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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 433 records · Page 24

Thruster array thermal control

This paper presents the results of a preliminary investigation of the thermal interactions between elements in the thruster array for a proposed Encke flyby mission. A clustered eight-thruster array was considered as the trial configuration in the current study. Electrically heated dummy thrusters were calibrated to represent the thruster thermal performance. The thermal behavior of the thruster array thermal mockup and the effects of thermal coating applications were investigated. Temperature measurements of the thruster array mockup were performed under various operational modes to substantiate the analytical results. A resultant analytical thermal network model was established to provide pertinent information for thruster array design tradeoff studies.

Wen, L.↗

The Space Shuttle System description, operations, and payload capabilities

General characteristics of the Space Shuttle System are presented with overall capabilities and operating characteristics detailed. Mission operations and performance baselines are presented. The relationships between orbital parameters and payload capabilities are highlighted. On-orbit scientific and applications operating modes are briefly reviewed and methods of achieving a versatile payloads program using standard payload carriers are discussed.

Heberlig, J. C.↗

Real-time incoherent-to-coherent optical converter

Description of a real-time incoherent-to-coherent optical converter designed for application in image processing systems. The converter utilizes the photoconductivity effect of the compound Bi(12)SiO(20) for spatial modulation of electrical polarization in the compound. An optically absorbed write-in image is stored as an image polarization pattern in the device. Readout is effectuated electrooptically by using phase retardation in a polarized coherent light beam during the passage through the crystal. The operating mode required for achieving continuous image conversion with a high-speed recyclability is discussed. The performance characteristics of the converter are given and the fabrication technology is described.

Vohl, P.↗

Air transportation - Energy cost-effective or not

Current technology aircraft have energy intensities comparable to ground transport modes. Operational changes can further improve their relative energy performance. Wide-body aircraft have already significantly improved fleet energy intensity and will continue to do so as they become more predominant. This is reflected in the 1972 fleet-wide energy intensity data which show both the domestic and international carriers at the lowest jet aircraft intensity levels ever attained. Technological improvements decreased the energy requirements of wide-body aircraft while also significantly reducing aircraft noise and pollution emission levels. Load factor is the most significant parameter affecting existing aircraft energy intensity and therefore should be raised. Fuel scarcity is now forcing such a change.

Maddalon, D. V.↗

Human factors considerations for the use of color in display systems

Identified and assessed are those human factor considerations impacting an operator's ability to perform when information is displayed in color as contrasted to monochrome (black and white only). The findings provide valuable guidelines for the assessment of the advantages (and disadvantages) of using a color display system. The use of color provides an additional sensory channel (color perception) which is not available with black and white. The degree to which one can exploit the use of this channel is highly dependent on available display technology, mission information display requirements, and acceptable operational modes.

Demars, S. A.↗

ERTS-C (Landsat 3) cryogenic heat pipe experiment definition

A flight experiment designed to demonstrate current cryogenic heat pipe technology was defined and evaluated. The experiment package developed is specifically configured for flight aboard an ERTS type spacecraft. Two types of heat pipes were included as part of the experiment package: a transporter heat pipe and a thermal diode heat pipe. Each was tested in various operating modes. Performance data obtained from the experiment are applicable to the design of cryogenic systems for detector cooling, including applications where periodic high cooler temperatures are experienced as a result of cyclic energy inputs.

Brennan, P. J.↗

Low Speed Wind Tunnel Tests on a One-Seventh Scale Model of the H.126 Jet Flap Aircraft

Low speed wind tunnel tests were performed on a one-seventh scale model of the British H.126 jet flap research aircraft over a range of jet momentum coefficients. The primary objective was to compare model aerodynamic characteristics with those of the aircraft, with the intent to provide preliminary data needed towards establishing small-to-full scale correlating techniques on jet flap V/STOL aircraft configurations. Lift and drag coefficients from the model and aircraft tests were found to be in reasonable agreement. The pitching moment coefficient and trim condition correlation was poor. A secondary objective was to evaluate a modified thrust nozzle having thrust reversal capability. The results showed there was a considerable loss of lift in the reverse thrust operational mode because of increased nozzle-wing flow interference. A comparison between the model simulated H.126 wing jet efflux and the model uniform pressure distribution wing jet efflux indicated no more than 5% loss in weight flow rate.

Laub, G. H.↗

Development of a spectroscopic photoelectric imaging Fabry-Perot interferometer preliminary observational results

In order to observe extended astronomical objects at high spatial and spectral resolution, a spectroscopic photoelectric imaging Fabry-Perot interferometer was constructed. Among the properties chosen for the instrument are an air-spaced, piezoelectrically scanned design allowing an accurately settable free spectral range and employing a single etalon of high finesse. Careful design of the etalon mountings and optical train preserves high ligh throughput. Spectra of single spatial elements with a photomultiplier were obtained, and an SEC vidicon detector was used to record a series of images through the interferometer while scanning the wavelength in discrete steps. The latter procedure yields sufficient information to reconstruct spectral features over the entire object, and for the conditions assumed, either series of observations requires only a small fraction of a rotational period for Jupiter or Saturn. An electronic control system was also constructed which permits rapid and flexible variation of the operational mode of the Fabry-Perot and its ancilliary devices so as to minimize loss of observational time.

