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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

Technology advancements for the U.S. manned Space Station - An overview

The structure and methodology of the Johnson Space Center (JSC) advanced development program is described. An overview of the program is given, and the technology transfer process to other disciplines is described. The test bed and flight experiment programs are described, as is the technology assessment which was performed at the end of the Phase B program. The technology program within each discipline is summarized, and the coordination and integration of the JSC program with the activities of other NASA centers and with work package contractors are discussed.

Simon, William E.↗

Systems utilization enhancement data system overview

An overview of the Systems Utilization Enhancement (SUE) data system is presented. The subsystems are described, including the telemetry processor, communications processor, digital maintenance and control subsystem, link console subsystem, digital recording subsystem, communications processor SUE system interface unit, data quality monitoring subsystem, analog parameter and event recorder, status SUE system interface unit, and portable maintenance subsystem. Hardware design considerations are discussed, including architecture, coupling, commonality, modularity. reliability, fault-tolerance, and growth.

Schmid, J. Andre↗

An overview of cosmic ray research - Composition, acceleration and propagation

An overview of cosmic ray (CR) research and its relationship to other areas of high-energy astrophysics is presented. Research being conducted on the composition of cosmic rays (CRs) is examined, including the study of the solar system 'template' for CRs, CR abundances at earth, solar energetic particles, the CR elements beyond zinc, and the study of electrons, positrons, antinuclei, and of isotopic composition of CRs. Research on the CR energy spectrum and anisotropy is briefly reviewed. The study of acceleration processes, particle confinement, and propagation of CRs is addressed. Finally, the investigation of source abundances in CRs is discussed.

Wefel, John P.↗

A comparative overview of modal testing and system identification for control of structures

This paper presents a comparative overview of the disciplines of modal testing used in structural engineering and system identification used in control theory. A list of representative references from both areas is given and the basic methods are briefly described. Recent progress on the interaction of modal testing and control disciplines is discussed. It is concluded that combined efforts of researchers in both disciplines are required for unification of modal testing and system identification methods for control of flexible structures.

Juang, Jer-Nan↗

Vehicle environment interactions - An overview

The advent of Space Shuttle Orbital operations utilizing science and technology payloads has led to a renewal of interest of vehicle-environmental interactions in low earth orbit. The first science payload on STS-3 showed an interaction on the surface of the Orbiter which, although it had been detected earlier on unmanned spacecraft, quickened interest in the possible impact of this phenomena on future missions. Subsequent flights have yielded data on a wide variety of interaction phenomena resulting from the large size of the Orbiter and its outgassing characteristics. These drivers have given rise to modifications in the neutral gas and plasma environments of the Space Shuttle Orbiter. The physics of the interactions result in the generation of disturbed wave fields, optical emissions and particle distributions in the vicinity of the Orbiter. In this overview, the present observations, suggested interpretations and open questions will be addressed.

Raitt, W. J.↗

An overview of some investigations of pressure and thermal distributions induced by trailing edge controls on hypersonic aircraft

Detailed surface heat transfer and pressure distributions have been obtained in three-dimensional shock-wave boundary-layer interactions flow regions. The data described were obtained on fundamental shapes: planar wings with trailing edge flaps or spoilers and planar or cylindrical center bodies, representative of the aft portion of hypersonic aircraft. An overview of the work is presented; details of the projects are available in many reports in the open literature. Analytic, empiric methods are advanced for predicting the extent of separation and the increased heat transfer and pressure loads in three-dimensional separated flow regions.

Kaufman, Louis G., II↗

NASA Shuttle Training Aircraft flight simulation overview

The Shuttle Training Aircraft (STA) is a variable stability, variable control law flying simulator used by NASA/JSC to train astronauts in the final landing phase of a Space Shuttle Orbiter. A general outline is given for the STA flight simulation system. An overview is given of the software generation and verification process through the Advanced Validation System (AVAS). The flight test techniques for software verification will be reviewed and the process for releasing the software for flight training will be covered. The astronaut STA training syllabus is examined. Parameter matching with the Orbiter in the final approach phase of de-orbit and landing is briefly examined. Simulation performance will be assessed against flight data, performance measurement, and cue synchronization.

Justiz, Charles R.↗

A comparative overview of modal testing and system identification for control of structures

A comparative overview is presented of the disciplines of modal testing used in structural engineering and system identification used in control theory. A list of representative references from both areas is given, and the basic methods are described briefly. Recent progress on the interaction of modal testing and control disciplines is discussed. It is concluded that combined efforts of researchers in both disciplines are required for unification of modal testing and system identification methods for control of flexible structures.

Juang, J.-N.↗

Information sciences and human factors overview

An overview of program objectives of the Information Sciences and Human Factors Division of NASA's Office of Aeronautics and Space Technology is given in viewgraph form. Information is given on the organizational structure, goals, the research and technology base, telerobotics, systems autonomy in space operations, space sensors, humans in space, space communications, space data systems, transportation vehicle guidance and control, spacecraft control, and major program directions in space.

