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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 37 records · Page 2
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2005

Trajectories and energy transfer of saltating particles onto rock surfaces : application to abrasion and ventifact formation on Earth and Mars

The interaction between saltating sand grains and rock surfaces is assessed to gauge relative abrasion potential as a function of rock shape, wind speed, grain size, and planetary environment. Many kinetic energy height profiles for impacts exhibit a distinctive increase, or kink, a few centimeters above the surface, consistent with previous field, wind tunnel, and theoretical investigations. The height of the kink observed in natural and wind tunnel settings is greater than predictions by a factor of 2 or more, probably because of enhanced bouncing off hard ground surfaces. Rebounded grains increase the effective flux and relative kinetic energy for intermediate slope angles. Whether abrasion occurs, as opposed to simple grain impact with little or no mass lost from the rock, depends on whether the grain kinetic energy (EG) exceeds a critical value (EC), as well as the flux of grains with energies above EC. The magnitude of abrasion and the shape change of the rock over time depends on this flux and the value of EG > EC. Considering the potential range of particle sizes and wind speeds, the predicted kinetic energies of saltating sand hitting rocks overlap on Earth and Mars. However, when limited to the most likely grain sizes and threshold conditions, our results agree with previous work and show that kinetic energies are about an order of magnitude greater on Mars.

planet sufraces↗
NASA NTRS2008

Gender Differences in Bed Rest: Preliminary Analysis of Vascular Function

Orthostatic intolerance is a recognized consequence of spaceflight. Numerous studies have shown that women are more susceptible to orthostatic intolerance following spaceflight as well as bed rest, the most commonly used ground-based analog for spaceflight. One of the possible mechanisms proposed to account for this is a difference in vascular responsiveness between genders. We hypothesized that women and men would have differing vascular responses to 90 days of 6-degree head down tilt bed rest. Additionally, we hypothesized that vessels in the upper and lower body would respond differently, as has been shown in the animal literature. Thirteen subjects were placed in bedrest for 90 days (8 men, 5 women) at the Flight Analogs Unit, UTMB. Direct arterial and venous measurements were made with ultrasound to evaluate changes in vascular structure and function. Arterial function was assessed, in the arm and leg, during a reactive hyperemia protocol and during sublingual nitroglycerin administration to gauge the contributions of endothelial dependent and independent dilator function respectively. Venous function was assessed in dorsal hand and foot veins during the administration of pharmaceuticals to assess constrictor and dilator function. Both gender and day effects are seen in arterial dilator function to reactive hyperemia, but none are seen with nitroglycerin. There are also differences in the wall thickness in the arm vs the leg during bed rest, which return toward pre-bed rest levels by day 90. More subjects are required, especially females as there is not sufficient power to properly analyze venous function. Day 90 data are most underpowered.

Platts, Steven H.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Tidal estimation in the Pacific with application to SEASAT altimetry

The techniques for computing the eigenfunctions of the velocity potential (Proudman functions) set out in Sanchez, et al. (1986) in relation to the Atlantic-Indian Oceans are here applied to the Pacific Ocean, using a 6x6 degree grid of 510 points (455 points for the associated stream functions). Normal modes are computed from the first Proudman functions and have natural periods from 43.9h downward. Tidal syntheses are derived from these modes by direct application of the (frictionless) dynamic equations and by least-squares fitting of Proudman functions to the dynamically interpolated tide-gauge data of Schwiderski (1983). The modes contributing the most energy to the principal harmonic tidal constituents are different in the two computations: their natural periods are typically in the range of 9 to 16h for semidiurnal, and 14 to 43h for diurnal tides. The rms of fit for the Proudman functions is, in all cases, better than the corresponding value for the same number of spherical harmonics.

Sanchez, Braulio V.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Scale covariance and G-varying cosmology. III - The /m, z/, /theta sub m, z/, /theta sub i, z/, and /N/m/, m/ tests

The Einstein gravitational equations in atomic units are fully solved for a matter-dominated universe in the context of a recently proposed scale-covariant cosmology. The magnitude-redshift relation for elliptical galaxies is studied, the evolutionary parameter used in such a study is derived, and the relation between isophotal angular diameters and redshifts is investigated, along with the relation between metric angular diameters and redshifts, the N(m)-magnitude relation for QSOs, and the magnitude-redshift relation for QSOs. Results are presented for four gauges (i.e., relations between G and the scale function beta (t)), and no contradictions are found between the proposed theory and the observational data. It is shown that only an open universe can fit the data if certain gauges suggested by a recent analysis of the time variation of the moon's period are selected and that observations made with atomic instruments do not necessarily yield geometrical parameters unless specific assumptions are made regarding the relation between atomic and gravitational dynamics.

