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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 181 records · Page 10
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1976

The Malemute development program

The Malemute vehicle systems are two-stage systems based on utilizing a new high performance upper stage motor with two existing military boosters. The Malmute development program is described relative to program structure, preliminary design, vehicle subsystems, and the Malemute motor. Two vehicle systems, the Nike-Malemute and Terrier-Malemute, were developed which are capable of transporting comparatively large diameter (16 in.) 200-lb payloads to altitudes of 500 and 700 km, respectively. These vehicles provide relatively low-cost transportation with two-stage reliability and launch simplicity. Flight tests of both vehicle systems revealed their performance capabilities, with the Terrier-Malemute system involving a unique Malemute motor spin sensitivity problem. It is suggested that the vehicles can be successfully flown by lowering the burnout spin rate.

Bolster, W. J.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Health education telecommunications experiment

The Health/Education Telecommunications Experiment (HET) was conducted jointly by NASA and HEW on NASA's ATS-6 communications satellite. This experiment actually consisted of six experiments testing health and education applications of a communication spacecraft producing a broadcast of color television directly from space to over 120 low-cost receivers located in remote rural areas throughout the U.S. (including Alaska). The experiments were conducted over the period from 2 July 1974 to 20 May 1975 and operated on an almost daily basis. The overall telecommunications system to support these experiments consisted of many elements: The ATS-6 spacecraft; five different types of earth stations consisting of 120 video receive terminals, 51 telephony tranceivers and eight video originating terminals of three different types. Actual performance of the equipment as measured in the field was shown to equal or exceed predicted values.

Whalen, A. A.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Flight evaluation of advanced navigation techniques for general aviation using frequency scanning

Experiments on an automatic multisensor navigation concept are being conducted in a Cessna 402B. The test system consists of VOR, DME, and air data sensors controlled by a Hewlett Packard 9820A electronic calculator which processes the data and, by means of a four-state Kalman filter, outputs position and ground and wind velocities to a map display. Novel features which make such a system potentially low-cost include frequency-scanning operation of a single VOR receiver and a single DME transceiver and use of a shed-vortex true airspeed sensor. Results obtained during flight in a local area where six to eight DME NAVAIDS were receivable yielded better than 1/4-mile accuracy.

Jackson, C. T., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Development of a monolithic GaAs integrated optical transmitter

The paper discusses a program designed for the development of a GaAs IOC transmitter consisting of a monolithic surface laser whose output is coupled into patterned channel waveguides. Modulation and switching of the radiation occur in the waveguide circuit and are controlled separately. These structures are to be fabricated monolithically on a single semiconductor chip with each device amenable to integrated low-cost manufacture. The waveguide outputs of the IOC transmitter will be coupled to single mode optical fibers which form a transmission cable. The properties of the semiconductors (Ga,Al)As and (Ga,In)As permit performance of each of the basic functions included in the device considered. The concept of monolithic nondiscrete GaAs diode lasers is examined along with optical stripline channel waveguides and electro-optic channel waveguide modulators and switches.

Blum, F. A.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Small, low cost, expendable turbojet engine. 2: Performance characteristics

A small experimental axial-flow turbojet engine was tested at sea level static conditions and over a range of simulated flight conditions to evaluate its performance as well as to demonstrate the feasibility of low-cost concepts utilized in its design. Testing was conducted at engine speeds as high as 37,000 rpm and at turbine inlet temperatures as high as 1,272 K. For maximum speed the engine produced a net thrust of 3,118 newtons at sea level static operation and 2,318 newtons at its cruise condition of M0 = 0.8 and 6,096 meters. Data obtained over a range of inlet Reynolds number indexes for nominal M0 of 0.38 revealed similar effects or trends on compressor characteristics of those previously established for much larger engines.

Dengler, R. P.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Computer measurement and representation of the heart in two and three dimensions

Methods for accurate measurement and meaningful display of cardiac dimensions as obtained from fluoroscopy were surveyed. Recorded images were scaled back to actual dimensions and cardiac motion was displayed to assess functional changes. This was accomplished by use of a low-cost but flexible ensemble of computer and video equipment which assisted in (1) digitizing image outlines or points, (2) filing digitized images for later recall in any sequence, (3) correcting recorded images for distortion, (4) modeling heart geometry, (5) analyzing dimensional changes, and (6) displaying both heart geometry and results of analysis in a useful form.

