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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 199 records · Page 11

LWS design replacement study: Optimum design and tradeoff analysis

A design for two long-wavelength (LW) focal-plane and cooler assemblies, including associated preamplifiers and post-amplifiers is presented. The focal-planes and associated electronic assemblies are intended as direct replacement hardware to be installed into the existing 24-channel multispectral scanner used with the NASA Earth Observations Aircraft Program. An organization skilled in the art of LWIR systems can fabricate and deliver the two long-wavelength focal-plane assemblies described in this report when provided with the data and drawings developed during the performance of this contract. The concepts developed during the study including the alternative approaches and selection of components are discussed. Modifications to the preliminary design as reported in a preliminary design review meeting have also been included.

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The use of superconductivity in magnetic balance design

The magnetic field and field gradient requirements for magnetic suspension in a Mach 3, 6-in. diameter wind tunnel are stated, along with the power requirements for gradient coil pairs wound of copper operating at room temperature and aluminum cooled to 20 K. The power dissipated is large enough that the use of superconductivity in the coil design becomes an attractive alternative. The problems of stability and ac losses are outlined along with the properties of stabilized superconductors. A brief review of a simplified version of the critical state model of C. P. Bean is presented, and the problems involved in calculations of the ac losses in superconducting coils are outlined. A summary of ac loss data taken on pancake coils wound of commercially available Nb3Sn partially stabilized tape is presented and shown as leading to the U.Va. gradient coil design. The actual coil performance is compared with predictions based on the BNL results. Finally, some remarks are presented concerning scaling of the ac losses to larger magnetic suspension systems as well as prospects for improved performance using newer multifilament superconductors.

Moss, F. E.↗

Molten salt thermal energy storage for utility peaking loads

This paper considers the use of thermal energy storage (TES) in molten salts to increase the capacity of power plants. Five existing fossil and nuclear electric utility plants were selected as representative of current technology. A review of system load diagrams indicated that TES to meet loads over 95% of peak was a reasonable goal. Alternate TES heat exchanger locations were evaluated, showing that the stored energy should be used either for feedwater heating or to generate steam for an auxiliary power cycle. Specific salts for each concept are recommended. Design layouts were prepared for one plant, and it was shown that a TES tube/shell heat exchanger system could provide about 7% peaking capability at lower cost than adding steam generation capacity. Promising alternate heat exchanger concepts were also identified.

Ferrara, A.↗

Efficient concepts for large erectable space structures

The status of Langley Research Center development of the nestable column concept is reviewed including results of member and truss component tests, and planned assembly studies. In addition, more recent studies of alternative member concepts are presented. Preliminary results on relative efficiency of several types of truss-type columns are compared and future test plans discussed.

Card, M. F.↗

Calculation methods for compressible turbulent boundary layers

Calculation procedures for non-reacting compressible two- and three-dimensional turbulent boundary layers were reviewed. Integral, transformation and correlation methods, as well as finite difference solutions of the complete boundary layer equations summarized. Alternative numerical solution procedures were examined, and both mean field and mean turbulence field closure models were considered. Physics and related calculation problems peculiar to compressible turbulent boundary layers are described. A catalog of available solution procedures of the finite difference, finite element, and method of weighted residuals genre is included. Influence of compressibility, low Reynolds number, wall blowing, and pressure gradient upon mean field closure constants are reported.

Bushnell, D. M.↗

Photovoltaic power - An important new energy option

A review of photovoltaic (PV) power technology is presented with an emphasis of PV as an economical and technically feasible alternative source of energy. The successful completion of the development and transfer of emerging low-cost technologies into a fully commercialized status are identified as the means to the realization of this option's full potential. The DOE National Photovoltaics Program, a significant sponsor of PV R&D, expects both flat-plate and concentrator collectors to meet established cost targets. Citing the DOE large flat-plate grid-connected system project of the Sacramento Municipal Utility District, current technology modules priced at near $5/Wp (1983 dollars) are steadily reducing costs. A recent DOE study suggests that PV-generated electricity produced at a 30-year levelized cost of 15 cents per kWh would represent a viable energy supply alternative for the nation.

Ferber, R. R.↗

Assessing availability of Space Station Freedom

An availability assessment process developed by the Space Station Freedom Program Office Operations Organization is reviewed. The process under consideration is aimed at highlighting design attributes which hamper operations for development of appropriate design alternatives.

