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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 325 records · Page 18

AFTI/F-111 airplane mission adaptive wing operational flight evaluation technique using uplinked pilot command cues

NASA and the USAF have conducted a program to investigate aircraft performance improvements utilizing a mission adaptive wing (MAW). The MAW was designed and developed for the AFTI/F-111 variable-sweep aircraft to provide a hydraulically driven, smooth, and continuous variable camber of the trailing and leading edges as a function of maneuvering requirements or of flight conditions. The remotely augmented vehicle facility (RAV) at the NASA DFRF, as utilized in the MAW investigations, is described. The RAV was a dedicated, ground based, general purpose facility capable of receiving a data stream downlinked from a test vehicle, processing this data stream in a digital computer, and transmitting processed data back to the test vehicle. It is shown that this method of flight testing provides a technique that can evaluate highly dynamic maneuvers.

Kempel, Robert W.↗

Current collection by conducting bodies in the low earth orbit

Collection of electrons by a conducting cylinder in a flowing magnetized plasma is studied by means of numerical simulations. Transport of electrons across magnetic field lines in regions of large electric fields in the sheath structure of the cylinder is demonstrated. The potential structures, current flow in the plasma and plasma distributions around the cylinder are presented with and without a release of a neutral gas plume near the cylinder. The simulation with the plume shows current enhancement and formation of a double layer, which is found to be highly dynamic. The simulation with the neutral gas plume simulates the plasma processes occurring in a plasma contactor.

Singh, Nagendra↗

Space Station Freedom Attitude Determination and Control System Overview

Viewgraphs on Space Station Freedom attitude determination and control system overview are presented. Topics covered include: highly dynamic plant; SSF flight attitudes; effectors; inertial attitude sensors; control system performance requirements; control system functional requirements; and controller architecture.

Penrod, Jeff↗

Localization of aeroelastic modes in mistuned high-energy turbines

The effects of blade mistuning on the aerodynamic characteristics of a class of bladed-disk assemblies, namely high energy turbines, are discussed. The specific rotor analyzed is the first stage of turbine blades of the oxidizer turbopump in the Space Shuttle Main Engine. The common occurrence of fatigue cracks for these turbine blades indicates the possibility of high dynamic loading. Since mistuning under conditions of weak interblade coupling has been shown to increase blade response amplitudes drastically for simple structural models of blade assemblies, it provides a plausible explanation for the occurrence of cracks. The focus here is on the effects of frequency mistuning on the aeroelastic stability of the assembly and on the aeroelastic mode shapes.

Smith, Todd E.↗

Monolithic microwave integrated circuits for sensors, radar, and communications systems; Proceedings of the Meeting, Orlando, FL, Apr. 2-4, 1991

Consideration is given to MMICs for airborne phased arrays, monolithic GaAs integrated circuit millimeter wave imaging sensors, accurate design of multiport low-noise MMICs up to 20 GHz, an ultralinear low-noise amplifier technology for space communications, variable-gain MMIC module for space applications, a high-efficiency dual-band power amplifier for radar applications, a high-density circuit approach for low-cost MMIC circuits, coplanar SIMMWIC circuits, recent advances in monolithic phased arrays, and system-level integrated circuit development for phased-array antenna applications. Consideration is also given to performance enhancement in future communications satellites with MMIC technology insertion, application of Ka-band MMIC technology for an Orbiter/ACTS communications experiment, a space-based millimeter wave debris tracking radar, low-noise high-yield octave-band feedback amplifiers to 20 GHz, quasi-optical MESFET VCOs, and a high-dynamic-range mixer using novel balun structure.

