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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

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NASA NTRS2004

Nickel-coated Aluminum Particles: A Promising Fuel for Mars Missions

Combustion of metals in carbon dioxide is a promising source of energy for propulsion on Mars. This approach is based on the ability of some metals (e.g. Mg, Al) to burn in CO2 atmosphere and suggests use of the Martian carbon dioxide as an oxidizer in jet or rocket engines. Analysis shows that CO2/metal propulsion will reduce significantly the mass of propellant transported from Earth for long-range mobility on Mars and sample return missions. Recent calculations for the near-term missions indicate that a 200-kg ballistic hopper with CO2/metal rocket engines and a CO2 acquisition unit can perform 10-15 flights on Mars with the total range of 10-15 km, i.e. fulfill the exploration program typically assigned for a rover. Magnesium is currently recognized as a candidate fuel for such engines owing to easy ignition and fast burning in CO2. Aluminum may be more advantageous if a method for reducing its ignition temperature is found. Coating it by nickel is one such method. It is known that a thin nickel layer of nickel on the surface of aluminum particles can prevent their agglomeration and simultaneously facilitate their ignition, thus increasing the efficiency of aluminized propellants.

Shafirovich, Evgeny↗

NASA NTRS2004

Nickel-Coated Aluminum Particles: A Promising Fuel for Mars Missions

Shafirovich, Evgeny↗

NASA NTRS2015

Mars Double-Flyby Free Returns

A subset of Earth-originating Mars double-flyby ballistic trajectories is documented. The subset consists of those trajectories that, after the first Mars flyby, perform a half-revolution transfer with Mars before returning to Earth. This class of free returns is useful for both human and robotic Mars missions because of its low geocentric energy at departure and arrival, and because of its extended stay time in the vicinity of Mars. Ballistic opportunities are documented over Earth departure dates ranging from 2015 through 2100. The mission is viable over three or four consecutive Mars synodic periods and unavailable for the next four, with the pattern repeating approximately every 15 years. Over the remainder of the century, a minimum Earth departure hyperbolic excess speed of 3.16 km/s, a minimum Earth atmospheric entry speed of 11.47 km/s, and a minimum flight time of 904 days are observed. The algorithm used to construct these trajectories is presented along with several examples.

Jesick, Mark↗

NASA NTRS1990

Design, analysis, and testing of a reusable wingbox for ballistic evaluation of composite structures

Future fighter aircraft will continue to be subjected to severe mechanical loading and ballistic impact. In the past aircraft primary wing structure was constructed predominantly with aluminum, but with increasing aircraft performance the need for more structurally efficient materials is necessary. In an attempt to achieve structural efficiency requirements, aircraft designers have begun using an increasing amount of composite materials. Composite materials were indicated to have a low level of ballistic tolerance in some applications. Composite materials possess the characteristic of structural tailoring, which was utilized to demonstrate that survivability can be designed into a structure. The combat flight environment subjects fighter aircraft wing structures to the effects of combined loading during ballistic impact. These loads were previously demonstrated independently, i.e., the application of structural load, hydrodynamic ram damage, and the effects of airflow. The objective was to design a reusable test fixture for the ballistic evaluation of advanced composite structures under all the effects of combined loading. The fixture that was developed provides a test bed that can completely simulate the flight environment of a generic fighter aircraft wing, but can be used for an indefinite number and variety of tests. It is intended that this fixture will provide a standardized method of ballistically evaluating an advanced composite primary wing structure. This fixture will be used to accomplish the development of designs and/or advanced concepts that lead to a survivable composite wing structure.

