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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

Role of IAC in large space systems thermal analysis

Computer analysis programs to evaluate critical coupling effects that can significantly influence spacecraft system performance are described. These coupling effects arise from the varied parameters of the spacecraft systems, environments, and forcing functions associated with disciplines such as thermal, structures, and controls. Adverse effects can be expected to significantly impact system design aspects such as structural integrity, controllability, and mission performance. One such needed design analysis capability is a software system that can integrate individual discipline computer codes into a highly user-oriented/interactive-graphics-based analysis capability. The integrated analysis capability (IAC) system can be viewed as: a core framework system which serves as an integrating base whereby users can readily add desired analysis modules and as a self-contained interdisciplinary system analysis capability having a specific set of fully integrated multidisciplinary analysis programs that deal with the coupling of thermal, structures, controls, antenna radiation performance, and instrument optical performance disciplines.

Jones, G. K.↗

ISEE 1 observations of VLF line radiation in the earth's magnetosphere

VLF line radiation in the magnetosphere is analyzed in an attempt to clarify the role of radiation from electric power lines in magnetospheric wave-particle interactions. Observations were made by the ISEE 1 satellite from October 1977 through August 1979 between L = 2 and L = 8 and 50 to 110 deg W longitude, a region encompassing the magnetic field lines linking the Eights, Siple and Roberval stations and in which VLF chorus activity had been linked to power line radiation. Line radiation was detected on 5 of 90 orbits, in all cases at frequencies below 4 kHz. The one event with a high S/N ratio exhibited lines changing frequency at rates from 22 to 6 Hz/min over a 9-min period. The radiation was detected at a time when whistler mode echoing was quite pronounced on lower L shells, and thus may have been a scattered component of line radiation echoing between hemispheres. It is concluded that very little of the background VLF wave energy in the outer magnetosphere is contained in line radiation, although the catalytic role of line radiation in controlling wave-particle interactions remains to be assessed.

Bell, T. F.↗

Photovoltaic outlook from the NASA viewpoint

The NASA photovoltaic outlook for space applications focuses on the needs for increasing the specific power (W/kg), establishing radiation damage control, and reducing the specific cost ($/W). In each of these areas the technology requirements and potential impediments are presented. Technology trends and forecasts are also discussed.

Randolph, L. P.↗

The Io-control of Jupiter's decametric radiation - The Alfven wave model

Geometrical considerations based on a conical sheet model of the observed DAM sources show that DAM is generated on field lines in the active longitude sector of 200 + or - 90 deg. The present study shows how Io excites Alfven waves and calculates the propagation of these waves through the inhomogeneous torus and magnetosphere. The power flux at high latitudes is largest at two longitudes which are seen as the B1, B2, A, and C sources. The parallel electric field accompanying the Alfven wave pulses is also discussed, and it is shown that at high latitudes electrons can be accelerated to energies in excess of 1000 eV. It is suggested that these current carrying electrons excite ion-cyclotron, upper and lower-hybrid electrostatic waves which may all play crucial roles in the generation of DAM.

Goertz, C. K.↗

Main characteristics of the Large Space Simulation (LSS)

The European Space Agency (ESA) has started the implementation of a Large Space Simulator at its European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) located at Noordwijk, The Netherlands. After its completion in early 1986 this facility will enable mechanical and thermal tests on large satellites. The chamber will be equipped with a collimated solar beam of 6 Meter diameter. In addition Infrared equipment is available as alternative or complementary source of thermal radiation. Also controlled variation of shroud temperatures can be utilised for thermal testing or temperature cycling of hardware. The "Design and Definition Phase" of the project has been successfully completed by the end of 1983. The paper presents the basic concept and major design aspects of this facility. At the time of the conference, the large chamber is already under construction on site.

Peter W. Brinkmann↗

Feasibility of reduced gravity experiments involving quiescent, uniform particle cloud combustion

The study of combustible particle clouds is of fundamental scientific interest as well as a practical concern. The principal scientific interests are the characteristic combustion properties, especially flame structure, propagation rates, stability limits, and the effects of stoichiometry, particle type, transport phenomena, and nonadiabatic processes on these properties. The feasibility tests for the particle cloud combustion experiment (PCCE) were performed in reduced gravity in the following stages: (1) fuel particles were mixed into cloud form inside a flammability tube; (2) when the concentration of particles in the cloud was sufficiently uniform, the particle motion was allowed to decay toward quiescence; (3) an igniter was energized which both opened one end of the tube and ignited the suspended particle cloud; and (4) the flame proceeded down the tube length, with its position and characteristic features being photographed by high-speed cameras. Gravitational settling and buoyancy effects were minimized because of the reduced gravity enviroment in the NASA Lewis drop towers and aircraft. Feasibility was shown as quasi-steady flame propagation which was observed for fuel-rich mixtures. Of greatest scientific interest is the finding that for near-stoichiometric mixtures, a new mode of flame propagation was observed, now called a chattering flame. These flames did not propagate steadily through the tube. Chattering modes of flame propagation are not expected to display extinction limits that are the same as those for acoustically undisturbed, uniform, quiescent clouds. A low concentration of fuel particles, uniformly distributed in a volume, may not be flammable but may be made flammable, as was observed, through induced segregation processes. A theory was developed which showed that chattering flame propagation was controlled by radiation from combustion products which heated the successive discrete laminae sufficiently to cause autoignition.

