thus, the mechanisms and processes are largely unknown that create and preserve large microscale isotopic variations in carbonate minerals. Experimental tests of the possible environments and mechanisms that lead to large microscale isotopic variations can help address these concerns. One possible mechanism for creating large carbon isotopic variations in carbonates involves the freezing of water. Carbonates precipitate during extensive CO2 degassing that occurs during the freezing process as the fluid s decreasing volume drives CO2 out. This rapid CO2 degassing results in a kinetic isotopic fractionation where the CO2 gas has a much lighter isotopic composition causing an enrichment of 13C in the remaining dissolved bicarbonate. This study seeks to determine the suitability of cryogenically formed carbonates as analogs to ALH84001 carbonates. Specifically, our objective is to determine how accurately models using equilibrium fractionation factors approximate the isotopic compositions of cryogenically precipitated carbonates. This includes determining the accuracy of applying equilibrium fractionation factors during a kinetic process, and determining how isotopic variations in the fluid are preserved in microscale variations in the precipitated carbonates.

Physical control oriented model of large scale refrigerators to synthesize advanced control schemes. Design, validation, and first control results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bonne, François; Alamir, Mazen; Bonnay, Patrick

2014-01-01

In this paper, a physical method to obtain control-oriented dynamical models of large scale cryogenic refrigerators is proposed, in order to synthesize model-based advanced control schemes. These schemes aim to replace classical user experience designed approaches usually based on many independent PI controllers. This is particularly useful in the case where cryoplants are submitted to large pulsed thermal loads, expected to take place in the cryogenic cooling systems of future fusion reactors such as the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) or the Japan Torus-60 Super Advanced Fusion Experiment (JT-60SA). Advanced control schemes lead to a better perturbation immunity and rejection, to offer a safer utilization of cryoplants. The paper gives details on how basic components used in the field of large scale helium refrigeration (especially those present on the 400W @1.8K helium test facility at CEA-Grenoble) are modeled and assembled to obtain the complete dynamic description of controllable subsystems of the refrigerator (controllable subsystems are namely the Joule-Thompson Cycle, the Brayton Cycle, the Liquid Nitrogen Precooling Unit and the Warm Compression Station). The complete 400W @1.8K (in the 400W @4.4K configuration) helium test facility model is then validated against experimental data and the optimal control of both the Joule-Thompson valve and the turbine valve is proposed, to stabilize the plant under highly variable thermals loads. This work is partially supported through the European Fusion Development Agreement (EFDA) Goal Oriented Training Program, task agreement WP10-GOT-GIRO.

Physical control oriented model of large scale refrigerators to synthesize advanced control schemes. Design, validation, and first control results

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bonne, François; Bonnay, Patrick; Alamir, Mazen

2014-01-29

In this paper, a physical method to obtain control-oriented dynamical models of large scale cryogenic refrigerators is proposed, in order to synthesize model-based advanced control schemes. These schemes aim to replace classical user experience designed approaches usually based on many independent PI controllers. This is particularly useful in the case where cryoplants are submitted to large pulsed thermal loads, expected to take place in the cryogenic cooling systems of future fusion reactors such as the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) or the Japan Torus-60 Super Advanced Fusion Experiment (JT-60SA). Advanced control schemes lead to a better perturbation immunity and rejection,more » to offer a safer utilization of cryoplants. The paper gives details on how basic components used in the field of large scale helium refrigeration (especially those present on the 400W @1.8K helium test facility at CEA-Grenoble) are modeled and assembled to obtain the complete dynamic description of controllable subsystems of the refrigerator (controllable subsystems are namely the Joule-Thompson Cycle, the Brayton Cycle, the Liquid Nitrogen Precooling Unit and the Warm Compression Station). The complete 400W @1.8K (in the 400W @4.4K configuration) helium test facility model is then validated against experimental data and the optimal control of both the Joule-Thompson valve and the turbine valve is proposed, to stabilize the plant under highly variable thermals loads. This work is partially supported through the European Fusion Development Agreement (EFDA) Goal Oriented Training Program, task agreement WP10-GOT-GIRO.« less

Cryogenic and radiation hard ASIC design for large format NIR/SWIR detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Peng; Dupont, Benoit; Dierickx, Bart; Müller, Eric; Verbruggen, Geert; Gielis, Stijn; Valvekens, Ramses

2014-10-01

An ASIC is developed to control and data quantization for large format NIR/SWIR detector arrays. Both cryogenic and space radiation environment issue are considered during the design. Therefore it can be integrated in the cryogenic chamber, which reduces significantly the vast amount of long wires going in and out the cryogenic chamber, i.e. benefits EMI and noise concerns, as well as the power consumption of cooling system and interfacing circuits. In this paper, we will describe the development of this prototype ASIC for image sensor driving and signal processing as well as the testing in both room and cryogenic temperature.

Liquid Oxygen Propellant Densification Production and Performance Test Results With a Large-Scale Flight-Weight Propellant Tank for the X33 RLV

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tomsik, Thomas M.; Meyer, Michael L.

2010-01-01

This paper describes in-detail a test program that was initiated at the Glenn Research Center (GRC) involving the cryogenic densification of liquid oxygen (LO2). A large scale LO2 propellant densification system rated for 200 gpm and sized for the X-33 LO2 propellant tank, was designed, fabricated and tested at the GRC. Multiple objectives of the test program included validation of LO2 production unit hardware and characterization of densifier performance at design and transient conditions. First, performance data is presented for an initial series of LO2 densifier screening and check-out tests using densified liquid nitrogen. The second series of tests show performance data collected during LO2 densifier test operations with liquid oxygen as the densified product fluid. An overview of LO2 X-33 tanking operations and load tests with the 20,000 gallon Structural Test Article (STA) are described. Tank loading testing and the thermal stratification that occurs inside of a flight-weight launch vehicle propellant tank were investigated. These operations involved a closed-loop recirculation process of LO2 flow through the densifier and then back into the STA. Finally, in excess of 200,000 gallons of densified LO2 at 120 oR was produced with the propellant densification unit during the demonstration program, an achievement that s never been done before in the realm of large-scale cryogenic tests.

Thermography to Inspect Insulation of Large Cryogenic Tanks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Arens, Ellen; Youngquist, Robert

2011-01-01

Thermography has been used in the past to monitor active, large, cryogenic storage tanks. This approach proposes to use thermography to monitor new or refurbished tanks, prior to filling with cryogenic liquid, to look for insulation voids. Thermography may provide significant cost and schedule savings if voids can be detected early before a tank is returned to service.

Advances in cryogenic engineering. Volume 27 - Proceedings of the Cryogenic Engineering Conference, San Diego, CA, August 11-14, 1981

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fast, R. W. (Editor)

1982-01-01

Applications of superconductivity are considered, taking into account MHD and fusion, generators, transformers, transmission lines, magnets for physics, cryogenic techniques, electrtronics, and aspects of magnet stability. Advances related to heat transfer in He I are discussed along with subjects related to theat transfer in He II, refrigeration of superconducting systems, refrigeration and liquefaction, dilution and magnetic refrigerators, refrigerators for space applications, mass transfer and flow phenomena, and the properties of fluids. Developments related to cryogenic applications are also explored, giving attention to bulk storage and transfer of cryogenic fluids, liquefied natural gas operations, space science and technology, and cryopumping. Topics related to cryogenic instrumentation and controls include the production and use of high grade silicon diode temperature sensors, the choice of strain gages for use in a large superconducting alternator, microprocessor control of cryogenic pressure, and instrumentation, data acquisition and reduction for a large spaceborne helium dewar.

Gram-scale cryogenic calorimeters for rare-event searches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Strauss, R.; Rothe, J.; Angloher, G.; Bento, A.; Gütlein, A.; Hauff, D.; Kluck, H.; Mancuso, M.; Oberauer, L.; Petricca, F.; Pröbst, F.; Schieck, J.; Schönert, S.; Seidel, W.; Stodolsky, L.

2017-07-01

The energy threshold of a cryogenic calorimeter can be lowered by reducing its size. This is of importance since the resulting increase in signal rate enables new approaches in rare-event searches, including the detection of MeV mass dark matter and coherent scattering of reactor or solar neutrinos. A scaling law for energy threshold vs detector size is given. We analyze the possibility of lowering the threshold of a gram-scale cryogenic calorimeter to the few eV regime. A prototype 0.5 g Al2 O3 device achieved an energy threshold of Eth=(19.7 ±0.9 ) eV , the lowest value reported for a macroscopic calorimeter.

Model based multivariable controller for large scale compression stations. Design and experimental validation on the LHC 18KW cryorefrigerator

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bonne, François; Bonnay, Patrick; Alamir, Mazen

2014-01-29

In this paper, a multivariable model-based non-linear controller for Warm Compression Stations (WCS) is proposed. The strategy is to replace all the PID loops controlling the WCS with an optimally designed model-based multivariable loop. This new strategy leads to high stability and fast disturbance rejection such as those induced by a turbine or a compressor stop, a key-aspect in the case of large scale cryogenic refrigeration. The proposed control scheme can be used to have precise control of every pressure in normal operation or to stabilize and control the cryoplant under high variation of thermal loads (such as a pulsedmore » heat load expected to take place in future fusion reactors such as those expected in the cryogenic cooling systems of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor ITER or the Japan Torus-60 Super Advanced fusion experiment JT-60SA). The paper details how to set the WCS model up to synthesize the Linear Quadratic Optimal feedback gain and how to use it. After preliminary tuning at CEA-Grenoble on the 400W@1.8K helium test facility, the controller has been implemented on a Schneider PLC and fully tested first on the CERN's real-time simulator. Then, it was experimentally validated on a real CERN cryoplant. The efficiency of the solution is experimentally assessed using a reasonable operating scenario of start and stop of compressors and cryogenic turbines. This work is partially supported through the European Fusion Development Agreement (EFDA) Goal Oriented Training Program, task agreement WP10-GOT-GIRO.« less

Model based multivariable controller for large scale compression stations. Design and experimental validation on the LHC 18KW cryorefrigerator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bonne, François; Alamir, Mazen; Bonnay, Patrick; Bradu, Benjamin

2014-01-01

In this paper, a multivariable model-based non-linear controller for Warm Compression Stations (WCS) is proposed. The strategy is to replace all the PID loops controlling the WCS with an optimally designed model-based multivariable loop. This new strategy leads to high stability and fast disturbance rejection such as those induced by a turbine or a compressor stop, a key-aspect in the case of large scale cryogenic refrigeration. The proposed control scheme can be used to have precise control of every pressure in normal operation or to stabilize and control the cryoplant under high variation of thermal loads (such as a pulsed heat load expected to take place in future fusion reactors such as those expected in the cryogenic cooling systems of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor ITER or the Japan Torus-60 Super Advanced fusion experiment JT-60SA). The paper details how to set the WCS model up to synthesize the Linear Quadratic Optimal feedback gain and how to use it. After preliminary tuning at CEA-Grenoble on the 400W@1.8K helium test facility, the controller has been implemented on a Schneider PLC and fully tested first on the CERN's real-time simulator. Then, it was experimentally validated on a real CERN cryoplant. The efficiency of the solution is experimentally assessed using a reasonable operating scenario of start and stop of compressors and cryogenic turbines. This work is partially supported through the European Fusion Development Agreement (EFDA) Goal Oriented Training Program, task agreement WP10-GOT-GIRO.

High-Performance Cryogenic Designs for OMEGA and the National Ignition Facility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goncharov, V. N.; Collins, T. J. B.; Marozas, J. A.; Regan, S. P.; Betti, R.; Boehly, T. R.; Campbell, E. M.; Froula, D. H.; Igumenshchev, I. V.; McCrory, R. L.; Myatt, J. F.; Radha, P. B.; Sangster, T. C.; Shvydky, A.

2016-10-01

The main advantage of laser symmetric direct drive (SDD) is a significantly higher coupled drive laser energy to the hot-spot internal energy at stagnation compared to that of laser indirect drive. Because of coupling losses resulting from cross-beam energy transfer (CBET), however, reaching ignition conditions on the NIF with SDD requires designs with excessively large in-flight aspect ratios ( 30). Results of cryogenic implosions performed on OMEGA show that such designs are unstable to short-scale nonuniformity growth during shell implosion. Several CBET reduction strategies have been proposed in the past. This talk will discuss high-performing designs using several CBET-mitigation techniques, including using drive laser beams smaller than the target size and wavelength detuning. Designs that are predicted to reach alpha burning regimes as well as a gain of 10 to 40 at the NIF-scale will be presented. Hydrodynamically scaled OMEGA designs with similar CBET-reduction techniques will also be discussed. This material is based upon work supported by the Department Of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration under Award Number DE-NA0001944.

Large Eddy Simulation of Flame-Turbulence Interactions in a LOX-CH4 Shear Coaxial Injector

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-01-01

heat transfer from dense to light fluids.A previous study on LOX/H2 flames39,40 have pointed the limitations of central scheme to predict such large...pp. 151–169. 39Masquelet, M., Simulations of a Sub-scale Liquid Rocket Engine: Transient Heat Transfer in a Real Gas Environment , Master’s thesis...Eddy Simulation of a cryogenic flame issued from a LOX-CH4 shear coaxial injector. The operating pressure is above the critical pressure for both

Cryogenic hydrogen fuel for controlled inertial confinement fusion (formation of reactor-scale cryogenic targets)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Aleksandrova, I. V.; Koresheva, E. R., E-mail: elena.koresheva@gmail.com; Krokhin, O. N.

2016-12-15

In inertial fusion energy research, considerable attention has recently been focused on low-cost fabrication of a large number of targets by developing a specialized layering module of repeatable operation. The targets must be free-standing, or unmounted. Therefore, the development of a target factory for inertial confinement fusion (ICF) is based on methods that can ensure a cost-effective target production with high repeatability. Minimization of the amount of tritium (i.e., minimization of time and space at all production stages) is a necessary condition as well. Additionally, the cryogenic hydrogen fuel inside the targets must have a structure (ultrafine layers—the grain sizemore » should be scaled back to the nanometer range) that supports the fuel layer survivability under target injection and transport through the reactor chamber. To meet the above requirements, significant progress has been made at the Lebedev Physical Institute (LPI) in the technology developed on the basis of rapid fuel layering inside moving free-standing targets (FST), also referred to as the FST layering method. Owing to the research carried out at LPI, unique experience has been gained in the development of the FST-layering module for target fabrication with an ultrafine fuel layer, including a reactor- scale target design. This experience can be used for the development of the next-generation FST-layering module for construction of a prototype of a target factory for power laser facilities and inertial fusion power plants.« less

Numerical Modeling of Propellant Boil-Off in a Cryogenic Storage Tank

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Majumdar, A. K.; Steadman, T. E.; Maroney, J. L.; Sass, J. P.; Fesmire, J. E.

2007-01-01

A numerical model to predict boil-off of stored propellant in large spherical cryogenic tanks has been developed. Accurate prediction of tank boil-off rates for different thermal insulation systems was the goal of this collaboration effort. The Generalized Fluid System Simulation Program, integrating flow analysis and conjugate heat transfer for solving complex fluid system problems, was used to create the model. Calculation of tank boil-off rate requires simultaneous simulation of heat transfer processes among liquid propellant, vapor ullage space, and tank structure. The reference tank for the boil-off model was the 850,000 gallon liquid hydrogen tank at Launch Complex 39B (LC- 39B) at Kennedy Space Center, which is under study for future infrastructure improvements to support the Constellation program. The methodology employed in the numerical model was validated using a sub-scale model and tank. Experimental test data from a 1/15th scale version of the LC-39B tank using both liquid hydrogen and liquid nitrogen were used to anchor the analytical predictions of the sub-scale model. Favorable correlations between sub-scale model and experimental test data have provided confidence in full-scale tank boil-off predictions. These methods are now being used in the preliminary design for other cases including future launch vehicles

Cryogenic Boil-Off Reduction System Testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Plachta, David W.; Johnson, Wesley L.; Feller, Jeffery

2014-01-01

The Cryogenic Boil-Off Reduction System was tested with LH2 and LOX in a vacuum chamber to simulate space vacuum and the temperatures of low Earth orbit. Testing was successful and results validated the scaling study model that predicts active cooling reduces upper stage cryogenic propulsion mass for loiter periods greater than 2 weeks.

Advances in cryogenic engineering. Volume 27 - Proceedings of the Cryogenic Engineering Conference, San Diego, CA, August 11-14, 1981

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fast, R. W.

Applications of superconductivity are considered, taking into account MHD and fusion, generators, transformers, transmission lines, magnets for physics, cryogenic techniques, electrtronics, and aspects of magnet stability. Advances related to heat transfer in He I are discussed along with subjects related to theat transfer in He II, refrigeration of superconducting systems, refrigeration and liquefaction, dilution and magnetic refrigerators, refrigerators for space applications, mass transfer and flow phenomena, and the properties of fluids. Developments related to cryogenic applications are also explored, giving attention to bulk storage and transfer of cryogenic fluids, liquefied natural gas operations, space science and technology, and cryopumping. Topics related to cryogenic instrumentation and controls include the production and use of high grade silicon diode temperature sensors, the choice of strain gages for use in a large superconducting alternator, microprocessor control of cryogenic pressure, and instrumentation, data acquisition and reduction for a large spaceborne helium dewar. For individual items see A83-43221 to A83-43250

Space cryogenics components based on the thermomechanical effect - Vapor-liquid phase separation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yuan, S. W. K.; Frederking, T. H. K.

1989-01-01

Applications of the thermomechanical effect has been qualified including incorporation in large-scale space systems in the area of vapor-liquid phase separation (VLPS). The theory of the porous-plug phase separator is developed for the limit of a high thermal impedance of the solid-state grains. Extensions of the theory of nonlinear turbulent flow are presented based on experimental results.

Integrated computational study of ultra-high heat flux cooling using cryogenic micro-solid nitrogen spray

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ishimoto, Jun; Oh, U.; Tan, Daisuke

2012-10-01

A new type of ultra-high heat flux cooling system using the atomized spray of cryogenic micro-solid nitrogen (SN2) particles produced by a superadiabatic two-fluid nozzle was developed and numerically investigated for application to next generation super computer processor thermal management. The fundamental characteristics of heat transfer and cooling performance of micro-solid nitrogen particulate spray impinging on a heated substrate were numerically investigated and experimentally measured by a new type of integrated computational-experimental technique. The employed Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis based on the Euler-Lagrange model is focused on the cryogenic spray behavior of atomized particulate micro-solid nitrogen and also on its ultra-high heat flux cooling characteristics. Based on the numerically predicted performance, a new type of cryogenic spray cooling technique for application to a ultra-high heat power density device was developed. In the present integrated computation, it is clarified that the cryogenic micro-solid spray cooling characteristics are affected by several factors of the heat transfer process of micro-solid spray which impinges on heated surface as well as by atomization behavior of micro-solid particles. When micro-SN2 spraying cooling was used, an ultra-high cooling heat flux level was achieved during operation, a better cooling performance than that with liquid nitrogen (LN2) spray cooling. As micro-SN2 cooling has the advantage of direct latent heat transport which avoids the film boiling state, the ultra-short time scale heat transfer in a thin boundary layer is more possible than in LN2 spray. The present numerical prediction of the micro-SN2 spray cooling heat flux profile can reasonably reproduce the measurement results of cooling wall heat flux profiles. The application of micro-solid spray as a refrigerant for next generation computer processors is anticipated, and its ultra-high heat flux technology is expected to result in an extensive improvement in the effective cooling performance of large scale supercomputer systems.

Integrated Cryogenic Electronics Testbed (ICE-T) for Evaluation of Superconductor and Cryo-Semiconductor Integrated Circuits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dotsenko, V. V.; Sahu, A.; Chonigman, B.; Tang, J.; Lehmann, A. E.; Gupta, V.; Talalevskii, A.; Ruotolo, S.; Sarwana, S.; Webber, R. J.; Gupta, D.

2017-02-01

Research and development of cryogenic application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), such as high-frequency (tens of GHz) semiconductor and superconductor mixed-signal circuits and large-scale (>10,000 Josephson Junctions) superconductor digital circuits, have long been hindered by the absence of specialized cryogenic test apparatus. During their iterative development phase, most ASICs require many additional input-output lines for applying independent bias controls, injecting test signals, and monitoring outputs of different sub-circuits. We are developing a full suite of modular test apparatus based on cryocoolers that do not consume liquid helium, and support extensive electrical interfaces to standard and custom test equipment. Our design separates the cryogenics from electrical connections, allowing even inexperienced users to conduct testing by simply mounting their ASIC on a removable electrical insert. Thermal connections between the cold stages and the inserts are made with robust thermal links. ICE-T accommodates two independent electrical inserts at the same time. We have designed various inserts, such as universal ones with all 40 or 80 coaxial cables and those with customized wiring and temperature-controlled stages. ICE-T features fast thermal cycling for rapid testing, enables detailed testing over long periods (days to months, if necessary), and even supports automated testing of digital ICs with modular additions.

14 MeV Neutron Irradiation Effect on Superconducting Magnet Materials for Fusion Device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nishimura, A.; Hishinuma, Y.; Seo, K.; Tanaka, T.; Muroga, T.; Nishijima, S.; Katagiri, K.; Takeuchi, T.; Shindo, Y.; Ochiai, K.; Nishitani, T.; Okuno, K.

2006-03-01

As a large-scale plasma experimental device is planned and designed, the importance of investigations on irradiation effect of 14 MeV neutron increases and an experimental database is desired to be piled up. Recently, intense streaming of fast neutron from ports are reported and degradation of superconducting magnet performance is anticipated. To investigate the pure neutron effect on superconducting magnet materials, a cryogenic target system was newly developed and installed at Fusion Neutronics Source in Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute. Although production rate of 14 MeV neutron is not large, only 14 MeV neutron can be supplied to irradiation test without gamma ray. Copper wires, superconducting wires, glass fiber reinforced composites are irradiated and the irradiation effects are characterized. At the same time, sensors for measuring temperature and magnetic field are irradiated and their performance was investigated after irradiation. This paper presents outline of the cryogenic target system and some irradiation test results.

Cost effective use of liquid nitrogen in cryogenic wind tunnels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcintosh, Glen E.; Lombard, David S.; Martindale, David L.; Dunn, Robert P.

1987-01-01

A method of reliquefying from 12 to 19% of the nitrogen exhaust gas from a cryogenic wind tunnel has been developed. Technical feasibility and cost effectiveness of the system depends on performance of an innovative positive displacement expander which requires scale model testing to confirm design studies. The existing cryogenic system at the 0.3-m transonic cryogenic tunnel has been surveyed and extensive upgrades proposed. Upgrades are generally cost effective and may be implemented immediately since they are based on established technology.

Experimental study on the thermal hydraulic performance of plate-fin heat exchangers for cryogenic applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Qingfeng; Zhuang, Ming; Zhang, Qiyong; Zhu, Zhigang; Geng, Maofei; Sheng, Linhai; Zhu, Ping

2018-04-01

Efficient and compact plate-fin heat exchangers are critical for large-scale helium liquefaction/refrigeration systems as they constitute major part in the cold box. This study experimentally explores the heat transfer and pressure drop behaviors of helium gas at low temperature in four types of plate-fin channels, namely offset-strip and perforated fins, with different geometrical parameters. A series of cryogenic experiments at approximately liquid nitrogen temperature are carried out to measure the Colburn j factors and Fanning friction f factors with a wide range of Reynolds number. Besides, to reveal the performance variations under different operating temperatures, comparative experiments respectively conducted at room temperature and liquid nitrogen temperature are implemented. The results show that in comparison with the performance data at room temperature, most of j factors are relatively smaller perhaps because the lower aluminum thermal conductivity and higher Prandtl Number at low temperature. Meanwhile, the f factors corresponding to cryogenic conditions exhibit slightly larger even though the core pressure drops show considerable reductions. In contrast to the calculated results from the frequently-used performance curves (Chen and Shen, 1993), the Root Mean Squared Errors of j and f values are correlated within 8.38% and 6.97% for one perforated fin core, 41.29% and 34.97% for three OSF cores, respectively. For OSFs, further comparisons with the previous empirical correlations from literatures are conducted to verify the accuracy of each correlation. Generally, most of the calculated results predict acceptably within the deviations of ±25% for the j factors, while the predicted results express relatively large deviations for the f factors. Therefore, it may be revealed that most of the existing correlations were not able to accurately predict the experimental data in consideration of the performance differences under realistic cryogenic operating conditions, which could have significant influences during the design process of cryogenic heat exchangers.

Multiparameter Flowfield Measurements in High-Pressure, Cryogenic Environments Using Femtosecond Lasers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burns, Ross A.; Danehy, Paul M.; Peters, Christopher J.

2016-01-01

Femtosecond laser electronic excitation tagging (FLEET) and Rayleigh scattering (RS) from a femtosecond laser are demonstrated in the NASA Langley 0.3-m Transonic Cryogenic Tunnel (TCT). The measured signals from these techniques are examined for their thermodynamic dependencies in pure nitrogen. The FLEET signal intensity and signal lifetimes are found to scale primarily with the gas density, as does the RS signal. Several models are developed, which capture these physical behaviors. Notably, the FLEET and Rayleigh scattering intensities scale linearly with the flow density, while the FLEET signal decay rates are a more complex function of the thermodynamic state of the gas. The measurement of various flow properties are demonstrated using these techniques. While density was directly measured from the signal intensities and FLEET signal lifetime, temperature and pressure were measured using the simultaneous FLEET velocity measurements while assuming the flow had a constant total enthalpy. Measurements of density, temperature, and pressure from the FLEET signal are made with accuracies as high as 5.3 percent, 0.62 percent, and 6.2 percent, respectively, while precisions were approximately 10 percent, 0.26 percent, and 11 percent for these same quantities. Similar measurements of density from Rayleigh scattering showed an overall accuracy of 3.5 percent and a precision of 10.2 percent over a limited temperature range (T greater than 195 K). These measurements suggest a high degree of utility at using the femtosecond-laser based diagnostics for making multiparameter measurements in high-pressure, cryogenic environments such as large-scale TCT facilities.

Inferential Framework for Autonomous Cryogenic Loading Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Luchinsky, Dmitry G.; Khasin, Michael; Timucin, Dogan; Sass, Jared; Perotti, Jose; Brown, Barbara

2017-01-01

We address problem of autonomous cryogenic management of loading operations on the ground and in space. As a step towards solution of this problem we develop a probabilistic framework for inferring correlations parameters of two-fluid cryogenic flow. The simulation of two-phase cryogenic flow is performed using nearly-implicit scheme. A concise set of cryogenic correlations is introduced. The proposed approach is applied to an analysis of the cryogenic flow in experimental Propellant Loading System built at NASA KSC. An efficient simultaneous optimization of a large number of model parameters is demonstrated and a good agreement with the experimental data is obtained.

Technology development for cryogenic deployable telescope structures and mechanisms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Atkinson, Charles B.; Gilman, Larry; Reynolds, Paul

2003-12-01

At 6-7 meters in diameter, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) will require structures that remain stable to levels that are on the order of 10 nanometers under dynamic and thermal loading while operating at cryogenic temperatures. Moreover, the JWST will be the first telescope in space that is deployed, resulting in an aperture that is not only segmented, but has hinge-lines and the associated joining systems or latches in it. In order to understand the behavior and reduce the risk associated with very large, deployed structures and the stability of the associated structure and latches, we developed and tested the largest cryogenic structure ever built and then characterized its stability. This paper presents a description of the design of the Development Optical Telescope Assembly (DOTA), the testing performed, and the results of the testing performed on it. We discuss the material selection and characterization processes, give a description of the test configurations, describe the metrology equipment and the validation process for it, provide the test results, and summarize the conclusions drawn from the results. The testing and associated results include characterization of the thermal stability of the large-scale structure, characterization of the micro-dynamic stability of the latching system, and measurements of the deployment capability of the mechanisms. We also describe how the DOTA design relates to the JWST design and how the test results relate to the JWST requirements.

Book Review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

1999-07-01

The International Cryogenic Engineering Conferences (ICEC) are held biennially and are medium-scale events (a few hundred participants) involving a wide range of cryogenic specialists. The Proceedings of the 17th Conference reflects this range clearly, comprising four sections. The first, and shortest, presents the texts of (some of) the plenary invited papers and covers topics ranging from `The first collection of liquid hydrogen' to `The application of bulk high-temperature superconductors'. Then follow three sections of approximately equal length (250--300 pages each) covering, respectively, refrigeration, superconductivity and cryogenics. The rapid recent development of closed cycle refrigerators is reflected in the content of the first section and is a firm indicator that the topic of cryogenic engineering is spreading out from its current twin, but limited, areas of the research laboratory and the large-scale particle or energy research facility. Expansion into both industry, commerce and medicine is apparent, as is the provision of facilities for other technologies (for example, high-field magnets for NMR, extending to 1 GHz). Later in this volume some of these future applications are described. The Kleemenko cycle, as lucidly explained by Bill Little, consists of a development of the Joule--Thomson expansion technique for cooling in which the expansion and cooling of a single component gas is replaced by the expansion and cooling of a mixture of gas and liquid phase. Pulse tube coolers now come in a variety of forms and sizes, in single stage and double stage forms, providing a lowest temperature so far of around 2 K with 2 stages or 20 K with a single stage. The ability of this design is to reduce mechanical vibration levels well below those achievable with conventional Gifford--McMahon or Stirling cycle coolers and this volume includes a review of developments of these types, as well as a number of research papers setting out the leading edge of developments. The range of scale of the refrigeration described is extreme, ranging from a 10 mW sorption cooler at 80 K for a detector application, to the 20 kW of cooling required at 1.8 K for the Large Hadron Collider. The following section contains a variety of mainly high-current applications of superconductivity where low-Tc and high-Tc coil and cable designs co-exist side by side in apparent harmony even though the scale and sophistication of the former still exceed the latter by at least an order of magnitude in general. In the final section thermal properties and control techniques for cryogenic systems and large magnet or detector facilities jockey for attention with applications of extremely sensitive thermometry. It is traditional to regard frequency as the most precisely determined physical quantity but this notion begins to be challenged when a magnetic susceptibility thermometer is reported which allows 10-12 K sensitivity at an operating temperature of 2 K. I have one criticism of this volume, which suffers somewhat from a problem which is quite widespread in conference proceedings. Unfortunately, not all of the plenary speakers have supplied full manuscript texts of their talks. Thus it is rather frustrating to be presented in the contents list with titles as tantalizing as `Liquid hydrogen---technology for vehicles' or `High-temperature superconductors in power engineering', to find that a brief abstract only serves to emphasize what delights one is missing, since the full text has not been included. But overall this volume reflects the huge range of capabilities and applications of cryogenic engineering and contains a great deal of interest to the researcher or user of superconductors. John Gallop National Physics Laboratory, UK

Cryogenics for LDR

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kittel, Peter

1988-01-01

Three cryogenic questions of importance to Large Deployable Reflector (LDR) are discussed: the primary cooling requirement, the secondary cooling requirement, and the instrument changeout requirement.

Adhesive Bonding Characterization of Composite Joints for Cryogenic Usage

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Graf, Neil A.; Schieleit, Gregory F.; Biggs, Robert

2000-01-01

The development of polymer composite cryogenic tanks is a critical step in creating the next generation of launch vehicles. Future reusable launch vehicles need to minimize the gross liftoff weight (GLOW). This weight reduction is possible due to the large reduction in weight that composite materials can provide over current aluminum technology. In addition to composite technology, adhesively bonded joints potentially have several benefits over mechanically fastened joints, such as weight savings and cryogenic fluid containment. Adhesively bonded joints may be used in several areas of these cryogenic tanks, such as in lobe-to-lobe joints (in a multi-lobe concept), skirt-to-tank joint, strut-to-tank joint, and for attaching stringers and ring frames. The bonds, and the tanks themselves, must be able to withstand liquid cryogenic fuel temperatures that they contain. However, the use of adhesively bonded composite joints at liquid oxygen and hydrogen temperatures is largely unknown and must be characterized. Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, Michoud Operations performed coupon-level tests to determine effects of material selection, cure process parameters, substrate surface preparation, and other factors on the strength of these composite joints at cryogenic temperatures. This led to the selection of a material and process that would be suitable for a cryogenic tank. KEY WORDS: Composites, Adhesive Bonding, Cryogenics

Use of thermal sieve to allow optical testing of cryogenic optical systems.

PubMed

Kim, Dae Wook; Cai, Wenrui; Burge, James H

2012-05-21

Full aperture testing of large cryogenic optical systems has been impractical due to the difficulty of operating a large collimator at cryogenic temperatures. The Thermal Sieve solves this problem by acting as a thermal barrier between an ambient temperature collimator and the cryogenic system under test. The Thermal Sieve uses a set of thermally controlled baffles with array of holes that are lined up to pass the light from the collimator without degrading the wavefront, while attenuating the thermal background by nearly 4 orders of magnitude. This paper provides the theory behind the Thermal Sieve system, evaluates the optimization for its optical and thermal performance, and presents the design and analysis for a specific system.

Cryogenic Propellant Storage and Transfer (CPST) Technology Maturation: Establishing a Foundation for a Technology Demonstration Mission (TDM)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Doherty, Michael P.; Meyer, Michael L.; Motil, Susan M.; Ginty, Carol A.

2014-01-01

As part of U.S. National Space Policy, NASA is seeking an innovative path for human space exploration, which strengthens the capability to extend human and robotic presence throughout the solar system. NASA is laying the groundwork to enable humans to safely reach multiple potential destinations, including asteroids, Lagrange points, the Moon and Mars. In support of this, NASA is embarking on the Technology Demonstration Mission Cryogenic Propellant Storage and Transfer (TDM CPST) Project to test and validate key cryogenic capabilities and technologies required for future exploration elements, opening up the architecture for large cryogenic propulsion stages (CPS) and propellant depots. The TDM CPST project will provide an on-orbit demonstration of the capability to store, transfer, and measure cryogenic propellants for a duration which is relevant to enable long term human space exploration missions beyond low Earth orbit (LEO). Recognizing that key cryogenic fluid management technologies anticipated for on-orbit (flight) demonstration needed to be matured to a readiness level appropriate for infusion into the design of the flight demonstration, the NASA Headquarters Space Technology Mission Directorate authorized funding for a one-year (FY12) ground based technology maturation program. The strategy, proposed by the CPST Project Manager, focused on maturation through modeling, studies, and ground tests of the storage and fluid transfer Cryogenic Fluid Management (CFM) technology sub-elements and components that were not already at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 5. A technology maturation plan (TMP) was subsequently approved which described: the CFM technologies selected for maturation, the ground testing approach to be used, quantified success criteria of the technologies, hardware and data deliverables, and a deliverable to provide an assessment of the technology readiness after completion of the test, study or modeling activity. This paper will present the testing, studies, and modeling that occurred in FY12 to mature cryogenic fluid management technologies for propellant storage, transfer, and supply, to examine extensibility to full scale, long duration missions, and to develop and validate analytical models. Finally, the paper will briefly describe an upcoming test to demonstrate Liquid Oxygen (LO2) Zero Boil-Off (ZBO).

Cryogenic Propellant Storage and Transfer (CPST) Technology Maturation: Establishing a Foundation for a Technology Demonstration Mission (TDM)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Doherty, Michael P.; Meyer, Michael L.; Motil, Susan M.; Ginty, Carol A.

2013-01-01

As part of U.S. National Space Policy, NASA is seeking an innovative path for human space exploration, which strengthens the capability to extend human and robotic presence throughout the solar system. NASA is laying the groundwork to enable humans to safely reach multiple potential destinations, including asteroids, Lagrange points, the Moon and Mars. In support of this, NASA is embarking on the Technology Demonstration Mission Cryogenic Propellant Storage and Transfer (TDM CPST) Project to test and validate key cryogenic capabilities and technologies required for future exploration elements, opening up the architecture for large cryogenic propulsion stages (CPS) and propellant depots. The TDM CPST project will provide an on-orbit demonstration of the capability to store, transfer, and measure cryogenic propellants for a duration which is relevant to enable long term human space exploration missions beyond low Earth orbit (LEO). Recognizing that key cryogenic fluid management technologies anticipated for on-orbit (flight) demonstration needed to be matured to a readiness level appropriate for infusion into the design of the flight demonstration, the NASA Headquarters Space Technology Mission Directorate authorized funding for a one-year (FY12) ground based technology maturation program. The strategy, proposed by the CPST Project Manager, focused on maturation through modeling, studies, and ground tests of the storage and fluid transfer Cryogenic Fluid Management (CFM) technology sub-elements and components that were not already at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 5. A technology maturation plan (TMP) was subsequently approved which described: the CFM technologies selected for maturation, the ground testing approach to be used, quantified success criteria of the technologies, hardware and data deliverables, and a deliverable to provide an assessment of the technology readiness after completion of the test, study or modeling activity. This paper will present the testing, studies, and modeling that occurred in FY12 to mature cryogenic fluid management technologies for propellant storage, transfer, and supply, to examine extensibility to full scale, long duration missions, and to develop and validate analytical models. Finally, the paper will briefly describe an upcoming test to demonstrate Liquid Oxygen (LO2) Zero Boil- Off (ZBO).

Reducing the convective losses of cavity receivers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Flesch, Robert; Grobbel, Johannes; Stadler, Hannes; Uhlig, Ralf; Hoffschmidt, Bernhard

2016-05-01

Convective losses reduce the efficiency of cavity receivers used in solar power towers especially under windy conditions. Therefore, measures should be taken to reduce these losses. In this paper two different measures are analyzed: an air curtain and a partial window which covers one third of the aperture opening. The cavity without modifications and the usage of a partial window were analyzed in a cryogenic wind tunnel at -173°C. The cryogenic environment allows transforming the results from the small model cavity to a large scale receiver with Gr≈3.9.1010. The cavity with the two modifications in the wind tunnel environment was analyzed with a CFD model as well. By comparing the numerical and experimental results the model was validated. Both modifications are capable of reducing the convection losses. In the best case a reduction of about 50 % was achieved.

Tapered Screened Channel PMD for Cryogenic Liquids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dodge, Franklin T.; Green, Steve T.; Walter, David B.

2004-02-01

If a conventional spacecraft propellant management device (PMD) of the screened channel type were employed with a cryogenic liquid, vapor bubbles generated within the channel by heat transfer could ``dry out'' the channel screens and thereby cause the channels to admit large amounts of vapor from the tank into the liquid outflow. This paper describes a new tapered channel design that passively `pumps' bubbles away from the outlet port and vents them into the tank. A predictive mathematical model of the operating principle is presented and discussed. Scale-model laboratory tests were conducted and the mathematical model agreed well with the measured rates of bubble transport velocity. Finally, an example of the use of the predictive model for a realistic spacecraft application is presented. The model predicts that bubble clearing rates are acceptable even in tanks up to 2 m in length.

Hybrid Electrostatic/Flextensional Mirror for Lightweight, Large-Aperture, and Cryogenic Space Telescopes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Patrick, Brian; Moore, James; Hackenberger, Wesley; Jiang, Xiaoning

2013-01-01

A lightweight, cryogenically capable, scalable, deformable mirror has been developed for space telescopes. This innovation makes use of polymer-based membrane mirror technology to enable large-aperture mirrors that can be easily launched and deployed. The key component of this innovation is a lightweight, large-stroke, cryogenic actuator array that combines the high degree of mirror figure control needed with a large actuator influence function. The latter aspect of the innovation allows membrane mirror figure correction with a relatively low actuator density, preserving the lightweight attributes of the system. The principal components of this technology are lightweight, low-profile, high-stroke, cryogenic-capable piezoelectric actuators based on PMN-PT (piezoelectric lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate) single-crystal configured in a flextensional actuator format; high-quality, low-thermal-expansion polymer membrane mirror materials developed by NeXolve; and electrostatic coupling between the membrane mirror and the piezoelectric actuator assembly to minimize problems such as actuator print-through.

Characterization of a Compact Cryogenic Package Approach to Ion Trap Quantum Comuting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spivey, Robert; Vrijsen, Geert; Ahn, Byeong-Hyeon; Hudek, Kai; Crain, Stephen; van Rynbach, Andre; Rachel, Noek; Kim, Jungsang

One challenge for the expansion of trapped ion systems to a large scale is the lack of repeatable integration technology to realize compact and stable operating environment. In this work, we present a novel ion trapping environment where conventional ultra-high vacuum (UHV) chambers are replaced with a sealed ceramic package operating in a cryogenic environment. A microfabricated surface ion trap mounted on a 100-pin ceramic pin grid array (CPGA) package is placed in a UHV environment. A titanium lid with windows for optical access is then attached to the CPGA via an indium seal which maintains the UHV conditions for the ion trap. The trap package assembly is operated at cryogenic temperatures (5K) in order to freeze out most of the residual background gas. Activated charcoal is used to pump remaining helium and hydrogen molecules. Metallic Yb ablated using a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser at 1,064 nm is used as the atomic source. A compact radio frequency resonant circuit is used to create the RF potential for trapping. A low output impedance amplifier drives a superconducting inductor of value 2 uH in series with the trap capacitance in order to produce 200V at 26 MHz with low heating at 5K. We present the experimental progress towards trapping ions in this compact cryogenic setup.

Development and testing of a passive check valve for cryogenic applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moore, B. D.; Maddocks, J. R.; Miller, F. K.

2014-11-01

Several cryogenic technologies use check valves, such as the Cold Cycle Dilution Refrigerator (CCDR) and the Hybrid Pulse-Tube/Reverse-Brayton Cryocooler. This paper details the development of a reed-style passive check valve with a PTFE seat for cryogenic applications. The experimental results of tests on the valve using helium gas at temperatures from 293 K down to 5.2 K, verify a scaling argument based on fundamental fluid dynamics that allows results from 78 K to be used in predicting valve performance at much lower temperatures. The scaling argument is then applied to a test conducted at the normal boiling point of Nitrogen to examine the results of improved fabrication methods.

Cryogenic fluid management (base R/T): Cryogenic fluid systems, Cryogenic Orbital Nitrogen Experiment (CONE), Cryogenic Orbital Hydrogen Experiment (COHE). (Transportation focused technology)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Symons, Pat

1991-01-01

The topics presented are covered in viewgraph form. The concluded remarks are: (1) advanced cryogenic fluid systems technology is enhancing or enabling to all known transportation scenarios for space exploration; (2) an integrated/coordinated program involving LeRC/MSFC has been formulated to address all known CFM needs - new needs should they develop, can be accommodated within available skills/facilities; (3) all required/experienced personnel and facilities are finally in place - data from initial ground-based experiments is being collected and analyzed - small scale STS experiments are nearing flight - program is beginning to yield significant results; (4) future proposed funding to primarily come from two sources; and (5) cryogenic fluid experimentation is essential to provide required technology and assure implementation in future NASA missions.

Ultra-high-mass mass spectrometry with charge discrimination using cryogenic detectors

DOEpatents

Frank, Matthias; Mears, Carl A.; Labov, Simon E.; Benner, W. Henry

1999-01-01

An ultra-high-mass time-of-flight mass spectrometer using a cryogenic particle detector as an ion detector with charge discriminating capabilities. Cryogenic detectors have the potential for significantly improving the performance and sensitivity of time-of-flight mass spectrometers, and compared to ion multipliers they exhibit superior sensitivity for high-mass, slow-moving macromolecular ions and can be used as "stop" detectors in time-of-flight applications. In addition, their energy resolving capability can be used to measure the charge state of the ions. Charge discrimination is very valuable in all time-of-flight mass spectrometers. Using a cryogenically-cooled Nb-Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 -Nb superconductor-insulator-superconductor (SIS) tunnel junction (STJ) detector operating at 1.3 K as an ion detector in a time-of-flight mass spectrometer for large biomolecules it was found that the STJ detector has charge discrimination capabilities. Since the cryogenic STJ detector responds to ion energy and does not rely on secondary electron production, as in the conventionally used microchannel plate (MCP) detectors, the cryogenic detector therefore detects large molecular ions with a velocity-independent efficiency approaching 100%.

Thallous halide materials for use in cryogenic applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lawless, William N. (Inventor)

1981-01-01

Thallous halides, either alone or in combination with other ceramic materials, are used in cryogenic applications such as heat exchange material for the regenerator section of a closed-cycle cryogenic refrigeration section, as stabilizing coatings for superconducting wires, and as dielectric insulating materials. The thallous halides possess unusually large specific heats at low temperatures, have large thermal conductivities, are nonmagnetic, and are nonconductors of electricity. They can be formed into a variety of shapes such as spheres, bars, rods, or the like and can be coated onto substrates.

Artificial Aging Effects on Cryogenic Fracture Toughness of the Main Structural Alloy for the Super Lightweight Tank

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chen, P. S.; Stanton, W. P.

2002-01-01

In 1996, Marshall Space Flight Center developed a multistep heating rate-controlled (MSRC) aging technique that significantly enhanced cryogenic fracture toughness (CFT) and reduced the statistical spread of fracture toughness values in alloy 2195 by controlling the location and size of strengthening precipitate T1. However, it could not be readily applied to flight-related hardware production, primarily because large-scale production furnaces are unable to maintain a heating rate of 0.6 C (1 F)/hr. In August 1996, a new program was initiated to determine whether the MSRC aging treatment could be further modified to facilitate its implementation to flight hardware production. It was successfully redesigned into a simplified two-step aging treatment consisting of 132 C (270 F)/20 hr + 138 C (280 F)/40 hr. Results indicated that two-step aging can achieve the same yield strength levels as those produced by conventional aging while providing greatly improved ductility. Two-step aging proved to be very effective at enhancing CFT, enabling previously rejected materials to meet simulated service requirements. Cryogenic properties are improved by controlling T1 nucleation and growth so that they are promoted in the matrix and suppressed in the subgrain boundaries.

Mechanical Properties of Friction Stir Welds in A12195-T8

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kinchen, David G.; Li, Zhixian; Adams, Glynn P.

1999-01-01

An extensive study of the mechanical properties of friction stir welded Al-Li 2195 has been conducted by Lockheed Martin Michoud Space Systems under contract to NASA. The study was part of a development program in which weld parameters were defined for using FSW to assemble large-scale aluminum cryogenic tanks. In excess of 300 feet of 0.320 in. gage plate material was welded and tested. The tests include room temperature and cryogenic temperature tensile tests and surface crack tension (SCT) tests, nondestructive evaluation, metallurgical studies, and photostress analysis. The results of the testing demonstrated improved mechanical properties with FSW as compared to typical fusion welding processes. Increases in ultimate tensile strength, cryogenic enhancement and elongation were observed with the tensile test results. Increased fracture toughness was observed with the SCT results. Nondestructive evaluations were conducted on all welded Joints. No volumetric defects were indicated. Surface indications on the root side of the welds did not significantly affect weld strength. The results of the nondestructive evaluations were confirmed via metallurgical studies. Photostress analysis revealed strain concentrations in multi-pass and heat-repaired FSW's. Details of the tests and results are presented.

Active Costorage of Cryogenic Propellants for Exploration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Canavan, Edgar R.; Boyle, Rob; Mustafi, Shuvo

2008-01-01

Long-term storage of cryogenic propellants is a critical requirement for NASA's effort to return to the moon. Liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen provide the highest specific impulse of any practical chemical propulsion system, and thus provides the greatest payload mass per unit of launch mass. Future manned missions will require vehicles with the flexibility to remain in orbit for months, necessitating long-term storage of these cryogenic liquids. For decades cryogenic scientific satellites have used cryogens to cool instruments. In many cases, the lifetime of the primary cryogen tank has been extended by intercepting much of the heat incident on the tank at an intermediate-temperature shield cooled either by a second cryogen tank or a mechanical cryocooler. For an LH2/LO2 propellant system, a combination of these ideas can be used, in which the shield around the LO2 tank is attached to, and at the same temperature as, the LO2 tank, but is actively cooled so as to remove all heat impinging on the tank and shield. This configuration eliminates liquid oxygen boil-off and cuts the liquid hydrogen boil-off to a small fraction of the unshielded rate. This paper studies the concept of active costorage as a means of long-term cryogenic propellant storage. The paper describes the design impact of an active costorage system for the Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV). This paper also compares the spacecraft level impact of the active costorage concept with a passive storage option in relation to two different scales of spacecraft that will be used for the lunar exploration effort, the CEV and the Earth Departure Stage (EDS). Spacecraft level studies are performed to investigate the impact of scaling of the costorage technologies for the different components of the Lunar Architecture and for different mission durations.

Mechanical testing of large cryogenic structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Newkirk, Roger; Burriesci, Larry

1990-01-01

The mechanical testing performed on the Cryogenic Limb Array Etalon Spectrometer (CLAES) instrument installed on the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite is discussed. The CLAES determines temperatures and concentrations of stratospheric minor species as a function of altitude by measuring the atmospheric infrared emission spectra. CLAES is based on a telescope optical system and infrared spectrometer which are cooled with cryogens.

Horizontal cryogenic bushing for the termination of a superconducting power-transmission line

DOEpatents

Minati, K.F.; Morgan, G.H.; McNerney, A.J.; Schauer, F.

1982-07-29

A termination for a superconducting power transmission line is disclosed which is comprised of a standard air entrance insulated vertical bushing with an elbow, a horizontal cryogenic bushing linking the pressurized cryogenic cable environment to the ambient temperature bushing and a stress cone which terminated the cable outer shield and transforms the large radial voltage gradient in the cable dielectric into a much lower radial voltage gradient in the high density helium coolant at the cold end of the cryogenic bushing.

Termination for a superconducting power transmission line including a horizontal cryogenic bushing

DOEpatents

Minati, Kurt F.; Morgan, Gerry H.; McNerney, Andrew J.; Schauer, Felix

1984-01-01

A termination for a superconducting power transmission line is disclosed which is comprised of a standard air entrance insulated vertical bushing with an elbow, a horizontal cryogenic bushing linking the pressurized cryogenic cable environment to the ambient temperature bushing and a stress cone which terminates the cable outer shield and transforms the large radial voltage gradient in the cable dielectric into a much lower radial voltage gradient in the high density helium coolant at the cold end of the cryogenic bushing.

Super-light-weighted HB-Cesic® mirror cryogenic test

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Devilliers, Christophe; Krödel, Matthias R.; Sodnik, Zoran; Robert, Patrick

2017-11-01

Future scientific space missions require ever more demanding large optics that work at cryogenic temperatures. In the frame of a Darwin assessment study conducted under ESA contract by TAS, the need of future very lightweight cryogenic mirrors with superior optical quality has been identified. Such mirrors need to be of size up to 3.5 m in diameter, with a mass of less than 250 kg (i.e. 25 kg/m2) and possess excellent optical quality at cryogenic temperature down to 40 K.

Application of FLEET Velocimetry in the NASA Langley 0.3-meter Transonic Cryogenic Tunnel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burns, Ross A.; Danehy, Paul M.; Halls, Benjamin R.; Jiang, Naibo

2015-01-01

Femtosecond laser electronic excitation and tagging (FLEET) velocimetry is demonstrated in a large-scale transonic cryogenic wind tunnel. Test conditions include total pressures, total temperatures, and Mach numbers ranging from 15 to 58 psia, 200 to 295 K, and 0.2 to 0.75, respectively. Freestream velocity measurements exhibit accuracies within 1 percent and precisions better than 1 m/s. The measured velocities adhere closely to isentropic flow theory over the domain of temperatures and pressures that were tested. Additional velocity measurements are made within the tunnel boundary layer; virtual trajectories traced out by the FLEET signal are indicative of the characteristic turbulent behavior in this region of the flow, where the unsteadiness increases demonstrably as the wall is approached. Mean velocities taken within the boundary layer are in agreement with theoretical velocity profiles, though the fluctuating velocities exhibit a greater deviation from theoretical predictions.

Thermal Performance Comparison of Glass Microsphere and Perlite Insulation Systems for Liquid Hydrogen Storage Tanks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sass, J. P.; Fesmire, J. E.; Nagy, Z. F.; Sojourner, S. J.; Morris, D. L.; Augustynowicz, S. D.

2008-03-01

A technology demonstration test project was conducted by the Cryogenics Test Laboratory at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) to provide comparative thermal performance data for glass microspheres, referred to as bubbles, and perlite insulation for liquid hydrogen tank applications. Two identical 1/15th scale versions of the 3,200,000 liter spherical liquid hydrogen tanks at Launch Complex 39 at KSC were custom designed and built to serve as test articles for this test project. Evaporative (boil-off) calorimeter test protocols, including liquid nitrogen and liquid hydrogen, were established to provide tank test conditions characteristic of the large storage tanks that support the Space Shuttle launch operations. This paper provides comparative thermal performance test results for bubbles and perlite for a wide range of conditions. Thermal performance as a function of cryogenic commodity (nitrogen and hydrogen), vacuum pressure, insulation fill level, tank liquid level, and thermal cycles will be presented.

The Zero Boil-Off Tank Experiment Contributions to the Development of Cryogenic Fluid Management

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chato, David J.; Kassemi, Mohammad

2015-01-01

The Zero Boil-Off Technology (ZBOT) Experiment involves performing a small scale ISS experiment to study tank pressurization and pressure control in microgravity. The ZBOT experiment consists of a vacuum jacketed test tank filled with an inert fluorocarbon simulant liquid. Heaters and thermo-electric coolers are used in conjunction with an axial jet mixer flow loop to study a range of thermal conditions within the tank. The objective is to provide a high quality database of low gravity fluid motions and thermal transients which will be used to validate Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) modeling. This CFD can then be used in turn to predict behavior in larger systems with cryogens. This paper will discuss the current status of the ZBOT experiment as it approaches its flight to installation on the International Space Station, how its findings can be scaled to larger and more ambitious cryogenic fluid management experiments, as well as ideas for follow-on investigations using ZBOT like hardware to study other aspects of cryogenic fluid management.

Large voltage modulation in superconducting quantum interference devices with submicron-scale step-edge junctions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lam, Simon K. H.

2017-09-01

A promising direction to improve the sensitivity of a SQUID is to increase its junction's normal resistance value, Rn, as the SQUID modulation voltage scales linearly with Rn. As a first step to develop highly sensitive single layer SQUID, submicron scale YBCO grain boundary step edge junctions and SQUIDs with large Rn were fabricated and studied. The step-edge junctions were reduced to submicron scale to increase their Rn values using focus ion beam, FIB and the measurement of transport properties were performed from 4.3 to 77 K. The FIB induced deposition layer proves to be effective to minimize the Ga ion contamination during the FIB milling process. The critical current-normal resistance value of submicron junction at 4.3 K was found to be 1-3 mV, comparable to the value of the same type of junction in micron scale. The submicron junction Rn value is in the range of 35-100 Ω, resulting a large SQUID modulation voltage in a wide temperature range. This performance promotes further investigation of cryogen-free, high field sensitivity SQUID applications at medium low temperature, e.g. at 40-60 K.

Preliminary Assessment of Microwave Readout Multiplexing Factor

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Croce, Mark Philip; Koehler, Katrina Elizabeth; Rabin, Michael W.

2017-01-23

Ultra-high resolution microcalorimeter gamma spectroscopy is a new non-destructive assay technology for measurement of plutonium isotopic composition, with the potential to reduce total measurement uncertainty to a level competitive with destructive analysis methods [1-4]. Achieving this level of performance in practical applications requires not only the energy resolution now routinely achieved with transition-edge sensor microcalorimeter arrays (an order of magnitude better than for germanium detectors) but also high throughput. Microcalorimeter gamma spectrometers have not yet achieved detection efficiency and count rate capability that is comparable to germanium detectors, largely because of limits from existing readout technology. Microcalorimeter detectors must bemore » operated at low temperature to achieve their exceptional energy resolution. Although the typical 100 mK operating temperatures can be achieved with reliable, cryogen-free systems, the cryogenic complexity and heat load from individual readout channels for large sensor arrays is prohibitive. Multiplexing is required for practical systems. The most mature multiplexing technology at present is time-division multiplexing (TDM) [3, 5-6]. In TDM, the sensor outputs are switched by applying bias current to one SQUID amplifier at a time. Transition-edge sensor (TES) microcalorimeter arrays as large as 256 pixels have been developed for X-ray and gamma-ray spectroscopy using TDM technology. Due to bandwidth limits and noise scaling, TDM is limited to a maximum multiplexing factor of approximately 32-40 sensors on one readout line [8]. Increasing the size of microcalorimeter arrays above the kilopixel scale, required to match the throughput of germanium detectors, requires the development of a new readout technology with a much higher multiplexing factor.« less

Ball Aerospace SBMD Coating Test Results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, Robert; Lightsey, Paul; Russell, J. Kevin (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

The Sub-scale Beryllium Mirror Demonstrator that was successfully tested to demonstrate cryogenic figuring of a bare mirror has been coated with a protected gold reflective surface and retested at cryogenic temperatures. Results showing less than 9 nm rms surface distortion attributable to the added coating are presented.

Cryogen spray cooling: Effects of droplet size and spray density on heat removal.

PubMed

Pikkula, B M; Torres, J H; Tunnell, J W; Anvari, B

2001-01-01

Cryogen spray cooling (CSC) is an effective method to reduce or eliminate non-specific injury to the epidermis during laser treatment of various dermatological disorders. In previous CSC investigations, fuel injectors have been used to deliver the cryogen onto the skin surface. The objective of this study was to examine cryogen atomization and heat removal characteristics of various cryogen delivery devices. Various cryogen delivery device types including fuel injectors, atomizers, and a device currently used in clinical settings were investigated. Cryogen mass was measured at the delivery device output orifice. Cryogen droplet size profiling for various cryogen delivery devices was estimated by optically imaging the droplets in flight. Heat removal for various cryogen delivery devices was estimated over a range of spraying distances by temperature measurements in an skin phantom used in conjunction with an inverse heat conduction model. A substantial range of mass outputs were measured for the cryogen delivery devices while heat removal varied by less than a factor of two. Droplet profiling demonstrated differences in droplet size and spray density. Results of this study show that variation in heat removal by different cryogen delivery devices is modest despite the relatively large difference in cryogen mass output and droplet size. A non-linear relationship between heat removal by various devices and droplet size and spray density was observed. Copyright 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Dynamic Simulation of AN Helium Refrigerator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deschildre, C.; Barraud, A.; Bonnay, P.; Briend, P.; Girard, A.; Poncet, J. M.; Roussel, P.; Sequeira, S. E.

2008-03-01

A dynamic simulation of a large scale existing refrigerator has been performed using the software Aspen Hysys®. The model comprises the typical equipments of a cryogenic system: heat exchangers, expanders, helium phase separators and cold compressors. It represents the 400 W @ 1.8 K Test Facility located at CEA—Grenoble. This paper describes the model development and shows the possibilities and limitations of the dynamic module of Aspen Hysys®. Then, comparison between simulation results and experimental data are presented; the simulation of cooldown process was also performed.

Activation of thermal denudation under recent climatic fluctuations, Central Yamal, Russia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khomutov, Artem; Dvornikov, Yury; Gubarkov, Anatoly; Mullanurov, Damir

2016-04-01

Climatic fluctuations over the past few years significantly affected the increase of cryogenic processes activity in the tundra zone of the Yamal Peninsula. On Central Yamal a large-scale cryogenic landsliding was observed in 1989, while cryogenic earth flows were actively developing since 2012 through tabular ground ice thawing. As a result, thermocirques form on lakeshores. Key area (research station "Vaskiny Dachi" on the Se-Yakha and the Mordy-Yakha interfluve) during the period from 1989 to 2012 was characterized by a local occurrence of thermal denudation. By 2010, remote sensing data showed that this process in the study area was usually inactive and thermocirques looked stabilized, overgrown by vegetation. Extremely warm summer of 2012 resulted in formation of new thermal denudation features, such as cryogenic translational landslides, cryogenic earth flows and furthermore, thermocirques, complex landforms resulting from ice wedges and tabular ground ice thaw. The 2012 warm season was characterized by a deeper active layer: at the end of the warm period deeper by 15% than the average for the 1993-2011. Observed were indications of a high pore pressure in the active layer: effuse of liquefied clay in the tension cracks on many slopes. By 2013, according to the field and remote sensing data, there were more than 90 active thermal denudation landforms from 66 to 25000 sq.m in size on the territory of 345 sq.km. Thus, at the present in the tundra of the Yamal Peninsula the predominance of the processes associated with tabular ground ice thawing (cryogenic earth flows) over the processes associated with the ice formation at the bottom of the active layer (cryogenic translational landslides) is observed. It is caused by both a periodic deepening of the active layer, and consecutive increase of ground temperature. Activation of thermal denudation observed on the Yamal Peninsula last years is associated with extremely warm spring and summer of 2012. By the end of the warm season thawing of the top of icy permafrost and tabular ground ice on some slopes resulted in cryogenic landsliding and further thermocirques development. The study is partially supported by RFBR, research project No.13-05-91001-ANF_a; ASF No I 1401-N29; and The Presidential Council for grants, Science School Grant No.3929.2014.5.

Commissioning the cryogenic system of the first LHC sector

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Millet, F.; Claudet, S.; Ferlin, G.

2007-12-01

The LHC machine, composed of eight sectors with superconducting magnets and accelerating cavities, requires a complex cryogenic system providing high cooling capacities (18 kW equivalent at 4.5 K and 2.4 W at 1.8 K per sector produced in large cold boxes and distributed via 3.3-km cryogenic transfer lines). After individual reception tests of the cryogenic subsystems (cryogen storages, refrigerators, cryogenic transfer lines and distribution boxes) performed since 2000, the commissioning of the cryogenic system of the first LHC sector has been under way since November 2006. After a brief introduction to the LHC cryogenic system and its specificities, the commissioningmore » is reported detailing the preparation phase (pressure and leak tests, circuit conditioning and flushing), the cool-down sequences including the handling of cryogenic fluids, the magnet powering phase and finally the warm-up. Preliminary conclusions on the commissioning of the first LHC sector will be drawn with the review of the critical points already solved or still pending. The last part of the paper reports on the first operational experience of the LHC cryogenic system in the perspective of the commissioning of the remaining LHC sectors and the beam injection test.« less

Purification for the XENONnT dark matter experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brown, Ethan; Xenon Collaboration

2017-01-01

The XENON1T experiment uses 3.5 tons of liquid xenon in a cryogenic detector to search for dark matter. Its upgrade, XENONnT, will similarly house 7.5 tons of liquid xenon. Operation of these large detectors requires continual purification of the xenon in an external purifier, and the need for less than part per billion level oxygen in the xenon, coupled with the large quantity of xenon to be purified, places high demands on the rate of flow through this purification system. Building on the success of the XENON10 and XENON100 experiments, XENON1T circulates gaseous xenon through heated getters at a rate of up to 100 SLPM, pushing commercial pumps to their limits moving this large quantity of gas without interruption for several years. Two upgrades are considered for XENONnT. A custom high-capacity magnetic piston pump based on the one developed for the EXO200 experiment has been scaled up to support the high demands of this much larger experiment. Additionally, a liquid phase circulation and purification system that purifies the cryogenic liquid directly is being developed, which takes advantage of the much smaller volumetric flow demands of liquid relative to gas. The implementation of both upgrades will be presented. Supported by the National Science Foundation.

Extraterrestrial resource utilization for economy in space missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lewis, J. S.; Ramohalli, K.; Triffet, T.

1990-01-01

The NASA/University of Arizona Space Engineering Research Center is dedicated to research on the discovery, characterization, mapping, beneficiation, extraction, processing, and fabrication of useful products from extraterrestrial material. Schemes for the automated production of low-technology products that are likely to be desired in large quantities in the early stages of any large-scale space activity are identified and developed. This paper summarizes the research program, concentrating upon the production of (1) propellants, both cryogenic and storable, (2) volatiles such as water, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide for use in life-support systems (3) structural metals, and (4) refractories for use in aerobrakes and furnace linings.

Introduction to cryogenic wind tunnels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goodyer, M. J.

1985-01-01

The background to the evolution of the cryogenic wind tunnel is outlined, with particular reference to the late 60's/early 70's when efforts were begun to re-equip with larger wind tunnels. The problems of providing full scale Reynolds numbers in transonic testing were proving particularly intractible, when the notion of satisfying the needs with the cryogenic tunnel was proposed, and then adopted. The principles and advantages of the cryogenic tunnel are outlined, along with guidance on the coolant needs when this is liquid nitrogen, and with a note on energy recovery. Operational features of the tunnels are introduced with reference to a small low speed tunnel. Finally the outstanding contributions are highlighted of the 0.3-Meter Transonic Cryogenic Tunnel (TCT) at NASA Langley Research Center, and its personnel, to the furtherance of knowledge and confidence in the concept.

Subcooling for Long Duration In-Space Cryogenic Propellant Storage

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mustafi, Shuvo; Johnson, Wesley; Kashani, Ali; Jurns, John; Kutter, Bernard; Kirk, Daniel; Shull, Jeff

2010-01-01

Cryogenic propellants such as hydrogen and oxygen are crucial for exploration of the solar system because of their superior specific impulse capability. Future missions may require vehicles to remain in space for months, necessitating long-term storage of these cryogens. A Thermodynamic Cryogen Subcooler (TCS) can ease the challenge of cryogenic fluid storage by removing energy from the cryogenic propellant through isobaric subcooling of the cryogen below its normal boiling point prior to launch. The isobaric subcooling of the cryogenic propellant will be performed by using a cold pressurant to maintain the tank pressure while the cryogen's temperature is simultaneously reduced using the TCS. The TCS hardware will be integrated into the launch infrastructure and there will be no significant addition to the launched dry mass. Heat leaks into all cryogenic propellant tanks, despite the use of the best insulation systems. However, the large heat capacity available in the subcooled cryogenic propellants allows the energy that leaks into the tank to be absorbed until the cryogen reaches its operational thermodynamic condition. During this period of heating of the subcooled cryogen there will be minimal loss of the propellant due to venting for pressure control. This simple technique can extend the operational life of a spacecraft or an orbital cryogenic depot for months with minimal mass penalty. In fact isobaric subcooling can more than double the in-space hold time of liquid hydrogen compared to normal boiling point hydrogen. A TCS for cryogenic propellants would thus provide an enhanced level of mission flexibility. Advances in the important components of the TCS will be discussed in this paper.

