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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

Airframe Noise Studies: Review and Future Direction

This report contains the following information: 1) a review of airframe noise research performed under NASA's Advanced Subsonic Transport (AST) program up to the year 2000, 2) a comparison of the year 1992 airframe noise predictions with those using a year 2000 baseline, 3) an assessment of various airframe noise reduction concepts as applied to the year 2000 baseline predictions, and 4) prioritized recommendations for future airframe noise reduction work. NASA's Aircraft Noise Prediction Program was the software used for all noise predictions and assessments. For future work, the recommendations for the immediate future focus on the development of design tools sensitive to airframe noise treatment effects and on improving the basic understanding of noise generation by the landing gear as well as on its reduction.

Rackl, Robert G.↗

The Second LBA Calibrator Survey of Southern Compact Extragalactic Radio Sources – LCS2

We present the second catalogue of accurate positions and correlated flux densities for 1100 compact extragalactic radio sources that were not observed before 2008 at high angular resolution. The catalogue spans the declination range [-90◦, -30◦] and was constructed from 19 24-h VLBI observing sessions with the Australian Long Baseline Array at 8.3 GHz. The catalogue presents the final part of the program that was started in 2008. The goals of that campaign were (1) to extend the number of compact radio sources with precise coordinates and measure their correlated flux densities, which can be used for phase referencing very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) and Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) observations, geodetic VLBI, search for sources with significant offsets with respect to Gaia positions, and space navigation; (2) to extend the complete flux-limited sample of compact extragalactic sources to the Southern hemisphere; and (3) to investigate the parsec-scale properties of sources from the high-frequency AT20G survey. The median uncertainty of the source positions is 3.5 mas. As a result of this VLBI campaign, the number of compact radio sources south of declination -40◦ that have measured VLBI-correlated flux densities and positions known to milliarcsecond accuracy has increased by over a factor of 6.

Petrov, Leonid↗

Estimating Return on Investment for Energy Technical Assistance Programs

The U.S. Department of Energy's Office of State and Community Energy Programs engaged the National Laboratory of the Rockies to assess the return on investment (ROI) of technical assistance (TA) programs that support state, local, and Tribal energy planning. Although TA delivers value through capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge transfer, these benefits are often intangible and challenging to monetize. This study reviews existing ROI frameworks and synthesizes the most relevant elements into a hybrid approach tailored to energy TA programs. The proposed framework integrates monetary and non-monetary outcomes through early logic model development, baseline data collection, and the use of proxies for intangible benefits. As a case study, this paper applies this approach to the Communities Local Energy Action Program (Communities LEAP), demonstrating how ROI can inform program design, data strategy, and performance assessment. Findings underscore that ROI should be applied selectively and planned from the outset to ensure data alignment and attribution accuracy. The framework offers TA practitioners a structured approach that can be leveraged for future programs to evaluate and communicate the multifaceted value of TA investments.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

Fillers for improved graphite fiber retention by polymer matrix composites

The results of a program designed to determine the extent to which elemental boron and boron containing fillers added to the matrix resin of graphite/epoxy composites prevent the release of graphite fibers when the composites are exposed to fire and impact conditions are described. The fillers evaluated were boron, boron carbide and aluminum boride. The conditions evaluated were laboratory simulations of those that could exist in the event of an aircraft crash and burn situation. The baseline (i.e., unfilled) laminates evaluated were prepared from commercially available graphite/epoxy. The baseline and filled laminates' mechanical properties, before and after isothermal and humidity aging, also were compared. It was found that a small amount of graphite fiber was released from the baseline graphite/epoxy laminates during the burn and impact conditions used in this program. However, the extent to which the fibers were released is not considered a severe enough problem to preclude the use of graphite reinforced composites in civil aircraft structure. It also was found that the addition of boron and boron containing fillers to the resin matrix eliminated this fiber release. Mechanical properties of laminates containing the boron and boron containing fillers were lower than those of the baseline laminates. These property degradations for two systems: boron (5 micron) at 2.5 percent filler loading, and boron (5 micron) at 5.0 percent filler loading do not appear severe enough to preclude their use in structural composite applications.

