Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “inverter under test”

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 37 records · Page 2

Spin Investigation of a 1/29-Scale Model of the Republic XF-91 Airplane with a Conventional Tail Installed

An investigation has been conducted in the Langley 20-foot free-spinning tunnel of a 1/29-scale model of the Republic XF-91 airplane with a.conventional-tail arrangement installed. Previously, tests were made on the model with a vee tail installed. The erect spin and recovery characteristics of the model were determined for the normal loading with the wing installed at various amounts of incidence. The spin investigation also included inverted-spin tests, spin-recovery-parachute tests, tests with the center of gravity moved rearward, and tests with external fuel tanks added to the model. In addition, several tail.modifications were tested,on the model in an attempt, to improve the model's spin-recovery characteristics. The results indicate that any fully developed spin obtained on the airplane with the conventional tail installed will be satisfactorily terminated if rudder reversal is accompanied by moving the ailerons with the spin (stick right in a right spin).Decreasing the wing incidence from 6deg to -2deg should have a beneficial effect on the recovery characteristics of the airplane. Recovery characteristics by normal use of controls (full rudder reversal followed by moving the elevators down) will be satisfactory if the wing incidence,of the airplane is -2deg. Installation of external fuel tanks (with or without fuel) will have a somewhat adverse effect on the recovery characteristics of the airplane, but if the recovery technique includes movement of the ailerons to full with the spin, the spin rotation will be terminated rapidly. Varying the position of the center of gravity within the limits indicated to be possible on the airplane should not affect the recovery characteristics.

Klinar, Walter J.↗

Development and testing of a 20-kHz component test bed

A history of the General Dynamics Space Systems Division 20 kHz Breadboard is presented including its current configuration and its role in the Space Station Freedom (SSF) program. Highlights and results are presented on a series of tests conducted on the 20 kHz Breadboard. The first test presented is the 20 kHz Breadboard Acceptance test. This test verified the operation of the delivered Breadboard and also characterized the main components of the system. Next, an indepth efficiency testing effort is presented. The tests attempted to apportion all the power losses in the 20 kHz Breadboard Main Invert Units. Distortion test data is presented showing the distortion characteristics of a Mapham inverter. Lastly, current work on the 20 kHz Breadboard is presented including Main Inverter Unit paralleling tests. Conclusions are summarized and references given.

Button, Robert M.↗

Development and testing of a 20 kHz component test bed

A history of the General Dynamics Space Systems Division 20-kHz breadboard is presented, including its current configuration and its role in the SSF program. Highlights and results are presented of a series of tests conducted on the 20 kHz breadboard. The first test presented is the 20 kHz Breadboard Acceptance test. This test verified the operation of the delivered Breadboard and also characterized the main components of the system. Next, an in-depth efficiency testing effort is presented. The tests attempted to apportion all the power losses in the 20 Hz Breadboard Main Inverter Units. Distortion test data are presented, showing the distortion characteristics of a Mapham inverter. Lastly, current work on the 20 kHz Breadboard is presented including Main Inverter Unit paralleling tests. Conclusions are summarized and references given.

Button, Robert M.↗

Free-Spinning Characteristics of a 1/30-Scale Model of the Grumman WF-2 Airplane

An investigation was conducted in the Langley 20-foot free-spinning tunnel on a 1/30-scale model of the Grumman WF-2 airplane. The effects of control settings and movements upon the erect-spin and recovery characteristics for the flight gross-weight loading with normal center-of-gravity and rearward center-of-gravity positions were determined. For the inverted-spin tests, the flight gross-weight loading with normal center-of-gravity position was used. Brief tests were also made with the radome removed to determine the effect of the radome on the spin and recovery characteristics of the airplane. The results of the tests of the model indicate that erect spins of the airplane in the flight gross-weight loading with the normal (26.3-percent mean aerodynamic chord) center-of-gravity position and with the most rearward (30-percent mean aerodynamic chord) center-of-gravity position possible will be satisfactorily terminated by full rudder reversal to against the spin accompanied by movement of the elevator to at least two-thirds down. With the radome removed, the spin will be steeper and considerably more oscillatory than with the radome on. Recoveries by the preceding technique will be satisfactory. Inverted spins of the airplane will be satisfactorily terminated by full rudder reversal followed by neutralization of the longitudinal and lateral controls.