Simulating Extraterrestrial Ices in the Laboratory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berisford, D. F.; Carey, E. M.; Hand, K. P.; Choukroun, M.

2017-12-01

Several ongoing experiments at JPL attempt to simulate the ice environment for various regimes associated with icy moons. The Europa Penitent Ice Experiment (EPIX) simulates the surface environment of an icy moon, to investigate the physics of ice surface morphology growth. This experiment features half-meter-scale cryogenic ice samples, cryogenic radiative sink environment, vacuum conditions, and diurnal cycling solar simulation. The experiment also includes several smaller fixed-geometry vacuum chambers for ice simulation at Earth-like and intermediate temperature and vacuum conditions for development of surface morphology growth scaling relations. Additionally, an ice cutting facility built on a similar platform provides qualitative data on the mechanical behavior of cryogenic ice with impurities under vacuum, and allows testing of ice cutting/sampling tools relevant for landing spacecraft. A larger cutting facility is under construction at JPL, which will provide more quantitative data and allow full-scale sampling tool tests. Another facility, the JPL Ice Physics Laboratory, features icy analog simulant preparation abilities that range icy solar system objects such as Mars, Ceres and the icy satellites of Saturn and Jupiter. In addition, the Ice Physics Lab has unique facilities for Icy Analog Tidal Simulation and Rheological Studies of Cryogenic Icy Slurries, as well as equipment to perform thermal and mechanical properties testing on icy analog materials and their response to sinusoidal tidal stresses.

Thermodynamic Vent System for an On-Orbit Cryogenic Reaction Control Engine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hurlbert, Eric A.; Romig, Kris A.; Jimenez, Rafael; Flores, Sam

2012-01-01

A report discusses a cryogenic reaction control system (RCS) that integrates a Joule-Thompson (JT) device (expansion valve) and thermodynamic vent system (TVS) with a cryogenic distribution system to allow fine control of the propellant quality (subcooled liquid) during operation of the device. It enables zero-venting when coupled with an RCS engine. The proper attachment locations and sizing of the orifice are required with the propellant distribution line to facilitate line conditioning. During operations, system instrumentation was strategically installed along the distribution/TVS line assembly, and temperature control bands were identified. A sub-scale run tank, full-scale distribution line, open-loop TVS, and a combination of procured and custom-fabricated cryogenic components were used in the cryogenic RCS build-up. Simulated on-orbit activation and thruster firing profiles were performed to quantify system heat gain and evaluate the TVS s capability to maintain the required propellant conditions at the inlet to the engine valves. Test data determined that a small control valve, such as a piezoelectric, is optimal to provide continuously the required thermal control. The data obtained from testing has also assisted with the development of fluid and thermal models of an RCS to refine integrated cryogenic propulsion system designs. This system allows a liquid oxygenbased main propulsion and reaction control system for a spacecraft, which improves performance, safety, and cost over conventional hypergolic systems due to higher performance, use of nontoxic propellants, potential for integration with life support and power subsystems, and compatibility with in-situ produced propellants.

Computational Fluid Dynamics Based Extraction of Heat Transfer Coefficient in Cryogenic Propellant Tanks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yang, H. Q.; West, Jeff

2015-01-01

Current reduced-order thermal model for cryogenic propellant tanks is based on correlations built for flat plates collected in the 1950's. The use of these correlations suffers from: inaccurate geometry representation; inaccurate gravity orientation; ambiguous length scale; and lack of detailed validation. The work presented under this task uses the first-principles based Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) technique to compute heat transfer from tank wall to the cryogenic fluids, and extracts and correlates the equivalent heat transfer coefficient to support reduced-order thermal model. The CFD tool was first validated against available experimental data and commonly used correlations for natural convection along a vertically heated wall. Good agreements between the present prediction and experimental data have been found for flows in laminar as well turbulent regimes. The convective heat transfer between tank wall and cryogenic propellant, and that between tank wall and ullage gas were then simulated. The results showed that commonly used heat transfer correlations for either vertical or horizontal plate over predict heat transfer rate for the cryogenic tank, in some cases by as much as one order of magnitude. A characteristic length scale has been defined that can correlate all heat transfer coefficients for different fill levels into a single curve. This curve can be used for the reduced-order heat transfer model analysis.

CFD Extraction of Heat Transfer Coefficient in Cryogenic Propellant Tanks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yang, H. Q.; West, Jeff

2015-01-01

Current reduced-order thermal model for cryogenic propellant tanks is based on correlations built for flat plates collected in the 1950's. The use of these correlations suffers from inaccurate geometry representation; inaccurate gravity orientation; ambiguous length scale; and lack of detailed validation. This study uses first-principles based CFD methodology to compute heat transfer from the tank wall to the cryogenic fluids and extracts and correlates the equivalent heat transfer coefficient to support reduced-order thermal model. The CFD tool was first validated against available experimental data and commonly used correlations for natural convection along a vertically heated wall. Good agreements between the present prediction and experimental data have been found for flows in laminar as well turbulent regimes. The convective heat transfer between the tank wall and cryogenic propellant, and that between the tank wall and ullage gas were then simulated. The results showed that the commonly used heat transfer correlations for either vertical or horizontal plate over-predict heat transfer rate for the cryogenic tank, in some cases by as much as one order of magnitude. A characteristic length scale has been defined that can correlate all heat transfer coefficients for different fill levels into a single curve. This curve can be used for the reduced-order heat transfer model analysis.

Cryogenic and radiation-hard asic for interfacing large format NIR/SWIR detector arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Peng; Dupont, Benoit; Dierickx, Bart; Müller, Eric; Verbruggen, Geert; Gielis, Stijn; Valvekens, Ramses

2017-11-01

For scientific and earth observation space missions, weight and power consumption is usually a critical factor. In order to obtain better vehicle integration, efficiency and controllability for large format NIR/SWIR detector arrays, a prototype ASIC is designed. It performs multiple detector array interfacing, power regulation and data acquisition operations inside the cryogenic chambers. Both operation commands and imaging data are communicated via the SpaceWire interface which will significantly reduce the number of wire goes in and out the cryogenic chamber. This "ASIC" prototype is realized in 0.18um CMOS technology and is designed for radiation hardness.

Cryogenic expansion joint for large superconducting magnet structures

DOEpatents

Brown, Robert L.

1978-01-01

An expansion joint is provided that accommodates dimensional changes occurring during the cooldown and warm-up of large cryogenic devices such as superconducting magnet coils. Flattened tubes containing a refrigerant such as gaseous nitrogen (N.sub.2) are inserted into expansion spaces in the structure. The gaseous N.sub.2 is circulated under pressure and aids in the cooldown process while providing its primary function of accommodating differential thermal contraction and expansion in the structure. After lower temperatures are reached and the greater part of the contraction has occured, the N.sub.2 liquefies then solidifies to provide a completely rigid structure at the cryogenic operating temperatures of the device.

Laser-induced damage of coatings on Yb:YAG crystals at cryogenic condition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, He; Zhang, Weili; Chen, Shunli; Zhu, Meiping; He, Hongbo; Fan, Zhengxiu

2011-12-01

As large amounts of heat need to be dissipated during laser operation, some diode pumped solid state lasers (DPSSL), especially Yb:YAG laser, operate at cryogenic condition. This work investigated the laser induced damage of coatings (high-reflective and anti-reflective coatings) on Yb:YAG crystals at cryogenic temperature and room temperature. The results show that the damage threshold of coatings at cryogenic temperature is lower than the one at room temperature. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), optical profiler, step profiler and Atomic force microscope (AFM) were used to obtain the damage morphology, size and depth. Taking alteration of physical parameters, microstructure of coatings and the environmental pollution into consideration, we analyzed the key factor of lowering the coating damage threshold at cryogenic conditions. The results are important to understand the mechanisms leading to damage at cryogenic condition.

A Shape Memory Alloy Based Cryogenic Thermal Conduction Switch

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Notardonato, W. U.; Krishnan, V. B.; Singh, J. D.; Woodruff, T. R.; Vaidyanathan, R.

2005-01-01

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) can produce large strains when deformed (e.g., up to 8%). Heating results in a phase transformation and associated recovery of all the accumulated strain. This strain recovery can occur against large forces, resulting in their use as actuators. Thus an SMA element can integrate both sensory and actuation functions, by inherently sensing a change in temperature and actuating by undergoing a shape change as a result of a temperature-induced phase transformation. Two aspects of our work on cryogenic SMAs are addressed here. First - a shape memory alloy based cryogenic thermal conduction switch for operation between dewars of liquid methane and liquid oxygen in a common bulkhead arrangement is discussed. Such a switch integrates the sensor element and the actuator element and can be used to create a variable thermal sink to other cryogenic tanks for liquefaction, densification, and zero boil-off systems for advanced spaceport applications. Second - fabrication via arc-melting and subsequent materials testing of SMAs with cryogenic transformation temperatures for use in the aforementioned switch is discussed.

Cryogenics for high-energy particle accelerators: highlights from the first fifty years

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lebrun, Ph

2017-02-01

Applied superconductivity has become a key technology for high-energy particle accelerators, allowing to reach higher beam energy while containing size, capital expenditure and operating costs. Large and powerful cryogenic systems are therefore ancillary to low-temperature superconducting accelerator devices - magnets and high-frequency cavities - distributed over multi-kilometre distances and operating generally close to the normal boiling point of helium, but also above 4.2 K in supercritical and down to below 2 K in superfluid. Additionally, low-temperature operation in accelerators may also be required by considerations of ultra-high vacuum, limited stored energy and beam stability. We discuss the rationale for cryogenics in high-energy particle accelerators, review its development over the past half-century and present its outlook in future large projects, with reference to the main engineering domains of cryostat design and heat loads, cooling schemes, efficient power refrigeration and cryogenic fluid management.

Beyond the Large Hadron Collider: A First Look at Cryogenics for CERN Future Circular Colliders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lebrun, Philippe; Tavian, Laurent

Following the first experimental discoveries at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and the recent update of the European strategy in particle physics, CERN has undertaken an international study of possible future circular colliders beyond the LHC. The study, conducted with the collaborative participation of interested institutes world-wide, considers several options for very high energy hadron-hadron, electron-positron and hadron-electron colliders to be installed in a quasi-circular underground tunnel in the Geneva basin, with a circumference of 80 km to 100 km. All these machines would make intensive use of advanced superconducting devices, i.e. high-field bending and focusing magnets and/or accelerating RF cavities, thus requiring large helium cryogenic systems operating at 4.5 K or below. Based on preliminary sets of parameters and layouts for the particle colliders under study, we discuss the main challenges of their cryogenic systems and present first estimates of the cryogenic refrigeration capacities required, with emphasis on the qualitative and quantitative steps to be accomplished with respect to the present state-of-the-art.

Industrialization of the nitrogen-doping preparation for SRF cavities for LCLS-II

DOE PAGES

Gonnella, D.; Aderhold, S.; Burrill, A.; ...

2017-12-02

The Linac Coherent Light Source II (LCLS-II) is a new state-of-the-art coherent X-ray source being constructed at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. It employs 280 superconducting radio frequency (SRF) cavities in order operate in continuous wave (CW) mode. To reduce the overall cryogenic cost of such a large accelerator, nitrogen-doping of the SRF cavities is being used. Nitrogen-doping has consistently been shown to increase the efficiency of SRF cavities operating in the 2.0 K regime and at medium fields (15–20 MV/m) in vertical cavity tests and horizontal cryomodule tests. While nitrogen-doping’s efficacy for improvement of cavity performance was demonstrated at threemore » independent labs, Fermilab, Jefferson Lab, and Cornell University, transfer of the technology to industry for LCLS-II production was not without challenges. Here in this paper, we present results from the beginning of LCLS-II cavity production. We discuss qualification of the cavity vendors and the first cavities from each vendor. Finally, we demonstrate that nitrogen-doping has been successfully transferred to SRF cavity vendors, resulting in consistent production of cavities with better cryogenic efficiency than has ever been achieved for a large-scale accelerator.« less

Industrialization of the nitrogen-doping preparation for SRF cavities for LCLS-II

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gonnella, D.; Aderhold, S.; Burrill, A.

The Linac Coherent Light Source II (LCLS-II) is a new state-of-the-art coherent X-ray source being constructed at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. It employs 280 superconducting radio frequency (SRF) cavities in order operate in continuous wave (CW) mode. To reduce the overall cryogenic cost of such a large accelerator, nitrogen-doping of the SRF cavities is being used. Nitrogen-doping has consistently been shown to increase the efficiency of SRF cavities operating in the 2.0 K regime and at medium fields (15–20 MV/m) in vertical cavity tests and horizontal cryomodule tests. While nitrogen-doping’s efficacy for improvement of cavity performance was demonstrated at threemore » independent labs, Fermilab, Jefferson Lab, and Cornell University, transfer of the technology to industry for LCLS-II production was not without challenges. Here in this paper, we present results from the beginning of LCLS-II cavity production. We discuss qualification of the cavity vendors and the first cavities from each vendor. Finally, we demonstrate that nitrogen-doping has been successfully transferred to SRF cavity vendors, resulting in consistent production of cavities with better cryogenic efficiency than has ever been achieved for a large-scale accelerator.« less

Industrialization of the nitrogen-doping preparation for SRF cavities for LCLS-II

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gonnella, D.; Aderhold, S.; Burrill, A.; Daly, E.; Davis, K.; Grassellino, A.; Grimm, C.; Khabiboulline, T.; Marhauser, F.; Melnychuk, O.; Palczewski, A.; Posen, S.; Ross, M.; Sergatskov, D.; Sukhanov, A.; Trenikhina, Y.; Wilson, K. M.

2018-03-01

The Linac Coherent Light Source II (LCLS-II) is a new state-of-the-art coherent X-ray source being constructed at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. It employs 280 superconducting radio frequency (SRF) cavities in order operate in continuous wave (CW) mode. To reduce the overall cryogenic cost of such a large accelerator, nitrogen-doping of the SRF cavities is being used. Nitrogen-doping has consistently been shown to increase the efficiency of SRF cavities operating in the 2.0 K regime and at medium fields (15-20 MV/m) in vertical cavity tests and horizontal cryomodule tests. While nitrogen-doping's efficacy for improvement of cavity performance was demonstrated at three independent labs, Fermilab, Jefferson Lab, and Cornell University, transfer of the technology to industry for LCLS-II production was not without challenges. Here we present results from the beginning of LCLS-II cavity production. We discuss qualification of the cavity vendors and the first cavities from each vendor. Finally, we demonstrate that nitrogen-doping has been successfully transferred to SRF cavity vendors, resulting in consistent production of cavities with better cryogenic efficiency than has ever been achieved for a large-scale accelerator.

Cryogen-free cryostat for large-scale arrays of superconducting tunnel junction ion detectors in time-of-flight mass spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kushino, A.; Ohkubo, M.; Chen, Y. E.; Ukibe, M.; Kasai, S.; Fujioka, K.

2006-04-01

Nb-based superconducting tunnel junction (STJ) detectors have a fast time resolution of a few 100 ns and high operating temperature of 0.3 K. These advantages expand their applicable fields to time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOF-MS). In order to enlarge effective detection area, we have built arrays based on hundreds of large STJ elements. To realize the fast readout and no-cross talk, coaxial cables made of low-thermal conductivity materials were investigated. From results of thermal conduction measurements, we chose thin coaxial cables with a diameter of 0.33 mm, consisting of CuNi center/outer conductors and Teflon insulator for the wiring between 0.3 K- 3He pot of the sorption pump and 3 K-2nd stage of GM cooler. Even after the installation of coaxial cables and a cold snout to the cryogen-free cryostat, we could keep arrays at 0.3 K for about a week, and reduction of the holding time at 0.3 K and temperature rise at 3He pot due to the installation were small, ˜0.5 day and 10 mK, respectively.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gonnella, D.; Aderhold, S.; Burrill, A.

The Linac Coherent Light Source II (LCLS-II) is a new state-of-the-art coherent X-ray source being constructed at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. It employs 280 superconducting radio frequency (SRF) cavities in order operate in continuous wave (CW) mode. To reduce the overall cryogenic cost of such a large accelerator, nitrogen-doping of the SRF cavities is being used. Nitrogen-doping has consistently been shown to increase the efficiency of SRF cavities operating in the 2.0 K regime and at medium fields (15–20 MV/m) in vertical cavity tests and horizontal cryomodule tests. While nitrogen-doping’s efficacy for improvement of cavity performance was demonstrated at threemore » independent labs, Fermilab, Jefferson Lab, and Cornell University, transfer of the technology to industry for LCLS-II production was not without challenges. Here in this paper, we present results from the beginning of LCLS-II cavity production. We discuss qualification of the cavity vendors and the first cavities from each vendor. Finally, we demonstrate that nitrogen-doping has been successfully transferred to SRF cavity vendors, resulting in consistent production of cavities with better cryogenic efficiency than has ever been achieved for a large-scale accelerator.« less

Irradiation effect of the insulating materials for fusion superconducting magnets at cryogenic temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kobayashi, Koji; Akiyama, Yoko; Nishijima, Shigehiro

2017-09-01

In ITER, superconducting magnets should be used in such severe environment as high fluence of fast neutron, cryogenic temperature and large electromagnetic forces. Insulating material is one of the most sensitive component to radiation. So radiation resistance on mechanical properties at cryogenic temperature are required for insulating material. The purpose of this study is to evaluate irradiation effect of insulating material at cryogenic temperature by gamma-ray irradiation. Firstly, glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) and hybrid composite were prepared. After irradiation at room temperature (RT) or liquid nitrogen temperature (LNT, 77 K), interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) and glass-transition temperature (Tg) measurement were conducted. It was shown that insulating materials irradiated at room temperature were much degraded than those at cryogenic temperature.

A large-stroke cryogenic imaging FTS system for SPICA-Safari

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jellema, Willem; van Loon, Dennis; Naylor, David; Roelfsema, Peter

2014-08-01

The scientific goals of the far-infrared astronomy mission SPICA challenge the design of a large-stroke imaging FTS for Safari, inviting for the development of a new generation of cryogenic actuators with very low dissipation. In this paper we present the Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS) system concept, as foreseen for SPICA-Safari, and we discuss the technical developments required to satisfy the instrument performance.

Nanotribological behavior of deep cryogenically treated martensitic stainless steel

PubMed Central

Bakoglidis, Konstantinos D; Tuckart, Walter R; Broitman, Esteban

2017-01-01

Cryogenic treatments are increasingly used to improve the wear resistance of various steel alloys by means of transformation of retained austenite, deformation of virgin martensite and carbide refinement. In this work the nanotribological behavior and mechanical properties at the nano-scale of cryogenically and conventionally treated AISI 420 martensitic stainless steel were evaluated. Conventionally treated specimens were subjected to quenching and annealing, while the deep cryogenically treated samples were quenched, soaked in liquid nitrogen for 2 h and annealed. The elastic–plastic parameters of the materials were assessed by nanoindentation tests under displacement control, while the friction behavior and wear rate were evaluated by a nanoscratch testing methodology that it is used for the first time in steels. It was found that cryogenic treatments increased both hardness and elastic limit of a low-carbon martensitic stainless steel, while its tribological performance was enhanced marginally. PMID:28904837

Nanotribological behavior of deep cryogenically treated martensitic stainless steel.

PubMed

Prieto, Germán; Bakoglidis, Konstantinos D; Tuckart, Walter R; Broitman, Esteban

2017-01-01

Cryogenic treatments are increasingly used to improve the wear resistance of various steel alloys by means of transformation of retained austenite, deformation of virgin martensite and carbide refinement. In this work the nanotribological behavior and mechanical properties at the nano-scale of cryogenically and conventionally treated AISI 420 martensitic stainless steel were evaluated. Conventionally treated specimens were subjected to quenching and annealing, while the deep cryogenically treated samples were quenched, soaked in liquid nitrogen for 2 h and annealed. The elastic-plastic parameters of the materials were assessed by nanoindentation tests under displacement control, while the friction behavior and wear rate were evaluated by a nanoscratch testing methodology that it is used for the first time in steels. It was found that cryogenic treatments increased both hardness and elastic limit of a low-carbon martensitic stainless steel, while its tribological performance was enhanced marginally.

Cryogenic gaseous photomultipliers and liquid hole- multipliers: advances in THGEM-based sensors for future noble-liquid TPCs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arazi, L.; Coimbra, A. E. C.; Erdal, E.; Israelashvili, I.; Rappaport, M. L.; Shchemelinin, S.; Vartsky, D.; dos Santos, J. M. F.; A, Breskin

2015-11-01

Dual-phase noble-liquid TPCs are presently the most sensitive instruments for direct dark matter detection. Scaling up existing ton-scale designs to the multi-ton regime may prove to be technologically challenging. This includes both large-area coverage with affordable high-QE UV-photon detectors, and maintaining high precision in measuring the charge and light signals of rare events with keV-scale energy depositions. We present our recent advances in two complementary approaches to these problems: large-area cryogenic gaseous photomultipliers (GPM) for UV-photon detection, and liquid-hole multipliers (LHM) that provide electroluminescence light in response to ionization electrons and primary scintillation photons, using perforated electrodes immersed within the noble liquid. Results from a 10 cm diameter GPM coupled to a dual-phase liquid- xenon TPC demonstrate the feasibility of recording - for the first time - both primary (“S1”) and secondary (“S2”) scintillation signals, over a very broad dynamic range. The detector, comprising a triple-THGEM structure with CsI on the first element, has been operating stably at 180 K with gains larger than 105; it provided high single-photon detection efficiency - in the presence of massive alpha-particle induced S2 signals; S1 scintillation signals were recorded with time resolutions of 1.2 ns (RMS). Results with the LHM operated in liquid xenon yielded large photon gains, with a pulse-height resolution of 11% (RMS) for alpha-particle induced S2 signals. The detector response was stable over several months. The response of the S2 signals to rapid changes in pressure lead to the conclusion that the underlying mechanism for S2 light is electroluminescence in xenon bubbles trapped below the immersed THGEM electrode. Both studies have the potential of paving the way towards new designs of dual- and single-phase noble-liquid TPCs that could simplify the conception of future multi-ton detectors of dark matter and other rare events.

Optimizing Hardware Compatibility for Scaling Up Superconducting Qubits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fang, Michael; Campbell, Brooks; Chen, Zijun; Chiaro, Ben; Dunsworth, Andrew; Kelly, Julian; Megrant, Anthony; Neill, Charles; O'Malley, Peter; Quintana, Chris; Vainsencher, Amit; Wenner, Jim; White, Ted; Barends, Rami; Chen, Yu; Fowler, Austin; Jeffrey, Evan; Mutus, Josh; Roushan, Pedram; Sank, Daniel; Martinis, John

2015-03-01

Since quantum computation relies on the manipulation of fragile quantum states, qubit devices must be isolated from the noisy environment to prevent decoherence. Custom made components make isolation from thermal and infrared radiation possible, but have been unreliable, massive, and show sub-ideal microwave performance. Infrared isolation for large scale experiments (> 8 qubits) was achieved with compact impedance matched microwave filters which attenuate stray infrared signals on cryogenic cables with only -25 dB reflection up to 7.5 GHz. In addition, a thermal anchoring system was designed to effectively transfer unwanted heat from more than 100 coaxial cables in the dilution refrigerator and yielded a 33 percent improvement in base temperature and 50% improvement in hold time.

Design details of Intelligent Instruments for PLC-free Cryogenic measurements, control and data acquisition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Antony, Joby; Mathuria, D. S.; Chaudhary, Anup; Datta, T. S.; Maity, T.

2017-02-01

Cryogenic network for linear accelerator operations demand a large number of Cryogenic sensors, associated instruments and other control-instrumentation to measure, monitor and control different cryogenic parameters remotely. Here we describe an alternate approach of six types of newly designed integrated intelligent cryogenic instruments called device-servers which has the complete circuitry for various sensor-front-end analog instrumentation and the common digital back-end http-server built together, to make crateless PLC-free model of controls and data acquisition. These identified instruments each sensor-specific viz. LHe server, LN2 Server, Control output server, Pressure server, Vacuum server and Temperature server are completely deployed over LAN for the cryogenic operations of IUAC linac (Inter University Accelerator Centre linear Accelerator), New Delhi. This indigenous design gives certain salient features like global connectivity, low cost due to crateless model, easy signal processing due to integrated design, less cabling and device-interconnectivity etc.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mainzer, A.; Masiero, J.; Bauer, J.

Enhancements to the science data processing pipeline of NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) mission, collectively known as NEOWISE, resulted in the detection of >158,000 minor planets in four infrared wavelengths during the fully cryogenic portion of the mission. Following the depletion of its cryogen, NASA's Planetary Science Directorate funded a four-month extension to complete the survey of the inner edge of the Main Asteroid Belt and to detect and discover near-Earth objects (NEOs). This extended survey phase, known as the NEOWISE Post-Cryogenic Survey, resulted in the detection of {approx}6500 large Main Belt asteroids and 86 NEOs in its 3.4more » and 4.6 {mu}m channels. During the Post-Cryogenic Survey, NEOWISE discovered and detected a number of asteroids co-orbital with the Earth and Mars, including the first known Earth Trojan. We present preliminary thermal fits for these and other NEOs detected during the 3-Band Cryogenic and Post-Cryogenic Surveys.« less

Surface tension confined liquid cryogen cooler

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Castles, Stephen H. (Inventor); Schein, Michael E. (Inventor)

1989-01-01

A cryogenic cooler is provided for use in craft such as launch, orbital, and space vehicles subject to substantial vibration, changes in orientation, and weightlessness. The cooler contains a small pore, large free volume, low density material to restrain a cryogen through surface tension effects during launch and zero-g operations and maintains instrumentation within the temperature range of 10 to 140 K. The cooler operation is completely passive, with no inherent vibration or power requirements.

Shuttle cryogenic supply system. Optimization study. Volume 5 B-1: Programmers manual for math models

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1973-01-01

A computer program for rapid parametric evaluation of various types of cryogenics spacecraft systems is presented. The mathematical techniques of the program provide the capability for in-depth analysis combined with rapid problem solution for the production of a large quantity of soundly based trade-study data. The program requires a large data bank capable of providing characteristics performance data for a wide variety of component assemblies used in cryogenic systems. The program data requirements are divided into: (1) the semipermanent data tables and source data for performance characteristics and (2) the variable input data which contains input parameters which may be perturbated for parametric system studies.

Ignition and flame characteristics of cryogenic hydrogen releases

DOE PAGES

Panda, Pratikash P.; Hecht, Ethan S.

2017-01-01

In this work, under-expanded cryogenic hydrogen jets were investigated experimentally for their ignition and flame characteristics. The test facility described herein, was designed and constructed to release hydrogen at a constant temperature and pressure, to study the dispersion and thermo-physical properties of cryogenic hydrogen releases and flames. In this study, a non-intrusive laser spark focused on the jet axis was used to measure the maximum ignition distance. The radiative power emitted by the corresponding jet flames was also measured for a range of release scenarios from 37 K to 295 K, 2–6 bar abs through nozzles with diameters from 0.75more » to 1.25 mm. The maximum ignition distance scales linearly with the effective jet diameter (which scales as the square root of the stagnant fluid density). A 1-dimensional (stream-wise) cryogenic hydrogen release model developed previously at Sandia National Laboratories (although this model is not yet validated for cryogenic hydrogen) was exercised to predict that the mean mole fraction at the maximum ignition distance is approximately 0.14, and is not dependent on the release conditions. The flame length and width were extracted from visible and infra-red flame images for several test cases. The flame length and width both scale as the square root of jet exit Reynolds number, as reported in the literature for flames from atmospheric temperature hydrogen. As shown in previous studies for ignited atmospheric temperature hydrogen, the radiative power from the jet flames of cold hydrogen scales as a logarithmic function of the global flame residence time. The radiative heat flux from jet flames of cold hydrogen is higher than the jet flames of atmospheric temperature hydrogen, for a given mass flow rate, due to the lower choked flow velocity of low-temperature hydrogen. Lastly, this study provides critical information with regard to the development of models to inform the safety codes and standards of hydrogen infrastructure.« less

PREFACE: Advances in Cryogenic Engineering - Materials: Proceedings of the International Cryogenic Materials Conference (ICMC) 2015

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kittel, Peter; Sumption, Michael

2015-12-01

The 2015 joint Cryogenic Engineering and International Cryogenic Materials Conferences were held from June 28 through July 2 at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa in Tucson, Arizona. As at past conferences, the international scope of these meetings was strongly maintained with 26 countries being represented by 561 attendees who gathered to enjoy the joint technical programs, industrial exhibits, special events, and natural beauty of the surrounding Sonoran Desert. The program for the joint conferences included a total of 363 presentations in the plenary, oral, and poster sessions. Four plenary talks gave in-depth discussions of the readiness of bulk superconductors for applications, the role of cryogenics in the development of the hydrogen bomb and vice versa, superconducting turboelectric aircraft propulsion and UPS's uses and plans for LNG fuel. Contributed papers covered a wide range of topics including large-scale and small-scale cryogenics, advances in superconductors and their applications. In total, 234 papers were submitted for publication of which 224 are published in these proceedings. The CEC/ICMC Cryo Industrial Expo displayed the products and services of 38 industrial exhibitors and provided a congenial venue for a reception and refreshments throughout the week as well as the conference poster sessions. Spectacular panoramic views of Saguaro National Park, the Sonoran Desert and the night time lights of Tucson set the stage for a memorable week in the American Southwest. Conference participants enjoyed scenic hikes and bike rides, exploring Old Town Tucson, hot and spicy southwestern cuisine, a nighttime lightning display and a hailstorm. Conference Chairs for 2015 were Peter Kittel, Consultant, for CEC and Michael Sumption from The Ohio State University, Materials Science Department for ICMC. Program Chairs were Jonathan Demko from the LeTourneau University for CEC and Timothy Haugan from AFRL/RQQM for ICMC, assisted by the CEC Program Vice Chair, Jennifer Marquardt from Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. The Exhibit chair was Richard Dausman of Cryomech, Inc. who also served as Publicity Chair. Finally, Awards Chairs were Ray Radebaugh from the National Institute of Standards and Technology for CEC and David Cardwell from the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom, for ICMC. On June 28, the Cryogenic Society of America presented three short courses: Cryocooler Fundamentals and Space Applications, a full day course given by Dr. Ray Radebaugh and Dr. Ron Ross, Superconducting Radio Frequency Systems, a half-day course by Dr. Rong-Li Geng; and Practical Thermometry and Instrumentation, a half-day course by Dr. Scott Courts. The courses were well attended and catered to both seasoned professionals and newcomers to cryogenics. The able leadership of Paula Pair with the hardworking staff from Centennial Conferences provided outstanding conference management and operations. Thank you Paula and staff for a truly outstanding and memorable conference experience! Finally, to the attendees, authors, editors, and reviewers whose combined efforts have contributed to these proceedings, thanks very much to you all. We look forward to the next CEC/ICMC in Madison, Wisconsin, July 9 - 13, 2017.

PREFACE: Advances in Cryogenic Engineering: Proceedings of the Cryogenic Engineering Conference (CEC) 2015

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kittel, Peter; Sumption, Michael

2015-12-01

The 2015 joint Cryogenic Engineering and International Cryogenic Materials Conferences were held from June 28 through July 2 at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa in Tucson, Arizona. As at past conferences, the international scope of these meetings was strongly maintained with 26 countries being represented by 561 attendees who gathered to enjoy the joint technical programs, industrial exhibits, special events, and natural beauty of the surrounding Sonoran Desert. The program for the joint conferences included a total of 363 presentations in the plenary, oral, and poster sessions. Four plenary talks gave in-depth discussions of the readiness of bulk superconductors for applications, the role of cryogenics in the development of the hydrogen bomb and vice versa, superconducting turboelectric aircraft propulsion and UPS's uses and plans for LNG fuel. Contributed papers covered a wide range of topics including large-scale and small-scale cryogenics, advances in superconductors and their applications. In total, 234 papers were submitted for publication of which 224 are published in these proceedings. The CEC/ICMC Cryo Industrial Expo displayed the products and services of 38 industrial exhibitors and provided a congenial venue for a reception and refreshments throughout the week as well as the conference poster sessions. Spectacular panoramic views of Saguaro National Park, the Sonoran Desert and the night time lights of Tucson set the stage for a memorable week in the American Southwest. Conference participants enjoyed scenic hikes and bike rides, exploring Old Town Tucson, hot and spicy southwestern cuisine, a nighttime lightning display and a hailstorm. Conference Chairs for 2015 were Peter Kittel, Consultant, for CEC and Michael Sumption from The Ohio State University, Materials Science Department for ICMC. Program Chairs were Jonathan Demko from the LeTourneau University for CEC and Timothy Haugan from AFRL/RQQM for ICMC, assisted by the CEC Program Vice Chair, Jennifer Marquardt from Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. The Exhibit chair was Richard Dausman of Cryomech, Inc. who also served as Publicity Chair. Finally, Awards Chairs were Ray Radebaugh from the National Institute of Standards and Technology for CEC and David Cardwell from the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom, for ICMC. On June 28, the Cryogenic Society of America presented three short courses: Cryocooler Fundamentals and Space Applications, a full day course given by Dr. Ray Radebaugh and Dr. Ron Ross, Superconducting Radio Frequency Systems, a half-day course by Dr. Rong-Li Geng; and Practical Thermometry and Instrumentation, a half-day course by Dr. Scott Courts. The courses were well attended and catered to both seasoned professionals and newcomers to cryogenics. The able leadership of Paula Pair with the hardworking staff from Centennial Conferences provided outstanding conference management and operations. Thank you Paula and staff for a truly outstanding and memorable conference experience! Finally, to the attendees, authors, editors, and reviewers whose combined efforts have contributed to these proceedings, thanks very much to you all. We look forward to the next CEC/ICMC in Madison, Wisconsin, July 9 - 13, 2017.

Ultra-high-Q phononic resonators on-chip at cryogenic temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kharel, Prashanta; Chu, Yiwen; Power, Michael; Renninger, William H.; Schoelkopf, Robert J.; Rakich, Peter T.

2018-06-01

Long-lived, high-frequency phonons are valuable for applications ranging from optomechanics to emerging quantum systems. For scientific as well as technological impact, we seek high-performance oscillators that offer a path toward chip-scale integration. Confocal bulk acoustic wave resonators have demonstrated an immense potential to support long-lived phonon modes in crystalline media at cryogenic temperatures. So far, these devices have been macroscopic with cm-scale dimensions. However, as we push these oscillators to high frequencies, we have an opportunity to radically reduce the footprint as a basis for classical and emerging quantum technologies. In this paper, we present novel design principles and simple microfabrication techniques to create high performance chip-scale confocal bulk acoustic wave resonators in a wide array of crystalline materials. We tailor the acoustic modes of such resonators to efficiently couple to light, permitting us to perform a non-invasive laser-based phonon spectroscopy. Using this technique, we demonstrate an acoustic Q-factor of 2.8 × 107 (6.5 × 106) for chip-scale resonators operating at 12.7 GHz (37.8 GHz) in crystalline z-cut quartz (x-cut silicon) at cryogenic temperatures.

Model of large pool fires.

PubMed

Fay, J A

2006-08-21

A two zone entrainment model of pool fires is proposed to depict the fluid flow and flame properties of the fire. Consisting of combustion and plume zones, it provides a consistent scheme for developing non-dimensional scaling parameters for correlating and extrapolating pool fire visible flame length, flame tilt, surface emissive power, and fuel evaporation rate. The model is extended to include grey gas thermal radiation from soot particles in the flame zone, accounting for emission and absorption in both optically thin and thick regions. A model of convective heat transfer from the combustion zone to the liquid fuel pool, and from a water substrate to cryogenic fuel pools spreading on water, provides evaporation rates for both adiabatic and non-adiabatic fires. The model is tested against field measurements of large scale pool fires, principally of LNG, and is generally in agreement with experimental values of all variables.

Fault-tolerant Control of a Cyber-physical System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roxana, Rusu-Both; Eva-Henrietta, Dulf

2017-10-01

Cyber-physical systems represent a new emerging field in automatic control. The fault system is a key component, because modern, large scale processes must meet high standards of performance, reliability and safety. Fault propagation in large scale chemical processes can lead to loss of production, energy, raw materials and even environmental hazard. The present paper develops a multi-agent fault-tolerant control architecture using robust fractional order controllers for a (13C) cryogenic separation column cascade. The JADE (Java Agent DEvelopment Framework) platform was used to implement the multi-agent fault tolerant control system while the operational model of the process was implemented in Matlab/SIMULINK environment. MACSimJX (Multiagent Control Using Simulink with Jade Extension) toolbox was used to link the control system and the process model. In order to verify the performance and to prove the feasibility of the proposed control architecture several fault simulation scenarios were performed.

Measuring symmetry of implosions in cryogenic Hohlraums at the NIF using gated x-ray detectors (invited).

PubMed

Kyrala, G A; Dixit, S; Glenzer, S; Kalantar, D; Bradley, D; Izumi, N; Meezan, N; Landen, O L; Callahan, D; Weber, S V; Holder, J P; Glenn, S; Edwards, M J; Bell, P; Kimbrough, J; Koch, J; Prasad, R; Suter, L; Kline, J L; Kilkenny, J

2010-10-01

Ignition of imploding inertial confinement capsules requires, among other things, controlling the symmetry with high accuracy and fidelity. We have used gated x-ray imaging, with 10 μm and 70 ps resolution, to detect the x-ray emission from the imploded core of symmetry capsules at the National Ignition Facility. The measurements are used to characterize the time dependent symmetry and the x-ray bang time of the implosion from two orthogonal directions. These measurements were one of the primary diagnostics used to tune the parameters of the laser and Hohlraum to vary the symmetry and x-ray bang time of the implosion of cryogenically cooled ignition scale deuterium/helium filled plastic capsules. Here, we will report on the successful measurements performed with up to 1.2 MJ of laser energy in a fully integrated cryogenics gas-filled ignition-scale Hohlraum and capsule illuminated with 192 smoothed laser beams. We will describe the technique, the accuracy of the technique, and the results of the variation in symmetry with tuning parameters, and explain how that set was used to predictably tune the implosion symmetry as the laser energy, the laser cone wavelength separation, and the Hohlraum size were increased to ignition scales. We will also describe how to apply that technique to cryogenically layered tritium-hydrogen-deuterium capsules.

Optical design and suspension system of the KAGRA output mode-cleaner

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kasuya, Junko; Winterflood, John; Li, Ju; Somiya, Kentaro

2018-02-01

KAGRA is a Japanese large scale, underground, cryogenic gravitational telescope which is under construction in the Kamioka mine. For using cryogenic test masses, the sensitivity of KAGRA is limited mainly by quantum noise. In order to reduce quantum noise, KAGRA employs an output mode-cleaner (OMC) at the output port that filters out junk light but allows the gravitational wave signal to go through. The requirement of the KAGRA OMC is even more challenging than other telescopes in the world since KAGRA plans to tune the signal readout phase so that the signal-to-noise ratio for our primary target source can be maximized. A proper selection of optical parameters and anti-vibration devices is required for the robust operation of the OMC. In this proceeding, we show our final results of modal-model simulations, in which we downselected the cavity length, the round-trip Gouy phase shift, the finesse, and the seismic isolation ratio for the suspended optics.

The Atacama Cosmology Telescope: The Polarization-Sensitive ACTPol Instrument

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thornton, R. J.; Ade, P. A. R.; Aiola, S.; Angile, F. E.; Amiri, M.; Beall, J. A.; Becker, D. T.; Cho, H.-M.; Choi, S. K.; Corlies, P.;

The Atacama Cosmology Telescope: The Polarization-sensitive ACTPol Instrument

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thornton, R. J.; Ade, P. A. R.; Aiola, S.; Angilè, F. E.; Amiri, M.; Beall, J. A.; Becker, D. T.; Cho, H.-M.; Choi, S. K.; Corlies, P.; Coughlin, K. P.; Datta, R.; Devlin, M. J.; Dicker, S. R.; Dünner, R.; Fowler, J. W.; Fox, A. E.; Gallardo, P. A.; Gao, J.; Grace, E.; Halpern, M.; Hasselfield, M.; Henderson, S. W.; Hilton, G. C.; Hincks, A. D.; Ho, S. P.; Hubmayr, J.; Irwin, K. D.; Klein, J.; Koopman, B.; Li, Dale; Louis, T.; Lungu, M.; Maurin, L.; McMahon, J.; Munson, C. D.; Naess, S.; Nati, F.; Newburgh, L.; Nibarger, J.; Niemack, M. D.; Niraula, P.; Nolta, M. R.; Page, L. A.; Pappas, C. G.; Schillaci, A.; Schmitt, B. L.; Sehgal, N.; Sievers, J. L.; Simon, S. M.; Staggs, S. T.; Tucker, C.; Uehara, M.; van Lanen, J.; Ward, J. T.; Wollack, E. J.

2016-12-01

The Atacama Cosmology Telescope (ACT) makes high angular resolution measurements of anisotropies in the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) at millimeter wavelengths. We describe ACTPol, an upgraded receiver for ACT, which uses feedhorn-coupled, polarization-sensitive detector arrays, a 3° field of view, 100 mK cryogenics with continuous cooling, and meta material antireflection coatings. ACTPol comprises three arrays with separate cryogenic optics: two arrays at a central frequency of 148 GHz and one array operating simultaneously at both 97 GHz and 148 GHz. The combined instrument sensitivity, angular resolution, and sky coverage are optimized for measuring angular power spectra, clusters via the thermal Sunyaev–Zel’dovich (SZ) and kinetic SZ signals, and CMB lensing due to large-scale structure. The receiver was commissioned with its first 148 GHz array in 2013, observed with both 148 GHz arrays in 2014, and has recently completed its first full season of operations with the full suite of three arrays. This paper provides an overview of the design and initial performance of the receiver and related systems.

Dynamic Simulation of a Helium Liquefier

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maekawa, R.; Ooba, K.; Nobutoki, M.; Mito, T.

2004-06-01

Dynamic behavior of a helium liquefier has been studied in detail with a Cryogenic Process REal-time SimulaTor (C-PREST) at the National Institute for Fusion Science (NIFS). The C-PREST is being developed to integrate large-scale helium cryogenic plant design, operation and maintenance for optimum process establishment. As a first step of simulations of cooldown to 4.5 K with the helium liquefier model is conducted, which provides a plant-process validation platform. The helium liquefier consists of seven heat exchangers, a liquid-nitrogen (LN2) precooler, two expansion turbines and a liquid-helium (LHe) reservoir. Process simulations are fulfilled with sequence programs, which were implemented with C-PREST based on an existing liquefier operation. The interactions of a JT valve, a JT-bypass valve and a reservoir-return valve have been dynamically simulated. The paper discusses various aspects of refrigeration process simulation, including its difficulties such as a balance between complexity of the adopted models and CPU time.

Cryogenic Boil-Off Reduction System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Plachta, David W.; Guzik, Monica C.

2014-03-01

A computational model of the cryogenic boil-off reduction system being developed by NASA as part of the Cryogenic Propellant Storage and Transfer technology maturation project has been applied to a range of propellant storage tanks sizes for high-performing in-space cryogenic propulsion applications. This effort focuses on the scaling of multi-layer insulation (MLI), cryocoolers, broad area cooling shields, radiators, solar arrays, and tanks for liquid hydrogen propellant storage tanks ranging from 2 to 10 m in diameter. Component scaling equations were incorporated into the Cryogenic Analysis Tool, a spreadsheet-based tool used to perform system-level parametric studies. The primary addition to the evolution of this updated tool is the integration of a scaling method for reverse turbo-Brayton cycle cryocoolers, as well as the development and inclusion of Self-Supporting Multi-Layer Insulation. Mass, power, and sizing relationships are traded parametrically to establish the appropriate loiter period beyond which this boil-off reduction system application reduces mass. The projected benefit compares passive thermal control to active thermal control, where active thermal control is evaluated for reduced boil-off with a 90 K shield, zero boil-off with a single heat interception stage at the tank wall, and zero boil-off with a second interception stage at a 90 K shield. Parametric studies show a benefit over passive storage at loiter durations under one month, in addition to showing a benefit for two-stage zero boil-off in terms of reducing power and mass as compared to single stage zero boil-off. Furthermore, active cooling reduces the effect of varied multi-layer insulation performance, which, historically, has been shown to be significant.

Subcooling Cryogenic Propellants for Long Duration Space Exploration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mustafi, Shuvo; Canavan, Edgar; Johnson, Wesley; Kutter, Bernard; Shull, Jeff

2009-01-01

The use of cryogenic propellants such as hydrogen and oxygen is crucial for exploration of the solar system because of their superior specific impulse capability. Future missions may require vehicles with the flexibility to remain in orbit or travel in space for months, necessitating long-term storage of these cryogens. One powerful technique for easing the challenge of cryogenic fluid storage is to remove energy from tlie cryogenic propellant by isobaricly subcooling them below their normal boiling point prior to launch. The isobaric subcooling of the cryogenic propellant will be performed by using a cold pressurant to maintain the tank pressure while the cryogen's temperature is simultaneously reduced. After launch, even with the use of the best insulation systems, heat will leak into the cold cryogenic propellant tank. However, the large heat capacity available in highly subcooled cryogenic propellants allows them to absorb the energy that leaks into the tank until the cryogen reaches its operational thermodynamic condition. During this period of heating of the subcooled cryogen there will be no loss of the propellant due to venting for pressure control. This simple technique can extend the operational life of a spacecraft or an orbital cryogenic depot many months with minimal mass penalty. Subcooling technologies for cryogenic propellants would thus provide the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate with an enhanced level of mission flexibility. However, there are a few challenges associated with subcooling cryogenic propellants since compact subcooling ground support equipment has not been demonstrated. This paper explores the beneficial impact of subcooling cryogenic propellants on the launch pad for long-term cryogenic propellant storage in space and proposes a novel method for implementing subcooling of cryogenic propellants for spacecraft such as the Ares V Earth Departure Stage (EDS). Analysis indicates that with a careful strategy to handle the subcooled cryogen it would be possible to store cryogenic propellants in space for many months without venting. A concept for subcooling the cryogenic propellant relatively quickly and inexpensively on the launch pad - the thermodynamic cryogen subcooler (TCS) - will be presented. Important components of the TCS and an associated subcooled cryogen tank (SCT) will be discussed in this paper. Results from a preliminary thermodynamic model of the performance of a TCS for an EDS sized hydrogen tank will also be presented.

Development of a Pressure Box to Evaluate Reusable-Launch-Vehicle Cryogenic-Tank Panels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ambur, Damodar R.; Sikora, Joseph; Maguire, James F.; Winn, Peter M.

1996-01-01

A cryogenic pressure-box test machine has been designed and is being developed to test full-scale reusable-launch-vehicle cryogenic-tank panels. This machine is equipped with an internal pressurization system, a cryogenic cooling system, and a heating system to simulate the mechanical and thermal loading conditions that are representative of a reusable-launch-vehicle mission profile. The cryogenic cooling system uses liquid helium and liquid nitrogen to simulate liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen tank internal temperatures. A quartz lamp heating system is used for heating the external surface of the test panels to simulate cryogenic-tank external surface temperatures during re-entry of the launch vehicle. The pressurization system uses gaseous helium and is designed to be controlled independently of the cooling system. The tensile loads in the axial direction of the test panel are simulated by means of hydraulic actuators and a load control system. The hoop loads in the test panel are reacted by load-calibrated turnbuckles attached to the skin and frame elements of the test panel. The load distribution in the skin and frames can be adjusted to correspond to the tank structure by using these turnbuckles. The seal between the test panel and the cryogenic pressure box is made from a reinforced Teflon material which can withstand pressures greater than 52 psig at cryogenic temperatures. Analytical results and tests on prototype test components indicate that most of the cryogenic-tank loading conditions that occur in flight can be simulated in the cryogenic pressure-box test machine.

Filament-wound, fiberglass cryogenic tank supports

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carter, J. S.; Timberlake, T. E.

1971-01-01

The design, fabrication, and testing of filament-wound, fiberglass cryogenic tank supports for a LH2 tank, a LF2/FLOX tank and a CH4 tank. These supports consist of filament-wound fiberglass tubes with titanium end fittings. These units were satisfactorily tested at cryogenic temperatures, thereby offering a design that can be reliably and economically produced in large or small quantities. The basic design concept is applicable to any situation where strong, lightweight axial load members are desired.

The Role of Flight Experiments in the Development of Cryogenic Fluid Management Technologies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chato, David J.

2006-01-01

This paper reviews the history of cryogenic fluid management technology development and infusion into both the Saturn and Centaur vehicles. Ground testing and analysis proved inadequate to demonstrate full scale performance. As a consequence flight demonstration with a full scale vehicle was required by both the Saturn and Centaur programs to build confidence that problems were addressed. However; the flight vehicles were highly limited on flight instrumentation and the flight demonstration locked-in the design without challenging the function of design elements. Projects reviewed include: the Aerobee Sounding Rocket Cryogenic Fluid Management (CFM) tests which served as a valuable stepping stone to flight demonstration and built confidence in the ability to handle hydrogen in low gravity; the Saturn IVB Fluid Management Qualification flight test; the Atlas Centaur demonstration flights to develop two burn capability; and finally the Titan Centaur two post mission flight tests.

Overview of the Liquid Argon Cryogenics for the Short Baseline Neutrino Program (SBN) at Fermilab

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Norris, Barry; Bremer, Johan; Chalifour, Michel

2017-01-01

The Short-Baseline Neutrino (SBN) physics program will involve three LAr-TPC detectors located along the Booster Neutrino Beam (BNB) at Fermilab. This new SBN Program will deliver a rich and compelling physics opportunity, including the ability to resolve a class of experimental anomalies in neutrino physics and to perform the most sensitive search to date for sterile neutrinos at the eV mass-scale through both appearance and disappearance oscillation channels. The Program will be composed of an existing and operational detector known as Micro Boone (170 ton LAr mass) plus two new experiments known as the SBN Near Detector (SBND, ~ 260more » ton) and the SBN Far Detector (SBN-FD, ~ 600 tons). Fermilab is now building two new facilities to house the experiments and incorporate all cryogenic and process systems to operate these detectors beginning in the 2018-2019 time frame. The SBN cryogenics are a collaborative effort between Fermilab and CERN. The SBN cryogenic systems for both detectors are composed of several sub-systems: External/Infrastructure (or LN2), Proximity (or LAr), and internal cryogenics. For each detector the External/Infrastructure cryogenics includes the equipment used to store and the cryogenic fluids needed for the operation of the Proximity cryogenics, including the LN2 and LAr storage facilities. The Proximity cryogenics consists of all the systems that take the cryogenic fluids from the external/infrastructure cryogenics and deliver them to the internal at the required pressure, temperature, purity and mass flow rate. It includes the condensers, the LAr and GAr purification systems, the LN2 and LAr phase separators, and the interconnecting piping. The Internal cryogenics is comprised of all the cryogenic equipment located within the cryostats themselves, including the GAr and LAr distribution piping and the piping required to cool down the cryostats and the detectors. These cryogenic systems will be engineered, manufactured, commissioned, and qualified by an international engineering team. This contribution presents the performance, the functional requirements and the modes of operation of the SBN cryogenics, and details the current status of the design, present and future needs.« less

Large format array controller (aLFA-C): tests and characterisation at ESA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lemmel, Frédéric; ter Haar, Jörg; van der Biezen, John; Duvet, Ludovic; Nelms, Nick; Blommaert, Sander; Butler, Bart; van der Luijt, Cornelis; Heijnen, Jerko; Smit, Hans; Visser, Ivo

2016-08-01

For future near infrared astronomy missions, ESA is developing a complete detection and conversion chain (photon to SpaceWire chain system): Large Format Array (aLFA-N) based on MCT type detectors. aLFA-C (Astronomy Large Format Array Controller): a versatile cryogenic detector controller. An aLFA-C prototype was developed by Caeleste (Belgium) under ESA contract (400106260400). To validate independently the performances of the aLFA-C prototype and consolidate the definition of the follow-on activity, a dedicated test bench has been designed and developed in ESTEC/ESA within the Payload Technology Validation group. This paper presents the test setup and the performance validation of the first prototype of this controller at room and cryogenic temperature. Test setup and software needed to test the HAWAII-2RG and aLFA-N detectors with the aLFA-C prototype at cryogenic temperature will be also presented.

Evaluation of Warm and Cold Shaft Designs for Large Multi-megawatt Direct Drive Offshore Superconducting Wind Generators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kulkarni, Devdatta; Chen, Edward; Ho, Mantak; Karmaker, Haran

For offshore large multi-megawatt direct drive wind generators, because of its ability to generate high flux fields, superconducting (SC) technology can offer significant size and mass reduction over traditional technologies. However, cryogenic cooling design remains as one of the major obstacles to overcome. Different cryogenic cooling designs, such as warm shaft and cold shaft rotor design, present different advantages and challenges technically and commercially. This paper presents the investigations on both designs for large SC generators from manufacturability and service perspectives.

Exergy Analysis of the Cryogenic Helium Distribution System for the Large Hadron Collider (lhc)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Claudet, S.; Lebrun, Ph.; Tavian, L.; Wagner, U.

2010-04-01

The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN features the world's largest helium cryogenic system, spreading over the 26.7 km circumference of the superconducting accelerator. With a total equivalent capacity of 145 kW at 4.5 K including 18 kW at 1.8 K, the LHC refrigerators produce an unprecedented exergetic load, which must be distributed efficiently to the magnets in the tunnel over the 3.3 km length of each of the eight independent sectors of the machine. We recall the main features of the LHC cryogenic helium distribution system at different temperature levels and present its exergy analysis, thus enabling to qualify second-principle efficiency and identify main remaining sources of irreversibility.

Comparison of cryogenic low-pass filters.

PubMed

Thalmann, M; Pernau, H-F; Strunk, C; Scheer, E; Pietsch, T

2017-11-01

Low-temperature electronic transport measurements with high energy resolution require both effective low-pass filtering of high-frequency input noise and an optimized thermalization of the electronic system of the experiment. In recent years, elaborate filter designs have been developed for cryogenic low-level measurements, driven by the growing interest in fundamental quantum-physical phenomena at energy scales corresponding to temperatures in the few millikelvin regime. However, a single filter concept is often insufficient to thermalize the electronic system to the cryogenic bath and eliminate spurious high frequency noise. Moreover, the available concepts often provide inadequate filtering to operate at temperatures below 10 mK, which are routinely available now in dilution cryogenic systems. Herein we provide a comprehensive analysis of commonly used filter types, introduce a novel compact filter type based on ferrite compounds optimized for the frequency range above 20 GHz, and develop an improved filtering scheme providing adaptable broad-band low-pass characteristic for cryogenic low-level and quantum measurement applications at temperatures down to few millikelvin.

Comparison of cryogenic low-pass filters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thalmann, M.; Pernau, H.-F.; Strunk, C.; Scheer, E.; Pietsch, T.

2017-11-01

Low-temperature electronic transport measurements with high energy resolution require both effective low-pass filtering of high-frequency input noise and an optimized thermalization of the electronic system of the experiment. In recent years, elaborate filter designs have been developed for cryogenic low-level measurements, driven by the growing interest in fundamental quantum-physical phenomena at energy scales corresponding to temperatures in the few millikelvin regime. However, a single filter concept is often insufficient to thermalize the electronic system to the cryogenic bath and eliminate spurious high frequency noise. Moreover, the available concepts often provide inadequate filtering to operate at temperatures below 10 mK, which are routinely available now in dilution cryogenic systems. Herein we provide a comprehensive analysis of commonly used filter types, introduce a novel compact filter type based on ferrite compounds optimized for the frequency range above 20 GHz, and develop an improved filtering scheme providing adaptable broad-band low-pass characteristic for cryogenic low-level and quantum measurement applications at temperatures down to few millikelvin.

The cryogenics design of the SuperCDMS SNOLAB experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hollister, M. I.; Bauer, D. A.; Dhuley, R. C.; Lukens, P.; Martin, L. D.; Ruschman, M. K.; Schmitt, R. L.; Tatkowski, G. L.

2017-12-01

The Super Cryogenic Dark Matter Search (SuperCDMS) experiment is a direct detection dark matter experiment intended for deployment to the SNOLAB underground facility in Ontario, Canada. With a payload of up to 186 germanium and silicon crystal detectors operating below 15 mK, the cryogenic architecture of the experiment is complex. Further, the requirement that the cryostat presents a low radioactive background to the detectors limits the materials and techniques available for construction, and heavily influences the design of the cryogenics system. The resulting thermal architecture is a closed cycle (no liquid cryogen) system, with stages at 50 and 4 K cooled with gas and fluid circulation systems and stages at 1 K, 250 mK and 15 mK cooled by the lower temperature stages of a large, cryogen-free dilution refrigerator. This paper describes the thermal design of the experiment, including details of the cooling systems, mechanical designs and expected performance of the system under operational conditions.

Radiation Requirements and Testing of Cryogenic Thermometers for the Ilc

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barnett, T.; Filippov, Yu. P.; Filippova, E. Yu.; Mokhov, N. V.; Nakao, N.; Klebaner, A. L.; Korenev, S. A.; Theilacker, J. C.; Trenikhina, J.; Vaziri, K.

2008-03-01

Large quantity of cryogenic temperature sensors will be used for operation of the International Linear Collider (ILC). Most of them will be subject to high radiation doses during the accelerator lifetime. Understanding of particle energy spectra, accumulated radiation dose in thermometers and its impact on performance are vital in establishing technical specification of cryogenic thermometry for the ILC. Realistic MARS15 computer simulations were performed to understand the ILC radiation environment. Simulation results were used to establish radiation dose requirements for commercially available cryogenic thermometers. Two types of thermometers, Cernox® and TVO, were calibrated prior to irradiation using different technique. The sensors were subjected then to up to 200 kGy electron beam irradiation with kinetic energy of 5 MeV, a representative of the situation at the ILC operation. A post-irradiation behavior of the sensors was studied. The paper describes the MARS15 model, simulation results, cryogenic test set-up, irradiation tests, and cryogenic test results.

Thermally-Conductive Metallic Coatings and Applications for Heat Removal on In-Space Cryogenic Vehicles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ameen, Lauren; Hervol, David; Waters, Deborah

2017-01-01

For large in-space cryogenic upper stages, substantial axial heat removal from a forward skirt by vapor-based heat interception may not be achieved by simple attachment methods unless sufficient thermal conductance from the skirt to the cooling fluid can be achieved. Preferable methods would allow for the addition of the cooling system to existing structure with minimal impact on the structure. Otherwise, significant modification to the basic structural design andor novel and complex attachment mechanisms with high effective thermal conductance are likely to be required. The approach being pursued by evolvable Cryogenics (eCryo) is to increase the thermal performance of a relatively simple attachment system by applying metallic or other thermally conductive material coatings to the mating surface area of the fluid channel where it is attached the skirt wall. The expectation of candidate materials is that the dramatic increase in conductivity of pure metals at temperatures close to liquid hydrogen vapor temperature will compensate for the reduced actual contact area typical of mechanical joints. Basic contact conductance data at low temperatures for candidate interface materials is required to enable the test approach. A test rig was designed at NASA Glenn Research Center to provide thermal contact resistance testing between small sample coupons coated with conductive material via electron beam evaporation, a low-temperature option that will not affect physical properties of base materials. Average coating thicknesses were 10 k. The test fixture was designed to mount directly to a cryocooler cold head within a vacuum test chamber. The purpose of this test was to determine qualitative contact conductance between various test samples. Results from this effort will be implemented in a sub-scale vapor-based heat interception test, where the applicability for increased heat removal on large structural skirts will be considered.

High-pressure cryogenic seals for pressure vessels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Buggele, A. E.

1977-01-01

This investigation of the problems associated with reliably containing gaseous helium pressurized to 1530 bars (22 500 psi) between 4.2 K and 150 K led to the following conclusions: (1) common seal designs used in existing elevated-temperature pressure vessels are unsuitable for high-pressure cryogenic operation, (2) extrusion seal-ring materials such as Teflon, tin, and lead are not good seal materials for cryogenic high-pressure operation; and (3) several high-pressure cryogenic seal systems suitable for large-pressure vessel applications were developed; two seals required prepressurization, and one seal functioned repeatedly without any prepressurization. These designs used indium seal rings, brass or 304 stainless-steel anvil rings, and two O-rings of silicone rubber or Kel-F.

Reliable, Practical Kilowatt-class Cryogenics for Superconducting Devices

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Spoor, Philip

2016-12-15

Following the successful development of a Flexibly-Attached Remote cryocooler for ~200W at 80K under a Phase II DOE grant, Clever Fellows Innovation Consortium, Inc. (dba CFIC-Qdrive; acquired by Chart Industries in 2012) was invited by the DOE to scale up this technology to ~1000W/80K in a Phase III program. This target is responsive to the “Cryogenics Roadmap” developed by the DOE to accelerate the development of cryogenic cooling necessary to support the emerging superconducting power applications. Mirroring the Roadmap, our proposal included a capacity target (1000W at 80K) and a cost target (<$40/watt, at 80K), but unlike the Roadmap, wemore » did not formally propose to meet a specific efficiency target. We achieved 75% of the capacity target, with a record-size coaxial “pulse-tube” coldfinger, but only by working on the project well beyond the original “period of performance” on unfunded extension. We believe 100% of the capacity target was within reach, but our own budget and time constraints forbade additional effort. We were less successful in meeting the cost targets. Ultimately, the specific configuration that was the subject of Phase III was not commercialized, largely because the market for superconducting devices has not been nearly as robust as was expected at the advent of the Roadmap.« less

Preparation of a Frozen Regolith Simulant Bed for ISRU Component Testing in a Vacuum Chamber

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Klenhenz, Julie; Linne, Diane

2013-01-01

In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) systems and components have undergone extensive laboratory and field tests to expose hardware to relevant soil environments. The next step is to combine these soil environments with relevant pressure and temperature conditions. Previous testing has demonstrated how to incorporate large bins of unconsolidated lunar regolith into sufficiently sized vacuum chambers. In order to create appropriate depth dependent soil characteristics that are needed to test drilling operations for the lunar surface, the regolith simulant bed must by properly compacted and frozen. While small cryogenic simulant beds have been created for laboratory tests, this scale effort will allow testing of a full 1m drill which has been developed for a potential lunar prospector mission. Compacted bulk densities were measured at various moisture contents for GRC-3 and Chenobi regolith simulants. Vibrational compaction methods were compared with the previously used hammer compaction, or "Proctor", method. All testing was done per ASTM standard methods. A full 6.13 m3 simulant bed with 6 percent moisture by weight was prepared, compacted in layers, and frozen in a commercial freezer. Temperature and desiccation data was collected to determine logistics for preparation and transport of the simulant bed for thermal vacuum testing. Once in the vacuum facility, the simulant bed will be cryogenically frozen with liquid nitrogen. These cryogenic vacuum tests are underway, but results will not be included in this manuscript.

Development of a Flexible Seal for a 60 psi Cryogenic Pressure Box

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Glass, David E.

1998-01-01

A cryogenic pressure box test facility has been designed and fabricated for use at NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) to subject 5 ft x 6 ft curved panels to cryogenic temperatures and biaxial tensile loads. The cryogenic pressure box is capable of testing curved panels down to -423 F (20 K) with 54 psig maximum pressure. The key challenge in the design and fabrication of the pressure box was the development of a seal that could remain flexible at -423 F and contain 60 psi gaseous helium as the pressurization gas. A C-shaped seal was developed using a Gore-tex woven fabric. Mechanical testing of the fabric at room and elevated temperature, liquid nitrogen temperature, and liquid helium temperature demonstrated the strength and creep resistance of the material over the desired operating range. A small scale cryogenic pressure box was used to test prototype seals at cryogenic temperatures up to 60 psi. Preliminary tests indicated that excessive leakage was present through the seal. As a result, an aluminized mylar liner was placed inside the Gore-tex seal to reduce leakage through the seal. The final seal configuration resulted in minimal pressure loss during seal testing.

Cryogenic Propellant Long-term Storage With Zero Boil-off

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hedayat, A.; Hastings, L. J.; Sims, J.; Plachta, D. W.

2001-01-01

Significant boil-off losses of cryogenic propellant storage systems in long-duration space mission applications result in additional propellant and large tanks. The zero boil-off (ZBO) concept consists of an active cryo-cooling system integrated with traditional passive thermal insulation. The potential mass reductions with the ZBO concept are Substantial; therefore, further exploration through technology programs has been initiated within NASA. A large-scale demonstration of the ZBO concept has been devised utilizing the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) Multipurpose Hydrogen Test Bed (MHTB) along with a cryo-cooler unit. The cryo-cooler with the MHTB and spraybar recirculation/mixer system in a manner that enables thermal energy removal at a rate that equals the total tank heat leak. The liquid hydrogen is withdrawn from the tank, passed through a heat exchanger, and then the chilled liquid is sprayed back into the tank through a spraybar. The test series will be performed over a 30-40 day period. Tests will be conducted at multiple fill levels and various mixer operational cycles to demonstrate concept viability and to provide benchmark data to be used in analytical model development. In this paper. analytical models for heat flows through the MHTB tank, cryo-cooler performance. and spraybar performance will be presented.