House, E. E.↗

Charge Reduction and Performance Analysis of a Heat Pump Water Heater Using R290 as a Refrigerant—A Field Study

Heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) are a proven technology for water heating that has been commercialized. The adoption of HPWHs for domestic and commercial water heating is growing rapidly because of their superior performance compared with alternative water heating methods. Whereas most existing systems use R-134a as a working refrigerant, R290 has gained major attention owing to its superior thermodynamic properties. The goal of the current study is to assess the performance of residential HPWH with R290 as a direct refrigerant replacement for R134a. Two units of a 50 gal HPWH were used in this experimental study. A baseline unit contained R134a refrigerant, and a prototype unit contained R290 refrigerant. The prototype unit was developed through the modification of a commercially available HPWH unit to achieve a low charge of R290 refrigerant. Another major modification was the replacement of the baseline compressor with a compressor designed for R290. Tests were conducted in a field environment (a research and demonstration house) using programmed drawn profiles daily. The prototype that reduced the charge by 43–47% provided displayed performance comparable to the baseline unit regarding first-hour rating (FHR) and the uniform energy factor (UEF).

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

A Probabilistic Assessment of NASA Ultra-Efficient Engine Technologies for a Large Subsonic Transport

NASA's Ultra Efficient Engine Technology (UEET) program features advanced aeropropulsion technologies that include highly loaded turbomachinery, an advanced low-NOx combustor, high-temperature materials, intelligent propulsion controls, aspirated seal technology, and an advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) design tool to help reduce airplane drag. A probabilistic system assessment is performed to evaluate the impact of these technologies on aircraft fuel burn and NOx reductions. A 300-passenger aircraft, with two 396-kN thrust (85,000-pound) engines is chosen for the study. The results show that a large subsonic aircraft equipped with the UEET technologies has a very high probability of meeting the UEET Program goals for fuel-burn (or equivalent CO2) reduction (15% from the baseline) and LTO (landing and takeoff) NOx reductions (70% relative to the 1996 International Civil Aviation Organization rule). These results are used to provide guidance for developing a robust UEET technology portfolio, and to prioritize the most promising technologies required to achieve UEET program goals for the fuel-burn and NOx reductions.

Tong, Michael T.↗

KSC maintenance capability (laboratories and shops)

A summary of laboratory and shop facilities at Kennedy Space Center that are available to provide a baseline to the offline maintenance requirements for the space shuttle program is provided.

Source record↗

Extravehicular activities limitations study. Volume 2: Establishment of physiological and performance criteria for EVA gloves

One of the major probelms faced in Extravehicular Activity (EVA) glove development has been the absence of concise and reliable methods to measure the effects of EVA gloves on human hand capabilities. This report describes the development of a standardized set of tests designed to assess EVA-gloved hand capabilities in six measurement domains: Range of Motion, Strength, Tactile Perception, Dexterity, Fatigue, and Comfort. Based on an assessment of general human hand functioning and EVA task requirements several tests within each measurement domain were developed to provide a comprehensive evaluation. All tests were designed to be conducted in a glove box with the bare hand as a baseline and the EVA glove at operating pressure. A test program was conducted to evaluate the tests using a representative EVA glove. Eleven test subjects participated in a repeated-measures design. The report presents the results of the tests in each capability domain.

