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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 271 records · Page 15
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NASA NTRS2017

Experimental Study of Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator (HIAD) Aeroshell with Axisymmetric Surface Deflection Patterns

A wind tunnel test program was conducted to obtain aeroheating environment data on Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator aeroshells with flexible thermal protection systems. Data were obtained on a set of rigid wind tunnel models with surface deflection patterns of various heights that simulated a range of potential in-flight aeroshell deformations. Wind tunnel testing was conducted at Mach 6 at unit Reynolds numbers from 2.1 × 10(exp 6)/ft to 8.3 × 10(exp 6)/ft and angles of attack from 0 deg to 18 deg. Boundary-layer transition onset and global surface heating distribution measurements were performed using phosphor thermography and flow field images were obtained through schlieren photography. Surface deflections were found to both promote early transition of the boundary layer and to augment heating levels for both laminar and turbulent flows. A complimentary computational flow field study was also performed to provide heating predictions for comparison with the measurements as well as boundary layer flow field properties for use in correlating the data. Correlations of the wind tunnel data were developed to predict deflection effects on boundary layer transition and surface heating and were applied to both the wind tunnel test conditions and to the trajectory of NASA's successful IRVE-3 flight test. In general, the correlations produced at least qualitative agreement with the wind tunnel data, although the heating levels were underpredicted for some of the larger surface deflections. For the flight conditions, the correlations suggested that peak heating levels on the leeward side conical flank of the IRVE-3 vehicle may have exceeded those at nose for times late in the trajectory after the peak heating time point. However, the flight estimates were based on a conservative assumption of surface deflection magnitude (i.e., larger) than likely was produced in flight.

Hollis, Brian R.↗
NASA NTRS2017

Experimental Study of Convective Heating on the Back Face and Payload of a Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator (HIAD) Aeroshell

A wind tunnel test program has been conducted to define convective heating environments on the back-face of a Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator aeroshell. Wind tunnel testing was conducted at Mach 6 and Mach 10 at unit Reynolds numbers from 0.5×10(exp 6)/ft to 3.9×10(exp 6)/ft on a 6.3088 in diameter aeroshell model. Global heating data were obtained through phosphor thermography on the aeroshell back face, as well as on the payload and the aeroshell front face. For all test conditions, laminar flow was produced on the aeroshell front face, while the separated wake shear layer and aeroshell back-face boundary layer were transitional or turbulent. Along the leeward centerline of the aeroshell back face and payload centerbody, heating levels increased with both free stream Reynolds number and angle of attack. The Reynolds number dependency was due to increasing strength of wake turbulence with Reynolds number. The angle-of-attack dependency was due to movement of the wake-vortex reattachment point on the aeroshell back face. The maximum heating levels on the aeroshell back face and payload were approximately 5% to 6%, respectively, of the aeroshell front-face stagnation point. To allow for extrapolation of the ground test data to flight conditions, the back face and payload heating levels were correlated as a function of aeroshell front-face peak momentum thickness Reynolds numbers.

Hollis, Brian R.↗
NASA NTRS2017

Mission and Design Sensitivities for Human Mars Landers Using Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerators

Landing humans on Mars is one of NASA's long term goals. NASA's Evolvable Mars Campaign (EMC) is focused on evaluating architectural trade options to define the capabilities and elements needed to sustain human presence on the surface of Mars. The EMC study teams have considered a variety of in-space propulsion options and surface mission options. Understanding how these choices affect the performance of the lander will allow a balanced optimization of this complex system of systems problem. This paper presents the effects of mission and vehicle design options on lander mass and performance. Beginning with Earth launch, options include fairing size assumptions, co-manifesting elements with the lander, and Earth-Moon vicinity operations. Capturing into Mars orbit using either aerocapture or propulsive capture is assessed. For entry, descent, and landing both storable as well as oxygen and methane propellant combinations are considered, engine thrust level is assessed, and sensitivity to landed payload mass is presented. This paper focuses on lander designs using the Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerators, one of several entry system technologies currently considered for human missions.