Baron, W. G.↗

NASA NTRS2006

Asymptotic Parachute Performance Sensitivity

In 2010, the Mars Science Laboratory mission will pioneer the next generation of robotic Entry, Descent, and Landing systems by delivering the largest and most capable rover to date to the surface of Mars. In addition to landing more mass than any other mission to Mars, Mars Science Laboratory will also provide scientists with unprecedented access to regions of Mars that have been previously unreachable. By providing an Entry, Descent, and Landing system capable of landing at altitudes as high as 2 km above the reference gravitational equipotential surface, or areoid, as defined by the Mars Orbiting Laser Altimeter program, Mars Science Laboratory will demonstrate sufficient performance to land on 83% of the planet s surface. By contrast, the highest altitude landing to date on Mars has been the Mars Exploration Rover at 1.3 km below the areoid. The coupling of this improved altitude performance with latitude limits as large as 60 degrees off of the equator and a precise delivery to within 10 km of a surface target, will allow the science community to select the Mars Science Laboratory landing site from thousands of scientifically interesting possibilities. In meeting these requirements, Mars Science Laboratory is extending the limits of the Entry, Descent, and Landing technologies qualified by the Mars Viking, Mars Pathfinder, and Mars Exploration Rover missions. Specifically, the drag deceleration provided by a Viking-heritage 16.15 m supersonic Disk-Gap-Band parachute in the thin atmosphere of Mars is insufficient, at the altitudes and ballistic coefficients under consideration by the Mars Science Laboratory project, to maintain necessary altitude performance and timeline margin. This paper defines and discusses the asymptotic parachute performance observed in Monte Carlo simulation and performance analysis and its effect on the Mars Science Laboratory Entry, Descent, and Landing architecture.

Way, David W.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Experimental investigation of a unique airbreathing pulsed laser propulsion concept

Investigations were conducted into unique methods of converting pulsed laser energy into propulsive thrust across a flat impulse surface under atmospheric conditions. The propulsion experiments were performed with a 1-micron neodymium-glass laser at the Space Plasma Branch of the Naval Research Laboratory. Laser-induced impulse was measured dynamically by ballistic pendulums and statically using piezoelectric pressure transducers on a stationary impulse surface. The principal goal was to explore methods for increasing the impulse coupling performance of airbreathing laser-propulsion engines. A magnetohydrodynamic thrust augmentation effect was discovered when a tesla-level magnetic field was applied perpendicular to the impulse surface. The impulse coupling coefficient performance doubled and continued to improve with increasing laser-pulse energies. The resultant performance of 180 to 200 N-s/MJ was found to be comparable to that of the earliest afterburning turbojets.

Myrabo, L. N.↗

DOE OSTI2023

Spin-squeezed Gottesman-Kitaev-Preskill codes for quantum error correction in atomic ensembles

Gottesman-Kitaev-Preskill (GKP) codes encode a qubit in displaced phase-space combs of a continuous-variable (CV) quantum system and are useful for correcting a variety of high-weight photonic errors. Here we propose atomic ensemble analogs of the single-mode CV GKP code by using the quantum central limit theorem to pull back the phase-space structure of a CV system to the compact phase space of a quantum spin system. We study the optimal recovery performance of these codes under error channels described by stochastic relaxation and isotropic ballistic dephasing processes using the diversity combining approach for calculating channel fidelity. Additionally, we find that the spin GKP codes outperform other spin system codes such as cat codes or binomial codes. Our spin GKP codes based on the two-axis countertwisting interaction and superpositions of SU(2) coherent states are direct spin analogs of the finite-energy CV GKP codes, whereas our codes based on one-axis twisting do not yet have well-studied CV analogs. A state preparation scheme for the spin GKP codes is proposed which uses the linear-combination-of-unitaries method, applicable to both the CV and spin GKP settings. Finally, we discuss a fault-tolerant approximate gate set for quantum computing with spin-GKP-encoded qubits, obtained by translating gates from the CV GKP setting using the quantum central limit theorem.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

NASA NTRS1992

Issues and approach to develop validated analysis tools for hypersonic flows: One perspective

