Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “ACE”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 469 records · Page 26

Investigation of Toughened Neat Resins and Their Relations to Advanced Composite Mechanical Properties

Four epoxies (Hercules 3502, Hercules 2220-1 and 2220-3, and Ciba-Geigy Fibredux 914 epoxy) were evaluated to judge their merits within the ACEE program and also to provide material property input for a micromechanics finite element program. A casting procedure was developed for the four matrix systems mentioned and mechanical properties were studied at three test temperatures and two moisture contents. A scanning electron microscope study was performed to catalogue fracture surfaces for the unreinforced (neat) epoxies. In addition, tension testing, shear testing, a limited amount of fracture toughness testing, and thermal expansion coefficient and moisture expansion coefficient testing were carried out. Mechanical material properties were generated for input into a micromechanics program and to characterize these four matrix systems.

R. S. Zimmerman↗

National Space Transportation Systems Program mission report

The 515-41B National Space Transportation Systems Program Mission Report contains a summary of the major activities and accomplishments of the sixth operational Shuttle flight and fourth flight of the OV-099 vehicle, Challenger. Since this flight was the first to land at Kennedy Space Center, the vehicle was towed directly to the OPF (Orbiter Processing Facility) where preparations for flight STS-41C, scheduled for early April 1984, began immediately. The significant problems that occurred during STS-41B are summarized and a problem tracking list that is a complete list of all problems that occurred during the flight is given. None of the problems will affect the STS 41C flight. The major objectives of flight STS-41B were to successfully deploy the Westar satellite and the Indonesian Communications Satellite-B2 (PALAPA-B2); to evaluate the MMU (Manned Maneuvering Unit) support for EVA (Extravehicular Activities); to exercise the MFR (Manipulator Foot Restraint); to demonstrate a closed loop rendezvous; and to operate the M.R (Monodisperse Latex Reactor), the ACES (Acoustic Containerless Experiment System) and the IEF (Isoelectric Focusing) in cabin experiments; and to obtain photographs with the Cinema 360 Cameras.

Collins, M. A., Jr.↗

Pressure distribution data from tests of 2.29 M (7.5 feet) span EET high-lift transport aircraft model in the Ames 12-foot pressure tunnel

A high-lift transport aircraft model equipped with full-span leading-edge slat and part-span double-slotted trailing-edge flap was tested in the Ames 12-ft pressure tunnel to determine the low-speed performance characteristics of a representative high-aspect-ratio supercritical wing. These tests were performed in support of the Energy Efficient Transport (EET) program which is one element of the Aircraft Energy Efficiency (ACEE) project. Static longitudinal forces and moments and chordwise pressure distributions at three spanwise stations were measured for cruise, climb, two take-off flap, and two landing flap wing configurations. The tabulated and plotted pressure distribution data is presented without analysis or discussion.

Kjelgaard, S. O.↗

Energy efficient transport technology: Program summary and bibliography

The Energy Efficient Transport (EET) Program began in 1976 as an element of the NASA Aircraft Energy Efficiency (ACEE) Program. The EET Program and the results of various applications of advanced aerodynamics and active controls technology (ACT) as applicable to future subsonic transport aircraft are discussed. Advanced aerodynamics research areas included high aspect ratio supercritical wings, winglets, advanced high lift devices, natural laminar flow airfoils, hybrid laminar flow control, nacelle aerodynamic and inertial loads, propulsion/airframe integration (e.g., long duct nacelles) and wing and empennage surface coatings. In depth analytical/trade studies, numerous wind tunnel tests, and several flight tests were conducted. Improved computational methodology was also developed. The active control functions considered were maneuver load control, gust load alleviation, flutter mode control, angle of attack limiting, and pitch augmented stability. Current and advanced active control laws were synthesized and alternative control system architectures were developed and analyzed. Integrated application and fly by wire implementation of the active control functions were design requirements in one major subprogram. Additional EET research included interdisciplinary technology applications, integrated energy management, handling qualities investigations, reliability calculations, and economic evaluations related to fuel savings and cost of ownership of the selected improvements.

