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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

Revolutionary Propulsion Systems for 21st Century Aviation

The air transportation for the new millennium will require revolutionary solutions to meeting public demand for improving safety, reliability, environmental compatibility, and affordability. NASA's vision for 21st Century Aircraft is to develop propulsion systems that are intelligent, virtually inaudible (outside the airport boundaries), and have near zero harmful emissions (CO2 and Knox). This vision includes intelligent engines that will be capable of adapting to changing internal and external conditions to optimally accomplish the mission with minimal human intervention. The distributed vectored propulsion will replace two to four wing mounted or fuselage mounted engines by a large number of small, mini, or micro engines, and the electric drive propulsion based on fuel cell power will generate electric power, which in turn will drive propulsors to produce the desired thrust. Such a system will completely eliminate the harmful emissions. This paper reviews future propulsion and power concepts that are currently under development at NASA Glenn Research Center.

Sehra, Arun K.↗

Applications of Response Surface-Based Methods to Noise Analysis in the Conceptual Design of Revolutionary Aircraft

Due to the growing problem of noise in today's air transportation system, there have arisen needs to incorporate noise considerations in the conceptual design of revolutionary aircraft. Through the use of response surfaces, complex noise models may be converted into polynomial equations for rapid and simplified evaluation. This conversion allows many of the commonly used response surface-based trade space exploration methods to be applied to noise analysis. This methodology is demonstrated using a noise model of a notional 300 passenger Blended-Wing-Body (BWB) transport. Response surfaces are created relating source noise levels of the BWB vehicle to its corresponding FAR-36 certification noise levels and the resulting trade space is explored. Methods demonstrated include: single point analysis, parametric study, an optimization technique for inverse analysis, sensitivity studies, and probabilistic analysis. Extended applications of response surface-based methods in noise analysis are also discussed.

Hill, Geoffrey A.↗

Advanced EVA Capabilities: A Study for NASA's Revolutionary Aerospace Systems Concept Program

This report documents the results of a study carried out as part of NASA s Revolutionary Aerospace Systems Concepts Program examining the future technology needs of extravehicular activities (EVAs). The intent of this study is to produce a comprehensive report that identifies various design concepts for human-related advanced EVA systems necessary to achieve the goals of supporting future space exploration and development customers in free space and on planetary surfaces for space missions in the post-2020 timeframe. The design concepts studied and evaluated are not limited to anthropomorphic space suits, but include a wide range of human-enhancing EVA technologies as well as consideration of coordination and integration with advanced robotics. The goal of the study effort is to establish a baseline technology "road map" that identifies and describes an investment and technical development strategy, including recommendations that will lead to future enhanced synergistic human/robot EVA operations. The eventual use of this study effort is to focus evolving performance capabilities of various EVA system elements toward the goal of providing high performance human operational capabilities for a multitude of future space applications and destinations. The data collected for this study indicate a rich and diverse history of systems that have been developed to perform a variety of EVA tasks, indicating what is possible. However, the data gathered for this study also indicate a paucity of new concepts and technologies for advanced EVA missions - at least any that researchers are willing to discuss in this type of forum.

Hoffman, Stephen J.↗

Innovation in Flight: Research of the NASA Langley Research Center on Revolutionary Advanced Concepts for Aeronautics

The goal of this publication is to provide an overview of the topic of revolutionary research in aeronautics at Langley, including many examples of research efforts that offer significant potential benefits, but have not yet been applied. The discussion also includes an overview of how innovation and creativity is stimulated within the Center, and a perspective on the future of innovation. The documentation of this topic, especially the scope and experiences of the example research activities covered, is intended to provide background information for future researchers.

Chambers, Joseph R.↗

CFD Vision 2030 Study: A Path to Revolutionary Computational Aerosciences

This report documents the results of a study to address the long range, strategic planning required by NASA's Revolutionary Computational Aerosciences (RCA) program in the area of computational fluid dynamics (CFD), including future software and hardware requirements for High Performance Computing (HPC). Specifically, the "Vision 2030" CFD study is to provide a knowledge-based forecast of the future computational capabilities required for turbulent, transitional, and reacting flow simulations across a broad Mach number regime, and to lay the foundation for the development of a future framework and/or environment where physics-based, accurate predictions of complex turbulent flows, including flow separation, can be accomplished routinely and efficiently in cooperation with other physics-based simulations to enable multi-physics analysis and design. Specific technical requirements from the aerospace industrial and scientific communities were obtained to determine critical capability gaps, anticipated technical challenges, and impediments to achieving the target CFD capability in 2030. A preliminary development plan and roadmap were created to help focus investments in technology development to help achieve the CFD vision in 2030.

