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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

Deployable flexible ventral fins for use as an emergency spin recovery device in aircraft

A flexible fin device for mounting on an aircraft to effect spin recovery is described. The device may be selectively deployed to provide a triangular planform of flexible material to provide spin recovery, and retracted for compact storage during non-use. A single flexible fin may be deflected in a specific direction depending on direction of spin rotation, or two flexible fins forming an inverted V configuration may be used. The device is mounted on the underbody of the aircraft.

Burk, S. M., Jr.↗

High Sensitivity, Low Power Nano Sensors and Devices for Chemical Sensing

The chemical sensor market has been projected to grow to better than $40 billion dollars worldwide within the next 10 years. Some of the primary motivations to develop nanostructured chemical sensors are monitoring and control of environmental pollution; improved diagnostics for consumption; improvement in measurement precision and accuracy; and improved detection limits for Homeland security, battlefield environments, and process and quality control of industrial applications. In each of these applications, there is demand for sensitivity, selectivity and stability of environmental and biohazard detection and capture beyond what is currently commercially available. Nanotechnology offers the ability to work at the molecular level, atom by atom, to create large structures with fundamentally new molecular organization. It is essentially concerned with materials, devices, and systems whose structures and components exhibit novel and significantly improved physical, chemical and biological properties, phenomena, and process control due to their nanoscale size. One such nanotechnology-enabled chemical sensor has been developed at NASA Ames leveraging nanostructures, such as single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and metal oxide nanobelts or nanowires, as a sensing medium bridging a pair of interdigitated electrodes (IDE) realized through a silicon-based microfabrication and micromachining technique. The DE fingers are fabricated on a silicon substrate using standard photolithography and thin film metallization techniques. It is noteworthy that the fabrication techniques employed are not confined to the silicon substrate. Through spin casting and careful substrate selection (i.e. clothing, glass, polymer, etc.), additional degrees of freedom can be exploited to enhance sensitivity or to conform to unique applications. Both in-situ growth of nanostructured materials and casting of nanostructured dispersions were used to produce analogous chemical sensing devices.

Li, Jing↗

Attitude-Independent Magnetometer Calibration for Spin-Stabilized Spacecraft

The paper describes a three-step estimator to calibrate a Three-Axis Magnetometer (TAM) using TAM and slit Sun or star sensor measurements. In the first step, the Calibration Utility forms a loss function from the residuals of the magnitude of the geomagnetic field. This loss function is minimized with respect to biases, scale factors, and nonorthogonality corrections. The second step minimizes residuals of the projection of the geomagnetic field onto the spin axis under the assumption that spacecraft nutation has been suppressed by a nutation damper. Minimization is done with respect to various directions of the body spin axis in the TAM frame. The direction of the spin axis in the inertial coordinate system required for the residual computation is assumed to be unchanged with time. It is either determined independently using other sensors or included in the estimation parameters. In both cases all estimation parameters can be found using simple analytical formulas derived in the paper. The last step is to minimize a third loss function formed by residuals of the dot product between the geomagnetic field and Sun or star vector with respect to the misalignment angle about the body spin axis. The method is illustrated by calibrating TAM for the Fast Auroral Snapshot Explorer (FAST) using in-flight TAM and Sun sensor data. The estimated parameters include magnetic biases, scale factors, and misalignment angles of the spin axis in the TAM frame. Estimation of the misalignment angle about the spin axis was inconclusive since (at least for the selected time interval) the Sun vector was about 15 degrees from the direction of the spin axis; as a result residuals of the dot product between the geomagnetic field and Sun vectors were to a large extent minimized as a by-product of the second step.

Natanson, Gregory↗

Sample selection and preservation techniques for the Mars sample return mission

It is proposed that a miniaturized electron spin resonance (ESR) spectrometer be developed as an effective, nondestructivew sample selection and characterization instrument for the Mars Rover Sample Return mission. The ESR instrument can meet rover science payload requirements and yet has the capability and versatility to perform the following in situ Martian sample analyses: (1) detection of active oxygen species, and characterization of Martian surface chemistry and photocatalytic oxidation processes; (2) determination of paramagnetic Fe(3+) in clay silicate minerals, Mn(2+) in carbonates, and ferromagnetic centers of magnetite, maghemite and hematite; (3) search for organic compounds in the form of free radicals in subsoil, and detection of Martian fossil organic matter likely to be associated with carbonate and other sedimentary deposits. The proposed instrument is further detailed.

