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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 451 records · Page 25

Nuclear Brayton turboalternator-compressor (TAC) conceptual design study

A comprehensive analysis and conceptual design study of the turboalternator-compressor components was performed using HeXe as the working fluid. Individual turbine, alternator, compressor, and bearing and seal designs were evaluated. Six turboalternator-compressor TAC configurations were completed. One TAC configuration was evaluated to calculate its performance when operating under new cycle conditions,namely, one higher and one lower turbine inlet temperature and one case with krypton as the working fluid. Based on the results, a TAC configuration that incorporated a radial compressor, a radial turbine, a Lundell Alternator, and gas bearings was selected. A new layout of the TAC was prepared that reflects the cycle state points necessary to accommodate a zirconium hydride moderated reactor and a 400 Hz alternator. The final TAC design rotates at 24,000 rpm and produces 160 kWe, 480V, 3-phase, 400 hertz power.

Mock, E. A.↗

Measurement of differential atomic collision cross sections.

An apparatus for the study of differential angular scattering of atomic projectiles by gas targets is described. The design facilitates system alignment and provides for accurate reproducible location of components. The performance of the instrument is studied for scattering of H+ at 5-25 keV energies by helium and argon targets. Differential cross sections for elastic scattering and charge transfer are presented as well as total charge transfer cross sections. The coefficients for secondary electron ejection by impact of H and H+ on a metal surface are compared.

Fitzwilson, R. L.↗

Television noise-reduction device

System greatly improves signal-to-noise ratio with little or no loss in picture resolution. By storage of luminance component, which is summed with chrominance component, system performs mathematical integration of basically-repetitive television signals. Integration of signals over interval of their repetition causes little change in original signals and eliminates random noise.

Stamps, J. C.↗

Architecture and data processing alternatives for Tse computer. Volume 1: Tse logic design concepts and the development of image processing machine architectures

Digital computer components which perform two dimensional array logic operations (Tse logic) on binary data arrays are described. The properties of Golay transforms which make them useful in image processing are reviewed, and several architectures for Golay transform processors are presented with emphasis on the skeletonizing algorithm. Conventional logic control units developed for the Golay transform processors are described. One is a unique microprogrammable control unit that uses a microprocessor to control the Tse computer. The remaining control units are based on programmable logic arrays. Performance criteria are established and utilized to compare the various Golay transform machines developed. A critique of Tse logic is presented, and recommendations for additional research are included.

Rickard, D. A.↗

N-body simulations of disks

The methods used in large-scale n-body simulations are discussed. However, the present review concentrates on results already obtained in n-body simulations using systems containing up to 200,000 simulation stars. Results are presented which show that the stability criterion developed for flattened systems applies only to truly axisymmetric instabilities. Purely stellar disks acquire rather large velocity dispersions, generally two or more times the velocity dispersion required by Toomre (1964) for axisymmetric stability. In computer simulations, the bar-forming instability can be prevented only by comparatively large velocity dispersions. However, simulations including the effects of the galactic halo and core as a fixed background field show that bar formation can be prevented for fixed halo components as large or larger than the self-consistent disk component. Experiments performed to determine the collisional relaxation time for large-scale gravitational n-body calculations show that these models are indeed 'collisionless'.

Hohl, F.↗

Shuttle communication experiments

The article reviews concepts and experiments to be tested on Shuttle/Spacelab for high-data-rate multiple-terminal and multiple-user communications (deep space and space-ground) and navigation, emphasizing synergistic payloads in which instrumentation and measurements are shared by onboard equipment and experiments. The millimeter-wavelength large antenna, the adaptive multibeam antenna, the electromagnetic (mm wavelength range) environment experiment, and bandwidth compressive modulation, an open-envelope TWT, and the microwave multi-application payload concept are described in detail in terms of concept, components, and performance parameters to be tested.

Woodruff, J. J.↗

Crystal growth from the vapour phase (ASTP experiment MA-085)

The positive effects of microgravity on crystal quality and fundamental properties of the vapor transport reaction were established by analyzing the results of three transport experiments on multi-component systems performed during the Apollo Soyuz Test Project (ASTP) mission. The systems employed were GeSe(0.99)Te(0.01) - GeI4 (A), GeS(0.98)Se(0.02) - GeCl4 (B), and GeS - GeCl4-Ar (C). The crystallographic analysis is based on a direct comparison of space and ground-based (prototype) crystals, employing X-ray diffraction, microprobe, microscopic, and chemical etching techniques. The results demonstrate a considerable improvement of the space-grown crystals in terms of chemical and crystalline homogeneity, surface morphology, and bulk perfection relative to ground specimens. The confirmation of greater mass transport rates than predicted for micro-gravity by present vapor transport models is of basic scientific and practical importance for the improvement of transport models and techniques on earth and for the development of a transport model for space conditions. The internal consistency and agreement between ASTP and Skylab results obtained for different compounds, transport agents, and temperature gradients strongly support the validity of these observations. The combined findings of improved crystal quality and high mass transport rates are of technological significance for space-processing applications.

