Engineering topics

Henry, M. W.

Publications and source records attributed to Henry, M. W..

11 records

NASA NTRS1988

Shuttle Entry Air Data System (SEADS) - Optimization of preflight algorithms based on flight results

The SEADS pressure model algorithm results were tested against other sources of air data, in particular, the Shuttle Best Estimated Trajectory (BET). The algorithm basis was also tested through a comparison of flight-measured pressure distribution vs the wind tunnel database. It is concluded that the successful flight of SEADS and the subsequent analysis of the data shows good agreement between BET and SEADS air data.

Wolf, H.↗

NASA NTRS1988

An evaluation of Shuttle Entry Air Data System (SEADS) flight pressures - Comparisons with wind tunnel and theoretical predictions

The SEADS pressure data obtained from the Shuttle flight 61-C are analyzed in conjunction with the preflight database. Based on wind tunnel data, the sensitivity of the Shuttle Orbiter stagnation region pressure distribution to angle of attack and Mach number is demonstrated. Comparisons are made between flight and wind tunnel SEADS orifice pressure distributions at several points throughout the re-entry. It is concluded that modified Newtonian theory provides a good tool for the design of a flush air data system, furnishing data for determining orifice locations and transducer sizing. Ground-based wind tunnel facilities are capable of providing the correction factors necessary for the derivation of accurate air data parameters from pressure data.

Henry, M. W.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Pressure distributions obtained on a 0.10-scale model of the space shuttle Orbiter's forebody in the AEDC 16T propulsion wind tunnel

Pressure distribution test data obtained on a 0.10-scale model of the forward fuselage of the Space Shuttle Orbiter are presented without analysis. The tests were completed in the AEDC 16T Propulsion Wind Tunnel. The 0.10-scale model was tested at angles of attack from -2 deg to 18 deg and angles of side slip from -6 to 6 deg at Mach numbers from 0.25 to 1/5 deg. The tests were conducted in support of the development of the Shuttle Entry Air Data System (SEADS). In addition to modeling the 20 SEADS orifices, the wind-tunnel model was also instrumented with orifices to match Development Flight Instrumentation (DFI) port locations that existed on the Space Shuttle Orbiter Columbia (OV-102) during the Orbiter Flight Test program. This DFI simulation has provided a means of comparisons between reentry flight pressure data and wind-tunnel and computational data.

Siemers, P. M., III↗

NASA NTRS1986

Pressure distributions obtained on a 0.10-scale model of the Space Shuttle Orbiter's forebody in the Ames Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel

Pressure distribution test data obtained on a 0.10-scale model of the forward fuselage of the Space Shuttle Orbiter are presented without analysis. The tests were completed in the Ames Unitary Wind Tunnel (UPWT). The UPWT tests were conducted in two different test sections operating in the continuous mode, the 8 x 7 feet and 9 x 7 feet test sections. Each test section has its own Mach number range, 1.6 to 2.5 and 2.5 to 3.5 for the 9 x 7 feet and 8 x 7 feet test section, respectively. The test Reynolds number ranged from 1.6 to 2.5 x 10 to the 6th power ft and 0.6 to 2.0 x 10 to the 6th power ft, respectively. The tests were conducted in support of the development of the Shuttle Entry Air Data System (SEADS). In addition to modeling the 20 SEADS orifices, the wind-tunnel model was also instrumented with orifices to match Development Flight Instrumentation (DFI) port locations that existed on the Space Shuttle Columbia (OV-102) during the Orbiter Flight test program. This DFI simulation has provided a means for comparisons between reentry flight pressure data and wind-tunnel and computational data.

Siemers, P. M., III↗

NASA NTRS1985

The definition of the Shuttle Tethered Aerothermodynamic Research Facility

Studies have been conducted to define the feasibility and practical limitations of the Shuttle Orbiter Tethered 'wind-tunnel' concept. This concept, referred to as the Shuttle Tethered Aerothermodynamic Research Facility (STARFAC), is proposed to provide researchers access to altitudes above 90 km to accomplish aerothermodynamic research in the rarefied upper atmosphere. Determining the feasibility and limitations of the concept has required the enhancement and/or development of mission simulation analytical techniques and control laws; the accomplishment of candidate mission simulations; the definition of instrumentation requirements, both for science and engineering; and the establishment of tether and satellite design requirements to meet STARFAC objectives. The results of the study, to date, indicate that such a concept is both feasible and practical. Representative results are presented, as are recommendations for continued studies which would result in program implementation.

Siemers, P. M., III↗

NASA NTRS1984

Final STS-11 (41-B) best estimate trajectory products: Development and results from the first Cape landing

The STS-11 (41-B) postflight data processing is completed and the results published. The final reconstructed entry trajectory is presented. The various atmospheric sources available for this flight are discussed. Aerodynamic Best Estimate of Trajectory BET generation and plots from this file are presented. A definition of the major maneuvers effected is given. Physical constants, including spacecraft mass properties; final residuals from the reconstruction process; trajectory parameter listings; and an archival section are included.

