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At least 307 records · Page 17

A Summary of Test Results from a NASA Lift + Cruise eVTOL Crash Test

On November 9, 2022, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) conducted a full-scale crash test of the NASA Lift+Cruise (LPC) reference vehicle at the NASA Langley Research Center Landing and Impact Research Facility (LandIR) under combined vertical and horizontal impact conditions to simulate a severe but survivable crash. The LPC test article is a carbon-composite skin/frame structure design, developed and fabricated for the cabin section only. The test utilized various configurations of seats and Anthropomorphic Test Devices (ATDs, a.k.a. crash test dummies) intended to encompass a variety of occupant conditions. In addition, an in-house developed energy absorbing subfloor was utilized for the evaluation of load attenuation. Overhead mass was simulated using attached lifting hardware and other systems were simulated using ballast mass. The test article impacted the ground with velocities of 38.1 ft/s horizontal and 31.4 ft/s vertical. During the first approximately 38 milliseconds (ms), the cabin section experienced a large amount of acceleration on the belly which was attenuated by the subfloor structures and seats. Over the next approximately 160 ms, the test article experienced failure in the a-, b- and c-pillars, leading to a partial collapse of the overhead structure. Test data was collected on the belly, floors, seats, overhead mass, and tail. In addition, there was high speed full-field digital image correlation analysis data collected on the port side skin surface. Collected ATD data showed that the ATDs seated in the energy absorbing seats experienced loads at limits below the those in current regulations. Even without an energy absorbing seat, the energy absorbing subfloors crushed as intended, and limited the load on the large 95 th percentile ATD to 10% over suggested limits. The collapse of the roof did affect the 95 th percentile ATD, which showed high neck loading values due to head contact, whereas survivable volume was maintained for the other ATDs. While the energy absorbing subfloor and energy absorbing seats both contributed to occupant load attenuation, further optimization is suggested to increase their robustness.

evtol↗

A Summary of Test Results from a NASA Lift + Cruise eVTOL Crash Test

On November 9, 2022, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) conducted a full-scale crash test of the NASA Lift+Cruise (LPC) reference vehicle at the NASA Langley Research Center Landing and Impact Research Facility (LandIR) under combined vertical and horizontal impact conditions to simulate a severe but survivable crash. The LPC test article is a carbon-composite skin/frame structure design, developed and fabricated for the cabin section only. The test utilized various configurations of seats and Anthropomorphic Test Devices (ATDs, a.k.a. crash test dummies) intended to encompass a variety of occupant conditions. In addition, an in-house developed energy absorbing subfloor was utilized for the evaluation of load attenuation. Overhead mass was simulated using attached lifting hardware and other systems were simulated using ballast mass. The test article impacted the ground with velocities of 38.1 ft/s horizontal and 31.4 ft/s vertical. During the first approximately 38 milliseconds (ms), the cabin section experienced a large amount of acceleration on the belly which was attenuated by the subfloor structures and seats. Over the next approximately 160 ms, the test article experienced failure in the a-, b- and c-pillars, leading to a partial collapse of the overhead structure. Test data was collected on the belly, floors, seats, overhead mass, and tail. In addition, there was high speed full-field digital image correlation analysis data collected on the port side skin surface. Collected ATD data showed that the ATDs seated in the energy absorbing seats experienced loads at limits below the those in current regulations. Even without an energy absorbing seat, the energy absorbing subfloors crushed as intended, and limited the load on the large 95 th percentile ATD to 10% over suggested limits. The collapse of the roof did affect the 95 th percentile ATD, which showed high neck loading values due to head contact, whereas survivable volume was maintained for the other ATDs. While the energy absorbing subfloor and energy absorbing seats both contributed to occupant load attenuation, further optimization is suggested to increase their robustness.

evtol↗

The Evaluation of Anthropomorphic Test Device Response under Vertical Loading

During the winter of 2018, a series of vertical tests was conducted on three sizes of Anthropomorphic Test Devices (ATDs) for the evaluation of their vertical loading response. The three sizes of ATDs represented a 5th percentile female, a 50th percentile male, and a 95th percentile male. There were two variations of the 50th percentile male as defined in 49 CFR Part 572: a Hybrid II and an FAA Hybrid III. Tests were conducted on a drop tower located at NASA Langley Research Center’s (LaRC) Landing and Impact Research (LandIR) Facility. The ATDs were seated on 14 CFR § 25.562 certified seats, in either a triple (window, middle and aisle) or a double (window and aisle) seat configuration, with seat leg spacing replicating a Fokker F28 MK-1000 aircraft. The seat and ATDs were attached to a drop plate on the tower, which was lifted to a height of 14 ft. The system was dropped onto different sections of crushable foam wedges to achieve multiple input deceleration environments. The purpose of the tests was to evaluate the differences in lumbar response, to examine scaling characteristics from sizing factors in the ATDs, and also to compare the results to computer simulation efforts. Results will be presented and comparisons will be discussed.

