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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

Long term evaluation of grease type lubricants in selected environments

The operating life of grease-type lubricants in various environments is evaluated. The test equipment and procedures are described. The lubricants were placed in the rolling element bearings of hysteresis synchronous motors and exposed to environments of a vacuum at 60 C, a vacuum at 93.3 C, 10 psia oxygen at 90 percent relative humidity at 60 C, 14.7 psia air at 90 percent relative humidity at 60 C, start-stop operation, and low temperature start capability for one or five years. The weights of the bearings were measured before and after lubrication; the weight data for each environment are analyzed. The data reveal that the high viscosity index perfluoroalkypolyether grease performs the best in a vacuum at moderate and high temperature, in low temperature start capability, and in start-stop steps; however, the grease does not work well in oxidizing and high relative humidity environments.

Dolan, F. J.↗

Results of the Life Sciences DSOs Conducted Aboard the Space Shuttle 1981-1986

Results are presented for a number of life sciences investigations sponsored by the Space Biomedical Research Institute at the NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center and conducted as Detailed Supplementary Objectives (DSOs) on Space Shuttle flights between 1981 and 1986. An introduction and a description of the DSO program are followed by summary reports on the investigations. Reports are grouped into the following disciplines: Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Cardiovascular Effects and Fluid Shifts, Equipment Testing and Experiment Verification, Microbiology, Space Motion Sickness, and Vision. In the appendix, the status of every medical/life science DSO is presented in graphical form, which enables the flight history, the number of subjects tested, and the experiment results to be reviewed at a glance.

Vestibular Research↗

Knowledge based programming at KSC

Various KSC knowledge-based systems projects are discussed. The objectives of the knowledge-based automatic test equipment and Shuttle connector analysis network projects are described. It is observed that knowledge-based programs must handle factual and expert knowledge; the characteristics of these two types of knowledge are examined. Applications for the knowledge-based programming technique are considered.

Tulley, J. H., Jr.↗

X-ray testing of the AXAF Technology Mirror Assembly (TMA) mirror

The X-ray performance of the Advanced X-ray Astrophysics Facility TMA in the 0.277-6.4-keV range. The precise figure and smooth surface originally specified (which were expected from the in-process optical and mechanical measurements) are verified. The paper primarily describes the test equipment and methods used and gives examples of the detailed on-axis and off-axis data.

Schwartz, D. A.↗

The influence of the launch site operational environment on Space Shuttle scientific payloads

The effects of prelaunch assembly, testing, and integration activities on the scientific payload at the KSC are examined. The functions of the Shuttle and payload organizations of the KSC are discussed. The processing of the various types of pyaloads, and the amount of access to the payload during processing and after landing are described. The KSC facility contains: an Operations and Checkout Building, a Vertical Processing Facility, Cargo Integration and Test Equipment, an Orbiter Processing Facility, a Payload Changeout Room, payload transportation equipment, and Shuttle launch pads.

Schuiling, Roelof L.↗

System level verification applying the Space Shuttle experience to the Space Station

The applicability of the verification process for the Shuttle guidance, navigation and control (GNC) and data management system (DMS) for the development of the Space Station are described. Shuttle avionics hardware/software integration was delayed to finalize the hardware design before detailed definition and testing of the software. A block diagram is provided of the flight simulation laboratory used to test the GNC programs before flight data were available. The Station will have distributed computers, unlike the Orbiter, and will only be assembled fully in space. Standardized integration simulation test equipment are being defined to guide the development of hardware and software. The simulation capability may become part of nominal in-flight operations to initiate new capabilities as they are added to the Station. The Station GNC and DMS systems development will be somewhat simplified relative to those of the Shuttle because ascent and reentry will not be considered for the Station.

Gilbert, David W.↗

Advances in cryogenic engineering. Volume 31; Proceedings of the Cryogenic Engineering Conference, MIT, Cambridge, MA, Aug. 12-16, 1985

The present conference on the applications of state-of-the-art cryogenic engineering technologies considers topics associated with the development status of the 'Superconducting SuperCollider', superconducting magnetic energy storage methods, large magnets for fusion and other physics researches, cryogenic hardware improvements, and phenomena and applications of superconducting magnet-employing acoustic emission test equipment. Also discussed are design criteria for superconducting magnet stability, heat exchangers and heat transfer to liquid He and N, heat and mass transfer characteristics of He II, refrigeration techniques for magnetic resonance imaging and other small systems, refrigeration for liquefaction and for superconducting fusion as well as for accelerator and generator systems, magnetic refrigeration, cryocooling and refrigeration for space applications, the storage and transfer of cryogenic fluids, the properties of cryogenic liquids, and air liquefaction equipment.

