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At least 253 records · Page 14

Measurement of external forces and torques on a large pointing system

Methods of measuring external forces and torques are discussed, in general and as applied to the Large Pointing System wind tunnel tests. The LPS tests were in two phases. The first test was a preliminary test of three models representing coelostat, heliostat, and on-gimbal telescope configurations. The second test explored the coelostat configuration in more detail. The second test used a different setup for measuring external loads. Some results are given from both tests.

Morenus, R. C.↗

Phase 1 wind tunnel tests of the J-97 powered, external augmentor V/STOL model

Test results are presented for a large scale, external augmentor V/STOL model in a 40 ft by 80 ft wind tunnel. The model was powered by a GE J97 engine and featured longitudinal ejectors alongside and external to the fuselage together with an augmentor flap on the low aspect ratio, double-delta wing. A static thrust augmentation ratio of 1.60 was measured for the fuselage augmentor at a nozzle pressure ratio of 3.0 and a nozzle exhaust gas temperature of 700 C. At forward speed the model showed a strong positive lift interference due to the augmentor flap, and a marked absence of negative lift interference due to the fuselage augmentor jet system. The nose-up moment of the fuselage augmentor inlet flow was approximately cancelled by a 60 deg deflection of the augmentor flap. An assessment of the thrust and drag components to allow the prediction of transition performance of aircraft designs based on the present conceptual model was made. Lateral tests showed strong but well ordered effects of power.

Garland, D. B.↗

Careful numerical study of flowfields about asymmetric external conical corners

A numerical study of the flowfield about asymmetrical external axial corners formed by the juncture of swept compressive wedges is presented. The geometrical configuration allows a unified treatment of external corners typical of delta wings and rectangular inlets. The study investigates how the flow transitions from a symmetrical flowfield with a cross-flow stagnation point at the corner to an asymmetrical flowfield for which the flow spills over the corner. The effects of leading-edge sweep, wedge compression, and corner radius are investigated.

Salas, M. D.↗

Data base for the prediction of inlet external drag

Results are presented from a study to define and evaluate the data base for predicting an airframe/propulsion system interference effect shown to be of considerable importance, inlet external drag. The study is focused on supersonic tactical aircraft with highly integrated jet propulsion systems, although some information is included for supersonic strategic aircraft and for transport aircraft designed for high subsonic or low supersonic cruise. The data base for inlet external drag is considered to consist of the theoretical and empirical prediction methods as well as the experimental data identified in an extensive literature search. The state of the art in the subsonic and transonic speed regimes is evaluated. The experimental data base is organized and presented in a series of tables in which the test article, the quantities measured and the ranges of test conditions covered are described for each set of data; in this way, the breadth of coverage and gaps in the existing experimental data are evident. Prediction methods are categorized by method of solution, type of inlet and speed range to which they apply, major features are given, and their accuracy is assessed by means of comparison to experimental data.

Mcmillan, O. J.↗

Theory of active mode locking of a semiconductor laser in an external cavity

An analytical treatment is given for the active mode locking of a semiconductor laser in an external resonator. The width of the mode-locked pulses is obtained as a function of the laser and cavity parameters and the amount of frequency detuning. The effects of self-modulation and saturation are included in the treatment. The pulse output is compared with that obtained by a strong modulation of the laser diode with no external cavity.

Yeung, J. A.↗

Preliminary Investigation of Cyclic De-Icing of an Airfoil Using an External Electric Heater

An investigation was conducted in the NACA Lewis icing research tunnel to determine the characteristics and requirements of cyclic deicing of a 65,2-216 airfoil by use of an external electric heater. The present investigation was limited to an airspeed of 175 miles per hour. Data are presented to show the effects of variations in heat-on and heat-off periods, ambient air temperature, liquid-water content, angle of attack, and. heating distribution on the requirements for cyclic deicing. The external heat flow at various icing and heating conditions is also presented. A continuously heated parting strip at the airfoil leading edge was found necessary for quick, complete, and consistent ice removal. The cyclic power requirements were found to be primarily a function of the datum temperature and heat-on time, with the other operating and meteorological variables having a second-order effect. Short heat-on periods and high power densities resulted in the most efficient ice removal, the minimum energy input, and the minimum runback ice formations. The optimum chordwise heating distribution pattern was found to consist of a uniform distribution of cycled power density in the impingement region. Downstream of the impingement region the power density decreased to the limits of heating which, for the conditions investigated, extended from 5.7 percent chord on the upper surface of the airfoil to 8.9 percent chord on the lower surface. Ice removal did not take place at a heater surface temperature of 32 F; surface temperatures of approximately 50 to 100 F were required to effect removal. Better de-icing performance and greater energy savings would be possible with a heater having a higher thermal efficiency.