Anthropomorphic Test Devices (ATDs)↗

Demonstration of radar reflector detection and ground clutter suppression using airborne weather and mapping radar

A navigation system which utilizes minimum ground-based equipment is especially advantageous to helicopters, which can make off-airport landings. Research has been conducted in the use of weather and mapping radar to detect large radar reflectors overland for navigation purposes. As initial studies have not been successful, investigations were conducted regarding a new concept for the detection of ground-based radar reflectors and eliminating ground clutter, using a device called an echo processor (EP). A description is presented of the problems associated with detecting radar reflectors overland, taking into account the EP concept and the results of ground- and flight-test investigations. The echo processor concept was successfully demonstrated in detecting radar reflectors overland in a high-clutter environment. A radar reflector target size of 55 dBsm was found to be adequate for detection in an urban environment.

Anderson, D. J.↗

Simulation and Analysis of NASA Lift Plus Cruise eVTOL Crash Test

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) will perform a full-scale crash test of a representative electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) fuselage in November 2022. The test article is a carbon-composite fuselage cabin section of the six-passenger lift plus cruise (LPC) eVTOL design concept which was created by NASA to advance understanding of eVTOL propulsion, noise, and safety. The test will consist of impacting the fuselage cabin section onto a concrete surface with a combined horizontal and vertical velocity approximating a severe but survivable crash landing for this vehicle design. Data generated from this test will be used to inform eVTOL crashworthiness regulation development, evaluate the use of energy absorbing concepts within vehicle design, and validate finite element model (FEM) techniques used in crashworthiness predictions. The cabin section response will be evaluated using structural instrumentation, anthropometric test devices (ATDs), and high-speed photogrammetry. This study will compare pre-test FEM predictions to test results to quantify the capability of these tools to predict crashworthiness of the carbon-composite eVTOL airframe.

Crashworthiness↗

Simulation and Analysis of NASA Lift Plus Cruise eVTOL Crash Test

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) will perform a full-scale crash test of a representative electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) fuselage in November 2022. The test article is a carbon-composite fuselage cabin section of the six-passenger lift plus cruise (LPC) eVTOL design concept which was created by NASA to advance understanding of eVTOL propulsion, noise, and safety. The test will consist of impacting the fuselage cabin section onto a concrete surface with a combined horizontal and vertical velocity approximating a severe but survivable crash landing for this vehicle design. Data generated from this test will be used to inform eVTOL crashworthiness regulation development, evaluate the use of energy absorbing concepts within vehicle design, and validate finite element model (FEM) techniques used in crashworthiness predictions. The cabin section response will be evaluated using structural instrumentation, anthropometric test devices (ATDs), and high-speed photogrammetry. This study will compare pre-test FEM predictions to test results to quantify the capability of these tools to predict crashworthiness of the carbon-composite eVTOL airframe.

Crashworthiness↗

Stand Alone Pressure Measurement Device (SAPMD) for the space shuttle Orbiter, part 1

The specifications for the Stand Alone Pressure Measurement Device (SAPMD) are as follows: the SAPMD shall measure ambient pressure at the surface of the Orbiter TPS in the range of 0 to 15 pounds per square inch absolute (PSIA). Measurement will begin at solid rocket booster (SRB) ignition as sensed by appropriate vibration sensing elements in the SAPMD. Pressure and corresponding real-time data are to be recorded every one tenth second for 140 seconds and at the end of the recording period, the operation will be discontinued with the data preserved for interrogation subsequent to Orbiter re-entry and landing. The type and size of the battery shall be such as to allow the vibration sensing elements and a real-time clock to be initialized a minimum of 30 day prior to launch and still provide power as necessary to perform the 140 second data recording period after SRB ignition. Battery installation shall be in such a manner as to allow battery replacement without removing the SAPMD from its position or removing more than one TPS tile. The SAPMD must be mounted in specific locations under tile of the TPS. To accommodate such mounting, the absolute maximum physical dimensions much not exceed 6.0 inches in length, 1.5 inches in width, and 0.4 inches in height, and the device shall be of such configuration that it can be bonded to the Orbiter skin at the joint line of two TPS tiles with the pressure sensing port at the surface of the tile. The SAPMD must remain operational in the temperature range of -40 to +85 C and survive storage temperature of -55 to +125 C. The pressure port must withstand 934 C without causing damage to the TPS during entry and must remain functional at 262 C during ascent. The accuracy of the pressure measurement must be plus or minus one-half PSIA over a temperature range of 0 to +36 C. All the specifications were met and verified by prototype testing and documented in the enclosed test data. Four flight-qualified models were fabricated and of these, two were delivered and successfully flown in the cargo bay of STS-26.