Leonard, Regis F.↗

Radio morphology and parent population of X-ray selected BL Lacertae objects

High-dynamic range (typically 1700:1) radio maps of 15 X-ray BL Lac (XBL) objects from the HEAO-1 Large Area Sky Survey are presented. Morphological characteristics of these sources are compared with Fanaroff-Riley (FR) class I radio galaxies in the context of unified schemes, with reference to one-sided kiloparsec-scale emission. Evidence that cluster membership of XBLs is significantly higher than previously thought is also presented. It is shown that the extended radio powers, X-ray emission, core-to-lobe ratios, and linear sizes of the radio selected BL Lac (RBL) and XBL populations are consistent with an FR I radio galaxy parent population. A source list and VLA observing log and map parameters are provided.

Laurent-Muehleisen, S. A.↗

Focusing of Alfvenic wave power in the context of gamma-ray burst emissivity

Highly dynamic magnetospheric perturbations in neutron star environments can naturally account for the features observed in gamma-ray burst spectra. The source distribution, however, appears to be extragalactic. Although noncatastrophic isotropic emission mechanisms may be ruled out on energetic and timing arguments, MHD processes can produce strongly anisotropic gamma rays with an observable flux out to distances of about 1-2 Gpc. Here we show that sheared Alfven waves propagating along open magnetospheric field lines at the poles of magnetized neutron stars transfer their energy dissipationally to the current sustaining the field misalignment and thereby focus their power into a spatial region about 1000 times smaller than that of the crustal disturbance. This produces a strong (observable) flux enhancement along certain directions. We apply this model to a source population of 'turned-off' pulsars that have nonetheless retained their strong magnetic fields and have achieved alignment at a period of approximately greater than 5 sec.

Fatuzzo, Marco↗

Force reflecting hand controller for manipulator teleoperation

A force reflecting hand controller based upon a six degree of freedom fully parallel mechanism, often termed a Stewart Platform, has been designed, constructed, and tested as an integrated system with a slave robot manipulator test bed. A force reflecting hand controller comprises a kinesthetic device capable of transmitting position and orientation commands to a slave robot manipulator while simultaneously representing the environmental interaction forces of the slave manipulator back to the operator through actuators driving the hand controller mechanism. The Stewart Platform was chosen as a novel approach to improve force reflecting teleoperation because of its inherently high ratio of load generation capability to system mass content and the correspondingly high dynamic bandwidth. An additional novelty of the program was to implement closed loop force and torque control about the hand controller mechanism by equipping the handgrip with a six degree of freedom force and torque measuring cell. The mechanical, electrical, computer, and control systems are discussed and system tests are presented.

Bryfogle, Mark D.↗

Semi-span model testing in the National Transonic Facility

A semi-span testing technique has been proposed for the NASA Langley Research Center's National Transonic Facility (NTF). Semi-span testing has several advantages including (1) larger model size, giving increased Reynolds number capability; (2) improved model fidelity, allowing ease of flap and slat positioning which ultimately improves data quality; and (3) reduced construction costs compared with a full-span model. In addition, the increased model size inherently allows for increased model strength, reducing aeroelastic effects at the high dynamic pressure levels necessary to simulate flight Reynolds numbers. The Energy Efficient Transport (EET) full-span model has been modified to become the EET semi-span model. The full-span EET model was tested extensively at both NASA LRC and NASA Ames Research Center. The available full-span data will be useful in validating the semi-span test strategy in the NTF. In spite of the advantages discussed above, the use of a semi-span model does introduce additional challenges which must be addressed in the testing procedure. To minimize the influence of the sidewall boundary layer on the flow over the semi-span model, the model must be off-set from the sidewall. The objective is to remove the semi-span model from the sidewall boundary layer by use of a stand-off geometry. When this is done however, the symmetry along the centerline of the full-span model is lost when the semi-span model is mounted on the wind tunnel sidewall. In addition, the large semi-span model will impose a significant pressure loading on the sidewall boundary layer, which may cause separation. Even under flow conditions where the sidewall boundary layer remains attached, the sidewall boundary layer may adversely effect the flow over the semi-span model. Also, the increased model size and sidewall mounting requires a modified wall correction strategy. With these issues in mind, the semi-span model has been well instrumented with surface pressure taps to obtain data on the expected complex flow field in the near wall region. This status report summarizes the progress to date on developing the semi-span geometry definition suitable for generating structured grids for the computational research. In addition, the progress on evaluating three state-of-the-art Navier-Stokes codes is presented.

