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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 253 records · Page 14

Upgrade of the NASA 4STAR (Spectrometer for Sky-Scanning, Sun-Tracking Atmospheric Research) to its Full Science Capability of Sun-Sky-Cloud-Trace Gas Spectrometry in Airborne Science Deployments

The objectives of this task in the AITT (Airborne Instrument Technology Transition) Program are to (1) upgrade the NASA 4STAR (Spectrometer for Sky-Scanning, Sun-Tracking Atmospheric Research) instrument to its full science capability of measuring (a) direct-beam sun transmission to derive aerosol optical depth spectra, (b) sky radiance vs scattering angle to retrieve aerosol absorption and type (via complex refractive index spectra, shape, and mode-resolved size distribution), (c) zenith radiance for cloud properties, and (d) hyperspectral signals for trace gas retrievals, and (2) demonstrate its suitability for deployment in challenging NASA airborne multiinstrument campaigns. 4STAR combines airborne sun tracking, sky scanning, and zenith pointing with diffraction spectroscopy to improve knowledge of atmospheric constituents and their links to air pollution, radiant energy budgets (hence climate), and remote measurements of Earth's surfaces. Direct beam hyperspectral measurement of optical depth improves retrievals of gas constituents and determination of aerosol properties. Sky scanning enhances retrievals of aerosol type and size distribution. 4STAR measurements are intended to tighten the closure between satellite and ground-based measurements. 4STAR incorporates a modular sun-tracking/sky-scanning optical head with fiber optic signal transmission to rack mounted spectrometers, permitting miniaturization of the external optical head, and future detector evolution. 4STAR test flights, as well as science flights in the 2012-13 TCAP (Two-Column Aerosol Project) and 2013 SEAC4RS (Studies of Emissions and Atmospheric Composition, Clouds and Climate Coupling by Regional Surveys) have demonstrated that the following are essential for 4STAR to achieve its full science potential: (1) Calibration stability for both direct-beam irradiance and sky radiance, (2) Improved light collection and usage, and (3) Improved flight operability and reliability. A particular challenge for the AITT-4STAR project has been conducting it simultaneously with preparations for, and execution of, ARISE (Arctic Radiation - IceBridge Sea&Ice Experiment), a NASA airborne science deployment (unplanned when AITT-4STAR was selected for funding) in which 4STAR will deploy to Thule, Greenland, and Fairbanks, Alaska, on the NASA C- 130. This presentation describes progress to date in accomplishing AITT-4STAR goals, and plans for project completion.

Sun-Sky-Cloud-Trace↗

Towards Energy Scale Calibration and Drift Correction of TES Detectors for Athena X-IFU

The Athena X-Ray Integral Field Unit (X-IFU) comprises a 2376-pixel array of transition edge sensors (TES) read out with time-division multiplexing (TDM). X-IFU will provide spatially resolved, high-resolution spectroscopy (2.5 eV full-width-half-maximum up to 7 keV) over the energy range 0.2 to 12 keV, with an absolute energy scale accuracy of 0.4 eV. The energy scale function maps the optimally filtered pulse height, in arbitrary engineering units, to real calibrated energy. Uncertainties in the calibration can result from imperfect fitting of the energy scale between the known calibration points. Furthermore, temporal changes in the TES operating environment, such as heat-sink temperature, magnetic field and bias voltage, can cause significant variations in the detector gain function over time. If not properly corrected, this can result in degradation of the energy resolution, and systematic errors in the absolute energy scale. The non-linear nature of TES detectors, coupled with the possibility of multiple simultaneously occurring sources of drift, can make effective corrections over the full bandpass of the instrument extremely challenging. Athena X-IFU will employ an on-board calibration source that provides known reference x-ray lines. This provides real-time monitoring of the gain stability of the detector system and information that can be used to correct for gain drifts. For X-IFU the baseline approach is to measure a series of calibration curves under different environmental conditions, which bound the expected drifts the instrument is predicted to see over the course of the mission. Using the information from the in-flight calibration source, these energy scale functions can be interpolated to generate a new corrected energy scale as a function of time. In this paper we discuss progress towards demonstrating that the X-IFU energy scale requirements can be met. We present measurements on ~ 200 pixels in a prototype X-IFU array read out with 8-column x 32-row TDM. We use a rotating target source containing 12 fluorescent targets to generate x-ray lines covering the energy range 4 keV (Sc-Kα) to 12 keV (Br-Kα). We present measurements of the non-linear energy scale function and show how variations in heat-sink temperature, TES bias voltage and magnetic field affect the shape of TES energy scale differently and introduce different residual gain errors over the bandpass. We explore different drift correction algorithms that use either a single or multiple referential lines to track and correct the gain from these various sources of drift. In addition to the pulse-height, the DC ‘baseline’ level of the TES can contain information about its bias conditions. Thus, we test a multi-parameter gain correction algorithm that attempts to incorporate both the pulse height and the additional baseline information into the algorithm.