Critical issues concerning the modeling of low-density hypervelocity flows where thermochemical nonequilibrium effects are pronounced are discussed. Emphasis is on the development of validated analysis tools. A description of the activity in the Ames Research Center's Aerothermodynamics Branch is also given. Inherent in the process is a strong synergism between ground test and real-gas computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Approaches to develop and/or enhance phenomenological models and incorporate them into computational flow-field simulation codes are discussed. These models have been partially validated with experimental data for flows where the gas temperature is raised (compressive flows). Expanding flows, where temperatures drop, however, exhibit somewhat different behavior. Experimental data for these expanding flow conditions are sparse; reliance must be made on intuition and guidance from computational chemistry to model transport processes under these conditions. Ground-based experimental studies used to provide necessary data for model development and validation are described. Included are the performance characteristics of high-enthalpy flow facilities, such as shock tubes and ballistic ranges.

Deiwert, George S.↗

NASA NTRS2009

Development and Evaluation of the Next Generation of Meteoroid and Orbital Debris Shields

Recent events such as the Chinese anti-satellite missile test in January 2007 and the collision between a Russian Cosmos satellite and US Iridium satellite in February 2009 are responsible for a rapid increase in the population of orbital debris in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Without active debris removal strategies the debris population in key orbits will continue to increase, requiring enhanced shielding capabilities to maintain allowable penetration risks. One of the more promising developments in recent years for meteoroid and orbital debris shielding (MMOD) is the application of open cell foams. Although shielding onboard the International Space Station is the most capable ever flown, the most proficient configuration (stuffed Whipple shield) requires an additional ~30% of the shielding mass for non-ballistic requirements (e.g. stiffeners, fasteners, etc.). Open cell foam structures provide similar mechanical performance to more traditional structural components such as honeycomb sandwich panels, as well as improved projectile fragmentation and melting as a result of repeated shocking by foam ligaments. In this paper, the preliminary results of an extensive hypervelocity impact test program on next generation MMOD shielding configurations incorporating open-cell metallic foams are reported.

Christiansen, E.↗

DOE OSTI2025

Study of the Design and Characteristics of a Modified Pulsed Plasma Thruster with Graphite and Tungsten Trigger Electrodes

The paper presents experimental results for a modified pulsed plasma thruster (PPT) with solid propellant, using a coaxial anode–cathode design. Graphite from pencil leads served as propellant, and a tungsten trigger electrode was tested to reduce carbonization effects. Experiments were performed in a vacuum chamber at 0.001 Pa, employing diagnostics such as discharge current/voltage recording, power measurement, ballistic pendulum, time-of-flight (TOF) method, and a Faraday cup. Current and voltage waveforms matched an oscillatory RLC circuit with variable plasma channel resistance. Key discharge parameters were measured, including current pulse duration/amplitude and plasma channel formation/decay dynamics. Impulse bit values, obtained with a ballistic pendulum, reached up to 8.5 μN·s. Increasing trigger capacitor capacitance reduced thrust due to unstable “pre-plasma” formation and partial pre-discharge energy loss. Using TOF and Faraday cup diagnostics, plasma front velocity, ion current amplitude, current density, and ion concentration were determined. Tungsten electrodes produced lower charged particle concentrations than graphite but offered better adhesion resistance, minimal carbonization, and stable long-term performance. The findings support optimizing trigger electrode materials and PPT operating modes to extend lifetime and stabilize thrust output.