Smith, W. H.↗

Space shuttle orbiter mechanical refrigeration system

A radiator/condenser was designed which is efficient in both condensation (refrigeration) and liquid phase (radiator) operating modes, including switchover from the refrigeration mode to the radiator mode and vice versa. A method for predicting the pressure drop of a condensing two-phase flow in zero-gravity was developed along with a method for predicting the flow regime which would prevail along the condensation path. The hybrid refrigeration system was assembled with the two radiator/condenser panels installed in a space environment simulator. The system was tested under both atmospheric and vacuum conditions. Results of the tests are presented.

Williams, J. L.↗

Discrete time modelization of human pilot behavior

This modelization starts from the following hypotheses: pilot's behavior is a time discrete process, he can perform only one task at a time and his operating mode depends on the considered flight subphase. Pilot's behavior was observed using an electro oculometer and a simulator cockpit. A FORTRAN program has been elaborated using two strategies. The first one is a Markovian process in which the successive instrument readings are governed by a matrix of conditional probabilities. In the second one, strategy is an heuristic process and the concepts of mental load and performance are described. The results of the two aspects have been compared with simulation data.

Cavalli, D.↗

Multimode attitude and orbit control for the Atmosphere Explorer spacecraft

The orbit profile for the Atmosphere Explorer requires a velocity adjust capability of 2000 ft/sec/sec and individual maneuvers of up to 24 ft/sec in magnitude. This requirement is met by a monopropellant hydrazine propulsion subsystem which also provides, by virtue of the tank arrangement, a means of adjusting the spacecraft center of mass in orbit, thereby minimizing external disturbance torques. The attitude control subsystem is of the momentum bias type. A large internal flywheel furnishes gyroscopic stiffness and permits rapid changes in operating mode (despun to spinning mode) by controlled interchange of momentum between the flywheel and the spacecraft main body.

Stewart, B.↗

Multilevel control optimization using subsystem relative performance index sensitivity

A method is presented for the design of optimal feedback controllers for large multivariable systems with subsystem sensitivity constraints. The weighted sum of subsystem and/or operational mode relative performance index sensitivities is defined as the overall performance index. The method is developed for linear systems with quadratic performance criteria and either full or partial state feedback. An example concerning the design of a stability augmentation system for a VTOL aircraft in the transition mode demonstrates the effectiveness of the design method.

Leininger, G. G.↗

Shuttle and Spacelab - The promise for advanced technology

Plans are being developed at NASA's Langley Research Center to use the United States Shuttle and European Spacelab to routinely extend ground-based research programs into space. Operational modes and design features of systems capitalizing on the advantages of a laboratory environment in space flight will be highlighted through examples of proposed experiments.

Hook, W. R.↗

On-orbit performance of the Skylab astronaut maneuvering research vehicle

The present work evaluates the results of flight tests of the Astronaut Maneuvering Research Vehicle (AMRV) conducted inside the Skylab Orbital Workshop. The vehicle is an autonomous mobility aid which allows the pilot to control his position and orientation in space without the necessity of reacting against the spacecraft. The purpose of the tests was to obtain operation experience and engineering/human performance data in a zero gravity environment, to correlate on-orbit data with simulation data, and to recommend a design configuration for future operational maneuvering units. Four different techniques for controlling AMRV dynamics were tested: hand-held maneuvering unit, direct, rate gyro, and control moment gyro operating modes.

Murtagh, T. B.↗

Performance analysis of the advanced thermal control flight experiment

Flight data for the different operational modes of the advanced thermal control flight experiment are presented and compared with ground-test data. Performance of the system with feedback control is compared to performance without such control, and performances of the individual components are analyzed. Finally, changes in performance from launch through March 31, 1975, are discussed and analyzed. All thermal control components are performing as predicted for the existing flight environment. However, the daily reservoir and radiator temperatures during peak solar input are greater than those experienced in ground acceptance tests. These increased temperatures have resulted in a loss of control by the feedback-controlled variable-conductance heat pipe for several hours around the period of maximum insolation. The higher temperatures are apparently due to contamination and/or degradation of the second-surface mirrors which cover the reservoir and radiator.

Kirkpatrick, J. P.↗

Symbol synchronizer assembly instability study, part 2

Data processing to develop a third-order phase model and to translate all such processed data to the frequency realm for further analysis was described. The frequency study yields a long frequency modulation (FM) drift sinusoid (1600-sec period), an impressed secondary drift wave with a period of about 116 sec, and a set of even harmonics of twice the ramp period-the latter arising from, and used to modify, the phase detector model. The result is applied secondarily to estimate the strong-signal SSA phase detector response "out-of-lock." Finally, the main drift components are verified against all available data, and the result is used to estimate minimum lock conditions and the SSA drift effect under normal operating modes. The instability problem appears marginally resolvable if the acquisition technique is modified.

Bunce, R. C.↗

High subsonic flow tests of a parallel pipe followed by a large area ratio diffuser

Experiments were performed on a pilot model duct system in order to explore its aerodynamic characteristics. The model was scaled from a design projected for the high speed operation mode of the Aircraft Noise Reduction Laboratory. The test results show that the model performed satisfactorily and therefore the projected design will most likely meet the specifications.

Barna, P. S.↗