Holcomb, Lee B.↗

HOST turbine heat transfer subproject overview

The experimental part of the turbine heat transfer subproject consists of six large experiments, which are highlighted in this overview, and three of somewhat more modest scope. One of the initial efforts was the stator airfoil heat transfer program. The non-film cooled and the showerhead film cooled data have already been reported. The gill region film cooling effort is currently underway. The investigation of secondary flows in a 90 deg curved duct, was completed. The first phase examined flows with a relatively thin inlet boundary layer and low free stream turbulence. The second phase studied a thicker inlet boundary layer and higher free stream turbulence. A comparison of analytical and experimental cross flow velocity vectors is shown for the 60 deg plane. Two experiments were also conducted in the high pressure facility. One examined full coverage film cooled vanes, and the other, advanced instrumentation. The other three large experimental efforts were conducted in a rotation reference frame. An experiment to obtain gas path airfoil heat transfer coefficients in the large, low speed turbine was completed. Single-stage data with both high and low-inlet turbulence were taken. The second phase examined a one and one-half stage turbine and focused on the second vane row. Under phase 3 aerodynamic quantities such as interrow time-averaged and rms values of velocity, flow angle, inlet turbulence, and surface pressure distribution were measured.

Gladden, Herbert J.↗

Overview of the NASA/RECON educational, research, and development activities of the Computer Science Departments of the University of Southwestern Louisiana and Southern University

This document presents a brief overview of the scope of activities undertaken by the Computer Science Departments of the University of Southern Louisiana (USL) and Southern University (SU) pursuant to a contract with NASA. Presented are only basic identification data concerning the contract activities since subsequent entries within the Working Paper Series will be oriented specifically toward a detailed development and presentation of plans, methodologies, and results of each contract activity. Also included is a table of contents of the entire USL/DBMS NASA/RECON Working Paper Series.

Dominick, Wayne D.↗

Gravity waves and turbulence in the middle atmosphere program (GRATMAP): An overview of gravity wave studies during MAP/MAC

Considerable progress was made in understanding gravity waves and their effects in the middle atmosphere during the MAP and MAC periods. During this time, gravity waves were recognized to play a central role in controlling the large scale circulation and the thermal and constituent structure of this region through wave transports of energy and momentum, a significant induced meridional circulation, and through the action of wave induced turbulence. Both theoretical and observational studies also have contributed to the understanding of the gravity wave spectrum, its temporal and spatial variability, and the processes responsible for wave saturation. As a result, the propagation, interactions, and detailed effects of such motions in the middle atmosphere are beginning to be understood. An overview is provided.

Fritts, D. C.↗

The Flight Telerobotic Servicer Project and systems overview

As part of the Flight Telerobotic Servicer (FTS) project an advanced telerobotic system is being developed to assist in and reduce crew extravehicular activity (EVA) for the U.S. Space Station. The FTS will be used for assembly, maintenance, servicing, and inspection throughout the lifetime of the Space Station. A brief overview of the FTS program is given, and some of the technical and system engineering issues associated with the development of the FTS are explored. A key to the evolutionary capability of the FTS design is the NASREM (NASA Standard Reference Model for telerobot control system) architecture. This architecture provides the framework for future growth and permits a logical blend of teleoperation and autonomous operations as required.

Mccain, Harry G.↗

The ATMOS (Atmospheric Trace Molecule Spectroscopy) experiment - An overview

The objective of the ATMOS experiment is to measure the concentrations and distributions of gases in the middle and upper atmosphere (10 to 120 km) by IR absorption spectroscopy. In 1985 high resolution (0.01/cm) IR occultation spectra of the atmosphere were recorded using a modified Michelson interferometer orbiting onboard the Space Shuttle. With the sun as the radiation source, a single spectrum was obtained every 2.2 seconds with S/N ratios of 100:1 or better. An overview of the data analysis techniques, implications for malecular spectroscopy, and results obtained from the mission is presented.

Brown, L. R.↗

An overview of the current NASA program on aircraft icing research

The NASA Lewis Research Center is presently conducting an aircraft icing research program, the major thrust of which is to advance technologies that improve our ability to model the icing phenomenon and its effect on aircraft. The approach employs three interrelated elements: analysis; wind tunnel experiments; and, considerable flight testing in natural icing clouds. This paper presents a brief overview of this program with emphasis on recent accomplishments.

Ranaudo, Richard J.↗

Overview of microwave concepts

An overview of microwave beamed power concepts is given in outline form. Concepts such as power transmission to operational satellites, spacecraft propulsion, lunar/planetary outpost power and planetary rover propulsion are listed in chart form and characterized in columns titled power level, benefits, and comments.

Faymon, Karl A.↗

Materials for engine applications above 3000 deg F: An overview

Materials for future generations of aeropropulsion systems will be required to perform at ever-increasing temperatures and have properties superior to the current state of the art. Improved engine efficiency can reduce specific fuel consumption and thus increase range and reduce operating costs. The ultimate payoff gain is expected to come when materials are developed which can perform without cooling at gas temperatures to 2200 C (4000 F). An overview is presented of materials for applications above 1650 C (3000 F), some pertinent physical property data, and the rationale used: (1) to arrive at recommendations of material systems that qualify for further investigation, and (2) to develop a proposed plan of research. From an analysis of available thermochemical data it was included that such materials systems must be composed of oxide ceramics. The required structural integrity will be achieved by developing these materials into fiber-reinforced ceramic composites.

Shaw, Nancy J.↗