Lee, Henry A.↗

Free-Spinning and Recovery Characteristics of a 1/19-Scale Model of the North American T-28C Airplane, TED No. NACA AD 3127

An investigation has been conducted in the Langley 20-foot free-spinning tunnel on a l/19-scale model of the North American T-28C airplane to determine the spin and recovery characteristics. The T-28C airplane is similar to the T-28B airplane except for slight modifications for the arresting hook. The lower rear section of the fuselage was cut out and, consequently, the lower part of the rudder was removed to make a smooth fairing with the fuselage. The T-28B airplane had good recovery characteristics; but these modifications, along with the addition of gun packages on the wings, led to poor and unsatisfactory spin-recovery characteristics during demonstration spins of the T-28C airplane. Model test results indicated that without the gun packages installed, satisfactory recoveries could be obtained if the elevators were held full back while the rudder was fully reversed and the ailerons were held neutral. However, with the addition of gun packages to the wings and the corresponding change in loading, recoveries were considered unsatisfactory. Recoveries attempted by using a larger chord or larger span rudder were improved very slightly, but were still considered marginal or unsatisfactory. Strakes placed on the nose of the model were effective in slowing the spin rotation slightly and, in most instances, decreased the turns for recovery slightly. Recovery characteristics were slightly marginal for the full fuel loading when strakes and the extended-chord rudder were installed; but with the wing fuel partly used, recovery characteristics were again considered unsatisfactory or, at least, definitely on the marginal side. The optimum control technique for recovery is movement of the rudder to full against the spin with the stick held full back (elevators full up) and the ailerons held neutral, followed by forward movement of the stick only after the spin rotation ceases. Inverted-spin test results indicate that the airplane will spin steep and fast and that recovery by full rudder reversal will be satisfactory if the ailerons are held neutral.

Bowman, James S., Jr.↗

Effectiveness of leading-edge vortex flaps on 60 and 75 degree delta wings

A series of wind tunnel tests were run on 60 and 75 deg sweep delta wings to examine the effectiveness of leading-edge vortex flaps. Tests results showed that leading-edge vortex flaps are effective in giving large increases in lift-to-drag ratio and decreases in drag over a wide range of angle of attack. Tests on inverted flaps on the 60 deg delta wing showed substantial increases in lift and drag and may indicate a possibility of using inverted flaps on delta wings in the landing portion of flight. The 60 deg data were compared with that for a 75 deg sweep delta wing confirming that leading-edge vortex flap effectiveness is stronger as sweep is increased. Pitching moment effects due to vortex flaps use were also examined.

Marchman, J. F., III↗

Asteroid Lightcurve Inversion

The application of convex profile inversion (CPI) to the interpretation of asteroid lightcurves is discussed. This technique investigates the problem of extracting information about an asteroid's shape from its lightcurve. Whenever four ideal conditions are met, P is an estimator for the asteroids mean cross section C, a convex set defined as the average of all cross sections C(Z) cut by planes a distance z above the asteroids equatorial plane. C is therefore a 2-D average of the asteroids 3-D shape. The method is tested by inverting lightcurves generated analytically for geometrically scattered ellipsoids (GSE's) with semiaxes a or = B or = C. Using a defined 'distance measure' to quantify the difference between any two profiles, the deviation of P from C for GSE's as a function of lightcurve noise level, rotation phase sampling interval delta theta, and departure from ideal conditions is calibrated. The distance between P and a circle provides a gauge of the asteroid's nonsphericity and incorporates all the information contained in the lightcurve.

Ostrow, S. J.↗

Inverting Image Data For Optical Testing And Alignment

Data from images produced by slightly incorrectly figured concave primary mirror in telescope processed into estimate of spherical aberration of mirror, by use of algorithm finding nonlinear least-squares best fit between actual images and synthetic images produced by multiparameter mathematical model of telescope optical system. Estimated spherical aberration, in turn, converted into estimate of deviation of reflector surface from nominal precise shape. Algorithm devised as part of effort to determine error in surface figure of primary mirror of Hubble space telescope, so corrective lens designed. Modified versions of algorithm also used to find optical errors in other components of telescope or of other optical systems, for purposes of testing, alignment, and/or correction.

