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At least 37 records · Page 2

A Boilerplate Capsule Test Technique for the Orion Parachute Test Program

The test program developing parachutes for the Orion/MPCV includes drop tests of a Parachute Test Vehicle designed to emulate the wake of the Orion capsule. Delivery of this test vehicle to the initial velocity, altitude, and orientation required for the test is a difficult problem involving multiple engineering disciplines. The available delivery of aircraft options imposed constraints on the test vehicle development and concept of operations. This paper describes the development of this test technique. The engineering challenges include the extraction from an aircraft and separation of two aerodynamically unstable vehicles, one of which will be delivered to a specific orientation with reasonably small rates. The desired attitude is achieved by precisely targeting the separation point using on-board monitoring of the motion. The design of the test vehicle is described. The trajectory simulations and other analyses used to develop this technique and predict the behavior of the test article are reviewed in detail. The application of the technique on several successful drop tests is summarized.

Moore, James W.

An Airborne Parachute Compartment Test Bed for the Orion Parachute Test Program

The test program developing parachutes for the Orion/MPCV includes drop tests with parachutes deployed from an Orion-like parachute compartment at a wide range of dynamic pressures. Aircraft and altitude constraints precluded the use of an Orion boilerplate capsule for several test points. Therefore, a dart-shaped test vehicle with a hi-fidelity mock-up of the Orion parachute compartment has been developed. The available aircraft options imposed constraints on the test vehicle development and concept of operations. Delivery of this test vehicle to the desired velocity, altitude, and orientation required for the test is a di cult problem involving multiple engineering disciplines. This paper describes the development of the test technique. The engineering challenges include extraction from an aircraft, reposition of the extraction parachute, and mid-air separation of two vehicles, neither of which has an active attitude control system. The desired separation behavior is achieved by precisely controlling the release point using on-board monitoring of the motion. The design of the test vehicle is also described. The trajectory simulations and other analyses used to develop this technique and predict the behavior of the test vehicle are reviewed in detail. The application of the technique on several successful drop tests is summarized.

Moore, James W.

Space Shuttle program orbital flight test program results and implications

The Space Shuttle System Orbital Flight Test (OFT) program results are described along with an overview of significant development issues and their resolution. In addition, an overall summary of the development status and the follow-on flight demonstrations of Shuttle improvements such as Lightweight External Tank, High Performance SRBs, Full Power Level (109%) Main Engine Operation, and the SRB Filament Wound Case (FWC) will be discussed.

Kohrs, R. H.

Seat test program

The test program has the objectives to: (1) evaluate severity of newspaper ignition source with contemporary seats (determine weight loss, visual damage, and if ignition source is severe enough to show improvement with new material configurations); (2) compare damage with jet A-1 ignition source; and (3) determine if materials for seat tests pass FAR 25 and obtain L01. Test configurations, data acquired, material test results, seat test results, and conclusions are presented.

Bricker, R. W.

HiMAT flight program: Test results and program assessment overview

The Highly Manueverable Aircraft Technology (HiMAT) program consisted of design, fabrication of two subscale remotely piloted research vehicles (RPRVs), and flight test. This technical memorandum describes the vehicles and test approach. An overview of the flight test results and comparisons with the design predictions are presented. These comparisons are made on a single-discipline basis, so that aerodynamics, structures, flight controls, and propulsion controls are examined one by one. The interactions between the disciplines are then examined, with the conclusions that the integration of the various technologies contributed to total vehicle performance gains. An assessment is made of the subscale RPRV approach from the standpoint of research data quality and quantity, unmanned effects as compared with manned vehicles, complexity, and cost. It is concluded that the RPRV technique, as adopted in this program, resulted in a more complex and costly vehicle than expected but is reasonable when compared with alternate ways of obtaining comparable results.

Deets, Dwain A.

Balloon launched decelerator test program: Post-test test report

Balloon Launched Decelerator Test (BLDT) flights were conducted during the summer of 1972 over the White Sands Missile Range. The purpose of these tests was to qualify the Viking disk-gap band parachute system behind a full-scale simulator of the Viking Entry Vehicle over the maximum range of entry conditions anticipated in the Viking '75 soft landing on Mars. Test concerns centered on the ability of a minimum weight parachute system to operate without structural damage in the turbulent wake of the blunt-body entry vehicle (140 deg, 11.5 diameter cone). This is the first known instance of parachute operation at supersonic speeds in the wake of such a large blunt body. The flight tests utilized the largest successful balloon-payload weight combination known to get to high altitude (120kft) where rocket engines were employed to boost the test vehicle to supersonic speeds and dynamic pressures simulating the range of conditions on Mars.

Dickinson, D.

Track-train dynamic analysis and test program, truck static test

A series of tests were conducted to define the characteristics of an ASF 11 Ride Truck Assembly including joint slop, friction and stiffness. Loading to the truck assembly included vertical load to simulate the car/pool loading combined with lateral or moment loading that resulted in desired truck deflections for the various phases of testing. All seven test conditions were successfully completed with load and deflection data being collected. No attempt is made to reduce the applicable data other than to provide computer plots.

Nemes, A. G.

Transient Pressure Test Article test program

The Transient Pressure Test Article test program being conducted at NASA-Marshall is described. The main goal of the TPTA test program is to provide data to verify the sealing capability of the redesigned SRM field joints, the nozzle-to-case joint, and the igniter joint. The TPTA test program can be used to demonstrate the assembly/disassembly and reusability of the redesigned joints along with the adequacy of assembly/disassembly tooling, procedures, and inspections.

Vibbart, Charles M.

Space-constructible heat pipe radiator thermal vacuum test program

The thermal vacuum test program being carried out at the Johnson Space Center on two prototype radiator elements intended for use in future large space platforms is discussed. The test program is described, as are the test articles, including the radiator element, evaporator assemblies, mechanical interface unit, contact heat exchanger assembly, tilt table mechanism, and supports. Test results on the heat pipe performance, radiator element performance, freeze/thaw characteristics, and contact heat exchanger assembly mechanism are discussed. It is concluded that the fundamental design goals for the radiator subsystem have been met.

Marshall, P. F.

The breaking load method - Results and statistical modification from the ASTM interlaboratory test program

The breaking load test provides quantitative stress corrosion cracking data by determining the residual strength of tension specimens that have been exposed to corrosive environments. Eight laboratories have participated in a cooperative test program under the auspices of ASTM Committee G-1 to evaluate the new test method. All eight laboratories were able to distinguish between three tempers of aluminum alloy 7075. The statistical analysis procedures that were used in the test program do not work well in all situations. An alternative procedure using Box-Cox transformations shows a great deal of promise. An ASTM standard method has been drafted which incorporates the Box-Cox procedure.

Colvin, E. L.