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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 469 records · Page 26
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1971

VHF ranging and position fixing experiment using ATS satellites: Executive summary of final report on phases 1 and 2, 25 November - 1 May 1971

The VHF transponders of the ATS-1 and ATS-3 geostationary satellites were used in ranging and position fixing experiments. An interrogation signal was transmitted from a ground terminal to ATS-3, which relayed it to the vehicle transponders. The vehicle that was addressed repeated the signal and its response was relayed back through both satellites to the ground terminal, where propagation times were measured; lines-of-position and fixes were computed. The 0.43 second tone-code ranging signal contained a single audio tone frequency. Ambiguity was resolved and user craft identified by a simple digital code. Seven vehicles were used in the test: three aircraft, two ships, an oceanographic buoy, and a truck. Ionospheric and multipath effects were studied. It is concluded that a VHF system could have an accuracy of + or - one nautical mile for ships and aircraft if calibration transponders are used to monitor the ionosphere.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1972

Experimental findings from zero-tank net positive suction head operation of the J-2 hydrogen pump

The results of a series of liquid hydrogen turbopump tests to demonstrate the feasibility of zero-tank net positive suction head are presented. A J-2 engine hydrogen pump and S-IVB stage fuel feed system were used for this investigation. The pump was operated at flows and speeds equivalent to normal J-2 engine operating conditions and at hydrogen bulk temperatures between 39 and 45 R. These tests show zero-tank not positive suction head to be a realistic operating mode that should be considered for future applications.

Stinson, H. P.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Experimental investigation of the visual field dependency in the erect and supine positions

The increasing utilization of simulators in many fields, in addition to aeronautics and space, requires the efficient use of these devices. It seemed that personnel highly influenced by the visual scene would make desirable subjects, particularly for those simulators without sufficient motion cues. In order to evaluate this concept, some measure of the degree of influence of the visual field on the subject in necessary. As part of this undertaking, 37 male and female subjects, including eight test pilots, were tested for their visual field dependency or independency. A version of Witkin's rod and frame apparatus was used for the tests. The results showed that nearly all the test subjects exhibited some degree of field dependency, the degree varying from very high field dependency to nearly zero field dependency in a normal distribution. The results for the test pilots were scattered throughout a range similar to the results for the bulk of male subjects. The few female subjects exhibited a higher field dependency than the male subjects. The male subjects exhibited a greater field dependency in the supine position than in the erect position, whereas the field dependency of the female subjects changed only slightly.

Lichtenstein, J. H.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Inflow as a source of extraretinal eye position information.

Experiments were performed which show that subjects can reliably report when, and in which direction, loads were applied to their eyes in total darkness, which indicates that they were aware of inflow eye position information. Awareness of the inflow signal was not disrupted when the eyelids and conjunctiva were anesthetized and the eyelids were retracted from all possible contact with the scleral contact lens. Furthermore, the subjects maintained eye position when loads were applied to the eye in total darkness, showing that this inflow information can be used for extraretinal oculomotor control.

Skavenski, A. A.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Applications of partial orderings to the study of positive definiteness, monotonicity, and convergence of iterative methods for linear systems.

Most of the known results concerning convergence of iterative methods for solving linear systems involve either positive definiteness or monotonicity. In this paper a new concept, called K-semipositivity, is introduced, which provides a link between convergence theory, monotonicity, and positive definiteness. By using this concept, together with partial orderings in Euclidean n-space, several new convergence theorems are proved. Application to Jacobi's methods and the theory of regular splittings shows the usefulness of these new results.

Vandergraft, J. S.↗
NASA NTRS1971

Lunar mapping - A position evaluation.

Various types of available lunar charts were evaluated using the new data provided by Apollo missions. The position information provided by current lunar cartographic products is examined, and data are included which can be used to determine a realistic reliability factor for each chart series discussed. The use of Apollo landmark tracking points yields quantitative results concerning the position errors that can be expected from the specific products included in this evaluation.

Bizzell, R. M.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Solar large-scale positive polarity magnetic fields and geomagnetic disturbances

Unlike the negative polarity solar magnetic field large-scale regular features that correlate with enhanced solar activity regions, the positive polarity regular formations formed in the weak and old background magnetic fields seem to correlate well with geomagnetically enhanced periods of time (shifted for 4 days), which means that they seem to be the source of the quiet solar wind. This behavior of the large intervals of heliographic longitude with prevailing positive polarity fields may be followed to the end of the 18th cycle, during the declining part of the 19th cycle, and during the first half of the present 20th cycle of solar activity.

Bumba, V.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Position determination accuracy from the microwave landing system

Analysis and results are given for the position determination accuracy obtainable from the microwave landing guidance system. Siting arrangements, coverage volumes, and accuracy standards for the azimuth, elevation, and range functions of the microwave system are discussed. Results are given for the complete coverage of the systems and are related to flight operational requirements for position estimation during flare, glide slope, and general terminal area approaches. Range rate estimation from range data is also analyzed. The distance measuring equipment accuracy required to meet the range rate estimation standards is determined, and a method of optimizing the range rate estimate is also given.

Cicolani, L. S.↗
NASA NTRS1972

An experiment to determine the relative positions of two collocated laser tracking stations

Two Goddard Space Flight Center laser tracking stations were collocated for a short time towards the end of 1971 for the purposes of comparing their tracking performance and quality. The lasers, only 25 meters apart, obtained simultaneous tracking data on eighteen passes of the Beacon Explorer C spacecraft. These data have now been used to determine the location of one laser with respect to the other with the result that the computed position of the second laser agrees with the surveyed position to 4 centimeters in latitude and height, and 1 centimeter in longitude.