Tsay, Fun-Dow↗

Testing of Selective Laser Melting Turbomachinery Applicable to Exploration Upper Stage

This task is to design, fabricate, and spin test to failure a Ti6-4 hydrogen turbopump impeller that was built using the selective laser melting (SLM) fabrication process (fig. 1). The impeller is sized around upper stage engine requirements. In addition to the spin burst test, material testing will be performed on coupons that are built with the impeller.

Calvert, Marty↗

Computer simulation for attitude disturbance torques for the Tiros-series.

Description of the Tiros-M Magnetic Attitude Prediction Program (TMMGAP), a simulation program designed to assist in the rotational motion control of the Tiros-series spacecraft. The subsystems of the program include input, attitude simulation, executive, attitude control and output components, simulating solar radiation pressure torque, gravity gradient torque, residual magnetic moment torque, and magnetic attitude control torques. The program provides data for prelaunch studies for launch window selection and mission planning, facilitates spacecraft spin axis reorientation after launch, provides spin axis control recommendations to meet mission constraints, and assists in the interpretation of cloud cover data. The program is characterized as effective in controlling spin axis and in processing picture data.

Sugai, I.↗

Spin scan imaging at Jupiter

The general feasibility of spin scan imaging from spinning platforms in outer planet orbiters was investigated. The study was limited to consideration of a typical orbiter mission to Jupiter with an orbit designed to provide repetitive close approaches to the Galilean satellites. Discussed are: (1) data requirements for imaging experiments at Jupiter and its satellites; (2) spin scan camera and baseline camera selection; and (3) operational considerations bearing on imager performance. A physical camera model including relationships identifying the supporting requirements was developed and used to determine the characteristics of the baseline camera.

Sinclair, K. F.↗

Functional evaluation of the Galileo attitude and articulation control subsystem using FUNSIM

The functional performance of the Galileo spacecraft's attitude and articulation control subsystem is evaluated. The tests are performed utilizing the simulation program developed on an IBM 370 system known as the Functional Simulation (FUNSIM). FUNSIM is an entirely software-based simulation which uses the actual flight software in HAL/S and simulated spacecraft dynamics in FORTRAN language. A description of how the test cases were selected to verify that the algorithms perform functionally correctly, and a summary of the problems encountered are included in the paper. The benefits of having an alternative test bed such as FUNSIM to the real-time simulation test beds which utilize the spacecraft hardware components in discovering the problems are described. A sample test case which shows that the desired tasks were performed functionally correctly is included in the paper. The commands in this test are selected to start the dual-spin spacecraft initially in launch mode and lead it all the way to inertial mode. Major attitude control algorithms such as rotor and platform attitude estimators, clock and core platform attitude estimators, clock and core platform controllers, and the command turn and burn are examined.

Namiri, M. K.↗

SCD 02 thermal design

The Satelite de Coleta de Dados (SCD) 02 (Data Collection Satellite) has the following characteristics: 115 kg weight, octagonal prism shape, 1 m diameter, and 0.67 m height. Its specified orbit is nearly circular, 700 km altitude, is inclined 25 deg with respect to the equator line, and has 100 min period. The electric power is supplied by eight solar panels installed on the lateral sides of the satellite. The equipment is located on the central (both faces) and lower (internal face) panels. The satellite is spin stabilized and its attitude control is such that during its lifetime, the solar aspect angle will vary between 80 and 100 deg with respect to its spin axis. Two critical cases were selected for thermal control design purposes: Hot case (maximum solar constant, solar aspect angle equal to 100 deg, minimum eclipse time and maximum internal heat dissipation); and a passive thermal design concept was achieved and the maximum and minimum equipment operating temperatures were obtained through a 109 node finite difference mathematical model.

