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Novel Recuperator Design for Cryogenic Fluid Management System

Cryocoolers are essential systems in many space exploration missions to maintain propellants at cryogenic temperatures. Cryogenic recuperators are a key component of these cryocoolers and dictate the performance of the system. NASA is seeking to reduce the cost and increase the performance of cryogenic recuperators (also called Heat Exchangers) by utilizing Additive Manufacturing (AM) technologies.

Key problem(s) to be solved or system(s) to be designed.
Traditional shell and tube recuperator designs used in cryogenic systems are labor intensive to fabricate and manufacturing defects are a common problem. Can the GrabCAD community generate cryocooler recuperator designs with topologies that take advantage of the latest AM techniques to simplify the recuperator fabrication process without sacrificing performance?


Fig: Example of a Shell and Tube Recuperator

High-level requirements, assumptions and/or constraints.
Designs using AM technologies can take advantage of complex geometries with internal structures and channel sizes that would be difficult or impossible to fabricate with traditional methods.

In addition to cost reductions, designers should also seek to improve the thermal heat exchange efficiency, reduce mass and volume, reduce pressure drops, and consider innovative materials and material properties that can be produced through additive manufacturing.

Background:
NASA’s endeavors in cis-lunar, lunar, and Martian exploration all benefit from being able to use cryogenic propellants. However, maintaining the cryogenic temperatures that those propellants require poses a significant challenge as the vacuum and intense temperature variations in space render cryogenic cooling difficult. This challenge remains an obstacle for its efficient use as a mode of in-space travel.

NASA has identified that using advanced manufacturing techniques such as selective laser sintering, laser powder bed fusion, directed energy deposition, or others, could enable a reimagining of the traditional design of many propulsion system components. By applying these manufacturing practices, the goal is to enable novel design concepts that show improved manufacturability, performance, and/or mass.

Challenge Details:
The state of the art for recuperative heat exchangers is focused on increased heat transfer efficiency, compact designs, advanced materials, and integration with other cryocooler systems.

Some drawbacks to traditionally designed and manufactured components is the difficulty in the process and the manufacturing limitations. Traditional shell and tube models require precision engineering and energy recovery systems. Designs should reduce assembly and joining operations.

Innovations such as advanced coatings, 3D printing, optimized fluid flow management, microchannels, thermally anisotropic materials, and lattice structures can enable these devices to operate more efficiently than realized in current practice.

NASA has advanced many additive manufacturing technologies and is seeking innovative designs of an optimized recuperator that can take advantage of them https://www.nasa.gov/centers-and-facilities/glenn/nasa-additive-manufacturing-project-shapes-future-for-agency-industry-rocket-makers/. It is hoped that the winning designs from this challenge can be prototyped and tested to see how they compare to traditional designs. Advancing the state of the art of cryogenic systems is a key technology shortfall that NASA has identified for enabling long term storage of cryogens in orbit and in deep space.

Detailed requirements, assumptions and/or constraints.
The requirements for this concept are flexible to account for design innovation but are expected to be approximately as follows:
Reduced fabrication costs: ~50% (high priority)
Power Density: ~100 W/Kg
Effectiveness: >0.97
Operating temperatures: Cold side 90K, Hot Side 300K
Operating pressure: ~150psi

Secondary objectives would be to facilitate a working fluid (neon) at a rate >20 gm/s, and to minimize pressure drop.

Available CAD models, data, or other references.
While we can’t supply any specific models or data, some methods to meet requirements may include the use of topology optimization or generative designs with lattices, gyroids, or other complex geometries.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheatmasstransfer.2021.121600

https://cdn.techscience.cn/uploads/attached/file/20230628/20230628151101_64112.pdf

Key Criteria: Must be included in the submissions

In addition to the CAD Models, submissions should include a one or two page description document of the models that discusses materials, AM methods that are expected to be used and any other key information that may not be evident from the models alone.

Predicted thermal performance/CFD analysis are not required but are encouraged.

Evaluation Criteria and Weighting Factors
1. Feasibility of manufacturing, fabrication, and assembly of recuperator design and ability to lower production costs. (20%)
2. Incorporation of new or novel manufacturing technologies in model description. (15%)
3. Ability to meet efficiency requirements demonstrated by design. Bonus points may be awarded for CFD analysis. (10%)
4. Ability to meet power density requirements and demonstrated in a compact design. (15%)
5. Ability to meet operating temperature constraints demonstrated by design. (15%)
6. Ability to meet operating pressure constraints demonstrated by design. (15%)
7 . Quality and fidelity of the 3D models and renderings. (5%)
8 . How innovative the concept is when compared to other submissions. (5%)

Requirements

  • REQUIRED DELIVERABLES (CAD files, reports, images, etc.)
    CAD Files used in model.

  • ACCEPTED FILE FORMATS
    ● STEP, IGS or native Solidworks files are acceptable for CAD.
    o If applicable, use a CAD file naming convention that makes it easy to determine how each file fits into the larger assembly.
    ● Any image files should be .jpg or .png
    ● Any animations should be compatible with embedding in Microsoft PowerPoint and separate viewing in Windows Media Player
    ● Any accompanying reports should be in .pdf format (can be saved from Microsoft Word to a .pdf).
    ● If zipped, the file compression shall be compatible with Windows 10 and not require any special software to unzip.