Preserving and vouchering butterflies and moths for large-scale museum-based molecular research

PubMed Central

Epstein, Samantha W.; Mitter, Kim; Hamilton, Chris A.; Plotkin, David; Mitter, Charles

2016-01-01

Butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera) comprise significant portions of the world’s natural history collections, but a standardized tissue preservation protocol for molecular research is largely lacking. Lepidoptera have traditionally been spread on mounting boards to display wing patterns and colors, which are often important for species identification. Many molecular phylogenetic studies have used legs from pinned specimens as the primary source for DNA in order to preserve a morphological voucher, but the amount of available tissue is often limited. Preserving an entire specimen in a cryogenic freezer is ideal for DNA preservation, but without an easily accessible voucher it can make specimen identification, verification, and morphological work difficult. Here we present a procedure that creates accessible and easily visualized “wing vouchers” of individual Lepidoptera specimens, and preserves the remainder of the insect in a cryogenic freezer for molecular research. Wings are preserved in protective holders so that both dorsal and ventral patterns and colors can be easily viewed without further damage. Our wing vouchering system has been implemented at the University of Maryland (AToL Lep Collection) and the University of Florida (Florida Museum of Natural History, McGuire Center of Lepidoptera and Biodiversity), which are among two of the largest Lepidoptera molecular collections in the world. PMID:27366654

The performance of a piezoelectric-sensor-based SHM system under a combined cryogenic temperature and vibration environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qing, Xinlin P.; Beard, Shawn J.; Kumar, Amrita; Sullivan, Kevin; Aguilar, Robert; Merchant, Munir; Taniguchi, Mike

2008-10-01

A series of tests have been conducted to determine the survivability and functionality of a piezoelectric-sensor-based active structural health monitoring (SHM) SMART Tape system under the operating conditions of typical liquid rocket engines such as cryogenic temperature and vibration loads. The performance of different piezoelectric sensors and a low temperature adhesive under cryogenic temperature was first investigated. The active SHM system for liquid rocket engines was exposed to flight vibration and shock environments on a simulated large booster LOX-H2 engine propellant duct conditioned to cryogenic temperatures to evaluate the physical robustness of the built-in sensor network as well as operational survivability and functionality. Test results demonstrated that the developed SMART Tape system can withstand operational levels of vibration and shock energy on a representative rocket engine duct assembly, and is functional under the combined cryogenic temperature and vibration environment.

A universal approach to the study of nonlinear systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hwa, Rudolph C.

2004-07-01

A large variety of nonlinear systems have been treated by a common approach that emphasizes the fluctuation of spatial patterns. By using the same method of analysis it is possible to discuss the chaotic behaviors of quark jets and logistic map in the same language. Critical behaviors of quark-hadron phase transition in heavy-ion collisions and of photon production at the threshold of lasing can also be described by a common scaling behavior. The universal approach also makes possible an insight into the recently discovered phenomenon of wind reversal in cryogenic turbulence as a manifestation of self-organized criticality.

New Cryogenic Optical Test Capability at Marshall Space Flight Center's Space Optics Manufacturing Technology Center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kegley, Jeff; Burdine, Robert V. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

A new cryogenic optical testing capability exists at Marshall Space Flight Center's Space Optics Manufacturing Technology Center (SOMTC). SOMTC has been performing optical wavefront testing at cryogenic temperatures since 1999 in the X-ray Cryogenic Test Facility's (XRCF's) large vacuum chamber. Recently the cryogenic optical testing capability has been extended to a smaller vacuum chamber. This smaller horizontal cylindrical vacuum chamber has been outfitted with a helium-cooled liner that can be connected to the facility's helium refrigeration system bringing the existing kilowatt of refrigeration capacity to bear on a 1 meter diameter x 2 meter long test envelope. Cryogenic environments to less than 20 Kelvin are now possible in only a few hours. SOMTC's existing instruments (the Instantaneous Phase-shifting Interferometer (IPI) from ADE Phase-Shift Technologies and the PhaseCam from 4D Vision Technologies) view the optic under test through a 150 mm clear aperture BK-7 window. Since activation and chamber characterization tests in September 2001, the new chamber has been used to perform a cryogenic (less than 30 Kelvin) optical test of a 22.5 cm diameter x 127 cm radius of curvature Si02 mirror, a cryogenic survival (less than 30 Kelvin) test of an adhesive, and a cryogenic cycle (less than 20 Kelvin) test of a ULE mirror. A vibration survey has also been performed on the test chamber. Chamber specifications and performance data, vibration environment data, and limited test results will be presented.

New Cryogenic Optical Test Capability at Marshall Space Flight Center's Space Optics Manufacturing Technology Center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kegley, Jeff; Stahl, H. Philip (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

A new cryogenic optical testing capability exists at Marshall Space Flight Center's Space Optics Manufacturing Technology Center (SOMTC). SOMTC has been performing optical wavefront testing at cryogenic temperatures since 1999 in the X-ray Cryogenic Test Facility's (XRCF's) large vacuum chamber. Recently the cryogenic optical testing capability has been extended to a smaller vacuum chamber. This smaller horizontal cylindrical vacuum chamber has been outfitted with a helium-cooled liner that can be connected to the facility's helium refrigeration system bringing the existing kilowatt of refrigeration capacity to bear on a 1 meter diameter x 2 meter long test envelope. Cryogenic environments to less than 20 Kelvin are now possible in only a few hours. SOMTC's existing instruments (the Instantaneous Phase-shifting Interferometer (IPI) from ADE Phase-Shift Technologies and the PhaseCam from 4D Vision Technologies) view the optic under test through a 150 mm clear aperture BK-7 window. Since activation and chamber characterization tests in September 2001, the new chamber has been used to perform a cryogenic (less than 30 Kelvin) optical test of a 22.5 cm diameter x 127 cm radius of curvature SiO2 mirror, a cryogenic survival (less than 30 Kelvin) test of an adhesive, and a cryogenic cycle (less than 20 Kelvin) test of a ULE mirror. A vibration survey has also been performed on the test chamber. Chamber specifications and performance data, vibration environment data, and limited test results will be presented.

Development of intelligent instruments with embedded HTTP servers for control and data acquisition in a cryogenic setup--The hardware, firmware, and software implementation.

PubMed

Antony, Joby; Mathuria, D S; Datta, T S; Maity, Tanmoy

2015-12-01

The power of Ethernet for control and automation technology is being largely understood by the automation industry in recent times. Ethernet with HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is one of the most widely accepted communication standards today. Ethernet is best known for being able to control through internet from anywhere in the globe. The Ethernet interface with built-in on-chip embedded servers ensures global connections for crate-less model of control and data acquisition systems which have several advantages over traditional crate-based control architectures for slow applications. This architecture will completely eliminate the use of any extra PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) or similar control hardware in any automation network as the control functions are firmware coded inside intelligent meters itself. Here, we describe the indigenously built project of a cryogenic control system built for linear accelerator at Inter University Accelerator Centre, known as "CADS," which stands for "Complete Automation of Distribution System." CADS deals with complete hardware, firmware, and software implementation of the automated linac cryogenic distribution system using many Ethernet based embedded cryogenic instruments developed in-house. Each instrument works as an intelligent meter called device-server which has the control functions and control loops built inside the firmware itself. Dedicated meters with built-in servers were designed out of ARM (Acorn RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) Machine) and ATMEL processors and COTS (Commercially Off-the-Shelf) SMD (Surface Mount Devices) components, with analog sensor front-end and a digital back-end web server implementing remote procedure call over HTTP for digital control and readout functions. At present, 24 instruments which run 58 embedded servers inside, each specific to a particular type of sensor-actuator combination for closed loop operations, are now deployed and distributed across control LAN (Local Area Network). A group of six categories of such instruments have been identified for all cryogenic applications required for linac operation which were designed to build this medium-scale cryogenic automation setup. These devices have special features like remote rebooters, daughter boards for PIDs (Proportional Integral Derivative), etc., to operate them remotely in radiation areas and also have emergency switches by which each device can be taken to emergency mode temporarily. Finally, all the data are monitored, logged, controlled, and analyzed online at a central control room which has a user-friendly control interface developed using LabVIEW(®). This paper discusses the overall hardware, firmware, software design, and implementation for the cryogenics setup.

Development of intelligent instruments with embedded HTTP servers for control and data acquisition in a cryogenic setup—The hardware, firmware, and software implementation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Antony, Joby; Mathuria, D. S.; Datta, T. S.; Maity, Tanmoy

2015-12-01

The power of Ethernet for control and automation technology is being largely understood by the automation industry in recent times. Ethernet with HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is one of the most widely accepted communication standards today. Ethernet is best known for being able to control through internet from anywhere in the globe. The Ethernet interface with built-in on-chip embedded servers ensures global connections for crate-less model of control and data acquisition systems which have several advantages over traditional crate-based control architectures for slow applications. This architecture will completely eliminate the use of any extra PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) or similar control hardware in any automation network as the control functions are firmware coded inside intelligent meters itself. Here, we describe the indigenously built project of a cryogenic control system built for linear accelerator at Inter University Accelerator Centre, known as "CADS," which stands for "Complete Automation of Distribution System." CADS deals with complete hardware, firmware, and software implementation of the automated linac cryogenic distribution system using many Ethernet based embedded cryogenic instruments developed in-house. Each instrument works as an intelligent meter called device-server which has the control functions and control loops built inside the firmware itself. Dedicated meters with built-in servers were designed out of ARM (Acorn RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) Machine) and ATMEL processors and COTS (Commercially Off-the-Shelf) SMD (Surface Mount Devices) components, with analog sensor front-end and a digital back-end web server implementing remote procedure call over HTTP for digital control and readout functions. At present, 24 instruments which run 58 embedded servers inside, each specific to a particular type of sensor-actuator combination for closed loop operations, are now deployed and distributed across control LAN (Local Area Network). A group of six categories of such instruments have been identified for all cryogenic applications required for linac operation which were designed to build this medium-scale cryogenic automation setup. These devices have special features like remote rebooters, daughter boards for PIDs (Proportional Integral Derivative), etc., to operate them remotely in radiation areas and also have emergency switches by which each device can be taken to emergency mode temporarily. Finally, all the data are monitored, logged, controlled, and analyzed online at a central control room which has a user-friendly control interface developed using LabVIEW®. This paper discusses the overall hardware, firmware, software design, and implementation for the cryogenics setup.

Development of intelligent instruments with embedded HTTP servers for control and data acquisition in a cryogenic setup—The hardware, firmware, and software implementation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Antony, Joby; Mathuria, D. S.; Datta, T. S.

The power of Ethernet for control and automation technology is being largely understood by the automation industry in recent times. Ethernet with HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is one of the most widely accepted communication standards today. Ethernet is best known for being able to control through internet from anywhere in the globe. The Ethernet interface with built-in on-chip embedded servers ensures global connections for crate-less model of control and data acquisition systems which have several advantages over traditional crate-based control architectures for slow applications. This architecture will completely eliminate the use of any extra PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) or similarmore » control hardware in any automation network as the control functions are firmware coded inside intelligent meters itself. Here, we describe the indigenously built project of a cryogenic control system built for linear accelerator at Inter University Accelerator Centre, known as “CADS,” which stands for “Complete Automation of Distribution System.” CADS deals with complete hardware, firmware, and software implementation of the automated linac cryogenic distribution system using many Ethernet based embedded cryogenic instruments developed in-house. Each instrument works as an intelligent meter called device-server which has the control functions and control loops built inside the firmware itself. Dedicated meters with built-in servers were designed out of ARM (Acorn RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) Machine) and ATMEL processors and COTS (Commercially Off-the-Shelf) SMD (Surface Mount Devices) components, with analog sensor front-end and a digital back-end web server implementing remote procedure call over HTTP for digital control and readout functions. At present, 24 instruments which run 58 embedded servers inside, each specific to a particular type of sensor-actuator combination for closed loop operations, are now deployed and distributed across control LAN (Local Area Network). A group of six categories of such instruments have been identified for all cryogenic applications required for linac operation which were designed to build this medium-scale cryogenic automation setup. These devices have special features like remote rebooters, daughter boards for PIDs (Proportional Integral Derivative), etc., to operate them remotely in radiation areas and also have emergency switches by which each device can be taken to emergency mode temporarily. Finally, all the data are monitored, logged, controlled, and analyzed online at a central control room which has a user-friendly control interface developed using LabVIEW{sup ®}. This paper discusses the overall hardware, firmware, software design, and implementation for the cryogenics setup.« less

The scope of additive manufacturing in cryogenics, component design, and applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stautner, W.; Vanapalli, S.; Weiss, K.-P.; Chen, R.; Amm, K.; Budesheim, E.; Ricci, J.

2017-12-01

Additive manufacturing techniques using composites or metals are rapidly gaining momentum in cryogenic applications. Small or large, complex structural components are now no longer limited to mere design studies but can now move into the production stream thanks to new machines on the market that allow for light-weight, cost optimized designs with short turnaround times. The potential for cost reductions from bulk materials machined to tight tolerances has become obvious. Furthermore, additive manufacturing opens doors and design space for cryogenic components that to date did not exist or were not possible in the past, using bulk materials along with elaborate and expensive machining processes, e.g. micromachining. The cryogenic engineer now faces the challenge to design toward those new additive manufacturing capabilities. Additionally, re-thinking designs toward cost optimization and fast implementation also requires detailed knowledge of mechanical and thermal properties at cryogenic temperatures. In the following we compile the information available to date and show a possible roadmap for additive manufacturing applications of parts and components typically used in cryogenic engineering designs.

Cryogenic Propellant Storage and Transfer Technology Demonstration: Advancing Technologies for Future Mission Architectures Beyond Low Earth Orbit

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chojnacki, Kent T.; Crane, Deborah J.; Motil, Susan M.; Ginty, Carol A.; Tofil, Todd A.

2014-01-01

As part of U.S. National Space Policy, NASA is seeking an innovative path for human space exploration, which strengthens the capability to extend human and robotic presence throughout the solar system. NASA is laying the groundwork to enable humans to safely reach multiple potential destinations, including the Moon, asteroids, Lagrange points, and Mars and its environs. In support of this, NASA is embarking on the Technology Demonstration Mission Cryogenic Propellant Storage and Transfer (TDM CPST) Project to test and validate key cryogenic capabilities and technologies required for future exploration elements, opening up the architecture for large cryogenic propulsion stages and propellant depots. The TDM CPST will provide an on-orbit demonstration of the capability to store, transfer, and measure cryogenic propellants for a duration that enables long term human space exploration missions beyond low Earth orbit. This paper will present a summary of the cryogenic fluid management technology maturation effort, infusion of those technologies into flight hardware development, and a summary of the CPST preliminary design.

A surface flow visualisation technique for use in cryogenic wind tunnels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kell, D. M.

1978-01-01

A method of surface flow visualization for use in cryogenic wind tunnels is described which requires injection of a cryogenic liquid onto the model while the tunnel is running. This necessitates the use of a substance that remains liquid over a large range of cryogenic wind tunnel operating temperatures. It is found that propane (C3H8) is a suitable substance. Experiments are conducted in a subsonic cryogenic wind tunnel to assess the practical application of liquid propane flow visualization. The propane is stored in a chamber cooled by liquid nitrogen and when required is pumped through pipes to a gallery inside the model and then out onto the surface through small holes. To color the liquid a suspension of pigment particles is used. Propane is supplied to the cooled chamber in gaseous form from a standard liquefied gas cylinder. The sequence of events is illustrated on a propane temperature-entropy diagram. The use of liquefied propane for flow visualization in a cryogenic tunnel operating at pressures up to 40 atm appears to be feasible. Illustrative examples are provided.

Detector Development for the MARE Neutrino Experiment

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Galeazzi, M.; Bogorin, D.; Molina, R.

2009-12-16

The MARE experiment is designed to measure the mass of the neutrino with sub-eV sensitivity by measuring the beta decay of {sup 187}Re with cryogenic microcalorimeters. A preliminary analysis shows that, to achieve the necessary statistics, between 10,000 and 50,000 detectors are likely necessary. We have fabricated and characterized Iridium transition edge sensors with high reproducibility and uniformity for such a large scale experiment. We have also started a full scale simulation of the experimental setup for MARE, including thermalization in the absorber, detector response, and optimum filter analysis, to understand the issues related to reaching a sub-eV sensitivity andmore » to optimize the design of the MARE experiment. We present our characterization of the Ir devices, including reproducibility, uniformity, and sensitivity, and we discuss the implementation and capabilities of our full scale simulation.« less

Precision mechanisms for optics in a vacuum cryogenic environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Navarro, R.; Elswijk, E.; Tromp, N.; Kragt, J.; Kroes, G.; Hanenburg, H.; de Haan, M.; Schuil, M.; Teuwen, M.; Janssen, H.; Venema, L.

2017-11-01

To achieve superb stability in cryogenic optical systems, NOVA-ASTRON generally designs optical instruments on the basis of a 'no adjustments' philosophy. This means that in principle no corrections are possible after assembly. The alignment precision and consequently the performance of the instrument is guaranteed from the design, the tolerance analysis and the detailed knowledge of the material behavior and manufacturing process. This resulted in a higher degree of integrated optomechanical-cryogenic design with fewer parts, but with a higher part complexity. The 'no adjustments' strategy is successful because in the end the risk on instrument performance and project delays is much reduced. Astronomical instrument specifications have become more challenging over the years. Recent designs of the European Southern Observatory Very Large Telescope Interferometer (ESO VLTI) 4 Telescope combiner MATISSE include hundreds of optical components in a cryogenic environment. Despite the large number of optical components the alignment accuracy and stability requirements are in the order of nanometers. The 'no adjustments' philosophy would be too costly in this case, because all components would need to meet extremely tight manufacturing specifications. These specifications can be relaxed dramatically if cryogenic mechanisms are used for alignment. Several mechanisms have been developed: a tip-tilt mirror mechanism, an optical path distance mechanism, a slider mechanism, a bistable cryogenic shutter and a mirror mounting clip. Key aspects of these mechanisms are that the optical element and mechanism are combined in a compact single component, driven by e.g. self braking piezo actuators in order to hold position without power. The design, realization and test results of several mechanisms are presented in this paper.

Experimental Results Obtained with Air Liquide Cold Compression System: CERN LHC and SNS Projects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Delcayre, F.; Courty, J.-C.; Hamber, F.; Hilbert, B.; Monneret, E.; Toia, J.-L.

2006-04-01

Large scale collider facilities will make intensive use of superconducting magnets, operating below 2.0 K. This dictates high-capacity refrigeration systems operating below 2.0 K. These systems, making use of cryogenic centrifugal compressors in a series arrangement with room temperature screw compressors will be coupled to a refrigerator, providing a certain power at 4.5 K. A first Air Liquide Cold Compression System (CCS) unit was built and delivered to CERN in 2001. Installed at the beginning of 2002, it was commissioned and tested successfully during year 2002. A series of four sets of identical CCS were then tested in 2004. Another set of four cryogenic centrifugal compressors (CCC) has been delivered to Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (JLAB) for the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) in 2002. These compressors were tested and commissioned from December 2004 to July 2005. The experimental results obtained with these systems will be presented and discussed: the characteristics of the CCC will be detailed. The principles of control for the CCC in series will be detailed.

The Atacama Cosmology Telescope: The Polarization-Sensitive ACTPol Instrument

DOE PAGES

Thornton, R. J.; Ade, P. A. R.; Aiola, S.; ...

2016-12-09

The Atacama Cosmology Telescope (ACT) makes high angular resolution measurements of anisotropies in the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) at millimeter wavelengths. We describe ACTPol, an upgraded receiver for ACT, which uses feedhorn-coupled, polarization-sensitive detector arrays, a 3° field of view, 100 mK cryogenics with continuous cooling, and meta material antireflection coatings. ACTPol comprises three arrays with separate cryogenic optics: two arrays at a central frequency of 148 GHz and one array operating simultaneously at both 97 GHz and 148 GHz. The combined instrument sensitivity, angular resolution, and sky coverage are optimized for measuring angular power spectra, clusters via the thermalmore » Sunyaev–Zel'dovich (SZ) and kinetic SZ signals, and CMB lensing due to large-scale structure. The receiver was commissioned with its first 148 GHz array in 2013, observed with both 148 GHz arrays in 2014, and has recently completed its first full season of operations with the full suite of three arrays. This paper provides an overview of the design and initial performance of the receiver and related systems.« less

THE ATACAMA COSMOLOGY TELESCOPE: THE POLARIZATION-SENSITIVE ACTPol INSTRUMENT

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Thornton, R. J.; Ade, P. A. R.; Aiola, S.

The Atacama Cosmology Telescope (ACT) makes high angular resolution measurements of anisotropies in the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) at millimeter wavelengths. We describe ACTPol, an upgraded receiver for ACT, which uses feedhorn-coupled, polarization-sensitive detector arrays, a 3° field of view, 100 mK cryogenics with continuous cooling, and meta material antireflection coatings. ACTPol comprises three arrays with separate cryogenic optics: two arrays at a central frequency of 148 GHz and one array operating simultaneously at both 97 GHz and 148 GHz. The combined instrument sensitivity, angular resolution, and sky coverage are optimized for measuring angular power spectra, clusters via the thermalmore » Sunyaev–Zel’dovich (SZ) and kinetic SZ signals, and CMB lensing due to large-scale structure. The receiver was commissioned with its first 148 GHz array in 2013, observed with both 148 GHz arrays in 2014, and has recently completed its first full season of operations with the full suite of three arrays. This paper provides an overview of the design and initial performance of the receiver and related systems.« less

The Atacama Cosmology Telescope: The Polarization-Sensitive ACTPol Instrument

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Thornton, R. J.; Ade, P. A. R.; Aiola, S.

The Atacama Cosmology Telescope (ACT) makes high angular resolution measurements of anisotropies in the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) at millimeter wavelengths. We describe ACTPol, an upgraded receiver for ACT, which uses feedhorn-coupled, polarization-sensitive detector arrays, a 3° field of view, 100 mK cryogenics with continuous cooling, and meta material antireflection coatings. ACTPol comprises three arrays with separate cryogenic optics: two arrays at a central frequency of 148 GHz and one array operating simultaneously at both 97 GHz and 148 GHz. The combined instrument sensitivity, angular resolution, and sky coverage are optimized for measuring angular power spectra, clusters via the thermalmore » Sunyaev–Zel'dovich (SZ) and kinetic SZ signals, and CMB lensing due to large-scale structure. The receiver was commissioned with its first 148 GHz array in 2013, observed with both 148 GHz arrays in 2014, and has recently completed its first full season of operations with the full suite of three arrays. This paper provides an overview of the design and initial performance of the receiver and related systems.« less

Wideband Isolation by Frequency Conversion in a Josephson-Junction Transmission Line

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ranzani, Leonardo; Kotler, Shlomi; Sirois, Adam J.; DeFeo, Michael P.; Castellanos-Beltran, Manuel; Cicak, Katarina; Vale, Leila R.; Aumentado, José

2017-11-01

Nonreciprocal transmission and isolation at microwave frequencies are important in many practical applications. In particular, compact isolators are useful in protecting sensitive quantum circuits operating at cryogenic temperatures from amplifier backaction and other environmental noise such as black-body radiation from higher temperature stages. However, the size of commercial cryogenic isolators limits the ability to measure multiple quantum circuits because of space constraints in typical dilution refrigerator systems. Furthermore, isolators usually require the use of ferrite components that cannot be integrated at the chip level and, since they also need large biasing magnetic fields, are incompatible with superconducting quantum circuits. In this work we show one way to accomplish isolation in a superconducting chip-scale device, a traveling-wave unidirectional frequency converter based on a parametrically pumped superconducting Josephson-junction transmission line, demonstrating better than 4.8 dB of inferred signal isolation from 6.6 to 11.4 GHz, with a maximum of 12 dB at 9.5 GHz. By using frequency diplexing techniques a conventional isolator could be implemented over this bandwidth.

Reusable Cryogenic Tank VHM Using Fiber Optic Distributed Sensing Technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bodan-Sanders, Patricia; Bouvier, Carl

1998-01-01

The reusable oxygen and hydrogen tanks are key systems for both the X-33 (sub-scale, sub-orbital technology demonstrator) and the commercial Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV). The backbone of the X-33 Reusable Cryogenic Tank Vehicle Health Management (VHM) system lies in the optical network of distributed strain temperature and hydrogen sensors. This network of fiber sensors will create a global strain and temperature map for monitoring the health of the tank structure, cryogenic insulation, and Thermal Protection System. Lockheed Martin (Sanders and LMMSS) and NASA Langley have developed this sensor technology for the X-33 and have addressed several technical issues such as fiber bonding and laser performance in this harsh environment.

Large Scale Testing of a Foam/Multilayer Insulation Thermal Control System (TCS) for Cryogenic Upper Stages

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hastings, Leon; Martin, James

1998-01-01

The development of high energy cryogenic upper stages is essential for the efficient delivery of large payloads to various destinations envisioned in future programs. A key element in such upper stages is cryogenic fluid management (CFM) advanced development/technology. Due to the cost of and limited opportunities for orbital experiments, ground testing must be employed to the fullest extent possible. Therefore, a system level test bed termed the Multipurpose Hydrogen Test Bed (MHTB), which is representative in size and shape (3 meter diameter by 3 meter long with a volume of 18 cubic meters) of a fully integrated space transportation vehicle liquid hydrogen propellant tank has been established. To date, upper stage studies have often baselined the foam/multilayer insulation (FMLI) combination concept; however, hardware experience with the concept is minimal and was therefore selected for the MHTB. The foam element (isofoam SS-1 171 with an average thickness of 3.5 centimeters) is designed to protect against ground hold/ascent flight environments, and allows for the use of a dry nitrogen purge as opposed to the more complex/heavy helium purge subsystem normally required with MLI in cryogenic applications. The MLI (45 layers of Double Aluminized Mylar with Dacron spacers) provides protection in the vacuum environment of space and is designed for an on-orbit storage period of 45 days. Several unique features were incorporated in the MLI concept and included: variable density MLI (reduces weight and radiation losses by changing the layer density), larger but fewer DAM perforations for venting during ascent to orbit (reduces radiation losses), and roll wrap installation of the MLI with a commercially established process to lower assembly man-hours and reduce seam heat leak. Thermal performance testing of the MHTB TCS was conducted during three test series conducted between September 1995 and May 1996. Results for the ground hold portion of the tests were as expected producing an average heat leak of 63 WattS/M2 at an average foam surface temperature of 170 K. The results of the simulated orbit hold test interval produced heat leaks ranging from 0.085 to 0.22 Watts/squareM at warm boundary temperatures of 164K and 305K, respectively. When compared to the performance for a traditional MLI system, a 60% reduction in orbital heat leak or boiloff was measured. Overall, the MHTB TCS demonstrated satisfactory performance for all mission phases required of a cryogenic upper stage.

Characterizing Atacama B-mode Search Detectors with a Half-Wave Plate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simon, S. M.; Appel, J. W.; Campusano, L. E.; Choi, S. K.; Crowley, K. T.; Essinger-Hileman, T.; Gallardo, P.; Ho, S. P.; Kusaka, A.; Nati, F.; Palma, G. A.; Page, L. A.; Raghunathan, S.; Staggs, S. T.

2016-08-01

The Atacama B-Mode Search (ABS) instrument is a cryogenic (˜ 10 K) crossed-Dragone telescope located at an elevation of 5190 m in the Atacama Desert in Chile that observed for three seasons between February 2012 and October 2014. ABS observed the cosmic microwave background (CMB) at large angular scales (40<ℓ <500) to limit the B-mode polarization spectrum around the primordial B-mode peak from inflationary gravity waves at ℓ ˜ 100. The ABS focal plane consists of 480 transition-edge sensor (TES) bolometers. They are coupled to orthogonal polarizations from a planar ortho-mode transducer and observe at 145 GHz. ABS employs an ambient-temperature, rapidly rotating half-wave plate (HWP) to mitigate systematic effects and move the signal band away from atmospheric 1 / f noise, allowing for the recovery of large angular scales. We discuss how the signal at the second harmonic of the HWP rotation frequency can be used for data selection and for monitoring the detector responsivities.

An ultrahigh vacuum fast-scanning and variable temperature scanning tunneling microscope for large scale imaging.

PubMed

Diaconescu, Bogdan; Nenchev, Georgi; de la Figuera, Juan; Pohl, Karsten

2007-10-01

We describe the design and performance of a fast-scanning, variable temperature scanning tunneling microscope (STM) operating from 80 to 700 K in ultrahigh vacuum (UHV), which routinely achieves large scale atomically resolved imaging of compact metallic surfaces. An efficient in-vacuum vibration isolation and cryogenic system allows for no external vibration isolation of the UHV chamber. The design of the sample holder and STM head permits imaging of the same nanometer-size area of the sample before and after sample preparation outside the STM base. Refractory metal samples are frequently annealed up to 2000 K and their cooldown time from room temperature to 80 K is 15 min. The vertical resolution of the instrument was found to be about 2 pm at room temperature. The coarse motor design allows both translation and rotation of the scanner tube. The total scanning area is about 8 x 8 microm(2). The sample temperature can be adjusted by a few tens of degrees while scanning over the same sample area.

Cryogenic 160-GHz MMIC Heterodyne Receiver Module

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Samoska, Lorene A.; Soria, Mary M.; Owen, Heather R.; Dawson, Douglas E.; Kangaslahti, Pekka P.; Gaier, Todd C.; Voll, Patricia; Lau, Judy; Sieth, Matt; Church, Sarah

2011-01-01

A cryogenic 160-GHz MMIC heterodyne receiver module has demonstrated a system noise temperature of 100 K or less at 166 GHz. This module builds upon work previously described in Development of a 150-GHz MMIC Module Prototype for Large-Scale CMB Radiation (NPO-47664), NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 35, No. 8 (August 2011), p. 27. In the original module, the local oscillator signal was saturating the MMIC low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) with power. In order to suppress the local oscillator signal from reaching the MMIC LNAs, the W-band (75 110 GHz) signal had to be filtered out before reaching 140 170 GHz. A bandpass filter was developed to cover 120 170 GHz, using microstrip parallel-coupled lines to achieve the desired filter bandwidth, and ensure that the unwanted W-band local oscillator signal would be sufficiently suppressed. With the new bandpass filter, the entire receiver can work over the 140 180-GHz band, with a minimum system noise temperature of 460 K at 166 GHz. The module was tested cryogenically at 20 K ambient temperature, and it was found that the receiver had a noise temperature of 100 K over an 8-GHz bandwidth. The receiver module now includes a microstrip bandpass filter, which was designed to have a 3-dB bandwidth of approximately 120-170 GHz. The filter was fabricated on a 3-mil-thick alumina substrate. The filter design was based on a W-band filter design made at JPL and used in the QUIET (Q/U Imaging ExperimenT) radiometer modules. The W-band filter was scaled for a new center frequency of 150 GHz, and the microstrip segments were changed accordingly. Also, to decrease the bandwidth of the resulting scaled design, the center gaps between the microstrip lines were increased (by four micrometers in length) compared to the gaps near the edges. The use of the 150-GHz bandpass filter has enabled the receiver module to function well at room temperature. The system noise temperature was measured to be less than 600 K (at room temperature) from 154 to 168 GHz. Additionally, the use of a W-band isolator between the receiver module and the local oscillator source also improved the noise temperature substantially. This may be because the mixer was presented with a better impedance match with the use of the isolator. Cryogenic testing indicates a system noise temperature of 100 K or less at 166 GHz. Prior tests of the MMIC amplifiers alone have resulted in a system noise temperature of 65.70 K in the same frequency range (.160 GHz) when cooled to an ambient temperature of 20 K. While other detector systems may be slightly more sensitive (such as SIS mixers), they require more cooling (to 4 K ambient) and are not as easily scalable to build a large array, due to the need for large magnets and other equipment. When cooled to 20 K, this receiver module achieves approximately 100 K system noise temperature, which is slightly higher than single-amplifier module results obtained at JPL (65.70 K when an amplifier is corrected for back-end noise contributions). If this performance can be realized in practice, and a scalable array can be produced, the impact on cosmic microwave background experiments, astronomical and Earth spectroscopy, interferometry, and radio astronomy in general will be dramatic.

Requirements and Capabilities for Fielding Cryogenic DT-Containing Fill-Tube Targets for Direct-Drive Experiments on OMEGA

DOE PAGES

Harding, D. R.; Ulreich, J.; Wittman, M. D.; ...

2017-12-06

Improving the performance of direct-drive cryogenic targets at the Omega Laser Facility requires the development of a new cryogenic system to (i) field non permeable targets with a fill tube, and (ii) provide a clean environment around the target. This capability is to demonstrate that imploding a scaled-down version of the direct-drive–ignition target for the National Ignition Facility (NIF) on the OMEGA laser will generate the hot-spot pressure that is needed for ignition; this will justify future cryogenic direct-drive experiments on the NIF. The paper describes the target, the cryogenic equipment that is being constructed to achieve this goal, andmore » the proposed target delivery process. Thermal calculations, fill-tube–based target designs, and structural/vibrational analyses are provided to demonstrate the credibility of the design. This new design will include capabilities not available (or possible) with the existing OMEGA cryogenic system, with the emphasis being to preserve a pristinely clean environment around the target, and to provide upgraded diagnostics to characterize both the ice layer and the target’s surface. The conceptual design is complete and testing of prototypes and subcomponents is underway. The rationale and capabilities of the new design are discussed.« less

Requirements and Capabilities for Fielding Cryogenic DT-Containing Fill-Tube Targets for Direct-Drive Experiments on OMEGA

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Harding, D. R.; Ulreich, J.; Wittman, M. D.

Improving the performance of direct-drive cryogenic targets at the Omega Laser Facility requires the development of a new cryogenic system to (i) field non permeable targets with a fill tube, and (ii) provide a clean environment around the target. This capability is to demonstrate that imploding a scaled-down version of the direct-drive–ignition target for the National Ignition Facility (NIF) on the OMEGA laser will generate the hot-spot pressure that is needed for ignition; this will justify future cryogenic direct-drive experiments on the NIF. The paper describes the target, the cryogenic equipment that is being constructed to achieve this goal, andmore » the proposed target delivery process. Thermal calculations, fill-tube–based target designs, and structural/vibrational analyses are provided to demonstrate the credibility of the design. This new design will include capabilities not available (or possible) with the existing OMEGA cryogenic system, with the emphasis being to preserve a pristinely clean environment around the target, and to provide upgraded diagnostics to characterize both the ice layer and the target’s surface. The conceptual design is complete and testing of prototypes and subcomponents is underway. The rationale and capabilities of the new design are discussed.« less

Collapsible Cryogenic Storage Vessel Project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fleming, David C.

2002-01-01

Collapsible cryogenic storage vessels may be useful for future space exploration missions by providing long-term storage capability using a lightweight system that can be compactly packaged for launch. Previous development efforts have identified an 'inflatable' concept as most promising. In the inflatable tank concept, the cryogen is contained within a flexible pressure wall comprised of a flexible bladder to contain the cryogen and a fabric reinforcement layer for structural strength. A flexible, high-performance insulation jacket surrounds the vessel. The weight of the tank and the cryogen is supported by rigid support structures. This design concept is developed through physical testing of a scaled pressure wall, and through development of tests for a flexible Layered Composite Insulation (LCI) insulation jacket. A demonstration pressure wall is fabricated using Spectra fabric for reinforcement, and burst tested under noncryogenic conditions. An insulation test specimens is prepared to demonstrate the effectiveness of the insulation when subject to folding effects, and to examine the effect of compression of the insulation under compressive loading to simulate the pressure effect in a nonrigid insulation blanket under the action atmospheric pressure, such as would be seen in application on the surface of Mars. Although pressure testing did not meet the design goals, the concept shows promise for the design. The testing program provides direction for future development of the collapsible cryogenic vessel concept.

Numerical investigation on pulsating heat pipes with nitrogen or hydrogen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Y Han, D.; Sun, X.; Gan, Z. H.; Y Luo, R.; Pfotenhauer, J. M.; Jiao, B.

2017-12-01

With flexible structure and excellent performance, pulsating heat pipes (PHP) are regarded as a great solution to distribute cooling power for cryocoolers. The experiments on PHPs with cryogenic fluids have been carried out, indicating their efficient performances in cryogenics. There are large differences in physical properties between the fluids at room and cryogenic temperature, resulting in their different heat transfer and oscillation characteristics. Up to now, the numerical investigations on cryogenic fluids have rarely been carried out. In this paper, the model of the closed-loop PHP with multiple liquid slugs and vapor plugs is performed with nitrogen and hydrogen as working fluids, respectively. The effects of heating wall temperature on the performance of close-looped PHPs are investigated and compared with that of water PHP.

Quantum-limited Terahertz detection without liquid cryogens

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2005-01-01

Under this contract, we have successfully designed, fabricated and tested a revolutionary new type of detector for Terahertz (THz) radiation, the tunable antenna-coupled intersubband Terahertz (TACIT) detector. The lowest-noise THz detectors used in the astrophysics community require cooling to temperatures below 4K. This deep cryogenic requirement forces satellites launched for THz- observing missions to include either large volumes of liquid Helium, complex cryocoolers, or both. Cryogenic requirements thus add significantly to the cost, complexity and mass of satellites and limit the duration of their missions. It hence desirable to develop new detector technologies with less stringent cryogenic requirements. Such detectors will not only be important in space-based astrophysics, but also respond to a growing demand for THz technology for earth-based scientific and commercial applications.

Cryogenic temperature control by means of energy storage materials. [for long space voyages

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grodzka, P. G.; Picklesimer, E. A.; Connor, L. E.

1977-01-01

An investigation was conducted to study the concept of thermal control by means of physical or chemical reaction heats for applications involving the storage of cryogens during long-term space voyages. The investigation included some preliminary experimental tests of energy storage material (ESM) effectiveness. The materials considered can store and liberate large amounts of thermal energy by means of mechanisms such as sensible heat, heat of fusion, and physical or chemical reaction heat. A differential thermal analysis was utilized in the laboratory tests. Attention is given to the evaluation of cryogenic ESM thermal control concepts, the experimental determination of phase change materials characteristics, and adsorption ESMs. It is found that an ESM shield surrounded by multiple layer insulation provides the best protection for a cryogen store.

Cryogenic Moisture Apparatus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fesmire, James; Smith, Trent; Breakfield, Robert; Baughner, Kevin; Heckle, Kenneth; Meneghelli, Barry

2010-01-01

The Cryogenic Moisture Apparatus (CMA) is designed for quantifying the amount of moisture from the surrounding air that is taken up by cryogenic-tank-insulating material specimens while under typical conditions of use. More specifically, the CMA holds one face of the specimen at a desired low temperature (e.g., the typical liquid-nitrogen temperature of 77 K) while the opposite face remains exposed to humid air at ambient or near-ambient temperature. The specimen is weighed before and after exposure in the CMA. The difference between the "after" and "before" weights is determined to be the weight of moisture absorbed by the specimen. Notwithstanding the term "cryogenic," the CMA is not limited to cryogenic applications: the low test temperature can be any temperature below ambient, and the specimen can be made of any material affected by moisture in air. The CMA is especially well suited for testing a variety of foam insulating materials, including those on the space-shuttle external cryogenic tanks, on other cryogenic vessels, and in refrigerators used for transporting foods, medicines, and other perishables. Testing is important because absorbed moisture not only adds weight but also, in combination with thermal cycling, can contribute to damage that degrades insulating performance. Materials are changed internally when subjected to large sub-ambient temperature gradients.

Design, fabrication and test of Load Bearing multilayer insulation to support a broad area cooled shield

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dye, S. A.; Johnson, W. L.; Plachta, D. W.; Mills, G. L.; Buchanan, L.; Kopelove, A. B.

2014-11-01

Improvements in cryogenic propellant storage are needed to achieve reduced or Zero Boil Off of cryopropellants, critical for long duration missions. Techniques for reducing heat leak into cryotanks include using passive multi-layer insulation (MLI) and vapor cooled or actively cooled thermal shields. Large scale shields cannot be supported by tank structural supports without heat leak through the supports. Traditional MLI also cannot support shield structural loads, and separate shield support mechanisms add significant heat leak. Quest Thermal Group and Ball Aerospace, with NASA SBIR support, have developed a novel Load Bearing multi-layer insulation (LBMLI) capable of self-supporting thermal shields and providing high thermal performance. We report on the development of LBMLI, including design, modeling and analysis, structural testing via vibe and acoustic loading, calorimeter thermal testing, and Reduced Boil-Off (RBO) testing on NASA large scale cryotanks. LBMLI uses the strength of discrete polymer spacers to control interlayer spacing and support the external load of an actively cooled shield and external MLI. Structural testing at NASA Marshall was performed to beyond maximum launch profiles without failure. LBMLI coupons were thermally tested on calorimeters, with superior performance to traditional MLI on a per layer basis. Thermal and structural tests were performed with LBMLI supporting an actively cooled shield, and comparisons are made to the performance of traditional MLI and thermal shield supports. LBMLI provided a 51% reduction in heat leak per layer over a previously tested traditional MLI with tank standoffs, a 38% reduction in mass, and was advanced to TRL5. Active thermal control using LBMLI and a broad area cooled shield offers significant advantages in total system heat flux, mass and structural robustness for future Reduced Boil-Off and Zero Boil-Off cryogenic missions with durations over a few weeks.

MCP-based photodetectors for cryogenic applications

DOE PAGES

Dharmapalan, R.; Mane, A.; Byrum, K.; ...

2016-02-08

The Argonne MCP-based photo detector is an offshoot of the Large Area Pico-second Photo Detector (LAPPD) project, wherein 6 cm × 6 cm sized detectors are made at Argonne National Laboratory. We have successfully built and tested our first detectors for pico-second timing and few mm spatial resolution. We discuss our efforts to customize these detectors to operate in a cryogenic environment. Initial plans aim to operate in liquid argon. As a result, we are also exploring ways to mitigate wave length shifting requirements and also developing bare-MCP photodetectors to operate in a gaseous cryogenic environment.

Airships for transporting highly volatile commodities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sonstegaard, M.

1975-01-01

Large airships may prove feasible as carriers of commodities that move as gases or cryogenic liquids; buoyant gaseous cargo could be ballasted with liquid cargo. Airships are compact in shape, operate in a rarified medium, and hence can be fast and perhaps economic carriers of costly cryogenic tanks. The high-pressure gas pipeline has excessive surface area when carrying hydrogen and excessive fluid density when carrying natural gas, while the cryogenic ocean tanker runs in a dense medium and makes gravity waves. But the airship, despite its fluid dynamic advantages, faces problems of safety, weather, and altitude control.

Cooling Technology for Large Space Telescopes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

DiPirro, Michael; Cleveland, Paul; Durand, Dale; Klavins, Andy; Muheim, Daniella; Paine, Christopher; Petach, Mike; Tenerelli, Domenick; Tolomeo, Jason; Walyus, Keith

2007-01-01

NASA's New Millennium Program funded an effort to develop a system cooling technology, which is applicable to all future infrared, sub-millimeter and millimeter cryogenic space telescopes. In particular, this technology is necessary for the proposed large space telescope Single Aperture Far-Infrared Telescope (SAFIR) mission. This technology will also enhance the performance and lower the risk and cost for other cryogenic missions. The new paradigm for cooling to low temperatures will involve passive cooling using lightweight deployable membranes that serve both as sunshields and V-groove radiators, in combination with active cooling using mechanical coolers operating down to 4 K. The Cooling Technology for Large Space Telescopes (LST) mission planned to develop and demonstrate a multi-layered sunshield, which is actively cooled by a multi-stage mechanical cryocooler, and further the models and analyses critical to scaling to future missions. The outer four layers of the sunshield cool passively by radiation, while the innermost layer is actively cooled to enable the sunshield to decrease the incident solar irradiance by a factor of more than one million. The cryocooler cools the inner layer of the sunshield to 20 K, and provides cooling to 6 K at a telescope mounting plate. The technology readiness level (TRL) of 7 will be achieved by the active cooling technology following the technology validation flight in Low Earth Orbit. In accordance with the New Millennium charter, tests and modeling are tightly integrated to advance the technology and the flight design for "ST-class" missions. Commercial off-the-shelf engineering analysis products are used to develop validated modeling capabilities to allow the techniques and results from LST to apply to a wide variety of future missions. The LST mission plans to "rewrite the book" on cryo-thermal testing and modeling techniques, and validate modeling techniques to scale to future space telescopes such as SAFIR.

Shuttle cryogenic supply system optimization study. Volume 5A-1: Users manual for math models

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1973-01-01

The Integrated Math Model for Cryogenic Systems is a flexible, broadly applicable systems parametric analysis tool. The program will effectively accommodate systems of considerable complexity involving large numbers of performance dependent variables such as are found in the individual and integrated cryogen systems. Basically, the program logic structure pursues an orderly progression path through any given system in much the same fashion as is employed for manual systems analysis. The system configuration schematic is converted to an alpha-numeric formatted configuration data table input starting with the cryogen consumer and identifying all components, such as lines, fittings, and valves, each in its proper order and ending with the cryogen supply source assembly. Then, for each of the constituent component assemblies, such as gas generators, turbo machinery, heat exchangers, and accumulators, the performance requirements are assembled in input data tabulations. Systems operating constraints and duty cycle definitions are further added as input data coded to the configuration operating sequence.

Tensile Properties of Polymeric Matrix Composites Subjected to Cryogenic Environments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Whitley, Karen S.; Gates, Thomas S.

2004-01-01

Polymer matrix composites (PMC s) have seen limited use as structural materials in cryogenic environments. One reason for the limited use of PMC s in cryogenic structures is a design philosophy that typically requires a large, validated database of material properties in order to ensure a reliable and defect free structure. It is the intent of this paper to provide an initial set of mechanical properties developed from experimental data of an advanced PMC (IM7/PETI-5) exposed to cryogenic temperatures and mechanical loading. The application of this data is to assist in the materials down-select and design of cryogenic fuel tanks for future reusable space vehicles. The details of the material system, test program, and experimental methods will be outlined. Tension modulus and strength were measured at room temperature, -196 C, and -269 C on five different laminates. These properties were also tested after aging at -186 C with and without loading applied. Microcracking was observed in one laminate.

Comparison of Cryogenic Temperature Sensor Installation Inside or Outside the Piping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Müller, R.; Süßer, M.

2010-04-01

Cryogenic thermometers for large cryogenic facilities, like superconducting particle accelerator or fusion devices, must be able to withstand very severe conditions over the lifetime of the facility. In addition to the proper selection of the sensor, the choice of the appropriate installation method plays an important role for satisfying operation. Several characteristics must be taken into account, for instance: large numbers of sensors, different claims of accuracy, qualified preparation methods and at least qualified attachment of the sensor holder on the piping. One remedy to get satisfying results is the development of simple thermometer mounting fixtures, because thermometer mounting often may be realized by personnel with limited experience. This contribution presents two different methods for sensor installations, namely inside or outside installation on the piping. These have been the standard applications in the superconducting coil test facility TOSKA for many years. The characteristics of each of these methods will be discussed and compared.

Testing the equipment for the cryogenic optical test of the James Webb Space Telescope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Whitman, Tony L.; Dziak, K. J.; Huguet, Jesse; Knight, J. Scott; Reis, Carl; Wilson, Erin

2014-08-01

After integration of the Optical Telescope Element (OTE) to the Integrated Science Instrument Module (ISIM) to become the OTIS, the JWST optics are tested at NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) in the cryogenic vacuum Chamber A for alignment and optical performance. Tens of trucks full of custom test equipment are being delivered to the JSC, in addition to the large pieces built at the Center, and the renovation of the chamber itself. The facility is tested for the thermal stability control for optical measurements and contamination control during temperature transitions. The support for the OTIS is also tested for thermal stability control, load tested in the cryogenic environment, and tested for isolation of the background vibration for the optical measurements. The Center of Curvature Optical Assembly (COCOA) is tested for the phasing and wavefront error (WFE) measurement of an 18 segment mirror and for cryogenic operation. A photogrammetry system is tested for metrology performance and cryogenic operation. Test mirrors for auto-collimation measurements are tested for optical performance and cryogenic operation. An assembly of optical test sources are calibrated and tested in a cryogenic environment. A Pathfinder telescope is used as a surrogate telescope for cryogenic testing of the OTIS optical test configuration. A Beam Image Analyzer (BIA) is used as a surrogate ISIM with the Pathfinder in this test. After briefly describing the OTIS optical test configuration, the paper will overview the list and configuration of significant tests of the equipment leading up to the OTIS test.

Small Multi-Purpose Research Facility (SMiRF)

NASA Image and Video Library

2015-10-15

NASA Glenn engineer Monica Guzik in the Small Multi-Purpose Research Facility (SMiRF). The facility provides the ability to simulate the environmental conditions encountered in space for a variety of cryogenic applications such as thermal protection systems, fluid transfer operations and propellant level gauging. SMiRF is a low-cost, small-scale screening facility for concept and component testing of a wide variety of hardware and is capable of testing cryogenic hydrogen, oxygen, methane and nitrogen.

Active Control of Cryogenic Propellants in Space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Notardonato, William

2011-01-01

A new era of space exploration is being planned. Exploration architectures under consideration require the long term storage of cryogenic propellants in space. This requires development of active control systems to mitigate the effect of heat leak. This work summarizes current state of the art, proposes operational design strategies and presents options for future architectures. Scaling and integration of active systems will be estimated. Ideal long range spacecraft systems will be proposed with Exploration architecture benefits considered.

High-Tc superconducting materials for electric power applications.

PubMed

Larbalestier, D; Gurevich, A; Feldmann, D M; Polyanskii, A

2001-11-15

Large-scale superconducting electric devices for power industry depend critically on wires with high critical current densities at temperatures where cryogenic losses are tolerable. This restricts choice to two high-temperature cuprate superconductors, (Bi,Pb)2Sr2Ca2Cu3Ox and YBa2Cu3Ox, and possibly to MgB2, recently discovered to superconduct at 39 K. Crystal structure and material anisotropy place fundamental restrictions on their properties, especially in polycrystalline form. So far, power applications have followed a largely empirical, twin-track approach of conductor development and construction of prototype devices. The feasibility of superconducting power cables, magnetic energy-storage devices, transformers, fault current limiters and motors, largely using (Bi,Pb)2Sr2Ca2Cu3Ox conductor, is proven. Widespread applications now depend significantly on cost-effective resolution of fundamental materials and fabrication issues, which control the production of low-cost, high-performance conductors of these remarkable compounds.

Insulating Cryogenic Pipes With Frost

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stephenson, J. G.; Bova, J. A.

1985-01-01

Crystallized water vapor fills voids in pipe insulation. Small, carefully controlled amount of water vapor introduced into dry nitrogen gas before it enters aft fuselage. Vapor freezes on pipes, filling cracks in insulation. Ice prevents gaseous nitrogen from condensing on pipes and dripping on structure, in addition to helping to insulate all parts. Industrial applications include large refrigeration plants or facilities that use cryogenic liquids.

Cryogenic mechanical properties of low density superplastically formable Al-Li alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Verzasconi, S. L.; Morris, J. W., Jr.

1989-01-01

The aerospace industry is considering the use of low density, superplastically formable (SPF) materials, such as Al-Li alloys in cryogenic tankage. SPF modifications of alloys 8090, 2090, and 2090+In were tested for strength and Kahn tear toughness. The results were compared to those of similar tests of 2219-T87, an alloy currently used in cryogenic tankage, and 2090-T81, a recently studied Al-Li alloy with exceptional cryogenic properties (1-9). With decreasing temperature, all materials showed an increase in strength, while most materials showed an increase in elongation and decrease in Kahn toughness. The indium addition to 2090 increased alloy strength, but did not improve the strength-toughness combination. The fracture mode was predominantly intergranular along small, recrystallized grains, with some transgranular fracture, some ductile rupture, and some delamination on large, unrecrystallized grains.

Investigation of solid nitrogen for cryogenic thermal storage in superconducting cable terminations for enhanced resiliency

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suttell, N.; Zhang, Z.; Kweon, J.; Nes, T.; Kim, C. H.; Pamidi, S.; Ordonez, J. C.

2017-12-01

Low heat capacity of helium makes the helium gas cooled high temperature superconducting (HTS) power devices susceptible to large temperature rises during unexpected heat loads such as electrical faults or cryogenic system failures. Cryogenic thermal storage in the form of solid nitrogen designed in the terminations is explored as a means to increase the thermal stability and operational time of HTS power cables in the event of unexpected heat loads. An external tank containing activated charcoal is used as an adsorption buffer tank for nitrogen gas. The use of activated charcoal minimizes the volume of the buffer tank and prevents pressure rises during melting and boiling of the solid nitrogen. Calculations of the cryogenic thermal storage needed and a description of the experimental setup used to understand the design constraints are discussed.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Panda, Pratikash P.; Hecht, Ethan S.

In this work, under-expanded cryogenic hydrogen jets were investigated experimentally for their ignition and flame characteristics. The test facility described herein, was designed and constructed to release hydrogen at a constant temperature and pressure, to study the dispersion and thermo-physical properties of cryogenic hydrogen releases and flames. In this study, a non-intrusive laser spark focused on the jet axis was used to measure the maximum ignition distance. The radiative power emitted by the corresponding jet flames was also measured for a range of release scenarios from 37 K to 295 K, 2–6 bar abs through nozzles with diameters from 0.75more » to 1.25 mm. The maximum ignition distance scales linearly with the effective jet diameter (which scales as the square root of the stagnant fluid density). A 1-dimensional (stream-wise) cryogenic hydrogen release model developed previously at Sandia National Laboratories (although this model is not yet validated for cryogenic hydrogen) was exercised to predict that the mean mole fraction at the maximum ignition distance is approximately 0.14, and is not dependent on the release conditions. The flame length and width were extracted from visible and infra-red flame images for several test cases. The flame length and width both scale as the square root of jet exit Reynolds number, as reported in the literature for flames from atmospheric temperature hydrogen. As shown in previous studies for ignited atmospheric temperature hydrogen, the radiative power from the jet flames of cold hydrogen scales as a logarithmic function of the global flame residence time. The radiative heat flux from jet flames of cold hydrogen is higher than the jet flames of atmospheric temperature hydrogen, for a given mass flow rate, due to the lower choked flow velocity of low-temperature hydrogen. Lastly, this study provides critical information with regard to the development of models to inform the safety codes and standards of hydrogen infrastructure.« less

Wavefront Sensing and Control Technology for Submillimeter and Far-Infrared Space Telescopes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Redding, Dave

2004-01-01

The NGST wavefront sensing and control system will be developed to TRL6 over the next few years, including testing in a cryogenic vacuum environment with traceable hardware. Doing this in the far-infrared and submillimeter is probably easier, as some aspects of the problem scale with wavelength, and the telescope is likely to have a more stable environment; however, detectors may present small complications. Since this is a new system approach, it warrants a new look. For instance, a large space telescope based on the DART membrane mirror design requires a new actuation approach. Other mirror and actuation technologies may prove useful as well.

Evaluation of GE-167 Silicone Rubber (RTV) For Possible Service As A Moisture-Barrier For Certain Strain Gage Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hare, David A.; Moore, Thomas C., Sr.

2000-01-01

The Langley Research Center uses strain gages in a wide variety of demanding test environments. Strain gage installations, depending on the testing scenario, may see high temperatures, cryogenic temperature, moisture accumulation, mechanical abuse, or any combination of these conditions. At Langley, there is often a need to provide protection for strain gages against moisture and mechanical abuse, especially when large-scale, harsh environment testing is to be encountered. This technical memorandum discusses the evaluation of a room temperature curing silicone rubber sealant manufactured by the General Electric Company for consideration as a moisture-barrier for certain strain gage installations.

The Development and Implementation of a Cryogenic Pressure Sensitive Paint System in the National Transonic Facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Watkins, A. Neal; Leighty, Bradley D.; Lipford, William E.; Oglesby, Donald M.; Goodman, Kyle Z.; Goad, William K.; Goad, Linda R.; Massey, Edward A.

2009-01-01

The Pressure Sensitive Paint (PSP) method was used to measure global surface pressures on a model at full-scale flight Reynolds numbers. In order to achieve these conditions, the test was carried out at the National Transonic Facility (NTF) operating under cryogenic conditions in a nitrogen environment. The upper surface of a wing on a full-span 0.027 scale commercial transport was painted with a porous PSP formulation and tested at 120K. Data was acquired at Mach 0.8 with a total pressure of 200 kPa, resulting in a Reynolds number of 65 x 106/m. Oxygen, which is required for PSP operation, was injected using dry air so that the oxygen concentration in the flow was approximately 1535 ppm. Results show qualitative agreement with expected results. This preliminary test is the first time that PSP has been successfully deployed to measure global surface pressures at cryogenic condition in the NTF. This paper will describe the system as installed, the results obtained from the test, as well as proposed upgrades and future tests.

Thermal architecture for the SPIDER flight cryostat

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gudmundsson, J. E.; Ade, P. A. R.; Amiri, M.; Benton, S. J.; Bihary, R.; Bock, J. J.; Bond, J. R.; Bonetti, J. A.; Bryan, S. A.; Burger, B.; Chiang, H. C.; Contaldi, C. R.; Crill, B. P.; Doré, O.; Farhang, M.; Filippini, J.; Fissel, L. M.; Gandilo, N. N.; Golwala, S. R.; Halpern, M.; Hasselfield, M.; Hilton, G.; Holmes, W.; Hristov, V. V.; Irwin, K. D.; Jones, W. C.; Kuo, C. L.; MacTavish, C. J.; Mason, P. V.; Montroy, T. E.; Morford, T. A.; Netterfield, C. B.; O'Dea, D. T.; Rahlin, A. S.; Reintsema, C. D.; Ruhl, J. E.; Runyan, M. C.; Schenker, M. A.; Shariff, J. A.; Soler, J. D.; Trangsrud, A.; Tucker, C.; Tucker, R. S.; Turner, A. D.

2010-07-01

We describe the cryogenic system for SPIDER, a balloon-borne microwave polarimeter that will map 8% of the sky with degree-scale angular resolution. The system consists of a 1284 L liquid helium cryostat and a 16 L capillary-filled superfluid helium tank, which provide base operating temperatures of 4 K and 1.5 K, respectively. Closed-cycle 3He adsorption refrigerators supply sub-Kelvin cooling power to multiple focal planes, which are housed in monochromatic telescope inserts. The main helium tank is suspended inside the vacuum vessel with thermally insulating fiberglass flexures, and shielded from thermal radiation by a combination of two vapor cooled shields and multi-layer insulation. This system allows for an extremely low instrumental background and a hold time in excess of 25 days. The total mass of the cryogenic system, including cryogens, is approximately 1000 kg. This enables conventional long duration balloon flights. We will discuss the design, thermal analysis, and qualification of the cryogenic system.

Highly light-weighted ZERODUR mirror and fixation for cryogenic applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Behar-Lafenetre, Stephanie; Lasic, Thierry; Viale, Roger; Ruch, Eric

2017-11-01

Space telescopes require large primary mirrors within a demanding thermal environment: observatories at L2 orbit provide a stable environment with a drawback of very low temperature. Besides, it is necessary to limit as far as possible the mirrors mass while withstanding launch loads and keeping image quality within a cryogenic environment. ZERODUR is a well-known material extensively used for large telescope. Alcatel Alenia Space and Sagem/REOSC have combined their respective skills to go further in the lightweighting ratio of large mirror (36 kg/m2 on 1.5 m2) through a detailed design, performance assessment and technology demonstration with breadboards. Beyond on a large mirror detailed design supported by analysis, a ZERODUR mock-up has been manufacturing by Sagem/REOSC to demonstrate the achievability of the demanding parameters offering this high lightweighting ratio. Through the ISO experience on mirror attachments, a detailed design of the mirror fixation has been done as well. A full size mock-up has been manufactured and successfully tested under thermal cycling and static loading. Eventually, the ZERODUR stability behavior within this large temperature range has been verified through thermal cycling and image quality cryotest on a flat mirror breadboard. These developments demonstrate that ZERODUR is a good candidate for large space cryogenic mirrors offering outstanding optical performances associated to matured and proven technology and manufacturing process.

Cryogenic Fluid Management Technology Development for Nuclear Thermal Propulsion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Taylor, Brian; Caffrey, Jarvis; Hedayat, Ali; Stephens, Jonathan; Polsgrove, Robert

2015-01-01

The purpose of this paper is to investigate, facilitate a discussion and determine a path forward for technology development of cryogenic fluid management technology that is necessary for long duration deep space missions utilizing nuclear thermal propulsion systems. There are a number of challenges in managing cryogenic liquids that must be addressed before long durations missions into deep space, such as a trip to Mars can be successful. The leakage rate of hydrogen from pressure vessels, seals, lines and valves is a critical factor that must be controlled and minimized. For long duration missions, hydrogen leakage amounts to large increases in hydrogen and therefore vehicle mass. The size of a deep space vehicle, such as a mars transfer vehicle, must be kept small to control cost and the logistics of a multi launch, assembled in orbit vehicle. The boil off control of the cryogenic fluid is an additional obstacle to long duration missions. The boil off caused by heat absorption results in the growth of the propellant needs of the vehicle and therefore vehicle mass. This is a significant problem for a vehicle using nuclear (fission) propulsion systems. Radiation from the engines deposits large quantities of heat into the cryogenic fluid, greatly increasing boil off beyond that caused by environmental heat leakage. Addressing and resolving these challenges is critical to successful long duration space exploration. This paper discusses the state of the technology needed to address these challenges and discuss the path forward needed in technology development.

Recent Ground Hold and Rapid Depressurization Testing of Multilayer Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, Wesley L.

2014-01-01

In the development of flight insulation systems for large cryogenic orbital storage (spray on foam and multilayer insulation), testing need include all environments that are experienced during flight. While large efforts have been expended on studying, bounding, and modeling the orbital performance of the insulation systems, little effort has been expended on the ground hold and ascent phases of a mission. Historical cryogenic in-space systems that have flown have been able to ignore these phases of flight due to the insulation system being within a vacuum jacket. In the development phase of the Nuclear Mars Vehicle and the Shuttle Nuclear Vehicle, several insulation systems were evaluated for the full mission cycle. Since that time there had been minimal work on these phases of flight until the Constellation program began investigating cryogenic service modules and long duration upper stages. With the inception of the Cryogenic Propellant Storage and Transfer Technology Demonstration Mission, a specific need was seen for the data and as such, several tests were added to the Cryogenic Boil-off Reduction System liquid hydrogen test matrix to provide more data on a insulation system. Testing was attempted with both gaseous nitrogen (GN2) and gaseous helium (GHe) backfills. The initial tests with nitrogen backfill were not successfully completed due to nitrogen liquefaction and solidification preventing the rapid pumpdown of the vacuum chamber. Subsequent helium backfill tests were successful and showed minimal degradation. The results are compared to the historical data.

Reliability of large superconducting magnets through design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Henning, C. D.

1981-01-01

Design and quality control of large superconducting magnets for reliability comparable to pressure vessels are discussed. The failure modes are analyzed including thermoelectric instabilities, electrical shorts, cryogenic/vacuum defects, and mechanical malfunctions. Design must take into consideration conductor stability, insulation based on the Paschen curves, and the possible burnout of cryogenic transition leads if the He flow is interrupted. The final stage of the metal drawing process should stress the superconductor material to a stress value higher than the magnet design stress, cabled conductors should be used to achieve mechanical redundancy, and ground-plane insulation must be multilayered for arc prevention.

LLE review. Quarterly report, January 1994--March 1994, Volume 58

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Simon, A.

1994-07-01

This volume of the LLE Review, covering the period Jan - Mar 1994, contains articles on backlighting diagnostics; the effect of electron collisions on ion-acoustic waves and heat flow; using PIC code simulations for analysis of ultrashort laser pulses interacting with solid targets; creating a new instrument for characterizing thick cryogenic layers; and a description of a large-aperture ring amplifier for laser-fusion drivers. Three of these articles - backlighting diagnostics; characterizing thick cryogenic layers; and large-aperture ring amplifier - are directly related to the OMEGA Upgrade, now under construction. Separate abstracts have been prepared for articles from this report.

Hybrid optical and electronic laser locking using slow light due to spectral holes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tay, Jian Wei; Farr, Warrick G.; Ledingham, Patrick M.; Korystov, Dmitry; Longdell, Jevon J.

2013-06-01

We report on a narrow linewidth laser diode system that is stabilized using both optical and electronic feedback to a spectral hole in cryogenic Tm:YAG. The large group delay of the spectral hole leads to a laser with very low phase noise. The laser has proved useful for quantum optics and sensing applications involving cryogenic rare-earth-ion dopants.

Liquid Methane Conditioning Capabilities Developed at the NASA Glenn Research Center's Small Multi- Purpose Research Facility (SMiRF) for Accelerated Lunar Surface Storage Thermal Testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bamberger, Helmut H.; Robinson, R. Craig; Jurns, John M.; Grasl, Steven J.