Cardoso, Humberto Pontes↗

Avionics GPB Control System Analysis

Gravity Probe B is a Satellite being developed by Lockheed Martin under NASA contract through MSFC and managed by Stanford University. The goal of the satellite experiment is to test the accuracy of drift predictions made using Einstein s General Theory of Relativity. The drift in the direction of the spin axes of 4 highly precise quartz spherical gyroscopes induced by motion in the earth s gravitational field will be measured over a year s duration with the known, non-relativistic effects removed. The expected angles of drift for a one year period are approximately 6.6 arcsec for drift in the orbit plane called geodetic drift and 0.033 arcsec of drift normal to the orbit plane called frame dragging. The aerodynamic drag force on the GPB Satellite is compensated by a translation control system. It is pointed at a guide star and maintained in spin at a rate to be selected in the range 0.1 - 1 rpm. The purpose of our task is to update the TREETOPS GPB spacecraft simulation and to assist MSFC in assessing the affect of Helium slosh dynamics on spacecraft pointing performance.

Source record↗

Automatic spacecraft detumbling by internal mass motion

In the operation of future manned space vehicles, there will always be a finite probability that an accident will occur which results in uncontrolled tumbling of a craft. Hard docking by a manned rescue vehicle is not acceptable because of the hazardous environment to which rescue crewmen would be exposed and excessive maneuvering accelerations during docking operations. A movable-mass control concept, which is activated upon initiation of tumbling and is autonomous, can convert tumbling motion into simple spin. The complete equations of motion for an asymmetric rigid spacecraft containing a movable mass are presented, and appropriate control law and system parameters are selected to minimize kinetic energy, resulting in simple spin about the major principal axis. Simulations indicate that for a large space station experiencing a collision, which results in tumbling, a 1% movable mass is capable of stabilizing motion in 2 hr.

Edwards, T. L.↗

Application of Two-Phase CFD to the Design and Analysis of a Subscale Motor Experiment to Evaluate Propellant Slag Production

The redesigned solid rocket motor (RSRM) Pressure Perturbation Investigation Team concluded that the cause of recent pressure spikes during both static and flight motor burns was the expulsion of molten aluminum oxide slag from a pool which collects in the aft end of the motor around the submerged nozzle nose during the last half of motor operation. It is suspected that some motors produce more slag than others due to differences in aluminum oxide agglomerate particle sizes which may relate to subtle differences in propellant ingredient characteristics such as particle size distribution, contaminants, or processing variations. In order to determine the effect of suspect propellant ingredient characteristics on the propensity for slag production in a real motor environment, a subscale motor experiment was designed. An existing 5 inch ballistic test motor was selected as the basic test vehicle due to low cost and quick turn around times. The standard converging/diverging nozzle was replaced with a submerged nozzle nose design to provide a positive trap for the slag which would increase both the quantity and repeatability of measured slag weights. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was used to assess a variety of submerged nose configurations to identify the design which possessed the best capability to reliably collect slag. CFD also was used to assure that the final selected nozzle design would result in flow field characteristics such as dividing streamline location, nose attach point, and separated flow structure which would have similtude with the RSRM submerged nozzle nose flow field. It also was decided to spin the 5 inch motor about its longitudinal axis to further enhance slag collection quantities. Again, CFD was used to select an appropriate spin rate along with other considerations, including the avoidance of burn rate enhancement from radial acceleration effects.

Whitesides, R. Harold↗

High angle-of-attack flight dynamics of a forward-swept wing fighter configuration

As part of a forward-swept wing technology development effort, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), and the NASA Langley Research Center are conducting a cooperative research program to investigate the high angle-of-attack, stall and spin characteristics associated with the forward-swept wing concept. The studies are centered around the X-29A configuration which is being built to flight demonstrate the application of forward-swept wing technology to a fighter class airplane. The program includes static and dynamic wind-tunnel force tests, free-flight model tests, drop-model tests, spin-tunnel tests, and piloted simulation studies. Selected results are presented from the Langley research program on the X-29A configuration with emphasis on the high-alpha aerodynamics and the vehicle component contributions to these characteristics. The effects of these aerodynamic characteristics on the overall high-alpha flying qualities of the configuration are discussed in terms of results of the wind-tunnel free-flight tests and the piloted simulation study.

