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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 397 records · Page 22
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1977

Ceramic applications in the advanced Stirling automotive engine

The ideal cycle, its application to a practical machine, and the specific advantages of high efficiency, low emissions, multi-fuel capability, and low noise of the stirling engine are discussed. Certain portions of the Stirling engine must operate continuously at high temperature. Ceramics offer the potential of cost reduction and efficiency improvement for advanced engine applications. Potential applications for ceramics in Stirling engines, and some of the special problems pertinent to using ceramics in the Stirling engine are described. The research and technology program in ceramics which is planned to support the development of advanced Stirling engines is outlined.

Tomazic, W. A.↗
NASA NTRS1976

NASA's present and future sensor technology developments

NASA's overall sensing, data acquisition, and instrumentation programs are reviewed. The review shows that the trends in advanced sensor technology involve increased use of solid-state sensors, multiapplication sensors, standardized instrumentation, and miniaturized detectors. Examples are given of several new technologies, showing how improvements in sensor operational capability (such as enhanced sensitivity and spectral range) derived from these advances have resulted in relaxed spacecraft stability requirements, mission time savings, and savings in weight, size, and power. The introduction of multiapplication sensors and standardized instrumentation will result in measurement cost reduction and improved compatibility with standardized spacecraft.

Rubin, B.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Transportation options for solar power satellites

Advantages of solar power satellites compared to ground-based solar power installations are related to an almost continuous exposure to sunlight and to a much smaller collector area. An investigation of the transportation cost problem is conducted. Transportation systems based on presently understood technology are considered for the deployment of solar power satellites at potentially competitive costs. It is found that the cost of placement in a geosynchronous orbit is reducible to the range from $500 to $1000/kW. Approaches for achieving dramatic cost reductions are discussed.

Woodcock, G. R.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Fixed flat plate collector with a reversible vee-trough concentrator

An asymmetrical-reversible vee-trough concentrator for use both with nonevacuated and evacuated receivers is proposed in order to improve the performance of a fixed flat plate collector. The device is capable of maintaining a year-round concentration factor of about 2 while eliminating the complications of the tilt adjustments of the collector box assembly. Efficiency improvements and cost reductions for temperatures of about 100 and 200 C are offered for the nonvacuum and vacuum tube versions, respectively. A major advantage of the vee-trough is the enhancement of the incident flux, thus extending the collection period. The vacuum collector is suitable for supplying heat to solar Rankine systems, while the nonvacuum version can be used for air conditioning purposes via an absorption air conditioner.

Selcuk, M. K.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Large area Czochralski silicon for solar cells

A detailed model of a typical Czochralski silicon crystal puller is utilized to predict maximum crystal growth rate as a function of various furnace parameters. Results of this analysis, when combined with multiblade slurry sawing, indicate that the Czochralski process is highly attractive for achieving near-term cost reduction of solar cell silicon.

Rea, S. N.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Organizing for low cost space transportation

The paper describes the management concepts and organizational structure NASA is establishing to operate the Space Transportation System. Policies which would encourage public and commercial organizations and private individuals to use the new STS are discussed, and design criteria for experiments, spacecraft, and other systems elements are considered. The design criteria are intented to facilitate cost reductions for space operations. NASA plans for the transition from currently used expendable launch vehicles to Shuttle use and Shuttle pricing policies are explained in detail. Hardware development is basically complete, management functions have been defined, pricing policies have been published, and procedures for user contact and services have been places into operation.

Lee, C. M.↗
NASA NTRS1979

High-gradient continuous-casting furnace

High gradient allows rapid growth rates in directionally-solidified eutectic alloys. Furnace design permits cost reductions in directional solidification process through its increased solidification rates, which reduces melt/mold interaction. It produces structural engineering materials for any application requiring properties directionally-solidified eutectic materials.

Scheuermann, C. M.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Estimation of ground temperature from GFCR radiometric signal

A procedure was developed which demonstrates the feasibility of estimating actual surface temperature from the effective brightness temperature which can be conveniently measured by a radiometer from remote sensing platforms. Atmospheric corrections to the effective brightness temperature are computed corresponding to the 'base model' atmosphere and several modifications of this caused by deviations of the various atmospheric or surface parameters from their base model values. Simple analytical relations were established between the deviations of these parameters and the additional temperature corrections required to compensate for them. Effects of simultaneous variation of several parameters also were examined. Use of these analytical relations, instead of radiative transfer calculations, results in tremendous savings in data reduction costs.

Gupia, S. K.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Study of low-cost fabrication methods for aerospace composite materials

Flat and hat section specimens of graphite/epoxy composite materials have been fabricated by the resin bath or wet pultrusion process. This demonstrated the feasibility of incorporating crossplied graphite fiber reinforcements in conjunction with epoxy resin systems in the wet pultrusion process. However, the thickness constraints of the pultrusion process, the lack of dimensional stability of the crossply materials and equipment limitations affect the quality of the hat section pultrusions. The wet pultrusion process shows promise of being a low cost method for producing composite parts with constant cross section along the length. A cost analysis showed at least 80 percent cost reduction for the hat section and 40 percent for flat panel by pultrusion over the conventional manual and automated lay-up.

Chung, H. H.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Research of low cost wind generator rotors

A feasibility program determined that it would be possible to significantly reduce the cost of manufacturing wind generator rotors by making them of cast urethane. Several high modulus urethanes which were structurally tested were developed. A section of rotor was also cast and tested showing the excellent aerodynamic surface which results. A design analysis indicated that a cost reduction of almost ten to one can be achieved with a small weight increase to achieve the same structural integrity as expected of current rotor systems.