Stephen J Smith↗

Full potential methods for analysis/design of complex aerospace configurations

The steady form of the full potential equation, in conservative form, is employed to analyze and design a wide variety of complex aerodynamic shapes. The nonlinear method is based on the theory of characteristic signal propagation coupled with novel flux biasing concepts and body-fitted mapping procedures. The resulting codes are vectorized for the CRAY XMP and the VPS-32 supercomputers. Use of the full potential nonlinear theory is demonstrated for a single-point supersonic wing design and a multipoint design for transonic maneuver/supersonic cruise/maneuver conditions. Achievement of high aerodynamic efficiency through numerical design is verified by wind tunnel tests. Other studies reported include analyses of a canard/wing/nacelle fighter geometry.

Shankar, Vijaya↗

Astronomy on a manned Mars mission

Three extra-solar-system astronomical experiments onboard a manned Mars mission are proposed. First, a modest, 50 cm aperture optical-ultraviolet-infrared telescope (or pair used as an interferometer) coupled with the Mars-Sun baseline would increase the number (by a factor of 3.4) and a volume of stars with accurately measured distances via stellar parallax and, therefore, greatly improve upon the cosmic distance scale; the darker sky at Mars would also provide nearly a full astronomical magnitude deeper images of distant and low brightness objects (limited by zodiacal light). Second, a gamma-ray burst detector coupled with similar detectors in other parts of the solar system will be used to reduce the position error boxes and to study the nature of these energetic sources. Third, the long baselines on a Mars mission radio interferometer will provide a view of the radio universe at unprescedented resolution, 4 x 10 to the minus 9th arcsec at 1 mm wavelength, which can potentially resolve the engine in nearby active galaxies. Each of these experiments is relatively inexpensive, taking advantage of the human presence for operation and maintenance, and the long Earth to Mars baseline.

Burns, Jack O.↗

Design of low-speed airfoils by numerical optimization

A practical procedure for the optimum design of low-speed airfoils is demonstrated. The procedure uses an optimization program based on a gradient algorithm coupled with an aerodynamic analysis program that uses a relaxation solution of the inviscid, full-potential equation. The analysis program is valid for both incompressible and compressible flow, thereby making optimum design of high-speed, shock-free airfoils possible. Results are presented for the following three constrained optimization problems at fixed angle of attack and Mach number: (1) adverse pressure-gradient minimization, (2) pitching-moment minimization; and (3) lift maximization. All three optimization problems were studied with various aerodynamic and geometric constraints.

Hicks, R. M.↗

Evaluation of Microwave Landing System (MLS) effect on the delivery performance of a fixed-path metering and spacing system

Metering and spacing (M & S) system's algorithms described assume an aircraft two dimensional are navigation capability. The three navigation systems compared were: very high frequency omnidirectional range/distance measuring equipment (VOR/DME) and ILS, VOR/DME and + or - 40 MLS, and VOR/DME and + or - 60 MLS. Other factors studied were M & S tentative schedule point location, route geometry effects, and approach gate location effects. Summarized results are: the MLS offers some improvement over VOR/DME and ILS if all approach routes contain computer assisted turns; pilot reaction to moving the gate closer to the runway threshold may adversely affect M & S performance; and coupling en route metering to terminal scheduling transfers most of the terminal holding to more full efficient, higher altitude en route delay.