Faraday cup↗

NASA NTRS2009

Characteristics of Whipple Shield Performance in the Shatter Regime

Between the onset of projectile fragmentation and the assumption of rear wall failure due to an impulsive load, multi-wall ballistic limit equations are linearly interpolated to provide reasonable yet conservative predictions of perforation thresholds with conveniently simple mathematics. Although low velocity and hypervelocity regime predictions are based on analytical expressions, there is no such scientific foundation for predictions in the intermediate (or shatter) regime. As the debris flux in low earth orbit (LEO) becomes increasingly dominated by manmade pollution, the profile of micrometeoroid and orbital debris (MMOD) risk shifts continually towards lower velocities. For the International Space Station (ISS), encounter velocities below 7 km/s now constitute approximately 50% of the penetration risk. Considering that the transition velocity from shatter to hypervelocity impact regimes described by common ballistic limit equations (e.g. new non-optimum Whipple shield equation [1]) occurs at 7 km/s, 50% of station risk is now calculated based on failure limit equations with little analytical foundation. To investigate projectile and shield behavior for impact conditions leading to projectile fragmentation and melt, a series of hypervelocity impact tests have been performed on aluminum Whipple shields. In the experiments projectile diameter, bumper thickness, and shield spacing were kept constant, while rear wall thickness was adjusted to determine spallation and perforation limits at various impact velocities and angles. The results, shown in Figure 1 for normal and 45 impacts, demonstrated behavior that was not sufficiently described by the simplified linear interpolation of the NNO equation (also shown in Figure 1). Hopkins et al. [2] investigated the performance of a nominally-identical aluminum Whipple shield, identifying the effects of phase change in the shatter regime. The results (conceptually represented in Figure 2) were found to agree well with those obtained in this study at normal incidence, suggesting that shielding performance in the shatter regime could be well described by considering more complex phase conditions than currently implemented in most BLEs. Furthermore, evidence of these phase effects were found in the oblique test results, providing the basis for an empirical description of these effects that can be applied in MMOD risk assessment software. In this paper, results of the impact experiments are presented, and characteristics of target damage are evaluated. A comparison of intermediate velocity impact failure mechanisms in current BLEs are discussed and compared to the findings of the experimental study. Risk assessment calculations have been made on a simplified structure using currently implemented penetration equations and predicted limits from the experimental program, and the variation in perceived mission risk is discussed. It was found that ballistic limit curves that explicitly incorporated phase change effects within the intermediate regime lead to a decrease in predicted MMOD risk for ISS-representative orbits. When considered for all Whipple-based shielding configurations onboard the ISS, intermediate phase change effects could lead to significant variations in predicted mission risk.

Ryan, Shannon↗

NASA NTRS2014

A Monte Carlo Analysis of the Thrust Imbalance for the RSRMV Booster During Both the Ignition Transient and Steady State Operation

This paper presents the results of statistical analyses performed to predict the thrust imbalance between two solid rocket motor boosters to be used on the Space Launch System (SLS) vehicle. Two legacy internal ballistics codes developed for the Space Shuttle program were coupled with a Monte Carlo analysis code to determine a thrust imbalance envelope for the SLS vehicle based on the performance of 1000 motor pairs. Thirty three variables which could impact the performance of the motors during the ignition transient and thirty eight variables which could impact the performance of the motors during steady state operation of the motor were identified and treated as statistical variables for the analyses. The effects of motor to motor variation as well as variations between motors of a single pair were included in the analyses. The statistical variations of the variables were defined based on data provided by NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center for the upgraded five segment booster and from the Space Shuttle booster when appropriate. The results obtained for the statistical envelope are compared with the design specification thrust imbalance limits for the SLS launch vehicle

Foster, Winfred A., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS2014

A Monte Carlo Analysis of the Thrust Imbalance for the Space Launch System Booster During Both the Ignition Transient and Steady State Operation

Foster, Winfred A., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Mercury orbiter transport study

A data base and comparative performance analyses of alternative flight mode options for delivering a range of payload masses to Mercury orbit are provided. Launch opportunities over the period 1980-2000 are considered. Extensive data trades are developed for the ballistic flight mode option utilizing one or more swingbys of Venus. Advanced transport options studied include solar electric propulsion and solar sailing. Results show the significant performance tradeoffs among such key parameters as trip time, payload mass, propulsion system mass, orbit size, launch year sensitivity and relative cost-effectiveness. Handbook-type presentation formats, particularly in the case of ballistic mode data, provide planetary program planners with an easily used source of reference information essential in the preliminary steps of mission selection and planning.

