Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “ride”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 325 records · Page 18

Advanced technologies applied to reduce the operating costs of small commuter transport aircraft

The application of new aerodynamic, structural, and propulsion technologies to a specified baseline commuter aircraft is studied. The assessment models can be used on a desktop calculator and include a sizing program, operating cost program, and passenger ride qualities model. Evaluation is done with a step-by-step approach and is applied to range, number and type of engines, structure, wing selection, and configuration. A 40 percent direct operating cost saving is anticipated compared to current well established commuter aircraft.

Masefield, O.↗

Locomotive Truck Dynamics

Commonly-used locomotive trucks tested to study and improve ride safety. Federal Railroad Administration and National Aeronautics and Space Administration jointly initiated program to study locomotive truck dynamics to improve operation safety. Final report summarizes program and truck and component tests.

Berry, R. L.↗

Application of advanced technologies to small, short-haul transport aircraft (STAT)

The benefits of selected advanced technologies for 19 and 30 passenger, short-haul aircraft were identified. Advanced technologies were investigated in four areas: aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, and ride quality. Configuration sensitivity studies were conducted to show design tradeoffs associated with passenger capacity, cabin comfort level, and design field length.

Kraus, E. F.↗

Wind tunnel tests of a free-wing/free-trimmer model

The riding qualities of an aircraft with low wing loading can be improved by freeing the wing to rotate about its spanwise axis. A trimming surface also free to rotate about its spanwise axis can be added at the wing tips to permit the use of high lift devices. Wind tunnel tests of the free wing/free trimmer model with the trimmer attached to the wing tips aft of the wing chord were conducted to validate a mathematical model developed to predict the dynamic characteristics of a free wing/free trimmer aircraft. A model consisting of a semispan wing with the trimmer mounted on with the wing on an air bearing and the trimmer on a ball bearing was displaced to various angles of attack and released. The damped oscillations of the wing and trimmer were recorded. Real and imaginary parts of the characteristic equations of motion were determined and compared to values predicted using the mathematical model.

Sandlin, D. R.↗

Preliminary report of Goddard/University Human Factors Research Group

The three major concerns which greatly influence the initial efforts and priorities in the human factors arena are outlined. These concerns are an increased awareness of the: (1) over riding data driven aspects of current command/control systems; (2) complexity of existing man/system interface mechanisms; and (3) great extent of the manual intervention required in present systems.

Truszkowski, W.↗

Emergency Medical Service (EMS): Rotorcraft Technology Workshop

A lead organization on the national level should be designated to establish concepts, locations, and the number of shock trauma air medical services. Medical specialists desire a vehicle which incorporates advances in medical technology trends in health care. Key technology needs for the emergency medical services helicopter of the future include the riding quality of fixed wing aircraft (reduced noise and vibration), no tail rotor, small rotor, small rotor diameter, improved visibility, crashworthy vehicle, IFR capability, more affordability high reliability, fuel efficient, and specialized cabins to hold medical/diagnostic and communications equipment. Approaches to a national emergency medical service are discussed.

Bauchspies, J. S.↗

Adaptive inverse control for helicopter vibration reduction

The reduction or alleviation of helicopter vibration will reduce maintenance requirements while at the same time increase ride quality and helicopter reliability. In forward flight, the helicopter's fuselage vibration spectrum tends to be dominated by multiples of the N/REV component. A way to use the method of adaptive inverse control to identify, in real-time, a controller capable of generating N/REV vibration of opposite phase to cancel the uncontrolled N/REV component is presented. Multicyclic feathering of blade pitch is the control considered.

Jacklin, S. A.↗

Research and technology, 1983

Highlights of major accomplishments and applications made during the past year illustrate the broad range of research and technology activities at the Langley Research Center. Advances are reported in the following areas: systems engineering and operation; aeronautics; electronics; space applications; aircraft and spacecraft structures; composite structures; laminar flow control; subsonic transport aircraft; and supersonic fighter concepts. Technology utilization efforts described cover a hyperthermia monitor, a lightweight composite wheelchair; and a vehicle ride quality meter.

Source record↗

Two-dimensional scanner apparatus

An X-Y scanner utilizes an eddy current or ultrasonic current test probe to detect surface defects in small flat plates and the like. The apparatus includes a scanner which travels on a pair of slide tubes in the X-direction. The scanner, carried on a carriage which slides in the Y-direction, is driven by a helix shaft with a closed-loop helix groove in which a follower pin carried by scanner rides. The carriage is moved incrementally in the Y-direction upon the completion of travel of the scanner back and forth in the X-direction by means of an indexing actuator and an indexing gear. The actuator is in the form of a ratchet which engages ratchet gear upon return of the scanner to the indexing position. The indexing gear is rotated a predetermined increment along a crack gear to move carriage incrementally in the Y-direction. Thus, simplified highly responsive mechanical motion may be had in a small lightweight portable unit for accurate scanning of small area.