Polsgrove, Tara P.↗
NASA NTRS2017

Mission and Design Sensitivities for Human Mars Landers Using Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerators

Landing humans on Mars is one of NASA's long term goals. The Evolvable Mars Campaign (EMC) is focused on evaluating architectural trade options to define the capabilities and elements needed for a sustainable human presence on the surface of Mars. The EMC study teams have considered a variety of in-space propulsion options and surface mission options. As we seek to better understand how these choices affect the performance of the lander, this work informs and influences requirements for transportation systems to deliver the landers to Mars and enable these missions. This paper presents the effects of mission and vehicle design options on lander mass and performance. Beginning with Earth launch, options include fairing size assumptions, co-manifesting other elements with the lander, and Earth-Moon vicinity operations. Capturing into Mars orbit using either aerocapture or propulsive capture is assessed. For entry, descent, and landing both storable as well as oxygen and methane propellant combinations are considered, engine thrust level is assessed, and sensitivity to landed payload mass is presented. This paper focuses on lander designs using the Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerators (HIAD), one of several entry system technologies currently considered for human missions.

Polsgrove, Tara P.↗
NASA NTRS2015

Rigging Test Bed Enables Development of Multi-Stage Decelerator Extraction

The Low Density Supersonic Decelerator (LDSD) project developed a Parachute Deployment System (PDS) for use on its Supersonic Flight Dynamics Tests (SFDT). The PDS involves a multi-stage pilot driven extraction of a supersonic parachute. The uncertainties and complexities of developing the design for the lines and rigging of the PDS were addressed through testing in the Rigging Test Bed (RTB). The RTB provided a facility capable of simulating a variety of extraction scenarios with full scale hardware on the ground. Through more than 100 tests conducted in the facility, a wealth of data and experience were gained that fueled the PDS development. The utility of this testing and the lessons learned are presented in this paper. The goal is to inform the development of similar systems in the future and highlight the value and flexibility this type of testing offers rapid hardware development. The RTB provided a great compliment to the analytical models greatly compressing what would have otherwise been a very lengthy analytical effort or potentially much expanded flight test campaign.

Kenig, Sivan J.↗
NASA NTRS2018

Human Mars Entry, Descent and Landing Architecture Study: Rigid Decelerators

Several technology investments are required to develop Mars human scale Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL) systems. Studies play the critical role of identifying the most feasible technical paths and high payoff investments. The goal of NASA's Entry, Descent and Landing Architecture Study is to inform those technology investments. In Phase 1 of the study, a point design for one lifting-body-like rigid decelerator vehicle, was developed. In Phase 2, a capsule concept was also considered to determine how it accommodated the human mission requirements. This paper summarizes the concept of operations for both rigid vehicles to deliver a 20-metric ton (t) payload to the surface of Mars. Details of the vehicle designs and flight performance are presented along with a packaging, mass sizing, and a launch vehicle fairing assessment. Finally, recommended technology investments based on the analysis of the rigid vehicles are provided.

Polsgrove, Tara P.↗
NASA NTRS2017

Application of an Optimal Control Allocation Scheme with Structural Load and Aero Heating Feedback for a Morphing Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator

Precision landing of large payloads on Mars presents a challenge to the Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL) community. Previous studies indicated that by incorporating the capability for a Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator (HIAD) to morph during reentry would result in a more accurate landing footprint by allowing modulation of the lift- to-drag (L/D) vector directly instead of through bank angle control. However, morphing the HIAD shape for trajectory control may expose the HIAD to potential structural loads or aero heating concerns. In this study, the application of an optimal control allocation (OCA) technique was investigated that would to enable the morphing HIAD to maximize trajectory control capabilities while simultaneously keeping the structural loads and aero heating below some thresholds. This concept was demonstrated in a 3 degree-of-freedom (DOF) EDL simulation and provides basis for future research.

Bassett, George Z.↗
NASA NTRS2019

Human Mars Entry, Descent and Landing Architecture Study: Deployable Decelerators

NASA’s Entry, Descent and Landing Architecture Study uses a trajectory simulation framework to evaluate various technologies and concepts of operations for human scale EDL at Mars. The study results inform agency technology investments. This paper summarizes the design assumptions and analysis of two deployable entry concepts performed in Phase 2 of the study. The entry concepts include a rigid deployable called the Adaptable Deployable Entry Placement Technology and an inflatable concept called the Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator. This paper describes the concept operations of these vehicles to deliver a 20-metric ton payload to the surface of Mars. Details of vehicle design and flight performance are summarized along with results of analysis on the aft body heating and its effect on the payload. Finally, recommended technology investments based on the results are presented.