Chokani, Ndaona↗

Design and development of an F/A-18 inlet distortion rake: A cost and time saving solution

An innovative inlet total-pressure distortion measurement rake has been designed and developed for the F/A-18 A/B/C/D aircraft inlet. The design was conceived by NASA and General Electric Aircraft Engines (Evendale, Ohio). This rake has been flight qualified and flown in the F-18 High Alpha Research Vehicle (HARV) at NASA Dryden Flight Research Center. The rake's eight-legged, one-piece wagon wheel design was developed at a reduced cost and offers reduced installation time compared with traditional designs. The rake features 40 dual measurement ports for both low- and high-frequency pressure measurements with the high-frequency transducer mounted at the port. The high-frequency transducer offers direct absolute pressure measurements from low frequency to the highest frequency of interest, thereby allowing the rake to be used during highly dynamic aircraft maneuvers. Outstanding structural characteristics are inherent to the design through its construction and use of lightweight materials.

Yuhas, Andrew J.↗

Turbulence measurements in hypersonic boundary layers using constant-temperature anemometry and Reynolds stress measurements in hypersonic boundary layers

The primary objective in the two research investigations performed under NASA Langley sponsorship (Turbulence measurements in hypersonic boundary layers using constant temperature anemometry and Reynolds stress measurements in hypersonic boundary layers) has been to increase the understanding of the physics of hypersonic turbulent boundary layers. The study began with an extension of constant-temperature thermal anemometry techniques to a Mach 11 helium flow, including careful examinations of hot-wire construction techniques, system response, and system calibration. This was followed by the application of these techniques to the exploration of a Mach 11 helium turbulent boundary layer (To approximately 290 K). The data that was acquired over the course of more than two years consists of instantaneous streamwise mass flux measurements at a frequency response of about 500 kHz. The data are of exceptional quality in both the time and frequency domain and possess a high degree of repeatability. The data analysis that has been performed to date has added significantly to the body of knowledge on hypersonic turbulence, and the data reduction is continuing. An attempt was then made to extend these thermal anemometry techniques to higher enthalpy flows, starting with a Mach 6 air flow with a stagnation temperature just above that needed to prevent liquefaction (To approximately 475 F). Conventional hot-wire anemometry proved to be inadequate for the selected high-temperature, high dynamic pressure flow, with frequent wire breakage and poor system frequency response. The use of hot-film anemometry has since been investigated for these higher-enthalpy, severe environment flows. The difficulty with using hot-film probes for dynamic (turbulence) measurements is associated with construction limitations and conduction of heat into the film substrate. Work continues under a NASA GSRP grant on the development of a hot film probe that overcomes these shortcomings for hypersonic flows. Each of the research tasks performed during the NASA Langley research grants is discussed separately below.

Spina, Eric F.↗

Design and development of an F/A-18 inlet distortion rake: A cost and time saving solution

An innovative inlet total pressure distortion measurement rake has been designed and developed for the F/A-18 A/B/C/D aircraft inlet. The design was conceived by NASA and General Electric Aircraft Engines personnel. This rake has been flight qualified and flown in the F/A-18 High Alpha Research Vehicle at NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California. The eight-legged, one-piece, wagon wheel design of the rake was developed at a reduced cost and offered reduced installation time compared to traditional designs. The rake features 40 dual-measurement ports for low- and high-frequency pressure measurements with the high-frequency transducer mounted at the port. This high-frequency transducer offers direct absolute pressure measurements from low to high frequencies of interest, thereby allowing the rake to be used during highly dynamic aircraft maneuvers. Outstanding structural characteristics are inherent to the design through its construction and use of lightweight materials.

