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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

A History of Aerospace Problems, Their Solutions, Their Lessons

The positive aspect of problem occurrences is the opportunity for learning and a challenge for innovation. The learning aspect is not restricted to the solution period of the problem occurrence, but can become the beacon for problem prevention on future programs. Problems/failures serve as a point of departure for scaling to new designs. To ensure that problems/failures and their solutions guide the future programs, a concerted effort has been expended to study these problems, their solutions, their derived lessons learned, and projections for future programs. This includes identification of technology thrusts, process changes, codes development, etc. However, they must not become an excuse for adding layers upon layers of standards, criteria, and requirements, but must serve as guidelines that assist instead of stifling engineers. This report is an extension of prior efforts to accomplish this task. Although these efforts only scratch the surface, it is a beginning that others must complete.

Ryan, R. S.↗

Methodology and Development of SLS Ascent Loads

The methodology and development of the Space Launch System (SLS) Block 1 Boost and Core phase Ascent loads will be presented in this paper. As is common practice, a series of fixed time/mass Finite Element Models of the vehicle were developed for the purpose of evaluating the structural loads and accelerations for particular Mach or time ranges associated with the Boost and Core phases of flight. Load contributors, which vary between bins, include the flight mechanic induced portion of the loads (e.g., Static-Elastic (STEL) or Vehicle Load Indicator (VLI) tool results), gust loads, buffet loads, Solid Rocket Booster thrust oscillations, Core Stage Engine thrust oscillations, maneuvering loads, thrust vector-related dispersions, and Programmed Test Input induced loads. Each of these load contributors will be examined in this paper, as well as the Loads Combination Equations used to generate the final loads. In addition to the typical coupled loads analysis, an Ascent loads evaluation is included in the SLS Artemis 1 Day of Launch process; a summary of this evaluation will also be presented in this paper.

SLS↗

A Regeneratively-Cooled Thrust Chamber for the Fastrac Engine

This document consists of presentation slides about the development of the regeneratively cooled thrust chamber for the Fastrac engine. The Fastrac engine was originally developed to demonstrate low cost design and fabrication methods. It was intended to be used in an expendable booster. The regen thrust chamber enables a more cost efficient test program. Using the low cost design and fabrication methodology designed for the 12K regeneratively cooled chamber, the contractor designed, developed and fabricated a regeneratively cooled thrust chamber for the Fastrac engine.

Brown, Kendall↗

NASA aeronautics R&T - A resource for aircraft design

This paper discusses the NASA aeronautics research and technology program from the viewpoint of the aircraft designer. The program spans the range from fundamental research to the joint validation with industry of technology for application into product development. Examples of recent developments in structures, materials, aerodynamics, controls, propulsion systems, and safety technology are presented as new additions to the designer's handbook. Finally, the major thrusts of NASA's current and planned programs which are keyed to revolutionary advances in materials science, electronics, and computer technology are addressed.

Olstad, W. B.↗

Tailoff thrust and impulse imbalance between pairs of Space Shuttle solid rocket motors

The tailoff thrust and impulse imbalance between pairs of solid rocket motors is of particular interest for the Space Shuttle Vehicle because of the potential control problems that exist with this asymmetric configuration. Although a similar arrangement of solid rocket motors was utilized for the Titan Program, they produced less than one-half the thrust level of the Space Shuttle at web action time, and the overall vehicle was symmetric. Since the Titan Program does provide the most applicable actual test data, 23 flight pairs were analyzed to determine the actual tailoff thrust and impulse imbalance experienced. The results were scaled up using the predicted web action time thrust and tailoff time to arrive at values for the Space Shuttle. These values were then statistically treated to obtain a prediction of the maximum imbalance one could expect to experience during the Shuttle Program.

Jacobs, E. P.↗

Modularized ion thruster development

A family of mercury ion thruster modules has been developed which extends the basic design of the Hughes-developed 1-mlb Engineering Model Thruster to accommodate the extended thrust range from 0.5 mlb to 4 mlb. In the subject program, separate Discharge Chamber Modules (DCM's) have been optimized for operation at nominal thrust levels T = 0.5 mlb and 2 mlb; DCM optimization is continuing at thrust level T = 4 mlb. Performance optimization required modification of the beam-extraction system and of discharge-chamber components; however, the cathodes and mechanical structure are unchanged from the Engineering Model design. Performance data on the optimized modules are given.