Gizinski, Stephen J., III↗

Superalloy resources: Supply and availability

Over the past several decades there have been shortages of strategic materials because of our near total import dependence on such metals as chromium, cobalt, and tantalum. In response to the continued vulnerability of U.S. superalloy producers to disruptions in resource supplies, NASA has undertaken a program to address alternatives to the super-alloys containing significant quantities of the strategic materials such as chromium, cobalt, niobium, and tantalum. The research program called Conservation of Strategic Aerospace Materials (COSAM) focuses on substitution, processing, and alternate materials to achieve its goals. In addition to NASA Lewis Research Center, universities and industry play an important role in the COSAM Program. This paper defines what is meant by strategic materials in the aerospace community, presents a strategic materials index, and reviews the resource supply and availability picture from the U.S. point of view. In addition, research results from the COSAM Program are highlighted and future directions for the use of low strategic material alloys or alternate materials are discussed.

Stephens, Joseph R.↗

Resources - Supply and availability

Over the past several decades there have been shortage of strategic materials because of our near total import dependence on such metals as chromium, cobalt, and tantalum. In response to the continued vulnerability of U.S. superalloy producers to disruptions in resource supplies, NASA has undertaken a program to address alternatives to the super-alloys containing significant quantities of the strategic materials such as chromium, cobalt, niobium, and tantalum. The research program called Conservation of Strategic Aerospace Materials (COSAM) focuses on substitution, processing, and alternate materials to achieve its goals. In addition to NASA Lewis Research Center, universities and industry play an important role in the COSAM Program. This paper defines what is meant by strategic materials in the aerospace community, presents a strategic materials index, and reviews the resource supply and availability picture from the U.S. point of view. In addition, research results from the COSAM Program are highlighted and future directions for the use of low strategic material alloys or alternate materials are discussed.

Stephens, Joseph R.↗

A review of the solar array manufacturing industry costing standards

The solar array manufacturing industry costing standards model is designed to compare the cost of producing solar arrays using alternative manufacturing processes. Constructive criticism of the methodology used is intended to enhance its implementation as a practical design tool. Three main elements of the procedure include workbook format and presentation, theoretical model validity and standard financial parameters.

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Air transportation energy efficiency

The energy efficiency of air transportation, results of the recently completed RECAT studies on improvement alternatives, and the NASA Aircraft Energy Efficiency Research Program to develop the technology for significant improvements in future aircraft were reviewed.

Williams, L. J.↗

Satellite power system concept development and evaluation program. Volume 2: System definition

The system level results of the system definition studies performed by NASA as a part of the Department of Energy/NASA satellite power system concept development and evaluation program are summarized. System requirements and guidelines are discussed as well as the major elements that comprise the reference system and its design options. Alternative system approaches including different system sizes, solid state amplifier (microwave) concepts, and laser power transmission system cost summaries are reviewed. An overview of the system analysis and planning efforts is included. The overall study led to the conclusion that the reference satellite power system concept is a feasible baseload source of electrical power and, within the assumed guidelines, the minimum cost per kilowatt is achieved at the maximum output of 5 gigawatts to the utility grid. Major unresolved technical issues include maximum allowable microwave power density in the ionosphere and performance/mass characteristics of laser power transmission systems.

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Flight experiments using the front-side control technique during piloted approach and landing in a powered lift STOL aircraft

The essential features of using pitch attitude for glidepath control in conjunction with longitudinal thrust modulation for speed control are described, using a simple linearized model for a powered-lift STOL aircraft operating on the backside of the drag curve and at a fixed setting of propulsive lift. It is shown that an automatic speed-hold system incorporating heave-damping augmentation can allow use of the front-side control technique with satisfactory handling qualities, and the results of previous flight investigations are reviewed. Manual control considerations, as they might be involved following failure of the automatic system, are emphasized. The influence of alternative cockpit controller configurations and flight-director display features were assessed for their effect on the control task, which consisted of a straight-in steep approach flown at constant speed in simulated instrument conditions.

Hindson, W. S.↗

Precision machining technology and metrology for AXAF study

The optical surfaces for the Advanced X-ray Astrophysical Facility (AXAF), was studied. The applicability of precision machining technology to the manufacture of the AXAF objective mirrors and the proposed and alternative methods for manufacturing and testing; (1) the AXAF technology mirrors and (2) the AXAF high resolution mirror assembly were reviewed. Surface shape and smoothness metrology for grazing incidence X-ray surfaces and the feasibility of applying heterodyne surface profilometry to nonflat surfaces were investigated. Three sets of scattering flats with known surface profiles and microtopographic character produced by precision machining and polished precision machine surfaces were analyzed.