Murri, D. G.↗

Analysis of structures with rotating, flexible substructures

A new methodology has been developed for the dynamic analysis of flexible structures, parts of which may be experiencing discrete motion relative to other parts. This methodology provides the capability of representing the continuum deformations typically treated using finite element methods. In addition, it provides the capability of representing the discrete motion at joints traditionally available with multibody methods. After decomposing the structure into substructures and associating a frame of reference with each substructure, the equations of motion for each substructure can be written explicitly including contributions due to the frame of reference generalized coordinates. By expanding the set of constraints to include constraints that eliminate the redundancy introduced by the frame generalized coordinates, the equations of motion become amenable to solution. The first digital computer program using this methodology, the General Rotorcraft Aeromechanical Stability Program (GRASP), was introduced in 1986. Although GRASP is limited to applications involving steady-state rotation, extension to arbitrary motions (including spin-up) can be accomplished by the selective retention of nonlinear terms in this formulation.

Hopkins, A. Stewart↗

Neutron stars in twelve supernova remnants

X-ray observations of selected SNR are summarized. Five contain internal spinning neutron stars - four isolated and one in a binary system. Another seven contain central unresolved sources or bright nebulas. Observations of these nebulas, probably due to synchrotron emission, are used to estimate characteristics of the unseen pulsars.

Seward, Frederick D.↗

On the Oxidative Degradation of Nadic End-Capped Polyimides: Synthesis and Characterization of Model Compounds for End-Cap Degradation Products - 3

The oxidative degradation of PMR (for polymerization of monomeric reactants) polyimides at elevated temperatures was followed by cross-polarized magic angle spinning (CP-MAS) NMR. Labeling of selected sites in the polymers with C-13 allowed for direct observation of the transformations arising from oxidation processes. The formation of several degradation products has been proposed to be occurring in the cross-links derived from the nadic end caps on oxidation. Model compounds have been synthesized and characterized by CPMAS NMR with both normal and delayed decoupling to distinguish between protonated and unprotonated carbons. Comparison of these spectra to predicted chemical shifts of proposed products for the aged polymer provides further insight to degradation occurring in the cross-linked moieties.

Meador, Mary Ann B.↗

Guidance Enhancements and Performance Assessments for the Mars Ascent Vehicle Spin-Stabilized Upper Stage Configuration

he objective of the Mars Sample Return (MSR) campaign is to return samples from the surface of Mars to Earth for research. As one element of the MSR campaign, the Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV) is responsible for transporting the samples from the surface of Mars to a Low-Martian Orbit (LMO) for retrieval. Complete autonomy is required throughout ascent, and orbital insertion is constrained by tight dispersion boundaries. An unguided, spin-stabilized second stage for MAV has been selected over a guided upper-stage to drive mass savings and reduce overall MSR campaign mass risk, at the cost of reduced GNC capability. To address this design change, the MAV GNC team has derived a robust prediction algorithm, building on previous energy management schemes, that solves for a single inertial pointing direction solution for the spin-stabilized 2nd stage burn. Algorithm stability is explored that compared to previous versions of the algorithm. Also, a set of analytical partials was developed to study MAV’s dispersed orbital insertion performance with respect to MAV system uncertainties. These partials were verified through simulation analysis and prove useful for analytical insight into the dynamics of MAV during the 2nd stage maneuver.

Jason M Everett↗

Guidance Enhancements and Performance Assessments for the Mars Ascent Vehicle Spin-Stabilized Upper Stage Configuration

The objective of the Mars Sample Return (MSR) campaign is to return samples from the surface of Mars to Earth for research. As one element of the MSR campaign, the Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV) is responsible for transporting the samples from the surface of Mars to a Low-Martian Orbit (LMO) for retrieval. Complete autonomy is required throughout ascent, and orbital insertion is constrained by tight dispersion boundaries. An unguided, spin-stabilized second stage for MAV has been selected over a guided upper-stage to drive mass savings and reduce overall MSR campaign mass risk, at the cost of reduced GNC capability. To address this design change, the MAV GNC team has derived a robust prediction algorithm, building on previous energy management schemes, that solves for a single inertial pointing direction solution for the spin-stabilized 2nd stage burn. Algorithm stability is explored that compared to previous versions of the algorithm. Also, a set of analytical partials was developed to study MAV’s dispersed orbital insertion performance with respect to MAV system uncertainties. These partials were verified through simulation analysis and prove useful for analytical insight into the dynamics of MAV during the 2nd stage maneuver.

GNC↗