Jeffrey P Slotnick↗

Modeling Turboshaft Engines for the Revolutionary Vertical Lift Technology Project

Turboshaft engine performance and weight models were developed to support conceptual propulsion and vehicle mission design and performance under the Revolutionary Vertical Lift Technology (RVLT) Project. These models were developed using open data sources, assuming current and advanced technology levels, and range from 650 to 7,500 shaft output horsepower (485 to 5,600 kW). Documenting the methodology, assumptions, and resulting performance realizes important benefits NASA and the aviation community. NASA concept vehicle efforts using these propulsion models can be more readily shared among the government, industry and university community as common baselines to support current and future work. Assessing the benefits of advanced technologies and new configurations can be facilitated using these models, which helps guide technology investment. As the various modeling conceptual vehicle and mission analysis environments advanced, these models can be used directly for broader systems analysis studies, including optimization within the propulsion model itself. To perform this effort, the turboshaft engine is briefly discussed, highlighting the specific components and their expected performance characteristics over the power range and technology levels considered. Engine configurations will also be discussed as they will vary based on power output and assumed technology level. Engine performance, such as airflow, power output and weight will be reported, noting trends that are important for system studies. The effect of advanced propulsion technologies on RVLT concept vehicles are also reported. Finally, potential future propulsion modeling work will be proposed.

Snyder, Christopher A.↗

Modeling Turboshaft Engines for the Revolutionary Vertical Lift Technology Project

Turboshaft engine performance and weight models were developed to support conceptual propulsion and vehicle mission design in support of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Aeronautics Mission Research Directorate's (ARMD) Revolutionary Vertical Lift Technology (RVLT) Project. These models were developed using open data sources, assuming current and advanced technology levels, and range from 650 to 7,500 shaft output horsepower (485 to 5,600 kilowatts). Documenting the methodology, assumptions, and resulting performance realizes important benefits for NASA and the aviation community. NASA concept vehicle efforts using these propulsion models can more readily shared among the government, industry and university community as common baselines to support current and future work. Assessing the benefits of advanced technologies and new configurations can be facilitated using these models, which helps guide technology investment. As the various modeling conceptual vehicle and mission analysis environments advance, these models can be used directly for broader systems analysis studies, including optimization within the propulsion model itself. To perform this effort, the turboshaft engine is briefly discussed, highlighting the specific components and their expected performance characteristics over the power range and technology levels considered. Engine configurations will also be discussed as they will vary based on power output and assumed technology level. Engine performance, such as airflow, power output and weight will be reported, noting trends that are important for system studies. The effect of advanced propulsion technologies on RVLT-concept vehicles are also reported. Finally, potential future propulsion modeling work will be proposed.

Snyder, Christopher A.↗

Revolutionary Vertical Lift Technology (RVLT) Side-By-Side Hybrid Concept Vehicle Powertrain Dynamic Model

The Side-by-Side (SBS) Hybrid is one of several Revolutionary Vertical Lift Technology (RVLT) concept aircraft identified by NASA to investigate Urban Air Mobility (UAM) requirements. This paper presents a dynamic model of the SBS Hybrid powertrain built using the Toolbox for the Modeling and Analysis of Thermodynamic Systems (T-MATS) and the Electrical Modeling and Thermal Analysis Toolbox (EMTAT). The model consists of the rotors, electrical power system, and turboshaft engines connected through freewheeling clutches, gearboxes, and multiple shafts. This research effort models the complex behavior of the powertrain, including the operation of the freewheeling clutches and electrical power system at the simulation time scale of the shaft dynamics. Several simulations highlight the key features present in the model and demonstrate its operation.

Powertrain↗

Revolutionary Vertical Lift Technology (RVLT) Side-By-Side Hybrid Concept Vehicle Powertrain Dynamic Model

The Side-by-Side (SBS) Hybrid is one of several Revolutionary Vertical Lift Technology (RVLT) concept aircraft identified by NASA to investigate Urban Air Mobility (UAM) requirements. This paper presents a dynamic model of the SBS Hybrid powertrain built using the Toolbox for the Modeling and Analysis of Thermodynamic Systems (T-MATS) and the Electrical Modeling and Thermal Analysis Toolbox (EMTAT). The model consists of the rotors, electrical power system, and turboshaft engines connected through freewheeling clutches, gearboxes, and multiple shafts. This research effort models the complex behavior of the powertrain, including the operation of the freewheeling clutches and electrical power system at the simulation time scale of the shaft dynamics. Several simulations highlight the key features present in the model and demonstrate its operation.