2011-01-01

Glenn Research Center s Creek Road Cryogenic Complex, Small Multi-Purpose Research Facility (SMiRF) recently completed validation / checkout testing of a new liquid methane delivery system and liquid methane (LCH4) conditioning system. Facility checkout validation was conducted in preparation for a series of passive thermal control technology tests planned at SMiRF in FY10 using a flight-like propellant tank at simulated thermal environments from 140 to 350K. These tests will validate models and provide high quality data to support consideration of LCH4/LO2 propellant combination option for a lunar or planetary ascent stage.An infrastructure has been put in place which will support testing of large amounts of liquid methane at SMiRF. Extensive modifications were made to the test facility s existing liquid hydrogen system for compatibility with liquid methane. Also, a new liquid methane fluid conditioning system will enable liquid methane to be quickly densified (sub-cooled below normal boiling point) and to be quickly reheated to saturation conditions between 92 and 140 K. Fluid temperatures can be quickly adjusted to compress the overall test duration. A detailed trade study was conducted to determine an appropriate technique to liquid conditioning with regard to the SMiRF facility s existing infrastructure. In addition, a completely new roadable dewar has been procured for transportation and temporary storage of liquid methane. A new spherical, flight-representative tank has also been fabricated for integration into the vacuum chamber at SMiRF. The addition of this system to SMiRF marks the first time a large-scale liquid methane propellant test capability has been realized at Glenn.This work supports the Cryogenic Fluid Management Project being conducted under the auspices of the Exploration Technology Development Program, providing focused cryogenic fluid management technology efforts to support NASA s future robotic or human exploration missions.

Concept Design of Cryogenic Propellant Storage and Transfer for Space Exploration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Free, James M.; Motil, Susan M.; Kortes, Trudy F.; Meyer, Michael L.; taylor, William J.

2012-01-01

NASA is in the planning and investigation process of developing innovative paths for human space exploration that strengthen the capability to extend human and robotic presence beyond low Earth orbit and throughout the solar system. NASA is establishing the foundations to enable humans to safely reach multiple potential destinations, including the Moon, asteroids, Lagrange points, and Mars and its environs through technology and capability development. To achieve access to these destinations within a reasonable flight time will require the use of high performance cryogenic propulsion systems. Therefore NASA is examining mission concepts for a Cryogenic Propellant Storage and Transfer (CPST) Flight Demonstration which will test and validate key capabilities and technologies required for future exploration elements such as large cryogenic propulsion stages and propellant depots. The CPST project will perform key ground testing in fiscal year 2012 and execute project formulation and implementation leading to a flight demonstration in 2017.

Performance evaluation of a lossy transmission lines based diode detector at cryogenic temperature.

PubMed

Villa, E; Aja, B; de la Fuente, L; Artal, E

2016-01-01

This work is focused on the design, fabrication, and performance analysis of a square-law Schottky diode detector based on lossy transmission lines working under cryogenic temperature (15 K). The design analysis of a microwave detector, based on a planar gallium-arsenide low effective Schottky barrier height diode, is reported, which is aimed for achieving large input return loss as well as flat sensitivity versus frequency. The designed circuit demonstrates good sensitivity, as well as a good return loss in a wide bandwidth at Ka-band, at both room (300 K) and cryogenic (15 K) temperatures. A good sensitivity of 1000 mV/mW and input return loss better than 12 dB have been achieved when it works as a zero-bias Schottky diode detector at room temperature, increasing the sensitivity up to a minimum of 2200 mV/mW, with the need of a DC bias current, at cryogenic temperature.

33S nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy of biological samples obtained with a laboratory model 33S cryogenic probe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hobo, Fumio; Takahashi, Masato; Saito, Yuta; Sato, Naoki; Takao, Tomoaki; Koshiba, Seizo; Maeda, Hideaki

2010-05-01

S33 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is limited by inherently low NMR sensitivity because of the quadrupolar moment and low gyromagnetic ratio of the S33 nucleus. We have developed a 10 mm S33 cryogenic NMR probe, which is operated at 9-26 K with a cold preamplifier and a cold rf switch operated at 60 K. The S33 NMR sensitivity of the cryogenic probe is as large as 9.8 times that of a conventional 5 mm broadband NMR probe. The S33 cryogenic probe was applied to biological samples such as human urine, bile, chondroitin sulfate, and scallop tissue. We demonstrated that the system can detect and determine sulfur compounds having SO42- anions and -SO3- groups using the S33 cryogenic probe, as the S33 nuclei in these groups are in highly symmetric environments. The NMR signals for other common sulfur compounds such as cysteine are still undetectable by the S33 cryogenic probe, as the S33 nuclei in these compounds are in asymmetric environments. If we shorten the rf pulse width or decrease the rf coil diameter, we should be able to detect the NMR signals for these compounds.

Design progress of cryogenic hydrogen system for China Spallation Neutron Source

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, G. P.; Zhang, Y.; Xiao, J.

2014-01-29

China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS) is a large proton accelerator research facility with 100 kW beam power. Construction started in October 2011 and is expected to last 6.5 years. The cryogenic hydrogen circulation is cooled by a helium refrigerator with cooling capacity of 2200 W at 20 K and provides supercritical hydrogen to neutron moderating system. Important progresses of CSNS cryogenic system were concluded as follows. Firstly, process design of cryogenic system has been completed including helium refrigerator, hydrogen loop, gas distribution, and safety interlock. Secondly, an accumulator prototype was designed to mitigate pressure fluctuation caused by dynamic heat loadmore » from neutron moderation. Performance test of the accumulator has been carried out at room and liquid nitrogen temperature. Results show the accumulator with welding bellows regulates hydrogen pressure well. Parameters of key equipment have been identified. The contract for the helium refrigerator has been signed. Mechanical design of the hydrogen cold box has been completed, and the hydrogen pump, ortho-para hydrogen convertor, helium-hydrogen heat exchanger, hydrogen heater, and cryogenic valves are in procurement. Finally, Hydrogen safety interlock has been finished as well, including the logic of gas distribution, vacuum, hydrogen leakage and ventilation. Generally, design and construction of CSNS cryogenic system is conducted as expected.« less

Robotic Manufacturing of 5.5 Meter Cryogenic Fuel Tank Dome Assemblies for the NASA Ares I Rocket

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, Ronald E.

2012-01-01

The Ares I rocket is the first launch vehicle scheduled for manufacture under the National Aeronautic and Space Administration's (NASA's) Constellation program. A series of full-scale Ares I development articles have been constructed on the Robotic Weld Tool at the NASA George C. Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. The Robotic Weld Tool is a 100 ton, 7-axis, robotic manufacturing system capable of machining and friction stir welding large-scale space hardware. This presentation will focus on the friction stir welding of 5.5m diameter cryogenic fuel tank components; specifically, the liquid hydrogen forward dome (LH2 MDA), the common bulkhead manufacturing development articles (CBMDA) and the thermal protection system demonstration dome (TPS Dome). The LH2 MDA was the first full-scale, flight-like Ares I hardware produced under the Constellation Program. It is a 5.5m diameter elliptical dome assembly consisting of eight gore panels, a y-ring stiffener and a manhole fitting. All components are made from aluminumlithium alloy 2195. Conventional and self-reacting friction stir welding was used on this article. An overview of the manufacturing processes will be discussed. The LH2 MDA is the first known fully friction stir welded dome ever produced. The completion of four Common Bulkhead Manufacturing Development Articles (CBMDA) and the TPS Dome will also be highlighted. Each CBMDA and the TPS Dome consists of a 5.5m diameter spun-formed dome friction stir welded to a y-ring stiffener. The domes and y-rings are made of aluminum 2014 and 2219 respectively. The TPS Dome has an additional aluminum alloy 2195 barrel section welded to the y-ring. Manufacturing solutions will be discussed including "fixtureless" welding with self reacting friction stir welding.

Manufacturing of 5.5 Meter Diameter Cryogenic Fuel Tank Domes for the NASA Ares I Rocket

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, Ronald E.; Carter, Robert W.

2012-01-01

The Ares I rocket is the first launch vehicle scheduled for manufacture under the National Aeronautic and Space Administration s (NASA s) Constellation program. A series of full-scale Ares I development articles have been constructed on the Robotic Weld Tool at the NASA George C. Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. The Robotic Weld Tool is a 100 ton, 7-axis, robotic manufacturing system capable of machining and friction stir welding large-scale space hardware. This presentation will focus on the friction stir welding of 5.5m diameter cryogenic fuel tank components; specifically, the liquid hydrogen forward dome (LH2 MDA) and the common bulkhead manufacturing development articles (CBMDA). The LH2 MDA was the first full-scale, flight-like Ares I hardware produced under the Constellation Program. It is a 5.5m diameter elliptical dome assembly consisting of eight gore panels, a y-ring stiffener and a manhole fitting. All components are made from aluminum-lithium alloy 2195. Conventional and self-reacting friction stir welding was used on this article. Manufacturing solutions will be discussed including the implementation of photogrammetry, an advanced metrology technique, as well as fixtureless welding. The LH2 MDA is the first known fully friction stir welded dome ever produced. The completion of four Common Bulkhead Manufacturing Development Articles (CBMDA) will also be highlighted. Each CBMDA consists of a 5.5m diameter spun-formed dome friction stir welded to a y-ring stiffener. The domes and y-rings are made of aluminum 2014 and 2219 respectively. An overview of CBMDA manufacturing processes and the effect of tooling on weld defect formation will be discussed.

Experimental study of Large-scale cryogenic Pulsating Heat Pipe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barba, Maria; Bruce, Romain; Bonelli, Antoine; Baudouy, Bertrand

2017-12-01

Pulsating Heat Pipes (PHP) are passive two-phase heat transfer devices consisting of a long capillary tube bent into many U-turns connecting the condenser part to the evaporator part. They are thermally driven by an oscillatory flow of liquid slugs and vapor plugs coming from phase changes and pressure differences along the tube. The coupling of hydrodynamic and thermodynamic effects allows high heat transfer performances. Three closed-loop pulsating heat pipes have been developed by the DACM (Department of Accelerators, Cryogenics and Magnetism) of CEA Paris-Saclay, France. Each PHP measures 3.7 meters long (0.35 m for the condenser and the evaporator and 3 m for the adiabatic part), being almost 20 times longer than the longest cryogenic PHP tested. These PHPs have 36, 22 and 12 parallel channels. Numerous tests have been performed in horizontal position (the closest configuration to non-gravity) using nitrogen as working fluid, operating between 75 and 90 K. The inner and outer diameters of the stainless steel capillary tubes are 1.5 and 2 mm respectively. The PHPs were operated at different filling ratios (20 to 90 %), heat input powers (3 to 20 W) and evaporator and condenser temperatures (75 to 90 K). As a result, the PHP with 36 parallel channels achieves a certain level of stability during more than thirty minutes with an effective thermal conductivity up to 200 kW/m.K at 10 W heat load and during forty minutes with an effective thermal conductivity close to 300 kW/m.K at 5 W heat load.

Cryogenic Propellant Long-Term Storage With Zero Boil-Off

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hedayat, Ali; Hastings, L. J.; Bryant, C.; Plachta, D. W.; Cruit, Wendy (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

Significant boil-off losses from cryogenic propellant storage systems in long-duration space mission applications result in additional propellant and larger tanks. The potential propellant mass loss reductions with the Zero Boil-off (ZBO) concept are substantial; therefore, further exploration through technology programs has been initiated within NASA. A large-scale demonstration of the ZBO concept has been devised utilizing the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) Multipurpose Hydrogen Test Bed (MHTB) along with a cryo-cooler unit. The ZBO concept consists of an active cryo-cooling system integrated with traditional passive thermal insulation. The cryo-cooler is interfaced with the MHTB and spraybar recirculation/mixer system in a manner that enables thermal energy removal at a rate that equals the total tank heat leak. The liquid hydrogen (LH2) is withdrawn from the tank, passed through a heat exchanger, and then the chilled liquid is sprayed back into the tank through a spraybar. The test series will be performed over a 20-30 day period. Tests will be conducted at multiple fill levels to demonstrate concept viability and to provide benchmark data to be used in analytical model development. In this paper the test set-up and test procedures are presented.

Control of Warm Compression Stations Using Model Predictive Control: Simulation and Experimental Results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bonne, F.; Alamir, M.; Bonnay, P.

2017-02-01

This paper deals with multivariable constrained model predictive control for Warm Compression Stations (WCS). WCSs are subject to numerous constraints (limits on pressures, actuators) that need to be satisfied using appropriate algorithms. The strategy is to replace all the PID loops controlling the WCS with an optimally designed model-based multivariable loop. This new strategy leads to high stability and fast disturbance rejection such as those induced by a turbine or a compressor stop, a key-aspect in the case of large scale cryogenic refrigeration. The proposed control scheme can be used to achieve precise control of pressures in normal operation or to avoid reaching stopping criteria (such as excessive pressures) under high disturbances (such as a pulsed heat load expected to take place in future fusion reactors, expected in the cryogenic cooling systems of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor ITER or the Japan Torus-60 Super Advanced fusion experiment JT-60SA). The paper details the simulator used to validate this new control scheme and the associated simulation results on the SBTs WCS. This work is partially supported through the French National Research Agency (ANR), task agreement ANR-13-SEED-0005.

Developing NDE Techniques for Large Cryogenic Tanks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parker, Don; Starr, Stan; Arens, Ellen

2011-01-01

The Shuttle Program requires very large cryogenic ground storage tanks in which to store liquid oxygen and hydrogen. The existing Pads A and B Launch Complex-39 tanks, which will be passed onto future launch programs, are 45 years old and have received minimal refurbishment and only external inspections over the years. The majority of the structure is inaccessible without a full system drain of cryogenic liquid and granular insulation in the annular region. It was previously thought that there was a limit to the number of temperature cycles that the tanks could handle due to possible insulation compaction before undergoing a costly and time consuming complete overhaul; therefore the tanks were not drained and performance issues with these tanks, specifically the Pad B liquid hydrogen tank, were accepted. There is a needind an opportunity, as the Shuttle program ends and work to upgrade the launch pads progresses, to develop innovative non-destructive evaluation (NDE) techniques to analyze the current tanks. Techniques are desired that can aid in determining the extent of refurbishment required to keep the tanks in service for another 20+ years. A nondestructive technique would also be a significant aid in acceptance testing of new and refurbished tanks, saving significant time and money, if corrective actions can be taken before cryogen is introduced to the systems.

Cryogenic Design of the New High Field Magnet Test Facility at CERN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benda, V.; Pirotte, O.; De Rijk, G.; Bajko, M.; Craen, A. Vande; Perret, Ph.; Hanzelka, P.

In the framework of the R&D program related to the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) upgrades, a new High Field Magnet (HFM) vertical test bench is required. This facility located in the SM18 cryogenic test hall shall allow testing of up to 15 tons superconducting magnets with energy up to 10 MJ in a temperature range between 1.9 K and 4.5 K. The article describes the cryogenic architecture to be inserted in the general infrastructure of SM18 including the process and instrumentation diagram, the different operating phases including strategy for magnet cool down and warm up at controlled speed and quench management as well as the design of the main components.

Cryogenic support system

DOEpatents

Nicol, Thomas H.; Niemann, Ralph C.; Gonczy, John D.

1988-01-01

A support system is disclosed for restraining large masses at very low or cryogenic temperatures. The support system employs a tie bar that is pivotally connected at opposite ends to an anchoring support member and a sliding support member. The tie bar extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cold mass assembly, and comprises a rod that lengthens when cooled and a pair of end attachments that contract when cooled. The rod and end attachments are sized so that when the tie bar is cooled to cryogenic temperature, the net change in tie bar length is approximately zero. Longitudinal force directed against the cold mass assembly is distributed by the tie bar between the anchoring support member and the sliding support member.

Transmitted wavefront error of a volume phase holographic grating at cryogenic temperature.

PubMed

Lee, David; Taylor, Gordon D; Baillie, Thomas E C; Montgomery, David

2012-06-01

This paper describes the results of transmitted wavefront error (WFE) measurements on a volume phase holographic (VPH) grating operating at a temperature of 120 K. The VPH grating was mounted in a cryogenically compatible optical mount and tested in situ in a cryostat. The nominal root mean square (RMS) wavefront error at room temperature was 19 nm measured over a 50 mm diameter test aperture. The WFE remained at 18 nm RMS when the grating was cooled. This important result demonstrates that excellent WFE performance can be obtained with cooled VPH gratings, as required for use in future cryogenic infrared astronomical spectrometers planned for the European Extremely Large Telescope.

Cryogenically cooled low-noise amplifier for radio-astronomical observations and centimeter-wave deep-space communications systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vdovin, V. F.; Grachev, V. G.; Dryagin, S. Yu.; Eliseev, A. I.; Kamaletdinov, R. K.; Korotaev, D. V.; Lesnov, I. V.; Mansfeld, M. A.; Pevzner, E. L.; Perminov, V. G.; Pilipenko, A. M.; Sapozhnikov, B. D.; Saurin, V. P.

2016-01-01

We report a design solution for a highly reliable, low-noise and extremely efficient cryogenically cooled transmit/receive unit for a large antenna system meant for radio-astronomical observations and deep-space communications in the X band. We describe our design solution and the results of a series of laboratory and antenna tests carried out in order to investigate the properties of the cryogenically cooled low-noise amplifier developed. The transmit/receive unit designed for deep-space communications (Mars missions, radio observatories located at Lagrangian point L2, etc.) was used in practice for communication with live satellites including "Radioastron" observatory, which moves in a highly elliptical orbit.

Study of robust thin film PT-1000 temperature sensors for cryogenic process control applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramalingam, R.; Boguhn, D.; Fillinger, H.; Schlachter, S. I.; Süßer, M.

2014-01-01

In some cryogenic process measurement applications, for example, in hydrogen technology and in high temperature superconductor based generators, there is a need of robust temperature sensors. These sensors should be able to measure the large temperature range of 20 - 500 K with reasonable resolution and accuracy. Thin film PT 1000 sensors could be a choice to cover this large temperature range. Twenty one sensors selected from the same production batch were tested for their temperature sensitivity which was then compared with different batch sensors. Furthermore, the sensor's stability was studied by subjecting the sensors to repeated temperature cycles of 78-525 K. Deviations in the resistance were investigated using ice point calibration and water triple point calibration methods. Also the study of directional oriented intense static magnetic field effects up to 8 Oersted (Oe) were conducted to understand its magneto resistance behaviour in the cryogenic temperature range from 77 K - 15 K. This paper reports all investigation results in detail.

Integrated design of cryogenic refrigerator and liquid-nitrogen circulation loop for HTS cable

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Ho-Myung; Ryu, Ki Nam; Yang, Hyung Suk

2016-12-01

A new concept of cryogenic cooling system is proposed and investigated for application to long-length HTS cables. One of major obstacles to the cable length of 1 km or longer is the difficulty in circulating liquid nitrogen (LN) along the cables, since the temperature rise and pressure drop of LN flow could be excessively large. This study attempts a breakthrough by integrating the refrigerator with the LN circulation loop in order to eliminate the cryogenic LN pumps, and generate a large LN flow with the power of compressors at ambient temperature. A variety of thermodynamic structures are investigated on standard and modified Claude cycles, where nitrogen is used as refrigerant and the LN circulation loop is included as part of the closed cycle. Four proposed cycles are fully analyzed and optimized with a process simulator (Aspen HYSYS) to evaluate the FOM (figure of merit) and examine the feasibility. The modified dual-pressure cycle cooled with expander stream is recommended for long HTS cables.

Thermographic Methods of Detecting Insulation Voids in Large Cryogenic Tanks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Arens, Ellen; Nurge, Mark; Youngquist, Robert; Starr, Stanley

2010-01-01

Four very large (900Kgal) cryogenic liquid hydrogen and oxygen storage tanks at Kennedy Space Center's LC-39 launch pads were constructed in 1965 to support the Apollo/Saturn V Program and continue to support the Space Shuttle Program. These double-walled spherical tanks with powdered insulation in the annular region, have received minimal refurbishment or even inspection over the years. Intrusively inspecting these tanks would mean a significant down time to the program as the cryogenic liquid and the perlite insulation would have to be removed which would be a significant task and long-term schedule disruption. A study of the tanks was performed to determine the extent to which performance and structural information could be revealed without intrusive inspection. Thermal images of the tanks were taken over a variety of environmental conditions to determine the best conditions under which to compare and use thermography as a health monitoring technique as the tanks continue to age. The settling and subsequent compaction of insulation is a serious concern for cryogenic tanks. Comparison of images from the tanks reveals significant variations in the insulation in the annual regions and point to the use of thermography as a way to monitor for insulation migration and possible compaction. These measurements, when combined with mathematical models of historical boil-off data provide key insight to the condition of the vessels. Acceptance testing methods for new tanks, before they are filled with cryogenic commodity (and thereby thermally cycled), are needed and we explore how thermography can be used to accomplish this.

The cosmology large angular scale surveyor (CLASS): 40 GHz optical design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eimer, Joseph R.; Bennett, Charles L.; Chuss, David T.; Marriage, Tobias; Wollack, Edward J.; Zeng, Lingzhen

2012-09-01

The Cosmology Large Angular Scale Surveyor (CLASS) instrument will measure the polarization of the cosmic microwave background at 40, 90, and 150 GHz from Cerro Toco in the Atacama desert of northern Chile. In this paper, we describe the optical design of the 40 GHz telescope system. The telescope is a diffraction limited catadioptric design consisting of a front-end Variable-delay Polarization Modulator (VPM), two ambient temperature mirrors, two cryogenic dielectric lenses, thermal blocking filters, and an array of 36 smooth-wall scalar feedhorn antennas. The feed horns guide the signal to antenna-coupled transition-edge sensor (TES) bolometers. Polarization diplexing and bandpass definition are handled on the same microchip as the TES. The feed horn beams are truncated with 10 dB edge taper by a 4 K Lyot-stop to limit detector loading from stray light and control the edge illumination of the front-end VPM. The field-of-view is 19° x 14° with a resolution for each beam on the sky of 1.5° FWHM.

High Reynolds Number Investigation of a Flush-Mounted, S-Duct Inlet With Large Amounts of Boundary Layer Ingestion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Berrier, Bobby L.; Carter, Melissa B.; Allan, Brian G.

2005-01-01

An experimental investigation of a flush-mounted, S-duct inlet with large amounts of boundary layer ingestion has been conducted at Reynolds numbers up to full scale. The study was conducted in the NASA Langley Research Center 0.3-Meter Transonic Cryogenic Tunnel. In addition, a supplemental computational study on one of the inlet configurations was conducted using the Navier-Stokes flow solver, OVERFLOW. Tests were conducted at Mach numbers from 0.25 to 0.83, Reynolds numbers (based on aerodynamic interface plane diameter) from 5.1 million to 13.9 million (full-scale value), and inlet mass-flow ratios from 0.29 to 1.22, depending on Mach number. Results of the study indicated that increasing Mach number, increasing boundary layer thickness (relative to inlet height) or ingesting a boundary layer with a distorted profile decreased inlet performance. At Mach numbers above 0.4, increasing inlet airflow increased inlet pressure recovery but also increased distortion. Finally, inlet distortion was found to be relatively insensitive to Reynolds number, but pressure recovery increased slightly with increasing Reynolds number.

In Vitro Cryopreservation of Date Palm Caulogenic Meristems.

PubMed

Fki, Lotfi; Chkir, Olfa; Kriaa, Walid; Nasri, Ameni; Baklouti, Emna; Masmoudi, Raja B; Rival, Alain; Drira, Noureddine; Panis, Bart

2017-01-01

Cryopreservation is the technology of choice not only for plant genetic resource preservation but also for virus eradication and for the efficient management of large-scale micropropagation. In this chapter, we describe three cryopreservation protocols (standard vitrification, droplet vitrification, and encapsulation vitrification) for date palm highly proliferating meristems that are initiated from vitro-cultures using plant growth regulator-free MS medium. The positive impact of sucrose preculture and cold hardening treatments on survival rates is significant. Regeneration rates obtained with standard vitrification, encapsulation-vitrification, and droplet-vitrification protocols can reach 30, 40, and 70%, respectively. All regenerated plants from non-cryopreserved or cryopreserved explants don't show morphological variation by maintaining genetic integrity without adverse effect of cryogenic treatment. Cryopreservation of date palm vitro-cultures enables commercial tissue culture laboratories to move to large-scale propagation from cryopreserved cell lines producing true-to-type plants after clonal field-testing trials. When comparing the cost of cryostorage and in-field conservation of date palm cultivars, tissue cryopreservation is the most cost-effective. Moreover, many of the risks linked to field conservation like erosion due to climatic, edaphic, and phytopathologic constraints are circumvented.

Large-scale HTS bulks for magnetic application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Werfel, Frank N.; Floegel-Delor, Uta; Riedel, Thomas; Goebel, Bernd; Rothfeld, Rolf; Schirrmeister, Peter; Wippich, Dieter

2013-01-01

ATZ Company has constructed about 130 HTS magnet systems using high-Tc bulk magnets. A key feature in scaling-up is the fabrication of YBCO melts textured multi-seeded large bulks with three to eight seeds. Except of levitation, magnetization, trapped field and hysteresis, we review system engineering parameters of HTS magnetic linear and rotational bearings like compactness, cryogenics, power density, efficiency and robust construction. We examine mobile compact YBCO bulk magnet platforms cooled with LN2 and Stirling cryo-cooler for demonstrator use. Compact cryostats for Maglev train operation contain 24 pieces of 3-seed bulks and can levitate 2500-3000 N at 10 mm above a permanent magnet (PM) track. The effective magnetic distance of the thermally insulated bulks is 2 mm only; the stored 2.5 l LN2 allows more than 24 h operation without refilling. 34 HTS Maglev vacuum cryostats are manufactured tested and operate in Germany, China and Brazil. The magnetic levitation load to weight ratio is more than 15, and by group assembling the HTS cryostats under vehicles up to 5 t total loads levitated above a magnetic track is achieved.

The Cosmology Large Angular Scale Surveyor (CLASS): 40 GHz Optical Design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eimer, Joseph R.; Bennett, Charles L.; Chuss, David T.; Marriage, Tobias; Wollack, Edward J.; Zeng, Lingzhen

2012-01-01

The Cosmology Large Angular Scale Surveyor (CLASS) instrument will measure the polarization of the cosmic microwave background at 40, 90, and 150 GHz from Cerro Toco in the Atacama desert of northern Chile. In this paper, we describe the optical design of the 40 GHz telescope system. The telescope is a diffraction limited catadioptric design consisting of a front-end Variable-delay Polarization Modulator (VPM), two ambient temperature mirrors, two cryogenic dielectric lenses, thermal blocking filters, and an array of 36 smooth-wall scalar feedhorn antennas. The feed horns guide the signal to antenna-coupled transition-edge sensor (TES) bolometers. Polarization diplexing and bandpass definition are handled on the same microchip as the TES. The feed horn beams are truncated with 10 dB edge taper by a 4 K Lyot-stop to limit detector loading from stray light and control the edge illumination of the front-end VPM. The field-of-view is 19 deg x 14 deg with a resolution for each beam on the sky of 1.5 deg. FWHM.

Optimization of a Brayton cryocooler for ZBO liquid hydrogen storage in space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deserranno, D.; Zagarola, M.; Li, X.; Mustafi, S.

2014-11-01

NASA is evaluating and developing technology for long-term storage of cryogenic propellant in space. A key technology is a cryogenic refrigerator which intercepts heat loads to the storage tank, resulting in a reduced- or zero-boil-off condition. Turbo-Brayton cryocoolers are particularly well suited for cryogen storage applications because the technology scales well to high capacities and low temperatures. In addition, the continuous-flow nature of the cycle allows direct cooling of the cryogen storage tank without mass and power penalties associated with a cryogenic heat transport system. To quantify the benefits and mature the cryocooler technology, Creare Inc. performed a design study and technology demonstration effort for NASA on a 20 W, 20 K cryocooler for liquid hydrogen storage. During the design study, we optimized these key components: three centrifugal compressors, a modular high-capacity plate-fin recuperator, and a single-stage turboalternator. The optimization of the compressors and turboalternator were supported by component testing. The optimized cryocooler has an overall flight mass of 88 kg and a specific power of 61 W/W. The coefficient of performance of the cryocooler is 23% of the Carnot cycle. This is significantly better performance than any 20 K space cryocooler existing or under development.

A cryogen-free low temperature scanning tunneling microscope capable of inelastic electron tunneling spectroscopy.

PubMed

Zhang, Shuai; Huang, Di; Wu, Shiwei

2016-06-01

The design and performance of a cryogen-free low temperature scanning tunneling microscope (STM) housed in ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) are reported. The cryogen-free design was done by directly integrating a Gifford-McMahon cycle cryocooler to a Besocke-type STM, and the vibration isolation was achieved by using a two-stage rubber bellow between the cryocooler and a UHV-STM interface with helium exchange gas cooling. A base temperature of 15 K at the STM was achieved, with a possibility to further decrease by using a cryocooler with higher cooling power and adding additional low temperature stage under the exchange gas interface. Atomically sharp STM images and high resolution dI/dV spectra on various samples were demonstrated. Furthermore, we reported the inelastic tunneling spectroscopy on a single carbon monoxide molecule adsorbed on Ag(110) surface with a cryogen-free STM for the first time. Being totally cryogen-free, the system not only saves the running cost significantly but also enables uninterrupted data acquisitions and variable temperature measurements with much ease. In addition, the system is capable of coupling light to the STM junction by a pair of lens inside the UHV chamber. We expect that these enhanced capabilities could further broaden our views to the atomic-scale world.

A cryogen-free low temperature scanning tunneling microscope capable of inelastic electron tunneling spectroscopy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, Shuai; Huang, Di; Wu, Shiwei, E-mail: swwu@fudan.edu.cn

The design and performance of a cryogen-free low temperature scanning tunneling microscope (STM) housed in ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) are reported. The cryogen-free design was done by directly integrating a Gifford-McMahon cycle cryocooler to a Besocke-type STM, and the vibration isolation was achieved by using a two-stage rubber bellow between the cryocooler and a UHV-STM interface with helium exchange gas cooling. A base temperature of 15 K at the STM was achieved, with a possibility to further decrease by using a cryocooler with higher cooling power and adding additional low temperature stage under the exchange gas interface. Atomically sharp STM imagesmore » and high resolution dI/dV spectra on various samples were demonstrated. Furthermore, we reported the inelastic tunneling spectroscopy on a single carbon monoxide molecule adsorbed on Ag(110) surface with a cryogen-free STM for the first time. Being totally cryogen-free, the system not only saves the running cost significantly but also enables uninterrupted data acquisitions and variable temperature measurements with much ease. In addition, the system is capable of coupling light to the STM junction by a pair of lens inside the UHV chamber. We expect that these enhanced capabilities could further broaden our views to the atomic-scale world.« less

Silicon nitride films fabricated by a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition method for coatings of the laser interferometer gravitational wave detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, Huang-Wei; Kuo, Ling-Chi; Huang, Shu-Yu; Wu, Meng-Yun; Juang, Yu-Hang; Lee, Chia-Wei; Chen, Hsin-Chieh; Wen, Ting Ting; Chao, Shiuh

2018-01-01

Silicon is a potential substrate material for the large-areal-size mirrors of the next-generation laser interferometer gravitational wave detector operated in cryogenics. Silicon nitride thin films uniformly deposited by a chemical vapor deposition method on large-size silicon wafers is a common practice in the silicon integrated circuit industry. We used plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition to deposit silicon nitride films on silicon and studied the physical properties of the films that are pertinent to application of mirror coatings for laser interferometer gravitational wave detectors. We measured and analyzed the structure, optical properties, stress, Young's modulus, and mechanical loss of the films, at both room and cryogenic temperatures. Optical extinction coefficients of the films were in the 10-5 range at 1550-nm wavelength. Room-temperature mechanical loss of the films varied in the range from low 10-4 to low 10-5 within the frequency range of interest. The existence of a cryogenic mechanical loss peak depended on the composition of the films. We measured the bond concentrations of N - H , Si - H , Si - N , and Si - Si bonds in the films and analyzed the correlations between bond concentrations and cryogenic mechanical losses. We proposed three possible two-level systems associated with the N - H , Si - H , and Si - N bonds in the film. We inferred that the dominant source of the cryogenic mechanical loss for the silicon nitride films is the two-level system of exchanging position between a H+ and electron lone pair associated with the N - H bond. Under our deposition conditions, superior properties in terms of high refractive index with a large adjustable range, low optical absorption, and low mechanical loss were achieved for films with lower nitrogen content and lower N - H bond concentration. Possible pairing of the silicon nitride films with other materials in the quarter-wave stack is discussed.

The Cosmology Large Angular Scale Surveyor (CLASS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cleary, Joseph

2018-01-01

The Cosmology Large Angular Scale Surveyor (CLASS) is an array of four telescopes designed to measure the polarization of the Cosmic Microwave Background. CLASS aims to detect the B-mode polarization from primordial gravitational waves predicted by cosmic inflation theory, as well as the imprint left by reionization upon the CMB E-mode polarization. This will be achieved through a combination of observing strategy and state-of-the-art instrumentation. CLASS is observing 70% of the sky to characterize the CMB at large angular scales, which will measure the entire CMB power spectrum from the reionization peak to the recombination peak. The four telescopes operate at frequencies of 38, 93, 145, and 217 GHz, in order to estimate Galactic synchrotron and dust foregrounds while avoiding atmospheric absorption. CLASS employs rapid polarization modulation to overcome atmospheric and instrumental noise. Polarization sensitive cryogenic detectors with low noise levels provide CLASS the sensitivity required to constrain the tensor-to-scalar ratio down to levels of r ~ 0.01 while also measuring the optical depth the reionization to sample-variance levels. These improved constraints on the optical depth to reionization are required to pin down the mass of neutrinos from complementary cosmological data. CLASS has completed a year of observations at 38 GHz and is in the process of deploying the rest of the telescope array. This poster provides an overview and update on the CLASS science, hardware and survey operations.

Developing a safe on-orbit cryogenic depot

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bahr, Nicholas J.

1992-01-01

New U.S. space initiatives will require technology to realize planned programs such as piloted lunar and Mars missions. Key to the optimal execution of such missions are high performance orbit transfer vehicles and propellant storage facilities. Large amounts of liquid hydrogen and oxygen demand a uniquely designed on-orbit cryogenic propellant depot. Because of the inherent dangers in propellant storage and handling, a comprehensive system safety program must be established. This paper shows how the myriad and complex hazards demonstrate the need for an integrated safety effort to be applied from program conception through operational use. Even though the cryogenic depot is still in the conceptual stage, many of the hazards have been identified, including fatigue due to heavy thermal loading from environmental and operating temperature extremes, micrometeoroid and/or depot ancillary equipment impact (this is an important problem due to the large surface area needed to house the large quantities of propellant), docking and maintenance hazards, and hazards associated with extended extravehicular activity. Various safety analysis techniques were presented for each program phase. Specific system safety implementation steps were also listed. Enhanced risk assessment was demonstrated through the incorporation of these methods.

Performance of new 400-MHz HTS power-driven magnet NMR technology on typical pharmaceutical API, cinacalcet HCl.

PubMed

Silva Elipe, Maria Victoria; Donovan, Neil; Krull, Robert; Pooke, Donald; Colson, Kimberly L

2018-04-17

After years towards higher field strength magnets, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology in commercial instruments in the past decade has expanded at low and high magnetic fields to take advantage of new opportunities. At lower field strengths, permanent magnets are well established, whereas for midrange and high field, developments utilize superconducting magnets cooled with cryogenic liquids. Recently, the desire to locate NMR spectrometers in nontypical NMR laboratories has created interest in the development of cryogen-free magnets. These magnets require no cryogenic maintenance, eliminating routine filling and large cryogen dewars in the facility. Risks of spontaneous quenches and safety concerns when working with cryogenic liquids are eliminated. The highest field commercially available cryogen-free NMR magnet previously reported was at 4.7 T in 2013. Here we tested a prototype cryogen-free 9.4-T power-driven high-temperature-superconducting (HTS) magnet mated to commercial NMR spectrometer electronics. We chose cinacalcet HCl, a typical active pharmaceutical ingredient, to evaluate its performance towards structure elucidation. Satisfactory standard 1D and 2D homonuclear and heteronuclear NMR results were obtained and compared with those from a standard 9.4-T cryogenically cooled superconducting NMR instrument. The results were similar between both systems with minor differences. Further comparison with different shims and probes in the HTS magnet system confirmed that the magnet homogeneity profile could be matched with commercially available NMR equipment for optimal results. We conclude that HTS magnet technology works well providing results comparable with those of standard instruments, leading us to investigate additional applications for this magnet technology outside a traditional NMR facility. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Semi-Technical Cryogenic Molecular Sieve Bed for the Tritium Extraction System of the Test Blanket Module for ITER

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Beloglazov, S.; Bekris, N.; Glugla, M.

2005-07-15

The tritium extraction from the ITER Helium Cooled Pebble Bed (HCPB) Test Blanket Module purge gas is proposed to be performed in a two steps process: trapping water in a cryogenic Cold Trap, and adsorption of hydrogen isotopes (H{sub 2}, HT, T{sub 2}) as well as impurities (N{sub 2}, O{sub 2}) in a Cryogenic Molecular Sieve Bed (CMSB) at 77K. A CMSB in a semi-technical scale (one-sixth of the flow rate of the ITER-HCPB) was design and constructed at the Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe. The full capacity of CMSB filled with 20 kg of MS-5A was calculated based on adsorption isotherm datamore » to be 9.4 mol of H{sub 2} at partial pressure 120 Pa. The breakthrough tests at flow rates up to 2 Nm{sup 3}h{sup -1} of He with 110 Pa of H{sub 2} conformed with good agreement the adsorption capacity of the CMSB. The mass-transfer zone was found to be relatively narrow (12.5 % of the MS Bed height) allowing to scale up the CMSB to ITER flow rates.« less

Investigation related to hydrogen isotopes separation by cryogenic distillation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bornea, A.; Zamfirache, M.; Stefanescu, I.

2008-07-15

Research conducted in the last fifty years has shown that one of the most efficient techniques of removing tritium from the heavy water used as moderator and coolant in CANDU reactors (as that operated at Cernavoda (Romania)) is hydrogen cryogenic distillation. Designing and implementing the concept of cryogenic distillation columns require experiments to be conducted as well as computer simulations. Particularly, computer simulations are of great importance when designing and evaluating the performances of a column or a series of columns. Experimental data collected from laboratory work will be used as input for computer simulations run at larger scale (formore » The Pilot Plant for Tritium and Deuterium Separation) in order to increase the confidence in the simulated results. Studies carried out were focused on the following: - Quantitative analyses of important parameters such as the number of theoretical plates, inlet area, reflux flow, flow-rates extraction, working pressure, etc. - Columns connected in series in such a way to fulfil the separation requirements. Experiments were carried out on a laboratory-scale installation to investigate the performance of contact elements with continuous packing. The packing was manufactured in our institute. (authors)« less

Status of HiLASE project: High average power pulsed DPSSL systems for research and industry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mocek, T.; Divoky, M.; Smrz, M.; Sawicka, M.; Chyla, M.; Sikocinski, P.; Vohnikova, H.; Severova, P.; Lucianetti, A.; Novak, J.; Rus, B.

2013-11-01

We introduce the Czech national R&D project HiLASE which focuses on strategic development of advanced high-repetition rate, diode pumped solid state laser (DPSSL) systems that may find use in research, high-tech industry and in the future European large-scale facilities such as HiPER and ELI. Within HiLASE we explore two major concepts: thin-disk and cryogenically cooled multislab amplifiers capable of delivering average output powers above 1 kW level in picosecond-to-nanosecond pulsed regime. In particular, we have started a programme of technology development to demonstrate the scalability of multislab concept up to the kJ level at repetition rate of 1-10 Hz.

Electronics and Algorithms for HOM Based Beam Diagnostics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frisch, Josef; Baboi, Nicoleta; Eddy, Nathan; Nagaitsev, Sergei; Hensler, Olaf; McCormick, Douglas; May, Justin; Molloy, Stephen; Napoly, Olivier; Paparella, Rita; Petrosyan, Lyudvig; Ross, Marc; Simon, Claire; Smith, Tonee

2006-11-01

The signals from the Higher Order Mode (HOM) ports on superconducting cavities can be used as beam position monitors and to do survey structure alignment. A HOM-based diagnostic system has been installed to instrument both couplers on each of the 40 cryogenic accelerating structures in the DESY TTF2 Linac. The electronics uses a single stage down conversion from the 1.7 GHz HOM spectral line to a 20MHz IF which has been digitized. The electronics is based on low cost surface mount components suitable for large scale production. The analysis of the HOM data is based on Singular Value Decomposition. The response of the OM modes is calibrated using conventional BPMs.

Bearings working group

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1985-01-01

The service life of the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) turbomachinery bearings was a predominant factor in engine durability and maintenance problems. Recent data has indicated that bearing life is about one order of magnitude lower than the goal of seven and one-half hours particularly those in the High Pressure Oxidizer Turbopump (HPOTP). Bearing technology, primarily cryogenic turbomachinery bearing technology, is expanded by exploring the life and performance effects of design changes; design concept changes; materials changes; manufacturing technique changes; and lubrication system changes. Each variation is assessed against the current bearing design in full scale cryogenic tests.

Nuclear Cryogenic Propulsion Stage Fuel Design and Fabrication

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hickman, Robert; Broadway, Jeramie; Mireles, Omar; Webb, Jon; Qualls, Lou

2012-01-01

Nuclear Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (NCPS) is a game changing technology for space exploration. Goal of assessing the affordability and viability of an NCPS includes these overall tasks: (1) Pre-conceptual design of the NCPS and architecture integration (2) NCPS Fuel Design and Testing (3) Nuclear Thermal Rocket Element Environmental Simulator (NTREES) (4) Affordable NCPS Development and Qualification Strategy (5) Second Generation NCPS Concepts. There is a critical need for fuels development. Fuel task objectives are to demonstrate capabilities and critical technologies using full scale element fabrication and testing.

Nuclear Cryogenic Propulsion Stage Fuel Design and Fabrication

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hickman, Robert; Broadway, Jeramie; Mireles, Omar; Webb, Jon; Qualls, Lou

2012-01-01

Nuclear Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (NCPS) is a game changing technology for space exploration. Goal of assessing the affordability and viability of an NCPS includes thses overall tasks: (1) Pre-conceptual design of the NCPS and architecture integration (2) NCPS Fuel Design and Testing (3) Nuclear Thermal Rocket Element Environmental Simulator (NTREES) (4) Affordable NCPS Development and Qualification Strategy (5) Second Generation NCPS Concepts. There is a critical need for fuels development. Fuel task objectives are to demonstrate capabilities and critical technologies using full scale element fabrication and testing.

Cryogenic helium gas convection research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Behringer, Robert P.; Donnelly, Russell J.; McAshan, Michael; Maddocks, James; Sreenivasan, Katepalli; Swanson, Chris; Wu, Xaio-Zhong

1994-10-01

This is a report prepared by a group interested in doing research in thermal convection using the large scale refrigeration facilities available at the SSC Laboratories (SSCL). The group preparing this report consists of Michael McAshan at SSCL, Robert Behringer at Duke University, Katepalli Sreenivasan at Yale University, Xiao-Zhong Wu at Northern Illinois University and Russell Donnelly at the University of Oregon, who served as Editor for this report. This study reports the research and development opportunities in such a project, the technical requirements and feasibility of its construction and operation, and the costs associated with the needed facilities and support activities. The facility will be a unique national resource for studies of high-Reynolds-number and high-Rayleigh-number and high Rayleigh number turbulence phenomena, and is one of the six items determined as suitable for potential funding through a screening of Expressions of Interest. The proposed facility is possible only because of the advanced cryogenic technology available at the SSCL. Typical scientific issues to be addressed in the facility will be discussed. It devolved during our study, that while the main experiment is still considered to be the thermal convection experiment discussed in our original Expression of Interest, there are now a very substantial set of other, important and fundamental experiments which can be done with the large cryostat proposed for the convection experiment. We believe the facility could provide several decades of front-line research in turbulence, and shall describe why this is so.

Active Co-Storage of Cryogenic Propellants for Lunar Explortation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mustafi, S.; Canavan, E. R.; Boyle, R. F.; Panek, J. S.; Riall, S. M.; Miller, F. K.

2008-01-01

Long-term storage of cryogenic propellants is a critical requirement for NASA's effort to return to the moon. Liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen provide the highest specific impulse of any practical chemical propulsion system, and thus provides the greatest payload mass per unit of launch mass. Future manned missions will require vehicles with the flexibility to remain in orbit for months, necessitating long-term storage of these cryogenic liquids. For decades cryogenic scientific satellites have used dual cryogens with different temperatures to cool instruments. This technology utilizes a higher temperature cryogen to provide a stage that efficiently intercepts a large fraction of the heat that would otherwise be incident on the lower temperature cryogen. This interception reduces the boil-off of the lower temperature cryogen and increasing the overall life-time of the mission. The Active Co-Storage concept is implemented similarly; the 101 K liquid oxygen thermally shields the 24 K liquid hydrogen. A thermal radiation shield that is linked to the liquid oxygen tank shrouds the liquid hydrogen tank, thereby preventing the liquid hydrogen tank from being directly exposed to the 300 K external environment. Modern cryocooler technology can eliminate the liquid oxygen boil-off and also cool the thermal radiation shield thereby reducing the liquid hydrogen boil-off to a small fraction of the unshielded rate. The thermal radiation shield can be a simple conductive shroud or a more sophisticated but lighter Broad Area Cooling (BAC) shroud. The paper describes the design impact of an active co-storage system for the Altair Descent Vehicle. This paper also compares the spacecraft-level impacts of the conductive shroud and the BAC shroud active co-storage concepts with a passive storage option in the context of the different scales of spacecraft that will be used for the lunar exploration effort - the Altair Ascent and Descent Vehicles, the Orion, and the Ares V Earth Departure Stage. The paper also reports on a subscale test of this active co-storage configuration. The test tank is 0.7 m in diameter, approximately one-third the dimension of tanks that would be needed in a lunar ascent module. A thin-walled fiberglass skirt supports and isolates the tank from a 100 K stage. A similar thin-walled skirt supports the lOOK stage from the ambient temperature structure. An aluminum shield with a heavy MLI blanket surrounds the tank and is attached at the 100 K stage. In this initial phase of the project, there is no tank on the 100 K stage, but it is actively cooled by a single-stage cryocooler similar in design to the one used on the RHESSI mission. The test configuration includes a number of innovative elements, including a helical support heat exchanger and an external thermodynamic vent/heat interception system. To avoid the complexity of an explosive gas handling system, testing will be done with liquid helium and liquid neon as simulant fluids. The properties of these fluids bracket the properties of liquid hydrogen. Instrumentation allows tank temperature and shield temperature profiles, tank liquid levels, and pressure drops through the flow lines, to be measured.

Atom Probe Tomographic Analysis of Biological Systems Enabled by Advanced Specimen Preparation Approaches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perea, D. E.; Evans, J. E.

2017-12-01

The ability to image biointerfaces over nanometer to micrometer length scales is fundamental to correlating biological composition and structure to physiological function, and is aided by a multimodal approach using advanced complementary microscopic and spectroscopic characterization techniques. Atom Probe Tomography (APT) is a rapidly expanding technique for atomic-scale three-dimensional structural and chemical analysis. However, the regular application of APT to soft biological materials is lacking in large part due to difficulties in specimen preparation and inabilities to yield meaningful tomographic reconstructions that produce atomic scale compositional distributions as no other technique currently can. Here we describe the atomic-scale tomographic analysis of biological materials using APT that is facilitated by an advanced focused ion beam based approach. A novel specimen preparation strategy is used in the analysis of horse spleen ferritin protein embedded in an organic polymer resin which provides chemical contrast to distinguish the inorganic-organic interface of the ferrihydrite mineral core and protein shell of the ferritin protein. One-dimensional composition profiles directly reveal an enhanced concentration of P and Na at the surface of the ferrihydrite mineral core. We will also describe the development of a unique multifunctional environmental transfer hub allowing controlled cryogenic transfer of specimens under vacuum pressure conditions between an Atom Probe and cryo-FIB/SEM. The utility of the environmental transfer hub is demonstrated through the acquisition of previously unavailable mass spectral analysis of an intact organometallic molecule made possible via controlled cryogenic transfer. The results demonstrate a viable application of APT analysis to study complex biological organic/inorganic interfaces relevant to energy and the environment. References D.E. Perea et al. An environmental transfer hub for multimodal atom probe tomography, Adv. Struct. Chem. Imag, 2017, 3:12 The research was performed at the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory; a national scientific user facility sponsored by the Department of Energy's Office of Biological and Environmental Research located at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.

Large mass bolometers for neutrinoless double beta decay detection: model and last results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pedretti, Marisa; Barucci, Marco; Giuliani, Andrea; Pasca, Edoardo; Risegari, Lara; Olivieri, Emiliano; Ventura, Guglielmo

2004-01-01

Milano collaboration has been developing for many years large mass bolometers for particle detection, and in particular for the study of neutrinoless double beta decay of 130Te. The active components of the detectors are large mass (340 g and 790 g) TeO2 crystals, while Neutron Transmutation Doped Ge thermistors are used as phonon sensors. These devices work at low temperatures, about 5-10 mK. The mechanical and thermal connections of the detector to the thermal bath are made with PTFE pieces that hold the crystal on copper frames. Gold wires are used as electric connections. We have developed a complete thermal model for the bolometers and "ad hoc" measurements of the thermal parameters involved were performed in the Florence cryogenic laboratory. These studies have permitted to simulate the static and dynamic behaviours of the detectors. A satisfactory agreement between simulated and the experimental response has been obtained as far as the static behaviour is concerned, while the dynamic behaviour is not yet fully understood. These preliminary results however will enable us to design new detector structures in order to improve the signal-to-noise ratio and the reproducibility. Given the good performances of these devices (excellent energy resolutions were obtained, of the order of 2 keV at 911 keV and of 5 keV at 2615 keV), this technique is particularly suitable to detectors for gamma ray spectroscopy. Encouraged by this results, the Milano-Como group has joined a large international collaboration for the realization of CUORE (Cryogenic Underground Observatory for Rare Events), seraching for Dark Matter and neutrinoless Double Beta Decay, a crucial phenomenon for neutrino physics. The Cuoricino detector, a small scale test of CUORE detector, is an array of 62 large mass bolometers like those already described, and it is now in operation in the Gran Sasso undergrand laboratory, Italy). It is the largest array of bolometric detectors ever constructed.

Lightweight Magnetic Cooler With a Reversible Circulator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chen, Weibo; McCormick, John

2011-01-01

A design of a highly efficient and lightweight space magnetic cooler has been developed that can continuously provide remote/distributed cooling at temperatures in the range of 2 K with a heat sink at about 15 K. The innovative design uses a cryogenic circulator that enables the cooler to operate at a high cycle frequency to achieve a large cooling capacity. The ability to provide remote/distributed cooling not only allows flexible integration with a payload and spacecraft, but also reduces the mass of the magnetic shields needed. The active magnetic regenerative refrigerator (AMRR) system is shown in the figure. This design mainly consists of two identical magnetic regenerators surrounded by their superconducting magnets and a reversible circulator. Each regenerator also has a heat exchanger at its warm end to reject the magnetization heat to the heat sink, and the two regenerators share a cold-end heat exchanger to absorb heat from a cooling target. The circulator controls the flow direction, which cycles in concert with the magnetic fields, to facilitate heat transfer. Helium enters the hot end of the demagnetized column, is cooled by the refrigerant, and passes into the cold-end heat exchanger to absorb heat. The helium then enters the cold end of the magnetized column, absorbing heat from the refrigerant, and enters the hot-end heat exchanger to reject the magnetization heat. The efficient heat transfer in the AMRR allows the system to operate at a relatively short cycle period to achieve a large cooling power. The key mechanical components in the magnetic cooler are the reversible circulator and the magnetic regenerators. The circulator uses non-contacting, self-acting gas bearings and clearance seals to achieve long life and vibration- free operation. There are no valves or mechanical wear in this circulator, so the reliability is predicted to be very high. The magnetic regenerator employs a structured bed configuration. The core consists of a stack of thin GGG disks alternating with thin polymer insulating films. The structured bed reduces flow resistance in the regenerator and therefore the pumping work by the cryogenic circulator. This magnetic cooler will enable cryogenic detectors for sensing infrared, x-ray, gamma-ray, and submillimeter radiation in future science satellites, as well as the detector systems in the Constellation-X (Con-X) and the Single Aperture Far-Infrared observatory (SAFIR). Scientific ap p - lica tions for this innovation include cooling for x-ray micro calorimeter spectrometers used for microanalysis, cryogenic particle detectors, and superconducting tunnel junction de tectors for biomolecule mass spectrometry. The cooler can be scaled to provide very large cooling capacities at very low temperatures, ideal for liquid helium and liquid hydrogen productions.

Metallurgical studies of NITRONIC 40 with reference to its use for cryogenic wind tunnel models

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wigley, D. A.

1983-01-01

The characterstics of NITRONIC 40 were investigated in connection with its use in cryogenic wind tunnel models. In particular, the effects of carbide and sigma-phase precipitation resulting from heat treatment and the presence of delta ferrite were evaluated in relation to their effects on mechanical properties and the potential consequences of such degradation. Methods were examined for desensitizing the material and for possible removal of delta ferrite as a means of restoring the material to its advertised properties. It was found that heat treatment followed by cryogenic quenching is a technique capable of desensitizing NITRONIC 40. However, it was concluded that it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to remove the delta ferrite from the existing stock of material. Furthermore, heat treatments for removing delta ferrite have to take place at temperatures that cause very large grain growth. The implications of using the degraded NITRONIC 40 material for cryogenic model testing were reviewed, and recommendations were submitted with regard to the acceptability of the material. The experience gained from the study of NITRONIC 40 clearly identifies the need to implement a policy for purchasing top-quality materials for cryogenic wind tunnel model applications.

Experimental investigation of the heat transfer characteristics of a helium cryogenic thermosyphon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Long, Z. Q.; Zhang, P.

2013-10-01

The heat transfer performance of a cryogenic thermosyphon filled with helium as the working fluid is investigated experimentally with a G-M cryocooler as the heat sink in this study. The cryogenic thermosyphon acts as a thermal link between the cryocooler and the cooled target (the copper evaporator with a large mass). Helium is charged in different filling ratios, and the cooling down process and the heat transfer characteristics of the cryogenic thermosyphon are investigated. The cooling down process of the cooled target can be significantly accelerated by the presence of helium in the cryogenic thermosyphon and the cooling down period can be further shortened by the increase of filling ratio. The heat transfer mode changes from the liquid-vapor phase change to natural convection as the increase of the heating power applied on the evaporator. The heat transfer limit and thermal resistance are discussed for the liquid-vapor phase change heat transfer, and they can be estimated by empirical correlations. For the natural convection heat transfer, it can be enhanced by increasing the filling ratio, and the natural convection of supercritical helium is much stronger than that of gaseous helium.

Liquid helium free cryogenic mechanical property test system with optical windows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, H. C.; Huang, C. J.; Huang, R. J.; Li, L. F.

2017-12-01

Digital image correlation (DIC) is a non-contact optical method for the in-plane displacement and strain measurement, which has been widely accepted and applied in mechanical property analysis owing to its simple experimental steps, high accuracy and large range of measurement. However, it has been rarely used in cryogenic mechanical test since the opaque design of cryostats and the interaction of optics with liquid coolants (liquid nitrogen or liquid helium). In the present work, a liquid helium free cryogenic mechanical property test system cooled by G-M cryocoolers, with a continuous, tunable environmental temperature from room temperature down to around 20 K, was developed and tested. Quartz optical windows, which are compatible with 2D DIC technology, were designed and manufactured on both inner and outer vacuum chambers. The cryogenic test system with optical windows satisfies well for mechanical tests of materials and takes advantage of both being compatible with DIC technology and getting rid of the use of expensive liquid helium. Surface displacement and strain field of Ti6Al4V under uniaxial tension were studied at 20 K by using this system. The results obtained by DIC method agree well with those obtained by extensometers at cryogenic temperatures.

Vent System Analysis for the Cryogenic Propellant Storage Transfer Ground Test Article

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hedayat, A

2013-01-01

To test and validate key capabilities and technologies required for future exploration elements such as large cryogenic propulsion stages and propellant depots, NASA is leading the efforts to develop and design the Cryogenic Propellant Storage and Transfer (CPST) Cryogenic Fluid Management (CFM) payload. The primary objectives of CPST payload are to demonstrate: 1) in-space storage of cryogenic propellants for long duration applications; and 2) in-space transfer of cryogenic propellants. The Ground Test Article (GTA) is a technology development version of the CPST payload. The GTA consists of flight-sized and flight-like storage and transfer tanks, liquid acquisition devices, transfer, and pressurization systems with all of the CPST functionality. The GTA is designed to perform integrated passive and active thermal storage and transfer performance testing with liquid hydrogen (LH2) in a vacuum environment. The GTA storage tank is designed to store liquid hydrogen and the transfer tank is designed to be 5% of the storage tank volume. The LH2 transfer subsystem is designed to transfer propellant from one tank to the other utilizing pressure or a pump. The LH2 vent subsystem is designed to prevent over-pressurization of the storage and transfer tanks. An in-house general-purpose computer program was utilized to model and simulate the vent subsystem operation. The modeling, analysis, and the results will be presented in the final paper.

Computational prediction of propellant reorientation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hochstein, John I.

1987-01-01

Viewgraphs from a presentation on computational prediction of propellant reorientation are given. Information is given on code verification, test conditions, predictions for a one-quarter scale cryogenic tank, pulsed settling, and preliminary results.

Glass Bubbles Insulation for Liquid Hydrogen Storage Tanks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sass, J. P.; Cyr, W. W. St.; Barrett, T. M.; Baumgartner, R. G.; Lott, J. W.; Fesmire, J. E.

2010-04-01

A full-scale field application of glass bubbles insulation has been demonstrated in a 218,000 L liquid hydrogen storage tank. This work is the evolution of extensive materials testing, laboratory scale testing, and system studies leading to the use of glass bubbles insulation as a cost efficient and high performance alternative in cryogenic storage tanks of any size. The tank utilized is part of a rocket propulsion test complex at the NASA Stennis Space Center and is a 1960's vintage spherical double wall tank with an evacuated annulus. The original perlite that was removed from the annulus was in pristine condition and showed no signs of deterioration or compaction. Test results show a significant reduction in liquid hydrogen boiloff when compared to recent baseline data prior to removal of the perlite insulation. The data also validates the previous laboratory scale testing (1000 L) and full-scale numerical modeling (3,200,000 L) of boiloff in spherical cryogenic storage tanks. The performance of the tank will continue to be monitored during operation of the tank over the coming years.

Glass Bubbles Insulation for Liquid Hydrogen Storage Tanks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sass, J. P.; SaintCyr, W. W.; Barrett, T. M.; Baumgartner, R. G.; Lott, J. W.; Fesmire, J. E.

2009-01-01

A full-scale field application of glass bubbles insulation has been demonstrated in a 218,000 L liquid hydrogen storage tank. This work is the evolution of extensive materials testing, laboratory scale testing, and system studies leading to the use of glass bubbles insulation as a cost efficient and high performance alternative in cryogenic storage tanks of any size. The tank utilized is part of a rocket propulsion test complex at the NASA Stennis Space Center and is a 1960's vintage spherical double wall tank with an evacuated annulus. The original perlite that was removed from the annulus was in pristine condition and showed no signs of deterioration or compaction. Test results show a significant reduction in liquid hydrogen boiloff when compared to recent baseline data prior to removal of the perlite insulation. The data also validates the previous laboratory scale testing (1000 L) and full-scale numerical modeling (3,200,000 L) of boiloff in spherical cryogenic storage tanks. The performance of the tank will continue to be monitored during operation of the tank over the coming years. KEYWORDS: Glass bubble, perlite, insulation, liquid hydrogen, storage tank.

Cryogenic support system

DOEpatents

Nicol, T.H.; Niemann, R.C.; Gonczy, J.D.

1988-11-01

A support system is disclosed for restraining large masses at very low or cryogenic temperatures. The support system employs a tie bar that is pivotally connected at opposite ends to an anchoring support member and a sliding support member. The tie bar extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cold mass assembly, and comprises a rod that lengthens when cooled and a pair of end attachments that contract when cooled. The rod and end attachments are sized so that when the tie bar is cooled to cryogenic temperature, the net change in tie bar length is approximately zero. Longitudinal force directed against the cold mass assembly is distributed by the tie bar between the anchoring support member and the sliding support member. 7 figs.

Method of thermal strain hysteresis reduction in metal matrix composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dries, Gregory A. (Inventor); Tompkins, Stephen S. (Inventor)

1987-01-01

A method is disclosed for treating graphite reinforced metal matrix composites so as to eliminate thermal strain hysteresis and impart dimensional stability through a large thermal cycle. The method is applied to the composite post fabrication and is effective on metal matrix materials using graphite fibers manufactured by both the hot roll bonding and diffusion bonding techniques. The method consists of first heat treating the material in a solution anneal oven followed by a water quench and then subjecting the material to a cryogenic treatment in a cryogenic oven. This heat treatment and cryogenic stress reflief is effective in imparting a dimensional stability and reduced thermal strain hysteresis in the material over a -250.degree. F. to +250.degree. F. thermal cycle.

Development of thermal energy storage units for spacecraft cryogenic coolers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Richter, R.; Mahefkey, E. T.

1980-01-01

Thermal Energy Storage Units were developed for storing thermal energy required for operating Vuilleumier cryogenic space coolers. In the course of the development work the thermal characteristics of thermal energy storage material was investigated. By three distinctly different methods it was established that ternary salts did not release fusion energy as determined by ideality at the melting point of the eutectic salt. Phase change energy was released over a relatively wide range of temperature with a large change in volume. This strongly affects the amount of thermal energy that is available to the Vuilleumier cryogenic cooler at its operating temperature range and the amount of thermal energy that can be stored and released during a single storage cycle.

Radiation shielding for deep space manned missions by cryogen free superconducting magnets.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spillantini, Piero

In last years some activity was dedicated to the solution of the following problem: can be artificially created, around a space vehicle in a manned interplanetary travel or around a manned `space base' in deep space, a magnetic field approaching as much as possible the terrestrial one in terms of bending power on the arriving particles? Preliminary evaluations for active shielding based on superconducting magnets were made a few years ago in ESA supported studies. The present increasing interest of permanent space `bases' located in `deep' space requires that this activity continue toward the goal of protecting from Galactic Cosmic Ray (GCR) a large volume `habitat', allowing long duration permanence in space to citizens conducting there `normal' activities besides to a restricted number of astronauts. The problem had to be stated at this global scale because it must be afforded as soon as possible for preparing the needed technologies and their integration in the spacecraft designs for the future manned exploration and for inhabitation of deep space. The realization of the magnetic protection of large volume habitats by well-established nowadays materials and techniques is in principle possible, but not workable in practice for the huge required mass of the superconductor, the too low operating temperature (10K) and the corresponding required cooling power and thermal shielding. The concept of Cryogen Free Superconducting Magnets is the only one practicable. Fast progress in the production of reliable High Temperature Superconducting (HTS) or MgB2 cables and of cryocoolers suitable for space operation opens the perspective of practicable solutions. Quantitative evaluations for the protection of large volume habitats in deep space from GCRs are reported and discussed.

The Structural Heat Intercept-Insulation-Vibration Evaluation Rig (SHIVER)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, W. L.; Zoeckler, J. G.; Best-Ameen, L. M.

2015-01-01

NASA is currently investigating methods to reduce the boil-off rate on large cryogenic upper stages. Two such methods to reduce the total heat load on existing upper stages are vapor cooling of the cryogenic tank support structure and integration of thick multilayer insulation systems to the upper stage of a launch vehicle. Previous efforts have flown a 2-layer MLI blanket and shown an improved thermal performance, and other efforts have ground-tested blankets up to 70 layers thick on tanks with diameters between 2 3 meters. However, thick multilayer insulation installation and testing in both thermal and structural modes has not been completed on a large scale tank. Similarly, multiple vapor cooled shields are common place on science payload helium dewars; however, minimal effort has gone into intercepting heat on large structural surfaces associated with rocket stages. A majority of the vapor cooling effort focuses on metallic cylinders called skirts, which are the most common structural components for launch vehicles. In order to provide test data for comparison with analytical models, a representative test tank is currently being designed to include skirt structural systems with integral vapor cooling. The tank is 4 m in diameter and 6.8 m tall to contain 5000 kg of liquid hydrogen. A multilayer insulation system will be designed to insulate the tank and structure while being installed in a representative manner that can be extended to tanks up to 10 meters in diameter. In order to prove that the insulation system and vapor cooling attachment methods are structurally sound, acoustic testing will also be performed on the system. The test tank with insulation and vapor cooled shield installed will be tested thermally in the B2 test facility at NASAs Plumbrook Station both before and after being vibration tested at Plumbrooks Space Power Facility.

Aspects regarding at 13C isotope separation column control using Petri nets system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boca, M. L.; Ciortea, M. E.

2015-11-01

This paper is intended to show that Petri nets can be also applicable in the chemical industry. It used linear programming, modeling underlying Petri nets, especially discrete event systems for isotopic separation, the purpose of considering and control events in real-time through graphical representations. In this paper it is simulate the control of 13C Isotope Separation column using Petri nets. The major problem with 13C comes from the difficulty of obtaining it and raising its natural fraction. Carbon isotopes can be obtained using many methods, one of them being the cryogenic distillation of carbon monoxide. Some few aspects regarding operating conditions and the construction of such cryogenic plants are known today, and even less information are available as far as the separation process modeling and control are concerned. In fact, the efficient control of the carbon monoxide distillation process represents a necessity for large-scale 13C production. Referring to a classic distillation process, some models for carbon isotope separation have been proposed, some based on mass, component and energy balance equations, some on the nonlinear wave theory or the Cohen equations. For modeling the system it was used Petri nets because in this case it is deal with discrete event systems. In use of the non-timed and with auxiliary times Petri model, the transport stream was divided into sections and these sections will be analyzed successively. Because of the complexity of the system and the large amount of calculations required it was not possible to analyze the system as a unitary whole. A first attempt to model the system as a unitary whole led to the blocking of the model during simulation, because of the large processing times.

