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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 289 records · Page 16
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1993

Dual-bell altitude compensating nozzles

The primary objective of this cold flow test effort was to assess the performance characteristics of dual bell nozzles and to obtain preliminary design criteria by testing a number of configurations. Characteristics of interest included low altitude performance, high altitude performance, and the flow transition process. In combination with this performance data, other factors such as cost, weight, fabricability, and vehicle related issues could then be traded to establish the feasibility of the concept.

Horn, M.↗
NASA NTRS2014

The Airborne Cloud-Aerosol Transport System: Overview and Description of the Instrument and Retrival Algorithms - Part I

The Airborne Cloud-Aerosol Transport System (ACATS) is a multi-channel Doppler lidar system recently developed at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). A unique aspect of the multi-channel Doppler lidar concept such as ACATS is that it is also, by its very nature, a high spectral resolution lidar (HSRL). Both the particulate and molecular scattered signal can be directly and unambiguously measured, allowing for direct retrievals of particulate extinction. ACATS is therefore capable of simultaneously resolving the backscatterextinction properties and motion of a particle from a high altitude aircraft. ACATS has flown on the NASA ER-2 during test flights over California in June 2012 and science flights during the Wallops Airborne Vegetation Experiment (WAVE) in September 2012. This paper provides an overview of the ACATS method and instrument design, describes the ACATS retrieval algorithms for cloud and aerosol properties, and demonstrates the data products that will be derived from the ACATS data using initial results from the WAVE project. The HSRL retrieval algorithms developed for ACATS have direct application to future spaceborne missions such as the Cloud-Aerosol Transport System (CATS) to be installed on the International Space Station (ISS). Furthermore, the direct extinction and particle wind velocity retrieved from the ACATS data can be used for science applications such 27 as dust or smoke transport and convective outflow in anvil cirrus clouds.

HSRL↗
NASA NTRS2016

J-FLiC UAS Flights for Acoustic Testing Research

The jet-powered flying testbed (J-FLiC) unmanned aircraft system (UAS) successfully completed twenty-six flights at Fort AP Hill, VA, from 27 August until September 3 2015, supporting tests of a microphone array system for aircraft noise measurement. The test vehicles, J-FLiC NAVY2 (N508NU), and J-FLiC 4 (N509NU), were flown under manual and autopiloted control in a variety of test conditions: clean at speeds ranging from 80 to 150 knots; and full landing configuration at speeds ranging from 50 to 95 knots. During the test campaign, autopilot capability was incrementally improved to ultimately provide a high degree of accuracy and repeatability of the critical test requirements for airspeed, altitude, runway alignment and position over the microphone array. Manual flights were performed for test conditions at the both ends of the speed envelope where autopiloted flight would have required flight beyond visual range and more extensive developmental work. The research objectives of the campaign were fully achieved. The ARMD Integrated Systems Research Program (ISRP) Environmentally Responsible Aviation (ERA) Project aims to develop the enabling capabilities/technologies that will allow prediction/reduction of aircraft noise. A primary measurement tool for ascertaining and characterizing empirically the effectiveness of various noise reduction technologies is a microphone phased array system. Such array systems need to be vetted and certified for operational use via field deployments and overflights of the array with test aircraft, in this case with sUAS aircraft such as J-FLiC.

Motter, Mark A.↗
NASA NTRS2016

Flight Analysis of an Autonomously Navigated Experimental Lander for High Altitude Recovery

First steps have been taken to qualify a family of parafoil systems capable of increasing the survivability and reusability of high-altitude balloon payloads. The research is motivated by the common risk facing balloon payloads where expensive flight hardware can often land in inaccessible areas that make them difficult or impossible to recover. The Autonomously Navigated Experimental Lander (ANGEL) flight test introduced a commercial Guided Parachute Aerial Delivery System (GPADS) to a previously untested environment at 108,000ft MSL to determine its high-altitude survivability and capabilities. Following release, ANGEL descended under a drogue until approximately 25,000ft, at which point the drogue was jettisoned and the main parachute was deployed, commencing navigation. Multiple data acquisition platforms were used to characterize the return-to-point technology performance and help determine its suitability for returning future scientific payloads ranging from 180 to 10,000lbs to safer and more convenient landing locations. This report describes the test vehicle design, and summarizes the captured sensor data. Various post-flight analyses are used to quantify the system's performance, gondola load data, and serve as a reference point for subsequent missions.