  • PAGE LIMITS AND FILE SIZE LIMITS
    Total size of all files combined should not exceed 250 MB

Rules

  • ELIGIBILITY Solutions from countries listed as Type 1, 2, or 3 on the NASA Designated Countries List are Not eligible for monetary prizes. The list is frequently updated, and the latest version can be found here. This challenge is not open to NASA Personnel.

  • ENTERING THE COMPETITION The Challenge is open to everyone except employees and families of GrabCAD and the Sponsor. Multiple entries are welcome. Team entries are welcome. By entering the Challenge you: 1. Accept the official GrabCAD Challenges Terms & Conditions. 2. Agree to be bound by the decisions of the judges (Jury). 3. Warrant that you are eligible to participate. 4. Warrant that the submission is your original work. 5. Warrant, to the best of your knowledge, your work is not, and has not been in production or otherwise previously published or exhibited. 6. Warrant neither the work nor its use infringes the intellectual property rights (whether a patent, utility model, functional design right, aesthetic design right, trademark, copyright or any other intellectual property right) of any other person. 7. Warrant participation shall not constitute employment, assignment or offer of employment or assignment. 8. Are not entitled to any compensation or reimbursement for any costs. 9. Agree the Sponsor and GrabCAD have the right to promote all entries. If you think an entry may infringe on existing copyrighted materials, please email challenges@grabcad.com.

  • SUBMITTING AN ENTRY Only entries uploaded to GrabCAD through the "Submit entry" button on this Challenge page will be considered an entry. Only public entries are eligible. We encourage teams to use GrabCAD Print Pro (https://www.stratasys.com/en/software/grabcad-print-pro-trial/) for developing their entries. Entries are automatically given the tag "NASA_CryogenicFluidManagement" when uploading to GrabCAD. Please do not edit or delete this tag. Only entries with valid tag will participate in the Challenge.

  • AWARDING THE WINNERS The sum of the Awards is the total gross amount of the reward. The awarded participant is solely liable for the payment of all taxes, duties, and other similar measures if imposed on the reward pursuant to the legislation of the country of his/her residence, domicile, citizenship, workplace, or any other criterion of similar nature. Only 1 award per person. Prizes may not be transferred or exchanged. All winners will be contacted by the GrabCAD staff to get their contact information and any other information needed to get the prize to them. Payment of cash awards is made through Checks mailed to the Winners. All team awards will be transferred to the member who entered the Challenge. Vouchers will be provided in the form of Stratasys Direct Manufacturing promo codes. We will release the finalists before the announcement of the winners to give the Community an opportunity to share their favorites in the comments, discuss concerns, and allow time for any testing or analysis by the Jury. The Jury will take the feedback into consideration when picking the winners. Winning designs will be chosen based on the Rules and Requirements schedule.

  • INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CONSIDERATIONS Copyright Stipulations o All material (including the CAD model itself and all written documents) must be free of any copyright restrictions. • Use only models, photos, or images created during the project unless you have obtained the right from the copyright owner for unrestricted use – do not blindly copy images from internet websites. • Images on .gov websites are often (but not always) public data; check before assuming it is public material. • CAD-Only Rendering Requirement – All renderings and visual representations submitted for NASA challenges must be directly generated from CAD software or other approved design tools. The use of generative AI to create or enhance submissions is prohibited. This policy ensures that all entries are original works and prevents the inadvertent inclusion of copyrighted material that may be present in AI generated content. Participants are responsible for ensuring their submissions comply with this requirement to maintain the integrity of the challenge and respect intellectual property rights. Include documentation of any usage permissions The Government is seeking a full government purpose usage license for further development of the concept. There is potential that the winning concepts could be included in follow-on studies.

  • SCHEDULE This Challenge ends on May 2, 2025 at 11:59PM Eastern Standard Time. Any Changes after the date will be considered as disqualifications.

  • EVALUATION CRITERIA AND WEIGHTING FACTORS (what you will base your judgment on). See evaluation criteria in challenge guidelines.

Prizes

Total Prizes: $7,000

1st Place

$3,000

2nd Place

$1,800

3rd Place

$1,200

4th Place

$750

5th Place

$250

About the jury?

Evaluation Panel Members:
Ben WIlliams - AST, Liquid Propulsion Systems, NASA
Luke Scharber - AST, Aerospace Flight Systems, NASA
Paul Gradl - AST, Aerospace Flight Systems, NASA
Will Sixel - AST, Heat Transfer, NASA
Lonnie Webb - Engineer, NASA

About Ben WIlliams: AST, Liquid Propulsion Systems

Engine Components Development & Technical Branch

95 comments

  • Dario de Santiago

    Dario de Santiago 7 months ago

    Hello, I have a few questions for this challenge. Does the model require any special type of connection? Flange, thread, a particular standard, and a particular diameter? I suppose this is important because the exchanger must be connected somewhere or to a test bench.
    Will it be used with hydrogen? To take into account the issue of hydrogen embrittlement.

