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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 361 records · Page 20

Development of integrated, zero-G pneumatic transporter/rotating paddle incinerator/catalytic afterburner subsystem for processing human wastes on board spacecraft

A four component system was developed which consists of a particle size reduction mechanism, a pneumatic waste transport system, a rotating-paddle incinerator, and a catalytic afterburner to be integrated into a six-man, zero-g subsystem for processing human wastes on board spacecraft. The study included the development of different concepts or functions, the establishment of operational specifications, and a critical evaluation for each of the four components. A series of laboratory tests was run, and a baseline subsystem design was established. An operational specification was also written in preparation for detailed design and testing of this baseline subsystem.

Fields, S. F.↗

Advanced Metal Foam Structures for Outer Space

A document discusses a proposal to use advanced materials especially bulk metallic glass (BMG) foams in structural components of spacecraft, lunar habitats, and the like. BMG foams, which are already used on Earth in some consumer products, are superior to conventional metal foams: BMG foams have exceptionally low mass densities and high strength-to-weight ratios and are more readily processable into strong, lightweight objects of various sizes and shapes. These and other attractive properties of BMG foams would be exploited, according to the proposal, to enable in situ processing of BMG foams for erecting and repairing panels, shells, containers, and other objects. The in situ processing could include (1) generation of BMG foams inside prefabricated deployable skins that would define the sizes and shapes of the objects thus formed and (2) thermoplastic deformation of BMG foams. Typically, the generation of BMG foams would involve mixtures of precursor chemicals that would be subjected to suitable pressure and temperature schedules. In addition to serving as structural components, objects containing or consisting of BMG foams could perform such functions as thermal management, shielding against radiation, and shielding against hypervelocity impacts of micrometeors and small debris particles.

Hanan, Jay↗

Selection of component modes for the simulation of flexible multibody spacecraft

This paper describes a procedure for the selection of component modes employed in discretization of component deformation in a flexible multibody spacecraft. The emphasis is placed on the selection of modes which adequately represent the interaction of the various on-board control systems with the vehicle structural flexibility. The method combines the component mode synthesis approaches of Craig-Bampton (1968), MacNeal (1971) and Rubin (1975), and Benfield-Hruda (1971) with the modal balancing method of Moore (1981) and Gregory (1984). The procedure, which is applicable to both articulating and nonarticulating systems, was used to develop a low-order model of the three-body articulating Galileo spacecraft.

Spanos, John T.↗

ADVANCED VALVE TECHNOLOGY FOR SPACECRAFT ENGINES FINAL REPORT

This final report describes the work that was done to determine the state-of-the-art of valves required for space exploration vehicles and the steps that were taken to advance the technology. Interviews were held with personnel of major prime manufacturers to determine current problems and current and future requirements. Manufacturers were surveyed by mail to determine what equipment is presently being produced. An extensive search of patent office files was made to determine if any novel valve concepts not already applied to aerospace valves might exist. A literature search was conducted to provide the necessary technical information that was required for the program. Several extensive studies were made to determine the effects on materials resulting from use in space applications, and an investigation of the basic phenomena of valve seat wear was initiated. With the information developed in the surveys and studies, the significant problems associated with valves were identified and are described under "Discussion of Problems. " A novel valve concept was developed and a prototype valve was built and successfully tested. A seal compound of Teflon and stainless steel was developed which possesses superior cold flow characteristics while retaining the desirable properties of the basic Teflon material.

Spacecraft propulsion↗

Extendible boom device

Expandable boom from metal tape and fasteners for spacecraft applications

SPACECRAFT COMPONENT↗

Compression-spring separation mechanisms

Theseparationofspacecraftcomponents,whichoccurineveryflight,representscrucialandmajoreventsthatmustbesuccessfullyexecutedtofulfillmissionrequirements.Separationsystemsvaryaswidelyinphysicalandfunctionalpropertiesastheperformancerequirementswhichtheymustsatisfy;however,mostsystemsusehelicalcompressionspringsasanenergysource.Thispapersummarizestheprincipaldesigncharacteristicsofseparationmechanismsandempiricaldataobtainedfromactualseparationsinspace.

SEPARATION↗