Middleton, D. B.↗

A fourth order accurate finite difference scheme for the computation of elastic waves

A finite difference for elastic waves is introduced. The model is based on the first order system of equations for the velocities and stresses. The differencing is fourth order accurate on the spatial derivatives and second order accurate in time. The model is tested on a series of examples including the Lamb problem, scattering from plane interf aces and scattering from a fluid-elastic interface. The scheme is shown to be effective for these problems. The accuracy and stability is insensitive to the Poisson ratio. For the class of problems considered here it is found that the fourth order scheme requires for two-thirds to one-half the resolution of a typical second order scheme to give comparable accuracy.

Bayliss, A.↗

Laminar flow research applicable to subsonic aircraft

Since the beginning of the NASA Aircraft Energy Efficiency (ACEE) program in 1976, significant progress has been made in the development of laminar flow technology for general aviation, commuter, and transport aircraft. Exploitation of new materials, fabrication methods, analysis techniques, and design concepts is providing convincing evidence that practical laminar flow control (LFC) systems for these future subsonic aircraft could become a reality. Program studies indicate that extensive laminar flow might be achieved on small transports with natural laminar flow (NLF) wings and larger transports with hybrid laminar flow (i.e., leading-edge suction on an NLF type of wing). This paper presents an overview of these laminar flow technology developments and describes future efforts in a broadened NASA program to explore the potential and to evaluate the practicality of different laminar flow concepts for commercial transports.

Hefner, J. N.↗

Development and use of a linear momentum exchange device

In 1981 the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) began establishing an inhouse facility for testing control concepts to be applied to Large Space Structures (LSS). The original concept called for a long flexible beam suspended from the ceiling by a low friction support system. The lower end of the beam was to be mounted to the Advanced Gimbal System (AGS). Analysis and system engineering soon showed that a more tenable design would be where the whole system was inverted, i.e., the AGS hung from the ceiling with the beam hanging down from it. While this configuration, augmented by a base excitation table (RET) was being built, an ASTROMAST obtained from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory was extended, analyzed and tested. From that basic configuration was evolved the cruciform, VCOSS and ACES configurations as shown. The addition of the cruciform added low frequency nested modes and the additional instrument package at the tip contains gyros to monitor tip motion.

Doane, George B., III↗

LFC leading edge glove flight: Aircraft modification design, test article development and systems integration

Reduction of skin friction drag by suction of boundary layer air to maintain laminar flow has been known since Prandtl's published work in 1904. The dramatic increases in fuel costs and the potential for periods of limited fuel availability provided the impetus to explore technologies to reduce transport aircraft fuel consumption. NASA sponsored the Aircraft Energy Efficiency (ACEE) program in 1976 to develop technologies to improve fuel efficiency. This report documents the Lockheed-Georgia Company accomplishments in designing and fabricating a leading-edge flight test article incorporating boundary layer suction slots to be flown by NASA on their modified JetStar aircraft. Lockheed-Georgia Company performed as the integration contractor to design the JetStar aircraft modification to accept both a Lockheed and a McDonnell Douglas flight test article. McDonnell Douglas uses a porous skin concept. The report describes aerodynamic analyses, fabrication techniques, JetStar modifications, instrumentation requirements, and structural analyses and testing for the Lockheed test article. NASA will flight test the two LFC leading-edge test articles in a simulated commercial environment over a 6 to 8 month period in 1984. The objective of the flight test program is to evaluate the effectiveness of LFC leading-edge systems in reducing skin friction drag and consequently improving fuel efficiency.