Tomlinson, Bill↗

Advanced Polymers for Practical Use

Resulting from a SBIR contract with the Goddard Space Flight Center, Foster-Miller developed a high performance, low cost substrate for printed circuits with a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) matched to the surface mounted devices. The commercial product that resulted from the agreement between the two organizations was so successful that Foster-Miller created a spin-off company named Superex, Inc., devoted solely to the promotion of this particular substrate. The contract originated from NASA's need to develop better, more cost effective satellite and land based electronic applications.

Source record↗

NASA Tech Briefs, May 2011

Topics covered include: 1) Method to Estimate the Dissolved Air Content in Hydraulic Fluid; 2) Method for Measuring Collimator-Pointing Sensitivity to Temperature Changes; 3) High-Temperature Thermometer Using Cr-Doped GdAlO3 Broadband Luminescence; 4)Metrology Arrangement for Measuring the Positions of Mirrors of a Submillimeter Telescope; 5) On-Wafer S-Parameter Measurements in the 325-508-GHz Band; 6) Reconfigurable Microwave Phase Delay Element for Frequency Reference and Phase-Shifter Applications; 7) High-Speed Isolation Board for Flight Hardware Testing; 8) High-Throughput, Adaptive FFT Architecture for FPGA-Based Spaceborne Data Processors; 9) 3D Orbit Visualization for Earth-Observing Missions; 10) MaROS: Web Visualization of Mars Orbiting and Landed Assets; 11) RAPID: Collaborative Commanding and Monitoring of Lunar Assets; 12) Image Segmentation, Registration, Compression, and Matching; 13) Image Calibration; 14) Rapid ISS Power Availability Simulator; 15) A Method of Strengthening Composite/Metal Joints; 16) Pre-Finishing of SiC for Optical Applications; 17) Optimization of Indium Bump Morphology for Improved Flip Chip Devices; 18) Measuring Moisture Levels in Graphite Epoxy Composite Sandwich Structures; 19) Marshall Convergent Spray Formulation Improvement for High Temperatures; 20) Real-Time Deposition Monitor for Ultrathin Conductive Films; 21) Optimized Li-Ion Electrolytes Containing Triphenyl Phosphate as a Flame-Retardant Additive; 22) Radiation-Resistant Hybrid Lotus Effect for Achieving Photoelectrocatalytic Self-Cleaning Anticontamination Coatings; 23) Improved, Low-Stress Economical Submerged Pipeline; 24) Optical Fiber Array Assemblies for Space Flight on the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter; 25) Local Leak Detection and Health Monitoring of Pressurized Tanks; 26) Dielectric Covered Planar Antennas at Submillimeter Wavelengths for Terahertz Imaging; 27) Automated Cryocooler Monitor and Control System; 28) Broadband Achromatic Phase Shifter for a Nulling Interferometer; 29) Super Dwarf Wheat for Growth in Confined Spaces; 30) Fine Guidance Sensing for Coronagraphic Observatories; 31) Single-Antenna Temperature- and Humidity-Sounding Microwave Receiver; 32) Multi-Wavelength, Multi-Beam, and Polarization-Sensitive Laser Transmitter for Surface Mapping; 33) Optical Communications Link to Airborne Transceiver; 34) Ascent Heating Thermal Analysis on Spacecraft Adaptor Fairings; 35) Entanglement in Self-Supervised Dynamics; 36) Prioritized LT Codes; 37) Fast Image Texture Classification Using Decision Trees; 38) Constraint Embedding Technique for Multibody System Dynamics; 39) Improved Systematic Pointing Error Model for the DSN Antennas; 40) Observability and Estimation of Distributed Space Systems via Local Information-Exchange Networks; 41) More-Accurate Model of Flows in Rocket Injectors; 42) In-Orbit Instrument-Pointing Calibration Using the Moon as a Target; 43) Reliability of Ceramic Column Grid Array Interconnect Packages Under Extreme Temperatures; 44) Six Degrees-of-Freedom Ascent Control for Small-Body Touch and Go; and 45) Optical-Path-Difference Linear Mechanism for the Panchromatic Fourier Transform Spectrometer.