Parafoil↗
NASA NTRS1994

Wind Tunnel Testing for the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy

NASA Ames Research Center is pursuing the development of SOFIA, the Stratospheric Observatory For Infrared Astronomy. SOFIA will consist of a 2.5 meter telescope mounted aft of the wing of a Boeing 747 aircraft. Since a large portion of the infrared spectrum is not visible at ground level due to absorption by water vapor in the atmosphere below 40,000 feet, it is highly desirable to make observations above this altitude. SOFIA will provide the opportunity for astronomers to conduct high-altitude research for extended periods of time. Current study is focused on wind tunnel testing for the open cavity. If not controlled, air would create resonance and damage the telescope. For this reason, SOFIA will design a boundary layer control device to achieve laminar flow over the cavity. This also provides a clearer flow for seeing, thus improving resolution on infrared sources. Other effects being tested in the wind tunnel are aerodynamic torque loads on the telescope, and flutter loads on the tail.

Schenberger, Deborah↗
NASA NTRS1968

Data Acquisition and Prompt Analysis System for High Altitude Balloon Experiments

An inexpensive and simple data acquisition system has been developed for balloon borne experiments and has been tested with a gamma ray detector in a balloon flight launched from Palestine, Texas. The detector used for the test consisted of an NaI(T1) scintillation crystal encased in a 1/8 in. plastic scintillator-charged particle shield. The combination was viewed by a single photomultiplier and charged particle gating was accomplished by a conventional phoswich discriminator. The pulse height analysis of the NaI events, not associated with prompt charged particle interactions, is accomplished by converting to a time spectrum using an airborne height to time converter. A range of pulse widths from 5 microseconds to 250 microseconds corresponds to energy losses in NaI from 100 to 1000 keV. The time spectrum information, along with charged particle events and barometric pressure, is fed to a mixer which modulates a 252.4 Mc FM transmitter. The original scintillator spectrum is recovered on the ground utilizing conversion circuitry at the receiver video output and a 128 channel commercial pulse height analyzer. The charged particle events of standard time width are stored with the spectrum at a fixed channel position and are therefore represented by a sharp line riding on the lower part of the NaI energy loss spectrum. An energy loss greater than 1000 keV is presented by the maximum pulse width of the converter and stored in the last analyzer channel. Barometric pressure data is transmitted by low frequency modulation of the sme FM carrier. In flight operation, the receiver video output can be recorded on a wide band tape recorder and simultaneously analyzed by the 128 channel analyzer, or the telemetered data can be analyzed later. The flight system features high pulse resolution, essentially instantaneous time response, high data rate, and flexibility; and is of modest cost. A detailed description of the system and operating performance is discussed.

Sarkady, A. A.↗
NASA NTRS1928

Preliminary Flight Tests of the N.A.C.A. Roots Type Aircraft Engine Supercharger

An investigation of the suitability of the N.A.C.A. Roots type aircraft engine supercharger to flight-operating conditions, as determined the effects of the use of the supercharger upon engine operation and airplane performance, is described in this report. Attention was concentrated on the operation of the engine-supercharger unit and on the improvement of climbing ability; some information concerning high speeds at altitude was obtained. The supercharger was found to be satisfactory under flight-operating conditions. Although two failures occurred during the tests, the causes of both were minor and have been eliminated. Careful examination of the engines revealed no detrimental effects which could be attributed to supercharging. Marked improvements in climbing ability and high speeds at altitude were effected. It was also found that the load which could be carried to a given moderate or high altitude in a fixed time was considerably augmented. A slight sacrifice of low-altitude performance was necessitated, however, by the use of a fixed-pitch propeller. From a consideration of the very satisfactory flight performance of the Roots supercharger and of its inherent advantages, it is concluded that this type is particularly attractive for use in certain classes of commercial airplanes and in a number of military types.