powertrain↗

Modeling Turboshaft Engines for the Revolutionary Vertical Lift Technology Project, Expanded

Turboshaft engine performance and weight models were developed to support conceptual propulsion and vehicle mission design and performance under the Revolutionary Vertical Lift Technology (RVLT) Project in 2019 by Snyder in Ref. 1. These models were developed using open data sources, assuming present and future technology levels, and range from 650 to 5,000 output shaft horsepower (485 to 3,730 kW). This paper expands on the previous research, extending the power ranges from 200 to 15000 output shaft horsepower (150 to 11,200 kW) and documenting the methodology, assumptions, and engine performance realizes important benefits for NASA and the aviation community. NASA concept vehicle study efforts using these baseline propulsion models can be more readily shared among the government, industry, and university community to support present and future work. Assessing the benefits of advanced technologies and new configurations can be facilitated using these models, which helps guide technology investment. As the various modeling conceptual vehicle and mission analysis environments advance, these models can be used directly for broader systems analysis studies, including optimization within the propulsion model itself. To expand on the previous effort, the turboshaft engine is briefly discussed, highlighting the specific components, and expected performance characteristics over the updated power range and technology levels considered. Additional engine configurations will also be discussed as they vary based on power output and assumed technology level. Engine performance, such as airflow, power output and weight will be updated, noting trends that are important for system studies. Finally, the effect of advanced propulsion technologies on RVLT concept vehicles are also reported along with the tools and software methods used to complete the analysis.

VTOL↗

Modeling Turboshaft Engines for the Revolutionary Vertical Lift Technology Project, Expanded

Turboshaft engine performance and weight models were developed to support conceptual propulsion and vehicle mission design and performance under the Revolutionary Vertical Lift Technology (RVLT) Project in 2019 by Snyder in Ref. 1. These models were developed using open data sources, assuming present and future technology levels, and range from 650 to 5,000 output shaft horsepower (485 to 3,730 kW). This paper expands on the previous research, extending the power ranges from 200 to 15000 output shaft horsepower (150 to 11,200 kW) and documenting the methodology, assumptions, and engine performance realizes important benefits for NASA and the aviation community. NASA concept-vehicle study efforts using these baseline propulsion models can be more readily shared among the government, industry, and university community to support present and future work. Assessing the benefits of advanced technologies and new configurations can be facilitated using these models, which helps guide technology investment. As the various modeling conceptual vehicle and mission analysis environments advance, these models can be used directly for broader systems analysis studies, including optimization within the propulsion model itself. To expand on the previous effort, the turboshaft engine is briefly discussed, highlighting the specific components, and expected performance characteristics over the updated power range and technology levels considered. Additional engine configurations will also be discussed as they vary based on power output and assumed technology level. Engine performance, such as airflow, power output and weight will be updated, noting trends that are important for system studies. Finally, the effect of advanced propulsion technologies on RVLT concept vehicles are also reported along with the tools and software methods used to complete the analysis

VTOL↗

Modeling Turboshaft Engines for the Revolutionary Vertical Lift Technology Project, Expanded

Turboshaft engine performance and weight models were developed to support conceptual propulsion and vehicle mission design and performance under the Revolutionary Vertical Lift Technology (RVLT) Project in 2019 by Snyder in Reference 7. These models were developed using open data sources, assuming present and future technology levels, and range from 650 to 5,000 output shaft horsepower (485 to 3,730 kW). This paper expands on the previous research, extending the power ranges from 200 to 15000 output shaft horsepower (150 to 11,200 kW) and documenting the methodology, assumptions, and engine performance realizes important benefits for NASA and the aviation community. NASA concept-vehicle study efforts using these baseline propulsion models can be more readily shared among the government, industry, and university community to support present and future work. Assessing the benefits of advanced technologies and new configurations can be facilitated using these models, which helps guide technology investment. As the various conceptual vehicle and mission analysis simulations are developed, these models can be used directly for broader systems analysis studies, including optimization within the propulsion model itself. To expand on the previous effort, the turboshaft engine is briefly discussed, highlighting the specific components, and expected performance characteristics over the updated power range and technology levels considered. Additional engine configurations will also be discussed as they vary based on power output and assumed technology level. Engine performance, such as airflow, power output and weight are updated, noting important trends for system studies. Finally, the effect of advanced propulsion technologies on public reference models including RVLT concept vehicles are reported along with the tools and software methods used to complete the analysis.