Yuhas, Andrew J.↗

Modelling of the outer heliosphere

The interaction of the outflowing solar wind with the local interstellar medium (LISM) is complicated by many factors--the solar wind itself is a highly dynamical medium, interstellar neutral atoms can interact with the heliospheric boundaries in a complex fashion and the solar wind can be decelerated via mass-loading associated with pick-up ions, for example. Anomalous and galactic cosmic rays besides being modulated by the solar wind, may react back on the heliospheric boundaries leading to possibly significant structural modifications. These and other factors suggest that the physics of the outer heliosphere is strongly influenced by the properties of the very LISM and is quite different from the physics of the inner heliosphere. In this talk, we will try to synthesize the many recent developments in modelling the outer heliosphere and boundaries, encompassing both local and global models. Special emphasis will be placed on identifying those aspects of the various models which have observational implications.

Zank, G. P.↗

Biomechanically Induced and Controller Coupled Oscillations Experienced on the F-16XL Aircraft During Rolling Maneuvers

During rapid rolling maneuvers, the F-16 XL aircraft exhibits a 2.5 Hz lightly damped roll oscillation, perceived and described as 'roll ratcheting.' This phenomenon is common with fly-by-wire control systems, particularly when primary control is derived through a pedestal-mounted side-arm controller. Analytical studies have been conducted to model the nature of the integrated control characteristics. The analytical results complement the flight observations. A three-degree-of-freedom linearized set of aerodynamic matrices was assembled to simulate the aircraft plant. The lateral-directional control system was modeled as a linear system. A combination of two second-order transfer functions was derived to couple the lateral acceleration feed through effect of the operator's arm and controller to the roll stick force input. From the combined systems, open-loop frequency responses and a time history were derived, describing and predicting an analogous in-flight situation. This report describes the primary control, aircraft angular rate, and position time responses of the F-16 XL-2 aircraft during subsonic and high-dynamic-pressure rolling maneuvers. The analytical description of the pilot's arm and controller can be applied to other aircraft or simulations to assess roll ratcheting susceptibility.

Smith, John W.↗

Application of Phase Shifted, Laser Feedback Interferometry to Fluid Physics

We have combined the principles of phase-shifting interferometry (PSI) and laser-feedback interferometry (LFI) to produce a new instrument that can measure both optical path length (OPL) changes and discern sample reflectivity variations. In LFI, coherent feedback of the incident light either reflected directly from a surface or reflected after transmission through a region of interest will modulate the output intensity of the laser. LFI can yield a high signal-to-noise ratio even for low reflectivity samples. By combining PSI and LFI, we have produced a robust instrument, based upon a HeNe laser, with high dynamic range that can be used to measure either static (dc) or oscillatory changes along the optical path. As with other forms of interferometry, large changes in OPL require phase unwrapping. Conversely, small phase changes are limited by the fraction of a fringe that can be measured. We introduce the phase shifts with an electro-optic modulator (EOM) and use either the Carre or Hariharan algorithms to determine the phase and visibility. We have determined the accuracy and precision of our technique by measuring both the bending of a cantilevered piezoelectric bimorph and linear ramps to the EOM. Using PSI, sub-nanometer displacements can be measured. We have combined our interferometer with a commercial microscope and scanning piezoelectric stage and have measured the variation in OPL and visibility for drops of PDMS (silicone oil) on coated single crystal silicon. Our measurement of the static contact angle agrees with the value of 68 deg stated in the literature.