Canuto, V. M.↗
NASA NTRS1993

General probability-matched relations between radar reflectivity and rain rate

An improved method for transforming radar-observed reflectivities Ze into rain rate R is presented. The method is based on a formulation of a Ze-R function constrained such that (1) the radar-retrieved pdf of R and all of its moments are identical to those determined from the gauges over a sufficiently large domain, and (2) the fraction of the time that it is raining above a low but still has an accurately measurable rain intensity is identical for both the radar and for simultaneous measurements of collocated gauges on average. Data measured by a 1.65-deg beamwidth C-band radar and 22 gauges located in the vicinity of Darwin, Australia, are used. The resultant Ze-R functions show a strong range dependence, especially for the rain regimes characterized by strong reflectivity gradients and substantial attenuation. The application of these novel Ze-R functions to the radar data produces excellent matches to the gauge measurements without any systematic bias.

Rosenfeld, Daniel↗
NASA NTRS1977

Scale-covariant theory of gravitation and astrophysical applications

A scale-covariant theory of gravitation is presented which is characterized by a set of equations that are complete only after a choice of the scale function is made. Special attention is given to gauge conditions and units which allow gravitational phenomena to be described in atomic units. The generalized gravitational-field equations are derived by performing a direct scale transformation, by extending Riemannian geometry to Weyl geometry through the introduction of the notion of cotensors, and from a variation principle. Modified conservation laws are provided, a set of dynamical equations is obtained, and astrophysical consequences are considered. The theory is applied to examine certain homogeneous cosmological solutions, perihelion shifts, light deflections, secular variations of planetary orbital elements, stellar structure equations for a star in quasi-static equilibrium, and the past thermal history of earth. The possible relation of the scale-covariant theory to gauge field theories and their predictions of cosmological constants is discussed.

Canuto, V.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Selection and static calibration of the Marsh J1678 pressure gauge

During the experimental testing of the ultralight, it was determined that a pressure gauge would be required to monitor the simulated flight loads. After analyzing several factors, which are indicated in the discussion section of this report, the Marsh J1678 pressure gauge appeared to be the prominent candidate for the task. However, prior to the final selection, the Marsh pressure gauge was calibrated twice by two different techniques. As a result of the calibration, the Marsh gauge was selected as the appropriate measuring device during the structural testing of the ultralight. Although, there are commerical pressure gauges available on the market that would have proven to be more efficient and accurate. However, in order to obtain these characteristics in a gauge, one has to pay the price on the price tag, and this value is an exponential function of the degree of accuracy efficiency, precision, and many other features that may be designed into the gauge. After analyzing the extent of precision and accuracy that would be required, a more expensive gauge wouldn't have proven to be a financial benefit towards the outcome of the experiment.

Oxendine, Charles R.↗
NASA NTRS2017

RNAV STAR Procedural Adherence

Flight crews and air traffic controllers have reported many safety concerns regarding area navigation standard terminal arrival routes (RNAV STARs). However, our information sources to quantify these issues are limited to subjective reporting and time consuming case-by-case investigations. This work is a preliminary study into the objective performance of instrument procedures and provides a framework to track procedural concepts and assess design functionality. We created a tool and analysis methods for gauging aircraft adherence as it relates to RNAV STARs. This information is vital for comprehensive understanding of how our air traffic behaves. In this exploratory archival study, we mined the performance of 24 major US airports over the preceding three years. Overlaying radar track data on top of RNAV STAR routes provided a comparison between aircraft flight paths and the waypoint positions and altitude restrictions. NASA Ames Supercomputing resources were utilized to perform the data mining and processing. We assessed STARs by lateral transition path (full-lateral), vertical restrictions (full-lateralfull-vertical), and skipped waypoints (skips). In addition, we graphed aircraft altitudes relative to the altitude restrictions and their occurrence rates. Full-lateral adherence was generally greater than Full-lateralfull-vertical, but the difference between the rates was not always consistent. Full-lateralfull-vertical adherence medians of the 2016 procedures ranged from 0 in KDEN (Denver) to 21 in KMEM (Memphis). Waypoint skips ranged from 0 to nearly 100 for specific waypoints. Altitudes restrictions were sometimes missed by systematic amounts in 1000 ft. increments from the restriction, creating multi-modal distributions. Other times, altitude misses looked to be more normally distributed around the restriction. This tool may aid in providing acceptability metrics as well as risk assessment information.

rnav↗
NASA NTRS1993

New Eddy Current Probe for Thickness Gauging of Conductive Materials

The accurate measure of material thickness is important for many non-destructive evaluation applications. Factors such as corrosion damage can jeopardize structural integrity through material thinning and process control considerations often mandate strict limits on material dimensions. Access to the material under test can be limited to a single side and large areas may need to be examined in a small time period. In an effort to enhance the effectiveness of material thickness measurements a flux focusing eddy current probe has been developed at NASA Langley Research Center. The probe provides an accurate measure of the thickness of conducting materials from a single sided measurement. It is straight forward to use and can be easily automated for production line testing. The probe also requires only minimal instrumentation and power so that extremely portable units can be manufactured at a low cost. This new eddy current probe has been used to accurately measure the thickness of aluminum alloy plates with a resolution of greater than 0.001 in. (25 microns). Simulated corrosion damage has also been detected on both single layer and multi-layer samples. The present work will explain the output voltage dependence of the device as a function of material thickness and present experimental results for thickness gauging and corrosion detection.