Etchberger, F. R.↗

Development of laminar flow control wing surface composite structures

The dramatic increases in fuel costs and the potential for periods of limited fuel availability provided the impetus to explore technologies to reduce transport aircraft fuel consumption. NASA sponsored the Aircraft Energy Efficiency (ACEE) program beginning in 1976 to develop technologies to improve fuel efficiency. This report documents the Lockheed-Georgia Company accomplishments under NAS1-16235 LFC Laminar-Flow-Control Wing Panel Structural Design And Development (WSSD); Design, manufacturing, and testing activities. An in-depth preliminary design of the baseline 1993 LFC wing was accomplished. A surface panel using the Lockheed graphite/epoxy integrated LFC wing box structural concept was designed. The concept was shown by analysis to be structurally efficient and cost effective. Critical details of the surface and surface joints were demonstrated by fabricating and testing complex, concept selection specimens. Cost of the baseline LFC aircraft was estimated and compared to the turbulent aircraft. The mission fuel weight was 21.7 percent lower for the LFC aircraft. The calculation shows that the lower fuel costs for LFC offset the higher incremental costs of LFC in less than six months.

Lineberger, L. B.↗

Structural tests and development of a laminar flow control wing surface composite chordwise joint

The dramatic increases in fuel costs and the potential for periods of limited fuel availability provided the impetus to explore technologies to reduce transport aircraft fuel consumption. NASA sponsored the Aircraft Energy Efficiency (ACEE) program beginning in 1976 to develop technologies to improve fuel efficiency. The Lockheed-Georgia Company accomplished under NAS1-16235 Laminar-Flow-Control (LFC) Wing Panel Structural Design and Development (WSSD); design, manufacturing, and testing activities. An in-depth preliminary design of the baseline 1993 LFC wing was accomplished. A surface panel using the Lockheed graphite/epoxy integrated LFC wing box structural concept was designed. The concept was shown by analysis to be structurally efficient and cost effective. Critical details of the surface and surface joint was demonstrated by fabricating and testing complex, concept selection specimens. The Lockheed-Georgia Company accomplishments, Development of LFC Wind Surface Composite Structures (WSCS), are documented. Tests were conducted on two CV2 panels to verify the static tension and fatigue strength of LFC wing surface chordwise joints.

Lineberger, L. B.↗

Emulating a flexible space structure: Modeling

Control Dynamics, in conjunction with Marshall Space Flight Center, has participated in the modeling and testing of Flexible Space Structures. Through the series of configurations tested and the many techniques used for collecting, analyzing, and modeling the data, many valuable insights have been gained and important lessons learned. This paper discusses the background of the Large Space Structure program, Control Dynamics' involvement in testing and modeling of the configurations (especially the Active Control Technique Evaluation for Spacecraft (ACES) configuration), the results from these two processes, and insights gained from this work.

Waites, H. B.↗

Verifying shuttle onboard software using expert systems

The Space Shuttle uses a complex set of software to guide, navigate, and control it through all phases of flight. Adding to the complexity is the fact that the software is reconfigured for each flight, i.e., thousands of constants in the software are changed to reflect the unique properties of a given mission. In the last level of tests, the software is flown through end to end nominal and abort scenarios taking the shuttle from liftoff to landing. The analysis of the results of the testing is experience and labor intensive. A set of pass/fail criteria were defined for each test case and in parallel with the knowledge acquisition, tools were developed which allowed the automation of the knowledge being gathered on paper. A prototype of the Analysis Criteria Expert System (ACES) was put into production in the verification of the reconfigured onboard flight software.

Wingert, William B.↗

Operational considerations for laminar flow aircraft

Considerable progress has been made in the development of laminar flow technology for commercial transports during the NASA Aircraft Energy Efficiency (ACEE) laminar flow program. Practical, operational laminar flow control (LFC) systems have been designed, fabricated, and are undergoing flight testing. New materials, fabrication methods, analysis techniques, and design concepts were developed and show much promise. The laminar flow control systems now being flight tested on the NASA Jetstar aircraft are complemented by natural laminar flow flight tests to be accomplished with the F-14 variable-sweep transition flight experiment. An overview of some operational aspects of this exciting program is given.