Cryogenics - Its influence on the selection of the ASTROMAG superconducting magnet coils

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Green, M. A.

1990-01-01

ASTROMAG, a particle astrophysics experimental facility proposed for running alongside a Space Station, has a large superconducting magnet to analyze particles coming from deep space. Several types of magnets were investigated for use in the ASTROMAG central facility. The factors which influence the selection of the magnet coil design include: (1) the upper limit of particle momentum resolved (proportional to the integrated field) as a function of solid angle; (2)cryogenic design and its effect on cryogen lifetime for a given central facility mass; and (3) the overall cost of the magnet coils and cryostat. Four magnet types are analyzed in this paper. These include a simple two-coil solenoid (the baseline design),two disk coils at the ends of the helium tank, a two-coil toroid and a thin solenoid plus bucking coil. A balance must be struck between cryostat lifetime, total mass and the integrated field through the detectors. This balance tends to favor coils which are in the same vacuum vessel as the cryogen.

NASA Office of Aeronautics and Space Technology Summer Workshop. Volume 8: Thermal control panel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1975-01-01

Technology deficiencies in the area of thermal control for future space missions are identified with emphasis on large space structures and cold controlled environments. Thermal control surfaces, heat pipes, and contamination are considered along with cryogenics, insulation, and design techniques. Major directions forecast for thermal control technology development and space experiments are: (1) extend the useful lifetime of cryogenic systems for space, (2) reduce temperature gradients, and (3) improve temperature stability.

Thermal Imaging for Inspection of Large Cryogenic Tanks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Arens, Ellen

2012-01-01

The end of the Shuttle Program provides an opportunity to evaluate and possibly refurbish launch support infrastructure at the Kennedy Space Center in support of future launch vehicles. One major infrastructure element needing attention is the cryogenic fuel and oxidizer system and specifically the cryogenic fuel ground storage tanks located at Launch Complex 39. These tanks were constructed in 1965 and served both the Apollo and Shuttle Programs and will be used to support future launch programs. However, they have received only external inspection and minimal refurbishment over the years as there were no operational issues that warranted the significant time and schedule disruption required to drain and refurbish the tanks while the launch programs were ongoing. Now, during the break between programs, the health of the tanks is being evaluated and refurbishment is being performed as necessary to maintain their fitness for future launch programs. Thermography was used as one part of the inspection and analysis of the tanks. This paper will describe the conclusions derived from the thermal images to evaluate anomalous regions in the tanks, confirm structural integrity of components within the annular region, and evaluate the effectiveness of thermal imaging to detect large insulation voids in tanks prior to filling with cryogenic fluid. The use of thermal imaging as a tool to inspect unfilled tanks will be important if the construction of additional storage tanks is required to fuel new launch vehicles.

Cryogenic Fluid Management Technology and Nuclear Thermal Propulsion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Taylor, Brian D.; Caffrey, Jarvis; Hedayat, Ali; Stephens, Jonathan; Polsgrove, Robert

2016-01-01

Cryogenic fluid management (CFM) is critical to the success of future nuclear thermal propulsion powered vehicles. While this is an issue for any propulsion system utilizing cryogenic propellants, this is made more challenging by the radiation flux produced by the reactor in a nuclear thermal rocket (NTR). Managing the cryogenic fuel to prevent propellant loss to boil off and leakage is needed to limit the required quantity of propellant to a reasonable level. Analysis shows deposition of energy into liquid hydrogen fuel tanks in the vicinity of the nuclear thermal engine. This is on top of ambient environment sources of heat. Investments in cryogenic/thermal management systems (some of which are ongoing at various organizations) are needed in parallel to nuclear thermal engine development in order to one day see the successful operation of an entire stage. High durability, low thermal conductivity insulation is one developmental need. Light weight cryocoolers capable of removing heat from large fluid volumes at temperatures as low as approx. 20 K are needed to remove heat leak from the propellant of an NTR. Valve leakage is an additional CFM issue of great importance. Leakage rates of state of the art, launch vehicle size valves (which is approximately the size valves needed for a Mars transfer vehicle) are quite high and would result in large quantities of lost propellant over a long duration mission. Additionally, the liquid acquisition system inside the propellant tank must deliver properly conditioned propellant to the feed line for successful engine operation and avoid intake of warm or gaseous propellant. Analysis of the thermal environment and the CFM technology development are discussed in the accompanying presentation.

Optical probing of high intensity laser interaction with micron-sized cryogenic hydrogen jets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ziegler, Tim; Rehwald, Martin; Obst, Lieselotte; Bernert, Constantin; Brack, Florian-Emanuel; Curry, Chandra B.; Gauthier, Maxence; Glenzer, Siegfried H.; Göde, Sebastian; Kazak, Lev; Kraft, Stephan D.; Kuntzsch, Michael; Loeser, Markus; Metzkes-Ng, Josefine; Rödel, Christian; Schlenvoigt, Hans-Peter; Schramm, Ulrich; Siebold, Mathias; Tiggesbäumker, Josef; Wolter, Steffen; Zeil, Karl

2018-07-01

Probing the rapid dynamics of plasma evolution in laser-driven plasma interactions provides deeper understanding of experiments in the context of laser-driven ion acceleration and facilitates the interplay with complementing numerical investigations. Besides the microscopic scales involved, strong plasma (self-)emission, predominantly around the harmonics of the driver laser, often complicates the data analysis. We present the concept and the implementation of a stand-alone probe laser system that is temporally synchronized to the driver laser, providing probing wavelengths beyond the harmonics of the driver laser. The capability of this system is shown during a full-scale laser proton acceleration experiment using renewable cryogenic hydrogen jet targets. For further improvements, we studied the influence of probe color, observation angle of the probe and temporal contrast of the driver laser on the probe image quality.

Fracture and crack growth resistance studies of 304 stainless steel weldments relating to retesting of cryogenic vessels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hall, L. R.; Finger, R. W.

1972-01-01

Fracture and crack growth resistance characteristics of 304 stainless steel alloy weldments as relating to retesting of cryogenic vessels were examined. Welding procedures were typical of those used in full scale vessel fabrication. Fracture resistance survey tests were conducted in room temperature air, liquid nitrogen and liquid hydrogen. In air, both surface-flawed and center-cracked panels containing cracks in weld metal, fusion line, heat-affected zone, or parent metal were tested. In liquid nitrogen and liquid hydrogen, tests were conducted using center-cracked panels containing weld centerline cracks. Load-unload, sustained load, and cyclic load tests were performed in air or hydrogen gas, liquid nitrogen, and liquid hydrogen using surface-flawed specimens containing weld centerline cracks. Results were used to evaluate the effectiveness of periodic proof overloads in assuring safe and reliable operation of over-the-road cryogenic dewars.

Automated Cryocooler Monitor and Control System Software

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Britchcliffe, Michael J.; Conroy, Bruce L.; Anderson, Paul E.; Wilson, Ahmad

2011-01-01

This software is used in an automated cryogenic control system developed to monitor and control the operation of small-scale cryocoolers. The system was designed to automate the cryogenically cooled low-noise amplifier system described in "Automated Cryocooler Monitor and Control System" (NPO-47246), NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 35, No. 5 (May 2011), page 7a. The software contains algorithms necessary to convert non-linear output voltages from the cryogenic diode-type thermometers and vacuum pressure and helium pressure sensors, to temperature and pressure units. The control function algorithms use the monitor data to control the cooler power, vacuum solenoid, vacuum pump, and electrical warm-up heaters. The control algorithms are based on a rule-based system that activates the required device based on the operating mode. The external interface is Web-based. It acts as a Web server, providing pages for monitor, control, and configuration. No client software from the external user is required.

Construction and Application of a Terahertz Scanning Near-Field Microscope for Study of Correlated Electron Materials at Cryogenic Temperatures and Nanometer Length Scales

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stinson, Harry Theodore, III

This dissertation describes the design and construction of the world's first cryogenic apertureless near-field microscope designed for terahertz sources and detectors. I first provide motivation for the creation of this instrument in the context of spectroscopy of correlated electron materials, and background information on the two techniques that the instrument combines, scanning near-field optical microscopy and terahertz time-domain spectroscopy. I then detail key components of the instrument design, including proof-of-principle results obtained at room and cryogenic temperatures. Following this, I discuss an imaging experiment performed with this instrument on vanadium dioxide, an insulator-metal transition material, which sheds new light on the nature of the phase transition and provides support for a new model Hamiltonian for the system. Finally, I discuss a theoretical proposal for the study of cuprate superconductors using this instrument.

The NTF Inlet Guide Vanes Thermal Gradient Problem and Its Mitigation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Venkat, Venki S.; Paryz, Roman W.; Bissett, Owen W.; Kilgore, W.

2013-01-01

The National Transonic Facility (NTF) utilizes Inlet Guide Vanes (IGV) to provide precise, quick response Mach number control for the tunnel. During cryogenic operations, the massive IGV structure can experience large thermal gradients, measured as "Delta T or (Delta)T", between the IGV ring and its support structure called the transfer case. If these temperature gradients are too large, the IGV structure can be stressed beyond its safety limit and cease operation. In recent years, (Delta)T readings exceeding the prescribed safety limits were observed frequently during cryogenic operations, particularly during model access. The tactical operation methods of the tunnel to minimize (Delta)T did not always succeed. One obvious option to remedy this condition is to warm up the IGV structure by disabling the main drive operation, but this "natural" warm up method can takes days in some cases, resulting in productivity loss. This paper documents the thermal gradient problem associated with the IGV structure during cryogenic operation and how the facility has recently achieved an acceptable mitigation which has resulted in improved efficiency of operations.

Broad Area Cooler Concepts for Cryogenic Propellant Tanks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Christie, R. J.; Tomsik, T. M.; Elchert, J. P.; Guzik, M. C.

2011-01-01

Numerous studies and ground tests have shown that broad area cooling (also known as distributed cooling) can reduce or eliminate cryogenic propellant boil-off and enable long duration storage in space. Various combinations of cryocoolers, circulators, heat exchangers and other hardware could be used to build the system. In this study, several configurations of broad area cooling systems were compared by weighing hardware combinations, input power requirements, component availability, and Technical Readiness Level (TRL). The preferred system has a high TRL and can be scaled up to provide cooling capacities on the order of 150W at 90K

1998 Conference on Precision Electromagnetic Measurements Digest. Proceedings.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nelson, T. L.

The following topics were dealt with: fundamental constants; caesium standards; AC-DC transfer; impedance measurement; length measurement; units; statistics; cryogenic resonators; time transfer; QED; resistance scaling and bridges; mass measurement; atomic fountains and clocks; single electron transport; Newtonian constant of gravitation; stabilised lasers and frequency measurements; cryogenic current comparators; optical frequency standards; high voltage devices and systems; international compatibility; magnetic measurement; precision power measurement; high resolution spectroscopy; DC transport standards; waveform acquisition and analysis; ion trap standards; optical metrology; quantised Hall effect; Josephson array comparisons; signal generation and measurement; Avogadro constant; microwave networks; wideband power standards; antennas, fields and EMC; quantum-based standards.

CFD Analysis of Turbo Expander for Cryogenic Refrigeration and Liquefaction Cycles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Verma, Rahul; Sam, Ashish Alex; Ghosh, Parthasarathi

Computational Fluid Dynamics analysis has emerged as a necessary tool for designing of turbomachinery. It helps to understand the various sources of inefficiency through investigation of flow physics of the turbine. In this paper, 3D turbulent flow analysis of a cryogenic turboexpander for small scale air separation was performed using Ansys CFX®. The turboexpander has been designed following assumptions based on meanlineblade generation procedure provided in open literature and good engineering judgement. Through analysis of flow field, modifications and further analysis required to evolve a more robust design procedure, have been suggested.

Field Testing of Cryogenic Carbon Capture

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sayre, Aaron; Frankman, Dave; Baxter, Andrew

Sustainable Energy Solutions has been developing Cryogenic Carbon Capture™ (CCC) since 2008. In that time two processes have been developed, the External Cooling Loop and Compressed Flue Gas Cryogenic Carbon Capture processes (CCC ECL™ and CCC CFG™ respectively). The CCC ECL™ process has been scaled up to a 1TPD CO2 system. In this process the flue gas is cooled by an external refrigerant loop. SES has tested CCC ECL™ on real flue gas slip streams from subbituminous coal, bituminous coal, biomass, natural gas, shredded tires, and municipal waste fuels at field sites that include utility power stations, heating plants, cementmore » kilns, and pilot-scale research reactors. The CO2 concentrations from these tests ranged from 5 to 22% on a dry basis. CO2 capture ranged from 95-99+% during these tests. Several other condensable species were also captured including NO2, SO2 and PMxx at 95+%. NO was also captured at a modest rate. The CCC CFG™ process has been scaled up to a .25 ton per day system. This system has been tested on real flue gas streams including subbituminous coal, bituminous coal and natural gas at field sites that include utility power stations, heating plants, and pilot-scale research reactors. CO2 concentrations for these tests ranged from 5 to 15% on a dry basis. CO2 capture ranged from 95-99+% during these tests. Several other condensable species were also captured including NO2, SO2 and PMxx at 95+%. NO was also captured at 90+%. Hg capture was also verified and the resulting effluent from CCC CFG™ was below a 1ppt concentration. This paper will focus on discussion of the capabilities of CCC, the results of field testing and the future steps surrounding the development of this technology.« less

Transmission of electrons inside the cryogenic pumps of ITER injector.

PubMed

Veltri, P; Sartori, E

2016-02-01

Large cryogenic pumps are installed in the vessel of large neutral beam injectors (NBIs) used to heat the plasma in nuclear fusion experiments. The operation of such pumps can be compromised by the presence of stray secondary electrons that are generated along the beam path. In this paper, we present a numerical model to analyze the propagation of the electrons inside the pump. The aim of the study is to quantify the power load on the active pump elements, via evaluation of the transmission probabilities across the domain of the pump. These are obtained starting from large datasets of particle trajectories, obtained by numerical means. The transmission probability of the electrons across the domain is calculated for the NBI of the ITER and for its prototype Megavolt ITer Injector and Concept Advancement (MITICA) and the results are discussed.

Increasing the Cryogenic Toughness of Steels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rush, H. F.

1986-01-01

Grain-refining heat treatments increase toughness without substantial strength loss. Five alloys selected for study, all at or near technological limit. Results showed clearly grain sizes of these alloys refined by such heat treatments and grain refinement results in large improvement in toughness without substantial loss in strength. Best improvements seen in HP-9-4-20 Steel, at low-strength end of technological limit, and in Maraging 200, at high-strength end. These alloys, in grain refined condition, considered for model applications in high-Reynolds-number cryogenic wind tunnels.

On the selection of materials for cryogenic seals and the testing of their performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Russell, John M.

1989-01-01

Three questions are addressed: what mission must a cryogenic seal perform; what are the contrasts between desirable and available seal materials; and how realistic must test conditions be. The question of how to quantify the response of a material subject to large strains and which is susceptible to memory effects leads to a discussion of theoretical issues. Accordingly, the report summarizes some ideas from the rational mechanics of materials. The report ends with a list of recommendations and a conclusion.

Cryogenic propellant thermal control system design considerations, analyses, and concepts applied to a Mars human exploration mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Plachta, David W.; Tucker, Stephen; Hoffman, David J.

1993-01-01

This paper analyzes, defines, and sizes cryogenic storage thermal control systems that meet the requirements of future NASA Mars human exploration missions. The design issues of this system include the projection of the existing Multilayer Insulation data base for cryogenic storage to much thicker (10 cm or more) insulation systems, the unknown heat leak from mechanical interfaces, and the thermal and structural performance effects of the large tank sizes required for a Mars mission. Acknowledging these unknown effects, heat loss projections are made based on extrapolation of the existing data base. The results indicate that hydrogen, methane, and oxygen are feasible propellants, and that the best suited thermal control sytems are 'thick' MLI, thermodynamic vent sytems, cryocoolers, and vacuum jackets.

Demonstration of Microsphere Insulation in Cryogenic Vessels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baumgartner, R. G.; Myers, E. A.; Fesmire, J. E.; Morris, D. L.; Sokalski, E. R.

2006-04-01

While microspheres have been recognized as a legitimate insulation material for decades, actual use in full-scale cryogenic storage tanks has not been demonstrated until now. The performance and life-cycle-cost advantages previously predicted have now been proven. Most bulk cryogenic storage tanks are insulated with either multilayer insulation (MLI) or perlite. Microsphere insulation, consisting of hollow glass bubbles, combines in a single material the desirable properties that other insulations only have individually. The material has high crush strength, low density, is noncombustible, and performs well in soft vacuum. These properties were proven during recent field testing of two 22,700-L (6,000-gallon) liquid nitrogen tanks, one insulated with microsphere insulation and the other with perlite. Normal evaporation rates (NER) for both tanks were monitored with precision test equipment and insulation levels within the tanks were observed through view ports as an indication of insulation compaction. Specific industrial applications were evaluated based on the test results and beneficial properties of microsphere insulation. Over-the-road trailers previously insulated with perlite will benefit not only from the reduced heat leak, but also the reduced mass of microsphere insulation. Economic assessments for microsphere-insulated cryogenic vessels including life-cycle cost are also presented.

A reconfigurable cryogenic platform for the classical control of quantum processors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Homulle, Harald; Visser, Stefan; Patra, Bishnu; Ferrari, Giorgio; Prati, Enrico; Sebastiano, Fabio; Charbon, Edoardo

2017-04-01

The implementation of a classical control infrastructure for large-scale quantum computers is challenging due to the need for integration and processing time, which is constrained by coherence time. We propose a cryogenic reconfigurable platform as the heart of the control infrastructure implementing the digital error-correction control loop. The platform is implemented on a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) that supports the functionality required by several qubit technologies and that can operate close to the physical qubits over a temperature range from 4 K to 300 K. This work focuses on the extensive characterization of the electronic platform over this temperature range. All major FPGA building blocks (such as look-up tables (LUTs), carry chains (CARRY4), mixed-mode clock manager (MMCM), phase-locked loop (PLL), block random access memory, and IDELAY2 (programmable delay element)) operate correctly and the logic speed is very stable. The logic speed of LUTs and CARRY4 changes less then 5%, whereas the jitter of MMCM and PLL clock managers is reduced by 20%. The stability is finally demonstrated by operating an integrated 1.2 GSa/s analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with a relatively stable performance over temperature. The ADCs effective number of bits drops from 6 to 4.5 bits when operating at 15 K.

A reconfigurable cryogenic platform for the classical control of quantum processors.

PubMed

Homulle, Harald; Visser, Stefan; Patra, Bishnu; Ferrari, Giorgio; Prati, Enrico; Sebastiano, Fabio; Charbon, Edoardo

2017-04-01

The implementation of a classical control infrastructure for large-scale quantum computers is challenging due to the need for integration and processing time, which is constrained by coherence time. We propose a cryogenic reconfigurable platform as the heart of the control infrastructure implementing the digital error-correction control loop. The platform is implemented on a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) that supports the functionality required by several qubit technologies and that can operate close to the physical qubits over a temperature range from 4 K to 300 K. This work focuses on the extensive characterization of the electronic platform over this temperature range. All major FPGA building blocks (such as look-up tables (LUTs), carry chains (CARRY4), mixed-mode clock manager (MMCM), phase-locked loop (PLL), block random access memory, and IDELAY2 (programmable delay element)) operate correctly and the logic speed is very stable. The logic speed of LUTs and CARRY4 changes less then 5%, whereas the jitter of MMCM and PLL clock managers is reduced by 20%. The stability is finally demonstrated by operating an integrated 1.2 GSa/s analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with a relatively stable performance over temperature. The ADCs effective number of bits drops from 6 to 4.5 bits when operating at 15 K.

Analytical Modeling and Test Correlation of Variable Density Multilayer Insulation for Cryogenic Storage

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hastings, L. J.; Hedayat, A.; Brown, T. M.

2004-01-01

A unique foam/multilayer insulation (MLI) combination concept for orbital cryogenic storage was experimentally evaluated using a large-scale hydrogen tank. The foam substrate insulates for ground-hold periods and enables a gaseous nitrogen purge as opposed to helium. The MLI, designed for an on-orbit storage period for 45 days, includes several unique features including a variable layer density and larger but fewer perforations for venting during ascent to orbit. Test results with liquid hydrogen indicated that the MLI weight or tank heat leak is reduced by about half in comparison with standard MLI. The focus of this effort is on analytical modeling of the variable density MLI (VD-MLI) on-orbit performance. The foam/VD-MLI model is considered to have five segments. The first segment represents the optional foam layer. The second, third, and fourth segments represent three different MLI layer densities. The last segment is an environmental boundary or shroud that surrounds the last MLI layer. Two approaches are considered: a variable density MLI modeled layer by layer and a semiempirical model or "modified Lockheed equation." Results from the two models were very comparable and were within 5-8 percent of the measured data at the 300 K boundary condition.

Cryogenic Permanent Magnet Undulators

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chavanne, J.; Lebec, G.; Penel, C.

For an in-vacuum undulator operated at small gaps the permanent magnet material needs to be highly resistant to possible electron beam exposure. At room temperature, one generally uses Sm{sub 2}Co{sub 17} or high coercivity NdFeB magnets at the expense of a limited field performance. In a cryogenic permanent magnet undulator (CPMU), at a temperature of around 150 K, any NdFeB grade reveals a coercivity large enough to be radiation resistant. In particular, very high remanence NdFeB material can be used to build undulators with enhanced field and X-ray brilliance at high photon energy provided that the pre-baking of the undulatormore » above 100 deg. C can be eliminated. The ESRF has developed a full scale 2 m long CPMU with a period of 18 mm. This prototype has been in operation on the ID6 test beamline since January 2008. A significant effort was put into the characterization of NdFeB material at low temperature, the development of dedicated magnetic measurement systems and cooling methods. The measured heat budget with beam is found to be larger than expected without compromising the smooth operation of the device. Leading on from this first experience, new CPMUs are currently being considered for the upgrade of the ESRF.« less

Pre-cooling of ton-scale particle detectors in low radioactivity environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cappelli, L.; Pagliarone, C. E.; Bucci, C.; D’Aguanno, D.; Erme, G.; Gorla, P.; Kartal, S.; Marignetti, F.

2018-03-01

Low radioactivity sites are mandatory to perform searches for rare processes that cannot be studied with particle accelerators and requires low environmental backgrounds. Neutrino-less double β decay or Dark Matter searches must be performed in underground low radioactivity observatories. Large detectors are needed to increase the acceptances and proper cryogenic systems to run dedicated detectors. To reach the working temperatures, refrigerators as Pulse Tubes, Dilution Units are used inside complex cryostats. CUORE, Cryogenic Underground Observatory for Rare Events, is an experiment located at LNGS under the Gran Sasso mountain. So far, it’s the coldest cubic meter and the largest cold mass ever realized. Its 998 TeO2 bolometers need to be kept at temperatures T< 10 mK. Using only Pulse Tubes, CUORE needs several weeks to reach the baseline T. Then a Fast Cooling System has been designed and constructed for a faster precooling of the whole CUORE cold volume. The Fast Cooling System (FCS) consists of a cryostat with heat exchangers that use 3 Gifford-McMahon refrigerators, a 4He compressor, a filtering module and several sensors that allow to monitor and control the system during CUORE cooldown. The present work describes the FCS and summarizes its performances during the first full CUORE cooldown.

Large-Scale Liquid Hydrogen Tank Rapid Chill and Fill Testing for the Advanced Shuttle Upper Stage Concept

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Flachbart, R. H.; Hedayat, A.; Holt, K. A.; Sims, J.; Johnson, E. F.; Hastings, L. J.; Lak, T.

2013-01-01

Cryogenic upper stages in the Space Shuttle program were prohibited primarily due to a safety risk of a 'return to launch site' abort. An upper stage concept addressed this concern by proposing that the stage be launched empty and filled using shuttle external tank residuals after the atmospheric pressure could no longer sustain an explosion. However, only about 5 minutes was allowed for tank fill. Liquid hydrogen testing was conducted within a near-ambient environment using the multipurpose hydrogen test bed 638.5 ft3 (18m3) cylindrical tank with a spray bar mounted longitudinally inside. Although the tank was filled within 5 minutes, chilldown of the tank structure was incomplete, and excessive tank pressures occurred upon vent valve closure. Elevated tank wall temperatures below the liquid level were clearly characteristic of film boiling. The test results have substantial implications for on-orbit cryogen transfer since the formation of a vapor film would be much less inhibited due to the reduced gravity. However, the heavy tank walls could become an asset in normal gravity testing for on-orbit transfer, i.e., if film boiling in a nonflight weight tank can be inhibited in normal gravity, then analytical modeling anchored with the data could be applied to reduced gravity environments with increased confidence.

Study of experiments on condensation of nitrogen by homogeneous nucleation at states modelling those on the national transonic facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wegener, P. P.

1980-01-01

A cryogenic wind tunnel is based on the twofold idea of lowering drive power and increasing Reynolds number by operating with nitrogen near its boiling point. There are two possible types of condensation problems involved in this mode of wind tunnel operation. They concern the expansion from the nozzle supply to the test section at relatively low cooling rates, and secondly the expansion around models in the test section. This secondary expansion involves higher cooling rates and shorter time scales. In addition to these two condensation problems it is not certain what purity of nitrogen can be achieved in a large facility. Therefore, one cannot rule out condensation processes other than those of homogeneous nucleation.

Impact of large beam-induced heat loads on the transient operation of the beam screens and the cryogenic plants of the Future Circular Collider (FCC)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Correia Rodrigues, H.; Tavian, L.

2017-12-01

The Future Circular Collider (FCC) under study at CERN will produce 50-TeV high-energy proton beams. The high-energy particle beams are bent by 16-T superconducting dipole magnets operating at 1.9 K and distributed over a circumference of 80 km. The circulating beams induce 5 MW of dynamic heat loads by several processes such as synchrotron radiation, resistive dissipation of beam image currents and electron clouds. These beam-induced heat loads will be intercepted by beam screens operating between 40 and 60 K and induce transients during beam injection. Energy ramp-up and beam dumping on the distributed beam-screen cooling loops, the sector cryogenic plants and the dedicated circulators. Based on the current baseline parameters, numerical simulations of the fluid flow in the cryogenic distribution system during a beam operation cycle were performed. The effects of the thermal inertia of the headers on the helium flow temperature at the cryogenic plant inlet as well as the temperature gradient experienced by the beam screen has been assessed. Additionally, this work enabled a thorough exergetic analysis of different cryogenic plant configurations and laid the building-block for establishing design specification of cold and warm circulators.

SPICA sub-Kelvin cryogenic chains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duband, L.; Duval, J. M.; Luchier, N.; Prouve, T.

2012-04-01

SPICA, a Japanese led mission, is part of the JAXA future science program and is planned for launch in 2018. SPICA will perform imaging and spectroscopic observations in the mid- and far-IR waveband, and is developing instrumentation spanning the 5-400 μm range. The SPICA payload features several candidate instruments, some of them requiring temperature down to 50 mK. This is currently the case for SAFARI, a core instrument developed by a European-based consortium, and BLISS proposed by CALTECH/JPL in the US. SPICA's distinctive feature is to actively cool its telescope to below 6 K. In addition, SPICA is a liquid cryogen free satellite and all the cooling will be provided by radiative cooling (L2 orbit) down to 30 K and by mechanical coolers for lower temperatures. The satellite will launch warm and slowly equilibrate to its operating temperatures once in orbit. This warm launch approach makes it possible to eliminate a large liquid cryogen tank and to use the mass saved to launch a large diameter telescope (3.2 m). This 4 K cooled telescope significantly reduces its own thermal radiation, offering superior sensitivity in the infrared region. The cryogenic system that enables this warm launch/cooled telescope concept is a key issue of the mission. This cryogenic chain features a number of cooling stages comprising passive radiators, Stirling coolers and several Joule Thomson loops, offering cooling powers at typically 20, 4.5, 2.5 and 1.7 K. The SAFARI and BLISS detectors require cooling to temperatures as low as 50 mK. The instrument coolers will be operated from these heat sinks. They are composed of a small demagnetization refrigerator (ADR) pre cooled by either a single or a double sorption cooler, respectively for SAFARI and BLISS. The BLISS cooler maintains continuous cooling at 300 mK and thus suppresses the thermal equilibrium time constant of the large focal plane. These hybrid architectures allow designing low weight coolers able to reach 50 mK. Because the sorption cooler has extremely low mass for a sub-Kelvin cooler, it allows the stringent mass budget to be met. These concepts are discussed in this paper.

Zero Boil Off Cryogen Storage for Future Launchers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Valentian, D.; Plachta, D.; Kittel, P.; Hastings, L. J.; Salerno, Louis J.; Arnold, James O. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

Zero boil off (ZBO) cryogen storage using both cryocoolers and passive insulation technologies will enable long-term exploration missions by allowing designers to optimize tankage without the need for excess cryogen storage to account for boil off. Studies of ZBO (zero boil off) have been on-going in the USA for several years. More recently, a review of the needs of advanced space propulsion took place in Europe. This showed the interest of the European community in cryogenic propulsion for planetary missions as well as the use of liquid hydrogen for large power electric propulsion (manned Mars missions). Although natural boiling could be acceptable for single leg missions, passive insulation techniques yield roughly a I% per month cryogen loss and this would not be cost effective for robotic planetary missions involving storage times greater than one year. To make economic sense, long-term exploration missions require lower tank capacity and longer storage times. Recent advances in cryocooler technology, resulting in vast improvements in both cooler efficiency and reliability, make ZBO is a clear choice for planetary exploration missions. Other, more near term applications of ZBO include boil-off reduction or elimination applied to first and upper stages of future earth-to-orbit (ETO) launchers. This would extend launch windows and reduce infrastructure costs. Successors to vehicles like Ariane 5 could greatly benefit by implementing ZBO. Zero Boil Off will only be successful in ETO launcher applications if it makes economic sense to implement. The energy cost is only a fraction of the total cost of buying liquid cryogen, the rest being transportation and other overhead. Because of this, higher boiling point cryogens will benefit more from on-board liquefaction, thus reducing the infrastructure costs. Since hydrogen requires a liquefier with at least a 17% efficiency just to break even from a cost standpoint, one approach for implementing ZBO in upper stages would be to actively cool the shield in the hydrogen tank to reduce the parasitic losses. This would allow the use of less expensive, presently available coolers (80 K vs. 20 K) and potentially simplify the system by requiring only a single compressor on the pad amd a single disconnect line. The compressor could be a hefty commercial unit, with only the cold head requiring expensive flight development and qualification. While this is actually a reduced boil off configuration rather than a zero-boil off case, if the cryogen loss could be cut significantly, the increase in hold time and reduced need for draining and refilling the propellant tanks could meet the vehicle operations needs in the majority of instances.Bearing in mind the potential benefits of ZBO, NASA AMES and SNECMA Moteurs decided to exchange their technical views on the subject. This paper will present a preliminary analysis for a multi-mission module using a fairly low thrust cryogenic engine and ZBO during cruise. Initial mass is 5.5. tons (in ETO). The cryogenic engine will be used near each periapsis in order to minimize the AV requirement. The payload obtained by this propulsion system is compared to a classical storable bipropellant propulsion system for several cases (e. g. Mars lander, Jupiter orbiter, Saturn orbiter). For the Jupiter and Saturn cases, the power source could be an RTG or a large parabolic mirror illuminating a solar panel. It is shown -that - due to its much larger specific impulse - the cryogenic ZBO solution provides much higher payloads, especially for exploration missions involving landing on planets, asteroids, comets, or other celestial bodies.

Plastic dynamics of the Al0.5CoCrCuFeNi high entropy alloy at cryogenic temperatures: Jerky flow, stair-like fluctuation, scaling behavior, and non-chaotic state

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Xiaoxiang; Xie, Xie; Ren, Jingli; Laktionova, Marina; Tabachnikova, Elena; Yu, Liping; Cheung, Wing-Sum; Dahmen, Karin A.; Liaw, Peter K.

2017-12-01

This study investigates the plastic behavior of the Al0.5CoCrCuFeNi high-entropy alloy at cryogenic temperatures. The samples are uniaxially compressed at 4.2 K, 7.5 K, and 9 K. A jerky evolution of stress and stair-like fluctuation of strain are observed during plastic deformation. A scaling relationship is detected between the released elastic energy and strain-jump sizes. Furthermore, the dynamical evolution of serrations is characterized by the largest Lyapunov exponent. The largest Lyapunov exponents of the serrations at the three temperatures are all negative, which indicates that the dynamical regime is non-chaotic. This trend reflects an ordered slip process, and this ordered slip process exhibits a more disordered slip process, as the temperature decreases from 9 K to 4.2 K or 7.5 K.

Caltech water-ice dusty plasma: preliminary results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bellan, Paul; Chai, Kilbyoung

2013-10-01

A water-ice dusty plasma laboratory experiment has begun operation at Caltech. As in Ref., a 1-5 watt parallel-plate 13.56 MHz rf discharge plasma has LN2-cooled electrodes that cool the neutral background gas to cryogenic temperatures. However, instead of creating water vapor by in-situ deuterium-oxygen bonding, here the neutral gas is argon and water vapor is added in a controlled fashion. Ice grains spontaneously form after a few seconds. Photography with a HeNe line filter of a sheet of HeNe laser light sheet illuminating a cross section of dust grains shows a large scale whorl pattern composed of concentric sub-whorls having wave-like spatially varying intensity. Each sub-whorl is composed of very evenly separated fine-scale stream-lines indicating that the ice grains move in self-organized lanes like automobiles on a multi-line highway. HeNe laser extinction together with an estimate of dust density from the intergrain spacing in photographs indicates a 5 micron nominal dust grain radius. HeNe laser diffraction patterns indicate the ice dust grains are large and ellipsoidal at low pressure (200 mT) but small and spheroidal at high pressure (>600 mT). Supported by USDOE.

Cryogenic test facility instrumentation with fiber optic and fiber optic sensors for testing superconducting accelerator magnets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chiuchiolo, A.; Bajas, H.; Bajko, M.; Castaldo, B.; Consales, M.; Cusano, A.; Giordano, M.; Giloux, C.; Perez, J. C.; Sansone, L.; Viret, P.

2017-12-01

The magnets for the next steps in accelerator physics, such as the High Luminosity upgrade of the LHC (HL- LHC) and the Future Circular Collider (FCC), require the development of new technologies for manufacturing and monitoring. To meet the HL-LHC new requirements, a large upgrade of the CERN SM18 cryogenic test facilities is ongoing with the implementation of new cryostats and cryogenic instrumentation. The paper deals with the advances in the development and the calibration of fiber optic sensors in the range 300 - 4 K using a dedicated closed-cycle refrigerator system composed of a pulse tube and a cryogen-free cryostat. The calibrated fiber optic sensors (FOS) have been installed in three vertical cryostats used for testing superconducting magnets down to 1.9 K or 4.2 K and in the variable temperature test bench (100 - 4.2 K). Some examples of FOS measurements of cryostat temperature evolution are presented as well as measurements of strain performed on a subscale of High Temperature Superconducting magnet during its powering tests.

LH2 Tank Composite Coverplate Development and Flight Qualification for the X-33

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wright, Richard J.; Roule, Gerard M.

2000-01-01

In this paper, the development history for the first cryogenic pressurized fuel tank coverplates is presented along with a synopsis of the development strategy and technologies which led to success on this program. Coverplates are the large access panels used to access launch vehicle fuel tanks. These structures incorporate all of the requirements for a pressure vessel as well as the added requirement to mount all of the miscellaneous access points required for a fuel management system. The first composite coverplates to meet the requirements for flight qualification were developed on the X-33 program. The X-33 composite coverplates went from an open requirement to successful finished flight hardware with multiple unique configurations, complete with verification testing, in less than eighteen months. Besides the rapid development schedule, these components introduced several new technologies previously unseen in cryogenic composites including solutions to cryogenic shrinkage, self-supporting sealing surfaces, and highly loaded composite bosses with precision sealing interfaces. These components were proven to seal liquid hydrogen at cryogenic temperatures under maximum loading and pressure conditions.

Transmission of electrons inside the cryogenic pumps of ITER injector

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Veltri, P., E-mail: pierluigi.veltri@igi.cnr.it; Sartori, E.

2016-02-15

Large cryogenic pumps are installed in the vessel of large neutral beam injectors (NBIs) used to heat the plasma in nuclear fusion experiments. The operation of such pumps can be compromised by the presence of stray secondary electrons that are generated along the beam path. In this paper, we present a numerical model to analyze the propagation of the electrons inside the pump. The aim of the study is to quantify the power load on the active pump elements, via evaluation of the transmission probabilities across the domain of the pump. These are obtained starting from large datasets of particlemore » trajectories, obtained by numerical means. The transmission probability of the electrons across the domain is calculated for the NBI of the ITER and for its prototype Megavolt ITer Injector and Concept Advancement (MITICA) and the results are discussed.« less

TES Detector Noise Limited Readout Using SQUID Multiplexers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Staguhn, J. G.; Benford, D. J.; Chervenak, J. A.; Khan, S. A.; Moseley, S. H.; Shafer, R. A.; Deiker, S.; Grossman, E. N.; Hilton, G. C.; Irwin, K. D.

2004-01-01

The availability of superconducting Transition Edge Sensors (TES) with large numbers of individual detector pixels requires multiplexers for efficient readout. The use of multiplexers reduces the number of wires needed between the cryogenic electronics and the room temperature electronics and cuts the number of required cryogenic amplifiers. We are using an 8 channel SQUID multiplexer to read out one-dimensional TES arrays which are used for submillimeter astronomical observations. We present results from test measurements which show that the low noise level of the SQUID multiplexers allows accurate measurements of the TES Johnson noise, and that in operation, the readout noise is dominated by the detector noise. Multiplexers for large number of channels require a large bandwidth for the multiplexed readout signal. We discuss the resulting implications for the noise performance of these multiplexers which will be used for the readout of two dimensional TES arrays in next generation instruments.

Large Eddy Simulation of Cryogenic Injection Processes at Supercritical Pressure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Oefelein, Joseph C.; Garcia, Roberto (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

This paper highlights results from the first of a series of hierarchical simulations aimed at assessing the modeling requirements for application of the large eddy simulation technique to cryogenic injection and combustion processes in liquid rocket engines. The focus is on liquid-oxygen-hydrogen coaxial injectors at a condition where the liquid-oxygen is injected at a subcritical temperature into a supercritical environment. For this situation a diffusion dominated mode of combustion occurs in the presence of exceedingly large thermophysical property gradients. Though continuous, these gradients approach the behavior of a contact discontinuity. Significant real gas effects and transport anomalies coexist locally in colder regions of the flow, with ideal gas and transport characteristics occurring within the flame zone. The current focal point is on the interfacial region between the liquid-oxygen core and the coaxial hydrogen jet where the flame anchors itself.

Cryogenic Design of the Setup for MARE-1 in Milan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schaeffer, D.; Arnaboldi, C.; Ceruti, G.; Ferri, E.; Kilbourne, C.; Kraft-Bermuth, S.; Margesin, B.; McCammon, D.; Monfardini, A.; Nucciotti, A.; Pessina, G.; Previtali, E.; Sisti, M.

2008-05-01

A large worldwide collaboration is growing around the project of Micro-calorimeter Arrays for a Rhenium Experiment (MARE) for a direct calorimetric measurement of the neutrino mass. To validate the use of cryogenic detectors by checking the presence of unexpected systematic errors, two first experiments are planned using the available techniques composed of arrays of 300 detectors to measure 1010 events in a reasonable time of 3 years (step MARE-1) to reach a sensitivity on the neutrino mass of ˜2 eV/c2. Our experiment in Milan is based on compensated doped silicon implanted thermistor arrays made in NASA/GSFC and on AgReO4 crystals. We present here the design of the cryogenic system that integrates all the requirements for such experiment (electronics for high impedances, low parasitic capacitances, low micro-phonic noise).

Numerical study of a high-speed miniature centrifugal compressor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Xiaoyi

A miniature centrifugal compressor is a key component of reverse Brayton cycle cryogenic cooling system. The system is commonly used to generate a low cryogenic temperature environment for electronics to increase their efficiency, or generate, store and transport cryogenic liquids, such as liquid hydrogen and oxygen, where space limit is also an issue. Because of space limitation, the compressor is composed of a radial IGV, a radial impeller and an axial-direction diffuser (which reduces the radial size because of smaller diameter). As a result of reduction in size, rotating speed of the impeller is as high as 313,000 rpm, and Helium is used as the working fluid, in order to obtain the required static pressure ratio/rise. Two main characteristics of the compressor---miniature and high-speed, make it distinct from conventional compressors. Higher compressor efficiency is required to obtain a higher COP (coefficient of performance) system. Even though miniature centrifugal compressors start to draw researchers' attention in recent years, understanding of the performance and loss mechanism is still lacking. Since current experimental techniques are not advanced enough to capture details of flow at miniature scale, numerical methods dominate miniature turbomachinery study. This work numerically studied a high speed miniature centrifugal compressor with commercial CFD code. The overall performance of the compressor was predicted with consideration of interaction between blade rows by using sliding mesh model. The law of similarity of turbomachinery was validated for small scale machines. It was found that the specific ratio effect needs to be considered when similarity law is applied. But Reynolds number effect can be neglected. The loss mechanism of each component was analyzed. Loss due to turning bend was significant in each component. Tip leakage loss of small scale turbomachines has more impact on the impeller performance than that of large scale ones. Because the splitter was located at downstream of the impeller leading edge, any incidence at the impeller leading edge could deteriorate the splitter performance. Therefore, the impeller with twenty blades had, higher isentropic efficiency than the impeller with ten blades and ten splitters. Based on numerical study, a four-row vaned diffuser replaced a two-row vaned diffuser. It was found that the four-row vaned diffuser had much higher pressure recovery coefficient than the two-row vaned diffuser. However, most of pressure numerically is found to be recovered at the first two rows of diffuser vanes. Consequently, the following suggestions were given to further improve the performance of the miniature centrifugal compressor. (1) Redesign inlet guide vane based on the numerical simulation and experimental results. (2) Add de-swirl vanes in front of the diffuser and before the bend. (3) Replace the current impeller with a twenty-blade impeller. (4) Remove the last two rows of diffuser.

Technology Maturation in Preparation for the Cryogenic Propellant Storage and Transfer (CPST) Technology Demonstration Mission (TDM)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meyer, Michael L.; Doherty, Michael P.; Moder, Jeffrey P.

2014-01-01

In support of its goal to find an innovative path for human space exploration, NASA embarked on the Cryogenic Propellant Storage and Transfer (CPST) Project, a Technology Demonstration Mission (TDM) to test and validate key cryogenic capabilities and technologies required for future exploration elements, opening up the architecture for large in-space cryogenic propulsion stages and propellant depots. Recognizing that key Cryogenic Fluid Management (CFM) technologies anticipated for on-orbit (flight) demonstration would benefit from additional maturation to a readiness level appropriate for infusion into the design of the flight demonstration, the NASA Headquarters Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) authorized funding for a one-year technology maturation phase of the CPST project. The strategy, proposed by the CPST Project Manager, focused on maturation through modeling, concept studies, and ground tests of the storage and fluid transfer of CFM technology sub-elements and components that were lower than a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 5. A technology maturation plan (TMP) was subsequently approved which described: the CFM technologies selected for maturation, the ground testing approach to be used, quantified success criteria of the technologies, hardware and data deliverables, and a deliverable to provide an assessment of the technology readiness after completion of the test, study or modeling activity. The specific technologies selected were grouped into five major categories: thick multilayer insulation, tank applied active thermal control, cryogenic fluid transfer, propellant gauging, and analytical tool development. Based on the success of the technology maturation efforts, the CPST project was approved to proceed to flight system development.

Development and Acceptance Testing of the Dual Wheel Mechanism for the Tunable Filter Imager Cryogenic Instrument on the JWST

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leckie, Martin; Ahmad, Zakir

2010-01-01

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) will carry four scientific instruments, one of which is the Tunable Filter Imager (TFI), which is an instrument within the Fine Guidance Sensor. The Dual Wheel (DW) mechanism is being designed, built and tested by COM DEV Ltd. under contract from the Canadian Space Agency. The DW mechanism includes a pupil wheel (PW) holding seven coronagraphic masks and two calibration elements and a filter wheel (FW) holding nine blocking filters. The DW mechanism must operate at both room temperature and at 35K. Successful operation at 35K comprises positioning each optical element with the required repeatability, for several thousand occasions over the five year mission. The paper discusses the results of testing geared motors and bearings at the cryogenic temperature. In particular bearing retainer design and PGM-HT material, the effects of temperature gradients across bearings and the problems associated with cooling mechanisms down to cryogenic temperatures. The results of additional bearing tests are described that were employed to investigate an abnormally high initial torque experienced at cryogenic temperatures. The findings of these tests, was that the bearing retainer and the ball/race system could be adversely affected by the large temperature change from room temperature to cryogenic temperature and also the temperature gradient across the bearing. The DW mechanism is now performing successfully at both room temperature and at cryogenic temperature. The life testing of the mechanism is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2010.

Cryogenic photodetectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chardin, G.

2000-03-01

Some of the most significant developments in cryogenic photodetectors are presented. In particular, the main characteristics of microbolometers involving Transition Edge- and NTD-sensors and offering resolutions of a few eV in the keV range, superconducting tunnel junction detectors with resolutions of the order of 10 eV or offering position sensitivity, and infrared bolometers with recent developments towards matrix detectors are discussed. Some of the recent achievements using large mass bolometers for gamma and neutron discriminating detectors, and future prospects of single photon detection in the far infrared using Single Electron Transistor devices are also presented.

Photogrammetry of the Map Instrument in a Cryogenic Vacuum Environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hill, M.; Packard, E.; Pazar, R.

2000-01-01

MAP Instrument requirements dictated that the instruments Focal Plane Assembly (FPA) and Thermal Reflector System (TRS) maintain a high degree of structural integrity at operational temperatures (< 50K). To verify integrity at these extremes, an elaborate test fixture was constructed to provide a large cryogenic (< 20K) radiative environment and a mobile photogrammetry camera. This paper will discuss MAP's Instrument requirements, how those requirements were verified using photogrammetry, and the test setup used to provide the environment and camera movement needed to verify the instrument's requirements.

A Novel Device Addressing Design Challenges for Passive Fluid Phase Separations Aboard Spacecraft

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weislogel, M. M.; Thomas, E. A.; Graf, J. C.

2009-07-01

Capillary solutions have long existed for the control of liquid inventories in spacecraft fluid systems such as liquid propellants, cryogens and thermal fluids for temperature control. Such large length scale, `low-gravity,' capillary systems exploit container geometry and fluid properties—primarily wetting—to passively locate or transport fluids to desired positions for a variety of purposes. Such methods have only been confidently established if the wetting conditions are known and favorable. In this paper, several of the significant challenges for `capillary solutions' to low-gravity multiphase fluids management aboard spacecraft are briefly reviewed in light of applications common to life support systems that emphasize the impact of the widely varying wetting properties typical of aqueous systems. A restrictive though no less typifying example of passive phase separation in a urine collection system is highlighted that identifies key design considerations potentially met by predominately capillary solutions. Sample results from novel scale model prototype testing aboard a NASA low-g aircraft are presented that support the various design considerations.

Effects of Active Sting Damping on Common Research Model Data Quality

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Acheson, Michael J.; Balakrishna, S.

2011-01-01

Recent tests using the Common Research Model (CRM) at the Langley National Transonic Facility (NTF) and the Ames 11-foot Transonic Wind Tunnel (11' TWT) produced large sets of data that have been used to examine the effects of active damping on transonic tunnel aerodynamic data quality. In particular, large statistically significant sets of repeat data demonstrate that the active damping system had no apparent effect on drag, lift and pitching moment repeatability during warm testing conditions, while simultaneously enabling aerodynamic data to be obtained post stall. A small set of cryogenic (high Reynolds number) repeat data was obtained at the NTF and again showed a negligible effect on data repeatability. However, due to a degradation of control power in the active damping system cryogenically, the ability to obtain test data post-stall was not achieved during cryogenic testing. Additionally, comparisons of data repeatability between NTF and 11-ft TWT CRM data led to further (warm) testing at the NTF which demonstrated that for a modest increase in data sampling time, a 2-3 factor improvement in drag, and pitching moment repeatability was readily achieved not related with the active damping system.

Large-eddy simulation of nitrogen injection at trans- and supercritical conditions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Müller, Hagen; Pfitzner, Michael; Niedermeier, Christoph A.

2016-01-15

Large-eddy simulations (LESs) of cryogenic nitrogen injection into a warm environment at supercritical pressure are performed and real-gas thermodynamics models and subgrid-scale (SGS) turbulence models are evaluated. The comparison of different SGS models — the Smagorinsky model, the Vreman model, and the adaptive local deconvolution method — shows that the representation of turbulence on the resolved scales has a notable effect on the location of jet break-up, whereas the particular modeling of unresolved scales is less important for the overall mean flow field evolution. More important are the models for the fluid’s thermodynamic state. The injected fluid is either inmore » a supercritical or in a transcritical state and undergoes a pseudo-boiling process during mixing. Such flows typically exhibit strong density gradients that delay the instability growth and can lead to a redistribution of turbulence kinetic energy from the radial to the axial flow direction. We evaluate novel volume-translation methods on the basis of the cubic Peng-Robinson equation of state in the framework of LES. At small extra computational cost, their application considerably improves the simulation results compared to the standard formulation. Furthermore, we found that the choice of inflow temperature is crucial for the reproduction of the experimental results and that heat addition within the injector can affect the mean flow field in comparison to results with an adiabatic injector.« less

Performance of ceramic superconductors in magnetic bearings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kirtley, James L., Jr.; Downer, James R.

1993-01-01

Magnetic bearings are large-scale applications of magnet technology, quite similar in certain ways to synchronous machinery. They require substantial flux density over relatively large volumes of space. Large flux density is required to have satisfactory force density. Satisfactory dynamic response requires that magnetic circuit permeances not be too large, implying large air gaps. Superconductors, which offer large magnetomotive forces and high flux density in low permeance circuits, appear to be desirable in these situations. Flux densities substantially in excess of those possible with iron can be produced, and no ferromagnetic material is required. Thus the inductance of active coils can be made low, indicating good dynamic response of the bearing system. The principal difficulty in using superconductors is, of course, the deep cryogenic temperatures at which they must operate. Because of the difficulties in working with liquid helium, the possibility of superconductors which can be operated in liquid nitrogen is thought to extend the number and range of applications of superconductivity. Critical temperatures of about 98 degrees Kelvin were demonstrated in a class of materials which are, in fact, ceramics. Quite a bit of public attention was attracted to these new materials. There is a difficulty with the ceramic superconducting materials which were developed to date. Current densities sufficient for use in large-scale applications have not been demonstrated. In order to be useful, superconductors must be capable of carrying substantial currents in the presence of large magnetic fields. The possible use of ceramic superconductors in magnetic bearings is investigated and discussed and requirements that must be achieved by superconductors operating at liquid nitrogen temperatures to make their use comparable with niobium-titanium superconductors operating at liquid helium temperatures are identified.

The application of cryogenics to high Reynolds number testing in wind tunnels. I - Evolution, theory, and advantages

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kilgore, R. A.; Dress, D. A.

1984-01-01

During the time which has passed since the construction of the first wind tunnel in 1870, wind tunnels have been developed to a high degree of sophistication. However, their development has consistently failed to keep pace with the demands placed on them. One of the more serious problems to be found with existing transonic wind tunnels is their inability to test subscale aircraft models at Reynolds numbers sufficiently near full-scale values to ensure the validity of using the wind tunnel data to predict flight characteristics. The Reynolds number capability of a wind tunnel may be increased by a number of different approaches. However, the best solution in terms of model, balance, and model support loads, as well as in terms of capital and operating cost appears to be related to the reduction of the temperature of the test gas to cryogenic temperatures. The present paper has the objective to review the evolution of the cryogenic wind tunnel concept and to describe its more important advantages.

Supplemental multilayer insulation research facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dempsey, P. J.; Stochl, R. J.

1995-01-01

The Supplemental Multilayer Insulation Research Facility (SMIRF) provides a small scale test bed for conducting cryogenic experiments in a vacuum environment. The facility vacuum system is capable of simulating a Space Shuttle launch pressure profile as well as providing a steady space vacuum environment of 1.3 x 10(exp -4) Newton/sq meter (1 x 10(exp -6) torr). Warm side boundary temperatures can be maintained constant between 111 K (200 R) and 361 K (650 R) using a temperature controlled shroud. The shroud can also simulate a typical lunar day-night temperature profile. The test hardware consists of a cryogenic calorimeter supported by the lid of the vacuum chamber. A 0.45 cu meter (120 gallon) vacuum jacketed storage/supply tank is available for conditioning the cryogen prior to use in the calorimeter. The facility was initially designed to evaluate the thermal performance of insulation systems for long-term storage in space. The facility has recently been used to evaluate the performance of various new insulation systems for LH2 and LN2 ground storage dewars.

Superelasticity and cryogenic linear shape memory effects of CaFe 2As 2

DOE PAGES

Sypek, John T.; Yu, Hang; Dusoe, Keith J.; ...

2017-10-20

Shape memory materials have the ability to recover their original shape after a significant amount of deformation when they are subjected to certain stimuli, for instance, heat or magnetic fields. But, their performance is often limited by the energetics and geometry of the martensitic-austenitic phase transformation. We report a unique shape memory behavior in CaFe 2As 2, which exhibits superelasticity with over 13% recoverable strain, over 3 GPa yield strength, repeatable stress–strain response even at the micrometer scale, and cryogenic linear shape memory effects near 50 K. These properties are acheived through a reversible uni-axial phase transformation mechanism, the tetragonal/orthorhombic-to-collapsed-tetragonalmore » phase transformation. These results offer the possibility of developing cryogenic linear actuation technologies with a high precision and high actuation power per unit volume for deep space exploration, and more broadly, suggest a mechanistic path to a class of shape memory materials, ThCr 2Si 2-structured intermetallic compounds.« less

The detector calibration system for the CUORE cryogenic bolometer array

DOE PAGES

Cushman, Jeremy S.; Dally, Adam; Davis, Christopher J.; ...

2016-11-14

The Cryogenic Underground Observatory for Rare Events (CUORE) is a ton-scale cryogenic experiment designed to search for neutrinoless double-beta decay of 130Te and other rare events. The CUORE detector consists of 988 TeO 2 bolometers operated underground at 10 mK in a dilution refrigerator at the Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso. Candidate events are identified through a precise measurement of their energy. The absolute energy response of the detectors is established by the regular calibration of each individual bolometer using gamma sources. The close-packed configuration of the CUORE bolometer array combined with the extensive shielding surrounding the detectors requires themore » placement of calibration sources within the array itself. The CUORE Detector Calibration System is designed to insert radioactive sources into and remove them from the cryostat while respecting the stringent heat load, radiopurity, and operational requirements of the experiment. In conclusion, this paper describes the design, commissioning, and performance of this novel source calibration deployment system for ultra-low-temperature environments.« less

Cryogenic Thermal Management Advances during the CRYOTOOL Program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bugby, D.; Stouffer, C.; Garzon, J.; Beres, M.; Gilchrist, A.; Roberts, T.; Davis, T.

2006-04-01

This paper describes the cryogenic thermal management advances made during the AFRL-sponsored CRYOTOOL program. Advances occurred as a result of conducting four technology development tasks: (1) development of a differential thermal expansion cryogenic thermal switch (DTE-CTSW) made with high purity Al end-pieces and an Ultem support rod; (2) carrying out of a dual DTE-CTSW/dual cryocooler performance test to quantify CTSW benefits in a redundant cryocooler system; (3) development of a miniaturized cryogenic loop heat pipe (mini-CLHP) that combines flex link, conduction bar, and CTSW functionalities; and (4) development of an across-gimbal cryogenic thermal transport system (GCTTS) with large diameter transport line coils for optics cooling. The results are as follows. The DTE-CTSW achieved an ON conductance of 2-3.6 W/K (from 35-90 K) and an OFF resistance of 1100-2300 K/W (300-230 K warm end). The redundant cryocooler test showed modest parasitic heat leak savings when dual DTE-CTSWs were used versus when they were not used. The mini-CLHP, using neon as the working fluid, transported 2.5 W at 35 K, achieved an OFF resistance of 1555 K/W, and had cross/axial flexibilities of 100-450 N/m. Lastly, GCTTS, using nitrogen as the working fluid, transported 20 W at 100 K in a flat configuration. Additional work is needed to verify GCTTS operation in an elevated orientation.

Opto-mechanical design for transmission optics in cryogenic space instrumentation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kroes, Gabby; Venema, Lars; Navarro, Ramón

2017-11-01

NOVA is involved in the development and realization of various optical astronomical instruments for groundbased as well as space telescopes, with a focus on nearand mid-infrared instrumentation. NOVA has developed a suite of scientific instruments with cryogenic optics for the ESO VLT and VLTI instruments: VISIR, MIDI, the SPIFFI 2Kcamera for SINFONI, X-shooter and MATISSE. Other projects include the cryogenic optics for MIRI for the James Webb Space Telescope and several E-ELT instruments. Mounting optics is always a compromise between firmly fixing the optics and preventing stresses within the optics. The fixing should ensure mechanical stability and thus accurate positioning in various gravity orientations, temperature ranges, during launch, transport or earthquake. On the other hand, the fixings can induce deformations and sometimes birefringence in the optics and thus cause optical errors. Even cracking or breaking of the optics is a risk, especially when using brittle infrared optical materials at the cryogenic temperatures required in instruments for infrared astronomy, where differential expansion of various materials amounts easily to several millimeters per meter. Special kinematic mounts are therefore needed to ensure both accurate positioning and low stress. This paper concentrates on the opto-mechanical design of optics mountings, especially for large transmission optics in cryogenic circumstances in space instruments. It describes the development of temperature-invariant ("a-thermal") kinematic designs, their implementation in ground based instrumentation and ways to make them suitable for space instruments.

Spray-On Foam Insulations for Launch Vehicle Cryogenic Tanks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fesmire, J. E.; Cofman, B. E.; Menghelli, B. J.; Heckle, K. W.

2011-01-01

Spray-on foam insulation (SOFI) has been developed for use on the cryogenic tanks of space launch vehicles beginning in the 1960s with the Apollo program. The use of SOFI was further developed for the Space Shuttle program. The External Tank (ET) of the Space Shuttle, consisting of a forward liquid oxygen tank in line with an aft liquid hydrogen tank, requires thermal insulation over its outer surface to prevent ice formation and avoid in-flight damage to the ceramic tile thermal protection system on the adjacent Orbiter. The insulation also provides system control and stability with throughout the lengthy process of cooldown, loading, and replenishing the tank. There are two main types of SOFI used on the ET: acreage (with the rind) and closeout (machined surface). The thermal performance of the seemingly simple SOFI system is a complex of many variables starting with the large temperature difference of from 200 to 260 K through the typical 25-mm thickness. Environmental factors include air temperature and humidity, wind speed, solar exposure, and aging or weathering history. Additional factors include manufacturing details, launch processing operations, and number of cryogenic thermal cycles. The study of the cryogenic thermal performance of SOFI under large temperature differentials is the subject of this article. The amount of moisture taken into the foam during the cold soak phase, termed Cryogenic Moisture Uptake, must also be considered. The heat leakage rates through these foams were measured under representative conditions using laboratory standard liquid nitrogen boiloff apparatus. Test articles included baseline, aged, and weathered specimens. Testing was performed over the entire pressure range from high vacuum to ambient pressure. Values for apparent thermal conductivity and heat flux were calculated and compared with prior data. As the prior data of record was obtained for small temperature differentials on non-weathered foams, analysis of the different methods is provided. Recent advancements and applications of SOFI systems on future launch vehicles and spacecraft are also addressed.

Proceedings of the 26th International Cryogenic Engineering Conference - International Cryogenic Material Conference 2016

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Datta, T. S.; Sharma, R. G.; Kar, S.

2017-02-01

International Conference ICEC 26 - ICMC 2016 was organized at New Delhi, India during March 7-11, 2016. Previous conference ICEC25-ICMC 2014 was held at the University of Twente, The Netherlands in July 2014. Next Conference ICEC 27- ICMC 2018 will be held at Oxford, UK during September 3-7, 2018 1. Introduction This is a biennial international conference on cryogenic engineering and cryogenics materials organized by the International Cryogenic Engineering Committee and the International Cryogenic Material Committee. For some years, the host country has been alternating between Europe and Asia. The present conference was held at the Manekshaw Convention Centre, New Delhi, India during March 7-11, 2016 and hosted jointly by the Indian Cryogenics Council (ICC) and the Inter-University Accelerator Centre (IUAC), New Delhi. Put all together as many as 547 persons participated in the conference. Out of these 218 were foreign delegates coming from 25 countries and the rest from India. 2. Inaugural Session & Course Lectures The pre conference short course lectures on “Cryocoolers” and “Superconducting Materials for Power Applications” were organized on 7th March. Cryocooler course was given jointly by Dr. Chao Wang from M/s. Cryomech, USA and Prof. Milind Atrey from IIT Bombay, India. The Course on Superconducting Materials was given by Prof. Venkat Selvamanickam from the University of Houston, USA. The conference was inaugurated in the morning of March 8th in a typical Indian tradition and in the presence of the Chief Guest, Dr. R Chidambaram (Principle Scientific Adviser to Govt. of India), Guest of Honour, Prof. H Devaraj (Vice Chairman University Grant Commission), Prof Marcel ter Brake ( Chair, ICEC Board), Prof. Wilfried Goldacker (Chair, ICMC board), Dr. D Kanjilal (Director IUAC), Dr R K Bhandari, (President, Indian Cryogenic Council ). Dr. T S Datta, Chair Local Organizing Committee coordinated the proceedings of the inaugural function. 3. Technical Session There were 6 plenary talks delivered by the eminent scientist/ technologists. The topics on which these talks were delivered were Cryogenics for Indian Space Programme, The Cold Chain, Super-fluid Cooling Technology, Review on Superconducting Materials in China, Review on Cryogenics and Superconductivity for present day MRI and finally the Mendelssohn Award lecture on the 50 years of Cryogenics and Superconductivity for High Energy Physics. Other than the plenary talks, there were 102 oral presentations covered in 18 technical sessions, out of which 21 were Invited Talks. Each session was dedicated to a specific topic like Large Scale Cryogenics, Cryogenics for Accelerators, Fusion and Space, Cryocoolers, Heat Transfer, Cryogenic Instrumentation, Superconducting Materials, Superconducting Magnets & Cavities, Power Applications, LNG & Safety etc. In addition to oral presentations there were three poster sessions spread over three days and a total of 250 posters were displayed. 4. Award Session There was a dedicated session on Award Ceremony. Dr Haishan Cao, post doctoral researcher at the University of Twente, The Netherlands received the 2016 Klipping Award for his work on Micro-machined Joule-Thomson coolers. The ICMC Cryogenic Material Awardee for Excellence (2016) was Prof. Kazumasa Iida, Department of Crystalline Materials Science, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University. Japan. The paper published in ” Cryogenics 72 (2015), p 111-121 by J. Bartlett, G. Hardy, and I.D. Hepburn, titled “Performance of a fast response miniature Adiabatic Demagnetization Refrigerator using a single crystal tungsten magneto resistive heat switch” was selected for the best paper award. The prestigious 2016 Mendelssohn Award was given to Dr. Philippe Lebrun of CERN, Geneva, Switzerland for his life-long contribution to Cryogenics and Superconductivity for accelerator programme. Each awardees was also presented with a complimentary book from Springer Nature through the efforts of Dr. R.G. Sharma. 5. Exhibition, Cultural Evening & Technical Tour An Industrial exhibition with about 30 international and Indian companies displayed their advanced products in the field of cryogenics and superconductivity for three days. A banquette was hosted in a resort on the outskirt of the city of Delhi on March 10, 2016. A cultural evening was also organized on March 9, 2016 where delegates too participated and enjoyed typical Indian folk dances. On the last day, a technical tour to Inter University Accelerator Centre and a cultural tour to Delhi Monuments was organized for the Delegates. 6. Manuscripts Based on the presentations, we received about 234 manuscripts by March 20, 2016 for the purpose of publication in IOP Conference series (Material Science & Engineering). To ensure the high publication standard mandated by IOP, every paper was reviewed by at least two referees before it was accepted for publication. In all 154 manuscripts were accepted for publication based upon the comments of the referees and the final decision of the Editorial Board. 7. Acknowledgement As editors of this proceedings, we would like to express our sincere appreciation to all of referees / members of organizing and steering committee involved in the evaluation of the papers for their valuable contribution. Our sincere thanks to Ms. Tania Gupta from ICC & Ms. Sarah Toms and Ms. Anete Ashton from IOP publication office for coordinating the publication. Finally we would like to thank all the members of the ICEC committee, the ICMC committee, Steering committee, Local organizing committee, Programme committee and Sectional local committee for their guidance, assistance and cooperation in organizing this twin conference successfully. We look forward to meet you at the next conference, ICEC 27- ICMC 2018 at Oxford, England during September 3-7, 2018. S. Kar R G Sharma T S Datta (Convener) (Chair, Scientific Programme Committee) (Chairman, Local Organizing Committee) December 30, 2016

Observation of fast scintillation of cryogenic PbI/sub 2/ with VLPCs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moses, W. W.; Choong, W.-S.; Derenzo, S. E.; Bross, A. D.; Dysert, R.; Rykalin, V. V.; Shah, K. S.; Klugerman, M.