Rasmussen, D.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Analysis and tests of NASA coverted groove heat pipe

A low-cost thermal control heat pipe having nearly covered grooves extruded in aluminum was developed at NASA. Analytical predictions of transport capability are in excellent agreement with experimental results using ammonia. Axial heat transport predictions as a function of fluid charge are presented also for methane, ethane, propane, and butane. Experimental tests show performance considerably better than that of open groove extruded pipes and comparing favorably with that of more complicated arterial/wick configurations. For ammonia at 20 C, the covert groove pipe obtained a static wicking height of 2.5 cm and an axial heat transport capability of 143 W-m.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1976

Preliminary design of a redundant strapped down inertial navigation unit using two-degree-of-freedom tuned-gimbal gyroscopes

This redundant strapdown INS preliminary design study demonstrates the practicality of a skewed sensor system configuration by means of: (1) devising a practical system mechanization utilizing proven strapdown instruments, (2) thoroughly analyzing the skewed sensor redundancy management concept to determine optimum geometry, data processing requirements, and realistic reliability estimates, and (3) implementing the redundant computers into a low-cost, maintainable configuration.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1976

The Communications Technology Satellite /CTS/ Program

The purposes of the joint Canadian-U.S. Communications Technology Satellite (CTS) Program are (1) to conduct satellite communication systems experiments using the 12- and 14-GHz bands and low-cost transportable ground terminals, (2) to develop and flight test a power amplifier tube having a greater than 50% efficiency with a saturated power output of 200 W at 12 GHz, (3) to develop and flight test a lightweight extendible solar array with an initial power output greater than 1 kW, and (4) to develop and flight test a 3-axis stabilization system to maintain accurate antenna boresight positioning on a spacecraft with flexible appendages. Brief descriptions of these experiments and of the ground facilities are provided.

Evans, W. M.↗
NASA NTRS1976

An analytical and experimental evaluation of the plano-cylindrical Fresnel lens solar concentrator

Plastic Fresnel lenses for solar concentration are attractive because of potential for low-cost mass production. An analytical and experimental evaluation of line-focusing Fresnel lenses with application potential in the 200 to 370 C range is reported. Analytical techniques were formulated to assess the solar transmission and imaging properties of a grooves-down lens. Experimentation was based primarily on a 56 cm-wide lens with f-number 1.0. A sun-tracking heliostat provided a non-moving solar source. Measured data indicated more spreading at the profile base than analytically predicted. The measured and computed transmittances were 85 and 87% respectively. Preliminary testing with a second lens (1.85 m) indicated that modified manufacturing techniques corrected the profile spreading problem.

Hastings, L. J.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Application of thick-film technology to solar cell fabrication

Several uses of thick-film technology in solar cell fabrication are discussed. Wrap-around contacts are obtained by first printing and firing a dielectric over the edge and subsequently applying a low-firing temperature conductor. Interconnection of cells into arrays can be achieved by printing and co-firing thick-film pastes, soldering, or with heat-curing conductive epoxies on low-cost substrates. Despite ongoing research, printed (thick) film vitreous protective coatings do not yet offer sufficient optical uniformity and transparency for use on silicon. Ohmic contacts on n- and p-type silicon are considered.

Field, M. B.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Firefighters' Radios

Public Technology Inc. asked for NASA assistance to devise the original firefighter's radio. Good short-range radio communications are essential during a fire to coordinate hose lines, rescue victims, and otherwise increase efficiency. Useful firefighting tool is lower cost, more rugged short range two-way radio. Inductorless electronic circuit replaced inductances and coils in radio circuits with combination of transistors and other low-cost components. Substitution promises reduced circuit size and cost. Enhanced electrical performance made radio more durable and improved maintainability by incorporating modular construction.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS2020

An Ultra-long Life, High-performance, Flexible Li-CO2Battery Based on Multifunctional Carbon Electrocatalysts

Integrating CO2 utilization and renewable energy delivery/storage, the rechargeable Li–CO2 battery has been considered as a promising candidate for next-generation secondary batteries. However, high-performance catalyst(s) for efficient formation and decomposition of the discharge product, Li2CO3, are an imperative part of a Li–CO2 battery. The development of flexible Li–CO2 batteries extends their applications into compliant and wearable devices/systems, but at the same time imposes a big challenge for battery fabrication and lifetime enhancement. In this study, a rechargeable quasi-solidus flexible Li–CO2 battery was designed and fabricated using highly active N,S-doped carbon nanotubes (N,S-doped CNTs) as the cathode catalyst, and a smart polymer gel as the flexible electrolyte. This newly-developed flexible Li–CO2 battery exhibited a capacity as high as 23560 mAh g−1 based on the catalyst mass and an ultra-long lifetime of up to 538 cycles with excellent mechanical flexibility. This work provides a platform for the design and development of high-performance flexible Li–CO2 batteries from low-cost, earth-abundant, carbon-based multifunctional cathode catalysts.