Dwyer Cianciolo, Alicia↗
NASA NTRS2020

Heatshields for Aerogravity Assist Vehicles Whose Deceleration at Titan Saves Mass for Future Flagship Class Exploration of Enceladus

This paper reports the feasibility of using mature heatshield materials for an aerogravity assist (AGA) vehicle whose deceleration in Titan’s atmosphere is a mass-saving enabler for nine different Enceladus missions (T. Spilker et al. 2009). A geometry for the Titan AGA vehicle is recommended as are high-fidelity flow computations on that shape.

James O. Arnold↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Heat Shields for Aerogravity Assist Vehicles Whose Deceleration at Titan Saves Mass for Future Flagship Class Exploration of Enceladus

A mission of great Astrobiological interest is one that would search for life signatures associated with the oceans and geysers of Enceladus [1]. Spilker et al., [2] have shown in a 2009 paper that use of an Aerogravity Assist (AGA) maneuver with a blunt body in Titan’s atmosphere could enable a Flagship Class Mission to Enceladus within reasonable cost ($3 B) and mission duration (14 years). This paper will summarize the 2023 Decadal Survey (DS) Whitepaper by Arnold, et al. [3] that estimated heat shield masses for an AGA vehicle whose deceleration in Titan’s atmosphere saves mass for future missions to explore Enceladus. This study focused on Titan AGA for an Enceladus lander corresponding to mission “E” in the Spilker, et al. paper [2]. The analysis is the first reported for heat shield requirements for an AGA aeroshell that accounts for the convective and radiation heating arising from flight in Titan’s atmosphere.

James O. Arnold↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Small Satellite-sized Hypersonic Inflatable Decelerators for Interplanetary Science Missions

To take full advantage of our increased access to space, through reduced launch costs that ridesharing opportunities present, innovative and lower cost options for interplanetary exploration are needed. Capitalizing on the technology miniaturization trends and the SmallSat class of vehicles could provide advancements for interplanetary space exploration. Presented here, are the results of a feasibility study conducted during an internship at NASA Langley Research Center that explored the use of a SmallSat-sized Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator (HIAD) to enable interplanetary orbital science missions via aerocapture.

Shelly C. Mann↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Small Satellite-sized Hypersonic Inflatable Decelerators for Interplanetary Science Missions

To take full advantage of our increased access to space, through reduced launch costs that ridesharing opportunities present, innovative and lower cost options for interplanetary exploration are needed. Capitalizing on the technology miniaturization trends and the SmallSat class of vehicles could provide advancements for interplanetary space exploration. Presented here, are the results of a feasibility study conducted during an internship at NASA Langley Research Center that explored the use of a SmallSat-sized Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator (HIAD) to enable interplanetary orbital science missions via aerocapture.

Shelly C. Mann↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Flight Mechanics Analysis of Low-Earth Orbit Flight Test of an Inflatable Decelerator

The Low-Earth Orbit Flight Test of an Inflatable Decelerator (LOFTID) successfully demonstrated the capability of an inflatable aeroshell. Prior to launch, flight mechanics analysis was conducted to better understand the predicted splashdown point of the re-entry vehicle and ejectable data recorder. Best estimated trajectory separation states were utilized to understand the LOFTID trajectory over the entire 36 minute launch window. Weather forecasting model were integrated into the simulation to improve trajectory prediction accuracy. Automation tools were developed to facilitate the rapid generation of trajectory predictions during operations. The resulting improvements to the flight mechanics modeling and simulation allowed for pre-launch splashdown point to be within 3 nautical miles of the actual splashdown point.

Rohan G Deshmukh↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Trajectory Reconstruction of the Low-Earth Orbit Flight Test of an Inflatable Decelerator

The Low-Earth Orbit Flight Test of an Inflatable Decelerator (LOFTID) project conducted a flight test of a 6m inflatable aeroshell. The LOFTID test article was a secondary payload on an Atlas V launcher that carried the Joint Polar Satellite System-2 (JPSS-2) as its primary payload. The vehicle launched on November 10th, 2022. After reaching orbit, the LOFTID test article inflated the aeroshell, separated from the upper stage on an entry trajectory, and entered the atmosphere to splash down in the Pacific Ocean under parachutes. The test concept of operations is shown in Figure 1. The test article was instrumented with a variety of sensors to be used for post-flight evaluation of vehicle performance. Data from one of the key sensors for trajectory reconstruction, the Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), was not captured in the data recorder due to a malfunction. Data from the nose cone mounted Flush Air Data Sensing (FADS) system were successfully acquired. The layout of the FADS sensors and the measured pressures during atmospheric entry are shown in Figure 2. The FADS data were combined with a Newtonian flow pressure model [1, 2] to produce estimates of the atmospheric relative trajectory. A Mach number anchoring technique given in [2] was used to stabilize estimates in high speed flight conditions. Since no IMU data were available, a trajectory simulation was used to provide the Mach number time history. The resulting estimates of the atmospheric-relative trajectory are shown in Figures 3. Given the loss of the IMU data, alternate methods for trajectory reconstruction are being explored. One approach under investigation is the use of the on-board video recorder data to be analyzed to reconstruct attitude motion. This approach is currently under investigation and will be reported on in the final paper. The Newtonian flow pressure model for the FADS analysis will also be updated with a CFD-based pressure model.