Lewis, James P.↗

Investigation of the effects of external current systems on the MAGSAT data utilizing grid cell modeling techniques

Progress made in reducing MAGSAT data and displaying magnetic field perturbations caused primarily by external currents is reported. A periodic and repeatable perturbation pattern is described that arises from external current effects but appears as unique signatures associated with upper middle latitudes on the Earth's surface. Initial testing of the modeling procedure that was developed to compute the magnetic fields at satellite orbit due to current distributions in the ionosphere and magnetosphere is also discussed. The modeling technique utilizes a linear current element representation of the large scale space current system.

Klumpar, D. M.↗

Thermal design of the Space Shuttle External Tank

The history of the engineering and manufacturing requirements leading to the final Thermal Protection System (TPS) for the External Tank (ET) is presented. The thermal design for the ET must be optimized, based on considerations of cost, weight, and application of the TPS. The significant thermal requirements include the structural and component temperature limits, the propellant quality, the minimization of ice and frost, no air liquefaction, and no film boiling. The TPS materials selected to meet the requirements are a low density closed cell foam (CPR-488) and two light-weight ablators (SLA-56 and MA-25s). The first four flights of the Space Shuttle (1981) will measure and evaluate external environmental, structural, propulsion, electrical, and engine performance data. The ET will be instrumented to measure acoustics, pressures, heat transfer, vibration, temperatures, and structural strains. TPS weight reductions are planned for future ETs through the use of a comprehensive thermal instrumentation system.

Warmbrod, J. D.↗

High-speed machining of space shuttle External Tank (ET) panels

The applicability to and advantages of the high-speed machining process for the production of Space Shuttle external tank panels by physically machining selected sample portions of an external tank panel were investigated. The panel sample configuration was selected, and potential high speed milling procedures identified. An 8 foot long panel was machined and the milling demonstration is described in detail.

Miller, J. A.↗

Large-scale, near-Earth, magnetic fields from external sources and the corresponding induced internal field

Data from MAGSAT analyzed as a function of the Dst index to determine the first degree/order spherical harmonic description of the near-Earth external field and its corresponding induced field. The analysis was done separately for data from dawn and dusk. The MAGSAT data was compared with POGO data. A local time variation of the external field persists even during very quiet magnetic conditions; both a diurnal and 8-hour period are present. A crude estimate of Sq current in the 45 deg geomagnetic latitude range is obtained for 1966 to 1970. The current strength, located in the ionosphere and induced in the Earth, is typical of earlier determinations from surface data, although its maximum is displaced in local time from previous results.

Langel, R. A.↗

Large-scale, near-field magnetic fields from external sources and the corresponding induced internal field

Data from Magsat analyzed as a function of the Dst index to determine the first degree/order spherical harmonic description of the near-earth external field and its corresponding induced field. The analysis was done separately for data from dawn and dusk. The Magsat data was compared with POGO data. A local time variation of the external field persists even during very quiet magnetic conditions; both a diurnal and 8-hour period are present. A crude estimate of Sq current in the 45 deg geomagnetic latitude range is obtained for 1966 to 1970. The current strength, located in the ionosphere and induced in the earth, is typical of earlier determinations from surface data, although its maximum is displaced in local time from previous results.

Langel, R. A.↗

Simulation of external and internal electrostatic discharges at the spacecraft system test level

Environmental test activities concerned with space plasma-caused charging and discharing phenomena are discussed. It is pointed out that the origin of such an electrostatic discharge (ESD) is charging of spacecraft dielectrics by an energetic plasma in geosynchronous orbit, Jupiter's magnetosphere, or other similar space environments. In dealing with environmental testing problems, it is necessary to define the location and magnitude of any ESD's in preparation for a subsequent simulation of the given conditions. Questions of external and internal charging are discussed separately. The environmental hazard from an external discharge can be assessed by viewing the dielectric surface as one side of a parallel plate capacitor. In the case of internal charging, the level of environmental concern depends on the higher energy spectrum of the ambient electrons.

