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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

Operations analysis (study 2.1): Shuttle upper stage software requirements

An investigation of software costs related to space shuttle upper stage operations with emphasis on the additional costs attributable to space servicing was conducted. The questions and problem areas include the following: (1) the key parameters involved with software costs; (2) historical data for extrapolation of future costs; (3) elements of the basic software development effort that are applicable to servicing functions; (4) effect of multiple servicing on complexity of the operation; and (5) are recurring software costs significant. The results address these questions and provide a foundation for estimating software costs based on the costs of similar programs and a series of empirical factors.

Wolfe, R. R.↗

Scout launch vehicle, phases 4 and 5

The historical data of the Scout launch vehicle program for Phases IV and V (vehicles 138 through 177) is presented for the FY 1966 through FY 1971 time period. Technical data and accounting information are detailed to provide a total picture of the program.

Mccracken, D. C.↗

Learning/cost-improvement curves

Review guide is an aid to manager or engineer who must determine production costs for components, systems, or services. Methods are described by which manufacturers may use historical data, task characteristics, and current cost data to estimate unit prices as function of number of units to be produced.

Delionback, L. M.↗

Stochastic process approximation for recursive estimation with guaranteed bound on the error covariance

An approach, is proposed for the design of approximate, fixed order, discrete time realizations of stochastic processes from the output covariance over a finite time interval, was proposed. No restrictive assumptions are imposed on the process; it can be nonstationary and lead to a high dimension realization. Classes of fixed order models are defined, having the joint covariance matrix of the combined vector of the outputs in the interval of definition greater or equal than the process covariance; (the difference matrix is nonnegative definite). The design is achieved by minimizing, in one of those classes, a measure of the approximation between the model and the process evaluated by the trace of the difference of the respective covariance matrices. Models belonging to these classes have the notable property that, under the same measurement system and estimator structure, the output estimation error covariance matrix computed on the model is an upper bound of the corresponding covariance on the real process. An application of the approach is illustrated by the modeling of random meteorological wind profiles from the statistical analysis of historical data.

Menga, G.↗

Study of the relationship between solar activity and terrestrial weather

Evidence for some connection between weather and solar related phenomena is presented. Historical data of world wide temperature variations with relationship to change in solar luminosity are examined. Several test methods for estimating the statistical significance of such phenomena are discussed in detail.

Sturrock, P. A.↗

On-orbit spacecraft reliability

Operational and historic data for 350 spacecraft from 52 U.S. space programs were analyzed for on-orbit reliability. Failure rates estimates are made for on-orbit operation of spacecraft subsystems, components, and piece parts, as well as estimates of failure probability for the same elements during launch. Confidence intervals for both parameters are also given. The results indicate that: (1) the success of spacecraft operation is only slightly affected by most reported incidents of anomalous behavior; (2) the occurrence of the majority of anomalous incidents could have been prevented piror to launch; (3) no detrimental effect of spacecraft dormancy is evident; (4) cycled components in general are not demonstrably less reliable than uncycled components; and (5) application of product assurance elements is conductive to spacecraft success.

Bloomquist, C.↗

Structural Sizing of the EDIN0620 Body Components Using the APAS Structural Synthesis Computer Program

The use of a structural synthesis computer program to design components for a heavy lift launch vehicle is defined. A loads program was used to determine the vehicle shears, bending moments, and axial loads at two design loading conditions. A comparison was made between results from the structures program and the results of a weight estimating program which used historical data in determining component weights.

Nolte, W. E.↗

Sampling, aggregation, and variance estimation for area, yield, and production in LACIE

An approximately 2% sampling error was achieved in LACIE by sampling only approximately 2% of the sampling frame. The sample design in the yardstick region for which historical data were available down to a substratum level to support missing data resulting from cloud cover provided the most accurate estimate possible. The implemented strategy provided data of sufficient quality and quantity to support required performance levels and also to satisfy the existing constraints. The allocation scheme appeared to provide the most efficient usage of the available data and gave segment coverage of major producing areas and thus improved the probability of an accurate estimate.

Hallum, C. R.↗

A methodology for long-range prediction of air transportation

A framework and methodology for long term projection of demand for aviation fuels is presented. The approach taken includes two basic components. The first was a new technique for establishing the socio-economic environment within which the future aviation industry is embedded. The concept utilized was a definition of an overall societal objective for the very long run future. Within a framework so defined, a set of scenarios by which the future will unfold are then written. These scenarios provide the determinants of the air transport industry operations and accordingly provide an assessment of future fuel requirements. The second part was the modeling of the industry in terms of an abstracted set of variables to represent the overall industry performance on a macro scale. The model was validated by testing the desired output variables from the model with historical data over the past decades.

Ayati, M. B.↗

Investigation of performance deterioration of the CF6/JT9D, high-bypass ratio turbofan engines

The aircraft energy efficiency program within NASA is developing technology required to improve the fuel efficiency of commercial subsonic transport aricraft. One segment of this program includes engine diagnostics which is directed toward determining the sources and causes of performance deterioration in the Pratt and Whitney Aircraft JT9D and General Electric CF6 high-bypass ratio turbofan engines and developing technology for minimizing the performance losses. Results of engine performance deterioration investigations based on historical data, special engine tests, and specific tests to define the influence of flight loads and component clearances on performance are presented. The results of analysis of several damage mechanisms that contribute to performance deterioration such as blade tip rubs, airfoil surface roughness and erosion, and thermal distortion are also included. The significance of these damage mechanisms on component and overall engine performance is discussed.