Source record↗

Sampling the cometary nucleus

Three modes for obtaining samples of cometary material: remote sampling, hover mode sampling, and landed (anchored) sampling are discussed. For each mode, trade-offs involving complexity, risk factors, and cost must be analyzed for the spacecraft and the sampling system. Flyby results for comet Halley indicate heterogeneity in the cometary nucleus that could dictate sampling at several different locations. Coring drills, drive tubes, and specialized mantle sampling devices must operate at cold temperatures (100 to 180 K) without heating the sample. Sample selections must be accomodated by the sample return canister, which must also be protected from thermal excursions.

Clark, B. C.↗

A Review of Distributed Electric Propulsion Concepts for Air Vehicle Technology

The emergence of distributed electric propulsion (DEP) concepts for aircraft systems has enabled new capabilities in the overall efficiency, capabilities, and robustness of future air vehicles. Distributed electric propulsion systems feature the novel approach of utilizing electrically-driven propulsors which are only connected electrically to energy sources or power-generating devices. As a result, propulsors can be placed, sized, and operated with greater flexibility to leverage the synergistic benefits of aero-propulsive coupling and provide improved performance over more traditional designs. A number of conventional aircraft concepts that utilize distributed electric propulsion have been developed, along with various short and vertical takeoff and landing platforms. Careful integration of electrically-driven propulsors for boundary-layer ingestion can allow for improved propulsive efficiency and wake-filling benefits. The placement and configuration of propulsors can also be used to mitigate the trailing vortex system of a lifting surface or leverage increases in dynamic pressure across blown surfaces for increased lift performance. Additionally, the thrust stream of distributed electric propulsors can be utilized to enable new capabilities in vehicle control, including reducing requirements for traditional control surfaces and increasing tolerance of the vehicle control system to engine-out or propulsor-out scenarios. If one or more turboelectric generators and multiple electric fans are used, the increased effective bypass ratio of the whole propulsion system can also enable lower community noise during takeoff and landing segments of flight and higher propulsive efficiency at all conditions. Furthermore, the small propulsors of a DEP system can be installed to leverage an acoustic shielding effect by the airframe, which can further reduce noise signatures. The rapid growth in flight-weight electrical systems and power architectures has provided new enabling technologies for future DEP concepts, which provide flexible operational capabilities far beyond those of current systems. While a number of integration challenges exist, DEP is a disruptive concept that can lead to unprecedented improvements in future aircraft designs.

electric propulsion↗

Impact tests on rubber compression springs for airplane landing gears

The present report gives the results of tests which were made for the purpose of solving the problem of whether diagrams obtained from pressure tests could be conclusive for the determination of the safe impact coefficients. It is first established that the rubber rings adhere firmly to the compression surfaces during deformation. Suggestions are thus obtained for a constructive simplification of the rubber rings. The hysteresis phenomenon is ascribed to external and internal friction forces. A device for falling tests is then described with which the process of shock absorption with rubber rings was tested.

Hohenemser, K↗

Relevance of ERTS-1 to the State of Ohio

The author has identified the following significant results. During the first year of project effort the ability of ERTS-1 imagery to be used for mapping and inventorying strip-mined areas in south eastern Ohio, the potential of using ERTS-1 imagery in water quality and coastal zone management in the Lake Erie region, and the extent that ERTS-1 imagery could contribute to localized (metropolitan/urban), multicounty, and overall state land use needs were experimentally demonstrated and reported as significant project results. Significant research accomplishments were achieved in the technological development of manual and computerized methods to extract multi-feature information as well as singular feature information from ERTS-1 data as is exemplified by the forestry transparency overlay. Fabrication of an image transfer device to superimpose ERTS-1 data onto existing maps and other data sources was also a significant analytical accomplishment.