    Dario de Santiago has uploaded 31 CAD models & has left 116 comments.
  • Braxton Moody

    Braxton Moody 7 months ago

    1 - What launch conditions shall be considered (250g)? Orientation during launch?
    2 - What are the size constraints?
    .
    Super excited about this challenge.

    Braxton Moody has uploaded 8 CAD models & has left 14 comments.
  • Melville

    Melville 7 months ago

    Greetings @Respected Organizers
    Thank you for another opportunity and time for reading my query
    I think there would be " feasible and economic" solutions "without gyroid"
    Because there are "no prototypes" with bronze gyroids
    Making a prototype with bronze gyroid would be dollars 10000 plus
    According to my reading the best material for cryogenic recuperators
    Would be aluminium copper and bronze

    Again Sorry for being blunt
    Making a gyroid would crash a medium 3d printer and defeat goal of cost effectiveness

    Melville has uploaded 18 CAD models & has left 68 comments.
  • Yasin Sumar

    Yasin Sumar 7 months ago

    That's too much data to take into account for a B-Tech student, I’ll pass my turn.

    Yasin Sumar has uploaded 1 CAD models & has left 1 comments.
  • Ben Williams

    Ben Williams 7 months ago

    @Melville A gyroid does not necessarily need to be the design chosen for this project. There are other design solutions that can incorporate AM and potentially meet efficiencies seen by the traditionally manufactured recuperators.

    Ben Williams has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 23 comments.
  • Melville

    Melville 7 months ago

    Greetings
    @Ben Williams
    Thanking you for your reply
    I have started preparing my entry
    I have a research paper that similarly matches NASA requirements
    Can I share this "open source Chinese research "
    Testing is for water as working-fluid not cryogenic fluid

    Anyways this research uses a gyroid and improved the efficiency by 50 percent

    So Shell and tube wont carry negative marks right ?

    Thanks for your precious time

    Melville has uploaded 18 CAD models & has left 68 comments.
  • Ben Williams

    Ben Williams 7 months ago

    @Dario The recuperator would, theoretically be tested with a test bench. You do not need to model these connectors in detail for the purpose of this challenge. However, if it is easier for you, please use AN5202 and a 1" diameter. The working fluid will be neon.

    Ben Williams has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 23 comments.
  • Ben Williams

    Ben Williams 7 months ago

    @Braxton We intentionally left these constraints ambiguous to leave the design space more open. We didn't want to make the design/analysis extremely difficult. But if those constraints would help:
    1. NASA Standard GSFC-STD-7000
    2. mass = ~55 lbm, volume = ~1325 in3

    Ben Williams has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 23 comments.
  • Ben Williams

    Ben Williams 7 months ago

    @Melville Your design solution (and your design sources) are totally up to you! We will consider and score all design solutions but incorporating novel manufacturing techniques is a key component we're looking.

    Ben Williams has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 23 comments.
  • Marcelo Valderrey

    Marcelo Valderrey 7 months ago

    Hello!
    .
    I need to ask a question whose answer may seem obvious from the challenge statement, but it arises in an academic context where we encourage future conceptual designers to challenge the restrictions of the design request, to determine if any of them are eventually dismissable and, even more importantly, to avoid adding non-existent restrictions due to misinterpretations.
    .
    With that being said, my question is: should I take the phrase "NASA is seeking to reduce the cost and increase the performance of cryogenic recuperators (also called Heat Exchangers) by utilizing Additive Manufacturing (AM) technologies." literally, interpreting that the use of additive manufacturing is imperative?
    .
    Or, could I assume that the more important part of the phrase is "NASA is seeking to reduce the cost and increase the performance of cryogenic recuperators (also called Heat Exchangers)," and therefore consider different or hybrid options where CNC machining, casting, etc., and most likely, additive manufacturing could be present?
    .
    Thank you very much in advance for any guidance you can provide on this matter, so I can pass it on to the group of engineering students who will be participating in this wonderful challenge.

    Marcelo Valderrey has uploaded 129 CAD models & has left 1076 comments.
  • Ben Williams

    Ben Williams 7 months ago

    @Marcelo Please refer to the Evaluation Criteria and Weighting Factors section! Incorporating AM into your design is not explicitly stated in our evaluation criteria. So other innovative manufacturing techniques are fair game as well!

    Ben Williams has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 23 comments.
  • Marcelo Valderrey

    Marcelo Valderrey 7 months ago

    Thank you very much for the reply!

    Marcelo Valderrey has uploaded 129 CAD models & has left 1076 comments.
  • Dario de Santiago

    Dario de Santiago 7 months ago

    @Ben Thanks for the reply

    Dario de Santiago has uploaded 31 CAD models & has left 116 comments.
  • Melville

    Melville 7 months ago

    Greetings
    @Ben Williams
    Thanks for reading my comment
    Will work on my entry with dedication
    Also thanks for Nasa testing standards document
    Hoping my entry will inspire and add value to Nasa

    Melville has uploaded 18 CAD models & has left 68 comments.
  • Frando Vermaak

    Frando Vermaak 7 months ago

    Hi I hope that you are doing well, Will both hot side and cold side fluids be at the operating pressure of 150psi. If not what pressure can we assume for the gas entering each of the inlets.