Ohara, John M.↗

Space Station Technology Summary

The completion of the Space Station Propulsion Advanced Technology Programs established an in-depth data base for the baseline gaseous oxygen/gaseous hydrogen thruster, the waste gas resistojet, and the associated system operations. These efforts included testing of a full end-to-end system at National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)-Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) in which oxygen and hydrogen were generated from water by electrolysis at 6.89 MPa (1,000 psia), stored and fired through the prototype thruster. Recent end-to-end system tests which generate the oxygen/hydrogen propellants by electrolysis of water at 20.67 MPa (3,000 psia) were completed on the Integrated Propulsion Test Article (IPTA) at NASA-Johnson Space Center (JSC). Resistojet testing has included 10,000 hours of life testing, plume characterization, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) testing. Extensive 25-lbf thruster testing was performed defining operating performance characteristics across the required mixture ratio and thrust level ranges. Life testing has accumulated 27 hours of operation on the prototype thruster. A total of seven injectors and five thrust chambers were fabricated to the same basic design. Five injectors and three thrust chambers designed to incorporate improved life, performance, and producibility characteristics are ready for testing. Five resistojets were fabricated and tested, with modifications made to improve producibility. The lessons learned in the area of producibility for both the O2/H2 thrusters and for the resistojet have resolved critical fabrication issues. The test results indicate that all major technology issues for long life and reliability for space station application were resolved.

Iacabucci, R.↗

Calibration of the Hubble Space Telescope polarimetric modes

Stellar and galactic polarimetry from space is an unexplored observational regime and one which holds exciting promise for answering many fundamental astrophysical questions. The Hubble Space Telescope will be the first space observatory to provide a variety of polarimetric modes to astronomers including spectral, imaging, and single-aperture UV polarimetry. As part of the calibration program for these modes, the Space Telescope Science Institute has initiated a ground-based program to define faint standard fields and solicited community support to establish a temporal baseline for these potential standard targets. In this paper, the polarimetric capabilities of the Hubble Space Telescope, the philosophy and complications of in-flight calibration, and the status and direction of the standard targets program are discussed.

Lupie, O. L.↗

Crystal Growth Furnace (CGF)

The contract baseline, contract requirements review, contract modifications, contract problem areas and conclusions are addressed. Contract baseline was established 11 June 1987 and updated 1 December 1989. Significant changes were introduced into the 1989 baseline as compared to the original baseline. Contract modifications were made to add requirements as the program matured and as definition of requirements were completed. Problems were solved in real time through the contractor/customer team involvement and relationship to assure a timely and successful mission. The conclusion is that the CGF performed as designed and the experiments performed during the USML-1 Mission supports the conclusion.

Billingsley, Charles E.↗

2nd Generation RLV Risk Reduction Definition Program: Pratt & Whitney Propulsion Risk Reduction Requirements Program (TA-3 & TA-4)

This is the final report and addresses all of the work performed on this program. Specifically, it covers vehicle architecture background, definition of six baseline engine cycles, reliability baseline (space shuttle main engine QRAS), and component level reliability/performance/cost for the six baseline cycles, and selection of 3 cycles for further study. This report further addresses technology improvement selection and component level reliability/performance/cost for the three cycles selected for further study, as well as risk reduction plans, and recommendation for future studies.

Matlock, Steve↗

2nd Generation Reusable Launch Vehicle (2G RLV)

This is a revised final report and addresses all of the work performed on this program. Specifically, it covers vehicle architecture background, definition of six baseline engine cycles, reliability baseline (space shuttle main engine QRAS), and component level reliability/performance/cost for the six baseline cycles, and selection of 3 cycles for further study. This report further addresses technology improvement selection and component level reliability/performance/cost for the three cycles selected for further study, as well as risk reduction plans, and recommendation for future studies.

Matlock, Steve↗

Supersonic Aerodynamic Characteristics of Proposed Mars '07 Smart Lander Configurations

Supersonic aerodynamic data were obtained for proposed Mars '07 Smart Lander configurations in NASA Langley Research Center's Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel. The primary objective of this test program was to assess the supersonic aerodynamic characteristics of the baseline Smart Lander configuration with and without fixed shelf/tab control surfaces. Data were obtained over a Mach number range of 2.3 to 4.5, at a free stream Reynolds Number of 1 x 10(exp 6) based on body diameter. All configurations were run at angles of attack from -5 to 20 degrees and angles of sideslip of -5 to 5 degrees. These results were complemented with computational fluid dynamic (CFD) predictions to enhance the understanding of experimentally observed aerodynamic trends. Inviscid and viscous full model CFD solutions compared well with experimental results for the baseline and 3 shelf/tab configurations. Over the range tested, Mach number effects were shown to be small on vehicle aerodynamic characteristics. Based on the results from 3 different shelf/tab configurations, a fixed control surface appears to be a feasible concept for meeting aerodynamic performance metrics necessary to satisfy mission requirements.