Fast, R. W.↗

Development of a facility using robotics for testing automation of inertial instruments

The Integrated Robotics System Simulation (ROBSIM) was used to evaluate the performance of the PUMA 560 arm as applied to testing of inertial sensors. Results of this effort were used in the design and development of a feasibility test environment using a PUMA 560 arm. The implemented facility demonstrated the ability to perform conventional static inertial instrument tests (rotation and tumble). The facility included an efficient data acquisitions capability along with a precision test servomechanism function resulting in various data presentations which are included in the paper. Analysis of inertial instrument testing accuracy, repeatability and noise characteristics are provided for the PUMA 560 as well as for other possible commercial arm configurations. Another integral aspect of the effort was an in-depth economic analysis and comparison of robot arm testing versus use of contemporary precision test equipment.

Greig, Joy Y.↗

Remote servicing of space systems

Space systems are difficult to maintain on orbit. The difficulty arises from the limited ability and availability of the astronaut work force in the hazardous space environment. Remote robotic manipulation can free the astronaut from the hazardous working environment while also increasing the work force. However, remote robotic servicing is not without its own set of problems and limitations, such as communication time delay and unstructured worksites. Tests and test equipment are described which are designed to increase the understanding of the remote servicing problems and to allow development of potential solutions. A half scale satellite mockup was developed for evaluating and improving upon the design of replaceable subsystems, such as batteries and electronic boxes. A servicer system, that includes a six degree of freedom PUMA 560 robot and interchangeable end effectors (tools), was developed to aid in driving out servicer design requirements. The results include the time delay impact on servicing timelines and requirements for the servicer system.

Collins, S. L.↗

Automatic Parametric Testing Of Integrated Circuits

Computer program for parametric testing saves time and effort in research and development of integrated circuits. Software system automatically assembles various types of test structures and lays them out on silicon chip, generates sequency of test instructions, and interprets test data. Employs self-programming software; needs minimum of human intervention. Adapted to needs of different laboratories and readily accommodates new test structures. Program codes designed to be adaptable to most computers and test equipment now in use. Written in high-level languages to enhance transportability.

Jennings, Glenn A.↗

Power systems facility

In 1984, the President directed NASA to undertake the development of Space Station Freedom, the next step in a broad-based U.S. civil space program to develop space-flight capabilities and to exploit space for scientific, technological, and commercial purposes. Under that direction, NASA awarded contracts in 1985 for concept definition and preliminary design studies. Those studies have been completed and the Space Station Freedom Program is now in the final design and development phase, leading to a permanently manned space station that will be operational in the mid-1990's. Here at the Lewis Research Center, with Rocketdyne, we are developing and building the S.S. Freedom electric power system (EPS) hardware and software. A major portion of the EPS will be tested at Lewis. The Power Systems Facility was specifically designed for testing the EPS and uses the latest in testing equipment.

Source record↗

Automatic Detection of Electric Power Troubles (ADEPT)

ADEPT is an expert system that integrates knowledge from three different suppliers to offer an advanced fault-detection system, and is designed for two modes of operation: real-time fault isolation and simulated modeling. Real time fault isolation of components is accomplished on a power system breadboard through the Fault Isolation Expert System (FIES II) interface with a rule system developed in-house. Faults are quickly detected and displayed and the rules and chain of reasoning optionally provided on a Laser printer. This system consists of a simulated Space Station power module using direct-current power supplies for Solar arrays on three power busses. For tests of the system's ability to locate faults inserted via switches, loads are configured by an INTEL microcomputer and the Symbolics artificial intelligence development system. As these loads are resistive in nature, Ohm's Law is used as the basis for rules by which faults are located. The three-bus system can correct faults automatically where there is a surplus of power available on any of the three busses. Techniques developed and used can be applied readily to other control systems requiring rapid intelligent decisions. Simulated modelling, used for theoretical studies, is implemented using a modified version of Kennedy Space Center's KATE (Knowledge-Based Automatic Test Equipment), FIES II windowing, and an ADEPT knowledge base. A load scheduler and a fault recovery system are currently under development to support both modes of operation.