Sweet, D. C.↗

Computers in Aerospace Conference, 5th, Long Beach, CA, October 21-23, 1985, Technical Papers

Among the topics discussed are: access control models for a distributed CAIS-conforming system; a knowledge-based advisory system for casualty procedures; and automated interactive simulation modeling system. Consideration is also given to: reusable software concepts and software development methodologies; the electronic device aspects of neutral network memories; an expert system for automated satellite anomaly resolution; and the use of automatic programming techniques for fault-tolerant computing systems. Among additional topics discussed are: systems approaches to software fault tolerance; a Space Shuttle navigation validation system; and a vision-based road following system for an autonomous land vehicle.

Source record↗

MARSNET: A European network of stations on the surface of Mars

Following an ESA preliminary study on the possible areas of European participation in the future international exploration of Mars and an ESA call for ideas of new missions, MARSNET, a network of small surface stations, was selected for further in-depth scientific and technical assessment studies as a potential European contribution to such exploration. Subsequently, the MARSNET phase A studies started in the autumn of 1991. The industrial kickoff took place in early January 1992, following the tender evaluation and the decision to select the Aerospatiale-led consortium including Dornier, Alcatel, Laben, and Etca to perform the industrial studies. The phase A studies ended in early 1993. However, critical items such as an instrument deployment device continue to be studied in the framework of ESA's Technology Research Program. The MARSNET mission consists of a network of three semihard landers to be placed on the Martian surface, several thousand kilometers apart, thus defining a regional/global seismological and meteorological network in the Tharsis region. The small stations would be targeted for landing at scientifically interesting sites in this region of Mars, which is the most likely area to still show tectonic activity; this would allow the seismometers to acquire data for the determination of the internal structure of the planet. Landing site geology and geochemistry will also be studied.

Chicarro, A. F.↗

STS-81 Flight Day 10

On this tenth day of the STS-81 mission, the flight crew, Cmdr. Michael A. Baker, Pilot Brent W. Jett, Mission Specialists, John M. Grunsfeld, Marsha S. Ivins, Peter J.K. Wisoff, and John Blaha, prepare for the return back to earth. The shuttle's key flight control systems are checked for entry and landing phase of the mission. Commander Mike Baker and Pilot Brent Jett activate one of Atlantis' three hydraulic power units to test the shuttle's aerosurfaces. Baker and Jett fire Atlantis' steering jets in a routine prelanding checkout. The astronauts also test a medical restraint system in the Spacehab module, placing two crewmembers in the device. Crewmembers then begin to stow items away in the crew cabin, initiate the scheduled deactivation of Spacehab systems and associated hardware.

Source record↗

STOVL Hot Gas Ingestion control technology

A comprehensive wind tunnel test program was conducted to evaluate control of Hot Gas Ingestion (HGI) on a 9.2 percent scale model of the McDonnell Aircraft Company model 279-3C advanced Short Takeoff and Vertical Landing (STOVL) configuration. The test was conducted in the NASA-Lewis Research Center 9 ft by 15 ft Low Speed Wind Tunnel during the summer of 1987. Initial tests defined baseline HGI levels as determined by engine face temperature rise and temperature distortion. Subsequent testing was conducted to evaluate HGI control parametrically using Lift Improvement Devices (LIDs), forward nozzle splay angle, a combination of LIDs and forward nozzle splay angle, and main inlet blocking. The results from this test program demonstrate that HGI can be effectively controlled and that HGI is not a barrier to STOVL aircraft development.

Amuedo, K. C.↗

Electromagnetic braking for Mars spacecraft

Aerobraking concepts are being studied to improve performance and cost effectiveness of propulsion systems for Mars landers and Mars interplanetary spacecraft. Access to megawatt power levels (nuclear power coupled to high-storage inductive or capacitive devices) on a manned Mars interplanetary spacecraft may make feasible electromagnetic braking and lift modulation techniques which were previously impractical. Using pulsed microwave and magnetic field technology, potential plasmadynamic braking and hydromagnetic lift modulation techniques have been identified. Entry corridor modulation to reduce loads and heating, to reduce vertical descent rates, and to expand horizontal and lateral landing ranges are possible benefits. In-depth studies are needed to identify specific design concepts for feasibility assessments. Standing wave/plasma sheath interaction techniques appear to be promising. The techniques may require some tailoring of spacecraft external structures and materials. In addition, rapid response guidance and control systems may require the use of structurally embedded sensors coupled to expert systems or to artificial intelligence systems.

Holt, A. C.↗