Search NASA⌕ Search

Engineering topics

Smith, R.

Publications and source records attributed to Smith, R..

48 records · Page 3
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1985

Visualization of computer-generated flow fields

Flow field variables are visualized using color representations described on surfaces that are interpolated from computational grids and transformed to digital images. The color at a point on a surface represents the magnitude of a variable, and several surfaces can be included in a single digital image. Typically the surfaces are a boundary surface, a windward surface, and a crossflow surface. Sequences of images, in pictorial form, are presented to describe an entire flow field or a time history of a flow field. Several examples are presented.

Smith, R.↗
NASA NTRS1983

High-temperature, high-pressure optical cells

For measuring the thermal diffusivity of HgCdTe melts by the laser-pulse method, an infrared transparent cell with flat windows of sufficient strength to withstand the high-vapor pressure of mercury had to be developed. Since mercury telluride expands on freezing, certain difficulties arose in returning the cell to room temperature without cracking it. T08 commercial fused silica is used in the construction of the cell, and the cells are transparent for wavelengths from about 3.5 microns in the infrared to 260 nm in the ultraviolet. The construction procedure for the required cells has been laborious. However, the obtained cell has routinely withstood internal pressures in excess of 60 atm at 900 C. Attention is given to the design of the windows, aspects of cell construction, and questions of loading.

Holland, L. R.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Comparative analysis of data base management systems

A study to determine if the Remote File Inquiry (RFI) system would handle the future requirements of the user community is discussed. RFI is a locally written and locally maintained on-line query/update package. The current and future on-line requirements of the user community were studied. Additional consideration was given to the types of data structuring the users required. The survey indicated the features of greatest benefit were: sort, subtotals, totals, record selection, storage of queries, global updating and the ability to page break. The major deficiencies were: one level of hierarchy, excessive response time, software unreliability, difficult to add, delete and modify records, complicated error messages and the lack of ability to perform interfield comparisons. Missing features users required were: formatted screens, interfield comparions, interfield arithmetic, multiple file access, security and data integrity. The survey team recommended Kennedy Space Center move forward to state-of-the-art software, a Data Base Management System which is thoroughly tested and easy to implement and use.

Smith, R.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Influence of maneuverability on helicopter combat effectiveness

A computational procedure employing a stochastic learning method in conjunction with dynamic simulation of helicopter flight and weapon system operation was used to derive helicopter maneuvering strategies. The derived strategies maximize either survival or kill probability and are in the form of a feedback control based upon threat visual or warning system cues. Maneuverability parameters implicit in the strategy development include maximum longitudinal acceleration and deceleration, maximum sustained and transient load factor turn rate at forward speed, and maximum pedal turn rate and lateral acceleration at hover. Results are presented in terms of probability of skill for all combat initial conditions for two threat categories.

Falco, M.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Landing flying qualities evaluation criteria for augmented aircraft

The criteria evaluated were: Calspan Neal-Smith; Onstott (Northrop Time Domain); McDonnell-Douglas Equivalent System Approach; R. H. Smith Criterion. Each criterion was applied to the same set of longitudinal approach and landing flying qualities data. A revised version of the Neal-Smith criterion which is applicable to the landing task was developed and tested against other landing flying qualities data. Results indicated that both the revised Neal-Smith criterion and the Equivalent System Approach are good discriminators of pitch landing flying qualities; Neal-Smith has particular merit as a design guide, while the Equivalent System Approach is well suited for development of appropriate military specification requirements applicable to highly augmented aircraft.

Radford, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Advanced General Aviation Turbine Engine (GATE) study

The small engine technology requirements suitable for general aviation service in the 1987 to 1988 time frame were defined. The market analysis showed potential United States engines sales of 31,500 per year providing that the turbine engine sales price approaches current reciprocating engine prices. An optimum engine design was prepared for four categories of fixed wing aircraft and for rotary wing applications. A common core approach was derived from the optimum engines that maximizes engine commonality over the power spectrum with a projected price competitive with reciprocating piston engines. The advanced technology features reduced engine cost, approximately 50 percent compared with current technology.

Smith, R.↗
NASA NTRS1976

An Atmospheric Cloud Physics Laboratory for the Space Laboratory

Results of research and engineering analyses to date show that it is feasible to develop and fly on the first Spacelab mission a multipurpose laboratory in which experiments can be performed on the microphysical processes in atmospheric clouds. The paper presents a series of tables on the Atmospheric Cloud Physics Laboratory, with attention given to experiment classes, the preliminary equipment list (particle generators, optical and imaging devices, particle detectors and characterizers, etc.), initial equipment (scientific equipment subsystems and flight support subsystems), and scientific functional requirements (the expansion chamber, the continuous flow diffusion chamber, the static diffusion chamber, the humidifier, and particle generators).

Smith, R.↗
NASA NTRS1975

TENEX SAIL

SAIL, a high level ALGOL language for the PDP-10, is extended to operate under the TENEX time sharing system without executing DEC system calls. A large set of TENEX oriented runtime routines are added to allow complete access to TENEX. The emphasis is on compatibility of programs across time sharing systems and integrity of the language.

Smith, R.↗
NASA NTRS1975

ERTS-1 DCS technical support provided by Wallops Station

Wallops Station accepted the tasks of providing ground truth to several ERTS investigators, operating a DCP repair depot, designing and building an airborne DCP Data Acquisition System, and providing aircraft underflight support for several other investigators. Additionally, the data bank is generally available for use by ERTS and other investigators that have a scientific interest in data pertaining to the Chesapeake Bay area. Working with DCS has provided a means of evaluating the system as a data collection device possibly applicable to ongoing Earth Resources Program activities in the Chesapeake Bay area as well as providing useful data and services to other ERTS investigators. The two areas of technical support provided by Wallops, ground truth stations and repair for DCPs, are briefly discussed.

Smith, R.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Eight-channel telephone telemetry system

Portable telemetry system uses conventional telephone link which eliminates mailing or messenger service between physician and analyst. Transmitter is used by physician; receiver is used by analyst. Each unit is inductively coupled to its respective telephone set, transmitter converting EEG into audio frequency and receiver converting this frequency back to EEG.

Smith, R.↗