Ziemianski, J. A.↗

Performance deterioration of commercial high-bypass ratio turbofan engines

The results of engine performance deterioration investigations based on historical data, special engine tests, and specific tests to define the influence of flight loads and component clearances on performance are presented. The results of analyses of several damage mechanisms that contribute to performance deterioration such as blade tip rubs, airfoil surface roughness and erosion, and thermal distortion are also included. The significance of these damage mechanisms on component and overall engine performance is discussed.

Mehalic, C. M.↗

A methodology for long range prediction of air transportation

The paper describes the methodology for long-time projection of aircraft fuel requirements. A new concept of social and economic factors for future aviation industry which provides an estimate of predicted fuel usage is presented; it includes air traffic forecasts and lead times for producing new engines and aircraft types. An air transportation model is then developed in terms of an abstracted set of variables which represent the entire aircraft industry on a macroscale. This model was evaluated by testing the required output variables from a model based on historical data over the past decades.

Ayati, M. B.↗

Predicting Cost/Reliability/Maintainability of Advanced General Aviation Avionics Equipment

A methodology is provided for assisting NASA in estimating the cost, reliability, and maintenance (CRM) requirements for general avionics equipment operating in the 1980's. Practical problems of predicting these factors are examined. The usefulness and short comings of different approaches for modeling coast and reliability estimates are discussed together with special problems caused by the lack of historical data on the cost of maintaining general aviation avionics. Suggestions are offered on how NASA might proceed in assessing cost reliability CRM implications in the absence of reliable generalized predictive models.

Davis, M. R.↗

Potential impacts of Brayton and Stirling cycle engines

Two engine technologies (Brayton cycle and Stirling cycle) are examined for their potential economic impact and fuel utilization. An economic analysis of the expected response of buyers to the attributes of the alternative engines was performed. Hedonic coefficients for vehicle fuel efficiency, performance and size were estimated for domestic cars based upon historical data. The marketplace value of the fuel efficiency enhancement provided by Brayton or Stirling engines was estimated. Under the assumptions of 10 years for plant conversions and 1990 and 1995 as the introduction data for turbine and Stirling engines respectively, the comparative fuel savings and present value of the future savings in fuel costs were estimated.

Heft, R. C.↗

Observations of SMC X-1 with the monitor proportional counter on the Einstein /HEAO 2/ X-ray Observatory - The pulse period and its history

The results of the sixth determination of the pulse period of the X-ray source SMC X-1 are presented. The observations were made in April 1979. The pulse period at this epoch was found to be (0.713683 + or - 0.000032) s referred to phase zero of the binary motion. This result together with all available historical data is utilized to quantify the observed trend toward spin-up. It is found that simple secular trends are not applicable. This finding is interpreted as evidence for additional variations in the pulse period. The obtained results are discussed in the context of present theoretical models for period variations in the binary pulsating X-ray sources. The apparent absence of spin-down episodes in the period history of SMC X-1 is also considered.

Darbro, W.↗

Halley's comet and plans for its observation during its return in 1986

The general characteristics and properties of Halley's comet, as they can be derived from earlier apparitions, are briefly discussed. Consideration is given to historical data on the comet, orbital characteristics, and physical characteristics, including the estimated diameter and density of nucleus, rotation period, observed spectra, tails, and associated meteor streams. The coming 1985/86 apparition is then discussed together with planned space missions for in situ observations. Finally, the major goals of the International Halley Watch, a comprehensive program to prepare for the next apparition of Halley's comet, are reviewed.

Rahe, J.↗

The International Ozone Intercomparison Program

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has endorsed a number of intercomparison project activities in recent years as a part of its Global Ozone Research and Monitoring Project. The present investigation is concerned with an intercomparison of rocket borne measurement techniques in continuation of that overall effort. The objectives of this investigation were to compare the performance of rocket borne instruments, via a set of simultaneous intercomparisons of various rocket instruments under at least two sets of conditions. In order to accomplish the objectives and to aid in validating the historical data, six daytime sensors from each participant were flown. In addition, two of the participants (Australia and U.S.) provided nighttime sensor measurements. Attention is given to Wallops Flight Center instrumentation and launch support, the Triad Series, The Morning Series, and the Nighttime Series.

Gurkin, L. W.↗

The JT9D Jet Engine Diagnostics Program

The various engine deterioration phenomena that affect JT9D performance retention were studied, and approaches to improve performance retention of engines were identified. The program included surveys of historical data, monitoring of in service engines, ground and flight testing of instrumented engines, analysis, and analytical modeling. Performance deterioration is made up of both short and long term modes, both of which are flight cycle related phenomena. Short term deterioration occurs primarily during airplane acceptance testing prior to delivery to the airline. This effect is caused by flight load and power induced clearance closures and engine deflections with resulting rubbing of airfoils and seals. Long term deterioration is caused by erosion of airfoils and gas path seals during ground operation and take off and by cyclic induced thermal distortion of the high pressure turbine airfoils. Studies of possible remedial approaches have shown that performance retention within 1 to 2 percent of initial revenue service performance can be achieved with a proper program of hot section and cold section maintenance.

Olsson, W. J.↗