    Frando Vermaak has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 1 comments.
  • Dario de Santiago

    Dario de Santiago 7 months ago

    El neon es un gas por arriba de los 24.6K

    Dario de Santiago has uploaded 31 CAD models & has left 116 comments.
  • Melville

    Melville 7 months ago

    Hi @Respected Organizers
    Greetings Once again
    One more clarification
    Which is the hot fluid and cold fluid
    Is it both neon(gas) or neon with another ?
    I require this data to improve my calculations !🙂
    Any suggested chart for properties of Neon
    There is very little "free data" on google on neon properties
    I believe NASA would have reliable Neon Property data ?
    One more query
    Is Nasa acceptable to METAL 3d printing like copper/steel
    Thanks

    Melville has uploaded 18 CAD models & has left 68 comments.
  • Biplap Deka

    Biplap Deka 7 months ago

    Sir, are OBJ and STL files allowed for model submission ?

    Biplap Deka has uploaded 11 CAD models & has left 4 comments.
  • Carlos J. Veloso

    Carlos J. Veloso 7 months ago

    Melville, really??? Are you not reading the descriptions and requirements? Especially the last question, "Is Nasa acceptable to METAL 3d printing like copper/steel"

    Carlos J. Veloso has uploaded 13 CAD models & has left 844 comments.
  • Melville

    Melville 7 months ago

    Greetings Mr Carlos
    Sorry for sounding " stupid "
    I have read the description It mentions "3d printing and additive manufacturing"
    Not specifically copper and stainless steel "metal sintered printing"
    Resin 3d printing is "cheaper " than " metal ones"
    I am just clarifying whether Nasa has a metallic powder laser sintering 3d printer
    Mr Williams Clarified heat exchanger will be a heavy device

    Melville has uploaded 18 CAD models & has left 68 comments.
  • Agustin Pernigotti

    Agustin Pernigotti 7 months ago

    Hello,

    With regards the materials that need to be used. In one of the papers provided I've seen a material widely used for cryogenic applications. However there not to much inf if any about the thermal conductivity at low temperatures. I've been researching about it but I only get thermal behaviour between 25°-400° C, and some only two values at 20° K and 40° K. With regards this information is it possible to give an advice on where to find it? Or some hint? Does the NASA know something about?

    I know that the Conductivity has a linear behaviour, and at different temperatures the material structure changes, hence its coefficient. But it would be of some help to get this info or where to get it , if you know something.

    Best Regards
    Thank you

    Agustin Pernigotti has uploaded 6 CAD models & has left 2 comments.
  • Melville

    Melville 7 months ago

    Greetings Melville here
    I agree with Agustin with respect to the thermal conductivity
    And also like to add "cryogenic thermal contraction" at low temperatures
    Anyways taking these into consideration improves safety of heat exchanger
    Some Steels are reported not to brittle at low temperatures cyclic loading

    Melville has uploaded 18 CAD models & has left 68 comments.
  • Ben Williams

    Ben Williams 7 months ago

    Sorry for the lateness of the following replies, everyone:

    Ben Williams has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 23 comments.
  • Ben Williams

    Ben Williams 7 months ago

    @Frando 150 psi will be the max pressure the system may see. But the operating range could be between 60 -150 psi. The cold side will likely be about 30 - 40 psi lower than the warm side

    Ben Williams has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 23 comments.
  • Ben Williams

    Ben Williams 7 months ago

    @Melville Neon is both the hot fluid and the cold fluid. In a full cryocooler system, the system is closed loop so the neon fluid goes through both ends of the recuperator.

    I do not have a specific NASA spec for neon but you can use properties you find on the internet. "Engineering Toolbox" is a helpful website for this.

    Metal 3D printing of copper steel is certainly acceptable.

    Ben Williams has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 23 comments.
  • Ben Williams

    Ben Williams 7 months ago

    @Biplap STL files are preferred but OBJ files are also accepted.

    Ben Williams has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 23 comments.
  • Ben Williams

    Ben Williams 7 months ago

    @Agustin and @Melville I appreciate your thoroughness on this project. However, full cryogenic material properties is a bit too detailed for what we're looking for. While, choosing a material that can theoretically function under cryogenic temperatures is pertinent, it is perfectly acceptable to use material properties at room temperature for your analyses. Please note this discrepancy in your final submission and we will take that into account.

    Ben Williams has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 23 comments.
  • Agustin Pernigotti

    Agustin Pernigotti 7 months ago

    Thanks Ben for your quick reply!

    Agustin Pernigotti has uploaded 6 CAD models & has left 2 comments.
  • svpetar

    svpetar 7 months ago

    This is shame! NASA is asking for help and not to pay!

    svpetar has uploaded 166 CAD models & has left 37 comments.
  • Dario de Santiago

    Dario de Santiago 7 months ago

    Question: Will the mass flow rate (20 g/s) be the same in both (refrigerant and cooled) neon circuits?

    Dario de Santiago has uploaded 31 CAD models & has left 116 comments.
  • Ben Williams

    Ben Williams 7 months ago

    @Dario Mass flow rate should be the same (20 g/s) at both ends (warm and cold) of the recuperator.

