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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 217 records · Page 12
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1974

Solid rocket booster performance evaluation model. Volume 1: Engineering description

The space shuttle solid rocket booster performance evaluation model (SRB-II) is made up of analytical and functional simulation techniques linked together so that a single pass through the model will predict the performance of the propulsion elements of a space shuttle solid rocket booster. The available options allow the user to predict static test performance, predict nominal and off nominal flight performance, and reconstruct actual flight and static test performance. Options selected by the user are dependent on the data available. These can include data derived from theoretical analysis, small scale motor test data, large motor test data and motor configuration data. The user has several options for output format that include print, cards, tape and plots. Output includes all major performance parameters (Isp, thrust, flowrate, mass accounting and operating pressures) as a function of time as well as calculated single point performance data. The engineering description of SRB-II discusses the engineering and programming fundamentals used, the function of each module, and the limitations of each module.

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NASA NTRS1978

Aerodynamic roll characteristics of a 0.00548 scale 146-inch solid rocket booster reentry configuration (MSFC Model Number 486) over a portion of the reentry flight regime in the NASA MSF 14-inch trisonic wind tunnel

An experimental investigation was conducted in the MSFC 14 inch TWT to study the roll characteristics of a 0.00548 scale model of the 146 inch shuttle solid rocket booster to obtain more accurate rolling moment data on the solid rocket booster. A sensitive single component roll balance was utilized. Data were obtained for a single nose mounted sting. The angle of attack range consisted of angles from 150 deg to 190 deg; roll angles consisted of angles from 0 deg to 337 1/2 deg in increments of 22 1/2 deg; and Mach numbers were 1.46, 1.96, 2.74 and 2.48.

Ramsey, P. E.↗
NASA NTRS1976

EDIN design study alternate space shuttle booster replacement concepts. Volume 1: Engineering analysis

The use of a recoverable liquid rocket booster (LRB) system to replace the existing solid rocket booster (SRB) system for the shuttle was studied. Historical weight estimating relationships were developed for the LRB using Saturn technology and modified as required. Mission performance was computed using February 1975 shuttle configuration groundrules to allow reasonable comparison of the existing shuttle with the study designs. The launch trajectory was constrained to pass through both the RTLS/AOA and main engine cut off points of the shuttle reference mission 1. Performance analysis is based on a point design trajectory model which optimizes initial tilt rate and exoatmospheric pitch profile. A gravity turn was employed during the boost phase in place of the shuttle angle of attack profile. Engine throttling add/or shutdown was used to constrain dynamic pressure and/or longitudinal acceleration where necessary. Four basic configurations were investigated: a parallel burn vehicle with an F-1 engine powered LRB; a parallel burn vehicle with a high pressure engine powered LRB; a series burn vehicle with a high pressure engine powered LRB. The relative sizes of the LRB and the ET are optimized to minimize GLOW in most cases.

Demakes, P. T.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Electrets used in measuring rocket exhaust effluents from the space shuttle's solid rocket booster during static test firing, DM-3

The purpose of this experimental research was to compare Marshall Space Flight Center's electrets with Thiokol's fixed flow air samplers during the Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Booster Demonstration Model-3 static test firing on October 19, 1978. The measurement of rocket exhaust effluents by Thiokol's samplers and MSFC's electrets indicated that the firing of the Solid Rocket Booster had no significant effect on the quality of the air sampled. The highest measurement by Thiokol's samplers was obtained at Plant 3 (site 11) approximately 8 km at a 113 degree heading from the static test stand. At sites 11, 12, and 5, Thiokol's fixed flow air samplers measured 0.0048, 0.00016, and 0.00012 mg/m3 of CI. Alongside the fixed flow measurements, the electret counts from X-ray spectroscopy were 685, 894, and 719 counts. After background corrections, the counts were 334, 543, and 368, or an average of 415 counts. An additional electred, E20, which was the only measurement device at a site approximately 20 km northeast from the test site where no power was available, obtained 901 counts. After background correction, the count was 550. Again this data indicate there was no measurement of significant rocket exhaust effluents at the test site.