2004-10-01

At cryogenic temperatures (/spl sim/10 K), undoped lead iodide (PbI/sub 2/) has material and scintillation properties that are very attractive for positron emission tomography (PET). However, the PbI/sub 2/ emissions are quenched at temperatures >40 K, so close optical coupling between the scintillator and photodetector requires a photodetector that also operates at cryogenic temperatures. This suggests the visible light photon counter (VLPC), which operates at similar temperatures and combines high gain and high quantum efficiency. We proximity couple (0.001 in air gap) PbI/sub 2/ crystals with 1.0-2.5 mm dimensions to a 1 mm diameter VLPC and cool the system to 8.5 K. Signals with short (<10 ns) duration are observed. When excited with 511 keV photons, a coincidence timing resolution of 1.3 ns full-width at half-maximum is measured. While a clear photopeak is observed for 122 keV excitation, no clear photopeak is seen under 511 keV excitation (possibly due to the poor optical quality of the PbI/sub 2/ crystals). While the present configuration must be scaled-up considerably, a cryogenic PbI/sub 2//VLPC combination may eventually become the basis for a practical time-of-flight PET camera.

Composite Development and Applications for RLV Tankage

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wright, Richard J.; Achary, David C.; McBain, Michael C.

2003-01-01

The development of polymer composite cryogenic tanks is a critical step in creating the next generation of launch vehicles. Future launch vehicles need to minimize the gross liftoff weight (GLOW), which is possible due to the 28%-41% reduction in weight that composite materials can provide over current aluminum technology. The development of composite cryogenic tanks, feedlines, and unpressurized structures are key enabling technologies for performance and cost enhancements for Reusable Launch Vehicles (RLVs). The technology development of composite tanks has provided direct and applicable data for feedlines, unpressurized structures, material compatibility, and cryogenic fluid containment for highly loaded complex structures and interfaces. All three types of structure have similar material systems, processing parameters, scaling issues, analysis methodologies, NDE development, damage tolerance, and repair scenarios. Composite cryogenic tankage is the most complex of the 3 areas and provides the largest breakthrough in technology. A building block approach has been employed to bring this family of difficult technologies to maturity. This approach has built up composite materials, processes, design, analysis and test methods technology through a series of composite test programs beginning with the NASP program to meet aggressive performance goals for reusable launch vehicles. In this paper, the development and application of advanced composites for RLV use is described.

Hydrogen desorption using honeycomb finned heat exchangers integrated in adsorbent storage systems

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Corgnale, Claudio; Hardy, Bruce; Chahine, Richard

One of the main technical hurdles associated with adsorbent based hydrogen storage systems is relative to their ability to discharge hydrogen effectively, as dictated by fuel cell requirements. In this study, a new honeycomb finned heat exchanger concept was examined to evaluate its potential as a heat transfer system for hydrogen desorption. A bench scale 0.5 L vessel was equipped with the proposed heat exchanger, filled with MOF-5® adsorbent material. The heating power, required to desorb hydrogen, was provided by a 100 W electric heater placed in the center of the honeycomb structure. Two desorption tests, at room temperature andmore » under cryogenic temperatures, were carried out to evaluate the hydrogen desorption performance of the proposed system under different operating conditions. The bench scale vessel performance was verified from both an experimental and a modeling point of view, demonstrating the ability to desorb about 45% of the adsorbed hydrogen in reduced time and applying low heating power. Further modeling analyses were also carried out showing the potential of the proposed system to reach high hydrogen discharging rates at cryogenic temperature conditions and operating pressures between 100 bar and 5 bar. The proposed adsorption system also demonstrated to be able to discharge all the available hydrogen in less than 500 s operating at cryogenic conditions and with a nominal heating power of 100 W.« less

Hydrogen desorption using honeycomb finned heat exchangers integrated in adsorbent storage systems

DOE PAGES

Corgnale, Claudio; Hardy, Bruce; Chahine, Richard; ...

2018-03-01

One of the main technical hurdles associated with adsorbent based hydrogen storage systems is relative to their ability to discharge hydrogen effectively, as dictated by fuel cell requirements. In this study, a new honeycomb finned heat exchanger concept was examined to evaluate its potential as a heat transfer system for hydrogen desorption. A bench scale 0.5 L vessel was equipped with the proposed heat exchanger, filled with MOF-5® adsorbent material. The heating power, required to desorb hydrogen, was provided by a 100 W electric heater placed in the center of the honeycomb structure. Two desorption tests, at room temperature andmore » under cryogenic temperatures, were carried out to evaluate the hydrogen desorption performance of the proposed system under different operating conditions. The bench scale vessel performance was verified from both an experimental and a modeling point of view, demonstrating the ability to desorb about 45% of the adsorbed hydrogen in reduced time and applying low heating power. Further modeling analyses were also carried out showing the potential of the proposed system to reach high hydrogen discharging rates at cryogenic temperature conditions and operating pressures between 100 bar and 5 bar. The proposed adsorption system also demonstrated to be able to discharge all the available hydrogen in less than 500 s operating at cryogenic conditions and with a nominal heating power of 100 W.« less

Development of a test rig for a helium twin-screw compressor

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, B. M.; Hu, Z. J.; Zhang, P.

2014-01-29

A large helium cryogenic system is being developed for use in great science projects, such as the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), Large Helical Device (LHD), and the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST). In this cryogenic system, a twin-screw compressor is a key component. Therefore, it is necessary to obtain the compressor performance. To obtain the performance characteristics, a test rig for the compressor has been built. All the important performance parameters, including adiabatic efficiency, volumetric efficiency, oil injection characteristic, and noise characteristic can be acquired with the rig when sensors are installed in the test system. With the testmore » performance, the helium twin-screw compressor can be evaluated. Using these results, the design of the compressor can be improved.« less

CAT 2 - An improved version of Cryogenic Analysis Tools for online and offline monitoring and analysis of large size cryostats

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pagliarone, C. E.; Uttaro, S.; Cappelli, L.; Fallone, M.; Kartal, S.

2017-02-01

CAT, Cryogenic Analysis Tools is a software package developed using LabVIEW and ROOT environments to analyze the performances of large size cryostats, where many parameters, input, and control variables need to be acquired and studied at the same time. The present paper describes how CAT works and which are the main improvements achieved in the new version: CAT 2. New Graphical User Interfaces have been developed in order to make the use of the full package more user-friendly as well as a process of resource optimization has been carried out. The offline analysis of the full cryostat performances is available both trough ROOT line command interface band also by using the new graphical interfaces.

Superconducting light generator for large offshore wind turbines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sanz, S.; Arlaban, T.; Manzanas, R.; Tropeano, M.; Funke, R.; Kováč, P.; Yang, Y.; Neumann, H.; Mondesert, B.

2014-05-01

Offshore wind market demands higher power rate and reliable turbines in order to optimize capital and operational cost. These requests are difficult to overcome with conventional generator technologies due to a significant weight and cost increase with the scaling up. Thus superconducting materials appears as a prominent solution for wind generators, based on their capacity to held high current densities with very small losses, which permits to efficiently replace copper conductors mainly in the rotor field coils. However the state-of-the-art superconducting generator concepts still seem to be expensive and technically challenging for the marine environment. This paper describes a 10 MW class novel direct drive superconducting generator, based on MgB2 wires and a modular cryogen free cooling system, which has been specifically designed for the offshore wind industry needs.

DiPOLE: a scalable laser architecture for pumping multi-Hz PW systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ertel, Klaus; Banerjee, Saumyabrata; Mason, Paul D.; Phillips, P. Jonathan; Greenhalgh, R. Justin S.; Hernandez-Gomez, Cristina; Collier, John L.

2013-05-01

DiPOLE is a concept for a large aperture gas-cooled cryogenic multislab DPSSL amplifier based on ceramic Yb:YAG. It is designed to amplify ns-pulses at multi-Hz repetition rates and is scalable up the kJ-level. The concept was first tested on a small scale prototype which has so far produced 7.4 J at 10 Hz, with the aim of reaching 10 J at an optical-to-optical efficiency of 25 %. The design of an additional amplifier stage producing 100 J at 10 Hz is underway. When used to pump short-pulse Ti:S or OPCPA systems, PW peak power levels can be produced at repetition rates and efficiencies that lie orders of magnitude above what is achievable today.

Cost estimate for a proposed GDF Suez LNG testing program

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Blanchat, Thomas K.; Brady, Patrick Dennis; Jernigan, Dann A.

2014-02-01

At the request of GDF Suez, a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) cost estimate was prepared for the design, construction, testing, and data analysis for an experimental series of large-scale (Liquefied Natural Gas) LNG spills on land and water that would result in the largest pool fires and vapor dispersion events ever conducted. Due to the expected cost of this large, multi-year program, the authors utilized Sandia's structured cost estimating methodology. This methodology insures that the efforts identified can be performed for the cost proposed at a plus or minus 30 percent confidence. The scale of the LNG spill, fire,more » and vapor dispersion tests proposed by GDF could produce hazard distances and testing safety issues that need to be fully explored. Based on our evaluations, Sandia can utilize much of our existing fire testing infrastructure for the large fire tests and some small dispersion tests (with some modifications) in Albuquerque, but we propose to develop a new dispersion testing site at our remote test area in Nevada because of the large hazard distances. While this might impact some testing logistics, the safety aspects warrant this approach. In addition, we have included a proposal to study cryogenic liquid spills on water and subsequent vaporization in the presence of waves. Sandia is working with DOE on applications that provide infrastructure pertinent to wave production. We present an approach to conduct repeatable wave/spill interaction testing that could utilize such infrastructure.« less

CeSiCò - a new technology for lightweight and cost effective space instruments structures and mirrors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Devilliers, Christophe; Krödel, Matthias

2017-11-01

Alcatel Alenia Space and ECM have jointly developed a new ceramic material to produce lightweight, stiff, stable and cost effective structures and mirrors for space instrument the CesicÒ. Its intrinsic properties, added to ample manufacturing capabilities allow to manufacture stiff and lightweight cost effective mirrors and structure for space instruments. Different scale 1 flight representative CesicÒ optical structures have been manufactured and successfully tested under very strong dynamic environment and cryogenic condition down to 30K CesicÒ is also envisaged for large and lightweight space telescopes mirrors, a large CesicÒ 1 meter class mirror with an area mass of less than 25 Kg/m2 has been sized again launch loads and WFE performance and manufactured. CesicÒ applicability for large focal plane have been demonstrated through different scale 1 breadboards. Based on these successful results, AlcatelAleniaSpace and ECM are now in position to propose for space this technology with new innovative concepts thanks to the CesicÒ manufacturing capabilities. CesicÒ has therefore been selected for the structure and mirrors parts of a flight instrument payload and the manufacturing of the flight hardware is already underway. An high temperature high gain lightweight antenna breadboard is also under manufacturing for Bepi colombo mission. CesicÒ is therefore a good candidate for future challenging space instruments and is currently proposed for Japan and US space projects.

Micromechanics, Fracture Mechanics and Gas Permeability of Composite Laminates for Cryogenic Storage Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Choi, Sukjoo; Sankar, Bhavani; Ebaugh, Newton C.

2005-01-01

A micromechanics method is developed to investigate microcrack propagation in a liquid hydrogen composite tank at cryogenic temperature. The unit cell is modeled using square and hexagonal shapes depends on fiber and matrix layout from microscopic images of composite laminates. Periodic boundary conditions are applied to the unit cell. The temperature dependent properties are taken into account in the analysis. The laminate properties estimated by the micromechanics method are compared with empirical solutions using constituent properties. The micro stresses in the fiber and matrix phases based on boundary conditions in laminate level are calculated to predict the formation of microcracks in the matrix. The method is applied to an actual liquid hydrogen storage system. The analysis predicts micro stresses in the matrix phase are large enough to cause microcracks in the composite. Stress singularity of a transverse crack normal to a ply-interface is investigated to predict the fracture behavior at cryogenic conditions using analytical and finite element analysis. When a transverse crack touches a ply-interface of a composite layer with same fiber orientation, the stress singularity is equal to 1/2. When the transverse crack propagates to a stiffer layer normal to the ply-direction, the singularity becomes less than 1/2 and vice versa. Finite element analysis is performed to predict the fracture toughness of a laminated beam subjected to fracture loads measured by four-point bending tests at room and cryogenic temperatures. As results, the fracture load at cryogenic temperature is significantly lower than that at room temperature. However, when thermal stresses are taken into consideration, for both cases of room and cryogenic temperatures, the difference of the fracture toughness becomes insignificant. The result indicates fracture toughness is a characteristic property, which is independent to temperature changes. The experimental analysis is performed to investigate the effect of cryogenic cycling on permeability for various composite material systems. Textile composites have lower permeability than laminated composites even with increasing number of cryogenic cycle. Nano-particles dispersed in laminated composites do not show improvement on permeability. The optical inspection is performed to investigate the microcrack propagation and void content in laminated composites and compared the microscopic results before and after cryogenic cycling.

Cryogenic Photogrammetry and Radiometry for the James Webb Space Telescope Microshutters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chambers, Victor J.; Morey, Peter A.; Zukowski, Barbara J.; Kutyrev, Alexander S.; Collins, Nicholas R.

2012-01-01

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) relies on several innovations to complete its five year mission. One vital technology is microshutters, the programmable field selectors that enable the Near Infrared Spectrometer (NIRSpec) to perform multi-object spectroscopy. Mission success depends on acquiring spectra from large numbers of galaxies by positioning shutter slits over faint targets. Precise selection of faint targets requires field selectors that are both high in contrast and stable in position. We have developed test facilities to evaluate microshutter contrast and alignment stability at their 35K operating temperature. These facilities used a novel application of image registration algorithms to obtain non-contact, sub-micron measurements in cryogenic conditions. The cryogenic motion of the shutters was successfully characterized. Optical results also demonstrated that shutter contrast far exceeds the NIRSpec requirements. Our test program has concluded with the delivery of a flight-qualified field selection subsystem to the NIRSpec bench.

Experimental Studies of Liquefaction and Densification of Liquid Oxygen

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Partridge, Jonathan Koert

2010-01-01

The propellant combination that offers optimum performance is very reactive with a low average molecular weight of the resulting combustion products. Propellant combinations such as oxygen and hydrogen meet the above criteria, however, the propellants in gaseous form require large propellant tanks due to the low density of gas. Thus, rocketry employs cryogenic refrigeration to provide a more dense propellant stored as a liquid. In addition to propellant liquefaction, cryogenic refrigeration can also conserve propellant and provide propellant subcooling and propellant densification. Previous studies analyzed vapor conditioning of a cryogenic propellant, with the vapor conditioning by either a heat exchanger position in the vapor or by using the vapor in a refrigeration cycle as the working fluid. This study analyzes the effects of refrigeration heat exchanger located in the liquid of the common propellant oxidizer, liquid oxygen. This study predicted and determined the mass condensation rate and heat transfer coefficient for liquid oxygen.

Slow Photoelectron Velocity-Map Imaging of Cryogenically Cooled Anions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weichman, Marissa L.; Neumark, Daniel M.

2018-04-01

Slow photoelectron velocity-map imaging spectroscopy of cryogenically cooled anions (cryo-SEVI) is a powerful technique for elucidating the vibrational and electronic structure of neutral radicals, clusters, and reaction transition states. SEVI is a high-resolution variant of anion photoelectron spectroscopy based on photoelectron imaging that yields spectra with energy resolution as high as 1-2 cm‑1. The preparation of cryogenically cold anions largely eliminates hot bands and dramatically narrows the rotational envelopes of spectral features, enabling the acquisition of well-resolved photoelectron spectra for complex and spectroscopically challenging species. We review the basis and history of the SEVI method, including recent experimental developments that have improved its resolution and versatility. We then survey recent SEVI studies to demonstrate the utility of this technique in the spectroscopy of aromatic radicals, metal and metal oxide clusters, nonadiabatic interactions between excited states of small molecules, and transition states of benchmark bimolecular reactions.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Masiero, Joseph R.; Mainzer, A. K.; Bauer, J. M.

We present preliminary diameters and albedos for 13511 Main Belt asteroids (MBAs) that were observed during the 3-Band Cryo phase of the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE; after the outer cryogen tank was exhausted) and as part of the NEOWISE Post-Cryo Survey (after the inner cryogen tank was exhausted). With a reduced or complete loss of sensitivity in the two long wavelength channels of WISE, the uncertainty in our fitted diameters and albedos is increased to {approx}20% for diameter and {approx}40% for albedo. Diameter fits using only the 3.4 and 4.6 {mu}m channels are shown to be dependent on themore » literature optical H absolute magnitudes. These data allow us to increase the number of size estimates for large MBAs which have been identified as members of dynamical families. We present thermal fits for 14 asteroids previously identified as the parents of a dynamical family that were not observed during the fully cryogenic mission.« less

Cryogenic Piezoelectric Actuator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jiang, Xiaoning; Cook, William B.; Hackenberger, Wesley S.

2009-01-01

In this paper, PMN-PT single crystal piezoelectric stack actuators and flextensional actuators were designed, prototyped and characterized for space optics applications. Single crystal stack actuators with footprint of 10 mm x10 mm and the height of 50 mm were assembled using 10 mm x10mm x0.15mm PMN-PT plates. These actuators showed stroke > 65 - 85 microns at 150 V at room temperature, and > 30 microns stroke at 77 K. Flextensional actuators with dimension of 10mm x 5 mm x 7.6 mm showed stroke of >50 microns at room temperature at driving voltage of 150 V. A flextensional stack actuator with dimension of 10 mm x 5 mm x 47 mm showed stroke of approx. 285 microns at 150 V at room temperature and > 100 microns at 77K under driving of 150 V should be expected. The large cryogenic stroke and high precision of these actuators are promising for cryogenic optics applications.

HARMONI instrument control electronics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gigante, José V.; Rodríguez Ramos, Luis F.; Zins, Gerard; Schnetler, Hermine; Pecontal, Arlette; Herreros, José Miguel; Clarke, Fraser; Bryson, Ian; Thatte, Niranjan

2014-07-01

HARMONI is an integral field spectrograph working at visible and near-infrared wavelengths over a range of spatial scales from ground layer corrected to fully diffraction-limited. The instrument has been chosen to be part of the first-light complement at the European Extremely Large Telescope (E-ELT). This paper describes the instrument control electronics to be developed at IAC. The large size of the HARMONI instrument, its cryogenic operation, and the fact that it must operate with enhanced reliability is a challenge from the point of view of the control electronics design. The present paper describes a design proposal based on the current instrument requirements and intended to be fully compliant with the ESO E-ELT standards, as well as with the European EMC and safety standards. The modularity of the design and the use of COTS standard hardware will benefit the project in several aspects, as reduced costs, shorter schedule by the use of commercially available components, and improved quality by the use of well proven solutions.

Comparing the results of an analytical model of the no-vent fill process with no-vent fill test results for a 4.96 cubic meters (175 cubic feet) tank

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Taylor, William J.; Chato, David J.

1993-01-01

The NASA Lewis Research Center (NASA/LeRC) have been investigating a no-vent fill method for refilling cryogenic storage tanks in low gravity. Analytical modeling based on analyzing the heat transfer of a droplet has successfully represented the process in 0.034 m and 0.142 cubic m commercial dewars using liquid nitrogen and hydrogen. Recently a large tank (4.96 cubic m) was tested with hydrogen. This lightweight tank is representative of spacecraft construction. This paper presents efforts to model the large tank test data. The droplet heat transfer model is found to over predict the tank pressure level when compared to the large tank data. A new model based on equilibrium thermodynamics has been formulated. This new model is compared to the published large scale tank's test results as well as some additional test runs with the same equipment. The results are shown to match the test results within the measurement uncertainty of the test data except for the initial transient wall cooldown where it is conservative (i.e., overpredicts the initial pressure spike found in this time frame).

A strategy for oxygen conditioning at high altitude: comparison with air conditioning.

PubMed

West, John B

2015-09-15

Large numbers of people live or work at high altitude, and many visit to trek or ski. The inevitable hypoxia impairs physical working capacity, and at higher altitudes there is also cognitive impairment. Twenty years ago oxygen enrichment of room air was introduced to reduce the hypoxia, and this is now used in dormitories, hotels, mines, and telescopes. However, recent advances in technology now allow large amounts of oxygen to be obtained from air or cryogenic oxygen sources. As a result it is now feasible to oxygenate large buildings and even institutions such as hospitals. An analogy can be drawn between air conditioning that has improved the living and working conditions of millions of people who live in hot climates and oxygen conditioning that can do the same at high altitude. Oxygen conditioning is similar to air conditioning except that instead of cooling the air, the oxygen concentration is raised, thus reducing the equivalent altitude. Oxygen conditioning on a large scale could transform living and working conditions at high altitude, where it could be valuable in homes, hospitals, schools, dormitories, company headquarters, banks, and legislative settings. Copyright © 2015 the American Physiological Society.

Safety Aspects of Big Cryogenic Systems Design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chorowski, M.; Fydrych, J.; Poliński, J.

2010-04-01

Superconductivity and helium cryogenics are key technologies in the construction of large scientific instruments, like accelerators, fusion reactors or free electron lasers. Such cryogenic systems may contain more than hundred tons of helium, mostly in cold and high-density phases. In spite of the high reliability of the systems, accidental loss of the insulation vacuum, pipe rupture or rapid energy dissipation in the cold helium can not be overlooked. To avoid the danger of over-design pressure rise in the cryostats, they need to be equipped with a helium relief system. Such a system is comprised of safety valves, bursting disks and optionally cold or warm quench lines, collectors and storage tanks. Proper design of the helium safety relief system requires a good understanding of worst case scenarios. Such scenarios will be discussed, taking into account different possible failures of the cryogenic system. In any case it is necessary to estimate heat transfer through degraded vacuum superinsulation and mass flow through the valves and safety disks. Even if the design of the helium relief system does not foresee direct helium venting into the environment, an occasional emergency helium spill may happen. Helium propagation in the atmosphere and the origins of oxygen-deficiency hazards will be discussed.

Renewal of the Control System and Reliable Long Term Operation of the LHD Cryogenic System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mito, T.; Iwamoto, A.; Oba, K.; Takami, S.; Moriuchi, S.; Imagawa, S.; Takahata, K.; Yamada, S.; Yanagi, N.; Hamaguchi, S.; Kishida, F.; Nakashima, T.

The Large Helical Device (LHD) is a heliotron-type fusion plasma experimental machine which consists of a fully superconducting magnet system cooled by a helium refrigerator having a total equivalent cooling capacity of 9.2 kW@4.4 K. Seventeenplasma experimental campaigns have been performed successfully since1997 with high reliability of 99%. However, sixteen years have passed from the beginning of the system operation. Improvements are being implementedto prevent serious failures and to pursue further reliability.The LHD cryogenic control system was designed and developed as an open system utilizing latest control equipment of VME controllers and UNIX workstations at the construction time. Howeverthe generation change of control equipment has been advanced. Down-sizing of control deviceshas beenplanned from VME controllers to compact PCI controllers in order to simplify the system configuration and to improve the system reliability. The new system is composed of compact PCI controller and remote I/O connected with EtherNet/IP. Making the system redundant becomes possible by doubling CPU, LAN, and remote I/O respectively. The smooth renewal of the LHD cryogenic controlsystem and the further improvement of the cryogenic system reliability are reported.

A Comparison Study of Sampling and Analyzing Volatile Organic Compounds in Air in Kuwait by Using Tedlar Bags/Canisters and GC-MS with a Cryogenic Trap

PubMed Central

Tang, Hongmao; Beg, Khaliq R.; Al-Otaiba, Yousef

2006-01-01

Kuwait experiences desert climatic weather. Due to the extreme hot and dry conditions in this country, some analytical phenomena have been discovered. Therefore, a systematic study of sampling and analyzing volatile organic compounds in air by using GC-MS with a cryogenic trap is reported in this paper. This study included comparisons of using different sample containers such as Tedlar bags and SUMMA canisters, and different cryogenic freezing-out air volumes in the trap. Calibration curves for different compounds and improvement of replicated analysis results were also reported here. The study found that using different sample containers produced different results. Analysis of ambient air samples collected in Tedlar bags obtained several volatile organic compounds with large concentrations compared to using SUMMA canisters. Therefore, to choose a sample container properly is a key element for successfully completing a project. Because GC-MS with a cryogenic trap often generates replicated results with poor agreement, an internal standard added to gas standards and air samples by using a gas syringe was tested. The study results proved that it helped to improve the replicated results. PMID:16699723

A comparison study of sampling and analyzing volatile organic compounds in air in Kuwait by using Tedlar bags/canisters and GC-MS with a cryogenic trap.

PubMed

Tang, Hongmao; Beg, Khaliq R; Al-Otaiba, Yousef

2006-05-12

Kuwait experiences desert climatic weather. Due to the extreme hot and dry conditions in this country, some analytical phenomena have been discovered. Therefore, a systematic study of sampling and analyzing volatile organic compounds in air by using GC-MS with a cryogenic trap is reported in this paper. This study included comparisons of using different sample containers such as Tedlar bags and SUMMA canisters, and different cryogenic freezing-out air volumes in the trap. Calibration curves for different compounds and improvement of replicated analysis results were also reported here. The study found that using different sample containers produced different results. Analysis of ambient air samples collected in Tedlar bags obtained several volatile organic compounds with large concentrations compared to using SUMMA canisters. Therefore, to choose a sample container properly is a key element for successfully completing a project. Because GC-MS with a cryogenic trap often generates replicated results with poor agreement, an internal standard added to gas standards and air samples by using a gas syringe was tested. The study results proved that it helped to improve the replicated results.

Net Shape Spin Formed Cryogenic Aluminum Lithium Cryogenic Tank Domes for Lower Cost Higher Performance Launch Vehicles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Curreri, Peter A.; Hoffman, Eric; Domack, Marcia; Brewster, Jeb; Russell, Carolyn

2013-01-01

With the goal of lower cost (simplified manufacturing and lower part count) and higher performance (higher strength to weight alloys) the NASA Technical Maturation Program in 2006 funded a proposal to investigate spin forming of space launch vehicle cryogenic tank domes. The project funding continued under the NASA Exploration Technology Development Program through completion in FY12. The first phase of the project involved spin forming of eight, 1 meter diameter "path finder" domes. Half of these were processed using a concave spin form process (MT Aerospace, Augsburg Germany) and the other half using a convex process (Spincraft, Boston MA). The convex process has been used to produce the Ares Common Bulkhead and the concave process has been used to produce dome caps for the Space Shuttle light weight external tank and domes for the NASDA H2. Aluminum Lithium material was chosen because of its higher strength to weight ratio than the Aluminum 2219 baseline. Aluminum lithium, in order to obtain the desired temper (T8), requires a cold stretch after the solution heat treatment and quench. This requirement favors the concave spin form process which was selected for scale up. This paper describes the results of processing four, 5.5 meter diameter (upper stage scale) net shaped spin formed Aluminum Lithium domes. In order to allow scalability beyond the limits of foundry and rolling mills (about 12 foot width) the circular blank contained one friction stir weld (heavy lifter scales require a flat blank containing two welds). Mechanical properties data (tensile, fracture toughness, stress corrosion, and simulated service testing) for the parent metal and weld will also be discussed.

Repeatability of Cryogenic Multilayer Insulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, W. L.; Vanderlaan, M.; Wood, J. J.; Rhys, N. O.; Guo, W.; Van Sciver, S.; Chato, D. J.

2017-01-01

Due to the variety of requirements across aerospace platforms, and one off projects, the repeatability of cryogenic multilayer insulation has never been fully established. The objective of this test program is to provide a more basic understanding of the thermal performance repeatability of MLI systems that are applicable to large scale tanks. There are several different types of repeatability that can be accounted for: these include repeatability between multiple identical blankets, repeatability of installation of the same blanket, and repeatability of a test apparatus. The focus of the work in this report is on the first two types of repeatability. Statistically, repeatability can mean many different things. In simplest form, it refers to the range of performance that a population exhibits and the average of the population. However, as more and more identical components are made (i.e. the population of concern grows), the simple range morphs into a standard deviation from an average performance. Initial repeatability testing on MLI blankets has been completed at Florida State University. Repeatability of five GRC provided coupons with 25 layers was shown to be +/- 8.4 whereas repeatability of repeatedly installing a single coupon was shown to be +/- 8.0. A second group of 10 coupons have been fabricated by Yetispace and tested by Florida State University, through the first 4 tests, the repeatability has been shown to be +/- 16. Based on detailed statistical analysis, the data has been shown to be statistically significant.

Repeatability of Cryogenic Multilayer Insulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, W. L.; Vanderlaan, M.; Wood, J. J.; Rhys, N. O.; Guo, W.; Van Sciver, S.; Chato, D. J.

2017-01-01

Due to the variety of requirements across aerospace platforms, and one off projects, the repeatability of cryogenic multilayer insulation has never been fully established. The objective of this test program is to provide a more basic understanding of the thermal performance repeatability of MLI systems that are applicable to large scale tanks. There are several different types of repeatability that can be accounted for: these include repeatability between multiple identical blankets, repeatability of installation of the same blanket, and repeatability of a test apparatus. The focus of the work in this report is on the first two types of repeatability. Statistically, repeatability can mean many different things. In simplest form, it refers to the range of performance that a population exhibits and the average of the population. However, as more and more identical components are made (i.e. the population of concern grows), the simple range morphs into a standard deviation from an average performance. Initial repeatability testing on MLI blankets has been completed at Florida State University. Repeatability of five GRC provided coupons with 25 layers was shown to be +/- 8.4% whereas repeatability of repeatedly installing a single coupon was shown to be +/- 8.0%. A second group of 10 coupons have been fabricated by Yetispace and tested by Florida State University, through the first 4 tests, the repeatability has been shown to be +/- 15-25%. Based on detailed statistical analysis, the data has been shown to be statistically significant.

Repeatability of Cryogenic Multilayer Insulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnson, W. L.; Vanderlaan, M.; Wood, J. J.; Rhys, N. O.; Guo, W.; Van Sciver, S.; Chato, D. J.

2017-12-01

Due to the variety of requirements across aerospace platforms, and one off projects, the repeatability of cryogenic multilayer insulation (MLI) has never been fully established. The objective of this test program is to provide a more basic understanding of the thermal performance repeatability of MLI systems that are applicable to large scale tanks. There are several different types of repeatability that can be accounted for: these include repeatability between identical blankets, repeatability of installation of the same blanket, and repeatability of a test apparatus. The focus of the work in this report is on the first two types of repeatability. Statistically, repeatability can mean many different things. In simplest form, it refers to the range of performance that a population exhibits and the average of the population. However, as more and more identical components are made (i.e. the population of concern grows), the simple range morphs into a standard deviation from an average performance. Initial repeatability testing on MLI blankets has been completed at Florida State University. Repeatability of five Glenn Research Center (GRC) provided coupons with 25 layers was shown to be +/- 8.4% whereas repeatability of repeatedly installing a single coupon was shown to be +/- 8.0%. A second group of 10 coupons has been fabricated by Yetispace and tested by Florida State University, the repeatability between coupons has been shown to be +/- 15-25%. Based on detailed statistical analysis, the data has been shown to be statistically significant.

Spin-valve Josephson junctions for cryogenic memory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niedzielski, Bethany M.; Bertus, T. J.; Glick, Joseph A.; Loloee, R.; Pratt, W. P.; Birge, Norman O.

2018-01-01

Josephson junctions containing two ferromagnetic layers are being considered for use in cryogenic memory. Our group recently demonstrated that the ground-state phase difference across such a junction with carefully chosen layer thicknesses could be controllably toggled between zero and π by switching the relative magnetization directions of the two layers between the antiparallel and parallel configurations. However, several technological issues must be addressed before those junctions can be used in a large-scale memory. Many of these issues can be more easily studied in single junctions, rather than in the superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) used for phase-sensitive measurements. In this work, we report a comprehensive study of spin-valve junctions containing a Ni layer with a fixed thickness of 2.0 nm and a NiFe layer of thickness varying between 1.1 and 1.8 nm in steps of 0.1 nm. We extract the field shift of the Fraunhofer patterns and the critical currents of the junctions in the parallel and antiparallel magnetic states, as well as the switching fields of both magnetic layers. We also report a partial study of similar junctions containing a slightly thinner Ni layer of 1.6 nm and the same range of NiFe thicknesses. These results represent the first step toward mapping out a "phase diagram" for phase-controllable spin-valve Josephson junctions as a function of the two magnetic layer thicknesses.

A rapid method for the sampling of atmospheric water vapour for isotopic analysis.

PubMed

Peters, Leon I; Yakir, Dan

2010-01-01

Analysis of the stable isotopic composition of atmospheric moisture is widely applied in the environmental sciences. Traditional methods for obtaining isotopic compositional data from ambient moisture have required complicated sampling procedures, expensive and sophisticated distillation lines, hazardous consumables, and lengthy treatments prior to analysis. Newer laser-based techniques are expensive and usually not suitable for large-scale field campaigns, especially in cases where access to mains power is not feasible or high spatial coverage is required. Here we outline the construction and usage of a novel vapour-sampling system based on a battery-operated Stirling cycle cooler, which is simple to operate, does not require any consumables, or post-collection distillation, and is light-weight and highly portable. We demonstrate the ability of this system to reproduce delta(18)O isotopic compositions of ambient water vapour, with samples taken simultaneously by a traditional cryogenic collection technique. Samples were collected over 1 h directly into autosampler vials and were analysed by mass spectrometry after pyrolysis of 1 microL aliquots to CO. This yielded an average error of < +/-0.5 per thousand, approximately equal to the signal-to-noise ratio of traditional approaches. This new system provides a rapid and reliable alternative to conventional cryogenic techniques, particularly in cases requiring high sample throughput or where access to distillation lines, slurry maintenance or mains power is not feasible. Copyright 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Three-dimensional modeling of direct-drive cryogenic implosions on OMEGA

DOE PAGES

Igumenshchev, I. V.; Goncharov, V. N.; Marshall, F. J.; ...

2016-05-04

The effects of large-scale (with Legendre modes ≲10) laser-imposed nonuniformities in direct-drive cryogenic implosions on the OMEGA laser system are investigated using three-dimension hydrodynamic simulations performed using a newly developed code ASTER. Sources of these nonuniformities include an illumination pattern produced by 60 OMEGA laser beams, capsule offsets (~10 to 20 μm), and imperfect pointing, energy balance, and timing of the beams (with typical σ rms ~10 μm, 10%, and 5 ps, respectively). Two implosion designs using 26-kJ triple-picket laser pulses were studied: a nominal design, in which a 880-μm-diameter capsule is illuminated by the same-diameter beams, and a “R75”more » design using a capsule of 900 μm in diameter and beams of 75% of this diameter. Simulations found that nonuniformities because of capsule offsets and beam imbalance have the largest effect on implosion performance. These nonuniformities lead to significant distortions of implosion cores resulting in an incomplete stagnation. The shape of distorted cores is well represented by neutron images, but loosely in x-rays. Simulated neutron spectra from perturbed implosions show large directional variations and up to ~ 2 keV variation of the hot spot temperature inferred from these spectra. The R75 design is more hydrodynamically efficient because of mitigation of crossed-beam energy transfer, but also suffers more from the nonuniformities. Furthermore, simulations predict a performance advantage of this design over the nominal design when the target offset and beam imbalance σ rms are reduced to less than 5 μm and 5%, respectively.« less

Three-dimensional modeling of direct-drive cryogenic implosions on OMEGA

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Igumenshchev, I. V.; Goncharov, V. N.; Marshall, F. J.

The effects of large-scale (with Legendre modes ≲10) laser-imposed nonuniformities in direct-drive cryogenic implosions on the OMEGA laser system are investigated using three-dimension hydrodynamic simulations performed using a newly developed code ASTER. Sources of these nonuniformities include an illumination pattern produced by 60 OMEGA laser beams, capsule offsets (~10 to 20 μm), and imperfect pointing, energy balance, and timing of the beams (with typical σ rms ~10 μm, 10%, and 5 ps, respectively). Two implosion designs using 26-kJ triple-picket laser pulses were studied: a nominal design, in which a 880-μm-diameter capsule is illuminated by the same-diameter beams, and a “R75”more » design using a capsule of 900 μm in diameter and beams of 75% of this diameter. Simulations found that nonuniformities because of capsule offsets and beam imbalance have the largest effect on implosion performance. These nonuniformities lead to significant distortions of implosion cores resulting in an incomplete stagnation. The shape of distorted cores is well represented by neutron images, but loosely in x-rays. Simulated neutron spectra from perturbed implosions show large directional variations and up to ~ 2 keV variation of the hot spot temperature inferred from these spectra. The R75 design is more hydrodynamically efficient because of mitigation of crossed-beam energy transfer, but also suffers more from the nonuniformities. Furthermore, simulations predict a performance advantage of this design over the nominal design when the target offset and beam imbalance σ rms are reduced to less than 5 μm and 5%, respectively.« less

Developing NDE Techniques for Large Cryogenic Tanks - Year 2 Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Arens, Ellen; youngquist, Robert; McFall, Judith; Simmons, Stephen

2010-01-01

The Shuttle Program requires very large cryogenic ground storage tanks in which to store liquid oxygen and hydrogen. The existing Launch Complex-39 Pad tanks, which will be passed onto future launch programs, are over 40 years old and have received minimal refurbishment and only external inspections over the years. The majority of the structure is inaccessible without a full system drain of cryogenic liquid and insulation in the annular region. It was previously thought that there was a limit to the number of temperature cycles that the tanks could handle due to possible insulation compaction before undergoing a costly and time consuming complete overhaul; therefore the tanks were not drained and performance issues with these tanks, specifically the Pad B LH2 tank, were accepted. There is a need and an opportunity, as the Shuttle program ends and work to upgrade the launch pad progresses, to develop innovative non-destructive evaluation (NDE) techniques to analyze the current tanks. Techniques are desired that can aid in determining the extent of refurbishment required to keep the tanks in service for another 20+ years. A non-destructive technique would also be a significant aid in acceptance testing of new and refurbished tanks, saving significant time and money, if corrective actions can be taken before cryogen is introduced to the systems. Year one of this project concentrated on analysis of the current tanks located at LC-39 while cryogen was present. Year two of this project concentrated on analysis of detectable thermal variations on the outer surface of the tanks as the cryogen was drained and the inner vessel warmed to ambient conditions. Two techniques have been deployed in the field to monitor the tank. The first consisted of a displacement sensor to monitor for any expansions at the base of the tank during warm-up that could indicate a compaction issue with the insulation. The second technique was continued thermal monitoring of the tank through and after warm up. The indications noted in the thermal images were compared to bore-scope images of the annular region taken once the tank was inert and warmed to ambient conditions. Similar thermal imaging was performed on a smaller tank where an insulation void was induced to compare the effectiveness of thermal imagining on a different tank geometry.

Hydrogen Research for Spaceport and Space-Based Applications: Hydrogen Production, Storage, and Transport. Part 3

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anderson, Tim; Balaban, Canan

2008-01-01

The activities presented are a broad based approach to advancing key hydrogen related technologies in areas such as fuel cells, hydrogen production, and distributed sensors for hydrogen-leak detection, laser instrumentation for hydrogen-leak detection, and cryogenic transport and storage. Presented are the results from research projects, education and outreach activities, system and trade studies. The work will aid in advancing the state-of-the-art for several critical technologies related to the implementation of a hydrogen infrastructure. Activities conducted are relevant to a number of propulsion and power systems for terrestrial, aeronautics and aerospace applications. Hydrogen storage and in-space hydrogen transport research focused on developing and verifying design concepts for efficient, safe, lightweight liquid hydrogen cryogenic storage systems. Research into hydrogen production had a specific goal of further advancing proton conducting membrane technology in the laboratory at a larger scale. System and process trade studies evaluated the proton conducting membrane technology, specifically, scale-up issues.

Large aluminium convex mirror for the cryo-optical test of the Planck primary reflector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gloesener, P.; Flébus, C.; Cola, M.; Roose, S.; Stockman, Y.; de Chambure, D.

2017-11-01

In the frame of the PLANCK mission telescope development, it is requested to measure the reflector changes of the surface figure error (SFE) with respect to the best ellipsoid, between 293 K and 50 K, with 1 μm RMS accuracy. To achieve this, Infra Red interferometry has been selected and a dedicated thermo mechanical set-up has been constructed. In order to realise the test set-up for this reflector, a large aluminium convex mirror with radius of 19500 mm has been manufactured. The mirror has to operate in a cryogenic environment lower than 30 K, and has a contribution to the RMS WFE with less than 1 μm between room temperature and cryogenic temperature. This paper summarises the design, manufacturing and characterisation of this mirror, showing it has fulfilled its requirements.

Lifetime testing results and diagnostic performance prediction of linear coolers at Thales Cryogenics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van der Weijden, H.; Benschop, T.; van de Groep, W.; Willems, D.

2011-06-01

Thales Cryogenics (TCBV) has an extensive background in delivering long-life cryogenic coolers for military, civil and space programs. During the last years many technical improvements have increased the lifetime of coolers resulting in significantly higher MTTF's. Lifetime endurance tests are used to validate these performance increases. An update will be given on lifetime test of a selection of TCBV's coolers. MTTF figures indicate the statistical average lifetimes for a large population of coolers. However, for the user of IR camera's and spectrometers a detailed view on the performance of an individual cooler and the possible impact of its performance degradation during its lifetime is very important. Thales Cryogenics is developing Cooler Diagnostic Software (CDS), which can be implemented in the firmware of its DSP based cooler drive electronics. With this implemented software the monitoring of the main cooler parameters during the lifetime in the equipment will be possible, including the prediction of the expected cooler performance availability. Based on this software it will be possible to analyze the status of the cooler inside the equipment and, supported by the lifetime knowledge at Thales Cryogenics, make essential choices on the maintenance of equipment and the replacement of coolers. In the paper, we will give an overview of potential situations in which such a predictive algorithm can be used. We will present the required interaction with future users to make an optimal interaction and interpretation of the generated data possible.

High Reynolds Number Investigation of a Flush Mounted, S-Duct Inlet With Large Amounts of Boundary Layer Ingestion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Berrier, Bobby L.; Carter, Melissa B.; Allan, Brian G.

2005-01-01

An experimental investigation of a flush-mounted, S-duct inlet with large amounts of boundary layer ingestion has been conducted at Reynolds numbers up to full scale. The study was conducted in the NASA Langley Research Center 0.3-Meter Transonic Cryogenic Tunnel. In addition, a supplemental computational study on one of the inlet configurations was conducted using the Navier-Stokes flow solver, OVERFLOW. Tests were conducted at Mach numbers from 0.25 to 0.83, Reynolds numbers (based on aerodynamic interface plane diameter) from 5.1 million to 13.9 million (full-scale value), and inlet mass-flow ratios from 0.29 to 1.22, depending on Mach number. Results of the study indicated that increasing Mach number, increasing boundary layer thickness (relative to inlet height) or ingesting a boundary layer with a distorted profile decreased inlet performance. At Mach numbers above 0.4, increasing inlet airflow increased inlet pressure recovery but also increased distortion. Finally, inlet distortion was found to be relatively insensitive to Reynolds number, but pressure recovery increased slightly with increasing Reynolds number.This CD-ROM supplement contains inlet data including: Boundary layer data, Duct static pressure data, performance-AIP (fan face) data, Photos, Tunnel wall P-PTO data and definitions.

The Carnegie Hubble Program: The Leavitt Law at 3.6 microns and 4.5 microns in the Large Magellanic Cloud

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scowcroft, Victoria; Freedman, Wendy L.; Madore, Barry F.; Monson, Andrew J.; Persson, S. E.; Seibert, Mark; Rigby, Jane R.; Sturch, Laura

2011-01-01

The Carnegie Hubble Program (CHP) is designed to improve the extragalactic distance scale using data from the post-cryogenic era of Spitzer. The ultimate goal is a determination of the Hubble constant to an accuracy of 2%. This paper is the first in a series on the Cepheid population of the Large Magellanic Cloud, and focuses on the period-luminosity relations (Leavitt laws) that will be used, in conjunction with observations of Milky Way Cepheids, to set the slope and zero-point of the Cepheid distance scale in the mid-infrared. To this end, we have obtained uniformly-sampled light curves for 85 LMC Cepheids, having periods between 6 and 140 days. Period- luminosity and period-color relations are presented in the 3.6 micron and 4.5 micron bands. We demonstrate that the 3.6 micron band is a superb distance indicator. The cyclical variation of the [3.6]-[4.5] color has been measured for the first time. We attribute the amplitude and phase of the color curves to the dissociation and recombination of CO molecules in the Cepheid s atmosphere. The CO affects only the 4.5 micron flux making it a potential metallicity indicator.

Cryogenic Design of a Large Superconducting Magnet for Astro-particle Shielding on Deep Space Travel Missions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bruce, Romain; Baudouy, Bertrand

The Space Radiation Superconducting Shield (SR2S) European project aims at studying a large superconducting toroid magnet to protect the human habitat from the ionizing radiations coming from Galactic Cosmic Ray during long term missions in deep space. Titanium clad MgB2 conductor is used to afford a bending power greater than 5 T.m at 10 K. A specific cryogenic design is needed to cool down this 10 m long and 12.8 m in diameter magnet. A passive cooling system, using a V-groove sunshield, is considered to reduce the heat flux coming from the Sun or Mars. An active configuration, using pulse tube cryocoolers, will be linked to the 80 K thermal screen intercepting most of the heat fluxes coming from the human habitat. The toroid magnet will be connected also to cryocoolers to absorb the few watts reaching its surface. Two kinds of thermal link are being considered to absorb the heat on the 80 K thermal screen. The first one is active, with a pump circulating helium gas in a network of exchange tubes. The second one is passive using long cryogenic pulse heat pipe (PHP) with the evaporator on the surface of the thermal screen and the condenser attached to the pulse tube.

Cryogenic techniques for large superconducting magnets in space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Green, M. A.

1989-01-01

A large superconducting magnet is proposed for use in a particle astrophysics experiment, ASTROMAG, which is to be mounted on the United States Space Station. This experiment will have a two-coil superconducting magnet with coils which are 1.3 to 1.7 meters in diameter. The two-coil magnet will have zero net magnetic dipole moment. The field 15 meters from the magnet will approach earth's field in low earth orbit. The issue of high Tc superconductor will be discussed in the paper. The reasons for using conventional niobium-titanium superconductor cooled with superfluid helium will be presented. Since the purpose of the magnet is to do particle astrophysics, the superconducting coils must be located close to the charged particle detectors. The trade off between the particle physics possible and the cryogenic insulation around the coils is discussed. As a result, the ASTROMAG magnet coils will be operated outside of the superfluid helium storage tank. The fountain effect pumping system which will be used to cool the coil is described in the report. Two methods for extending the operating life of the superfluid helium dewar are discussed. These include: operation with a third shield cooled to 90 K with a sterling cycle cryocooler, and a hybrid cryogenic system where there are three hydrogen-cooled shields and cryostat support heat intercept points.

Advanced optical coatings for astronomical instrumentation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pradal, Fabien; Leplan, Hervé; Vayssade, Hervé; Geyl, Roland

2016-07-01

Recently Safran Reosc worked and progressed on various thin film technology for: Large mirrors with low stress and stable coatings. Large lens elements with strong curvature and precise layer specifications. Large filters with high spectral response uniformity specifications. IR coatings with low stress and excellent resistance to cryogenic environment for NIR to LWIR domains. Pixelated coatings. Results will be presented and discussed on the basis of several examples.

Additive manufacturing of hierarchical injectable scaffolds for tissue engineering.

PubMed

Béduer, A; Piacentini, N; Aeberli, L; Da Silva, A; Verheyen, C A; Bonini, F; Rochat, A; Filippova, A; Serex, L; Renaud, P; Braschler, T

2018-06-05

We present a 3D-printing technology allowing free-form fabrication of centimetre-scale injectable structures for minimally invasive delivery. They result from the combination of 3D printing onto a cryogenic substrate and optimisation of carboxymethylcellulose-based cryogel inks. The resulting highly porous and elastic cryogels are biocompatible, and allow for protection of cell viability during compression for injection. Implanted into the murine subcutaneous space, they are colonized with a loose fibrovascular tissue with minimal signs of inflammation and remain encapsulation-free at three months. Finally, we vary local pore size through control of the substrate temperature during cryogenic printing. This enables control over local cell seeding density in vitro and over vascularization density in cell-free scaffolds in vivo. In sum, we address the need for 3D-bioprinting of large, yet injectable and highly biocompatible scaffolds and show modulation of the local response through control over local pore size. This work combines the power of 3D additive manufacturing with clinically advantageous minimally invasive delivery. We obtain porous, highly compressible and mechanically rugged structures by optimizing a cryogenic 3D printing process. Only a basic commercial 3D printer and elementary control over reaction rate and freezing are required. The porous hydrogels obtained are capable of withstanding delivery through capillaries up to 50 times smaller than their largest linear dimension, an as yet unprecedented compression ratio. Cells seeded onto the hydrogels are protected during compression. The hydrogel structures further exhibit excellent biocompatibility 3 months after subcutaneous injection into mice. We finally demonstrate that local modulation of pore size grants control over vascularization density in vivo. This provides proof-of-principle that meaningful biological information can be encoded during the 3D printing process, deploying its effect after minimally invasive implantation. Copyright © 2018 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bornea, A.; Zamfirache, M.; Stefan, L.

ICIT (Institute for Cryogenics and Isotopic Technologies) has used its experience in cryogenic water distillation process to propose a similar process for hydrogen distillation that can be used in detritiation technologies. This process relies on the same packages but a stainless filling is tested instead of the phosphorous bronze filling used for water distillation. This paper presents two types of packages developed for hydrogen distillation, both have a stainless filling but it differs in terms of density, exchange surface and specific volume. Performance data have been obtained on laboratory scale. In order to determine the characteristics of the package, themore » installation was operated in the total reflux mode, for different flow rate for the liquid. There were made several experiments considering different operating conditions. Samples extracted at the top and bottom of cryogenic distillation column allowed mathematical processing to determine the separation performance. The experiments show a better efficiency for the package whose exchange surface was higher and there were no relevant differences between both packages as the operating pressure of the cryogenic column was increasing. For a complete characterization of the packages, future experiments will be considered to determine performance at various velocities in the column and their correlation with the pressure in the column. We plan further experiments to separate tritium from the mixture of isotopes DT, having in view that our goal is to apply this results to a detritiation plant.« less

Using sieving and pretreatment to separate plastics during end-of-life vehicle recycling.

PubMed

Stagner, Jacqueline A; Sagan, Barsha; Tam, Edwin Kl

2013-09-01

Plastics continue to be a challenge for recovering materials at the end-of-life for vehicles. However, it may be possible to improve the recovery of plastics by exploiting material characteristics, such as shape, or by altering their behavior, such as through temperature changes, in relation to recovery processes and handling. Samples of a 2009 Dodge Challenger front fascia were shredded in a laboratory-scale hammer mill shredder. A 2 × 2 factorial design study was performed to determine the effect of sample shape (flat versus curved) and sample temperature (room temperature versus cryogenic temperature) on the size of the particles exiting from the shredder. It was determined that sample shape does not affect the particle size; however, sample temperature does affect the particle size. At cryogenic temperatures, the distribution of particle sizes is much narrower than at room temperature. Having a more uniform particle size could make recovery of plastic particles, such as these more efficient during the recycling of end-of-life vehicles. Samples of Chrysler minivan headlights were also shredded at room temperature and at cryogenic temperatures. The size of the particles of the two different plastics in the headlights is statistically different both at room temperature and at cryogenic temperature, and the particles are distributed narrowly. The research suggests that incremental changes in end-of-life vehicle processing could be effective in aiding materials recovery.

Tungsten Inert Gas and Friction Stir Welding Characteristics of 4-mm-Thick 2219-T87 Plates at Room Temperature and -196 °C

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lei, Xuefeng; Deng, Ying; Yin, Zhimin; Xu, Guofu

2014-06-01

2219-T87 aluminum alloy is widely used for fabricating liquid rocket propellant storage tank, due to its admirable cryogenic property. Welding is the dominant joining method in the manufacturing process of aerospace components. In this study, the tungsten inert gas welding and friction stir welding (FSW) characteristics of 4-mm-thick 2219-T87 alloy plate at room temperature (25 °C) and deep cryogenic temperature (-196 °C) were investigated by property measurements and microscopy methods. The studied 2219 base alloy exhibits a low strength plane anisotropy and excellent room temperature and cryogenic mechanical properties. The ultimate tensile strength values of TIG and FSW welding joints can reach 265 and 353 MPa at room temperature, and 342 and 438 MPa at -196 °C, respectively. The base metal consists of elongated deformed grains and many nano-scaled θ (Al2Cu) aging precipitates. Fusion zone and heat-affected zone (HAZ) of the TIG joint are characterized by coarsening dendritic grains and equiaxed recrystallized grains, respectively. The FSW-welded joint consists of the weld nugget zone, thermo-mechanically affected zone (TMAZ), and HAZ. In the weld nugget zone, a micro-scaled sub-grain structure is the main microstructure characteristic. The TMAZ and HAZ are both characterized by coarsened aging precipitates and elongated deformed grains. The excellent FSW welding properties are attributed to the preservation of the working structures and homogenous chemical compositions.

Models for Multimegawatt Space Power Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-06-01

devices such as batteries, flywheels, and large, cryogenic inductors. Turbines with generators, thermionics, thermoelectrics, alkali metal...NTCA Weapons Laboratory Kirtland AFB, NM 87117 C. Perry Bankston California Institute of Technology Jet Propulsion Laboratory 4800 Oak Grove

Miniature thermoacoustic cryocooler driven by a vertical comb-drive

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hao, Zhili; Fowler, Mark; Hammer, Jay A.; Whitley, Michael R.; Brown, David

2003-01-01

In this paper, we propose a novel miniature MEMS based thermoacoustic cryo-cooler for thermal management of cryogenic electronic devices. The basic idea is to exploit a new way to realize a highly-reliable miniature cryo-cooler, which would allow integration of a cryogenic cooling system directly into a cryogenic electronic device. A vertical comb-drive is proposed as the means to provide an acoustic source through a driving plate to a resonant tube. By exciting a standing wave within the resonant tube, a temperature difference develops across the stack in the tube, thereby enabling heat exchange between two heat exchangers. The use of gray scale technology to fabricate tapered resonant tube provides a way to improve the efficiency of the cooling system, compared with a simple cylinder configuration. Furthermore, a tapered tube leads to extremely strong standing waves with relatively pure waveforms and reduces possible harmonics. The working principle of this device is described here. The fabrication of this device is considered, which is compatible with current MEMS fabrication technology. Finally, the theoretical analysis of key components of this cryo-cooler is presented.

Advanced ACTPol Cryogenic Detector Arrays and Readout

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Henderson, S. W.; Allison, R.; Austermann, J.; Baildon, T.; Battaglia, N.; Beall, J. A.; Becker, D.; De Bernardis, F.; Bond, J. R.; Calabrese, E.; Choi, S. K.; Coughlin, K. P.; Crowley, K. T.; Datta, R.; Devlin, M. J.; Duff, S. M.; Dunkley, J.; Dünner, R.; van Engelen, A.; Gallardo, P. A.; Grace, E.; Hasselfield, M.; Hills, F.; Hilton, G. C.; Hincks, A. D.; Hloẑek, R.; Ho, S. P.; Hubmayr, J.; Huffenberger, K.; Hughes, J. P.; Irwin, K. D.; Koopman, B. J.; Kosowsky, A. B.; Li, D.; McMahon, J.; Munson, C.; Nati, F.; Newburgh, L.; Niemack, M. D.; Niraula, P.; Page, L. A.; Pappas, C. G.; Salatino, M.; Schillaci, A.; Schmitt, B. L.; Sehgal, N.; Sherwin, B. D.; Sievers, J. L.; Simon, S. M.; Spergel, D. N.; Staggs, S. T.; Stevens, J. R.; Thornton, R.; Van Lanen, J.; Vavagiakis, E. M.; Ward, J. T.; Wollack, E. J.

2016-08-01

Advanced ACTPol is a polarization-sensitive upgrade for the 6 m aperture Atacama Cosmology Telescope, adding new frequencies and increasing sensitivity over the previous ACTPol receiver. In 2016, Advanced ACTPol will begin to map approximately half the sky in five frequency bands (28-230 GHz). Its maps of primary and secondary cosmic microwave background anisotropies—imaged in intensity and polarization at few arcminute-scale resolution—will enable precision cosmological constraints and also a wide array of cross-correlation science that probes the expansion history of the universe and the growth of structure via gravitational collapse. To accomplish these scientific goals, the Advanced ACTPol receiver will be a significant upgrade to the ACTPol receiver, including four new multichroic arrays of cryogenic, feedhorn-coupled AlMn transition edge sensor polarimeters (fabricated on 150 mm diameter wafers); a system of continuously rotating meta-material silicon half-wave plates; and a new multiplexing readout architecture which uses superconducting quantum interference devices and time division to achieve a 64-row multiplexing factor. Here we present the status and scientific goals of the Advanced ACTPol instrument, emphasizing the design and implementation of the Advanced ACTPol cryogenic detector arrays.

Advanced ACTPol Cryogenic Detector Arrays and Readout

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Henderson, S.W.; Allison, R.; Austermann, J.; Baildon, T.; Battaglia, N.; Beall, J. A.; Becker, D.; De Bernardis, F.; Bond, J. R.; Wollack, E. J.

2016-01-01

Advanced ACTPol is a polarization-sensitive upgrade for the 6 m aperture Atacama Cosmology Telescope, adding new frequencies and increasing sensitivity over the previous ACTPol receiver. In 2016, Advanced ACTPol will begin to map approximately half the sky in five frequency bands (28-230 GHz). Its maps of primary and secondary cosmic microwave background anisotropies-imaged in intensity and polarization at few arcminute-scale resolution-will enable precision cosmological constraints and also awide array of cross-correlation science that probes the expansion history of the universe and the growth of structure via gravitational collapse. To accomplish these scientific goals, the AdvancedACTPol receiver will be a significant upgrade to the ACTPol receiver, including four new multichroic arrays of cryogenic, feedhorn-coupled AlMn transition edge sensor polarimeters (fabricated on 150 mm diameter wafers); a system of continuously rotating meta-material silicon half-wave plates; and a new multiplexing readout architecture which uses superconducting quantum interference devices and time division to achieve a 64-row multiplexing factor. Here we present the status and scientific goals of the Advanced ACTPol instrument, emphasizing the design and implementation of the AdvancedACTPol cryogenic detector arrays.

Room-Temperature Micron-Scale Exciton Migration in a Stabilized Emissive Molecular Aggregate.

PubMed

Caram, Justin R; Doria, Sandra; Eisele, Dörthe M; Freyria, Francesca S; Sinclair, Timothy S; Rebentrost, Patrick; Lloyd, Seth; Bawendi, Moungi G

2016-11-09

We report 1.6 ± 1 μm exciton transport in self-assembled supramolecular light-harvesting nanotubes (LHNs) assembled from amphiphillic cyanine dyes. We stabilize LHNs in a sucrose glass matrix, greatly reducing light and oxidative damage and allowing the observation of exciton-exciton annihilation signatures under weak excitation flux. Fitting to a one-dimensional diffusion model, we find an average exciton diffusion constant of 55 ± 20 cm 2 /s, among the highest measured for an organic system. We develop a simple model that uses cryogenic measurements of static and dynamic energetic disorder to estimate a diffusion constant of 32 cm 2 /s, in agreement with experiment. We ascribe large exciton diffusion lengths to low static and dynamic energetic disorder in LHNs. We argue that matrix-stabilized LHNS represent an excellent model system to study coherent excitonic transport.

The MiniCLEAN Dark Matter Experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schnee, Richard; Deap/Clean Collaboration

2011-10-01

The MiniCLEAN dark matter experiment exploits a single-phase liquid argon (LAr) detector, instrumented with photomultiplier tubes submerged in the cryogen with nearly 4 π coverage of a 500 kg target (150 kg fiducial) mass. The high light yield and large difference in singlet/triplet scintillation time-profiles in LAr provide effective defense against radioactive backgrounds through pulse-shape discrimination and event position reconstruction. The detector is also designed for a liquid neon target which, in the event of a positive signal in LAr, will enable an independent verification of backgrounds and provide a unique test of the expected A2 dependence of the WIMP interaction rate. The conceptually simple design can be scaled to target masses in excess of 10 tons in a relatively straightforward and economic manner. The experimental technique and current status of MiniCLEAN will be summarized.

Cryogenic engineering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beliakov, V. P.

Recent developments and trends in cryogenic engineering are reviewed, with emphasis on the role of cryogenics in power generation, machine building, chemistry, and metallurgy. Several cryogenic systems are described, including air-separation apparatus, cryogenic storage systems, cryothermovacuum devices, and the cryogenic systems of superconducting devices. The theoretical principles underlying the design of cryogenic systems are examined, along with the theory for the processes involved.

Cosmic microwave background polarimetry with ABS and ACT: Instrumental design, characterization, and analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simon, Sara Michelle

The LCDM model of the universe is supported by an abundance of astronomical observations, but it does not confirm a period of inflation in the early universe or explain the nature of dark energy and dark matter. The polarization of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) may hold the key to addressing these profound questions. If a period of inflation occurred in the early universe, it could have left a detectable odd-parity pattern called B-modes in the polarization of the CMB on large angular scales. Additionally, the CMB can be used to probe the structure of the universe on small angular scales through lensing and the detection of galaxy clusters and their motions via the Sunyaev-Zel'dovich effect, which can improve our understanding of neutrinos, dark matter, and dark energy. The Atacama B-mode Search (ABS) instrument was a cryogenic crossed-Dragone telescope located at an elevation of 5190m in the Atacama Desert in Chile that observed from February 2012 until October 2014. ABS searched on degree-angular scales for inflationary B-modes in the CMB and pioneered the use of a rapidly-rotating half-wave plate (HWP), which modulates the polarization of incoming light to permit the measurement of celestial polarization on large angular scales that would otherwise be obscured by 1/f noise from the atmosphere. Located next to ABS in the Atacama is the Atacama Cosmology Telescope (ACT), which is an off-axis Gregorian telescope. Its large 6m primary mirror facilitates measurements of the CMB on small angular scales. HWPs are baselined for use with the upgraded polarization-sensitive camera for ACT, called Advanced ACTPol, to extend observations of the polarized CMB to larger angular scales while also retaining sensitivity to small angular scales. The B-mode signal is extremely faint, and measuring it poses an instrumental challenge that requires the development of new technologies and well-characterized instruments. I will discuss the use of novel instrumentation and methods on the ABS telescope and Advanced ACTPol, the characterization of the ABS instrument, and the first two seasons of ABS data, including an overview of the data selection process.

Next Generation Space Telescope Ultra-Lightweight Mirror Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bilbro, James W.

1998-01-01

The Next Generation Space Telescope is currently envisioned as a eight meter diameter cryogenic deployable telescope that will operate at the earth sun libration point L2. A number of different designs are being examined within NASA and under industry studies by Ball Aerospace, Lockheed-Martin and TRW. Although these designs differ in many respects, they all require significant advancements in the state-of-the-art with respect to large diameter, ultra-lightweight, mirrors. The purpose of this paper is to provide insight into the current status of the mirror development program NGST is a tremendously ambitious undertaking that sets the mark for new NASA missions. In order to achieve the weight, cost and performance requirements of NGST, the primary mirror must be made lighter, cheaper and better than anything that has ever been done. In order to accomplish this an aggressive technology program has been put in place. The scope of the program was determined by examining historically what has been accomplished; assessing recent technological advances in fabrication and testing; and evaluating the effect of these advances relative to enabling the manufacture of lightweight mirrors that meet NGST requirements. As it is currently envisioned, the primary mirror for NGST is on the order of eight meters in diameter, it is to be diffraction limited at a wave length of 2 microns and has an overall weight requirement of 15 kilograms per square meter. Two large scale demonstration projects are under way along with a number of smaller scale demonstrations on a variety of mirror materials and concepts. The University of Arizona (UA) mirror concept is based around a 2mm thick Borosilicate glass face sheet mounted to a composite backplane structure via actuators for mirror figure correction. The Composite Optics Inc.(COI) concept consists of a 3.2mm thick Zerodur face sheet bonded to a composite support structure which in turn is mounted to a composite backplane structure via actuators for mirror phasing. These mirrors are due to be performance tested in ambient conditions in the fall of '98, and cryogenically tested in the spring of '99. The smaller scale efforts include the following: Beryllium is being investigated at Ball Aerospace, Electroform nickel is being investigated in-house at MSFC, Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) Silicon Carbide (SiC) is being investigated at Morton International Silicon mirrors are being investigated at Schafer, Carbon Fiber Reinforced Silicon Carbide (CSIC) is being investigated at IABG. SiC at SSG, Composite mirrors at COI, pyrolyzed graphite mirrors at Ultramet, reaction bonded SiC mirrors at Xinetics, along with techniques for lightweighting using waterjets at Waterjet Technology Inc. are all being investigated under the Small Business innovative Research Program SBIR program. A procurement for a third large scale demonstration (nominally 1.5m in diameter) is being planned for release this fall.