Wiedemeier, H.↗

Engine component improvement: JT8D and JT9D performance improvements

A feasibility analysis screening method for predicting the airline acceptance of a proposed engine performance improvement modification was developed. Technical information derived from available test data and analytical models is used along with conceptual/preliminary designs to establish the predicted performance improvement, weight and installation characteristics, the cost for new production and retrofit, maintenance cost and qualitative characteristics of the performance improvement concepts being evaluated. These results are used to arrive at the payback period, which is the time required for an airline to recover the investment cost of concept implementation, and to predict the amount of fuel saved by a performance improvement concept. The assumptions used to calculate the payback period and fuel saved are discussed. A summary of the results when the screening method is applied is presented for several representative JT8D and JT9D performance improvement concepts. An example of the input information used to develop the summary results is shown.

Gaffin, W. O.↗

Test and evaluation of a solar-heating system

Report documents results of evaluation tests performed on components of commerical solar heating and hot water system. Subsystems tested include flat plate solar collector, energy transport module, and control panel. Tests conducted include snow and wind loads, flame spread, and smoke classification as well as solar heating operation.

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Solar heater/cooler for mass market

Report describes project to design, build, and test simple and affordable solar systems. Four combinations of heating, cooling, and domestic hot water supply systems were developed and installed. Test sites, plan for systems and components, and performance are discussed; text is complimented by detailed drawings and test data.

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Ultramicrowave communications system, phase 2

Communications system design was completed and reviewed. Minor changes were made in order to make it more cost effective and to increase design flexibility. System design activities identified the techniques and procedures to generate and monitor high data rate test signals. Differential bi-phase demodulation is the proposed method for this system. The mockup and packaging designs were performed, and component layout and interconnection constraints were determined, as well as design drawings for dummy parts of the system. The possibility of adding a low cost option to the transceiver system was studied. The communications program has the advantage that new technology signal processing devices can be readily interfaced with the existing radio frequency subsystem to produce a short range radar.

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Materials for helicopter gears

Some of the power train transmission gears in helicopter drive systems can become critical components as performance requirements are increased; accordingly, increasing attention must be paid to new alloys in order to obtain required performance reliability and survivability. Candidate advanced alloys, with improved high temperature properties, while increasing the resistance to scoring and scuffing, tend to have lower ductility and fracture toughness. An attempt is made to identify design materials, and process problems and requirements. In addition, it is recommended that the characterization of candidate steels be accelerated; preliminary investigation indicates that new alloys may provide improved capability against surface distress.

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Energy efficient engine: Flight propulsion system preliminary analysis and design

The characteristics of an advanced flight propulsion system (FPS), suitable for introduction in the late 1980's to early 1990's, was more fully defined. It was determined that all goals for efficiency, environmental considerations, and economics could be met or exceeded with the possible exception of NOx emission. In evaluating the FPS, all aspects were considered including component design, performance, weight, initial cost, maintenance cost, engine system integration (including nacelle), and aircraft integration considerations. The current FPS installed specific fuel consumption was reduced 14.2% from that of the CF6-50C reference engine. When integrated into an advanced, subsonic, study transport, the FPS produced a fuel burn savings of 15 to 23% and a direct operating cost reduction of 5 to 12% depending on the mission and study aircraft characteristics relative to the reference engine.

Johnston, R. P.↗

NASA/FAA general aviation crash dynamics program

The program involves controlled full scale crash testing, nonlinear structural analyses to predict large deflection elastoplastic response, and load attenuating concepts for use in improved seat and subfloor structure. Both analytical and experimental methods are used to develop expertise in these areas. Analyses include simplified procedures for estimating energy dissipating capabilities and comprehensive computerized procedures for predicting airframe response. These analyses are developed to provide designers with methods for predicting accelerations, loads, and displacements on collapsing structure. Tests on typical full scale aircraft and on full and subscale structural components are performed to verify the analyses and to demonstrate load attenuating concepts. A special apparatus was built to test emergency locator transmitters when attached to representative aircraft structure. The apparatus is shown to provide a good simulation of the longitudinal crash pulse observed in full scale aircraft crash tests.

Thomson, R. G.↗