ZERO GRAVITY CONTROL OF HYDROGEN AND CESIUM BY ELECTRICAL PHENOMENA.
Abstract
Investigations established the feasibility of dielectrophoretic separation and orientation of two-phases hydrogen in long-duration, large-scale, zero-g storage facilities. Laboratory analog tests were conducted which verified theoretical performance criteria. KC-135 flight tests demonstrated the validity of the analog results. A generalized computer-aided program was instituted for designing dielectrophoretic storage systems optimized with respect to weight penality. The total weight penalty for a typical, 4000 lb, voltage and frequency optimized dielectrophoretic orientation device is less than 2% of the payload. The electrical power level is 141 watts intermittently applied for approximately 1% of the mission time -- during venting or vapor delivery for propulsion system restarts. Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) and Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) phenomena were investigated for control of liquid cesium. EHD methods are not feasible. Several MHD methods were investigated. Only the traveling-wave induction machine satisfies the requirements for cesium control in zero-g. Theory for the cylindrical machine was derived and laboratory performance with mercury was demonstrated at the force levels required for control of cesium against 0.001 g in an interesting type of ion propulsion feed system. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1964
- Accession Number
- AD0604365
Entities
People
- E. John Fahimian
- John M. Reynolds
- Mathew Hurwitz