Susko, M.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Booster Decelerator Subsystem Rocket Sled Test Program

A rocket sled test was performed as part of the development test program of the Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Booster (SRB) Decelerator Subsystem. The test objectives were to evaluate the nose cap/pilot chute deployment behavior and performance. The tests were performed by accelerating the sled and test article to the desired deployment conditions and then ejecting the SRB nose cap by firing three 30,000-lb thrusters. The nose cap then deployed the pilot chute (11.5-ft diam) which, in turn, initiated drogue chute pack deployment. Text conditions simulated the design deployment environment of dynamic pressure of 200 and 270 psf (corresponding sled velocities of 445 and 530 ft/s) and were conducted in configurations representative of SRB (solid rocket booster) angles of attack of 80 and 140 deg, respectively. A test description and summary of results are presented.

Kross, D. A.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Use of a duct-burning turbofan for an earth-to-orbit vehicle booster

The Space Shuttle will soon reduce the cost of transportation to orbit. The resulting traffic growth will lead to economic pressure for a new vehicle. Several vehicles have been studied. A supersonically staged system with twin turbojet boosters may be attractive but the development of a large supersonic turbojet engine would be required. Subsonic staging with a reasonable number of turbojet engines does not provide the desired payload capability with existing engines. The addition of a duct burner to an existing large turbofan engine provides sufficient thrust to allow the design of an attractive system with twin boosters staged subsonically.

Martin, J. A.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Development and evaluation of an ablative closeout material for solid rocket booster thermal protection system

A trowellable closeout/repair material designated as MTA-2 was developed and evaluated for use on the Solid Rocket Booster. This material is composed of an epoxy-polysulfide binder and is highly filled with phenolic microballoons for density control and ablative performance. Mechanical property testing and thermal testing were performed in a wind tunnel to simulate the combined Solid Rocket Booster trajectory aeroshear and heating environments. The material is characterized by excellent thermal performance and was used extensively on the Space Shuttle STS-1 and STS-2 flight hardware.

Patterson, W. J.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Status of the Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Booster

The first Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Boosters have been stacked on the Mobile Launch Platform at the Kennedy Space Center and are ready to be mated with the External Tank and Orbiter in preparation for the first Shuttle flight. This readiness is built upon a design within the state of the art and, to the maximum extent practicable, within the state of experience. Component qualification, subsystem verification, system checkout, and recovery tests are essentially complete and provide the basis for certifying the boosters for manned flight.

Horton, W. P.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Space shuttle solid rocket booster reentry and decelerator system loads and dynamics

Recovery of the space shuttle solid rocket boosters required development of a heavy duty large decelerator subsystem. Successful recovery of the first launch pair of boosters demonstrated the adequacy of the design. Flight data consisting of accelerometers and parachute attach point loads provide a basis for evaluation of the decelerator subsystem performance. These results are summarized and compared to preflight predictions.

Moog, R.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Solid rocket booster retrieval operations

Solid Rocket Booster Retrieval operations are discussed in detail. The recovery of expended boosters and associated hardware without damage attributable to retrieval procedures is the main goal. The retrieval force consists tof ship's personnel and retrieval team members, each of whom has been trained and is highly skilled in multi-faceted operations. The retrieval force is equipped with two specially-built, highly maneuverable ships outfitted with parachute reels, retrieval cranes, towing winches, large volume-low pressure air compressors, SCUBA diving gear, inflatable boats with outboard motors and diver-operated SRB dewatering devices. The two ships are deployed in sufficient time to conduct an electronic and visual search of the impact area prior to launch. Upon search completeion, each ship takes station a safe distance from the predetermined impact point initiating both visual and electronic search in the direction of flight path, ensuring SRB acquisition at splashdown. When safe, the ships enter the impact area and commence recovery of all floating flight hardware which is subsequently returned to the Disassembly Facility for refurbishment and reuse. Retrieval techniques have evolved in parallel with equipment and flight hardware configuration changes. Additional changes have been initiated to improve personnel safety.

Rasmussen, A. M.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Debris control design achievements of the booster separation motors

The stringent debris control requirements imposed on the design of the Space Shuttle booster separation motor are described along with the verification program implemented to ensure compliance with debris control objectives. The principal areas emphasized in the design and development of the Booster Separation Motor (BSM) relative to debris control were the propellant formulation and nozzle closures which protect the motors from aerodynamic heating and moisture. A description of the motor design requirements, the propellant formulation and verification program, and the nozzle closures design and verification are presented.