Maddalon, Dal V.↗

Advanced Turboprop Project

At the direction of Congress, a task force headed by NASA was organized in 1975 to identify potential fuel saving concepts for aviation. The result was the Aircraft Energy Efficiency (ACEE) Program implemented in 1976. An important part of the program was the development of advanced turboprop technology for Mach 0.65 to 0.85 applications having the potential fuel saving of 30 to 50 percent relative to existing turbofan engines. A historical perspective is presented of the development and the accomplishments that brought the turboprop to successful flight tests in 1986 and 1987.

Hager, Roy D.↗

Fluoride glass: Crystallization, surface tension

Fluoride glass was levitated acoustically in the ACES apparatus on STS-11, and the recovered sample had a different microstructure from samples cooled in a container. Further experiments on levitated samples of fluoride glass are proposed. These include nucleation, crystallization, melting observations, measurement of surface tension of molten glass, and observation of bubbles in the glass. Ground experiments are required on sample preparation, outgassing, and surface reactions. The results should help in the development and evaluation of containerless processing, especially of glass, in the development of a contaminent-free method of measuring surface tensions of melts, in extending knowledge of gas and bubble behavior in fluoride glasses, and in increasing insight into the processing and properties of fluoride glasses.

Doremus, R. H.↗

Application of superplastically formed and diffusion bonded aluminum to a laminar flow control leading edge

NASA sponsored the Aircraft Energy Efficiency (ACEE) program in 1976 to develop technologies to improve fuel efficiency. Laminar flow control was one such technology. Two approaches for achieving laminar flow were designed and manufactured under NASA sponsored programs: the perforated skin concept used at McDonnell Douglas and the slotted design used at Lockheed-Georgia. Both achieved laminar flow, with the slotted design to a lesser degree (JetStar flight test program). The latter design had several fabrication problems concerning springback and adhesive flow clogging the air flow passages. The Lockheed-Georgia Company accomplishments is documented in designing and fabricating a small section of a leading edge article addressing a simpler fabrication method to overcome the previous program's manufacturing problems, i.e., design and fabrication using advanced technologies such as diffusion bonding of aluminum, which has not been used on aerospace structures to date, and the superplastic forming of aluminum.

Goodyear, M. D.↗

Four experimental demonstrations of active vibration control for flexible structures

Laboratory experiments designed to test prototype active-vibration-control systems under development for future flexible space structures are described, summarizing previously reported results. The control-synthesis technique employed for all four experiments was the maximum-entropy optimal-projection (MEOP) method (Bernstein and Hyland, 1988). Consideration is given to: (1) a pendulum experiment on large-amplitude LF dynamics; (2) a plate experiment on broadband vibration suppression in a two-dimensional structure; (3) a multiple-hexagon experiment combining the factors studied in (1) and (2) to simulate the complexity of a large space structure; and (4) the NASA Marshall ACES experiment on a lightweight deployable 45-foot beam. Extensive diagrams, drawings, graphs, and photographs are included. The results are shown to validate the MEOP design approach, demonstrating that good performance is achievable using relatively simple low-order decentralized controllers.

Phillips, Doug↗

Virtual acoustics displays

The real time acoustic display capabilities are described which were developed for the Virtual Environment Workstation (VIEW) Project at NASA-Ames. The acoustic display is capable of generating localized acoustic cues in real time over headphones. An auditory symbology, a related collection of representational auditory 'objects' or 'icons', can be designed using ACE (Auditory Cue Editor), which links both discrete and continuously varying acoustic parameters with information or events in the display. During a given display scenario, the symbology can be dynamically coordinated in real time with 3-D visual objects, speech, and gestural displays. The types of displays feasible with the system range from simple warnings and alarms to the acoustic representation of multidimensional data or events.

Wenzel, Elizabeth M.↗