Wang, Caroline↗

Ada and knowledge-based systems: A prototype combining the best of both worlds

A software architecture is described which facilitates the construction of distributed expert systems using Ada and selected knowledge based systems. This architecture was utilized in the development of a Knowledge-based Maintenance Expert System (KNOMES) prototype for the Space Station Mobile Service Center (MSC). The KNOMES prototype monitors a simulated data stream from MSC sensors and built-in test equipment. It detects anomalies in the data and performs diagnosis to determine the cause. The software architecture which supports the KNOMES prototype allows for the monitoring and diagnosis tasks to be performed concurrently. The basic concept of this software architecture is named ACTOR (Ada Cognitive Task ORganization Scheme). An individual ACTOR is a modular software unit which contains both standard data processing and artificial intelligence components. A generic ACTOR module contains Ada packages for communicating with other ACTORs and accessing various data sources. The knowledge based component of an ACTOR determines the role it will play in a system. In this prototype, an ACTOR will monitor the MSC data stream.

Brauer, David C.↗

Automatic Detection of Electric Power Troubles (ADEPT)

Automatic Detection of Electric Power Troubles (A DEPT) is an expert system that integrates knowledge from three different suppliers to offer an advanced fault-detection system. It is designed for two modes of operation: real time fault isolation and simulated modeling. Real time fault isolation of components is accomplished on a power system breadboard through the Fault Isolation Expert System (FIES II) interface with a rule system developed in-house. Faults are quickly detected and displayed and the rules and chain of reasoning optionally provided on a laser printer. This system consists of a simulated space station power module using direct-current power supplies for solar arrays on three power buses. For tests of the system's ablilty to locate faults inserted via switches, loads are configured by an INTEL microcomputer and the Symbolics artificial intelligence development system. As these loads are resistive in nature, Ohm's Law is used as the basis for rules by which faults are located. The three-bus system can correct faults automatically where there is a surplus of power available on any of the three buses. Techniques developed and used can be applied readily to other control systems requiring rapid intelligent decisions. Simulated modeling, used for theoretical studies, is implemented using a modified version of Kennedy Space Center's KATE (Knowledge-Based Automatic Test Equipment), FIES II windowing, and an ADEPT knowledge base.

Wang, Caroline↗

Evolution of solid rocket booster component testing

The evolution of one of the new generation of test sets developed for the Solid Rocket Booster of the U.S. Space Transportation System. Requirements leading to factory checkout of the test set are explained, including the evolution from manual to semiautomated toward fully automated status. Individual improvements in the built-in test equipment, self-calibration, and software flexibility are addressed, and the insertion of fault detection to improve reliability is discussed.

Lessey, Joseph A.↗

Experiments On Active Members In Large Space Structures

Report discusses continuing research on structures including active members, which incorporate sensors, actuators, and electronic circuits to monitor and control vibrations. Describes experiments on two structures with active members, progress in design, testing, and simulation of behavior of active members. Objective is to develop systems to enhance performances of large, flexible structures in space. Also applicable to some terrestrial structures and testing equipment involving close tolerances in feedback control of forces and/or positions.

Fanson, James L.↗

SCSI Communication Test Bus

Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) communication test bus provides high-data-rate, standard interconnection enabling communication among International Business Machines (IBM) Personal System/2 Micro Channel, other devices connected to Micro Channel, test equipment, and host computer. Serves primarily as nonintrusive input/output attachment to PS/2 Micro Channel bus, providing rapid communication for debugger. Opens up possibility of using debugger in real-time applications.

Hua, Chanh V.↗

Channel simulator upgrade to use field propagation data

The JPL Channel Simulator lab was modified to allow full duplex links and to allow the use of field propagation data for link fading. This capability will be used to test equipment for the joint AUSSAT/NASA mobile satellite experiment in July 1989.

Berner, Jeff B.↗