Smith, G. W.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Design and development of high strength parachutes for recovery of Filament Wound Case Space Shuttle solid rocket boosters

The Filament Wound Case (FWC) solid rocket boosters, developed for Space Shuttle launches from the West coast, are substantially lighter than their steel case counterparts, but present unique recovery system challenges due to their aft center of gravity location. This causes them to re-enter in a tail-first attitude, rather than broadside like the steel case boosters, resulting in much higher dynamic pressure at deployment. This paper outlines the differences in recovery conditions, and describes the design, development, and testing of new parachutes to meet this challenging new requirement.

Corwin, R. A.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Future LOX/Hydrocarbon booster engines

This paper discusses several LOX/Hydrocarbon booster engines that are being considered for future launch vehicles. The various concepts are compared. Introducing liquid hydrogen to the liquid oxygen/hydrocarbon booster engine appears to offer many benefits.

Visek, W. A.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Design concept for LOX/hydrocarbon tripropellant booster engine

The design concept for a LOX/hydrocarbon tripropellant booster engines is discussed. The engine design is for the gas generator cycle with liquid methane, liquid oxygen, and liquid hydrogen as propellants, the latter greatly reducing risks associated with the high-pressure reusable hydrocarbon booster engines. The design features high combustion stability and high efficiency. The excellent cooling capability of liquid hydrogen was established in several operational engine designs. Multiple design diagrams are included.

Visek, W. A., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Booster propulsion/vehicle impact study

The use of hydrogen RP-1, propane, and methane as fuels for booster engines of launch vehicles is discussed. An automated procedure for integrated launch vehicle, engine sizing, and design optimization was used to define two stage and single stage concepts for minimum dry weight. The two stage vehicles were unmanned and used a flyback booster and partially reusable orbiter. The single stage designs were fully reusable, manned flyback vehicles. Comparisons of these vehicle designs, showing the effects of using different fuels, as well as sensitivity and trending data, are presented. In addition, the automated design technique utilized for the study is described.

Weldon, Vincent↗
NASA NTRS1989

Feasibility study using large ribbon parachutes, retrorockets, and hydrodynamic attenuation to recover liquid rocket boosters for the Space Shuttle

A new three-phase approach to recovery of the large liquid rocket boosters being studied for the Space Shuttle is proposed. The concept consists of a cluster of larger ribbon parachutes, retrorockets, and spar mode flotation. The two inert liquid rocket boosters weighing 115,000 lb to 183,000 lb descend from high altitude in a side-on coning attitude to 16,000 ft altitude where a cluster of large ribbon parachutes are deployed. The terminal velocity near water landing is 80 ft/sec. Retrorockets are used to decrease the velocity to about 40 ft/sec. The third phase is opening of the front end of the cylindrical rocket case to allow flooding to cushion impact and allow vertical flotation in the spar mode keeping the four expensive liquid rocket engines dry.

Pepper, William B.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Liquid Rocket Booster Study. Volume 2, Book 1

The recommended Liquid Rocket Booster (LRB) concept is shown which uses a common main engine with the Advanced Launch System (ALS) which burns LO2 and LH2. The central rationale is based on the belief that the U.S. can only afford one big new rocket engine development in the 1990's. A LO2/LH2 engine in the half million pound thrust class could satisfy STS LRB, ALS, and Shuttle C (instead of SSMEs). Development costs and higher production rates can be shared by NASA and USAF. If the ALS program does not occur, the LO2/RP-1 propellants would produce slight lower costs for and STS LRB. When the planned Booster Engine portion of the Civil Space Transportation Initiatives has provided data on large pressure fed LO2/RP-1 engines, then the choice should be reevaluated.

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NASA NTRS1989

Liquid rocket booster study. Volume 1: Executive summary

The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of Liquid Rocket Boosters (LRBs) replacing Solid Rocket Boosters on the Space Shuttle program. The major findings are given. The most significant conclusion is that LRBs offer significantly safety and performance advantages over the SRBs currently used by the STS without major impact to the ongoing program.

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