Ross, Howard D.↗

External control of the Saturn kilometric radiation by the solar wind - Comparison between Voyager 1 and 2 observations

The long-term modulation of Saturn's nonthermal radio emission in the kilometric wavelength range has been studied based upon data obtained by Voyagers 1 and 2. A comparison of the ballistic and hydrodynamic propagation of solar wind features from the spacecraft to Saturn allows the uncertainty inherent in the projection to be determined. The results confirm the previous suggestion that momentum, ram pressure, and kinetic energy flux are the primary solar wind parameters that drive the nonthermal radio emission. It is suggested that, under certain conditions and for limited periods of time, the magnetic properties and time derivatives of the solar wind have increased importance.

Rucker, H. O.↗

Active structural acoustic control with smart structures

This paper is concerned with a discussion of recent research at VPI&SU in the area of active structural acoustic control. The material is divided into progress in the areas of structural acoustics, actuators, sensors, and control approaches. However, due to the coupled nature of the problem, considerable effort throughout the program has been given to the interaction of these areas with each other. The results presented show that significant progress has been made toward controlling structurally radiated noise by active/adaptive means applied directly to the structure.

Fuller, C. R.↗

Cloud albedo control by cloud-top entrainment

Marine stratus and stratocumulus clouds exert a considerable influence on the earth's heat budget, mainly due to their high albedos relative to the ocean surface. It is therefore important to understand the processes that control the radiative properties of these extensive cloud systems, particularly during daylight hours. Aircraft measurements of a stratocumulus cloud deck taken around local noon during the 1987 field phase of the First International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project Regional Experiment are the topic of this paper. A mixing line analysis of data from a series of flight tracks across a strong gradient in cloud albedo provides evidence that variations in the water vapor content of the air above the marine inversion can be responsible for the albedo change. The implications of this unexpected result for climate modeling are discussed.

Hanson, Howard P.↗

MOLFLUX analysis of the SSF electrical power system contamination

The external induced contamination of Space Station Freedom's electrical power system surfaces is assessed using a molecular flow evaluation code, MOLFLUX. Outgassing rates are compared to available experimental data, and deposition to the midregion of both the solar array and the photovoltaic power module thermal control system radiator is calculated using a constant sticking coefficient. An estimate of annual deposition to the solar array due to outgassing is found to be 10 percent of the Space Station Freedom program requirement for maximum allowable deposition, while annual deposition to the radiator is approximately equal to the requirement.

Cognion, Rita L.↗

Generic Techniques for the Calibration of Robots with Application of the 3-D Fixtures and Statistical Technique on the PUMA 500 and ARID Robots

A relatively simple, inexpensive, and generic technique that could be used in both laboratories and some operation site environments is introduced at the Robotics Applications and Development Laboratory (RADL) at Kennedy Space Center (KSC). In addition, this report gives a detailed explanation of the set up procedure, data collection, and analysis using this new technique that was developed at the State University of New York at Farmingdale. The technique was used to evaluate the repeatability, accuracy, and overshoot of the Unimate Industrial Robot, PUMA 500. The data were statistically analyzed to provide an insight into the performance of the systems and components of the robot. Also, the same technique was used to check the forward kinematics against the inverse kinematics of RADL's PUMA robot. Recommendations were made for RADL to use this technique for laboratory calibration of the currently existing robots such as the ASEA, high speed controller, Automated Radiator Inspection Device (ARID) etc. Also, recommendations were made to develop and establish other calibration techniques that will be more suitable for site calibration environment and robot certification.

Tawfik, Hazem↗

Evolution of the Space Station Freedom module pattern

A reanalysis of the evolution configuration module pattern for Space Station Freedom is presented. The module pattern is to consist of one habitation module, one airlock, one cupola, two Space Shuttle Orbiter pressurized docking adapters, one assured crew return vehicle, and one pressurized logistics module. Three laboratory modules are also included. A phased plan has been developed on the basis of utilization analysis being performed and derived through actual and projected user mission requirements for the growth of pressurized elements. The evolution requirement impacts to the module pattern are outlined. Application of the growth philosophy and the physical limitations resulted in a number of core element ground rules for module pattern growth. Nodes and modules are to be grown symmetrically in order to optimize poor flight control characteristics and maximize the capability for crew dual egress between elements. Core module pattern elements are not to be grown along Y-Y axis from nodes 1 or 2 due to physical clearance problems with the thermal control system radiators operational envelope.