Wincheski, Buzz↗
NASA NTRS1977

Geometry and properties of the plasma in a quadrupole ion pump

The diameter of the plasma in a quadrupole ionization gauge and quadrupole ion pump has been measured as a function of pressure. The radio-frequency quadrupole systems are tuned in such a way that electrons remain on stable trajectories in the center of the tube. Being emitted at one end, the electrons encounter an inverted field at the other end so that they travel on spiral paths back and forth until they collide with the rest gas molecules, producing ions which are collected as an ion current at a cylinder surrounding the four hyperbolically shaped quadrupole electrodes.

Schwarz, H.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Experimental Determination of Aerodynamic Damping in a Three-Stage Transonic Axial-Flow Compressor

Rotor blade aerodynamic damping is experimentally determined in a three-stage transonic axial flow compressor having design aerodynamic performance goals of 4.5:1 pressure ratio and 65.5 lbm/sec weight flow. The combined damping associated with each mode is determined by a least squares fit of a single degree of freedom system transfer function to the nonsynchronous portion of the rotor blade strain gauge output power spectra. The combined damping consists of aerodynamic and structural and mechanical damping. The aerodynamic damping varies linearly with the inlet total pressure for a given equivalent speed, equivalent mass flow, and pressure ratio while structural and mechanical damping are assumed to be constant. The combined damping is determined at three inlet total pressure levels to obtain the aerodynamic damping. The third stage rotor blade aerodynamic damping is presented and discussed for 70, 80, 90, and 100 percent design equivalent speed. The compressor overall performance and experimental Campbell diagrams for the third stage rotor blade row are also presented.

Newman, Frederick A.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Validation of TRMM Satellite Rainfall Products Over Oklahoma for a Three Year Period (1998-2000)

This study evaluates the level 2 and level 3 rainfall products from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission gridded distribution of 118 high resolution tipping buckets from the Oklahoma Mesonet. The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission, a joint satellite mission between NASA and the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) of Japan, was designed to estimate global precipitation between 40 S and 40 N latitude. The TRMM satellite, consisting of two main precipitation sensors, a passive microwave (TMI) and precipitation radar (PR) sensors, was launched in 1997. Although the great advantage of TRMM has been its ability to sample precipitation globally over the tropical oceans in places where ground sensors do not exist, regional points over land still offer the best opportunity for validating these rain estimates. For this study, the gauge data was gridded at I x I degree resolution between 34 and 36 N and -95 and -100 W. The location of Oklahoma is somewhat unique, in that, it is located near the turning point for the satellite. This study investigates effects of temporal sampling on the satellite measurements and the resulting rainfall bias observed between space and ground based sensors. The first part of the study analyzes the monthly rainfall statistics of the 3AI2 (TMI), the 3A25 (PR) and the 31142 (combined sensors) with the rain gauges. It uses regression techniques and a computation of the probability density function (PDF) and cumulative probability density function (CDF) for each sensor to evaluate the effects of temporal sampling on the satellite products and the sufficiency of using two overpasses a day to estimate rainfall on a monthly scale. In further probing this issue, the study also looked at the direct coincidence of ground and satellite measurements by comparing instantaneous comparisons obtained from the level 2 orbital track data, e.g. 2A12, 2A25. Lastly, the effects of temporal sampling were further studied by sub-sampling the gauge data only at overpass times. This methodology provides a quantitative way of separately inferring the fraction of bias due to temporal sampling and the rainfall algorithm. In addition to showing the salient effects of temporal sampling, the study also revisits the historical problem of correlating point gauge estimates with area estimates, though, the problem is ameliorated by averaging and gridding the data to the area resolution scale of the satellite.

Fisher, Brad↗
NASA NTRS2014

Namibia Dashboard Enhancements

The purpose of this presentation is for a Technical Interchange Meeting with the Namibia Hydrological Services (NHS) in Namibia. The meeting serves as a capacity building exercise. This presentation goes over existing software functionality developed in collaboration with NHS over the past five years called the Namibia Flood Dashboard. Furthermore, it outlines new functionality developed over the past year and future functionality that will be developed. The main purpose of the Dashboard is to assist in decision support for flood warning. The Namibia Flood Dashboard already exists online in a cloud environment and has been used in prototype mode for the past few years.Functionality in the Dashboard includes river gauge hydrographs, TRMM estimate rainfall, EO-1 flood maps, infrastructure maps and other related functions. Future functionality includes attempting to integrate interoperability standards and crowd-sourcing capability. To this end, we are adding OpenStreetMap compatibility and an Applications Program Interface (API) called a GeoSocial API to enable discovery and sharing of data products useful for decision support via social media.