Shao, Michael↗

Inverter Matrix for the Clementine Mission

An inverter matrix test circuit was designed for the Clementine space mission and is built into the RRELAX (Radiation and Reliability Assurance Experiment). The objective is to develop a circuit that will allow the evaluation of the CMOS FETs using a lean data set in the noisy spacecraft environment.

CMOS FETs spacecraft environment RRELAX orbit moon↗

Electrostatic Discharge Test of Multi-Junction Solar Array Coupons After Combined Space Environmental Exposures

A set of multi-junction GaAs/Ge solar array test coupons were subjected to a sequence of 5-year increments of combined environmental exposure tests. The test coupons capture an integrated design intended for use in a geosynchronous (GEO) space environment. A key component of this test campaign is conducting electrostatic discharge (ESD) tests in the inverted gradient mode. The protocol of the ESD tests is based on the ISO/CD 11221, the ISO standard for ESD testing on solar array panels. This standard is currently in its final review with expected approval in 2010. The test schematic in the ISO reference has been modified with Space System/Loral designed circuitry to better simulate the on-orbit operational conditions of its solar array design. Part of the modified circuitry is to simulate a solar array panel coverglass flashover discharge. All solar array coupons used in the test campaign consist of 4 cells. The ESD tests are performed at the beginning of life (BOL) and at each 5-year environment exposure point. The environmental exposure sequence consists of UV radiation, electron/proton particle radiation, thermal cycling, and ion thruster plume. This paper discusses the coverglass flashover simulation, ESD test setup, and the importance of the electrical test design in simulating the on-orbit operational conditions. Results from 5th-year testing are compared to the baseline ESD characteristics determined at the BOL condition.

Wright, Kenneth H.↗

Age Induced Effects on ESD Characteristics of Solar Array Coupons After Combined Space Environmental Exposures

A set of multi-junction GaAs/Ge solar array test coupons provided by Space Systems/Loral were subjected to a sequence of 5-year increments of combined space environment exposure tests. The test coupons capture an integrated design intended for use in a geosynchronous (GEO) space environment. A key component of this test campaign is performing electrostatic discharge (ESD) tests in the inverted gradient mode. The protocol of the ESD tests is based on the ISO standard for ESD testing on solar array panels [ISO-11221]. The test schematic in the ISO reference has been modified with Space System/Loral designed circuitry to better simulate the on-orbit operational conditions of its solar array design. Part of the modified circuitry is to simulate a solar array panel coverglass flashover discharge. All solar array coupons used in the test campaign consist of four cells constructed to form two strings. The ESD tests were performed at the beginning-of-life (BOL) and at each 5-year environment exposure point until end-of-life (EOL) at 15 years. The space environmental exposure sequence consisted of ultra-violet radiation, electron/proton particle radiation, thermal cycling, and Xenon ion thruster plume erosion. This paper describes the ESD test setup and the importance of the electrical test design in simulating the on-orbit operational conditions. Arc inception voltage results along with ESD test behavior from the BOL condition through the 15th year age condition are discussed. In addition, results from a Xenon plasma plume exposure test with an EOL coupon under the full ESD test condition will be discussed.

Wright, Kenneth H.↗

Screen Channel Liquid Acquisition Device Outflow Tests in Liquid Hydrogen

This paper presents experimental design and test results of the recently concluded 1-g inverted vertical outflow testing of two 325x2300 full scale liquid acquisition device (LAD) channels in liquid hydrogen (LH2). One of the channels had a perforated plate and internal cooling from a thermodynamic vent system (TVS) to enhance performance. The LADs were mounted in a tank to simulate 1-g outflow over a wide range of LH2 temperatures (20.3 - 24.2 K), pressures (100 - 350 kPa), and flow rates (0.010 - 0.055 kg/s). Results indicate that the breakdown point is dominated by liquid temperature, with a second order dependence on mass flow rate through the LAD. The best performance is always achieved in the coldest liquid states for both channels, consistent with bubble point theory. Higher flow rates cause the standard channel to break down relatively earlier than the TVS cooled channel. Both the internal TVS heat exchanger and subcooling the liquid in the propellant tank are shown to significantly improve LAD performance.