VTOL↗

Revolutionary Deep Space Science Missions Enabled by Onboard Autonomy

Breakthrough autonomy technologies enable a new range of spire missions that acquire vast amounts of data and return only the most scientifically important data to Earth. These missions would monitor science phenomena in great detail (either with frequent observations or at extremely high spatial resolution) and onboard analyze the data to detect specific science events of interest. These missions would monitor volcanic eruptions, formation and movement of aeolian features. and atmospheric phenomena. The autonomous spacecraft would respond to science events by planning its future operations to revisit or perform complementary observations. In this paradigm, the spacecraft represents the scientists agent enabling optimization of the downlink data volume resource. This paper describes preliminary efforts to define and design such missions.

autonomy↗

RePED 250: A Revolutionary, High Drilling Rate, High-T Geothermal Drilling System and Companion Power Electronics

Geothermal drilling in the United States is drastically slower and more costly than Oil and Gas (O&G) drilling, primarily due to the additional challenges in geothermal wells: hard rock types and high temperatures. The Repetitive Pulsed Electric Drill (250°C) (RePED-250), developed by Tetra Corporation has the potential to change this with a novel electro-crushing technology. RePED-250 releases pulses of electricity through the rock, which causes it to break in tension, instead of compression like conventional rotary drilling. The tensile strength of hard rocks like granite is only ~5% of their compressive strength, requiring less energy, time, and wear on the bit compared to conventional drilling. The RePED drill bit has no moving parts, uses drilling mud to remove rock fragments, and uses standard drill pipe, enabling a direct transition from conventional drilling systems. The objective of this project is to move RePED technology towards commercial readiness for high-temperature geothermal applications. This involves: 1) Creating high-temperature, high power electronic components for the RePED drill capable of operating at the high temperatures of a geothermal well. The target is a 250°C ambient environment. Specifically, capacitors, high voltage switches, and a downhole generator capable of generating the necessary power. 2) Demonstrating RePED’s effectiveness drilling through hard rock (granite) and examining its pathway to commercialization and effect on the US geothermal market. Work on this project has led to significant improvement over the state-of-the-art for all the examined electronics, through design, modeling, and testing of these novel components, though some additional development is still needed to deploy these high-temperature parts in a geothermal well. Besides their use in RePED-250, each component has applications in other industries where the stability of electronics at high-temperature is needed. To address the second barrier to commercialization, a 9” hole was drilled through a sample block of granite, demonstrating the tool’s effectiveness in hard rock. The team investigated RePED-250’s effect on well cost and the geothermal industry, through various techno-economic models described in the report.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗

RePED 250: A Revolutionary, High Drilling Rate, High-T Geothermal Drilling System and Companion Power Electronics (Final Report)

Geothermal drilling in the United States is drastically slower and more costly than Oil and Gas drilling, primarily due to the additional challenges in geothermal wells: hard rock types and high temperatures. The Repetitive Pulsed Electric Drill (250 degrees C) (RePED-250), developed by Tetra Corporation has the potential to change this with a novel electro-crushing technology. RePED-250 releases pulses of electricity through the rock, which causes it to break in tension, instead of compression like conventional rotary drilling. The tensile strength of hard rocks like granite is only ~5% of their compressive strength, requiring less energy, time, and wear on the bit than conventional drilling. The RePED drill bit has no moving parts, uses drilling mud to remove rock fragments, and standard drill pipe, enabling a direct transition from conventional drilling systems. The objective of this project is to move RePED technology towards commercial readiness for high-temperature geothermal applications. This involves: 1) Creating high-temperature, high power electronic components for the RePED drill capable of operating at the high temperatures of a geothermal well. The target is a 250 degrees C ambient environment. Specifically, capacitors, high voltage switches, and a downhole generator capable of generating the necessary power. 2) Demonstrating RePED's effectiveness drilling through hard rock (granite) and examining its pathway to commercialization and effect on the US geothermal market. Work on this project has led to significant improvement over the state-of-the-art for all the examined electronics, through design, modeling, and testing of these novel components, though some additional development is still needed to deploy these high-temperature parts in a geothermal well. Besides their use in RePED-250, each component has applications in other industries where the stability of electronics at high-temperature is needed. To address the second barrier to commercialization, a 9" hole was drilled through a sample block of granite, demonstrating the tool's effectiveness in hard rock. The team investigated RePED-250's effect on well cost, and the geothermal industry, through various models described in the report.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