Superior stability↗
NASA NTRS2026

NASA Weather Balloon Demonstration of an Additively Manufactured Antenna

Additive manufacturing (AM) enables low-cost, lightweight, and geometrically flexible antennas for rapid deployment missions. This work reports a left-hand circularly polarized magneto-electric dipole printed on a Radix dielectric with inkjet silver metallization and demonstrated as a process replacement for NASA weather-balloon RF hardware. By combining substrate fabrication and metallization, AM provides value for unrecoverable or field-replaceable systems. A physics based verification workflow links AM-specific material behavior to electromagnetic performance and yields bounded total, radiation, and mismatch efficiencies. Standard surface-impedance and roughness models failed to reproduce the frequency-dependent radiation loss observed in printed inks, underscoring the need for AM-specific conductor parameterization. Mission testing confirmed TDRSS link closure from NASA’s Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility and validated a repeatable print–measure–fly workflow for bounding RF performance and qualifying AM antennas for field use.

Peter Moschetti↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Carbon Fiber Composite Processing Using Isothermal Resins

To meet future demand for single-aisle composite aircraft production, manufacturing rates are expected to increase by up to six times current production rates. Resin infusion is a manufacturing method that has potential to enable fabrication of structures at the desired rates. However, production cycle times with currently available commercial infusion resins cannot support the rates needed for an estimated 80 aircraft per month. Recently, rapid-curing isothermal resins were developed that can reduce the overall processing time. These resins can be infused, cured, and demolded at a single temperature below 100 °C, thereby eliminating the need for time consuming temperature ramps and shortening the overall cure time. In addition, the low temperatures enable use of low-cost tooling during production. This presentation will discuss the use of resin transfer molding to produce composites with rapid-curing isothermal resins, manufacturing considerations, and performance characteristics of the composites.

John M Gardner↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Extending mARC II Arc-Jet Test Duration via Design and Implementation of Model System Cooling Sleeve

The mARC II is a 30 kW arc-jet facility at NASA Ames Research Center used to generate high-enthalpy flows for low-cost thermal protection system (TPS) technology development. Sustained operation of downstream instrumentation and material samples is constrained by thermal loading transmitted through the arc-jet test environment, limiting achievable run times and experimental throughput. This work presents the design, integration, and validation of a cooling sleeve implemented on the sweep arm drive motor feedthrough to mitigate thermal accumulation during testing. The addition of the cooling sleeve is a simple, robust upgrade that translates directly into enhanced facility capability by supporting longer run durations, reduced turnaround time, and higher throughput.

sting arm↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Extending mARC II Arc-Jet Test Duration via Design and Implementation of Model System Cooling Sleeve

The mARC II is a 30 kW arc-jet facility at NASA Ames Research Center used to generate high-enthalpy flows for low-cost thermal protection system (TPS) technology development. Sustained operation of downstream instrumentation and material samples is constrained by thermal loading transmitted through the arc-jet test environment, limiting achievable run times and experimental throughput. This work presents the design, integration, and validation of a cooling sleeve implemented on the sweep arm drive motor feedthrough to mitigate thermal accumulation during testing. The addition of the cooling sleeve is a simple, robust upgrade that translates directly into enhanced facility capability by supporting longer run durations, reduced turnaround time, and higher throughput.

numerical simulations↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

NASA Weather Balloon Demonstration of an Additively Manufactured Antenna

Additive manufacturing (AM) enables low-cost, lightweight, and geometrically flexible antennas for rapid deployment missions. This work reports a left-hand circularly polarized magneto-electric dipole printed on a Radix dielectric with inkjet silver metallization and demonstrated as a process replacement for NASA weather-balloon RF hardware. By combining substrate fabrication and metallization, AM provides value for unrecoverable or field-replaceable systems. A physics based verification workflow links AM-specific material behavior to electromagnetic performance and yields bounded total, radiation, and mismatch efficiencies. Standard surface-impedance and roughness models failed to reproduce the frequency-dependent radiation loss observed in printed inks, underscoring the need for AM-specific conductor parameterization. Mission testing confirmed TDRSS link closure from NASA’s Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility and validated a repeatable print–measure–fly workflow for bounding RF performance and qualifying AM antennas for field use.

Peter Moschetti↗