Sanger, G. M.↗

Lightning protection of the Fokker 100 CFRP rudder

The construction of the structural parts of the Fokker 100 CFRP rudder is described with respect to the requirements for electrical bonding and lightning protection. Furthermore, the philosophy for the selection of a consumable trailing edge is given. A description of possible alternative designs for trailing edges and their advantages and disadvantages with respect to damage after lightning impact will also be reviewed. An overview of the tests performed on test samples and the rudder construction are presented and discussed. The effectiveness of both the selected structural provisions and trailing edge are described (and proven) by reporting the results of the simulated lightning tests performed. Proof is given that the trailing edge construction and its bonding through the structural parts of the rudder to the main aircraft structure is a solution which results in minor damage to the rudder after lightning impact. Furthermore, it is shown that the selected trailing edge construction is less favored by the structural designers due to the weight penalty.

Ruiter, A. J. M.↗

Methodologies and Tools for Tuning Parallel Programs: Facts and Fantasies

The need for computing power has forced a migration from serial computation on a single processor to parallel processing on multiprocessors. However, without effective means to monitor (and analyze) program execution, tuning the performance of parallel programs becomes exponentially difficult as program complexity and machine size increase. The recent introduction of performance tuning tools from various supercomputer vendors (Intel's ParAide, TMC's PRISM, CRI's Apprentice, and Convex's CXtrace) seems to indicate the maturity of performance tool technologies and vendors'/customers' recognition of their importance. However, a few important questions remain: What kind of performance bottlenecks can these tools detect (or correct)? How time consuming is the performance tuning process? What are some important technical issues that remain to be tackled in this area? This workshop reviews the fundamental concepts involved in analyzing and improving the performance of parallel and heterogeneous message-passing programs. Several alternative strategies will be contrasted, and for each we will describe how currently available tuning tools (e.g. AIMS, ParAide, PRISM, Apprentice, CXtrace, ATExpert, Pablo, IPS-2) can be used to facilitate the process. We will characterize the effectiveness of the tools and methodologies based on actual user experiences at NASA Ames Research Center. Finally, we will discuss their limitations and outline recent approaches taken by vendors and the research community to address them.

Yan, Jerry C.↗

Performance Evaluation Methodologies and Tools for Massively Parallel Programs

The need for computing power has forced a migration from serial computation on a single processor to parallel processing on multiprocessors. However, without effective means to monitor (and analyze) program execution, tuning the performance of parallel programs becomes exponentially difficult as program complexity and machine size increase. The recent introduction of performance tuning tools from various supercomputer vendors (Intel's ParAide, TMC's PRISM, CSI'S Apprentice, and Convex's CXtrace) seems to indicate the maturity of performance tool technologies and vendors'/customers' recognition of their importance. However, a few important questions remain: What kind of performance bottlenecks can these tools detect (or correct)? How time consuming is the performance tuning process? What are some important technical issues that remain to be tackled in this area? This workshop reviews the fundamental concepts involved in analyzing and improving the performance of parallel and heterogeneous message-passing programs. Several alternative strategies will be contrasted, and for each we will describe how currently available tuning tools (e.g., AIMS, ParAide, PRISM, Apprentice, CXtrace, ATExpert, Pablo, IPS-2)) can be used to facilitate the process. We will characterize the effectiveness of the tools and methodologies based on actual user experiences at NASA Ames Research Center. Finally, we will discuss their limitations and outline recent approaches taken by vendors and the research community to address them.

Yan, Jerry C.↗

Methodologies and Tools for Tuning Parallel Programs: 80% Art, 20% Science, and 10% Luck

The need for computing power has forced a migration from serial computation on a single processor to parallel processing on multiprocessors. However, without effective means to monitor (and analyze) program execution, tuning the performance of parallel programs becomes exponentially difficult as program complexity and machine size increase. In the past few years, the ubiquitous introduction of performance tuning tools from various supercomputer vendors (Intel's ParAide, TMC's PRISM, CRI's Apprentice, and Convex's CXtrace) seems to indicate the maturity of performance instrumentation/monitor/tuning technologies and vendors'/customers' recognition of their importance. However, a few important questions remain: What kind of performance bottlenecks can these tools detect (or correct)? How time consuming is the performance tuning process? What are some important technical issues that remain to be tackled in this area? This workshop reviews the fundamental concepts involved in analyzing and improving the performance of parallel and heterogeneous message-passing programs. Several alternative strategies will be contrasted, and for each we will describe how currently available tuning tools (e.g. AIMS, ParAide, PRISM, Apprentice, CXtrace, ATExpert, Pablo, IPS-2) can be used to facilitate the process. We will characterize the effectiveness of the tools and methodologies based on actual user experiences at NASA Ames Research Center. Finally, we will discuss their limitations and outline recent approaches taken by vendors and the research community to address them.

Yan, Jerry C.↗