Dunn, P. J.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Performance comparison of three normal-shock position sensors for mixed-compression inlets

The performance of three types of normal shock position sensors for supersonic inlets is described. All three sensors determined the shock position from the presence of the large pressure gradient at the normal shock location. The logic means for the three sensors were: (1) electronic, using pressure transducers, (2) fluidic, and (3) direct-coupled pressure switches. The sensors were evaluated in a two-dimensional, Mach 2.7, supersonic inlet having 30-percent internal supersonic area contraction. Both dynamic (from 1 to 80 Hz) and static tests were conducted.

Dustin, M. O.↗
NASA NTRS1973

An experimental evaluation of metallic diaphragms for positive fuel expulsion in the Atmosphere Explorer, hydrazine propulsion subsystem

Four Arde conospheroid metallic diaphragms were tested at NASA to evaluate their capability for use in the orbit adjust propulsion subsystem (OAPS) of the Atmosphere Explorer spacecraft (AE's C, D, and E). The diaphragms will be used for positive propellant expulsion and spacecraft center of mass (c.m.) control. A leak-free cycle life capability of nine reversals was demonstrated. The diaphragms rolled smoothly from ring to ring in a predictable manner on the first reversal. Varying amounts of diaphragm cocking and ring skipping were observed on subsequent reversals. The diaphragm pressure differential did not exceed 10 psid during any reversal. Cycle life capability, reversal mode, and pressure differential were not affected by sudden reversals, environmental tests, or 18,000 partial reversals. An expulsion efficiency of approximately 97 percent was demonstrated. The results of these tests show that metallic diaphragms can be used as an effective means of positive fuel expulsion; however, to achieve spacecraft c.m. control, the diaphragm must not be reversed prior to flight.

Woodruff, W. L.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Electromagnetic position sensor for a magnetically supported model in a wind tunnel

An investigation was undertaken to determine the feasibility of using superconducting force-producing coils for positioning a model in a wind tunnel. The cryostat containing the forcing coils surrounded the test section of the tunnel, thus favoring an electromagnetic position sensor. Another reason favoring this choice was the fact that the performance of an electromagnetic sensor is essentially unaffected by the shape of the model.

Towler, W. R.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Temporal variations in the dawn and dusk midlatitude trough position-modeled and measured (Ariel 3)

The temporal development of the latitudinal position of the 600 km midlatitude electron density trough at dawn and dusk during the period 25-27 May 1967, which encompassed a large magnetic storm, was measured by the RF capacitive probe on the polar orbiting Ariel 3 satellite. The substorm-related changes in the L coordinate of the trough minimum and the point of most rapid change of density gradient on the low latitude side of the trough are similar. Oscillations of the trough position at dusk are in phase with substorm activity whereas movement of the trough at dawn is only apparent with the onset of the large storm. Near dusk there is evidence of structure in the form of a tail-like extension of the plasmasphere at the peak of the storm. Detailed model calculations assuming a spatially invariant equatorial convection E field which varies in step with K sub p index reproduces much of the observed behavior, particularly at dusk, and shows that more than one plasmapause-type transition may be identifiable in the trough region.

Grebowsky, J. M.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Si(Li) position sensitive detector

A position sensitive detector was made using the lithium diffused layer of a lithium-drifted-silicon detector as the uniform resistive layer. An expression is derived for estimating the resistance from the thickness of the lithium layer. Expressions for the noise and ballistic deficit for single differentiation-double integration pulse shaping are presented. Room temperature data for a 1 Mev proton beam on a 45 mm long detector shows that the linearity is better than .05% and that the position resolution is 1.06 + or - .05 mm.

Gigante, J. R.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Pole position studied with artificial earth satellites.

Long-arc orbit computation of highest accuracy can provide pole positions. Optical Baker-Nunn and laser range observations of several satellites are combined. The accuracy of the pole position is comparable to that of the mean satellite-tracking station coordinates (plus or minus 5 m) when sufficient tracking data are available. Exploitation of the technique requires more accurate tracking data.

Gaposchkin, E. M.↗
NASA NTRS1973

X-ray pulse profile and celestial position of Hercules X-1.

The celestial position of the binary X-ray source Her X-1 has been measured with a precision of 30 sec and, within the uncertainties, agrees with the position of the optical variable HZ Herculis. An average light curve for the 1.24-sec periodicity has been obtained with about 10-msec resolution. The average pulse is a double-peaked structure which shows significant intensity changes in time scales down to 30 msec.

Doxsey, R.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Corrections of satellite positions in near-real time.

The influence of sudden increases of electron content on the accurate determination of the position of a satellite is investigated based on a spherically stratified ionospheric model. Using the total electron content information from Faraday rotation measurements, a procedure is presented whereby the corrections of satellite position due to the unpredicted electron increase can be accounted for without the need to know the spatial distribution of the additional electrons.

Poularikas, A. D.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Excitation of the CO fourth positive system by the dissociative recombination of CO2/+/ ions.

The fourth positive system of CO has been excited in a static afterglow experiment by the dissociative recombination of CO2(+) ions. From combined absolute optical and microwave measurements the specific recombination coefficient for exciting the CO system was found to be (2 plus 1 or minus 0.5) x 10 to the minus 8th cu cm/sec. This value represents approximately 5% of the total recombination coefficient (4.0 plus or minus 0.5) x 10 to the minus 7th cu cm/sec measured in this experiment, implying that CO2(+) dissociative recombination will contribute significantly to the excitation of the CO fourth positive system in the Martian airglow. Corroborative electron heating experiments showed that the magnitude of the specific recombination coefficient decreased as the electron temperature was increased. Evidence was also found for the presence of vibrationally excited ions in the CO2(+) plasma, a result which indicates that analogous laboratory studies on the dissociative recombination of O2(+), N2(+), and NO(+) ions may have also involved vibrationally hot plasmas.

Gutcheck, R. A.↗