Ovryn, Ben↗

A Diagnostic System for Studying Energy Partitioning and Assessing the Response of the Ionosphere during HAARP Modification Experiments

This research program focused on the construction of several key radio wave diagnostics in support of the HF Active Auroral Ionospheric Research Program (HAARP). Project activities led to the design, development, and fabrication of a variety of hardware units and to the development of several menu-driven software packages for data acquisition and analysis. The principal instrumentation includes an HF (28 MHz) radar system, a VHF (50 MHz) radar system, and a high-speed radar processor consisting of three separable processing units. The processor system supports the HF and VHF radars and is capable of acquiring very detailed data with large incoherent scatter radars. In addition, a tunable HF receiver system having high dynamic range was developed primarily for measurements of stimulated electromagnetic emissions (SEE). A separate processor unit was constructed for the SEE receiver. Finally, a large amount of support instrumentation was developed to accommodate complex field experiments. Overall, the HAARP diagnostics are powerful tools for studying diverse ionospheric modification phenomena. They are also flexible enough to support a host of other missions beyond the scope of HAARP. Many new research programs have been initiated by applying the HAARP diagnostics to studies of natural atmospheric processes.

Djuth, Frank T.↗

Effective Transition Management: The Seamless System

In this age of shrinking resources, cost avoidance has become as critical as direct cost savings. There is no doubt that Effective Transition Management (ETM) achieves this aim. What then, is ETM and how does it achieve its goal? It is the introduction and use of a hierarchical decision model and computerized tracking system which successfully integrates capital acquisition into the support base. You will discover that because this proven system is generic, compatible and flexible, its applications are virtually unlimited. It is this highly dynamic process which I would like to share with you. Skilled specialists are now rotated rapidly through acquisition programs on a requirements-driven basis. Managers continue their quest for inefficient areas to trim, slash or cut. However, there is one area of operations in every major corporation and government department that, as yet, has not received the attention it deserves. This essential element is Transition Management. Capital acquisitions, at some point, must be handed off to a support matrix for the 'in-service' phase of their life cycle. Most of us who have been on the receiving end can usually cite outrageous examples of adjustment, recovery or disaster. This means buying what amounts to a second initial sparing package, re-aligning the range and depth of inventory to match a changed maintenance concept, interpreting contractor-developed configuration control data or ensuring that the latest information is contained in the technical publications. This list is endless. For major purchases, this 'in-service' phase is often fifteen, twenty or more years. The least desirable, yet most common condition, is to suffer up to five years of recovering from errors or omissions after the transition to the support matrix occurs. Without ETM, making new equipment fully operational may thus become a long and costly process.

Burke, Marty↗

The HST T tauri star SNAPshot survey

In the nearest star-forming regions, protoplanetary disks have angular sizes of only 3-4". Millimeter interferometry has generally been limited to a resolution of 1". Groundbased coronagraphic imaging of YSOs has been restricted to radii exterior to an occulting mask (r >2"), and detect nebulosity only in the most extreme dusty systems. The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) is the only observatory which can provide a spatial resolution of approx. 10 AU in combination with a stable point-spread function for high dynamic range imaging at visual wavelengths. Since the December 1993 servicing mission, only 12 nearby young stars have been observed by HST with the sensitivity needed to detect circumstellar reflection nebulosity. All six of the classical T Tauri stars observed so far have shown nebulosity; three objects are compact bipolar nebulae without an optically visible star; and the three weak-line T Tauri stars observed show no evidence for circumstellar nebulosity. Disks have been directly observed in 3 of the 12 systems studied so far: HH 30, GM Aurigae, and Haro 6-5B. A larger survey offers the prospect of many more detections, and thereby can address such fundamental questions as: What is the frequency for direct detection of disks around premain sequence stars? What is the range of disk masses and sizes? How are disks different in binary systems? Our proposal for an HST T Tauri Star SNAPshot survey was approved for 75 targets in Cycle 7. A SNAPshot survey consists of short-duration (25 minutes or less) sequences of observations which can be used to fill gaps in the HST observing schedule. This is well-matched to the needs of disk imaging, where typical T Tauri stars (11 < V < 14) saturate the WFPC2 detectors in a minute or less. Only wide-band R and I images will be taken.

Stapelfeldt, Karl↗