Gould, Marston↗

International Congress on Recent Developments in Air- and Structure-Borne Sound and Vibration, 2nd, Auburn Univ., AL, Mar. 4-6, 1992, Proceedings. Vols. 1-3

The papers presented in this volume cover a variety of topics, including sound intensity, structural intensity, modal analysis and synthesis, statistical energy analysis and energy methods, passive and active damping, and boundary element methods. Attention is also given to diagnostics and condition monitoring, material characterization and nondestructive evaluation, active noise and vibration control, sound radiation and scattering, and finite element analysis.

Crocker, Malcolm J.↗

Notes on the Construction and Testing of Model Airplanes

Here, it is shown that the construction of an airplane model can and should be simplified in order to obtain the most reliable test data. General requirements for model construction are given, keeping in mind that the general purpose of wind tunnel tests on a model airplane is to obtain the aerodynamic characteristics, the static balance, and the efficiency of controls for the particular combination of wings, tail surfaces, fuselage, and landing gear employed in the design. These parts must be exact scale reproductions. Any appreciable variation from scale reproduction must be in the remaining parts of the model, i.e., struts, wires, fittings, control horns, radiators, engines, and the various attachments found exposed to the wind in special airplanes. Interplane bracing is discussed in some detail.

Diehl, Walter S↗

Design and Analysis of the Aperture Shield Assembly for a Space Solar Receiver

A joint U.S./Russia program has been conducted to design, develop, fabricate, launch, and operate the world's first space solar dynamic power system on the Russian Space Station Mir. The goal of the program was to demonstrate and confirm that solar dynamic power systems are viable for future space applications such as the International Space Station (ISS). The major components of the system include a solar receiver, a closed Brayton cycle power conversion unit, a power conditioning and control unit, a solar concentrator, a radiator, a thermal control system, and a Space Shuttle carrier. Unfortunately, the mission was demanifested from the ISS Phase 1 Space Shuttle Program in 1996. However, NASA Lewis is proposing to use the fabricated flight hardware as part of an all-American flight demonstration on the ISS in 2002. The present paper concerns the design and analysis of the solar receiver aperture shield assembly. The aperture shield assembly comprises the front face of the cylindrical receiver and is located at the focal plane of the solar concentrator. The aperture shield assembly is a critical component that protects the solar receiver structure from highly concentrated solar fluxes during concentrator off-pointing events. A full-size aperture shield assembly was fabricated. This unit was essentially identical to the flight configuration, with the exception of materials substitution. In addition, a thermal shock test aperture shield assembly was fabricated. This test article utilized the flight materials and was used for high-flux testing in the solar simulator test rig at NASA Lewis. This testing is described in a companion paper.

Strumpf, Hal J.↗

Kennedy Space Center Environmental Health Program

Topic considered include: environmental health services; health physics; ionizing radiation; pollution control; contamination investigations; natural resources; surface water; health hazard evaluations; combustion gas; launch support; asbestos; hazardous noise; and ventilation.

Creech, Joanne W.↗

Image Formation in High Contrast Optical Systems: The Role of Polarization

To find evidence of life in the Universe outside our solar system is one of the most compelling and visionary adventures of the 21st century. The technologies to create the telescopes and instruments that will enable this discovery are now within the grasp of mankind. Direct imaging of a very faint planet around a neighboring bright star requires high contrast or a hypercontrast optical imaging system capable of controlling unwanted radiation within the system to one part in ten to the 11th. This paper identifies several physical phenomena that affect image quality in high contrast imaging systems. Polarization induced at curved metallic surfaces and by anisotropy in the deposition process (Smith-Purcell effect) along with beam shifts introduced by the Goos-Hachen effect are discussed. A typical configuration is analyzed, and technical risk mitigation concepts are discussed.

polorization↗

Climatology and Impact of Convection on the Tropical Tropopause Layer

Water vapor plays an important role in controlling the radiative balance and the chemical composition of the Tropical Tropopause Layer (TTL). Mechanisms ranging from slow transport and dehydration under thermodynamic equilibrium conditions to fast transport in convection have been proposed as regulators of the amount of water vapor in this layer. However,.details of these mechanisms and their relative importance remain poorly understood, The recently completed Tropical Composition, Cloud, and Climate Coupling (TC4) campaign had the opportunity to sample the.TTL over the Eastern Tropical Pacific using ground-based, airborne, and spaceborne instruments. The main goal of this study is to provide the climatological context for this campaign of deep and overshooting convective activity using various satellite observations collected during the summertime. We use the Microwave Humidity Sensor (MRS) aboard the NOAA-18 satellite to investigate the horizontal extent.and the frequency of convection reaching and penetrating into the TTL. We use the Moderate Resolution I1l1aging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) aboard the Aqua satellite to investigate the frequency distribution of daytime cirrus clouds. We use the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission(TRMM) and CloudSat to investigate the vertical structure and distribution of hydrometeors in the convective cells, In addition to cloud measurements; we investigate the impact that convection has on the concentration of radiatively important gases such as water vapor and ozone in the TTL by examining satellite measurement obtained from the Microwave Limb Sounder(MLS) aboard the Aura satellite.

Robertson, Franklin↗