Fertis, D. G.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Solar energy for process heat: Design/cost studies of four industrial retrofit applications

Five specific California plants with potentially attractive solar applications were identified in a process heat survey. These five plants were visited, process requirements evaluated, and conceptual solar system designs were generated. Four DOE (ERDA) sponsored solar energy system demonstration projects were also reviewed and compared to the design/cost cases included in this report. In four of the five cases investigated, retrofit installations providing significant amounts of thermal energy were found to be feasible. The fifth was rejected because of the condition of the building involved, but the process (soap making) appears to be an attractive potential solar application. Costs, however, tend to be high. Several potential areas for cost reduction were identified including larger collector modules and higher duty cycles.

French, R. L.↗
NASA NTRS1977

The 40 KW of Solar Cell Modules for the Large Scale Production Task a Low Cost Silicon Solar Array Project

Forty kilowatts of solar cell modules was produced in this program. This is equivalent to 4123 modules. The average power output per module was 9.7 watts at 16.5 volts, 60 C and 100 mW/sq cm. The peak production rate was 200 modules per week which is equal to 1.9 kW per week. This rate was sustained for over four and one-half months and is equivalent to 100 kW per year. This final report covers the solar cell module design, electrical and power performance, module preproduction environmental test results, production and shipping schedule, program summary, and delivery. A cost analysis section is written. Particular emphasis on the percentage of labor and material utilized in constructing a solar cell module is presented. Also included are cost reduction recommendations.

Jones, G. T.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Avionics performance analysis: A historical review and a current assessment of flight instrumentation and control systems in civil aviation

The role of flight instrumentation and control systems in the advancement of civil aviation to the safest form of commercial transportation is discussed. Safety, cost reduction, and increased capabilities provided by recent developments are emphasized. Cost/performance considerations are considered in terms of determining the relative values of comparable systems or the absolute worth of a system.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1978

Standard Molded Composite Rocket Pyrogen Igniter - A progress report

The pyrogen igniter has the function to furnish a controlled, high temperature, high pressure gas to ignite solid propellant surfaces in a rocket motor. Present pyrogens consist of numerous inert components. The Standard Molded Pyrogen Igniter (SMPI) consists of three basic parts, a cap with several integrally molded features, an ignition pellet retainer plate, and a tube with additional integrally molded features. A description is presented of an investigation which indicates that the SMPI concept is a viable approach to the design and manufacture of pyrogen igniters for solid propellant rocket motors. For some applications, combining the structural and thermal properties of molded composites can result in the manufacture of lighter assemblies at considerable cost reduction. It is demonstrated that high strength, thin walled tubes with high length to diameter ratios can be fabricated from reinforced plastic molding compound using the displacement compression process.

Lucy, M. H.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Low-cost, lightweight RF transfer switch

Low cost miniature DPDT "half-size-crystal-can" relay serves as RF transfer switch for 1.0-W S-band signals. Switch can be used in miniature communication equipment operations at vhf-to-microwave frequencies. Device presents principal gains over conventional RF switches on space saving, and weight and cost reduction.

Olsson, D. L.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Photovoltaic power systems workshop

Discussions are presented on apparent deficiencies in NASA planning and technology development relating to a standard power module (25-35 kW) and to future photovoltaic power systems in general. Topics of discussion consider the following: (1) adequate studies on power systems; (2) whether a standard power system module should be developed from a standard spacecraft; (3) identification of proper approaches to cost reduction; (4) energy storage avoidance; (5) attitude control; (6) thermal effects of heat rejection on solar array configuration stability; (7) assembly of large power systems in space; and (8) factoring terrestrial photovoltaic work into space power systems for possible payoff.

Killian, H. J.↗
NASA NTRS1979

The gate studies: Assessing the potential of future small general aviation turbine engines

Four studies were completed that explore the opportunities for future General Aviation turbine engines (GATE) in the 150-1000 SHP class. These studies forecasted the potential impact of advanced technology turbine engines in the post-1988 market, identified important aircraft and missions, desirable engine sizes, engine performance, and cost goals. Parametric evaluations of various engine cycles, configurations, design features, and advanced technology elements defined baseline conceptual engines for each of the important missions identified by the market analysis. Both fixed-wing and helicopter aircraft, and turboshaft, turboprop, and turbofan engines were considered. Sizable performance gains (e.g., 20% SFC decrease), and large engine cost reductions of sufficient magnitude to challenge the reciprocating engine in the 300-500 SHP class were predicted.

Strack, W. C.↗
NASA NTRS1979

New opportunities for future small civil turbine engines: Overviewing the GATE studies

An overview of four independent studies forecasts the potential impact of advanced technology turbine engines in the post 1988 market, identifies important aircraft and missions, desirable engine sizes, engine performance, and cost goals. Parametric evaluations of various engine cycles, configurations, design features, and advanced technology elements defined baseline conceptual engines for each of the important missions identified by the market analysis. Both fixed-wing and helicopter aircraft, and turboshaft, turboprop, and turbofan engines were considered. Sizable performance gains (e.g., 20% SFC decrease), and large engine cost reductions of sufficient magnitude are predicted to challenge the reciprocating engine in the 300-500 SHP class.

Strack, W. C.↗