Friedlander, A. L.↗

NASA NTRS2004

Aerocapture Guidance Performance for the Neptune Orbiter

A performance evaluation of the Hybrid Predictor corrector Aerocapture Scheme (HYPAS) guidance algorithm for aerocapture at Neptune is presented in this paper for a Mission to Neptune and the Neptune moon Triton'. This mission has several challenges not experienced in previous aerocapture guidance assessments. These challengers are a very high Neptune arrival speed, atmospheric exit into a high energy orbit about Neptune, and a very high ballistic coefficient that results in a low altitude acceleration capability when combined with the aeroshell LD. The evaluation includes a definition of the entry corridor, a comparison to the theoretical optimum performance, and guidance responses to variations in atmospheric density, aerodynamic coefficients and flight path angle for various vehicle configurations (ballistic numbers). The benefits of utilizing angle-of-attack modulation in addition to bank angle modulation to improve flight performance is also discussed. The results show that despite large sensitivities in apoapsis targeting, the algorithm performs within the allocated AV budget for the Neptune mission bank angle only modulation. The addition of angle-of-attack modulation with as little as 5 degrees of amplitude significantly improves the scatter in final orbit apoapsis. Although the angle-of-attack modulation complicates the vehicle design, the performance enhancement reduces aerocapture risk and reduces the propellant consumption needed to reach the high energy target orbit for a conventional propulsion system.

Masciarelli, James P.↗

NASA NTRS2015

Impact Behavior of Composite Fan Blade Leading Edge Subcomponent with Thermoplastic Polyurethane Interleave

Impact damage tolerance and damage resistance is a critical metric for application of polymer matrix composites where failure caused by impact damage could compromise structural performance and safety. As a result, several materials and/or design approaches to improve impact damage tolerance have been investigated over the past several decades. Many composite toughening methodologies impart a trade-off between increased fracture toughness and compromised in-plane strength and modulus. In large part, mechanical tests to evaluate composite damage tolerance include static methods such as Mode I, Mode II, and mixed mode failures. However, ballistic impact damage resistance does not always correlate with static properties. The intent of this paper is to evaluate the influence of a thermoplastic polyurethane veil interleave on the static and dynamic performance of composite test articles. Static coupon tests included tension, compression, double cantilever beam, and end notch flexure. Measurement of the resistance to ballistic impact damage were made to evaluate the composites response to high speed impact. The interlayer material showed a decrease of in-plane performance with only a moderate improvement to Mode I and Mode II fracture toughness. However, significant benefit to impact damage tolerance was observed through ballistic tests.

Damage Tolerance↗

NASA NTRS1971

Evolution of escape systems for manned space flight.

Detailed outline of the research, development, and actual operational usage of emergency systems starting with the X-15 program and continuing through the early Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs into future space station and planetary missions. The changing nature of the risk that confronts space flight system designers as program objectives are expanded is discussed. It is shown how risk complexity increased as space programs moved from a ballistic or low earth orbit mission on to lunar and ultimately planetary research efforts. Performance criteria for those emergency systems that have been designed are included. Aspects of feasibility are considered.

Bolger, P. H.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Comparative flight strategies for ascent from Martian surface to orbiter rendezvous

Flight maneuvers and strategies to transport a vehicle from the Martian surface to orbiter rendezvous are analyzed to determine the most fuel-efficient method. Both endo- and exo-atmospheric flight strategies are considered for orbiter rendezvous into parking orbits of arbitrary inclination. It is found that optimal mass efficiency is achieved where the orbiter inclination is equal to or exceeds the latitude of the launch site. It is shown that high aerodynamic lifting capability improves performance for low circular orbit (LCO) rendezvous. It is suggested that the synergetic ballistic-projecting technique is best for optimal LCO rendezvous and that the all-thrust technique with plane change at apoapsis is best for optimal high elliptical orbit rendezvous.

Menees, Gene P.↗