Hyman, J., Jr.↗

Summary of emissions reduction technology programs

The NASA emissions reduction contract programs for EPA aircraft engine classes P2 (turboshaft engines), T1 (jet engines with thrust under 8000 lb), T4 (JT8D) engines), and T2 (jet engines with thrust over 8000 lb) are discussed. The most important aspects of these programs, the commonality of approaches used, the test results, and assessments regarding applications of the derived technology are summarized.

Niedzwiecki, R. W.↗

Predicted performance of an integrated modular engine system

Space vehicle propulsion systems are traditionally comprised of a cluster of discrete engines, each with its own set of turbopumps, valves, and a thrust chamber. The Integrated Modular Engine (IME) concept proposes a vehicle propulsion system comprised of multiple turbopumps, valves, and thrust chambers which are all interconnected. The IME concept has potential advantages in fault-tolerance, weight, and operational efficiency compared with the traditional clustered engine configuration. The purpose of this study is to examine the steady-state performance of an IME system with various components removed to simulate fault conditions. An IME configuration for a hydrogen/oxygen expander cycle propulsion system with four sets of turbopumps and eight thrust chambers has been modeled using the Rocket Engine Transient Simulator (ROCETS) program. The nominal steady-state performance is simulated, as well as turbopump thrust chamber and duct failures. The impact of component failures on system performance is discussed in the context of the system's fault tolerant capabilities.

Binder, Michael↗

Experimental investigation of combustor effects on rocket thrust chamber performance

The results are reported of a program to develop special instrumentation systems and engine hardware, conduct tests using LOX/GH2 propellants wherein radial mixtures ratio stratification was controlled, and subsequently compare the results of four selected tests with the predictions of the JANNAF performance-prediction computer programs. During the experiments, the overall propellant mixture ratio was varied from 4.4 to 6.6, while the mixture ratios in the core and outer zone were varied from 5.7 to 8.8 and from 3.7 to 7.2, respectively. A nominal 10 percent of the total fuel flow was used as boundary layer collant in a majority of the firings. Nominal chamber pressure was either 225 or 250 psia, with nozzle expansion ratios of either 25:1 or 4:1. Measurements of the axial chamber pressure and wall heat flux profiles, together with samples of the exhaust gas, were obtained. The corrected experimental specific impulse and characteristic exhaust velocity efficiencies were approximately 97.5 and 98.5 percent, respectively.

Nurick, W. H.↗

Solid propellant rocket motor internal ballistics performance variation analysis, phase 3

Results of research aimed at improving the predictability of off nominal internal ballistics performance of solid propellant rocket motors (SRMs) including thrust imbalance between two SRMs firing in parallel are reported. The potential effects of nozzle throat erosion on internal ballistic performance were studied and a propellant burning rate low postulated. The propellant burning rate model when coupled with the grain deformation model permits an excellent match between theoretical results and test data for the Titan IIIC, TU455.02, and the first Space Shuttle SRM (DM-1). Analysis of star grain deformation using an experimental model and a finite element model shows the star grain deformation effects for the Space Shuttle to be small in comparison to those of the circular perforated grain. An alternative technique was developed for predicting thrust imbalance without recourse to the Monte Carlo computer program. A scaling relationship used to relate theoretical results to test results may be applied to the alternative technique of predicting thrust imbalance or to the Monte Carlo evaluation. Extended investigation into the effect of strain rate on propellant burning rate leads to the conclusion that the thermoelastic effect is generally negligible for both steadily increasing pressure loads and oscillatory loads.

Sforzini, R. H.↗

STOVL Control Integration Program

An integrated flight/propulsion control for an advanced vector thrust supersonic STOVL aircraft, was developed by Pratt & Whitney and McDonnell Douglas Aerospace East. The IFPC design was based upon the partitioning of the global requirements into flight control and propulsion control requirements. To validate the design, aircraft and engine models were also developed for use on a NASA Ames piloted simulator. Different flight control implementations, evaluated for their handling qualities, are documented in the report along with the propulsion control, engine model, and aircraft model.