    Ben Williams has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 23 comments.
  • Marcelo Valderrey

    Marcelo Valderrey 7 months ago

    I'll use @Dario's question to check if I understood correctly:
    .
    Is this a closed system in which neon circulates as an active fluid to cool the external fluid (oxygen, methane, etc.) and to cool itself?
    .
    That is, the neon flow in a closed circuit is "distributed" between a "neon-external fluid" exchanger (to provide the main useful effect: cooling the fuel) and another "neon-neon" exchanger-recovery unit (to cool the neon itself before re-entering the compressor). This challenge refers only to the design of the neon-neon exchanger-recovery unit: is this correct, or have I misinterpreted the system?

    Marcelo Valderrey has uploaded 129 CAD models & has left 1076 comments.
  • Ben Williams

    Ben Williams 7 months ago

    @Marcelo This recuperator would theoretically be a part of a cryocooler which would be used to maintain rocket engine propellants at cryogenic temperatures. This would be a closed loop system so neon circulates as the working fluid and cools a propellant tank.

    I believe your understanding of the system is correct. This challenge only refers to the neon-neon heat exchanger that is used for working fluid temperature recovery.

    Ben Williams has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 23 comments.
  • Marcelo Valderrey

    Marcelo Valderrey 7 months ago

    @Ben Williams, thanks so much for the reply.

    Marcelo Valderrey has uploaded 129 CAD models & has left 1076 comments.
  • Dario de Santiago

    Dario de Santiago 7 months ago

    From what I understand, the heat exchanger is tested on a test bench where neon is used as the fluid to characterize the heat exchanger. This fluid is pumped at a pressure of 150 psi in a closed circuit. The cold neon enters at 90 K and the hot neon returns from the test bench at 300 K and re-enters through the inlet of the hot circuit of the exchanger to be tested. I assume they will have pressure and temperature recorders at each outlet. This way, the transfer efficiency and pressure loss can be calculated. All of this is an assumption based on the data provided. If it is correct, please confirm.

    Dario de Santiago has uploaded 31 CAD models & has left 116 comments.
  • Ben Williams

    Ben Williams 7 months ago

    @Dario this is exactly correct for component testing.

    Ben Williams has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 23 comments.
  • Dario de Santiago

    Dario de Santiago 7 months ago

    Thanks @Ben. I think I understand better now. The key word is "regenerator." This exchanger would be used with the cooling fluid that enters and exits the cooling coil inside the tank and the pumping and cooling system. The goal would be to recover the temperature of the fluid before entering the pumping and cooling system to maximize the latter's efficiency.

    Dario de Santiago has uploaded 31 CAD models & has left 116 comments.
  • Marcelo Valderrey

    Marcelo Valderrey 7 months ago

    I'm sharing a diagram with my interpretation. If it's not correct, I hope it's helpful in getting to the true diagram. If what I think is correct, note that "our recuperator" works with a neon flow rate for cooling (I called it "flow rate 3") that is lower than the neon flow rate to be cooled (shown in the diagram as "flow rate 1+2+3")...
    .
    Schematic of the "neon recuperator"

    Marcelo Valderrey has uploaded 129 CAD models & has left 1076 comments.
  • Melville

    Melville 7 months ago

    Greetings @Ben
    Thanks for the quick replies to my previous queries
    I will try to make this my last question
    Is the Neon flow considered to be supersonic or subsonic
    Your help is highly appreciated
    It will be useful in my design checking before submission

    Melville has uploaded 18 CAD models & has left 68 comments.
  • Ben Williams

    Ben Williams 7 months ago

    @Melville the flow is subsonic. The neon fluid is just the working fluid for the cryocooler - not the propellant for a thruster. The neon will not be used for any thrust generation.

    Ben Williams has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 23 comments.
  • Melville

    Melville 7 months ago

    @Ben Thanks for the quick feedback
    Any upper limits of velocity 10 m/s or say 30 m/s
    I understand we have to work between turbulent and subsonic flow
    I hope this question will not violate "intellectual property"
    Because in another mentions "Thieves are looking at these competitions to steal trade secrets "

    Melville has uploaded 18 CAD models & has left 68 comments.
  • Marcelo Valderrey

    Marcelo Valderrey 7 months ago

    I am sharing an update of the possible general scheme, now operating in batches with the help of two neon tanks, which means the recuperator could always operate with the same input and output flow rate (20 g/s).
    .
    Schematic of the "neon recuperator"

    Marcelo Valderrey has uploaded 129 CAD models & has left 1076 comments.
  • Dario de Santiago

    Dario de Santiago 6 months ago

    Yo creo es más parecido a los equipos que se usan en los grandes tanques de glp en el fondo del tanque hay una serpentina por dónde circula el refrigerante en nuestro caso neon. Entre ese serpentin y el equipo de refrigeración se coloca un intercambiador de regeneracion que lo que hace es regenerar la temperatura del fluido que retorna al refrigerador . Recuérdese que esté tiene un rango óptimo de funcionamiento el regenerador evita que te operé fuera del mismo. Y a máxima eficiencia

    Dario de Santiago has uploaded 31 CAD models & has left 116 comments.
  • Dario de Santiago

    Dario de Santiago 6 months ago

    El problema es que no a mayor superficie va a ser más eficiente hay un dimensionamiento de equilibrio entre la superficie , conductividad del material y flujo de gas. Demasiada superficie puede ser tan malo como tener poca superficie. O

    Dario de Santiago has uploaded 31 CAD models & has left 116 comments.
  • Dario de Santiago

    Dario de Santiago 6 months ago

    Hi @Ben, I have a question. Will you test the neon proposals in a simulation under the challenge's conditions? Or perhaps print some preselected designs and test them on a test bench? Or simply suggestively evaluate which solution might work and then test the winning solution.