Kelly, G. M.↗

NASA NTRS1984

STS-9 BET products

The final products generated for the STS-9, which landed on December 8, 1983 are reported. The trajectory reconstruction utilized an anchor epoch of GMT corresponding to an initial altitude of h 356 kft, selected in view of the limited tracking coverage available. The final state utilized IMU2 measurements and was based on processing radar tracking from six C-bands and a single S-band station, plus six photo-theodolite cameras in the vicinity of Runway 17 at Edwards Air Force Base. The final atmosphere (FLAIR9/UN=581199C) was based on a composite of the remote measured data and the 1978 Air Force Reference Atmosphere model. The Extended BET is available as STS9BET/UN=274885C. The AEROBET and MMLE input files created are discussed. Plots of the more relevant parameters from the AEROBET (reel number NL0624) are included. Input parameters, final residual plots, a trajectory listing, and data archival information are defined.

Findlay, J. T.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Pressure distributions obtained on a 0.04-scale and 0.02-scale model of the Space Shuttle Orbiter's forward fuselage in the Langley continuous flow hypersonic tunnel

Results from pressure distribution tests on 0.04-scale and 0.02-scale models of the forward fuselage of the Space Shuttle Orbiter are presented without analysis. The tests wre completed in the Langley Continuous Flow Hypersonic Tunnel (CFHT). The 0.04-scale model was tested at angles of attack from -5 deg to 45 deg and angles of sideslip from -3 deg to 3 deg. The 0.02-scale model was tested at angles of attack from -10 deg to 45 deg and angles of sideslip from -5 deg to 5 deg. The tests were conducted in support of the development of the Shuttle Entry Air Data System (SEADS). In addition to modeling the 20 SEADS pressure orifices, the wind-tunnel models were also instrumented with orifices to match Development Flight Instrumentation (DFI) port locations currently existing on the Space Shuttle Orbiter Columbia (OV-102). This DFI simulation has provided a means for comparisons between reentry flight pressure data and wind-tunnel data.

Bradley, P. F.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Pressure distributions on a 0.04-scale model of the Space Shuttle Orbiter's forward fuselage in the Langley unitary plan wind tunnel

Pressure distribution tests on a 0.04-scale model of the forward fuselage of the Space Shuttle Orbiter are presented without analysis. The tests were completed in the Langley Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel (UPWT). The UPWT has two different test sections operating in the continuous mode. Each test section has its own Mach number range. The model was tested at angles of attack from -2.5 deg to 30 deg and angles of sideslip from -5 deg to 5 deg in both test sections. The test Reynolds number was 6.6 x 10 to the 6th power per meter. The tests were conducted in support of the development of the Shuttle Entry Air Data System (SEADS). In addition to modeling the 20 SEADS pressure orifices, the wind-tunnel model was also instrumented with orifices to match Development Flight Instrumentation (DFI) port locations currently existing on the Space Shuttle Orbiter Columbia (OV-102). This DFI simulation has provided a means for comparisons between reentry flight pressure data and wind-tunnel data.

Bradley, P. F.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Pressure distributions obtained on a 0.04-scale and 0.02-scale model of the Space Shuttle Orbiter's forward fuselage in the Langley 20-inch Mach 6 air tunnel

Results from pressure distribution tests on 0.04-scale and 0.02-scale models of the forward fuselage of the Space Shuttle Orbier are presented without analysis. The tests were completed in the Langley 20-Inch Mach 6 Tunnel. The 0.04-scale model was tested at angles of attack from 0 to 35 and angles of sideslip from 0 to -4. The 0.02-scale model was tested at angles of attack from -10 to 45 and angles of sideslip from 0 to -4. The tests were conducted in support of the development of the Shuttle Entry Air Data System (SEADS). In addition to modeling the 20 SEADS pressure orifices, the wind-tunnel to models were also instrumented with orifices to match Development Flight Instrumentation (DFI) port locations currently existing on the Space Shuttle Orbiter Columbia (OV-102). This DFI simulation had provided a means for comparisons between reentry flight pressure data and wind-tunnel data.

Bradley, P. F.↗

NASA NTRS1981

An extended BET format for La RC shuttle experiments: Definition and development

A program for shuttle post-flight data reduction is discussed. An extended Best Estimate Trajectory (BET) file was developed. The extended format results in some subtle changes to the header record. The major change is the addition of twenty-six words to each data record. These words include atmospheric related parameters, body axis rate and acceleration data, computed aerodynamic coefficients, and angular accelerations. These parameters were added to facilitate post-flight aerodynamic coefficient determinations as well as shuttle entry air data sensor analyses. Software (NEWBET) was developed to generate the extended BET file utilizing the previously defined ENTREE BET, a dynamic data file which may be either derived inertial measurement unit data or aerodynamic coefficient instrument package data, and some atmospheric information.

Findlay, J. T.↗