Murphy, Kelly J.↗

Hybrid Power Management Program Evaluated Ultracapacitors for the Next Generation Launch Transportation Project

The NASA Glenn Research Center initiated baseline testing of ultracapacitors to obtain empirical data in determining the feasibility of using ultracapacitors for the Next Generation Launch Transportation (NGLT) Project. There are large transient loads associated with NGLT that require a very large primary energy source or an energy storage system. The primary power source used for this test was a proton-exchange-membrane (PEM) fuel cell. The energy storage system can consist of batteries, flywheels, or ultracapacitors. Ultracapacitors were used for these tests. NASA Glenn has a wealth of experience in ultracapacitor technology through the Hybrid Power Management (HPM) Program, which the Avionics, Power and Communications Branch of Glenn s Engineering Development Division initiated for the Technology Transfer and Partnership Office. HPM is the innovative integration of diverse, state-ofthe- art power devices in optimal configurations for space and terrestrial applications. The appropriate application and control of the various advanced power devices (such as ultracapacitors and fuel cells) significantly improves overall system performance and efficiency. HPM has extremely wide potential. Applications include power generation, transportation systems, biotechnology systems, and space power systems. HPM has the potential to significantly alleviate global energy concerns, improve the environment, and stimulate the economy.

Eichenberg, Dennis J.↗

Runway Scheduling Using Generalized Dynamic Programming

A generalized dynamic programming method for finding a set of pareto optimal solutions for a runway scheduling problem is introduced. The algorithm generates a set of runway fight sequences that are optimal for both runway throughput and delay. Realistic time-based operational constraints are considered, including miles-in-trail separation, runway crossings, and wake vortex separation. The authors also model divergent runway takeoff operations to allow for reduced wake vortex separation. A modeled Dallas/Fort Worth International airport and three baseline heuristics are used to illustrate preliminary benefits of using the generalized dynamic programming method. Simulated traffic levels ranged from 10 aircraft to 30 aircraft with each test case spanning 15 minutes. The optimal solution shows a 40-70 percent decrease in the expected delay per aircraft over the baseline schedulers. Computational results suggest that the algorithm is promising for real-time application with an average computation time of 4.5 seconds. For even faster computation times, two heuristics are developed. As compared to the optimal, the heuristics are within 5% of the expected delay per aircraft and 1% of the expected number of runway operations per hour ad can be 100x faster.

optmization↗

Manned orbital facility: A user's guide

The salient conceptual features and expected evolution of the facility are discussed; the baseline design is offered as a model against which the reader can compare his needs. The overall program is discussed, supporting services and resources are described, and examples of typical payload applications are given. The general design features and configurations representing the baseline MOF developed and derived with due consideration given to applicable designs and subsystems such as those available in the Skylab, orbiter, and space lab vehicles.

Source record↗

Thermal modeling of the Shuttle Infrared Telescope Facility

The Shuttle Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) is a cryogenically cooled telescope in the one-meter aperture class designed for sensing in the infrared from 2-200 microns. This facility is currently planned for multiple missions onboard the Space Shuttle with varying instrument complements. All components of the SIRTF within the field of view of the optics are cryogenically cooled. The baseline primary coolant is supercritical helium which is stored in an external tank and routed through the telescope-cooling the instruments, the optical components and the baffles. For detector cooling below 6 K, small reservoirs of superfluid helium (HeII) are provided. The SIRTF was thermally modeled on the SINDA computer program both for steady state and transient solutions. The analysis shows that the baseline configuration has a large capacity for growth in cryogen requirements. A proportional controller model was developed for transient operations. The control system maintained the optics within all prescribed temperature limits except for certain combinations of transients involving a large step change in the power dissipation in the secondary mirror assembly and/or when the primary mirror was assumed to be constructed of quartz. The baseline SIRTF will perform the mission for which it was designed.

Gier, H. L.↗