Gardiner, Arthur W↗
NASA NTRS2017

Vehicle-Level Oxygen/Methane Propulsion System Hotfire Testing at Thermal Vacuum Conditions

A prototype integrated liquid oxygen/liquid methane propulsion system was hot-fire tested at a variety of simulated altitude and thermal conditions in the NASA Glenn Research Center Plum Brook Station In-Space Propulsion Thermal Vacuum Chamber (formerly B2). This test campaign served two purposes: 1) Characterize the performance of the Plum Brook facility in vacuum accumulator mode and 2) Collect the unique data set of an integrated LOX/Methane propulsion system operating in high altitude and thermal vacuum environments (a first). Data from this propulsion system prototype could inform the design of future spacecraft in-space propulsion systems, including landers. The test vehicle for this campaign was the Integrated Cryogenic Propulsion Test Article (ICPTA), which was constructed for this project using assets from the former Morpheus Project rebuilt and outfitted with additional new hardware. The ICPTA utilizes one 2,800 lbf main engine, two 28 lbf and two 7 lbf reaction control engines mounted in two pods, four 48-inch propellant tanks (two each for liquid oxygen and liquid methane), and a cold helium system for propellant tank pressurization. Several hundred sensors on the ICPTA and many more in the test cell collected data to characterize the operation of the vehicle and facility. Multiple notable experiments were performed during this test campaign, many for the first time, including pressure-fed cryogenic reaction control system characterization over a wide range of conditions, coil-on-plug ignition system demonstration at the vehicle level, integrated main engine/RCS operation, and a non-intrusive propellant mass gauging system. The test data includes water-hammer and thermal heat leak data critical to validating models for use in future vehicle design activities. This successful test campaign demonstrated the performance of the updated Plum Brook In-Space Propulsion thermal vacuum chamber and incrementally advanced the state of LOX/Methane propulsion technology through numerous system-level and subsystem experiments.

Morehead, Robert L.↗
NASA NTRS1997

A Low-Cost Design and Flight Test of the T-38 Inlet

An inlet redesign of the T-38 was completed and flight tested by NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC), Houston Texas. The redesign will allow full gross weight takeoffs from high altitude airports such as El Paso, Texas (ELP) with runway temperatures up to 99 degrees F, an increase of 9 degrees F over the current performance. This project was completed in-house using innovative test techniques. The static thrust of the T-38 was increased 20% with this new inlet.

Johnson, Greg↗
NASA NTRS1976

Loads technology for supersonic cruise aircraft

A flight program to measure atmospheric turbulence at high altitudes (long wavelengths) in a variety of meteorological conditions is described and some results obtained in high altitude wind shear are discussed. Results are also presented from wind tunnel test programs to measure fluctuating pressures associated with over-the-wing configurations. A flexible aircraft take off and landing analysis and an active control landing gear analysis, are developed and their capabilities are described. Efforts to validate these analyses with experimental data are also discussed as well as results obtained from parametric studies.

Goetz, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1999

The Infrared Spectral Imaging Radiometer and Laser Altimeter on STS-85 (an Aircraft Style Experiment Flown in Space)

Improvements in the remote sensing of clouds from space in the future will come from instruments with higher spatial and spectral resolution on more platforms and supported by active sounding. The space shuttle hitchhiker system allows new measurements to be prototyped in space with costs, operating flexibility and data volumes similar to aircraft experiments. The Infrared Spectral Imaging Radiometer and Shuttle Laser Altimeter hitchhiker experiment was flown in 1997. The experiment tested the use of uncooled thermal infrared imaging, laser cloud altitude measurements and high spatial resolution, tri-spectral sensing of cloud particle size and phase. A 1/4 km resolution, fifty orbit data set was obtained from STS-85. The presentation will focus on the use of the shuttle as an experiment platform and cover possible transition to the space station in the future.