    Dario de Santiago has uploaded 31 CAD models & has left 116 comments.
  • Melville

    Melville 6 months ago

    Greetings @Ben
    I highly agree with Dario's question How will finals be judged ?

    Melville has uploaded 18 CAD models & has left 68 comments.
  • Dario de Santiago

    Dario de Santiago 6 months ago

    I see many of us are overwhelmed by another challenge: "South Pole Safety Designing the NASA Lunar Rescue System," because I recognize them by name. Well, greetings, colleagues, don't give up.

    Dario de Santiago has uploaded 31 CAD models & has left 116 comments.
  • Ben Williams

    Ben Williams 6 months ago

    @Dario and @ Melville, the submissions will be judged purely on a conceptual basis. There is a possibility that the winning submission will be printed and tested, but this is not guaranteed.

    Ben Williams has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 23 comments.
  • Dario de Santiago

    Dario de Santiago 6 months ago

    ok

    Dario de Santiago has uploaded 31 CAD models & has left 116 comments.
  • geo

    geo 6 months ago

    3D metal printing is a new topic for me with many questions.
    I read and found this machine for a Depowdering system for small tubes.
    https://youtu.be/wNbrIWDaHDc

    geo has uploaded 57 CAD models & has left 1139 comments.
  • Dario de Santiago

    Dario de Santiago 6 months ago

    Why has my proposal and model disappeared from the challenge?

    Dario de Santiago has uploaded 31 CAD models & has left 116 comments.
  • Ben Williams

    Ben Williams 6 months ago

    @Dario I'm not seeing your submission either. I never received an email saying that you submitted an entry. Try to resubmit if possible.

    Ben Williams has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 23 comments.
  • Dario de Santiago

    Dario de Santiago 6 months ago

    Thanks @Ben. I've re-uploaded it. It was the first entry submitted to this challenge.

    Dario de Santiago has uploaded 31 CAD models & has left 116 comments.
  • Melville

    Melville 6 months ago

    Hello @Ben and rest of competition Colleagues
    Heartfelt and appreciative Thanks for all the Information and support
    My Calculations are Finally complete
    I will try to Upload three entries Simple intermediate and complex
    May Nasa select what pleases it most

    Melville has uploaded 18 CAD models & has left 68 comments.
  • Fredrick  Dismas

    Fredrick Dismas 6 months ago

    Am still a beginner 😎. I will once get to your levels @Dario, @Ben and other competition colleagues

    Fredrick Dismas has uploaded 1 CAD models & has left 1 comments.
  • Guido S

    Guido S 6 months ago

    Hi, Does anyone have any good resource for doing the calculations?

    Guido S has uploaded 3 CAD models & has left 7 comments.
  • Govind Singh

    Govind Singh 6 months ago

    Hlo sir,
    I want to know that how many entries are allowed for submission from one person??

    Govind Singh has uploaded 13 CAD models & has left 7 comments.
  • Ben Williams

    Ben Williams 6 months ago

    @Govind no limit on submissions per person!

    Ben Williams has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 23 comments.
  • Govind Singh

    Govind Singh 6 months ago

    @Ben Thanks for reply. I am working on my design & submit in few days.

    Govind Singh has uploaded 13 CAD models & has left 7 comments.
  • Dario de Santiago

    Dario de Santiago 6 months ago

    Para los calculos el libro de Transferencia de calor y masa de Yunus y el libro de termodinamica de boles por la pagina 824 mas o menos . Metodos NUT y LMTD

    Dario de Santiago has uploaded 31 CAD models & has left 116 comments.
  • Dario de Santiago

    Dario de Santiago 6 months ago

    si no hay algunos xls dando vuelta en la web para calculos de intercambiadores

    Dario de Santiago has uploaded 31 CAD models & has left 116 comments.
  • Dario de Santiago

    Dario de Santiago 6 months ago

    si haces el calculo puedes obtener el area nesesaria de intercambio si el area de tu intercambiador se aleja mucho de ese numero tanto de mas como de menos su eficiencia caera drasticamente.

    Dario de Santiago has uploaded 31 CAD models & has left 116 comments.
  • Alexander COsta

    Alexander COsta 6 months ago

    So, NASA is looking for a state-of-the-art, multiphysics complex solution paying only 3k$ to the winner?