Whittlesey, A.↗

Losses in Channels with Increased External Turbulence

An approximate method for determining the effect of the level of turbulence on the aerodynamic characteristics of convergent and diffuser channels is examined. A momentum equation for the boundary layer is in the method, introducing external flow turbulence on the basis of experimental values of the coefficient of friction and the form factor. It is found that at significant levels of external turbulence, losses must be considered not only in the boundary layer but also in the central region of the channel.

Zaryankin, A. Y.↗

Origin and development of ablator for Space Shuttle external tank

The Space Shuttle External Tank (ET) represents the largest element of the Space Shuttle transportation system. The ET is the fuel tank which contains cryogenic propellants, including liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen. The task of providing a suitable Thermal Protection System (TPS) which is mass producible for the ET represented a challenge for the aerospace industry. The difficulties were compounded by stringent insulation and ablation requirements for the materials to maintain their integrity over a wide range of operating temperatures during prelaunch and ascent. Attention is given to the configuration of the Space Shuttle system, the configuration of the external tank, the initial ET TPS concept, TPS materials and processes concepts, design rationale, TPS materials structural considerations, material and processes development, development tests, material/process verification, and flight results.

Ronquillo, L.↗

Liquid fueled external heating system for STM4-120 Stirling engine

The STM4-120 Stirling engine, currently under development at Stirling Thermal Motors, Inc., is a 40 kW variable stroke engine with indirect heating using a sodium heat pipe. The engine is functionally separated into an application independent Energy Conversion Unit (ECU) consisting of the Stirling cycle and drive heated by condensing sodium and the application dependent External Heating System (EHS), designed to supply the ECU with sodium vapor heated by the particular energy source, connected by tubes with mechanical couplings. This paper describes an External Heating System for the STM4-120 ECU designed for the combustion of liquid fuel, comprised of a recuperative preheater, a combustion chamber, and a heat exchanger/evaporator where heat is transferred from the flue gas to the sodium causing it to evaporate. The design concept and projected performance are described and discussed.

Meijer, R. J.↗

Dynamic sensing of 6-axis external force and moment applied to a robot end

A dynamic force sensing method is proposed for a robot manipulator. A 6-axis wrist force sensor which is commonly used for robot force sensing does not take the direct measurement of the force and moment applied to an end effector externally from the environment of the manipulator, but takes the resultant of the gravity, the inertial force and moment on the end effector, and the external force and moment. The separation of gravitational and inertial force and moment from the measurement of the force sensor is crucial to achieving dynamically accurate force sensing and fast manipulator motion under force feedback control. A mathematical model is derived for the force sensing process and the separation of the force and moment as a nonlinear optimal state estimation problem formulated. Then an approximate solution is given using extended Kalman filtering techniques.

Yokota, Masaru Uchiyama↗

Space station neutral external environment

Molecular contamination levels arising from the external induced neutral environment of the Space Station (Phase 1 configuration) were calculated using the MOLFLUX model. Predicted molecular column densities and deposition rates generally meet the Space Station contamination requirements. In the doubtful cases of deposition due to materials outgassing, proper material selection, generally excluding organic products exposed to the external environment, must be considered to meet contamination requirements. It is important that the Space Station configuration, once defined, is not significantly modified to avoid introducing new unacceptable contamination sources.

Ehlers, H.↗

Assessment of external contamination for Space Station scientific payloads

This paper presents the analysis of the nature, the source, and the effect of contamination encountered by payloads external to the Space Station spacecraft. The contaminant modeling study determined the key contaminant sources for the Space Station payloads, together with the location, the duration, the major constituents of the contaminant, and the possibility of contaminant control. The next phase of the contamination modeling study investigates the compatibility of external Space Station payloads while on the transverse boom and the dual keel option. Other predictions include depositions on payload surfaces facing along +X, +Y, and +Z directions. An additional analysis will utilize the above data to predict the spectral brightness of the contaminants along payload lines-of-sight, making it possible for payload users to determine the impact of the contaminant background relative to the natural background.

Primeaux, Gary R.↗