Spinhirne, James D.↗
NASA NTRS2007

NASA Dryden's UAS Service Capabilities

The vision of NASA s Dryden Flight Research Center is to "fly what others only imagine." Its mission is to advance technology and science through flight. Objectives supporting the mission include performing flight research and technology integration to revolutionize aviation and pioneer aerospace technology, validating space exploration concepts, conducting airborne remote sensing and science missions, and supporting operations of the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station. A significant focus of effort in recent years has been on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), both in support of the Airborne Science Program and as research vehicles to advance the state of the art in UAS. Additionally, the Center has used its piloted aircraft in support of UAS technology development. In order to facilitate greater access to the UAS expertise that exists at the Center, that expertise has been organized around three major capabilities. The first is access to high-altitude, long-endurance UAS. The second is the establishment of a test range for small UAS. The third is safety case assessment support.

Bauer, Jeff↗
NASA NTRS2016

Flight Analysis of an Autonomously Navigated Experimental Lander

First steps have been taken to qualify a family of parafoil systems capable of increasing the survivability and reusability of high-altitude balloon payloads. The research is motivated by the common risk facing balloon payloads where expensive flight hardware can often land in inaccessible areas that make them difficult or impossible to recover. The Autonomously Navigated Experimental Lander (ANGEL) flight test introduced a commercial Guided Parachute Aerial Delivery System (GPADS) to a previously untested environment at 108,000 feet Mean Sea Level (MSL) to determine its high-altitude survivability and capabilities. Following release, ANGEL descended under a drogue until approximately 25,000 feet, at which point the drogue was jettisoned and the main parachute was deployed, commencing navigation. Multiple data acquisition platforms were used to characterize the return-to-point technology performance and help determine its suitability for returning future scientific payloads ranging from 180 to 10,000 pounds to safer and more convenient landing locations. This report describes the test vehicle design, and summarizes the captured sensor data. Various post-flight analyses are used to quantify the systems performance, gondola load data, and serve as a reference point for subsequent missions.

Parafoil↗
NASA NTRS2019

Fe(exp3) - A Monte Carlo Simulation Capability for Evaluation of New Air Traffic Management Concepts

The concepts of unmanned aircraft system traffic management (UTM) and urban air mobility (UAM) introduce high-density operations in low-altitude airspace and will change the paradigm of the traditional air traffic system. The Flexible engine for Fast-time evaluation of Flight environments (Fe3) provides the capability of statistically analyzing high-density, high-fidelity, and low-altitude traffic system without conducting infeasible and cost-prohibitive flight tests that involve a large volume of aerial vehicles. With this simulation capability, stakeholders can study the impacts of critical factors, define requirements, policies, and protocols needed to support a safe yet efficient traffic system, assess operational risks, and optimize flight schedules. This work provides an introduction to this simulation tool including its architecture and various models involved. Its performance and applications in high density air traffic operations are also presented.

Paralellization↗
NASA NTRS2012

Suborbital Applications in Astronomy and Astrophysics

Suborbital flights providing access to zero-g in a space environment - Demonstrating new technologies in a relevant environment. - Flight testing of individual elements of a constellation. - Raising the TRL of critical technologies for subsystems on future large missions High-altitude balloons (up to ~10 kg payload) -Access to near-space for wavelengths not observable from the ground. -Raising the TRL of critical technologies for subsystems on future large missions. -UV Detector testing.

rockets↗
NASA NTRS1979

Central atlantic regional ecological test site: A prototype regional environmental information system, volume 1

The Central Atlantic Regional Ecological Test Site (CARETS) project was a demonstration project for introducing data from Landsat and high-altitude aircraft sensors into regional land planning and management. This report summarizes the CARETS project results and describes its output of maps, reports, computer tapes, and other products. CARETS used a geographic information system model under which land use maps were prepared from sensor data, then digitized, processed, and linked to other environmental and social data sets, and to environmental consequences such as air pollution, stream runoff, local climatic factors, and coastal erosion. Landsat data showed the test region in 1972 to be nine percent urban and built-up land, 38 percent agriculture, 50 percent forest, three percent nonforested wetlands, and less than one percent barren land, exclusive of water-covered areas. User surveys, conferences, and workshops involving 65 agencies facilitated widespread distribution of data products and produced evaluations concerning their usefulness. We found a heterogeneous user community with diverse information needs largely preferring aerial photographs rather than satellite multispectral scanner data. Among project recommendations are establishment of a network of regional land resource information centers, working toward improved compatibility of Federal, State and local information programs supportive of land use decisions.

Land use↗