    Alexander COsta has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 1 comments.
  • Guido S

    Guido S 6 months ago

    Thank you @Dario de Santiago

    Guido S has uploaded 3 CAD models & has left 7 comments.
  • Magnus Condor Dragnir (MCD)

    Magnus Condor Dragnir (MCD) 6 months ago

    Hi dear Organizers

    Please,

    What is the minimum thickness for a CuCrZr alloy that your additive manufacturing technology can achieve?
    Assuming that 150 psi corresponds to the working pressure of Neon at 90K, can we know what is the working pressure of hydrogen or is it static?
    It's important for our design and simulations.

    Politely

    Magnus Condor Dragnir (MCD) has uploaded 1 CAD models & has left 9 comments.
  • Magnus Condor Dragnir (MCD)

    Magnus Condor Dragnir (MCD) 6 months ago

    By hydrogen, I mean propellant/propergol (LH_2) who is probably the element that we want to cold.

    Magnus Condor Dragnir (MCD) has uploaded 1 CAD models & has left 9 comments.
  • Ben Williams

    Ben Williams 6 months ago

    @magnus You can assume the pressure relates to both working fluids. You can also assume that the minimum thickness for AM CuCrZr is 0.060".

    Ben Williams has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 23 comments.
  • Donald Jacob

    Donald Jacob 6 months ago

    Hi Ben Williams
    Please will .stl files be allowed? The software I am using for this complex geometry and testing has a very difficult time converting the model to a STEP file, and it also takes over 8 hours to do so. Much smaller models which I successfully converted already exceeded 1Gb in size.

    Donald Jacob has uploaded 30 CAD models & has left 36 comments.
  • Ben Williams

    Ben Williams 6 months ago

    @Donald yes we'll accept .stl files!

    Ben Williams has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 23 comments.
  • george aziz

    george aziz 6 months ago

    Dear @Ben Williams the software i am using produced 2 gb( .x_t) file and i am afraid that i have no idea how to reduce the size of my design can i submit the 2 gb file

    george aziz has uploaded 11 CAD models & has left 6 comments.
  • Ben Williams

    Ben Williams 5 months ago

    @George yes that'll be fine!

    Ben Williams has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 23 comments.
  • Magnus Condor Dragnir (MCD)

    Magnus Condor Dragnir (MCD) 5 months ago

    Please I'll send my own Sir.
    a truly subtle and elegant solution.

    I'm doing last simulation under Ansys Fluent.

    Magnus Condor Dragnir (MCD) has uploaded 1 CAD models & has left 9 comments.
  • Dhruv Gandhi

    Dhruv Gandhi 5 months ago

    Hey @Ben !
    I recently submitted my design but left out a few files (due to a file size limit clause in the challenge description)
    If allowed, can I add them onto my submission (given there's still some time left)
    Mostly an STL and IGES file and a couple of renders
    Cheers!

    Dhruv Gandhi has uploaded 7 CAD models & has left 23 comments.
  • Magnus Condor Dragnir (MCD)

    Magnus Condor Dragnir (MCD) 5 months ago

    Hello

    I can't upload my .py file that I used for my calculations. The Grabcad platform says that this file tpe is not allowed and this message always appears even when I archive the file in .rar or .zip format

    What to do?

    Very politely,
    MCD.

    Magnus Condor Dragnir (MCD) has uploaded 1 CAD models & has left 9 comments.
  • Magnus Condor Dragnir (MCD)

    Magnus Condor Dragnir (MCD) 5 months ago

    I have seen too many gyroids, including the models that I had thought of designing, and as it is of my own, I wanted to do things differently by proposing an even more elegant and original system.

    Very Politely,
    MCD

    Magnus Condor Dragnir (MCD) has uploaded 1 CAD models & has left 9 comments.
  • CryoFlux

    CryoFlux 5 months ago

    Hi Ben. I'm having difficulty uploading my files. The only message I'm getting is 'File type not allowed'. I'm uploading SolidWorks files and I used the Pack and Go feature. Am I missing something?

    CryoFlux has uploaded 1 CAD models & has left 1 comments.
  • Dario de Santiago

    Dario de Santiago 5 months ago

    Uploading the files was a nightmare. I managed it with great difficulty, since by nature, an exchanger has many surfaces and intricate details, resulting in very complex surfaces, resulting in gigantic files. I see that the GrabCAD page doesn't render them, nor can they be viewed. Is this a rendering issue on the page? Or did I upload the files incorrectly?

    Dario de Santiago has uploaded 31 CAD models & has left 116 comments.
  • Marcelo Valderrey

    Marcelo Valderrey 5 months ago

    Hi Dario!
    I couldn't even download a 500MB STEP file, thinking it was due to the size limitations imposed by the challenge. So I uploaded another "full" model outside the scope of the challenge, but GrabCAD wouldn't let me upload that STEP file either.

    Marcelo Valderrey has uploaded 129 CAD models & has left 1076 comments.
  • Dario de Santiago

    Dario de Santiago 5 months ago

    Thanks @Marcelo. I hope if you can't see it at least you can download and open it.

    Dario de Santiago has uploaded 31 CAD models & has left 116 comments.
  • Dario de Santiago

    Dario de Santiago 5 months ago

    Hello, has anyone managed to get close to 97% efficiency by calculating for neon gas, for example, using the NTU method, the required area, and the outlet temperatures? Or did you just do CFD?