Engineering the Future: Cell 6

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stahl, P. H.

2010-01-01

This slide presentation reviews the development of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), explaining the development using a systems engineering methodology. Included are slides showing the organizational chart, the JWST Science Goals, the size of the primary mirror, and full scale mockups of the JSWT. Also included is a review of the JWST Optical Telescope Requirements, a review of the preliminary design and analysis, the technology development required to create the JWST, with particular interest in the specific mirror technology that was required, and views of the mirror manufacturing process. Several slides review the process of verification and validation by testing and analysis, including a diagram of the Cryogenic Test Facility at Marshall, and views of the primary mirror while being tested in the cryogenic facility.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Debasisbanerjee, Debasis; Simon, Cory; Elsaidi, Sameh

The global demand for Xe, a noble gas with applications in electronics, lighting, and the medical industry, is expected to rise significantly over the coming decades. However, the low abundance of Xe in the earth’s atmosphere and the costly cryogenic distillation process that is used to obtain Xe commercially via air separation have limited the scale of applications of Xe. A physisorption-based separation using porous materials may be a viable and cost-effective alternative to cryogenic distillation. In particular, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have shown promise as highly Xe-selective, porous solids. In this review, we detail the recent advances of MOFs asmore » adsorbents for noble gas adsorption/separation and the role of computer simulation in finding optimal materials for Xe adsorption.« less

Model Predictions and Observed Performance of JWST's Cryogenic Position Metrology System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lunt, Sharon R.; Rhodes, David; DiAntonio, Andrew; Boland, John; Wells, Conrad; Gigliotti, Trevis; Johanning, Gary

2016-01-01

The James Webb Space Telescope cryogenic testing requires measurement systems that both obtain a very high degree of accuracy and can function in that environment. Close-range photogrammetry was identified as meeting those criteria. Testing the capability of a close-range photogrammetric system prior to its existence is a challenging problem. Computer simulation was chosen over building a scaled mock-up to allow for increased flexibility in testing various configurations. Extensive validation work was done to ensure that the actual as-built system meet accuracy and repeatability requirements. The simulated image data predicted the uncertainty in measurement to be within specification and this prediction was borne out experimentally. Uncertainty at all levels was verified experimentally to be less than 0.1 millimeters.

Pilot-Scale Demonstration of a Novel, Low-Cost Oxygen Supply Process and its Integration with Oxy-Fuel Coal-Fired Boilers

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Krish Krishnamurthy; Divy Acharya; Frank Fitch

In order to achieve DOE targets for carbon dioxide capture, it is crucial not only to develop process options that will generate and provide oxygen to the power cycle in a cost-effective manner compared to the conventional oxygen supply methods based on cryogenic air separation technology, but also to identify effective integration options for these new technologies into the power cycle with carbon dioxide capture. The Linde/BOC developed Ceramic Autothermal Recovery (CAR) process remains an interesting candidate to address both of these issues by the transfer of oxygen from the air to a recycled CO{sub 2} rich flue-gas stream inmore » a cyclic process utilizing the high temperature sorption properties of perovskites. Good progress was made on this technology in this project, but significant challenges remain to be addressed before CAR oxygen production technology is ready for commercial exploitation. Phase 1 of the project was completed by the end of September 2008. The two-bed 0.7 tons/day O2 CAR process development unit (PDU) was installed adjacent to WRI's pilot scale coal combustion test facility (CTF). Start-up and operating sequences for the PDU were developed and cyclic operation of the CAR process demonstrated. Controlled low concentration methane addition allowed the beds to be heated up to operational temperature (800-900 C) and then held there during cyclic operation of the 2-bed CAR process, in this way overcoming unavoidable heat losses from the beds during steady state operation. The performance of the PDU was optimized as much as possible, but equipment limitations prevented the system from fully achieving its target performance. Design of the flue gas recirculation system to integrate CAR PDU with the CTF and the system was completed and integrated tests successfully performed at the end of the period. A detailed techno-economic analysis was made of the CAR process for supplying the oxygen in oxy-fuel combustion retrofit option using AEP's 450 MW Conesville, Ohio plant and contrasted with the cryogenic air separation option (ASU). Design of a large scale CAR unit was completed to support this techno-economic assessment. Based on the finding that the overall cost potential of the CAR technology compared to cryogenic ASU is nominal at current performance levels and that the risks related to both material and process scale up are still significant, the team recommended not to proceed to Phase 2. CAR process economics continue to look attractive if the original and still 'realistic' target oxygen capacities could be realized in practice. In order to achieve this end, a new fundamental materials development program would be needed. With the effective oxygen capacities of the current CAR materials there is, however, insufficient economic incentive to use this commercially unproven technology in oxy-fuel power plant applications in place of conventional ASUs. In addition, it is now clear that before a larger scale pilot demonstration of the CAR technology is made, a better understanding of the impact of flue-gas impurities on the CAR materials and of thermal transients in the beds is required.« less

Installation and pre-commissioning of the cryogenic system of JT-60SA tokamak

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoa, C.; Michel, F.; Roussel, P.; Fejoz, P.; Girard, S.; Goncalves, R.; Lamaison, V.; Natsume, K.; Kizu, K.; Koide, Y.; Yoshida, K.; Cardella, A.; Portone, A.; Verrecchia, M.; Wanner, M.; Beauvisage, J.; Bertholat, F.; Gaillard, G.; Heloin, V.; Langevin, B.; Legrand, J.; Maire, S.; Perrier, J. M.; Pudys, V.

2017-02-01

The cryogenic system for the superconducting tokamak JT-60SA is currently being commissioned in Naka, Japan and shall be ready for operation in summer 2016. This contribution is part of the Broader Approach agreement between Japan and Europe. With an equivalent refrigeration capacity of about 9.5 kW at 4.5 K the cryogenic system will supply cryo-pump panels at 3.7 K, superconducting magnets and their structures at 4.4 K, high temperature superconducting current leads at 50 K and thermal shields between 80 K and 100 K. The system has been specifically designed to handle large pulse loads at 4.4 K during plasma operation. The mechanical and electrical assembly of the cryogenic system has been achieved within six months by October 2015. The main contractor Air Liquide Advanced Technology (AL-aT) have supplied eight parallel working screw compressors with a common oil removal and dryer system, a Refrigeration Cold Box and an Auxiliary Cold box with cold rotating machines. F4E has provided six GHe storage vessels and QST has provided the complete infrastructure and the facilities for the utilities. The paper gives an overview of the main design features, the infrastructure and the status of installation and pre-commissioning.

Investigation of the Parameters of Sealed Triple-Point Cells for Cryogenic Gases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fellmuth, B.; Wolber, L.

2011-01-01

An overview of the parameters of a large number of sealed triple-point cells for the cryogenic gases hydrogen, oxygen, neon, and argon is given that have been determined within the framework of an international star intercomparison to optimize the measurement of melting curves as well as to establish complete and reliable uncertainty budgets for the realization of temperature fixed points. Special emphasis is given to the question, whether the parameters are primarily influenced by the cell design or the properties of the fixed-point samples. For explaining surprisingly large periods of the thermal recovery after the heat pulses of the intermittent heating through the melting range, a simple model is developed based on a newly defined heat-capacity equivalent, which considers the heat of fusion and a melting-temperature inhomogeneity. The analysis of the recovery using a graded set of exponential functions containing different time constants is also explained in detail.

A study of cooling time reduction of interferometric cryogenic gravitational wave detectors using a high-emissivity coating

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sakakibara, Y.; Yamamoto, K.; Chen, D.

In interferometric cryogenic gravitational wave detectors, there are plans to cool mirrors and their suspension systems (payloads) in order to reduce thermal noise, that is, one of the fundamental noise sources. Because of the large payload masses (several hundred kg in total) and their thermal isolation, a cooling time of several months is required. Our calculation shows that a high-emissivity coating (e.g. a diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating) can reduce the cooling time effectively by enhancing radiation heat transfer. Here, we have experimentally verified the effect of the DLC coating on the reduction of the cooling time.

Design of cryogenic tanks for space vehicles shell structures analytical modeling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Copper, Charles; Mccarthy, K.; Pilkey, W. D.; Haviland, J. K.

1991-01-01

The initial objective was to study the use of superplastically formed corrugated hat section stringers and frames in place of integrally machined stringers over separate frames for the tanks of large launch vehicles subjected to high buckling loads. The ALS was used as an example. The objective of the follow-on project was to study methods of designing shell structures subjected to severe combinations of structural loads and thermal gradients, with emphasis on new combinations of structural arrangements and materials. Typical applications would be to fuselage sections of high speed civil transports and to cryogenic tanks on the National Aerospace Plane.

A Josephson Junction based SPDT switch

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Helin; Earnest, Nathan; Lu, Yao; Ma, Ruichao; Chakram, Srivatsan; Schuster, David

RF microwave switches are useful tools in cryogenic experiments, allowing for multiple experiments to be connected to a single cryogenic measurement chain. However, these switches dissipate a substantial amount of heat, preventing fast switching. Josephson junction (JJ) are a promising avenue for realizing millikelvin microwave switching. We present a JJ based single-pole-double throw (SPDT) switch that has fast switching time, no heat dissipation, large on/off contrast, and works over a wide bandwidth. The switch can be used for real-time switching between experiments, routing single photons, or even generating entanglement. We will describe the design of the switch and present experimental characterization of its performance.

Specification and Design of the SBRC-190: A Cryogenic Multiplexer for Far Infrared Photoconductor Detectors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Erickson, E. F.; Young, E. T.; Wolf, J.; Asbrock, J. F.; Lum, N.; DeVincenzi, D. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

Arrays of far-infrared photoconductor detectors operate at a few degrees Kelvin and require electronic amplifiers in close proximity. For the electronics, a cryogenic multiplexer is ideal to avoid the large number of wires associated with individual amplifiers for each pixel, and to avoid adverse effects of thermal and radiative heat loads from the circuitry. For low background applications, the 32 channel CRC 696 CMOS device was previously developed for SIRTF, the cryogenic Space Infrared Telescope Facility. For higher background applications, we have developed a similar circuit, featuring several modifications: (a) an AC coupled, capacitive feedback transimpedence unit cell, to minimize input offset effects, thereby enabling low detector biases, (b) selectable feedback capacitors to enable operation over a wide range of backgrounds, and (c) clamp and sample & hold output circuits to improve sampling efficiency, which is a concern at the high readout rates required. We describe the requirements for and design of the new device.

Development of a cryogenic load frame for the neutron diffractometer at Takumi in Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jin, Xinzhe; Nakamoto, Tatsushi; Harjo, Stefanus; Hemmi, Tsutomu; Umeno, Takahiro; Ogitsu, Toru; Yamamoto, Akira; Sugano, Michinaka; Aizawa, Kazuya; Abe, Jun; Gong, Wu; Iwahashi, Takaaki

2013-06-01

To prepare for projects such as the Large Hadron Collider upgrade, International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor and Demonstration reactor, it is important to form a clear understanding of stress-strain properties of the materials that make up superconducting magnets. Thus, we have been studying the mechanical properties of superconducting wires using neutron diffraction measurements. To simulate operational conditions such as temperature, stress, and strain, we developed a cryogenic load frame for stress-strain measurements of materials using a neutron diffractometer at Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex (J-PARC) Takumi beam line. The maximum load that can be applied to a sample using an external driving machine is 50 kN. Using a Gifford-MacMahon cryocooler, samples can be measured down to temperatures below 10 K when loaded. In the present paper, we describe the details of the cryogenic load frame with its test results by using type-304 stainless steel wire.

Fermilab Muon Campus g-2 Cryogenic Distribution Remote Control System

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pei, L.; Theilacker, J.; Klebaner, A.

2015-11-05

The Muon Campus (MC) is able to measure Muon g-2 with high precision and comparing its value to the theoretical prediction. The MC has four 300 KW screw compressors and four liquid helium refrigerators. The centerpiece of the Muon g-2 experiment at Fermilab is a large, 50-foot-diameter superconducting muon storage ring. This one-of-a-kind ring, made of steel, aluminum and superconducting wire, was built for the previous g-2 experiment at Brookhaven. Due to each subsystem has to be far away from each other and be placed in the distant location, therefore, Siemens Process Control System PCS7-400, Automation Direct DL205 & DL05more » PLC, Synoptic and Fermilab ACNET HMI are the ideal choices as the MC g-2 cryogenic distribution real-time and on-Line remote control system. This paper presents a method which has been successfully used by many Fermilab distribution cryogenic real-time and On-Line remote control systems.« less

IAL SPACE: A test laboratory for the ISO cryogenic payload

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cucchiaro, A.; Henrist, M.; Macau, J. P.; Ninane, N.; Blanpain, R.

1990-01-01

The ESA Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) satellite is a 3 axes pointed platform designed to make accurate pointed observations of astronomical objects and sources in the wavelength range between 2.5 and 200 microns. ISO is composed of a service module and a payload module which is a large cylindrical vacuum vessel. The vessel is in fact a cryostat (capacity of 2250 l of liquid He II) which contains the telescope and the four focal scientific instruments. The latter being cooled up to a temperature less than 4 K. The qualification of the payload requires the measurement respectively of: the image quality of the telescope through wave front error (WFE) measurements; and the optical alignment of the scientific instruments with respect to the telescope axis and the telescope focus, and this under cryogenic conditions. Consequently, since 1988, the FOCAL 5 IAL Space facility has been upgraded in order to perform the cryogenic optical tests of the ISO optical subsystems.

Development of a cryogenic load frame for the neutron diffractometer at Takumi in Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jin, Xinzhe; Nakamoto, Tatsushi; Ogitsu, Toru

2013-06-15

To prepare for projects such as the Large Hadron Collider upgrade, International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor and Demonstration reactor, it is important to form a clear understanding of stress-strain properties of the materials that make up superconducting magnets. Thus, we have been studying the mechanical properties of superconducting wires using neutron diffraction measurements. To simulate operational conditions such as temperature, stress, and strain, we developed a cryogenic load frame for stress-strain measurements of materials using a neutron diffractometer at Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex (J-PARC) Takumi beam line. The maximum load that can be applied to a sample using an externalmore » driving machine is 50 kN. Using a Gifford-MacMahon cryocooler, samples can be measured down to temperatures below 10 K when loaded. In the present paper, we describe the details of the cryogenic load frame with its test results by using type-304 stainless steel wire.« less

Development of a cryogenic load frame for the neutron diffractometer at Takumi in Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex.

PubMed

Jin, Xinzhe; Nakamoto, Tatsushi; Harjo, Stefanus; Hemmi, Tsutomu; Umeno, Takahiro; Ogitsu, Toru; Yamamoto, Akira; Sugano, Michinaka; Aizawa, Kazuya; Abe, Jun; Gong, Wu; Iwahashi, Takaaki

2013-06-01

To prepare for projects such as the Large Hadron Collider upgrade, International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor and Demonstration reactor, it is important to form a clear understanding of stress-strain properties of the materials that make up superconducting magnets. Thus, we have been studying the mechanical properties of superconducting wires using neutron diffraction measurements. To simulate operational conditions such as temperature, stress, and strain, we developed a cryogenic load frame for stress-strain measurements of materials using a neutron diffractometer at Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex (J-PARC) Takumi beam line. The maximum load that can be applied to a sample using an external driving machine is 50 kN. Using a Gifford-MacMahon cryocooler, samples can be measured down to temperatures below 10 K when loaded. In the present paper, we describe the details of the cryogenic load frame with its test results by using type-304 stainless steel wire.

The design and testing of a cooling system using mixed solid cryogen for a portable superconducting magnetic energy storage system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, K. L.; Song, J. B.; Choi, J. H.; Kim, S. H.; Y Koh, D.; Seong, K. C.; Chang, H. M.; Lee, H. G.

2010-12-01

A cooling system that uses solid nitrogen (SN2) as an effective heat capacity enhancer was recently introduced to enhance the thermal stability of the HTS SMES. Since SN2 has a large enthalpy with minimal weight, it enables a portable system by increasing the recooling to recooling time period (RRTP). However, contact between the SN2 and HTS SMES magnet can be broken by repeated thermal disturbances (thermal 'dry-out' phenomena). Therefore, it is essential to improve thermal contact to allow full use of the heat capacity of SN2. This study evaluated the effect of using a mixture containing SN2 and a small amount of a liquid cryogen as a cooling system in the HTS SMES system. The performance of the cooling system was evaluated using the mixed cryogen and compared with that of SN2 alone. In addition, the role of liquid neon (Ne) as a heat exchanger between SN2 and the HTS SMES magnet is discussed.

Characterization of an Ionization Readout Tile for nEXO

DOE PAGES

Jewell, M.; Schubert, A.; Cen, W. R.; ...

2018-01-10

Here, a new design for the anode of a time projection chamber, consisting of a charge-detecting "tile", is investigated for use in large scale liquid xenon detectors. The tile is produced by depositing 60 orthogonal metal charge-collecting strips, 3 mm wide, on a 10 cm × 10 cm fused-silica wafer. These charge tiles may be employed by large detectors, such as the proposed tonne-scale nEXO experiment to search for neutrinoless double-beta decay. Modular by design, an array of tiles can cover a sizable area. The width of each strip is small compared to the size of the tile, so amore » Frisch grid is not required. A grid-less, tiled anode design is beneficial for an experiment such as nEXO, where a wire tensioning support structure and Frisch grid might contribute radioactive backgrounds and would have to be designed to accommodate cycling to cryogenic temperatures. The segmented anode also reduces some degeneracies in signal reconstruction that arise in large-area crossed-wire time projection chambers. A prototype tile was tested in a cell containing liquid xenon. Very good agreement is achieved between the measured ionization spectrum of a 207Bi source and simulations that include the microphysics of recombination in xenon and a detailed modeling of the electrostatic field of the detector. An energy resolution σ/ E=5.5% is observed at 570 keV, comparable to the best intrinsic ionization-only resolution reported in literature for liquid xenon at 936 V/cm.« less

Characterization of an Ionization Readout Tile for nEXO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jewell, M.; Schubert, A.; Cen, W. R.; Dalmasson, J.; DeVoe, R.; Fabris, L.; Gratta, G.; Jamil, A.; Li, G.; Odian, A.; Patel, M.; Pocar, A.; Qiu, D.; Wang, Q.; Wen, L. J.; Albert, J. B.; Anton, G.; Arnquist, I. J.; Badhrees, I.; Barbeau, P.; Beck, D.; Belov, V.; Bourque, F.; Brodsky, J. P.; Brown, E.; Brunner, T.; Burenkov, A.; Cao, G. F.; Cao, L.; Chambers, C.; Charlebois, S. A.; Chiu, M.; Cleveland, B.; Coon, M.; Craycraft, A.; Cree, W.; Côté, M.; Daniels, T.; Daugherty, S. J.; Daughhetee, J.; Delaquis, S.; Der Mesrobian-Kabakian, A.; Didberidze, T.; Dilling, J.; Ding, Y. Y.; Dolinski, M. J.; Dragone, A.; Fairbank, W.; Farine, J.; Feyzbakhsh, S.; Fontaine, R.; Fudenberg, D.; Giacomini, G.; Gornea, R.; Hansen, E. V.; Harris, D.; Hasan, M.; Heffner, M.; Hoppe, E. W.; House, A.; Hufschmidt, P.; Hughes, M.; Hößl, J.; Ito, Y.; Iverson, A.; Jiang, X. S.; Johnston, S.; Karelin, A.; Kaufman, L. J.; Koffas, T.; Kravitz, S.; Krücken, R.; Kuchenkov, A.; Kumar, K. S.; Lan, Y.; Leonard, D. S.; Li, S.; Li, Z.; Licciardi, C.; Lin, Y. H.; MacLellan, R.; Michel, T.; Mong, B.; Moore, D.; Murray, K.; Newby, R. J.; Ning, Z.; Njoya, O.; Nolet, F.; Odgers, K.; Oriunno, M.; Orrell, J. L.; Ostrovskiy, I.; Overman, C. T.; Ortega, G. S.; Parent, S.; Piepke, A.; Pratte, J.-F.; Radeka, V.; Raguzin, E.; Rao, T.; Rescia, S.; Retiere, F.; Robinson, A.; Rossignol, T.; Rowson, P. C.; Roy, N.; Saldanha, R.; Sangiorgio, S.; Schmidt, S.; Schneider, J.; Sinclair, D.; Skarpaas, K.; Soma, A. K.; St-Hilaire, G.; Stekhanov, V.; Stiegler, T.; Sun, X. L.; Tarka, M.; Todd, J.; Tolba, T.; Tsang, R.; Tsang, T.; Vachon, F.; Veeraraghavan, V.; Visser, G.; Vuilleumier, J.-L.; Wagenpfeil, M.; Weber, M.; Wei, W.; Wichoski, U.; Wrede, G.; Wu, S. X.; Wu, W. H.; Yang, L.; Yen, Y.-R.; Zeldovich, O.; Zhang, X.; Zhao, J.; Zhou, Y.; Ziegler, T.

2018-01-01

A new design for the anode of a time projection chamber, consisting of a charge-detecting "tile", is investigated for use in large scale liquid xenon detectors. The tile is produced by depositing 60 orthogonal metal charge-collecting strips, 3 mm wide, on a 10 cm × 10 cm fused-silica wafer. These charge tiles may be employed by large detectors, such as the proposed tonne-scale nEXO experiment to search for neutrinoless double-beta decay. Modular by design, an array of tiles can cover a sizable area. The width of each strip is small compared to the size of the tile, so a Frisch grid is not required. A grid-less, tiled anode design is beneficial for an experiment such as nEXO, where a wire tensioning support structure and Frisch grid might contribute radioactive backgrounds and would have to be designed to accommodate cycling to cryogenic temperatures. The segmented anode also reduces some degeneracies in signal reconstruction that arise in large-area crossed-wire time projection chambers. A prototype tile was tested in a cell containing liquid xenon. Very good agreement is achieved between the measured ionization spectrum of a 207Bi source and simulations that include the microphysics of recombination in xenon and a detailed modeling of the electrostatic field of the detector. An energy resolution σ/E=5.5% is observed at 570 keV, comparable to the best intrinsic ionization-only resolution reported in literature for liquid xenon at 936 V/cm.

Characterization of an Ionization Readout Tile for nEXO

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jewell, M.; Schubert, A.; Cen, W. R.

Here, a new design for the anode of a time projection chamber, consisting of a charge-detecting "tile", is investigated for use in large scale liquid xenon detectors. The tile is produced by depositing 60 orthogonal metal charge-collecting strips, 3 mm wide, on a 10 cm × 10 cm fused-silica wafer. These charge tiles may be employed by large detectors, such as the proposed tonne-scale nEXO experiment to search for neutrinoless double-beta decay. Modular by design, an array of tiles can cover a sizable area. The width of each strip is small compared to the size of the tile, so amore » Frisch grid is not required. A grid-less, tiled anode design is beneficial for an experiment such as nEXO, where a wire tensioning support structure and Frisch grid might contribute radioactive backgrounds and would have to be designed to accommodate cycling to cryogenic temperatures. The segmented anode also reduces some degeneracies in signal reconstruction that arise in large-area crossed-wire time projection chambers. A prototype tile was tested in a cell containing liquid xenon. Very good agreement is achieved between the measured ionization spectrum of a 207Bi source and simulations that include the microphysics of recombination in xenon and a detailed modeling of the electrostatic field of the detector. An energy resolution σ/ E=5.5% is observed at 570 keV, comparable to the best intrinsic ionization-only resolution reported in literature for liquid xenon at 936 V/cm.« less

Two-dimensional simulations of thermonuclear burn in ignition-scale inertial confinement fusion targets under compressed axial magnetic fields

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Perkins, L. J.; Logan, B. G.; Zimmerman, G. B.

2013-07-15

We report for the first time on full 2-D radiation-hydrodynamic implosion simulations that explore the impact of highly compressed imposed magnetic fields on the ignition and burn of perturbed spherical implosions of ignition-scale cryogenic capsules. Using perturbations that highly convolute the cold fuel boundary of the hotspot and prevent ignition without applied fields, we impose initial axial seed fields of 20–100 T (potentially attainable using present experimental methods) that compress to greater than 4 × 10{sup 4} T (400 MG) under implosion, thereby relaxing hotspot areal densities and pressures required for ignition and propagating burn by ∼50%. The compressed fieldmore » is high enough to suppress transverse electron heat conduction, and to allow alphas to couple energy into the hotspot even when highly deformed by large low-mode amplitudes. This might permit the recovery of ignition, or at least significant alpha particle heating, in submarginal capsules that would otherwise fail because of adverse hydrodynamic instabilities.« less

Method and apparatus of cryogenic cooling for high temperature superconductor devices

DOEpatents

Yuan, Xing; Mine, Susumu

2005-02-15

A method and apparatus for providing cryogenic cooling to HTS devices, in particular those that are used in high-voltage electric power applications. The method involves pressurizing liquid cryogen to above one atmospheric pressure to improve its dielectric strength, while sub-cooling the liquid cryogen to below its saturation temperature in order to improve the performance of the HTS components of the device. An apparatus utilizing such a cooling method consists of a vessel that contains a pressurized gaseous cryogen region and a sub-cooled liquid cryogen bath, a liquid cryogen heating coupled with a gaseous cryogen venting scheme to maintain the pressure of the cryogen to a value in a range that corresponds to optimum dielectric strength of the liquid cryogen, and a cooling system that maintains the liquid cryogen at a temperature below its boiling point to improve the performance of HTS materials used in the device.

Modeling a Transient Pressurization with Active Cooling Sizing Tool

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Guzik, Monica C.; Plachta, David W.; Elchert, Justin P.

2011-01-01

As interest in the area of in-space zero boil-off cryogenic propellant storage develops, the need to visualize and quantify cryogen behavior during ventless tank self-pressurization and subsequent cool-down with active thermal control has become apparent. During the course of a mission, such as the launch ascent phase, there are periods that power to the active cooling system will be unavailable. In addition, because it is not feasible to install vacuum jackets on large propellant tanks, as is typically done for in-space cryogenic applications for science payloads, instances like the launch ascent heating phase are important to study. Numerous efforts have been made to characterize cryogenic tank pressurization during ventless cryogen storage without active cooling, but few tools exist to model this behavior in a user-friendly environment for general use, and none exist that quantify the marginal active cooling system size needed for power down periods to manage tank pressure response once active cooling is resumed. This paper describes the Transient pressurization with Active Cooling Tool (TACT), which is based on a ventless three-lump homogeneous thermodynamic self-pressurization model1 coupled with an active cooling system estimator. TACT has been designed to estimate the pressurization of a heated but unvented cryogenic tank, assuming an unavailable power period followed by a given cryocooler heat removal rate. By receiving input data on the tank material and geometry, propellant initial conditions, and passive and transient heating rates, a pressurization and recovery profile can be found, which establishes the time needed to return to a designated pressure. This provides the ability to understand the effect that launch ascent and unpowered mission segments have on the size of an active cooling system. A sample of the trends found show that an active cooling system sized for twice the steady state heating rate would results in a reasonable time for tank pressure recovery with ZBO of a liquid oxygen propellant tank.

Simple, Robust Cryogenic Propellant Depot for Near Term Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McLean, Christopher; Pitchford, Brian; Mustafi, Shuvo; Wollen, Mark; Walls, Laurie; Schmidt, Jeff

2011-01-01

The ability to refuel cryogenic propulsion stages on-orbit provides an innovative paradigm shift for space transportation supporting National Aeronautics and Space Administration s (NASA) Exploration program as well as deep space robotic, national security and commercial missions. Refueling enables large beyond low Earth orbit (LEO) missions without requiring super heavy lift vehicles that must continuously grow to support increasing mission demands as America s exploration transitions from early Lagrange point missions to near Earth objects (NEO), the lunar surface and eventually Mars. Earth-to-orbit launch can be optimized to provide competitive, cost-effective solutions that allow sustained exploration. This paper describes an experimental platform developed to demonstrate the major technologies required for fuel depot technology. This test bed is capable of transferring residual liquid hydrogen (LH2) or liquid oxygen (LO2) from a Centaur upper stage, and storage in a secondary tank for up to one year on-orbit. A dedicated, flight heritage spacecraft bus is attached to an Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) Secondary Payload Adapter (ESPA) ring supporting experiments and data collection. This platform can be deployed as early as Q1 2013. The propellant depot design described in this paper can be deployed affordably this decade supporting missions to Earth-Moon Lagrange points and lunar fly by. The same depot concept can be scaled up to support more demanding missions and launch capabilities. The enabling depot design features, technologies and concept of operations are described.

Advances in cryogenic engineering. Vols. 37A & 37B - Proceedings of the 1991 Cryogenic Engineering Conference, Univ. of Alabama, Huntsville, June 11-14, 1991

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fast, Ronald W. (Editor)

1991-01-01

The present volume on advances in cryogenic engineering discusses heat and mass transfer in helium, heat transfer in cryogenic fluids, thermoacoustic oscillations, and insulation. Attention is given to applications of superconductivity with reference to magnetic stability and coil protection, cryogenic techniques, and refrigeration for electronics and superconducting systems. Topics addressed include compressors, expanders, and pumps for liquid helium, magnetic refrigerators, pulse tube refrigerators, and cryocoolers. Also examined are properties of cryogenic fluids, cryogenic applications in transportion and space science and technology, and cryogenic instrumentation.

Cooling of superconducting devices by liquid storage and refrigeration unit

DOEpatents

Laskaris, Evangelos Trifon; Urbahn, John Arthur; Steinbach, Albert Eugene

2013-08-20

A system is disclosed for cooling superconducting devices. The system includes a cryogen cooling system configured to be coupled to the superconducting device and to supply cryogen to the device. The system also includes a cryogen storage system configured to supply cryogen to the device. The system further includes flow control valving configured to selectively isolate the cryogen cooling system from the device, thereby directing a flow of cryogen to the device from the cryogen storage system.

High-resolution recording of particle tracks with in-line holography in a large cryogenic bubble chamber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harigel, Gert G.

2000-10-01

Holography has been used successfully in combination with conventional optics for the first time in a large cryogenic bubble chamber, the 15-Foot Bubble Chamber at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL), during a physics run in a high energy neutrino beam. The innovative system combined the reference beam with the object beam, irradiating a conical volume of approx1.5m3. Bubble tracks from neutrino interactions with a width of approx 120 micrometers have been recorded with good contrast. The ratio of intensities of the object light to the reference light striking the film is called the beam branching ratio (BBR). We obtained in our experiment an exceedingly small minimum- observable ration of BBR = (0.54 divided by 0.21) x 107. The technology has the potential for a wide range of applications. This paper describes the various difficulties in achieving the success. It required the development of laser pulse stretching via enhanced closed loop control with slow Q- switching, to overcome excessive heating of the cryogenic liquid by the powerful laser beam. A sophisticated system of light-absorbing baffles had to be installed to avoid stray light reaching the holographic film. Optical decoupling of classical and holographic illumination systems was required. Real and virtual image replay machines for holograms were built, tailored to our illumination technique.

The Cryogenic AntiCoincidence detector for ATHENA X-IFU: a scientific assessment of the observational capabilities in the hard X-ray band

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

D'Andrea, M.; Lotti, S.; Macculi, C.; Piro, L.; Argan, A.; Gatti, F.

2017-12-01

ATHENA is a large X-ray observatory, planned to be launched by ESA in 2028 towards an L2 orbit. One of the two instruments of the payload is the X-IFU: a cryogenic spectrometer based on a large array of TES microcalorimeters, able to perform integral field spectrography in the 0.2-12 keV band (2.5 eV FWHM at 6 keV). The X-IFU sensitivity is highly degraded by the particle background expected in the L2 orbit, which is induced by primary protons of both galactic and solar origin, and mostly by secondary electrons. To reduce the particle background level and enable the mission science goals, the instrument incorporates a Cryogenic AntiCoincidence detector (CryoAC). It is a 4 pixel TES based detector, placed < 1 mm below the main array. In this paper we report a scientific assessment of the CryoAC observational capabilities in the hard X-ray band (E > 10 keV). The aim of the study has been to understand if the present detector design can be improved in order to enlarge the X-IFU scientific capability on an energy band wider than the TES array. This is beyond the CryoAC baseline, being this instrument aimed to operate as anticoincidence particle detector and not conceived to perform X-ray observations.

Effect of interfacial turbulence and accommodation coefficient on CFD predictions of pressurization and pressure control in cryogenic storage tank

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kassemi, Mohammad; Kartuzova, Olga

2016-03-01

Pressurization and pressure control in cryogenic storage tanks are to a large extent affected by heat and mass transport across the liquid-vapor interface. These mechanisms are, in turn, controlled by the kinetics of the phase change process and the dynamics of the turbulent recirculating flows in the liquid and vapor phases. In this paper, the effects of accommodation coefficient and interfacial turbulence on tank pressurization and pressure control simulations are examined. Comparison between numerical predictions and ground-based measurements in two large liquid hydrogen tank experiments, performed in the K-site facility at NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) and the Multi-purpose Hydrogen Test Bed (MHTB) facility at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), are used to show the impact of accommodation coefficient and interfacial and vapor phase turbulence on evolution of pressure and temperatures in the cryogenic storage tanks. In particular, the self-pressurization comparisons indicate that: (1) numerical predictions are essentially independent of the magnitude of the accommodation coefficient; and (2) surprisingly, laminar models sometimes provide results that are in better agreement with experimental self-pressurization rates, even in parametric ranges where the bulk flow is deemed fully turbulent. In this light, shortcomings of the present CFD models, especially, numerical treatments of interfacial mass transfer and turbulence, as coupled to the Volume-of-Fluid (VOF) interface capturing scheme, are underscored and discussed.

CALISTO: A Cryogenic Far-Infrared/Submillimeter Observatory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goldsmith, P. F.; Bradford, C. M.; Dragovan, M.; Khayatian, B.; Huffenberger, K.; O'Dwyer, I. J.; Gorski, K.; Yorke, H. W.; Zmuidzinas, J.; Paine, C.;

A Simulink Library of cryogenic components to automatically generate control schemes for large Cryorefrigerators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bonne, François; Alamir, Mazen; Hoa, Christine; Bonnay, Patrick; Bon-Mardion, Michel; Monteiro, Lionel

2015-12-01

In this article, we present a new Simulink library of cryogenics components (such as valve, phase separator, mixer, heat exchanger...) to assemble to generate model-based control schemes. Every component is described by its algebraic or differential equation and can be assembled with others to build the dynamical model of a complete refrigerator or the model of a subpart of it. The obtained model can be used to automatically design advanced model based control scheme. It also can be used to design a model based PI controller. Advanced control schemes aim to replace classical user experience designed approaches usually based on many independent PI controllers. This is particularly useful in the case where cryoplants are submitted to large pulsed thermal loads, expected to take place in future fusion reactors such as those expected in the cryogenic cooling systems of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) or the Japan Torus-60 Super Advanced Fusion Experiment (JT- 60SA). The paper gives the example of the generation of the dynamical model of the 400W@1.8K refrigerator and shows how to build a Constrained Model Predictive Control for it. Based on the scheme, experimental results will be given. This work is being supported by the French national research agency (ANR) through the ANR-13-SEED-0005 CRYOGREEN program.

SiGe HBT cryogenic preamplification for higher bandwidth donor spin read-out

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Curry, Matthew; Carr, Stephen; Ten-Eyck, Greg; Wendt, Joel; Pluym, Tammy; Lilly, Michael; Carroll, Malcolm

2014-03-01

Single-shot read-out of a donor spin can be performed using the response of a single-electron-transistor (SET). This technique can produce relatively large changes in current, on the order of 1 (nA), to distinguish between the spin states. Despite the relatively large signal, the read-out time resolution has been limited to approximately 100 (kHz) of bandwidth because of noise. Cryogenic pre-amplification has been shown to extend the response of certain detection circuits to shorter time resolution and thus higher bandwidth. We examine a SiGe HBT circuit configuration for cryogenic preamplification, which has potential advantages over commonly used HEMT configurations. Here we present 4 (K) measurements of a circuit consisting of a Silicon-SET inline with a Heterojunction-Bipolar-Transistor (HBT). We compare the measured bandwidth with and without the HBT inline and find that at higher frequencies the signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) with the HBT inline exceeds the SNR without the HBT inline. This work was performed, in part, at the Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies, a U.S. DOE, Office of Basic Energy Sciences user facility. The work was supported by the Sandia National Laboratories Directed Research and Development Program. Sandia National Laboratories is a multi-program laboratory operated by Sandia Corporation, a Lockheed-Martin Company, for the U. S. Department of Energy under Contract No. DE-AC04-94AL85000.

Cryogenic liquid-level detector

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hamlet, J.

1978-01-01

Detector is designed for quick assembly, fast response, and good performance under vibratory stress. Its basic parallel-plate open configuration can be adapted to any length and allows its calibration scale factor to be predicted accurately. When compared with discrete level sensors, continuous reading sensor was found to be superior if there is sloshing, boiling, or other disturbance.

Design and evaluation of thermodynamic vent/screen baffle cryogenic storage system. [for space shuttles, space tugs, and spacelab

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cady, E. C.

1975-01-01

A comprehensive analytical program was performed to compare an integrated thermodynamic vent/screen baffle orbital cryogenic propellant storage and transfer system with other concepts. The screen systems were found to be 20% to 29% lighter in weight than a propulsively accelerated Tug-scale LH2/LO2 resupply module. The screen systems were compared with small-scale supercritical storage systems for the space shuttle fuel cell reactant and life support system fluid supply and were lighter by up to 556 kg (1225 lb) for the extended 30-day mission. When compared with high-pressure gas storage for the spacelab atmosphere supply, the screen system saved 79% of the inert system weight for the 30-day mission. An experimental program found that heat flux rates up to 9,450 watts/sq m (3,000 Btu/hr-sq ft) degraded the LH2 bubble point performance of eight screens by a maximum of 12.5%. No effects of helium pressurant, screen material, or LH2 superheat were observed.

Small-scale experimental study of vaporization flux of liquid nitrogen released on water.

PubMed

Gopalaswami, Nirupama; Olewski, Tomasz; Véchot, Luc N; Mannan, M Sam

2015-10-30

A small-scale experimental study was conducted using liquid nitrogen to investigate the convective heat transfer behavior of cryogenic liquids released on water. The experiment was performed by spilling five different amounts of liquid nitrogen at different release rates and initial water temperatures. The vaporization mass fluxes of liquid nitrogen were determined directly from the mass loss measured during the experiment. A variation of initial vaporization fluxes and a subsequent shift in heat transfer mechanism were observed with changes in initial water temperature. The initial vaporization fluxes were directly dependent on the liquid nitrogen spill rate. The heat flux from water to liquid nitrogen determined from experimental data was validated with two theoretical correlations for convective boiling. It was also observed from validation with correlations that liquid nitrogen was found to be predominantly in the film boiling regime. The substantial results provide a suitable procedure for predicting the heat flux from water to cryogenic liquids that is required for source term modeling. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

High energy diode-pumped solid-state laser development at the Central Laser Facility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mason, Paul D.; Banerjee, Saumyabrata; Ertel, Klaus; Phillips, P. Jonathan; Butcher, Thomas; Smith, Jodie; De Vido, Mariastefania; Chekhlov, Oleg; Hernandez-Gomez, Cristina; Edwards, Chris; Collier, John

2016-04-01

In this paper we review the development of high energy, nanosecond pulsed diode-pumped solid state lasers within the Central Laser Facility (CLF) based on cryogenic gas cooled multi-slab ceramic Yb:YAG amplifier technology. To date two 10J-scale systems, the DiPOLE prototype amplifier and an improved DIPOLE10 system, have been developed, and most recently a larger scale system, DiPOLE100, designed to produce 100 J pulses at up to 10 Hz. These systems have demonstrated amplification of 10 ns duration pulses at 1030 nm to energies in excess of 10 J at 10 Hz pulse repetition rate, and over 100 J at 1 Hz, with optical-to-optical conversion efficiencies of up to 27%. We present an overview of the cryo-amplifier concept and compare the design features of these three systems, including details of the amplifier designs, gain media, diode pump lasers and the cryogenic gas cooling systems. The most recent performance results from the three systems are presented along with future plans for high energy DPSSL development within the CLF.

Large array of 2048 tilting micromirrors for astronomical spectroscopy: optical and cryogenic characterization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zamkotsian, Frédéric; Canonica, Michael; Lanzoni, Patrick; Noell, Wilfried; Lani, Sebastien

2014-03-01

Multi-object spectroscopy (MOS) is a powerful tool for space and ground-based telescopes for the study of the formation and evolution of galaxies. This technique requires a programmable slit mask for astronomical object selection. We are engaged in a European development of micromirror arrays (MMA) for generating reflective slit masks in future MOS, called MIRA. MMA with 100 × 200 μm2 single-crystal silicon micromirrors were successfully designed, fabricated and tested. Arrays are composed of 2048 micromirrors (32 x 64) with a peak-to-valley deformation less than 10 nm, a tilt angle of 24° for an actuation voltage of 130 V. The micromirrors were actuated successfully before, during and after cryogenic cooling, down to 162K. The micromirror surface deformation was measured at cryo and is below 30 nm peak-to-valley. These performances demonstrate the ability of such MOEMS device to work as objects selector in future generation of MOS instruments both in ground-based and space telescopes. In order to fill large focal planes (mosaicing of several chips), we are currently developing large micromirror arrays integrated with their electronics.

Investigation on Composite Throat Insert For Cryogenic Engines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ayyappan, G.; Tiwari, S. B.; Praveen, RS; Mohankumar, L.; Jathaveda, M.; Ganesh, P.

2017-02-01

Injector element testing is an important step in the development and qualification of the cryogenic rocket engines. For the purpose of characterising the injectors, sub scale chambers are used. In order to assess the performance of the injectors, different configurations of the injectors are tested using a combustion chamber and a convergent-divergent nozzle. Pressure distribution along the wall of the chamber and throat insert is obtained from the CFD analysis and temperature distribution is obtained from thermal analysis. Thermo-structural analysis is carried out for the sub-scale model of throat inert using temperature dependent material properties. For the experiments a sub-scale model of the thrust chamber is realised. Injector element tests are carried out for the studies. The objective of the present study is to investigate the behaviour of different throat inserts, mainly graphite, 2-D Carbon-Carbon(2D C-C), 4-D Carbon-Carbon (4D C-C) and Silica Phenolic (SP), under pressure and thermal load for repeated operation of the engine. Analytical results are compared with the test results. The paper gives the results of theoretical studies and experiments conducted with all the four type of throat material. It is concluded that 2D C-C is superior in terms of throat erosion being the least under specified combustion environment.

Thermal analysis of a prototype cryogenic polarization modulator for use in a space-borne CMB polarization experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iida, T.; Sakurai, Y.; Matsumura, T.; Sugai, H.; Imada, H.; Kataza, H.; Ohsaki, H.; Hazumi, M.; Katayama, N.; Yamamoto, R.; Utsunomiya, S.; Terao, Y.

2017-12-01

We report a thermal analysis of a polarization modulator unit (PMU) for use in a space-borne cosmic microwave background (CMB) project. A measurement of the CMB polarization allows us to probe the physics of early universe, and that is the best method to test the cosmic inflation experimentally. One of the key instruments for this science is to use a halfwave plate (HWP) based polarization modulator. The HWP is required to rotate continuously at about 1 Hz below 10 K to minimize its own thermal emission to a detector system. The rotating HWP system at the cryogenic environment can be realized by using a superconducting magnetic bearing (SMB) without significant heat dissipation by mechanical friction. While the SMB achieves the smooth rotation due to the contactless bearing, an estimation of a levitating HWP temperature becomes a challenge. We manufactured a one-eighth scale prototype model of PMU and built a thermal model. We verified our thermal model with the experimental data. We forecasted the projected thermal performance of PMU for a full-scale model based on the thermal model. From this analysis, we discuss the design requirement toward constructing the full-scale model for use in a space environment such as a future CMB satellite mission, LiteBIRD.

Development of a quiet supersonic wind tunnel with a cryogenic adaptive nozzle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wolf, Stephen W. D.

1993-01-01

The main objective of this work is to develop an interim Quiet (low-disturbance) supersonic wind tunnel for the NASA-Ames Fluid Mechanics Laboratory (FML). The main emphasis is to bring on-line a full-scale Mach 1.6 tunnel as rapidly as possible to impact the NASA High Speed Research Program (HSRP). The development of a cryogenic adaptive nozzle and other sophisticated features of the tunnel will now happen later, after the full scale wind tunnel is in operation. The work under this contract for the period of this report can be summarized as follows: provide aerodynamic design requirements for the NASA-Ames Fluid Mechanics Laboratory (FML) Laminar Flow Supersonic Wind Tunnel (LFSWT); research design parameters for a unique Mach 1.6 drive system for the LFSWT using an 1/8th-scale Proof-of-Concept (PoC) supersonic wind tunnel; carry out boundary layer transition studies in PoC to aid the design of critical components of the LFSWT; appraise the State of the Art in quiet supersonic wind tunnel design; and help develop a supersonic research capability within the FML particularly in the areas of high speed transition measurements and schlieren techniques. The body of this annual report summarizes the work of the Principal Investigator.

Recent Developments in Transition-Edge Strip Detectors for Solar X-Rays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rausch, Adam J.; Deiker, Steven W.; Hilton, Gene; Irwin, Kent D.; Martinez-Galarce, Dennis S.; Shing, Lawrence; Stern, Robert A.; Ullom, Joel N.; Vale, Leila R.

2008-01-01

LMSAL and NIST are developing position-sensitive x-ray strip detectors based on Transition Edge Sensor (TES) microcalorimeters optimized for solar physics. By combining high spectral (E/ delta E approximately equals 1600) and temporal (single photon delta t approximately equals 10 micro s) resolutions with imaging capabilities, these devices will be able to study high-temperature (>l0 MK) x-ray lines as never before. Diagnostics from these lines should provide significant new insight into the physics of both microflares and the early stages of flares. Previously, the large size of traditional TESs, along with the heat loads associated with wiring large arrays, presented obstacles to using these cryogenic detectors for solar missions. Implementing strip detector technology at small scales, however, addresses both issues: here, a line of substantially smaller effective pixels requires only two TESs, decreasing both the total array size and the wiring requirements for the same spatial resolution. Early results show energy resolutions of delta E(sub fwhm) approximately equals 30 eV and spatial resolutions of approximately 10-15 micron, suggesting the strip-detector concept is viable.

A cryogenic multichannel electronically scanned pressure module

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shams, Qamar A.; Fox, Robert L.; Adcock, Edward E.; Kahng, Seun K.

1992-01-01

Consideration is given to a cryogenic multichannel electronically scanned pressure (ESP) module developed and tested over an extended temperature span from -184 to +50 C and a pressure range of 0 to 5 psig. The ESP module consists of 32 pressure sensor dice, four analog 8 differential-input multiplexers, and an amplifier circuit, all of which are packaged in a physical volume of 2 x 1 x 5/8 in with 32 pressure and two reference ports. Maximum nonrepeatability is measured at 0.21 percent of full-scale output. The ESP modules have performed consistently well over 15 times over the above temperature range and continue to work without any sign of degradation. These sensors are also immune to repeated thermal shock tests over a temperature change of 220 C/sec.

Cryogenic Insulation Standard Data and Methodologies Project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Summerfield, Burton; Thompson, Karen; Zeitlin, Nancy; Mullenix, Pamela; Fesmire, James; Swanger, Adam

2015-01-01

Extending some recent developments in the area of technical consensus standards for cryogenic thermal insulation systems, a preliminary Inter-Laboratory Study of foam insulation materials was performed by NASA Kennedy Space Center and LeTourneau University. The initial focus was ambient pressure cryogenic boil off testing using the Cryostat-400 flat-plate instrument. Completion of a test facility at LETU has enabled direct, comparative testing, using identical cryostat instruments and methods, and the production of standard thermal data sets for a number of materials under sub-ambient conditions. The two sets of measurements were analyzed and indicate there is reasonable agreement between the two laboratories. Based on cryogenic boiloff calorimetry, new equipment and methods for testing thermal insulation systems have been successfully developed. These boiloff instruments (or cryostats) include both flat plate and cylindrical models and are applicable to a wide range of different materials under a wide range of test conditions. Test measurements are generally made at large temperature difference (boundary temperatures of 293 K and 78 K are typical) and include the full vacuum pressure range. Results are generally reported in effective thermal conductivity (ke) and mean heat flux (q) through the insulation system. The new cryostat instruments provide an effective and reliable way to characterize the thermal performance of materials under subambient conditions. Proven in through thousands of tests of hundreds of material systems, they have supported a wide range of aerospace, industry, and research projects. Boiloff testing technology is not just for cryogenic testing but is a cost effective, field-representative methodology to test any material or system for applications at sub-ambient temperatures. This technology, when adequately coupled with a technical standards basis, can provide a cost-effective, field-representative methodology to test any material or system for applications at sub-ambient to cryogenic temperatures. A growing need for energy efficiency and cryogenic applications is creating a worldwide demand for improved thermal insulation systems for low temperatures. The need for thermal characterization of these systems and materials raises a corresponding need for insulation test standards and thermal data targeted for cryogenic-vacuum applications. Such standards have a strong correlation to energy, transportation, and environment and the advancement of new materials technologies in these areas. In conjunction with this project, two new standards on cryogenic insulation were recently published by ASTM International: C1774 and C740. Following the requirements of NPR 7120.10, Technical Standards for NASA Programs and Projects, the appropriate information in this report can be provided to the NASA Chief Engineer as input for NASA's annual report to NIST, as required by OMB Circular No. A-119, describing NASA's use of voluntary consensus standards and participation in the development of voluntary consensus standards and bodies.

Sensor Web in Antarctica: Developing an Intelligent, Autonomous Platform for Locating Biological Flourishes in Cryogenic Environments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Delin, K. A.; Harvey, R. P.; Chabot, N. A.; Jackson, S. P.; Adams, Mike; Johnson, D. W.; Britton, J. T.

2003-01-01

The most rigorous tests of the ability to detect extant life will occur where biotic activity is limited by severe environmental conditions. Cryogenic environments are among the most severe-the energy and nutrients needed for biological activity are in short supply while the climate itself is actively destructive to biological mechanisms. In such settings biological activity is often limited to brief flourishes, occurring only when and where conditions are at their most favorable. The closer that typical regional conditions approach conditions that are actively hostile , the more widely distributed biological blooms will be in both time and space. On a spatial dimension of a few meters or a time dimension of a few days, biological activity becomes much more difficult to detect. One way to overcome this difficulty is to establish a Sensor Web that can monitor microclimates over appropriate scales of time and distance, allowing a continuous virtual presence for instant recognition of favorable conditions. A more sophisticated Sensor Web, incorporating metabolic sensors, can effectively meet the challenge to be in "the right place in the right time". This is particularly of value in planetary surface missions, where limited mobility and mission timelines require extremely efficient sample and data acquisition. Sensor Webs can be an effective way to fill the gap between broad scale orbital data collection and fine-scale surface lander science. We are in the process of developing an intelligent, distributed and autonomous Sensor Web that will allow us to monitor microclimate under severe cryogenic conditions, approaching those extant on the surface of Mars. Ultimately this Sensor Web will include the ability to detect and/or establish limits on extant microbiological activity through incorporation of novel metabolic gas sensors. Here we report the results of our first deployment of a Sensor Web prototype in a previously unexplored high altitude East Antarctic Plateau "micro-oasis" at the MacAlpine Hills, Law Glacier, Antarctica.

Probing Sub-GeV Mass Strongly Interacting Dark Matter with a Low-Threshold Surface Experiment.

PubMed

Davis, Jonathan H

2017-11-24

Using data from the ν-cleus detector, based on the surface of Earth, we place constraints on dark matter in the form of strongly interacting massive particles (SIMPs) which interact with nucleons via nuclear-scale cross sections. For large SIMP-nucleon cross sections, the sensitivity of traditional direct dark matter searches using underground experiments is limited by the energy loss experienced by SIMPs, due to scattering with the rock overburden and experimental shielding on their way to the detector apparatus. Hence, a surface-based experiment is ideal for a SIMP search, despite the much larger background resulting from the lack of shielding. We show using data from a recent surface run of a low-threshold cryogenic detector that values of the SIMP-nucleon cross section up to approximately 10^{-27}  cm^{2} can be excluded for SIMPs with masses above 100 MeV.

Thermal systems design and analysis for a 10 K Sorption Cryocooler flight experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bhandari, Pradeep; Bard, Steven

1993-01-01

The design, analysis and predicted performance of the Brilliant Eyes Ten-Kelvin Sorption Cryocooler Experiment (BETSCE) is described from a thermal perspective. BETSCE is a shuttle side-wall mounted cryogenic technology demonstration experiment planned for launch in November 1994. BETSCE uses a significant amount of power (about 500 W peak) and the resultant heat must be rejected passively with radiators, as BETSCE has no access to the active cooling capability of the shuttle. It was a major challenge to design and configure the individual hardware assemblies, with their relatively large radiators, to enable them to reject their heat while satisfying numerous severe shuttle-imposed constraints. This paper is a useful case study of a small shuttle payload that needs to reject relatively high heat loads passively in a highly constrained thermal environment. The design approach described is consistent with today's era of 'faster, better, cheaper' small-scale space missions.

Three-dimensional evolution of water vapor distributions in the Northern Hemisphere stratosphere as observed by the MLS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lahoz, W. A.; O'Neill, A.; Carr, E. S.; Harwood, R. S.; Froidevaux, L.; Read, W. G.; Waters, J. W.; Kumer, J. B.; Mergenthaler, J. L.; Roche, A. E.

1994-01-01

The three-dimensional evolution of stratospheric water vapor distributions observed by the Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) during the period October 1991 - July 1992 is documented. The transport features inferred from the MLS water vapor distributions are corroborated using other dynamical fields, namely, nitrous oxide from the Cryogenic Limb Array Etalon Spectrometer instrument, analyzed winds from the U.K. Meteorological Office (UKMO), UKMO-derived potential vorticity, and the diabatic heating field. By taking a vortex-centered view and an along-track view, the authors observe in great detail the vertical and horizontal structure of the northern winter stratosphere. It is demonstrated that the water vapor distributions show clear signatures of the effects of diabatic descent through isentropic surfaces and quasi-horizontal transport along isentropic surfaces, and that the large-scale winter flow is organized by the interaction between the westerly polar vortex and the Aleutian high.

New-type steel plate with ultra high crack-arrestability

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ishikawa, T.; Nomiyama, Y.; Hagiwara, Y.

1995-12-31

A new-type steel plate has been developed by controlling the microstructure of the surface layers. The surface layer consists of ultra fine grain ferrite microstructure, which provides excellent fracture toughness even at cryogenic temperature. When an unstable brittle crack propagates in the developed steel plate, shear-lips can be easily formed due to the surface layers with ultra fine grain microstructure. Since unstable running crack behavior is strongly affected by side-ligaments (shear-lips), which are associated with extensive plastic deformation, enhanced formation of the shear-lips can improve crack arrestability. This paper describes the developed steel plates of HT500MPa tensile strength class formore » shipbuilding use. Fracture mechanics investigations using large-scale fracture testings (including ultrawide duplex ESSO tests) clarified that the developed steel plates have ultra high crack-arrestability. It was also confirmed that the plates possess sufficient properties, including weldability and workability, for ship building use.« less

Four-component numerical simulation model of radiative convective interactions in large-scale oxygen-hydrogen turbulent fire balls

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Surzhikov, S.T.

1996-12-31

Two-dimensional radiative gas dynamics model for numerical simulation of oxygen-hydrogen fire ball which may be generated by an explosion of a launch vehicle with cryogenic (LO{sub 2}-LH{sub 2}) fuel components is presented. The following physical-chemical processes are taken into account in the numerical model: and effective chemical reaction between the gaseous components (O{sub 2}-H{sub 2}) of the propellant, turbulent mixing and diffusion of the components, and radiative heat transfer. The results of numerical investigations of the following problems are presented: The influence of radiative heat transfer on fire ball gas dynamics during the first 13 sec after explosion, the effectmore » of the fuel gaseous components afterburning on fire ball gas dynamics, and the effect of turbulence on fire ball gas dynamics (in a framework of algebraic model of turbulent mixing).« less

2195 Aluminum-Copper-Lithium Friction Plug Welding Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Takeshita, Rike P.; Hartley, Paula J.; Baker, Kent S.

1997-01-01

Technology developments and applications of friction plug welding is presented. This friction repair welding technology is being studied for implementation on the Space Transportation System's Super Light Weight External Tank. Single plug repairs will be used on a vast majority of weld defects, however, linear defects of up to several inches can be repaired by overlapping plug welds. Methods and results of tensile, bend, simulated service, surface crack tension and other tests at room and cryogenic temperatures is discussed. Attempts to implement Friction Plug Welding has led to both tool and process changes in an attempt to minimize expansive tooling and lengthy implementation times. Process control equipment and data storage methods intended for large scale production will also be addressed. Benefits include increased strength and toughness, decreased weld repair time, automated and highly reliable process, and a lower probability of having to re-repair defect locations.

Cryogenic readout for multiple VUV4 Multi-Pixel Photon Counters in liquid xenon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arneodo, F.; Benabderrahmane, M. L.; Bruno, G.; Conicella, V.; Di Giovanni, A.; Fawwaz, O.; Messina, M.; Candela, A.; Franchi, G.

2018-06-01

We present the performances and characterization of an array made of S13370-3050CN (VUV4 generation) Multi-Pixel Photon Counters manufactured by Hamamatsu and equipped with a low power consumption preamplifier operating at liquid xenon temperature (∼ 175 K). The electronics is designed for the readout of a matrix of maximum dimension of 8 × 8 individual photosensors and it is based on a single operational amplifier. The detector prototype presented in this paper utilizes the Analog Devices AD8011 current feedback operational amplifier, but other models can be used depending on the application. A biasing correction circuit has been implemented for the gain equalization of photosensors operating at different voltages. The results show single photon detection capability making this device a promising choice for future generation of large scale dark matter detectors based on liquid xenon, such as DARWIN.

Scalable fabrication of coupled NV center - photonic crystal cavity systems by self-aligned N ion implantation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schröder, T.; Walsh, M.; Zheng, J.

2017-04-06

Towards building large-scale integrated photonic systems for quantum information processing, spatial and spectral alignment of single quantum systems to photonic nanocavities is required. In this paper, we demonstrate spatially targeted implantation of nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers into the mode maximum of 2-d diamond photonic crystal cavities with quality factors up to 8000, achieving an average of 1.1 ± 0.2 NVs per cavity. Nearly all NV-cavity systems have significant emission intensity enhancement, reaching a cavity-fed spectrally selective intensity enhancement, F int, of up to 93. Although spatial NV-cavity overlap is nearly guaranteed within about 40 nm, spectral tuning of the NV’smore » zero-phonon-line (ZPL) is still necessary after fabrication. To demonstrate spectral control, we temperature tune a cavity into an NV ZPL, yielding F ZPL int~5 at cryogenic temperatures.« less

Zero-gravity quantity gaging system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1989-01-01

The Zero-Gravity Quantity Gaging System program is a technology development effort funded by NASA-LeRC and contracted by NASA-JSC to develop and evaluate zero-gravity quantity gaging system concepts suitable for application to large, on-orbit cryogenic oxygen and hydrogen tankage. The contract effective date was 28 May 1985. During performance of the program, 18 potential quantity gaging approaches were investigated for their merit and suitability for gaging two-phase cryogenic oxygen and hydrogen in zero-gravity conditions. These approaches were subjected to a comprehensive trade study and selection process, which found that the RF modal quantity gaging approach was the most suitable for both liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen applications. This selection was made with NASA-JSC concurrence.

Improved apparatus for trapped radical and other studies down to 1.5 K. [microwave cavity cryogenic equipment for electron paramagnetic resonance experiments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Woollam, J. A.; Sugawara, K.

1978-01-01

A Dewar system and associated equipment for electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) studies of trapped free radicals and other optical or irradiation experiments are described. The apparatus is capable of reaching a temperature of 1.5 K and transporting on the order of 20 W per K temperature gradient; its principal advantages are for use at pumped cryogen temperatures and for experiments with large heat inputs. Two versions of the apparatus are discussed, one of which is designed for EPR in a rectangular cavity operating in a TE(102) mode and another in which EPR is performed in a cylindrical microwave cavity.

Development of a motorized cryovalve for the control of superfluid liquid helium

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lorell, K. R.; Aubrun, J-N.; Zacharie, D. F.; Frank, D. J.

1988-01-01

Recent advances in the technology of infrared detectors have made possible a wide range of scientific measurements and investigations. One of the requirements for the use of sensitive IR detectors is that the entire instrument be cooled to temperatures approaching absolute zero. The cryogenic cooling system for these instruments is commonly designed as a large dewar containing liquid helium which completely surrounds the apparatus. Thus, there is a need for a remotely controlled, motorized cryovalve that is simple, reliable, and compact and can operate over extended periods of time in cryo-vac conditions. The design, development, and test of a motorized cryovalve with application to a variety of cryogenic systems currently under development is described.

LDR cryogenics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nast, T.

1988-01-01

A brief summary from the 1985 Large Deployable Reflector (LDR) Asilomar 2 workshop of the requirements for LDR cryogenic cooling is presented. The heat rates are simply the sum of the individual heat rates from the instruments. Consideration of duty cycle will have a dramatic effect on cooling requirements. There are many possible combinations of cooling techniques for each of the three temperatures zones. It is clear that much further system study is needed to determine what type of cooling system is required (He-2, hybrid or mechanical) and what size and power is required. As the instruments, along with their duty cycles and heat rates, become better defined it will be possible to better determine the optimum cooling systems.

Review of specimen heating in mechanical tests at cryogenic temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ogata, T.; Yuri, T.; Ono, Y.

2014-01-01

At cryogenic temperatures near 4 K, a discontinuous deformation produces a large amount of specimen temperature rise that might bring significant changes in mechanical properties. The authors measured the specimen heating in tensile tests, fatigue test, and other tests in liquid helium for stainless steels and other materials. In this paper, we have measured the specimen temperature in high-cycle and low-cycle fatigue tests for stainless steels at various frequencies and stress levels and evaluated the testing conditions to keep the specimen at a specified temperature. We proposed maximum frequency in load-controlled fatigue tests for specified loading variables and a maximum strain rate in strain-controlled fatigue tests.

Advances in cryogenic engineering. Volume 33 - Proceedings of the Cryogenic Engineering Conference, Saint Charles, IL, June 14-18, 1987

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fast, R. W. (Editor)

1988-01-01

Papers are presented on superconductivity applications including magnets, electronics, rectifiers, magnet stability, coil protection, and cryogenic techniques. Also considered are insulation, heat transfer to liquid helium and nitrogen, heat and mass transfer in He II, superfluid pumps, and refrigeration for superconducting systems. Other topics include cold compressors, refrigeration and liquefaction, magnetic refrigeration, and refrigeration for space applications. Papers are also presented on cryogenic applications, commercial cryogenic plants, the properties of cryogenic fluids, and cryogenic instrumentation and data acquisition.

Development and operation of a Pr 2 Fe 14 B based cryogenic permanent magnet undulator for a high spatial resolution x-ray beam line

DOE PAGES

Benabderrahmane, C.; Valleau, M.; Ghaith, A.; ...

2017-03-02

Short period, high field undulators are used to produce hard x-rays on synchrotron radiation based storage ring facilities of intermediate energy and enable short wavelength free electron laser. Cryogenic permanent magnet undulators take benefit from improved magnetic properties of RE 2Fe 14B (Rare Earth based magnets) at low temperatures for achieving short period, high magnetic field and high coercivity. Using Pr 2Fe 14B instead of Nd 2Fe 14B, which is generally employed for undulators, avoids the limitation caused by the spin reorientation transition phenomenon, and simplifies the cooling system by allowing the working temperature of the undulator to be directlymore » at the liquid nitrogen one (77 K). We describe here the development of a full scale (2 m), 18 mm period Pr 2Fe 14B cryogenic permanent magnet undulator (U18). The design, construction and optimization, as well as magnetic measurements and shimming at low temperature are presented. In conclusion, the commissioning and operation of the undulator with the electron beam and spectrum measurement using the Nanoscopmium beamline at SOLEIL are also reported.« less

Orbital refill of propulsion vehicle tankage

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Merino, F.; Risberg, J. A.; Hill, M.

1980-01-01

Techniques for orbital refueling of space based vehicles were developed and experimental programs to verify these techniques were identified. Orbital refueling operations were developed for two cryogenic orbital transfer vehicles (OTV's) and an Earth storable low thrust liquid propellant vehicle. Refueling operations were performed assuming an orbiter tanker for near term missions and an orbital depot. Analyses were conducted using liquid hydrogen and N2O4. The influence of a pressurization system and acquisition device on operations was also considered. Analyses showed that vehicle refill operations will be more difficult with a cryogen than with an earth storable. The major elements of a successful refill with cryogens include tank prechill and fill. Propellant quantities expended for tank prechill appear to to insignificant. Techniques were identified to avoid loss of liquid or excessive tank pressures during refill. It was determined that refill operations will be similar whether or not an orbiter tanker or orbital depot is available. Modeling analyses were performed for prechill and fill tests to be conducted assuming the Spacelab as a test bed, and a 1/10 scale model OTV (with LN2 as a test fluid) as an experimental package.

Development and operation of a Pr 2 Fe 14 B based cryogenic permanent magnet undulator for a high spatial resolution x-ray beam line

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Benabderrahmane, C.; Valleau, M.; Ghaith, A.