Credeur, L.↗

Type of service wide area networking

A variety of long-distance types of circuits can be used for data communication. A description is given of an experiment which optimizes the simultaneous use of terrestrial and satellite circuits in a TCP/IP network. Traditionally, it has been difficult to use effectively the full capacity of high-bandwidth satellite circuits, due to long round-trip times coupled with TCP window-size limitations. The experiment significantly reduced the problem, and the result was effective use of all the available bandwidth and a satellite circuit for a single data transfer. This experiment also demonstrates the use of multiple T1 communication lines and type of service networking over these lines.

Lekashman, John↗

Supernova remnants and diffuse ionized gas in M31

Researchers have compiled an initial list of radio/optical supernova remnants (SNRs) in M31, by searching for radio identifications of emission-line sources with a high (SII)/H alpha ratio (greater than 0.60). The (SII) filter included both sulfur lines and the H alpha filter did not include (NII). This search revealed 11 SNRs, of which only two were known. In addition, researchers detected radio emission from 3 SNRs that were identified in previous optical surveys (D'Odorico et al., 1980), but that were outside the charge coupled device (CCD) fields. The 14 objects only include the most obvious candidates, but a full search is in progress and the researchers expect to find several more SNRs. Also not all optical SNRs show detectable radio emission and a pure optical list of SNR candidates based only on the ratio of (SII)/H alpha emission contains many more objects. Two conclusions are apparent. First, the radio properties of the SNRs in M31 are quite similar to those of Galactic SNRs as is illustrated. The brightnesses are not systematically lower as has been suggested in the past (Dickel and D'Odorico, 1984). Second, the slope of the relation is close to -2; this slope is expected from the intrinsic dependence between surface brightness and diameter. The radio luminosity of the SNRs does not seem to depend strongly on diameter, or age, contrary to model predictions. Selection effects, however, play an important role in these plots. The CCD images show widespread diffuse ionized gas with a ratio of (SII)/H alpha that is higher than that of discrete HII regions. Discrete HII regions typically show ratios between 0.2 to 0.3, while the diffuse gas in the arms consistently shows ratios of 0.5. Researchers can trace this gas across the spiral arms to emission measures below 5 pc cm (-6). Its properties seem to be similar to that of the diffuse gas in the solar neighborhood.

Walterbos, Rene↗

Triple and quadruple excitation contributions to the binding in Be clusters - Calibration calculations on Be3

The contribution of connected triple and quadruple excitations to the binding in Be3 is investigated by comparing various coupled-cluster (CC) and truncated configuration-interaction (CI) treatments with multireference CI (MRCI) and full CI (FCI) calculations. The CC method with single and double excitations (CCSD) produces results that differ substantially from more elaborate treatments, but most extensions to CCSD that account approximately for connected triple excitations perform very well. In contrast, good agreement with CFI for Be2 can be achieved only with the highest level CC and MRCI methods.

Watts, John D.↗

Computational structures technology engine/airframe coupling

Many aspects of engine/airframe coupling which are related to structures are examined. The generation and analysis is studied of full 3-D engine structures with regard to the design and operation of the engine under static load conditions. However, several problems arose which required the use of the three dimensional models under dynamic loads to more fully understand what was happening. Full 3-D engine structural models have been used on a regular basis to help understand dynamics related problems. One such problem, addressed herein, is engine related aircraft vibration. Engine related aircraft vibration is noise within the fuselage of the aircraft which can be both felt and heard. To effectively predict engine related aircraft vibration, the entire engine/airframe must be treated as a system.

Mcclintick, Bruce C.↗

Homotopy approach to optimal, linear quadratic, fixed architecture compensation

Optimal linear quadratic Gaussian compensators with constrained architecture are a sensible way to generate good multivariable feedback systems meeting strict implementation requirements. The optimality conditions obtained from the constrained linear quadratic Gaussian are a set of highly coupled matrix equations that cannot be solved algebraically except when the compensator is centralized and full order. An alternative to the use of general parameter optimization methods for solving the problem is to use homotopy. The benefit of the method is that it uses the solution to a simplified problem as a starting point and the final solution is then obtained by solving a simple differential equation. This paper investigates the convergence properties and the limitation of such an approach and sheds some light on the nature and the number of solutions of the constrained linear quadratic Gaussian problem. It also demonstrates the usefulness of homotopy on an example of an optimal decentralized compensator.