Liquid Acquisition Device↗

X-57 Mod 2 Motor Thermal Analysis

This work covers the refinement of thermal models from design estimates to actual fabricated performance. Matching the experimental data of the first fully electrified version of the X-57 Maxwell experimental vehicle requires high fidelity thermal analysis to sufficiently capture the electric motor and inverter temperature profiles. Qualification test data of the motors and inverters is used to validate finite element analysis models used to simulate thermal performance over mission transients. An additional thermal-hydraulic models is used to estimate flow characteristics through the propulsor nacelle and component heat sinks. After calibration of the higher order models, overall component sizing and peak temperature constraints can be distilled to reduced order models, to improve modelflexibility and utility.

Chin, Jeffrey C.↗

Static and flyover noise measurements of an inverted profile exhaust jet

Tests using a TF30 mixed flow afterburning turbofan engine in an F-111 airplane were conducted to study the noise characteristics of an inverted velocity profile jet. Full-authority digital engine control allowed the inverted profile jet to be compared to a uniform jet of equal thrust statically and in flight. An exhaust velocity survey showed that the ratio of the outer to inner stream velocities was 1.37; therefore, only small noise reductions were expected. At static conditions, the inverted profile jet was approximately 3 decibels quieter than the uniform jet at peak noise angles. During a flyover it was approximately 1 decibel quieter.

Burcham, F. W., Jr.↗

Next-Generation Angular Distribution Models for Top-of-Atmosphere Radiative Flux Calculation from CERES Instruments: Validation

Radiative fluxes at the top of the atmosphere (TOA) from the Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) instrument are fundamental variables for understanding the Earth's energy balance and how it changes with time. TOA radiative fluxes are derived from the CERES radiance measurements using empirical angular distribution models (ADMs). This paper evaluates the accuracy of CERES TOA fluxes using direct integration and flux consistency tests. Direct integration tests show that the overall bias in regional monthly mean TOA shortwave (SW) flux is less than 0.2Wm(exp -2) and the RMSE is less than 1.1Wm(exp -2). The bias and RMSE are very similar between Terra and Aqua. The bias in regional monthly mean TOA LW fluxes is less than 0.5Wm(exp -2) and the RMSE is less than 0.8Wm(exp -)2 for both Terra and Aqua. The accuracy of the TOA instantaneous flux is assessed by performing tests using fluxes inverted from nadir- and oblique-viewing angles using CERES along-track observations and temporally and spatially matched MODIS observations, and using fluxes inverted from multi-angle MISR observations. The averaged TOA instantaneous SW flux uncertainties from these two tests are about 2.3% (1.9Wm(exp -2) over clear ocean, 1.6% (4.5Wm(exp -2) over clear land, and 2.0% (6.0Wm(exp -) over clear snow/ice; and are about 3.3% (9.0Wm(exp -2), 2.7% (8.4Wm(exp -2), and 3.7% (9.9Wm(exp -2) over ocean, land, and snow/ice under all-sky conditions. The TOA SW flux uncertainties are generally larger for thin broken clouds than for moderate and thick overcast clouds. The TOA instantaneous daytime LW flux uncertainties derived from the CERESMODIS test are 0.5% (1.5Wm(exp -2), 0.8% (2.4Wm(exp -2), and 0.7% (1.3Wm(exp -2) over clear ocean, land, and snow/ice; and are about 1.5% (3.5Wm(exp -2), 1.0% (2.9Wm(exp -2), and 1.1% (2.1Wm(exp -2) over ocean, land, and snow/ice under all-sky conditions. The TOA instantaneous nighttime LW flux uncertainties are about 0.5-1% (<2.0Wm(exp -2) for all surface types. Flux uncertainties caused by errors in scene identification are also assessed by using the collocated CALIPSO, CloudSat, CERES and MODIS data product. Errors in scene identification tend to underestimate TOA SW flux by about 0.6Wm(exp -2) and overestimate TOA daytime (nighttime) LW flux by 0.4 (0.2)Wm(exp -2) when all CERES viewing angles are considered.

Su, W.↗

Development of high speed power thyristor: The gate assisted turn-off thyristor

A high speed power switch with unique turn-off capability was developed. This gate-assisted turn-off thyristor was rated at 609 V and 50 A with turn-off times of 2 microsec. Twenty-two units were delivered for evaluation in a series inverter circuit. In addition, test circuits designed to relate to the series inverter application were built and demonstrated.

Hamilton, D. R.↗