Short period, high field undulators are used to produce hard x-rays on synchrotron radiation based storage ring facilities of intermediate energy and enable short wavelength free electron laser. Cryogenic permanent magnet undulators take benefit from improved magnetic properties of RE 2Fe 14B (Rare Earth based magnets) at low temperatures for achieving short period, high magnetic field and high coercivity. Using Pr 2Fe 14B instead of Nd 2Fe 14B, which is generally employed for undulators, avoids the limitation caused by the spin reorientation transition phenomenon, and simplifies the cooling system by allowing the working temperature of the undulator to be directlymore » at the liquid nitrogen one (77 K). We describe here the development of a full scale (2 m), 18 mm period Pr 2Fe 14B cryogenic permanent magnet undulator (U18). The design, construction and optimization, as well as magnetic measurements and shimming at low temperature are presented. In conclusion, the commissioning and operation of the undulator with the electron beam and spectrum measurement using the Nanoscopmium beamline at SOLEIL are also reported.« less

Development and operation of a Pr2 Fe14 B based cryogenic permanent magnet undulator for a high spatial resolution x-ray beam line

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benabderrahmane, C.; Valléau, M.; Ghaith, A.; Berteaud, P.; Chapuis, L.; Marteau, F.; Briquez, F.; Marcouillé, O.; Marlats, J.-L.; Tavakoli, K.; Mary, A.; Zerbib, D.; Lestrade, A.; Louvet, M.; Brunelle, P.; Medjoubi, K.; Herbeaux, C.; Béchu, N.; Rommeluere, P.; Somogyi, A.; Chubar, O.; Kitegi, C.; Couprie, M.-E.

2017-03-01

Short period, high field undulators are used to produce hard x-rays on synchrotron radiation based storage ring facilities of intermediate energy and enable short wavelength free electron laser. Cryogenic permanent magnet undulators take benefit from improved magnetic properties of RE2 Fe14B (Rare Earth based magnets) at low temperatures for achieving short period, high magnetic field and high coercivity. Using Pr2 Fe14B instead of Nd2 Fe14B , which is generally employed for undulators, avoids the limitation caused by the spin reorientation transition phenomenon, and simplifies the cooling system by allowing the working temperature of the undulator to be directly at the liquid nitrogen one (77 K). We describe here the development of a full scale (2 m), 18 mm period Pr2 Fe14B cryogenic permanent magnet undulator (U18). The design, construction and optimization, as well as magnetic measurements and shimming at low temperature are presented. The commissioning and operation of the undulator with the electron beam and spectrum measurement using the Nanoscopmium beamline at SOLEIL are also reported.

Comparative analysis on flexibility requirements of typical Cryogenic Transfer lines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jadon, Mohit; Kumar, Uday; Choukekar, Ketan; Shah, Nitin; Sarkar, Biswanath

2017-04-01

The cryogenic systems and their applications; primarily in large Fusion devices, utilize multiple cryogen transfer lines of various sizes and complexities to transfer cryogenic fluids from plant to the various user/ applications. These transfer lines are composed of various critical sections i.e. tee section, elbows, flexible components etc. The mechanical sustainability (under failure circumstances) of these transfer lines are primary requirement for safe operation of the system and applications. The transfer lines need to be designed for multiple design constraints conditions like line layout, support locations and space restrictions. The transfer lines are subjected to single load and multiple load combinations, such as operational loads, seismic loads, leak in insulation vacuum loads etc. [1]. The analytical calculations and flexibility analysis using professional software are performed for the typical transfer lines without any flexible component, the results were analysed for functional and mechanical load conditions. The failure modes were identified along the critical sections. The same transfer line was then refurbished with the flexible components and analysed for failure modes. The flexible components provide additional flexibility to the transfer line system and make it safe. The results obtained from the analytical calculations were compared with those obtained from the flexibility analysis software calculations. The optimization of the flexible component’s size and selection was performed and components were selected to meet the design requirements as per code.

Realization and performance of cryogenic selection mechanisms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aitink-Kroes, Gabby; Bettonvil, Felix; Kragt, Jan; Elswijk, Eddy; Tromp, Niels

2014-07-01

Within Infra-Red large wavelength bandwidth instruments the use of mechanisms for selection of observation modes, filters, dispersing elements, pinholes or slits is inevitable. The cryogenic operating environment poses several challenges to these cryogenic mechanisms; like differential thermal shrinkage, physical property change of materials, limited use of lubrication, high feature density, limited space etc. MATISSE the mid-infrared interferometric spectrograph and imager for ESO's VLT interferometer (VLTI) at Paranal in Chile coherently combines the light from 4 telescopes. Within the Cold Optics Bench (COB) of MATISSE two concepts of selection mechanisms can be distinguished based on the same design principles: linear selection mechanisms (sliders) and rotating selection mechanisms (wheels).Both sliders and wheels are used at a temperature of 38 Kelvin. The selection mechanisms have to provide high accuracy and repeatability. The sliders/wheels have integrated tracks that run on small, accurately located, spring loaded precision bearings. Special indents are used for selection of the slider/wheel position. For maximum accuracy/repeatability the guiding/selection system is separated from the actuation in this case a cryogenic actuator inside the cryostat. The paper discusses the detailed design of the mechanisms and the final realization for the MATISSE COB. Limited lifetime and performance tests determine accuracy, warm and cold and the reliability/wear during life of the instrument. The test results and further improvements to the mechanisms are discussed.

Durability Characterization of Advanced Polymeric Composites at Cryogenic Temperatures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gates, T. S.

2001-01-01

The next generation of reusable launch vehicles will require technology development in several key areas. Of these key areas, the development of polymeric composite cryogenic fuel tanks promises to present one of the most difficult technical challenges. It is envisioned that a polymer matrix composite (PMC) tank would be a large shell structure capable of containing cryogenic fuels and carrying a range of structural loads. The criteria that will be imposed on such a design include reduced weight, conformal geometry, and impermeability. It is this last criterion, impermeability, that will provide the focus of this paper. The essence of the impermeability criterion is that the tank remains leak free throughout its design lifetime. To address this criterion, one of the first steps is to conduct a complete durability assessment of the PMC materials. At Langley Research Center, a durability assessment of promising new polyimide-based PMCs is underway. This durability program has focused on designing a set of critical laboratory experiments that will determine fundamental material properties under combined thermal-mechanical loading at cryogenic temperatures. The test program provides measurements of lamina and laminate properties, including strength, stiffness, and fracture toughness. The performance of the PMC materials is monitored as a function of exposure conditions and aging time. Residual properties after exposure are measured at cryogenic temperatures and provide quantitative values of residual strength and stiffness. Primary degradation mechanisms and the associated damage modes are measured with both destructive and nondestructive techniques. In addition to mechanical properties, a range of physical properties, such as weight, glass transition, and crack density, are measured and correlated with the test conditions. This paper will report on the progress of this research program and present critical results and illustrative examples of current findings.

SOFI/Substrate integrity testing for cryogenic propellant tanks at extreme thermal gradient conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haynes, M.; Fabian, P.

2015-12-01

Liquid propellant tank insulation for space flight requires low weight as well as high insulation factors. Use of Spray-On Foam Insulation (SOFI) is an accepted, cost effective technique for insulating a single wall cryogenic propellant tank and has been used extensively throughout the aerospace industry. Determining the bond integrity of the SOFI to the metallic substrate as well as its ability to withstand the in-service strains, both mechanical and thermal, is critical to the longevity of the insulation. This determination has previously been performed using highly volatile, explosive cryogens, which increases the test costs enormously, as well as greatly increasing the risk to both equipment and personnel. CTD has developed a new test system, based on a previous NASA test that simulates the mechanical and thermal strains associated with filling a large fuel tank with a cryogen. The test enables a relatively small SOFI/substrate sample to be monitored for any deformations, delaminations, or disjunctures during the cooling and mechanical straining process of the substrate, and enables the concurrent application of thermal and physical strains to two specimens at the same time. The thermal strains are applied by cooling the substrate to the desired cryogen temperature (from 4 K to 250 K) while maintaining the outside surface of the SOFI foam at ambient conditions. Multiple temperature monitoring points are exercised to ensure even cooling across the substrate, while at the same time, surface temperatures of the SOFI can be monitored to determine the heat flow. The system also allows for direct measurement of the strains in the substrate during the test. The test system as well as test data from testing at 20 K, for liquid Hydrogen simulation, will be discussed.

Sources of Cryogenic Data and Information

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohling, R. A.; Hufferd, W. L.; Marquardt, E. D.

It is commonly known that cryogenic data, technology, and information are applied across many military, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and civilian product lines. Before 1950, however, there was no centralized US source of cryogenic technology data. The Cryogenic Data Center of the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) maintained a database of cryogenic technical documents that served the national need well from the mid 1950s to the early 1980s. The database, maintained on a mainframe computer, was a highly specific bibliography of cryogenic literature and thermophysical properties that covered over 100 years of data. In 1983, however, the Cryogenic Data Center was discontinued when NBS's mission and scope were redefined. In 1998, NASA contracted with the Chemical Propulsion Information Agency (CPIA) and Technology Applications, Inc. (TAI) to reconstitute and update Cryogenic Data Center information and establish a self-sufficient entity to provide technical services for the cryogenic community. The Cryogenic Information Center (CIC) provided this service until 2004, when it was discontinued due to a lack of market interest. The CIC technical assets were distributed to NASA Marshall Space Flight Center and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Plans are under way in 2006 for CPIA to launch an e-commerce cryogenic website to offer bibliography data with capability to download cryogenic documents.

Human-Modified Permafrost Complexes in Urbanized Areas of the Russian North

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grebenets, V. I.; Streletskiy, D. A.

2013-12-01

Economic development in permafrost regions is accompanied by modification of natural geocryological conditions. Drastic landscape transformations in urbanized areas on permafrost are characterized by changes of heat and moisture exchange in permafrost - atmosphere system, and by engineering and technogenic influence upon the frozen ground, leading to alteration of its physical, thermal and mechanical properties. In northern cities this leads to overall increase of ground temperature relative to undisturbed areas and intensification of hazardous cryogenic processes in areas under engineering development, which together leads to reduction in stability of geotechnical environment. For example, deformations of structures in Norilsk district, Northern Siberia, in the last 15 years, became much more abundant than those revealed throughout the previous 50 years. About 250 large buildings in the local towns were deformed considerably due to deterioration of geocryological conditions, about 100 structures were functioning in emergency state, and almost 50 nine- and five-storey houses, built in the 1960-80s, have been recently disassembled. Increase in accident risk for various facilities (water and oil pipelines, industrial enterprises, etc.) enhances the technogenic pressure on permafrost, leading to the new milestone of changes in permafrost characteristics, i.e. to creation of 'another reality' of geocryological conditions. Social and natural factors dictate clustered spatial pattern of industrial development in permafrost regions. Cryogenic processes within the urban areas on permafrost are seldom similar with those under the natural conditions as intensity, duration and extent of the processes changes under technogenic impacts. Moreover, new cryogenic processes and phenomena may occur, which have not been typical for a given region. This makes mapping and characterization of these processes difficult task. Peculiar natural-technogenic geocryological complexes (NTGC) are formed in the urban territories, which are characterized by modified permafrost characteristics, by the new set of cryogenic processes, and by modified temperature trends. NTGC classification depends on initial natural settings and on type, intensity and duration of technogenic pressure. For instance, field reconnaissance of permafrost and geological conditions resulted in characterization of 17 NTGC types in Norilsk industrial area, 11 types in Yamburg Gas Condensate Field, Tazovsky Peninsula, and 32 types along gas and oil pipelines in the north of Western Siberia. Particular interest presents the dynamics of NTGC depending on the scale of urban system, on the set of its elements and on duration of technogenic impacts on permafrost. Important aspect is assessment of climate change impacts on structures and environment in various areas on permafrost

Spacecraft cryogenic gas storage systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rysavy, G.

1971-01-01

Cryogenic gas storage systems were developed for the liquid storage of oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, and helium. Cryogenic storage is attractive because of the high liquid density and low storage pressure of cryogens. This situation results in smaller container sizes, reduced container-strength levels, and lower tankage weights. The Gemini and Apollo spacecraft used cryogenic gas storage systems as standard spacecraft equipment. In addition to the Gemini and Apollo cryogenic gas storage systems, other systems were developed and tested in the course of advancing the state of the art. All of the cryogenic storage systems used, developed, and tested to date for manned-spacecraft applications are described.

1000507

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-04-01

NASA ADMINISTRATOR CHARLES BOLDEN LOOKS ON AS BALL AEROSPACE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION PRINCIPLE OPTICAL ENGINEER DAVE CHANEY EXPLAINS HOW THE JAMES WEBB SPACE TELESCOPE MIRROR SEGMENTS ARE TESTED IN MARSHALL'S X-RAY AND CRYOGENIC FACILITY. PICTURED FROM LEFT: HELEN COLE, WEBB TELESCOPE ACTIVITIES PROJECT MANAGER AT MARSHALL; CHARLES SCALES, ASSOCIATE DEPUTY ADMINISTRATOR: ROBERT LIGHTFOOT, CENTER DIRECTOR; CHARLES BOLDEN, NASA ADMINISTRATOR; DAVE CHANEY, BALL OPTICAL ENGINEER.

Traceable low and ultra-low temperatures in The Netherlands

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peruzzi, A.; Bosch, W. A.

2009-02-01

The basis for worldwide uniformity of low and ultra-low temperature measurements is provided by two international temperature scales, the International Temperature Scale of 1990 (ITS-90) for temperatures above 0.65 K and the Provisional Low Temperature Scale of 2000 (PLTS-2000) for temperatures in the range 0.9 mK to 1 K. Over the past 10 years, the thermometry research in the Netherlands provided substantial contributions to the definition, realization and dissemination of these scales. We first give an overview of the Dutch contributions to the ITS-90 realization: a) 3He and 4He vapour pressure thermometer range of the ITS-90, 0.65 K to 4 K (1997), b) 4He interpolating constant volume gas thermometry for the ITS-90 range 3 K to 24.5 K (2007) and c) cryogenic fixed points for the ITS-90 range 13.8 K to 273.16 K (2005). Then we highlight our work on 3He melting pressure thermometry from 10 mK to 1 K (2003) to support the dissemination of the PLTS-2000. Finally we present the current status of the Dutch calibration facilities and dissemination devices providing for traceable low and ultra-low temperatures for use in science and industry: a) the NMi-VSL cryogenic calibration facility for the range 0.65 K to 273.16 K and b) the SRD1000 superconductive reference devices for the range 10 mK to 1 K.

CRYOTE (Cryogenic Orbital Testbed) Concept

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gravlee, Mari; Kutter, Bernard; Wollen, Mark; Rhys, Noah; Walls, Laurie

2009-01-01

Demonstrating cryo-fluid management (CFM) technologies in space is critical for advances in long duration space missions. Current space-based cryogenic propulsion is viable for hours, not the weeks to years needed by space exploration and space science. CRYogenic Orbital TEstbed (CRYOTE) provides an affordable low-risk environment to demonstrate a broad array of critical CFM technologies that cannot be tested in Earth's gravity. These technologies include system chilldown, transfer, handling, health management, mixing, pressure control, active cooling, and long-term storage. United Launch Alliance is partnering with Innovative Engineering Solutions, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and others to develop CRYOTE to fly as an auxiliary payload between the primary payload and the Centaur upper stage on an Atlas V rocket. Because satellites are expensive, the space industry is largely risk averse to incorporating unproven systems or conducting experiments using flight hardware that is supporting a primary mission. To minimize launch risk, the CRYOTE system will only activate after the primary payload is separated from the rocket. Flying the testbed as an auxiliary payload utilizes Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle performance excess to cost-effectively demonstrate enhanced CFM.

A Large-Diameter Cryogenic Rotation Stage for Half-Wave Plate Polarization Modulation on the POLARBEAR-2 Experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hill, C. A.; Kusaka, A.; Barton, P.; Bixler, B.; Droster, A. G.; Flament, M.; Ganjam, S.; Jadbabaie, A.; Jeong, O.; Lee, A. T.; Madurowicz, A.; Matsuda, F. T.; Matsumura, T.; Rutkowski, A.; Sakurai, Y.; Sponseller, D. R.; Suzuki, A.; Tat, R.

2018-05-01

We describe the design of a cryogenic rotation stage (CRS) for use with the cryogenic half-wave plate (CHWP) polarization modulator on the POLARBEAR-2b and POLARBEAR-2c (PB2b/c) cosmic microwave background (CMB) experiments, the second and third installments of the Simons Array. Rapid modulation of the CMB polarization signal using a CHWP suppresses 1/f contamination due to atmospheric turbulence and allows a single polarimeter to measure both polarization states, mitigating systematic effects that arise when differencing orthogonal detectors. To modulate the full detector array while avoiding excess photon loading due to thermal emission, the CHWP must have a clear-aperture diameter of > 450 mm and be cooled to < 100 K. We have designed a 454 mm clear-aperture, < 65 K CRS using a superconducting magnetic bearing driven by a synchronous magnetic motor. We present the specifications for the CRS, its interfacing to the PB2b/c receiver cryostat, its performance in a stand-alone test, and plans for future work.

Thermal Performance of Cryogenic Piping Multilayer Insulation in Actual Field Installations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fesmire, J.; Augustnynowicz, S.; Thompson, K. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

A standardized way of comparing the thermal performance of different pipelines in different sizes is needed. Vendor data for vacuum-insulated piping are typically given in heat leak rate per unit length (W/m) for a specific diameter pipeline. An overall k-value for actual field installations (k(sub oafi)) is therefore proposed as a more generalized measure for thermal performance comparison and design calculation. The k(sub oafi) provides a direct correspondence to the k-values reported for insulation materials and illustrates the large difference between ideal multilayer insulation (MLI) and actual MLI performance. In this experimental research study, a section of insulated piping was tested under cryogenic vacuum conditions, including simulated spacers and bending. Several different insulation systems were tested using a 1-meter-long cylindrical cryostat test apparatus. The simulated spacers tests showed significant degradation in the thermal performance of a given insulation system. An 18-meter-long pipeline test apparatus is now in operation at the Cryogenics Test Laboratory, NASA Kennedy Space Center, for conducting liquid nitrogen thermal performance tests.

Design of hydrogen vent line for the cryogenic hydrogen system in J-PARC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tatsumoto, Hideki; Aso, Tomokazu; Kato, Takashi; Ohtsu, Kiichi; Hasegawa, Shoichi; Maekawa, Fujio; Futakawa, Masatoshi

2009-02-01

As one of the main experimental facilities in J-PARC, an intense spallation neutron source (JSNS) driven by a 1-MW proton beam selected supercritical hydrogen at a temperature of 20 K and a pressure of 1.5 MPa as a moderator material. Moderators are controlled by a cryogenic hydrogen system that has a hydrogen relief system, which consists of high and low pressure stage of manifolds, a hydrogen vent line and a stack, in order to release hydrogen to the outside safely. The design of the hydrogen vent line should be considered to prevent purge nitrogen gas in the vent line from freezing when releasing the cryogenic hydrogen, to prevent moisture in the stack placed in an outdoor location from freezing, and to inhibit large piping temperature reduction at a building wall penetration. In this work, temperature change behaviors in the hydrogen vent line were analyzed by using a CFD code, STAR-CD. We determined required sizes of the vent line based on the analytical results and its layout in the building.

Conceptual Design of the Cryogenic System for the High-luminosity Upgrade of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brodzinski, K.; Claudet, S.; Ferlin, G.; Tavian, L.; Wagner, U.; Van Weelderen, R.

The discovery of a Higgs boson at CERN in 2012 is the start of a major program of work to measure this particle's properties with the highest possible precision for testing the validity of the Standard Model and to search for further new physics at the energy frontier. The LHC is in a unique position to pursue this program. Europe's top priority is the exploitation of the full potential of the LHC, including the high-luminosity upgrade of the machine and detectors with an objective to collect ten times more data than in the initial design, by around 2030. To reach this objective, the LHC cryogenic system must be upgraded to withstand higher beam current and higher luminosity at top energy while keeping the same operation availability by improving the collimation system and the protection of electronics sensitive to radiation. This paper will present the conceptual design of the cryogenic system upgrade with recent updates in performance requirements, the corresponding layout and architecture of the system as well as the main technical challenges which have to be met in the coming years.

The Common Cryogenic Test Facility for the ATLAS Barrel and End-Cap Toroid Magnets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Delruelle, N.; Haug, F.; Junker, S.; Passardi, G.; Pengo, R.; Pirotte, O.

2004-06-01

The large ATLAS toroidal superconducting magnet made of the Barrel and two End-Caps needs extensive testing at the surface of the individual components prior to their final assembly into the underground cavern of LHC. A cryogenic test facility specifically designed for cooling sequentially the eight coils making the Barrel Toroid (BT) has been fully commissioned and is now ready for final acceptance of these magnets. This facility, originally designed for testing individually the 46 tons BT coils, will be upgraded to allow the acceptance tests of the two End-Caps, each of them having a 160 tons cold mass. The integrated system mainly comprises a 1.2 kW@4.5 K refrigerator, a 10 kW liquid-nitrogen precooler, two cryostats housing liquid helium centrifugal pumps of respectively 80 g/s and 600 g/s nominal flow and specific instrumentation to measure the thermal performances of the magnets. This paper describes the overall facility with particular emphasis to the cryogenic features adopted to match the specific requirements of the magnets in the various operating scenarios.

RF Single Electron Transistor Readout Amplifiers for Superconducting Astronomical Detectors for X-Ray to Sub-mm Wavelengths

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stevenson, Thomas; Aassime, Abdelhanin; Delsing, Per; Frunzio, Luigi; Li, Li-Qun; Prober, Daniel; Schoelkopf, Robert; Segall, Ken; Wilson, Chris; Stahle, Carl

2000-01-01

We report progress on using a new type of amplifier, the Radio-Frequency Single-Electron Transistor (RF-SET), to develop multi-channel sensor readout systems for fast and sensitive readout of high impedance cryogenic photodetectors such as Superconducting Tunnel Junctions and Single Quasiparticle Photon Counters. Although cryogenic, these detectors are desirable because of capabilities not other-wise attainable. However, high impedances and low output levels make low-noise, high-speed readouts challenging, and large format arrays would be facilitated by compact, low-power, on-chip integrated amplifiers. Well-suited for this application are RF-SETs, very high performance electrometers which use an rf readout technique to provide 100 MHz bandwidth. Small size, low power, and cryogenic operation allow direct integration with detectors, and using multiple rf carrier frequencies permits simultaneous readout of 20-50 amplifiers with a common electrical connection. We describe both the first 2-channel demonstration of this wavelength division multiplexing technique for RF-SETs, and Charge-Locked-Loop operation with 100 kHz of closed-loop bandwidth.

Experience with helium leak and thermal shocks test of SST-1 cryo components

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, Rajiv; Nimavat, Hiren; Srikanth, G. L. N.; Bairagi, Nitin; Shah, Pankil; Tanna, V. L.; Pradhan, S.

2012-11-01

A steady state superconducting Tokamak SST-1 is presently under its assembly stage at the Institute for Plasma Research. The SST-1 machine is a family of Superconducting SC coils for both Toroidal field and Poloidal Field. An ultra high vacuum compatible vacuum vessel, placed in the bore of the TF coils, houses the plasma facing components. A high vacuum cryostat encloses all the SC coils and the vacuum vessel. Liquid Nitrogen (LN2) cooled thermal shield between the vacuum vessel & SC coils as well as between cryostat and the SC coils. There are number of crucial cryogenic components as Electrical isolators, 80 K thermal shield, Cryogenic flexible hose etc., which have to be passed the performance validation tests as part of fulfillment of the stringent QA/QC before incorporated in the main assembly. The individual leak tests of components at RT as well as after thermal cycle from 300 K to 77 K ensure us to make final overall leak proof system. These components include, Large numbers of Electrical Isolators for Helium as well as LN2 services, Flexible Bellows and Hoses for Helium as well as LN2 services, Thermal shock tests of large numbers of 80 K Bubble shields In order to validate the helium leak tightness of these components, we have used the calibrated mass spectrometer leak detector (MSLD) at 300 K, 77 K and 4.2. Since it is very difficult to locate the leaks, which are appearing at rather lower temperatures e.g. less than 20 K, We have invented different approaches to resolve the issue of such leaks. This paper, in general describes the design of cryogenic flexible hose, assembly, couplings for leak testing, test method and techniques of thermal cycles test at 77 K inflow conditions and leak testing aspects of different cryogenic components. The test results, the problems encountered and its solutions techniques are discussed.

Evolution of permafrost landscapes under technogenic impacts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kerimov, A. G.; Grebenets, V. I.; Streletskiy, D. A.; Shiklomanov, N. I.; Nyland, K. E.

2014-12-01

Economic development of Russian Northern Regions on permafrost resulted in a new pattern of geocryological conditions, different from natural environment. This pattern is characterized by drastic landscape transformations; changes of heat and mass transfer in the permafrost/atmosphere system; and by engineering and technical pressure upon the permafrost, leading to alteration of its physical, thermal and mechanical properties. In the northern cities this causes increase of ground temperature and intensification of hazardous cryogenic processes in areas under engineering development, reducing stability of geotechnical environment. For example, facility deformations in Norilsk in the last 15 years, became much more abundant than these revealed throughout the previous 50 years. Increase in accident risk for facilities (pipelines, industrial enterprises, etc.) enhances the technogenic pressure on permafrost of the territories under development, leading to the new milestone of changes in permafrost, i.e. to creation of a new set of geocryological conditions. Cryogenic processes within the urban cryolithozone are seldom similar with these under the natural conditions: they either occur more intensively or, vice versa, attenuate under technogenic impacts, new cryogenic processes and phenomena occur, which have not been typical for a given region hitherto. A geographical distribution, evolution and other features of cryogenic processes differ considerably from natural conditions or are unprecedented at all. Peculiar natural-technogenic geocryological complices (NTGC) are formed in the urban centers, which are remarkable by the vector of permafrost evolution, by the set of cryogenic processes, by temperature trends and the other characteristics. NTGC types depend on initial natural settings and on kinds, intensity and duration of technogenic pressure. Our field surveys of permafrost and geological conditions resulted in mapping of 17 NTGC types in Norilsk, 11 types in Yamburg gas field, and 32 types along gas and oil pipelines in the north of Western Siberia. NTGC dynamics, depending on climate change, the scale of urban system, on the set of its elements and on duration of impact upon nature, and on degree of stability of natural permafrost, attracts the particular interest.

Cryogenics and the Human Exploration of Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Salerno, Louis J.; Kittel, Peter; Rasky, Daniel J. (Technical Monitor)

1997-01-01

Current plans within NASA involve extending the human exploration of space from low earth orbit into the solar system, with the first human exploration of Mars presently planned in 2011. Integral to all hum Mars mission phases is cryogenic fluid management. Cryogenic fluids will be required both as propellant and for In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU). Without safe and efficient cryogen storage human Mars missions will not be possible. Effective control and handling of cryogenic fluids is the key to affordable Mars missions, and advancing active thermal control technology is synergistic with all of NASA's exploration initiatives and with existing and future instrument cooling programs, including MTPE and Origins. Present mission scenarios for human exploration require cryogenic propellant storage for up to 1700 days and for up to 60 metric tons. These requirements represent increases of an order of magnitude over previous storage masses and lifetimes. The key cryogenic terminology areas to be addressed in human Mars missions are long-term propellant storage, cryogenic refrigeration, cryogenic liquefaction, and zero gravity fluid management. Long-term storage for the thermal control of cryogenic propellants is best accomplished with a mix of passive and active technologies. Passive technologies such as advanced multilayer insulation (MLI) concepts will be combined with the development of active coolers (cryogenic refrigerators). Candidates for long-life active cooling applications include Reverse Turbo-Brayton, Stirling, and Pulse-Tube coolers. The integration of passive and active technologies will form a hybrid system optimized to minimize the launch mass while preserving the cryogenic propellants. Since cryogenic propellants are the largest mass that Mars missions must launch from earth, even a modest reduction in the percentage of propellant carried results in a significant weight saving. This paper will present a brief overview of cryogenic fluid management technology as it applies to the current human Mars mission scenarios.

Improved cryogenic shaft seals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gillon, W. A., Jr.; Tellier, G. F.

1976-01-01

Seals are designed for use with liquid propellant ball valves at temperatures ranging from -400 F to 130 F and 8,000 psig. Seals are capable of sustaining 90 degree rotation, with substantial amount of lateral and axial play, caused by large pressure loads and differential thermal contraction.

EVALUATION OF SOLID ADSORBENTS FOR THE COLLECTION AND ANALYSES OF AMBIENT BIOGENIC VOLATILE ORGANICS

EPA Science Inventory

Micrometeorological flux measurements of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) usually require that large volumes of air be collected (whole air samples) or focused during the sampling process (cryogenic trapping or gas-solid partitioning on adsorbents) in order to achiev...

The Effects of Cryogenic Treatment on Cutting Tools

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Satish; Khedkar, Nitin K.; Jagtap, Bhushan; Singh, T. P.

2017-08-01

Enhancing the cutting tool life is important and economic factor to reduce the tooling as well as manufacturing cost. The tool life is improved considerably by 92 % after cryogenic treatment. The cryogenic treatment is a one-time permanent, sub-zero heat treatment that entirely changes cross-section of cutting tool. The cryogenic treatment is carried out with deep freezing of cutting tool materials to enhance physical and mechanical properties. The cryogenic treatment improves mechanical such as hardness, toughness and tribological properties such as wear resistance, coefficient of friction, surface finish, dimensional stability and stress relief. The deep cryogenic treatment is the most beneficial treatment applied on cutting tools. The cryogenic treatment is the most advanced heat treatment and popular to improve performance of the cutting tool. The optimization of cryogenic treatment variables is necessary to improve tool life. This study reviews the effects of cryogenic treatment on microstructure, tribological properties of tool steels and machining applications of cutting tool by investigating the surface and performing the surface characterization test like SEM. The economy of cutting tool can be achieved by deep cryogenic treatment.

Elevated olivine weathering rates and sulfate formation at cryogenic temperatures on Mars.

PubMed

Niles, Paul B; Michalski, Joseph; Ming, Douglas W; Golden, D C

2017-10-17

Large Hesperian-aged (~3.7 Ga) layered deposits of sulfate-rich sediments in the equatorial regions of Mars have been suggested to be evidence for ephemeral playa environments. But early Mars may not have been warm enough to support conditions similar to what occurs in arid environments on Earth. Instead cold, icy environments may have been widespread. Under cryogenic conditions sulfate formation might be blocked, since kinetics of silicate weathering are typically strongly retarded at temperatures well below 0 °C. But cryo-concentration of acidic solutions may counteract the slow kinetics. Here we show that cryo-concentrated acidic brines rapidly chemically weather olivine minerals and form sulfate minerals at temperatures as low as -60 °C. These experimental results demonstrate the viability of sulfate formation under current Martian conditions, even in the polar regions. An ice-hosted sedimentation and weathering model may provide a compelling description of the origin of large Hesperian-aged layered sulfate deposits on Mars.

Trajectories of the ribosome as a Brownian nanomachine

DOE PAGES

Dashti, Ali; Schwander, Peter; Langlois, Robert; ...

2014-11-24

In a Brownian machine, there is a tiny device buffeted by the random motions of molecules in the environment, is capable of exploiting these thermal motions for many of the conformational changes in its work cycle. Such machines are now thought to be ubiquitous, with the ribosome, a molecular machine responsible for protein synthesis, increasingly regarded as prototypical. We present a new analytical approach capable of determining the free-energy landscape and the continuous trajectories of molecular machines from a large number of snapshots obtained by cryogenic electron microscopy. We demonstrate this approach in the context of experimental cryogenic electron microscopemore » images of a large ensemble of nontranslating ribosomes purified from yeast cells. The free-energy landscape is seen to contain a closed path of low energy, along which the ribosome exhibits conformational changes known to be associated with the elongation cycle. This approach allows model-free quantitative analysis of the degrees of freedom and the energy landscape underlying continuous conformational changes in nanomachines, including those important for biological function.« less

ELI-beamlines: progress in development of next generation short-pulse laser systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rus, B.; Bakule, P.; Kramer, D.; Naylon, J.; Thoma, J.; Fibrich, M.; Green, J. T.; Lagron, J. C.; Antipenkov, R.; Bartoníček, J.; Batysta, F.; Baše, R.; Boge, R.; Buck, S.; Cupal, J.; Drouin, M. A.; Durák, M.; Himmel, B.; Havlíček, T.; Homer, P.; Honsa, A.; Horáček, M.; Hríbek, P.; Hubáček, J.; Hubka, Z.; Kalinchenko, G.; Kasl, K.; Indra, L.; Korous, P.; Košelja, M.; Koubíková, L.; Laub, M.; Mazanec, T.; Meadows, A.; Novák, J.; Peceli, D.; Polan, J.; Snopek, D.; Šobr, V.; Trojek, P.; Tykalewicz, B.; Velpula, P.; Verhagen, E.; Vyhlídka, Å.; Weiss, J.; Haefner, C.; Bayramian, A.; Betts, S.; Erlandson, A.; Jarboe, J.; Johnson, G.; Horner, J.; Kim, D.; Koh, E.; Marshall, C.; Mason, D.; Sistrunk, E.; Smith, D.; Spinka, T.; Stanley, J.; Stolz, C.; Suratwala, T.; Telford, S.; Ditmire, T.; Gaul, E.; Donovan, M.; Frederickson, C.; Friedman, G.; Hammond, D.; Hidinger, D.; Chériaux, G.; Jochmann, A.; Kepler, M.; Malato, C.; Martinez, M.; Metzger, T.; Schultze, M.; Mason, P.; Ertel, K.; Lintern, A.; Edwards, C.; Hernandez-Gomez, C.; Collier, J.

2017-05-01

Overview of progress in construction and testing of the laser systems of ELI-Beamlines, accomplished since 2015, is presented. Good progress has been achieved in construction of all four lasers based largely on the technology of diode-pumped solid state lasers (DPSSL). The first part of the L1 laser, designed to provide 200 mJ <15 fs pulses at 1 kHz repetition rate, is up and running. The L2 is a development line employing a 10 J / 10 Hz cryogenic gas-cooled pump laser which has recently been equipped with an advanced cryogenic engine. Operation of the L3-HAPLS system, using a gas-cooled DPSSL pump laser and a Ti:sapphire broadband amplifier, was recently demonstrated at 16 J / 28 fs, at 3.33 Hz rep rate. Finally, the 5 Hz OPCPA front end of the L4 kJ laser is up running and amplification in the Nd:glass large-aperture power amplifiers was demonstrated.

Developing NDE Techniques for Large Cryogenic Tanks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parker, Don; Starr, Stan

2009-01-01

The Shuttle and Constellation Programs require very large cryogenic ground storage tanks in which to store liquid oxygen and hydrogen. The existing LC-39 pad tanks, which will be passed onto Constellation, are 40 years old and have received minimal refurbishment or even inspection, because they can only be temperature cycled a few times before being overhauled (a costly operation in both time and dollars). Numerous questions exist on the performance and reliability of these old tanks which could cause a major Program schedule disruption. Consequently, with the passing of the first two tanks to Constellation to occur this year, there is growing awareness that NDE is needed to detect problems early in these tanks so that corrective actions can be scheduled when least disruptive. Time series thermal images of two sides of the Pad B LH2 tank have been taken over multiple days to demonstrate the effects of environmental conditions to the solar heating of the tank and therefore the effectiveness of thermal imaging.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hattori, K.; Akiba, Y.; Arnold, K.

The readout of transition-edge sensor (TES) bolometers with a large multiplexing factor is key for the next generation cosmic microwave background (CMB) experiment, Polarbear-2, having 7588 TES bolometers. To enable the large arrays, we have been developing a readout system with a multiplexing factor of 40 in the frequency domain. Extending that architecture to 40 bolometers requires an increase in the bandwidth of the SQUID electronics, above 4 MHz. This paper focuses on cryogenic readout and shows how it affects cross talk and the responsivity of the TES bolometers. A series resistance, such as equivalent series resistance of capacitors formore » LC filters, leads to non-linear response of the bolometers. A wiring inductance modulates a voltage across the bolometers and causes cross talk. They should be controlled well to reduce systematic errors in CMB observations. As a result, we have been developing a cryogenic readout with a low series impedance and have tuned bolometers in the middle of their transition at a high frequency (>3 MHz).« less

Shuttle cryogenic supply system optimization study. Volume 4: Cryogenic cooling in environmental control systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1973-01-01

An analysis of cryogenic fluid cooling in the environmental control system of the space shuttle was conducted. The technique for treating the cryogenic fluid storage and supply tanks and subsystems as integrated systems was developed. It was concluded that a basic incompatibility exists between the heat generated and the cryogen usage rate and cryogens cannot be used to absorb the generated heat. The use of radiators and accumulators to provide additional cooling capability is recommended.

Cryogen Safety Course 8876

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Glass, George

2017-06-13

Cryogenics (from the Greek word κρvoζ, meaning frost or icy cold) is the study of the behavior of matter at very cold temperatures. The purpose of this course is to provide trainees with an introduction to cryogen use, the hazards and potential accidents related to cryogen systems, cryogen safety components, and the requirements that govern the design and use of cryogen systems at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). The knowledge you gain will help you keep your workplace safe for yourself and your coworkers.

LDR system concepts and technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pittman, B.

1985-01-01

The Large Deployable Reflector is a 20 meter diameter infrared/submillimeter telescope planned for the late 1990's. The Astronomy Survey Committee of the National Academy of Sciences (Field Committee) recommended LDR as one of the two space based observatories that should start development in the 80's. LDR's large aperture will give it unequaled resolution in the wavelength range from 30 to 1000 microns. To meet LDR performance goals will call for advances in several technology disciplines including: optics, controls, thermal control, detectors, cryogenic cooling, and large space structures.

Vacuum Studies of a Prototype Composite Coil Dewar for HTSC Transformers

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schwenterly, S W; Zhang, Y.; Pleva, Ed

2010-01-01

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is collaborating with Waukesha Electric Systems (WES) to develop a high-temperature superconducting (HTSC) utility power transformer with primary and secondary coils cooled by liquid nitrogen. Since the vacuuminsulated cryogenic coil dewar surrounds the magnetic core limb and cannot form a shorted turn, non-conductive materials are required. Two test vessels and a small prototype dewar have been fabricated by Scorpius Space Launch Company with epoxy/fiberglass composites, using their proprietary PRESSURMAXX vessel technology. The effects of pumping time, bakeout temperature, and cryogenic vessel temperature on vacuum outgassing rates have been investigated. Outgassing rates of the individual materialsmore » used in vessel construction have also been measured. The results will be scaled up to determine the required pumping capacity for a full-size 25-MVA commercial transformer dewar.« less

Vacuum Studies of a Prototype Composite Coil Dewar for HTSC Transformers

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schwenterly, S W; Zhang, Y.; Pleva, E. F.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is collaborating with Waukesha Electric Systems (WES) to develop a high-temperature superconducting (HTSC) utility power transformer with primary and secondary coils cooled by liquid nitrogen. Since the vacuum-insulated cryogenic coil dewar surrounds the magnetic core limb and cannot form a shorted turn, non-conductive materials are required. Two test vessels and a small prototype dewar have been fabricated by Scorpius Space Launch Company with epoxy/fiberglass composites, using their proprietary PRESSURMAXX vessel technology. The effects of pumping time, bakeout temperature, and cryogenic vessel temperature on vacuum outgassing rates have been investigated. Outgassing rates of the individual materialsmore » used in vessel construction have also been measured. The results will be scaled up to determine the required pumping capacity for a full-size 25-MVA commercial transformer dewar.« less

Study and design of cryogenic propellant acquisition systems. Volume 2: Supporting experimental program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burge, G. W.; Blackmon, J. B.

1973-01-01

Areas of cryogenic fuel systems were identified where critical experimental information was needed either to define a design criteria or to establish the feasibility of a design concept or a critical aspect of a particular design. Such data requirements fell into three broad categories: (1) basic surface tension screen characteristics; (2) screen acquisition device fabrication problems; and (3) screen surface tension device operational failure modes. To explore these problems and to establish design criteria where possible, extensive laboratory or bench test scale experiments were conducted. In general, these proved to be quite successful and, in many instances, the test results were directly used in the system design analyses and development. In some cases, particularly those relating to operational-type problems, areas requiring future research were identified, especially screen heat transfer and vibrational effects.

Centaur Standard Shroud (CSS) cryogenic unlatch tests

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1973-01-01

Cryogenic tanking and partial jettison (unlatch) tests were performed on a full scale Centaur vehicle and Centaur Standard Shroud (CSS) to develop and qualify the CSS insulation system, the CSS and Centaur ground-hold purge systems, and the Centaur hydrogen tank flight vent system. Operation of the shroud/Centaur pyrotechnic systems, seals, and the shroud jettison springs, hinges, and other separation systems was demonstrated by a partial jettison of the shroud into catch nets. The Centaur tanks were filled with liquid hydrogen and liquid nitrogen. Prelaunch operations were performed, and data taken to establish system performances. Results from the initial tests showed a higher than expected heat transfer rate to the Centaur hydrogen tank. In addition, the release mechanism for the forward seal between the Centaur and the CSS did not function properly, and the seal was torn during jettison of the shroud.

A cryogenic 'set-and-forget' deformable mirror

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trines, Robin; Janssen, Huub; Paalvast, Sander; Teuwen, Maurice; Brandl, Bernhard; Rodenhuis, Michiel

2016-07-01

This paper discusses the development, realization and initial characterization of a demonstrator for a cryogenic 'set and forget' deformable mirror. Many optical and cryogenic infrared instruments on modern very and extremely large telescopes aim at diffraction-limited performance and require total wave front errors in the order of 50 nanometers or less. At the same time, their complex optical functionality requires either a large number of spherical mirrors or several complex free-form mirrors. Due to manufacturing and alignment tolerances, each mirror contributes static aberrations to the wave front. Many of these aberrations are not known in the design phase and can only be measured once the system has been assembled. A 'set-and-forget' deformable mirror can be used to compensate for these aberrations, making it especially interesting for systems with complex free-form mirrors or cryogenic systems where access to iterative realignment is very difficult or time consuming. The mirror with an optical diameter of 200 mm is designed to correct wave front aberrations of up to 2 μm root-mean square (rms). The shape of the wave front is approximated by the first 15 Zernike modes. Finite element analysis of the mirror shows a theoretically possible reduction of the wave front error from 2 μm to 53 nm rms. To produce the desired shapes, the mirror surface is controlled by 19 identical actuator modules at the back of the mirror. The actuator modules use commercially available Piezo-Knob actuators with a high technology readiness level (TRL). These provide nanometer resolution at cryogenic temperatures combined with high positional stability, and allow for the system to be powered off once the desired shape is obtained. The stiff design provides a high resonance frequency (>200 Hz) to suppress external disturbances. A full-size demonstrator of the deformable mirror containing 6 actuators and 13 dummy actuators is realized and characterized. Measurement results show that the actuators can provide sufficient stroke to correct the 2 μm rms WFE. The resolution of the actuator influence functions is found to be 0.24 nm rms or better depending on the position of the actuator within the grid. Superposition of the actuator influence functions shows that a 2 μm rms WFE can be accurately corrected with a 38 nm fitting error. Due to the manufacturing method of the demonstrator an artificially large print-through error of 182 nm is observed. The main cause of this print-through error has been identified and will be reduced in future design iterations. After these design changes the system is expected to have a total residual error of less than 70 nm and offer diffraction limited performance (λ14) for wavelengths of 1 μm and above.

Cryogenic Information Center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mohling, Robert A.; Marquardt, Eric D.; Fusilier, Fred C.; Fesmire, James E.

2003-01-01

The Cryogenic Information Center (CIC) is a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to preserving and distributing cryogenic information to government, industry, and academia. The heart of the CIC is a uniform source of cryogenic data including analyses, design, materials and processes, and test information traceable back to the Cryogenic Data Center of the former National Bureau of Standards. The electronic database is a national treasure containing over 146,000 specific bibliographic citations of cryogenic literature and thermophysical property data dating back to 1829. A new technical/bibliographic inquiry service can perform searches and technical analyses. The Cryogenic Material Properties (CMP) Program consists of computer codes using empirical equations to determine thermophysical material properties with emphasis on the 4-300K range. CMP's objective is to develop a user-friendly standard material property database using the best available data so government and industry can conduct more accurate analyses. The CIC serves to benefit researchers, engineers, and technologists in cryogenics and cryogenic engineering, whether they are new or experienced in the field.

Advances in cryogenic engineering. Vols. 35A & 35B - Proceedings of the 1989 Cryogenic Engineering Conference, University of California, Los Angeles, July 24-28, 1989

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fast, R. W.

The book presents a review of literature on superfluid helium, together with papers under the topics on heat and mass transfer in He II; applications of He II for cooling superconducting devices in space; heat transfer to liquid helium and liquid nitrogen; multilayer insulation; applications of superconductivity, including topics on magnets and other devices, magnet stability and coil protection, and cryogenic techniques; and refrigeration for electronics. Other topics discussed include refrigeration of superconducting systems; the expanders, cold compressors, and pumps for liquid helium; dilution refrigerators; magnetic refrigerators; pulse tube refrigerators; cryocoolers for space applications; properties of cryogenic fluids; cryogenic instrumentation; hyperconducting devices (cryogenic magnets); cryogenic applications in space science and technology and in transportation; and miscellaneous cryogenic techniques and applications.

Conceptual phase A design of a cryogenic shutter mechanism for the SAFARI flight instrument

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eigenmann, Max; Wehmeier, Udo J.; Vuilleumier, Aurèle; Messina, Gabriele; Meyer, Michael R.

2012-09-01

We present a conceptual design for a cryogenic optical mechanism for the SAFARI instrument. SAFARI is a long wavelength (34-210 micron) Imaging Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS) to fly as an ESA instrument on the JAXA SPICA mission projected to launch in 2021. SPICA is a large 3m class space telescope which will have an operating temperature of less than 7K. The SAFARI shutter is a single point of failure flight mechanism designed to operate in space at a temperature of 4K which meets redundancy and reliability requirements of this challenging mission. The conceptual design is part of a phase A study led by ETH Institute for Astronomy and conducted by RUAG Space AG.

Indexing system for optical beam steering

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sullivan, Mark T.; Cannon, David M.; Debra, Daniel B.; Young, Jeffrey A.; Mansfield, Joseph A.; Carmichael, Roger E.; Lissol, Peter S.; Pryor, G. M.; Miklosy, Les G.; Lee, Jeffrey H.

1990-01-01

This paper describes the design and testing of an indexing system for optical-beam steering. The cryogenic beam-steering mechanism is a 360-degree rotation device capable of discrete, high-precision alignment positions. It uses low-precision components for its rough alignment and kinematic design to meet its stringent repeatability and stability requirements (of about 5 arcsec). The principal advantages of this design include a decoupling of the low-precision, large angular motion from the high-precision alignment, and a power-off alignment position that potentially extends the life or hold time of cryogenic systems. An alternate design, which takes advantage of these attributes while reducing overall motion, is also presented. Preliminary test results show the kinematic mount capable of sub-arc second repeatability.

Method for Detecting Perlite Compaction in Large Cryogenic Tanks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Youngquist, Robert

2010-01-01

Perlite is the most typical insulating powder used to separate the inner and outer shells of cryogenic tanks. The inner tank holds the low-temperature commodity, while the outer shell is exposed to the ambient temperature. Perlite minimizes radiative energy transfer between the two tanks. Being a powder, perlite will settle over time, leading to the danger of transferring any loads from the inner shell to the outer shell. This can cause deformation of the outer shell, leading to damaged internal fittings. The method proposed is to place strain or displacement sensors on several locations of the outer shell. Loads induced on the shell by the expanding inner shell and perlite would be monitored, providing an indication of the location and degree of compaction.

Space Station tethered refueling facility operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kiefel, E. R.; Rudolph, L. K.; Fester, D. A.

1986-01-01

The space-based orbital transfer vehicle will require a large cryogenic fuel storage facility at the Space Station. An alternative to fuel storage onboard the Space Station, is on a tethered orbital refueling facility (TORF) which is separated from the Space Station by a sufficient distance to induce a gravity gradient to settle the propellants. Facility operations are a major concern associated with a tethered LO2/LH2 storage depot. A study was carried out to analyze these operations so as to identify the preferred TORF deployment direction (up or down) and whether the TORF should be permanently or intermittently deployed. The analyses considered safety, contamination, rendezvous, servicing, transportation rate, communication, and viewing. An upwardly, intermittently deployed facility is the preferred configuration for a tethered cryogenic fuel storage.

Advanced active health monitoring system of liquid rocket engines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qing, Xinlin P.; Wu, Zhanjun; Beard, Shawn; Chang, Fu-Kuo

2008-11-01

An advanced SMART TAPE system has been developed for real-time in-situ monitoring and long term tracking of structural integrity of pressure vessels in liquid rocket engines. The practical implementation of the structural health monitoring (SHM) system including distributed sensor network, portable diagnostic hardware and dedicated data analysis software is addressed based on the harsh operating environment. Extensive tests were conducted on a simulated large booster LOX-H2 engine propellant duct to evaluate the survivability and functionality of the system under the operating conditions of typical liquid rocket engines such as cryogenic temperature, vibration loads. The test results demonstrated that the developed SHM system could survive the combined cryogenic temperature and vibration environments and effectively detect cracks as small as 2 mm.

ICPSU Install onto Mobile Launcher

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-03-16

A heavy-lift crane slowly lifts the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage Umbilical (ICPSU) high up for installation on the tower of the mobile launcher (ML) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The last of the large umbilicals to be installed, the ICPSU will provide super-cooled hydrogen and liquid oxygen to the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket's interim cryogenic propulsion stage, or upper stage, at T-0 for Exploration Mission-1. The umbilical is located at about the 240-foot-level of the mobile launcher and will supply fuel, oxidizer, gaseous helium, hazardous gas leak detection, electrical commodities and environment control systems to the upper stage of the SLS rocket during launch. Exploration Ground Systems is overseeing installation of the umbilicals on the ML.

ICPSU Install onto Mobile Launcher

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-03-16

A crane and rigging lines are used to install the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage Umbilical (ICPSU) high up on the mobile launcher (ML) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The last of the large umbilicals to be installed, the ICPSU will provide super-cooled hydrogen and liquid oxygen to the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket's interim cryogenic propulsion stage, or upper stage, at T-0 for Exploration Mission-1. The umbilical is located at about the 240-foot-level of the mobile launcher and will supply fuel, oxidizer, gaseous helium, hazardous gas leak detection, electrical commodities and environment control systems to the upper stage of the SLS rocket during launch. Exploration Ground Systems is overseeing installation of the umbilicals on the ML.

ICPSU Install onto Mobile Launcher - Preps for Lift

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-03-15

Construction workers with JP Donovan assist with preparations to lift and install the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage Umbilical on the tower of the mobile launcher at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The last of the large umbilicals to be installed, the ICPSU will provide super-cooled hydrogen and liquid oxygen to the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket's interim cryogenic propulsion stage, or upper stage, at T-0 for Exploration Mission-1. The umbilical is located at about the 240-foot-level of the mobile launcher and will supply fuel, oxidizer, gaseous helium, hazardous gas leak detection, electrical commodities and environment control systems to the upper stage of the SLS rocket during launch. Exploration Ground Systems is overseeing installation of the umbilicals on the ML.

ICPSU Install onto Mobile Launcher

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-03-16

Construction workers with JP Donovan install the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage Umbilical (ICPSU) at about the 240-foot-level of the mobile launcher (ML) tower at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The last of the large umbilicals to be installed, the ICPSU will provide super-cooled hydrogen and liquid oxygen to the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket's interim cryogenic propulsion stage, or upper stage, at T-0 for Exploration Mission-1. The umbilical is located at about the 240-foot-level of the mobile launcher and will supply fuel, oxidizer, gaseous helium, hazardous gas leak detection, electrical commodities and environment control systems to the upper stage of the SLS rocket during launch. Exploration Ground Systems is overseeing installation of the umbilicals on the ML.

ICPSU Install onto Mobile Launcher

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-03-16

A heavy-lift crane slowly lifts the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage Umbilical (ICPSU) up for installation on the tower of the mobile launcher (ML) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The last of the large umbilicals to be installed, the ICPSU will provide super-cooled hydrogen and liquid oxygen to the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket's interim cryogenic propulsion stage, or upper stage, at T-0 for Exploration Mission-1. The umbilical is located at about the 240-foot-level of the mobile launcher and will supply fuel, oxidizer, gaseous helium, hazardous gas leak detection, electrical commodities and environment control systems to the upper stage of the SLS rocket during launch. Exploration Ground Systems is overseeing installation of the umbilicals on the ML.

ICPSU Install onto Mobile Launcher - Preps for Lift

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-03-15

The mobile launcher (ML) tower is lit up before early morning sunrise at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Preparations are underway to lift and install the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage Umbilical (ICPSU) at about the 240-foot-level on the tower. The last of the large umbilicals to be installed, the ICPSU will provide super-cooled hydrogen and liquid oxygen to the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket's interim cryogenic propulsion stage, or upper stage, at T-0 for Exploration Mission-1. The umbilical will supply fuel, oxidizer, gaseous helium, hazardous gas leak detection, electrical commodities and environment control systems to the upper stage of the SLS rocket during launch. Exploration Ground Systems is overseeing installation of the umbilicals on the ML.

Internship at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Cryogenic Test laboratory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Holland, Katherine

2013-01-01

NASA's Kennedy Space Center (KSC) is known for hosting all of the United States manned rocket launches as well as many unmanned launches at low inclinations. Even though the Space Shuttle recently retired, they are continuing to support unmanned launches and modifying manned launch facilities. Before a rocket can be launched, it has to go through months of preparation, called processing. Pieces of a rocket and its payload may come in from anywhere in the nation or even the world. The facilities all around the center help integrate the rocket and prepare it for launch. As NASA prepares for the Space Launch System, a rocket designed to take astronauts beyond Low Earth Orbit throughout the solar system, technology development is crucial for enhancing launch capabilities at the KSC. The Cryogenics Test Laboratory at Kennedy Space Center greatly contributes to cryogenic research and technology development. The engineers and technicians that work there come up with new ways to efficiently store and transfer liquid cryogens. NASA has a great need for this research and technology development as it deals with cryogenic liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen for rocket fuel, as well as long term space flight applications. Additionally, in this new era of space exploration, the Cryogenics Test Laboratory works with the commercial sector. One technology development project is the Liquid Hydrogen (LH2) Ground Operations Demonstration Unit (GODU). LH2 GODU intends to demonstrate increased efficiency in storing and transferring liquid hydrogen during processing, loading, launch and spaceflight of a spacecraft. During the Shuttle Program, only 55% of hydrogen purchased was used by the Space Shuttle Main Engines. GODU's goal is to demonstrate that this percentage can be increased to 75%. Figure 2 shows the GODU layout when I concluded my internship. The site will include a 33,000 gallon hydrogen tank (shown in cyan) with a heat exchanger inside the hydrogen tank attached to a refrigerator capable of removing 850 Watts at 20 Kelvin (shown in green). The refrigerator and most of its supporting equipment will be kept in a standard shipping container (shown in pink). Currently, GODU is in the fabrication process and some of the large components have already been purchased.

Minor Scale Event, Test Execution Report

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-01-31

iki the compressed consisted of eight schedule getting to the MINOR SCALE event. Aluminum honey comb ORNL proviced representatives at monthly review...meetings. Their repre- pit wall and the un" sentatives had expertise in the areas of cryogenics design, and instrumentation. ORNL was prepared to...1717 WA K Soi hl Characterizaitom Uo I S I I I 8l U 3E149 Soil sassles is otecarsor gill VA Y Shoew Ii~q S-IUU ft I 1 I 31 iIt It L 7 1 Ut Futed in 871

PIP-II Cryogenic System and the Evolution of Superfluid Helium Cryogenic Plant Specifications

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chakravarty, Anindya; Rane, Tejas; Klebaner, Arkadiy

2017-01-01

PIP-II cryogenic system: Superfluid Helium Cryogenic Plant (SHCP) and Cryogenic Distribution System (CDS) connecting the SHCP and the SC Linac (25 cryomodules) PIP-II Cryogenic System Static and dynamic heat loads for the SC Linac and static load of CDS listed out Simulation study carried out to compute SHe flow requirements for each cryomodule Comparison between the flow requirements of the cryomodules for the CW and pulsed modes of operation presented From computed heat load and pressure drop values, SHCP basic specifications evolved.

Method of measuring heat influx of a cryogenic transfer system

DOEpatents

Niemann, Ralph C.; Zelipsky, Steven A.; Rezmer, Ronald R.; Smelser, Peter

1981-01-01

A method is provided for measuring the heat influx of a cryogenic transfer system. A gaseous phase of the cryogen used during normal operation of the system is passed through the system. The gaseous cryogen at the inlet to the system is tempered to duplicate the normal operating temperature of the system inlet. The temperature and mass flow rate of the gaseous cryogen is measured at the outlet of the system, and the heat capacity of the cryogen is determined. The heat influx of the system is then determined from known thermodynamic relationships.

James Webb Space Telescope: Large Deployable Cryogenic Telescope in Space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lightsey, Paul A.; Atkinson, Charles; Clampin, Mark; Feinberg, Lee D.

2012-01-01

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is an infrared space telescope designed to explore four major science themes: first light and reionization, the assembly of galaxies, the birth of stars and protoplanetary systems, and planetary systems and origins of life. JWST is a segmented architecture telescope with an aperture of 6.6 m. It will operate at cryogenic temperature (40 K), achieved via passive cooling, in an orbit about the Earth-Sun second Lagrange point (L2). Passive cooling is facilitated by means of a large sunshield that provides thermal isolation and protection from direct illumination from the Sun. The large size of the telescope and spacecraft systems require that they are stowed for launch in a configuration that fits the Ariane 5 fairing, and then deployed after launch. Routine wavefront sensing and control measurements are used to achieve phasing of the segmented primary mirror and initial alignment of the telescope. A suite of instruments will provide the capability to observe over a spectral range from 0.6- to 27-micron wavelengths with imaging and spectroscopic configurations. An overview is presented of the architecture and selected optical design features of JWST are described

Cryogenic Electric Motor Tested

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, Gerald V.

2004-01-01

Technology for pollution-free "electric flight" is being evaluated in a number of NASA Glenn Research Center programs. One approach is to drive propulsive fans or propellers with electric motors powered by fuel cells running on hydrogen. For large transport aircraft, conventional electric motors are far too heavy to be feasible. However, since hydrogen fuel would almost surely be carried as liquid, a propulsive electric motor could be cooled to near liquid hydrogen temperature (-423 F) by using the fuel for cooling before it goes to the fuel cells. Motor windings could be either superconducting or high purity normal copper or aluminum. The electrical resistance of pure metals can drop to 1/100th or less of their room-temperature resistance at liquid hydrogen temperature. In either case, super or normal, much higher current density is possible in motor windings. This leads to more compact motors that are projected to produce 20 hp/lb or more in large sizes, in comparison to on the order of 2 hp/lb for large conventional motors. High power density is the major goal. To support cryogenic motor development, we have designed and built in-house a small motor (7-in. outside diameter) for operation in liquid nitrogen.

Cryogenic vertical test facility for the SRF cavities at BNL

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Than, R.; Liaw, CJ; Porqueddu, R.

2011-03-28

A vertical test facility has been constructed to test SRF cavities and can be utilized for other applications. The liquid helium volume for the large vertical dewar is approximate 2.1m tall by 1m diameter with a clearance inner diameter of 0.95m after the inner cold magnetic shield installed. For radiation enclosure, the test dewar is located inside a concrete block structure. The structure is above ground, accessible from the top, and equipped with a retractable concrete roof. A second radiation concrete facility, with ground level access via a labyrinth, is also available for testing smaller cavities in 2 smaller dewars.more » The cryogenic transfer lines installation between the large vertical test dewar and the cryo plant's sub components is currently near completion. Controls and instrumentations wiring are also nearing completion. The Vertical Test Facility will allow onsite testing of SRF cavities with a maximum overall envelope of 0.9 m diameter and 2.1 m height in the large dewar and smaller SRF cavities and assemblies with a maximum overall envelope of 0.66 m diameter and 1.6 m height.« less

The Effects of Gd-Free Impurity Phase on the Aging Behavior for the Microwave Surface Resistance of Ag-coated GdBa2Cu3O7-δ at Cryogenic Temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Sungho; Yang, Woo Il; Jung, Ho Sang; Oh, Won-Jae; Jang, Jiyeong; Lee, Jae-Hun; Kang, Kihyeok; Moon, Seung-Hyun; Yoo, Sang-Im; Lee, Sang Young

2018-05-01

High-T C GdBa2Cu3O7-δ (GdBCO) superconductor has been popular for making superconductive tapes that have much potential for various fields of large-scale applications. We investigated aging effects on the microwave surface resistance (R S) of Ag-coated GdBCO layer on Hastelloy substrate, so called GdBCO coated conductors (CCs), and Ag-coated GdBCO films on LaAlO3 (LAO) single-crystal substrates at cryogenic temperatures and compared them with each other. Unlike the R S of Ag-coated GdBCO films showing significant degradation in 4 weeks, no significant aging effects were found in our Ag-coated GdBCO CCs aged 85 weeks. The reactive co-evaporation deposition and reaction (RCE-DR) method was used for preparing the Ag-coated GdBCO CCs. Such durability of the Ag-coated GdBCO CCs in terms of the R S could be explained by existence of a protective impurity phase, i.e., Gd-free Ba-Cu-O phase as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy study combined with the energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy measurements. Although the scope of this study is limited to the Ag-coated GdBCO CCs prepared by using the RCE-DR method, our results suggest that a solution for preventing the aging effects on transport properties of other kinds of Ag-coated GdBCO CCs could be realized by means of an artificially-grown protective impurity layer.

Preliminary optical design of PANIC, a wide-field infrared camera for CAHA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cárdenas, M. C.; Rodríguez Gómez, J.; Lenzen, R.; Sánchez-Blanco, E.

2008-07-01

In this paper, we present the preliminary optical design of PANIC (PAnoramic Near Infrared camera for Calar Alto), a wide-field infrared imager for the Calar Alto 2.2 m telescope. The camera optical design is a folded single optical train that images the sky onto the focal plane with a plate scale of 0.45 arcsec per 18 μm pixel. A mosaic of four Hawaii 2RG of 2k x 2k made by Teledyne is used as detector and will give a field of view of 31.9 arcmin x 31.9 arcmin. This cryogenic instrument has been optimized for the Y, J, H and K bands. Special care has been taken in the selection of the standard IR materials used for the optics in order to maximize the instrument throughput and to include the z band. The main challenges of this design are: to produce a well defined internal pupil which allows reducing the thermal background by a cryogenic pupil stop; the correction of off-axis aberrations due to the large field available; the correction of chromatic aberration because of the wide spectral coverage; and the capability of introduction of narrow band filters (~1%) in the system minimizing the degradation in the filter passband without a collimated stage in the camera. We show the optomechanical error budget and compensation strategy that allows our as built design to met the performances from an optical point of view. Finally, we demonstrate the flexibility of the design showing the performances of PANIC at the CAHA 3.5m telescope.

Long-term Global Morphology of Gravity Wave Activity Using UARS Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eckermann, Stephen D.; Jackman, C. (Technical Monitor)

2000-01-01

This quarter was largely devoted to a detailed study of temperature data acquired by the Cryogenic Limb Array Etalon Spectrometer (CLAES) on UARS. Our analysis used the same sequence of methods that have been developed, tested and refined on a more limited subset of temperature data acquired by the CRISTA instrument. We focused on a limited subset of our reasoning that geographical and vertical trends in the small-scale temperature variability could be compared with similar trends observed in November 1994 by the CRISTA-SPAS satellite. Results, backed up with hindcasts from the Mountain Wave Forecast Model (MWFM), reveal strong evidence of mountain waves, most persuasively in the Himalayas on 16-17 November, 1992. These CLAES results are coherent over the 30-50 km range and compare well with MWFM hindcasts for the same period. This constitutes, we believe, the first clear evidence that CLAES explicitly resolved long wavelength gravity waves in its CO2 temperature channel. A series of other tasks, related to mesoscale modeling of mountain waves in CRISTA data and fitting of ground-based and HRDI data on global scales, were seen through to publication stage in peer-reviewed journals.

Heating of large format filters in sub-mm and fir space optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baccichet, N.; Savini, G.

2017-11-01

Most FIR and sub-mm space borne observatories use polymer-based quasi-optical elements like filters and lenses, due to their high transparency and low absorption in such wavelength ranges. Nevertheless, data from those missions have proven that thermal imbalances in the instrument (not caused by filters) can complicate the data analysis. Consequently, for future, higher precision instrumentation, further investigation is required on any thermal imbalances embedded in such polymer-based filters. Particularly, in this paper the heating of polymers when operating at cryogenic temperature in space will be studied. Such phenomenon is an important aspect of their functioning since the transient emission of unwanted thermal radiation may affect the scientific measurements. To assess this effect, a computer model was developed for polypropylene based filters and PTFE-based coatings. Specifically, a theoretical model of their thermal properties was created and used into a multi-physics simulation that accounts for conductive and radiative heating effects of large optical elements, the geometry of which was suggested by the large format array instruments designed for future space missions. It was found that in the simulated conditions, the filters temperature was characterized by a time-dependent behaviour, modulated by a small scale fluctuation. Moreover, it was noticed that thermalization was reached only when a low power input was present.