Mercadal, Mathieu↗

Numerical Simulations of High-Speed Chemically Reacting Flow

The Essentially NonOscillatory (ENO) shock-capturing scheme for the solution of hyperbolic equations is extended to solve a system of coupled conservation equations governing two-dimensional, time-dependent, compressible chemically reacting flow with full chemistry. The thermodynamic properties of the mixture are modeled accurately, and stiff kinetic terms are separated from the fluid motion by a fractional step algorithm. The methodology is used to study the concept of shock-induced mixing and combustion, a process by which the interaction of a shock wave with a jet of low-density hydrogen fuel enhances mixing through streamwise vorticity generation. Test cases with and without chemical reaction are explored here. Our results indicate that, in the temperature range examined, vorticity generation as well as the distribution of atomic species do not change significantly with the introduction of a chemical reaction and subsequent heat release. The actual diffusion of hydrogen is also relatively unaffected by the reaction process. This suggests that the fluid mechanics of this problem may be successfully decoupled from the combustion processes, and that computation of the mixing problem (without combustion chemistry) can elucidate much of the important physical features of the flow.

Ton, V. T.↗

Numerical Simulations of High-Speed Chemically Reacting Flow

The essentially nonoscillatory (ENO) shock-capturing scheme for the solution of hyperbolic equations is extended to solve a system of coupled conservation equations governing two-dimensional, time-dependent, compressible chemically reacting flow with full chemistry. The thermodynamic properties of the mixture are modeled accurately, and stiff kinetic terms are separated from the fluid motion by a fractional step algorithm. The methodology is used to study the concept of shock-induced mixing and combustion, a process by which the interaction of a shock wave with a jet of low-density hydrogen fuel enhances mixing through streamwise vorticity generation. Test cases with and without chemical reaction are explored here. Our results indicate that, in the temperature range examined, vorticity generation as well as the distribution of atomic species do not change significantly with the introduction of a chemical reaction and subsequent heat release. The actual diffusion of hydrogen is also relatively unaffected by the reaction process. This suggests that the fluid mechanics of this problem may be successfully decoupled from the combustion processes, and that computation of the mixing problem (without combustion chemistry) can elucidate much of the important physical features of the flow.

Ton, V. T.↗

Emergency Lighting System

When power outages occurred at Landmark Plastic Corporation, it took seven to twelve minutes for the primary mercury lamps to cool down enough to relight and two to seven minutes for the ELS incandescent lamps to relight. Production could not resume for as much as seven minutes. An article in NASA Tech Briefs describing the capabilities of photosensing devices led Landmark employee, Steve Keller to design a system now activated by any voltage loss in the main lamp circuit and coupled with photosensing devices used to keep them on until the primary mercury lamps reach full brightness.

Source record↗

Compact Augmented Spark Igniters for Liquid Rocket Engines

The objective of this dissertation is to characterize augmented spark impinging (torch) igniters. Torch igniters inject propellants into a small prechamber where a spark igniter imparts the activation energy to initiate combustion. The flame stabilizes within the prechamber and exits into the main combustion chamber where it ignites the main flow directly or by mixing with a coaxial flow to create a secondary flame. The underlying phenomena that promote reliable ignition are multifaceted and required a broad scope of investigations. Initial efforts focused on spark discharges across an annular geometry. Gaseous propellent projects the electrical arc toward the prechamber, where the arc and the thermal energy is imparted to the surrounding fluid then meets with a combustible mixture. Discharges are parametrically examined against pressure, spark-gap size, and exciter types to emulate transient engine startup. The energy imparted to the flow, approximate velocity, and distance traveled by the exhaust plume are determined. Spark quenching (no energy deposition) and its effects on perceived versus actual measurements are shown. Results outline the prechamber target zone where a combustible mixture is necessary for ignition. Next, three-dimensional, time-accurate, and nonreacting computational fluid dynamics simulations assess effects of geometric and mass flow differences on the size, location, and composition of a combustible mixture. Fluid dynamic phenomena are elucidated. Correlations between nondimensional variables are found. Results are coupled with a conservation-law analysis to produce novel objective functions. Lastly, a full-scale, modular torch igniter is tested. Injector sizes, mixture ratios, and injector momentum ratios are systematically varied to map ignition probability and ignition delay. Results show the importance of local mixture ratios, provide injector momentum ratios guidelines, and demonstrate reliable ignition of core mixture ratios typically outside flammability limits. The deliverable of this project is not a torch igniter or derivative thereof. Instead, this dissertation produces novel objective-functions for igniter design. These equations are functions of variables that may be constrained by engine-level requirements, physics, and experimental results from this work. They provide a foundation for future igniter design and will minimize iterative processes from the design cycle for next-generation ignition hardware.