Kurtz, G. W.↗

G-38, 39 and 40: An artist's exploration of space

Three experiments are described which use space processing technology in the formation of and coating of bubbles and spheres to be orbited as sculptures visible from Earth. In one experiment, a 22,000 m1 sphere is to ride into orbit containing a 15 psi Earth atmosphere. Once in orbit, a controller directs a valve to open, linking the sphere to a vacuum of space. Technologies used in the fabrication of these art forms include vacuum film deposition and large bubble formation in the space environment.

Mcshane, J. W.↗

Helicopters for the future

Technology needed to provide the basis for creating a widening rotary wing market include: well defined and proven design; reductions in noise, vibration, and fuel consumption; improvement of flying and ride quality; better safety; reliability; maintainability; and productivity. Unsteady transonic flow, yawed flow, dynamic stall, and blade vortex interaction are some of the problems faced by scientists and engineers in the helicopter industry with rotorcraft technology seen as an important development for future advanced high speed vehicle configurations. Such aircraft as the Boeing Vertol medium lift Model 360 composite aircraft, the Sikorsky Advancing Blade Concept (ABC) aircraft, the Bell Textron XV-15 Tilt Rotor Aircraft, and the X-wing rotor aircraft are discussed in detail. Even though rotorcraft technology has become an integral part of the military scene, the potential market for its civil applications has not been fully developed.

Ward, J. F.↗

Deep space optical communications experiment

An optical communications experiment between a deep space vehicle and an earth terminal is under consideration for later in this decade. The experimental link would be incoherent (direct detection) and would employ two-way cooperative pointing. The deep space optical transceiver would ride piggyback on a spacecraft with an independent scientific objective. Thus, this optical transceiver is being designed for minimum spacecraft impact - specifically, low mass and low power. The choices of laser transmitter, coding/modulation scheme, and pointing mechanization are discussed. A representative telemetry link budget is presented.

Kinman, P.↗

ADS: A FORTRAN program for automated design synthesis, version 1.00

A new general-purpose optimization program for engineering design is described. ADS-1 (Automated Design Synthesis - Version 1) is a FORTRAN program for solution of nonlinear constrained optimization problems. The program is segmented into three levels, being strategy, optimizer, and one-dimensional search. At each level, several options are available so that a total of over 100 possible combinations can be created. Examples of available strategies are sequential unconstrained minimization, the Augmented Lagrange Multiplier method, and Sequential Linear Programming. Available optimizers include variable metric methods and the Method of Feasible Directions as examples and one-dimensional search options include polynomial interpolation and the Golden Section method as examples. Emphasis is placed on ease of use of the program. All information is transferred via a single parameter list. Default values are provided for all internal program parameters such as convergence criteria, and the user is given a simple means to over-ride these, if desired. The program is demonstrated with a simple structural design example.

Vanderplaats, G. N.↗

Development and testing of Parabolic Dish Concentrator No. 1

Parabolic Dish Concentrator No. 1 (PDC-1) is a 12-m-diameter prototype concentrator with low life-cycle costs for use with thermal-to-electric energy conversion devices. The concentrator assembly features panels made of a resin transfer molded balsa core/fiberglass sandwich with plastic reflective film as the reflective surface and a ribbed framework to hold the panels in place. The concentrator assembly tracks in azimuth and elevation on a base frame riding on a circular track. It is shown that the panels do not exhibit the proper parabolic contour. However, thermal gradients were discovered in the panels with daily temperature changes. The PDC-1 has sufficient optical quality to operate satisfactorily in a dish-electric system. The PDC-1 development provides the impetus for creating innovative optical testing methods and valuable information for use in designing and fabricating concentrators of future dish-electric systems.

Dennison, E. W.↗

Probabilistic computer model of optimal runway turnoffs

Landing delays are currently a problem at major air carrier airports and many forecasters agree that airport congestion will get worse by the end of the century. It is anticipated that some types of delays can be reduced by an efficient optimal runway exist system allowing increased approach volumes necessary at congested airports. A computerized Probabilistic Runway Turnoff Model which locates exits and defines path geometry for a selected maximum occupancy time appropriate for each TERPS aircraft category is defined. The model includes an algorithm for lateral ride comfort limits.

Schoen, M. L.↗

Emergency Brake for Tracked Vehicles

Caliper brake automatically stops tracked vehicle as vehicle nears end of travel. Bar on vehicle, traveling to right, dislodges block between brake pads. Pads then press against bar, slowing vehicle by friction. Emergencybraking system suitable for elevators, amusement rides and machine tools.

Green, G. L.↗

Air-Bearing Table for Machine Shops

Frequent workpiece repositioning made easier. Air-bearing table facilitates movement of heavy workpiece during machining or between repeated operations at different positions. Table assembly consists of workpiece supporting fixture riding on air bearing. Table especially useful for inertia welding, in which ease of mobility is important.

Ambrisco, D.↗