Weiss, C.↗

LUCID Thrust 1 - Dataset Identification and Biodata Catalog Creation

The LUCID DOE consortium, part of the Department of Energy’s Biological and Environmental Research (BER) program, advances Low Dose Radiation (LDR) research through multidisciplinary efforts across seven key thrusts. This document focuses on Thrust 1, which centers on the creation of curated multimodal population health datasets and supports broader efforts within the LUCID program, including AI-based hypothesis generation, experimental design, and the study of LDR-induced health risks. Specifically, it describes the identification and cataloging of Thrust 1’s curated LDR datasets and biodata, emphasizing their critical role in supporting various research thrusts within the consortium, with potential applications in healthcare and public policy. In addition, the document includes an evaluation of three Large Language Models (LLMs)—GPT-4, SOLAR-10B, and Mixtral-8x7B—based on their ability to extract features from 25 LDR studies. The results indicate that GPT-4 performed the best, while Mixtral-8x7B demonstrated limited knowledge. Overall, this work advances understanding in radiation protection, risk assessment, and medical treatments, while providing valuable resources for researchers, educators, and policymakers.

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTAN↗

Program manual for ASTOP, an Arbitrary space trajectory optimization program

The ASTOP program (an Arbitrary Space Trajectory Optimization Program) designed to generate optimum low-thrust trajectories in an N-body field while satisfying selected hardware and operational constraints is presented. The trajectory is divided into a number of segments or arcs over which the control is held constant. This constant control over each arc is optimized using a parameter optimization scheme based on gradient techniques. A modified Encke formulation of the equations of motion is employed. The program provides a wide range of constraint, end conditions, and performance index options. The basic approach is conducive to future expansion of features such as the incorporation of new constraints and the addition of new end conditions.

Horsewood, J. L.↗

Replacing critical and strategic refractory metal elements in nickel-base superalloys

Because of the import status and essential nature of their use, cobalt, chromium, tantalum, and niobium were identified as strategic and critical in the aerospace industry. NASA's Conservation of Strategic Aerospace Materials (COSAM) program aims to reduce the need for strategic materials used in gas turbine engines. Technological thrusts in two major areas are under way to meet the primary objective of conserving the use of strategic materials in nickelbase superalloys. These thrusts consist of strategic element substitution and alternative material identification. The program emphasizes cooperative research teams involving NASA Lewis Research Center, universities, and industry. The adoption of refractory metals in nickel-base superalloys is summarized including their roles in mechanical strengthening and environmental resistance; current research activities under way in the COSAM Program are presented as well as research findings to date.

Stephens, J. R.↗

A History of Jet Noise Research at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration

This paper reviews jet noise research conducted at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) from the early 1950s to the present day. Research conducted by NASA’s predecessor, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), and early years of NASA focused on turbojet noise, where a common approach for reducing jet noise was to limit the jet exit velocity to speeds that provided acceptable noise levels. Suppressors tested during this time resulted in thrust losses that were too severe to be implemented. With the introduction of turbofan engines in the 1960s, NASA shifted research to programs for both subsonic and supersonic aircraft applications with specific noise reduction goals. Subsonic research focused on increasing the bypass ratio of the engine to reduce the jet exit velocity of the core exhaust and adding mixers to the dual exhaust streams. Advances in computational methods improved aerodynamic designs and jet noise prediction tools. Supersonic applications proved to be more troublesome as programs aimed at large commercial transports required higher specific thrust engines. Changing the engine cycle to reduce jet noise was not compatible with mission range and speed requirements. Research for supersonic commercial aircraft remains an area of interest today at NASA.

Jet Noise↗

Application of Gr/PMR-15 to commercial aircraft

Following from early experience with polyimides on the SST program and Shuttle aft flap studies the Boeing Company is now working on collaborative programs with its principal nacelle suppliers to pursue the development of Gr/PMR-15 nacelle components. Two programs are currently in effect. The first program is directed specifically towards the flight test and service evaluation at the earliest possible date of a 747 nacelle core cowl structure. The second program seeks to firmly establish the producibility and cost of a 757 thrust reverser C duct in a production environment. The near term objectives of these programs include: (1) the comparison of estimated cost and weight of Gr/PMR-15 versus metal structure, (2) the engine test of representative composite structure, (3) the preliminary design and analysis of the C duct structure, and (4) the preparation of cost data and time schedules for the development and producibility program. In addition to powerplant structure, the propulsion ducting system has shown to be a strong candidate for Gr/PMR-15 application. Currently, the Boeing 747 Organization is evaluating the use of PMR-15 matrix composites to replace nearly 800 lbs of titanium ducting per airplane.

Postlewaite, J.↗