Torch Igniter↗

CERESMIP: A Climate Modeling Protocol to Investigate Recent Trends in the Earth's Energy Imbalance

The Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) project has now produced over two decades of observed data on the Earth's Energy Imbalance (EEI) and has revealed substantive trends in both the reflected shortwave and outgoing longwave top-of-atmosphere radiation components. Available climate model simulations suggest that these trends are incompatible with purely internal variability, but that the full magnitude and breakdown of the trends are outside of the model ranges. Unfortunately, the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (Phase 6) (CMIP6) protocol only uses observed forcings to 2014 (and Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP) projections thereafter), and furthermore, many of the ‘observed' drivers have been updated substantially since the CMIP6 inputs were defined. Most notably, the sea surface temperature (SST) estimates have been revised and now show up to 50% greater trends since 1979, particularly in the southern hemisphere. Additionally, estimates of short-lived aerosol and gas-phase emissions have been substantially updated. These revisions will likely have material impacts on the model-simulated EEI. We therefore propose a new, relatively low-cost, model intercomparison, CERESMIP, that would target the CERES period (2000-present), with updated forcings to at least the end of 2021. The focus will be on atmosphere-only simulations, using updated SST, forcings and emissions from 1990 to 2021. The key metrics of interest will be the EEI and atmospheric feedbacks, and so the analysis will benefit from output from satellite cloud observation simulators. The Tier 1 request would consist only of an ensemble of AMIP-style simulations, while the Tier 2 request would encompass uncertainties in the applied forcing, atmospheric composition, single and all-but-one forcing responses. We present some preliminary results and invite participation from a wide group of models.

CMIP6↗

Coupled Thermo-Electro-Magneto-Elastic Response of Smart Stiffened Panels

This report documents the procedures developed for incorporating smart laminate and panel analysis capabilities within the HyperSizer aerospace structural sizing software package. HyperSizer analyzes stiffened panels composed of arbitrary composite laminates through stiffener homogenization, or "smearing " techniques. The result is an effective constitutive equation for the stiffened panel that is suitable for use in a full vehicle-scale finite element analysis via MSC/NASTRAN. The existing thermo-elastic capabilities of HyperSizer have herein been extended to include coupled thermo-electro-magneto-elastic analysis capabilities. This represents a significant step toward realization of design tools capable of guiding the development of the next generation of smart aerospace structures. Verification results are presented that compare the developed smart HyperSizer capability with an ABAQUS piezoelectric finite element solution for a facesheet-flange combination. These results show good agreement between HyperSizer and ABAQUS, but highlight a limitation of the HyperSizer formulation in that constant electric field components are assumed.

Bednarcyk, Brett A.↗

Electrochromic Radiator Coupon Level Testing and Full Scale Thermal Math Modeling for Use on Altair Lunar Lander

In order to control system and component temperatures, many spacecraft thermal control systems use a radiator coupled with a pumped fluid loop to reject waste heat from the vehicle. Since heat loads and radiation environments can vary considerably according to mission phase, the thermal control system must be able to vary the heat rejection. The ability to "turn down" the heat rejected from the thermal control system is critically important when designing the system. Electrochromic technology as a radiator coating is being investigated to vary the amount of heat rejected by a radiator. Coupon level tests were performed to test the feasibility of this technology. Furthermore, thermal math models were developed to better understand the turndown ratios required by full scale radiator architectures to handle the various operation scenarios encountered during a mission profile for the Altair Lunar Lander. This paper summarizes results from coupon level tests as well as the thermal math models developed to investigate how electrochromics can be used to increase turn down ratios for a radiator. Data from the various design concepts of radiators and their architectures are outlined. Recommendations are made on which electrochromic radiator concept should be carried further for future thermal vacuum testing.

Bannon, Erika T.↗