Christopher D Karlgaard↗
NASA NTRS2023

The Design of the Low-Earth Orbit Flight Test of an Inflatable Decelerator (LOFTID) Reentry Vehicle (RV)

This discussion will involve the design and architecture of the Low-Earth Orbit Flight Test of an Inflatable Decelerator (LOFTID) Reentry Vehicle (RV). It will describe the structure and modular design of the RV, expounding on its various subsystems, including power and commanding, data handling and recovery, instrumentation, the inflation system, and the aeroshell. The unique launch vehicle architecture for the LOFTID mission, as a massive rideshare payload, required the development of supporting flight systems, including the Payload Adapter Separation System (PASS) and the Reentry Vehicle Payload Adapter Interface Ring (RVPAIR). To do no harm to the primary mission, the LOFTID team also designed and delivered a flightworthy Mass Simulator as risk reduction in the event the RV was not ready in time for the primary mission launch date. Various challenges and design trades will be discussed, along with a brief description of the RV performance in flight.

R J Bodkin↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Trajectory Reconstruction of the Low-Earth Orbit Flight Test of an Inflatable Decelerator

The Low-Earth Orbit Flight Test of an Inflatable Decelerator (LOFTID) project conducted a flight test of a 6m inflatable aeroshell. The LOFTID test article was a secondary payload on an Atlas V launcher that carried the Joint Polar Satellite System-2 (JPSS-2) as its primary payload. The vehicle launched on November 10th, 2022. After reaching orbit, the LOFTID test article inflated the aeroshell, separated from the upper stage on an entry trajectory, and entered the atmosphere to splash down in the Pacific Ocean under parachutes. The test concept of operations is shown in Figure 1. The test article was instrumented with a variety of sensors to be used for post-flight evaluation of vehicle performance. Data from one of the key sensors for trajectory reconstruction, the Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), was not captured in the data recorder due to a malfunction. Data from the nose cone mounted Flush Air Data Sensing (FADS) system were successfully acquired. The layout of the FADS sensors and the measured pressures during atmospheric entry are shown in Figure 2. The FADS data were combined with a Newtonian flow pressure model [1, 2] to produce estimates of the atmospheric relative trajectory. A Mach number anchoring technique given in [2] was used to stabilize estimates in high speed flight conditions. Since no IMU data were available, a trajectory simulation was used to provide the Mach number time history. The resulting estimates of the atmospheric-relative trajectory are shown in Figures 3. Given the loss of the IMU data, alternate methods for trajectory reconstruction are being explored. One approach under investigation is the use of the on-board video recorder data to be analyzed to reconstruct attitude motion. This approach is currently under investigation and will be reported on in the final paper. The Newtonian flow pressure model for the FADS analysis will also be updated with a CFD-based pressure model.

Christopher D. Karlgaard↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Flight Mechanics Analysis of Low-Earth Orbit Flight Test of an Inflatable Decelerator (LOFTID)

The Low-Earth Orbit Flight Test of an Inflatable Decelerator (LOFTID) successfully demonstrated the capability of an inflatable aeroshell. Prior to launch, flight mechanics analysis was conducted to better understand the predicted splashdown point of the re-entry vehicle and ejectable data recorder. Best estimated trajectory separation states were utilized to understand the LOFTID trajectory over the entire 36 minute launch window. Weather forecasting model were integrated into the simulation to improve trajectory prediction accuracy. Automation tools were developed to facilitate the rapid generation of trajectory predictions during operations. The resulting improvements to the flight mechanics modeling and simulation allowed for pre-launch splashdown point to be within 3 nautical miles of the actual splashdown point.

Rohan Deshmukh↗