    Dario de Santiago has uploaded 31 CAD models & has left 116 comments.
  • Ben Williams

    Ben Williams 5 months ago

    Hi @everyone. Thank you for you participation in this challenge! We appreciate all the time and hard work you guys put into your submissions. Due to the large number of submissions (100), our prize announcements may be a little delayed. We will work diligently to have the winners announced as soon as we can. Currently, we are planning to down select to around 20-30 submissions by the end of this week then choose winners by 5/20 or 5/21. Thank you for your patience.

    Ben Williams has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 23 comments.
  • Magnus Condor Dragnir (MCD)

    Magnus Condor Dragnir (MCD) 5 months ago

    Yes Sir. I calculate them. Using NTU method.

    - The required surface : 4.5 m²
    - the outlet temperature: 210.97 K
    - the length : 65.1 m
    - power density > 100 W/m²

    You can refer to my drawing to check it.

    Helical Cryogenic Scavenger with Double Interlocking Rectangular Walls,KN

    Magnus Condor Dragnir (MCD) has uploaded 1 CAD models & has left 9 comments.
  • Dario de Santiago

    Dario de Santiago 5 months ago

    Hello, for 97% efficiency, we should have had the same temperatures due to the eNUT calculation.
    Circuit 1: Input: 90 K, Output: 295.5 K
    Circuit 1: Input: 300 K, Output: 94.4 K
    What can vary is the surface area, which will depend on the Overall Transfer Coefficient (U).

    Dario de Santiago has uploaded 31 CAD models & has left 116 comments.
  • Dario de Santiago

    Dario de Santiago 5 months ago

    Hello, can I make a request to the jury? I think someone else would agree? The request is that they take into consideration that the following may be exceeded: PAGE LIMITS AND FILE SIZE LIMITS
    The total size of all files combined must not exceed 250 MB. The problem is that any heat exchanger for 97% efficiency using neon as a gas at the specified conditions would have surfaces between 2 and 20 m^2 with intricate structures, which implies that reaching those limits with topological structures or with fine details involves a large number of elements and surfaces in a CAD file. "Imagine the number of triangles an STL would have or the number of geometries in an STP." This implies file sizes greater than the limit, and especially if we count ferm captures, STL, STP, and other translations. There is no way unless it is a partial and poorly detailed construction that is nonfunctional.

    Dario de Santiago has uploaded 31 CAD models & has left 116 comments.
  • Dario de Santiago

    Dario de Santiago 5 months ago

    In case anyone is interested, I share the thermodynamic values ​​of Neon. Neon Valores Utiles

    Dario de Santiago has uploaded 31 CAD models & has left 116 comments.
  • Aytas

    Aytas 5 months ago

    Hi team, When can we expect the results?

    Aytas has uploaded 4 CAD models & has left 4 comments.
  • Ben Williams

    Ben Williams 5 months ago

    @Everyone I will submit final rankings to the GrabCAD hosts by the end of the day. Sorry for the delay!!

    Ben Williams has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 23 comments.
  • Dhruv Gandhi

    Dhruv Gandhi 5 months ago

    Thanks for the update @Ben Williams
    Best of luck guys!

    Dhruv Gandhi has uploaded 7 CAD models & has left 23 comments.
  • Melissa Yearta

    Melissa Yearta 5 months ago

    @everyone.
    Good day,
    All winners results are now posted! Congratulations to all who have won.

    Melissa Yearta has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 10 comments.
  • Augustine Uyah

    Augustine Uyah 5 months ago

    Congratulations to all the Winners!

    And special personal congratulations, Nwobodo! I am really happy for your incredible success!

    Augustine Uyah has uploaded 9 CAD models & has left 34 comments.
  • Marcelo Valderrey

    Marcelo Valderrey 5 months ago

    Congratulations to all the participants and especially to the winners!

    Marcelo Valderrey has uploaded 129 CAD models & has left 1076 comments.
  • Ben Williams

    Ben Williams 5 months ago

    Congratulations to everyone who participated! I understand this was a complex challenge so I deeply appreciate the time and effort everyone put into this. There were a lot of fantastic entries and it was a very difficult selection process.

    Ben Williams has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 23 comments.
  • Adam Bialko

    Adam Bialko 4 months ago

    Congratulations to winners and all who participated!

    Adam Bialko has uploaded 11 CAD models & has left 100 comments.
  • Jouni Huopana

    Jouni Huopana 4 months ago

    Thanks you and congratulations to all who contributet to this! This was an interesting puzzle with a lot of different pieces which had to work together.

    Jouni Huopana has uploaded 4 CAD models & has left 49 comments.
  • Floyd Marks Marks

    Floyd Marks Marks 23 days ago

    This is an exciting challenge! Additive manufacturing makes it possible to rethink traditional shell-and-tube recuperators by introducing gyroid structures, lattice frameworks, and optimized microchannels. Such designs could improve heat transfer efficiency, reduce fabrication costs, and meet the Effectiveness > 0.97 requirement with lighter, more compact components.

    For those who also follow innovative design solutions outside aerospace, Inland NW Windows explores efficiency and performance in a different industry.

    Floyd Marks Marks has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 1 comments.
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