Disaster Decision Support↗
NASA NTRS2008

Use of Spacecraft Command Language for Advanced Command and Control Applications

The purpose of this work is to evaluate the use of SCL in building and monitoring command and control applications in order to determine its fitness for space operations. Approximately 24,325 lines of PCG2 code was converted to SCL yielding a 90% reduction in the number of lines of code as many of the functions and scripts utilized in SCL could be ported and reused. Automated standalone testing, simulating the actual production environment, was performed in order to generalize and gauge the relative time it takes for SCL to update and write a given display. The use of SCL rules, functions, and scripts allowed the creation of several test cases permitting the detection of the amount of time it takes update a given set of measurements given the change in a globally existing CUI or CUI. It took the SCL system an average 926.09 ticks to update the entire display of 323 measurements.

Mims, Tikiela L.↗
NASA NTRS2014

Analytical and Experimental Studies of Leak Location and Environment Characterization for the International Space Station

The International Space Station program is developing a robotically-operated leak locator tool to be used externally. The tool would consist of a Residual Gas Analyzer for partial pressure measurements and a full range pressure gauge for total pressure measurements. The primary application is to detect NH3 coolant leaks in the ISS thermal control system.An analytical model of leak plume physics is presented that can account for effusive flow as well as plumes produced by sonic orifices and thruster operations. This model is used along with knowledge of typical RGA and full range gauge performance to analyze the expected instrument sensitivity to ISS leaks of various sizes and relative locations (directionality).The paper also presents experimental results of leak simulation testing in a large thermal vacuum chamber at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. This test characterized instrument sensitivity as a function of leak rates ranging from 1 lbmyr. to about 1 lbmday. This data may represent the first measurements collected by an RGA or ion gauge system monitoring off-axis point sources as a function of location and orientation. Test results are compared to the analytical model and used to propose strategies for on-orbit leak location and environment characterization using the proposed instrument while taking into account local ISS conditions and the effects of ramwake flows and structural shadowing within low Earth orbit.

Leak Locator↗
NASA NTRS2000

Comparison of Commercial Electromagnetic Interface Test Techniques to NASA Electromagnetic Interference Test Techniques

This report documents the development of analytical techniques required for interpreting and comparing space systems electromagnetic interference test data with commercial electromagnetic interference test data using NASA Specification SSP 30237A "Space Systems Electromagnetic Emission and Susceptibility Requirements for Electromagnetic Compatibility." The PSpice computer simulation results and the laboratory measurements for the test setups under study compare well. The study results, however, indicate that the transfer function required to translate test results of one setup to another is highly dependent on cables and their actual layout in the test setup. Since cables are equipment specific and are not specified in the test standards, developing a transfer function that would cover all cable types (random, twisted, or coaxial), sizes (gauge number and length), and layouts (distance from the ground plane) is not practical.

Smith, V.↗
NASA NTRS2005

Propulsion Control Technology Development in the United States A Historical Perspective

This paper presents a historical perspective of the advancement of control technologies for aircraft gas turbine engines. The paper primarily covers technology advances in the United States in the last 60 years (1940 to approximately 2002). The paper emphasizes the pioneering technologies that have been tested or implemented during this period, assimilating knowledge and experience from industry experts, including personal interviews with both current and retired experts. Since the first United States-built aircraft gas turbine engine was flown in 1942, engine control technology has evolved from a simple hydro-mechanical fuel metering valve to a full-authority digital electronic control system (FADEC) that is common to all modern aircraft propulsion systems. At the same time, control systems have provided engine diagnostic functions. Engine diagnostic capabilities have also evolved from pilot observation of engine gauges to the automated on-board diagnostic system that uses mathematical models to assess engine health and assist in post-flight troubleshooting and maintenance. Using system complexity and capability as a measure, we can break the historical development of control systems down to four phases: (1) the start-up phase (1942 to 1949), (2) the growth phase (1950 to 1969), (3) the electronic phase (1970 to 1989), and (4) the integration phase (1990 to 2002). In each phase, the state-of-the-art control technology is described and the engines that have become historical landmarks, from the control and diagnostic standpoint, are identified. Finally, a historical perspective of engine controls in the last 60 years is presented in terms of control system complexity, number of sensors, number of lines of software (or embedded code), and other factors.

Jaw, Link C.a↗