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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 505 records · Page 28

The Plasma Interaction Experiment /PIX/ - Description and flight qualification test program

The Plasma Interaction Experiment (PIX) is a battery powered preprogrammed auxiliary payload on the Landsat-C launch. This experiment is part of a larger program to investigate space plasma interactions with spacecraft surfaces and components. The varying plasma densities encountered during available telemetry coverage periods are deemed sufficient to determine first order interactions between the space plasma environment and the biased experimental surfaces. The specific objectives of the PIX flight experiment are to measure the plasma coupling current and the negative voltage breakdown characteristics of a solar array segment and a gold plated steel disk. Measurements will be made over a range of surface voltages up to plus or minus 1 kilovolt. The orbital environment will provide a range of plasma densities. The experimental surfaces will be voltage-biased in a preprogrammed step sequence to optimize the data returned for each plasma region and for the available telemetry coverage.

Ignaczak, L. R.↗

TACAN operational description for the space shuttle orbital flight test program

The TACAN subsystems (three TACAN transponders, six antennas, a subsystem operating program, and redundancy management software in a tutorial form) are discussed and the interaction between these subsystems and the shuttle navigation system are identified. The use of TACAN during the first space transportation system (STS-1), is followed by a brief functional description of the TACAN hardware, then proceeds to cover the software units with a view to the STS-1, and ends with a discussion on the shuttle usage of the TACAN data and anticipated performance.

Hughes, C. L.↗

Operational status of the space test program P78-2 spacecraft and payloads

Operations of the P78-2 spacecraft and its 12 payloads, which attempt to measure the buildup and breakdown of charge on various spacecraft components and to characterize the natural environment at synchronous altitudes, are summarized. Launch procedures, orbit alignment, and eclipse seasons are reviewed. The spacecraft configuration and subsystems are described. Catastrophic payload failures are reported: the SC6 (AFGL Thermal Plasma Analyzer) failed due to an excessive power draw in the electron step generator. The SC7 (NASA/MSFC Light Ion Mass Spectrometer) internal power supply failed. Lesser payload failures, including SC2 probe biasing, SC4-1 pulsed mode, and SC4-2 neutralizer are discussed.

Osgood, R. N.↗

Track train dynamics analysis and test program: Methodology development for the derailment safety analysis of six-axle locomotives

The operational safety of six axle locomotives is analyzed. A locomotive model with corresponding data on suspension characteristics, a method of track defect characterization, and a method of characterizing operational safety are used. A user oriented software package was developed as part of the methodology and was used to study the effect (on operational safety) of various locomotive parameters and operational conditions such as speed, tractive effort, and track curvature. The operational safety of three different locomotive designs was investigated.

Marcotte, P. P.↗

Mod-2 wind turbine system cluster research test program. Volume 1: Initial plan E-1290

Upon completion of the design and development of three Mod-2 wind turbines, a series of research experiments are planned to gather data on and evaluate the performance, environmental effects, and operation of a cluster as well as a single, large multimegawatt wind turbine. Information on the program objectives, a Mod-2 system description, a planned schedule, organizational roles, and responsibilities, is included.

Gordon, L. H.↗

Cardiovascular examinations and observations of deconditioning during the Space Shuttle orbital flight test program

During the first four flights of the Space Shuttle, cardiovascular data were obtained on each crewmember as part of the operational medicine requirements for crew health and safety. From monitoring blood pressure and electrocardiographic data, it was possible to estimate the degree of deconditioning imposed by exposure to the microgravity environment. For this purpose, a quantitative cardiovascular index of deconditioning (CID) was derived to aid the clinician in his assessment. Isotonic saline was then investigated as a countermeasure against orthostatic intolerance and found to be effective in partially reversing the hemodynamic consequences. It was observed that the space flight environment of reentry might potentially be arrhythmogenic in at least one individual.

Bungo, M. W.↗

A project management system for the X-29A flight test program

The project-management system developed for NASA's participation in the X-29A aircraft development program is characterized from a theoretical perspective, as an example of a system appropriate to advanced, highly integrated technology projects. System-control theory is applied to the analysis of classical project-management techniques and structures, which are found to be of closed-loop multivariable type; and the effects of increasing project complexity and integration are evaluated. The importance of information flow, sampling frequency, information holding, and delays is stressed. The X-29A system is developed in four stages: establishment of overall objectives and requirements, determination of information processes (block diagrams) definition of personnel functional roles and relationships, and development of a detailed work-breakdown structure. The resulting system is shown to require a greater information flow to management than conventional methods. Sample block diagrams are provided.

Stewart, J. F.↗

A ground-based experimental test program to duplicate and study the spacecraft glow phenomenon

The use of a plasma device, the Advanced Concepts Torus-I, for producing atoms and molecules to study spacecraft glow mechanisms is discussed. A biased metal plate, located in the plasma edge, is used to accelerate and neutralize plasma ions, thus generating a neutral beam with a flux approx. 5 x 10 to the 14th power/sq cm/sec at the end of a drift tube. Our initial experiments are to produce a 10 eV molecular and atomic nitrogen beam directed onto material targets. Photon emission in the spectral range 2000 to 9000 A from excited species formed on the target surface will be investigated.

Langer, W. D.↗

Cosmic ray simulation and testing program

Single event upset (SEU) and latchup vulnerabilities were determined for a number of parts of interest to NASA space programs. In cases where a threshold linear energy transfer (LET) for SEU could be measured, an upset rate in a low inclination Space Shuttle orbit was computed. The predicted upset rates are extremely low, except for the devices with LET thresholds below the geomagnetic cutoff for altitude and inclination of the Space Shuttle orbit. While some of the devices do exhibit latchup, the cross sections and threshold LETs are such that the risk associated with flying these devices in low, near equatorial orbits is small if not negligible.

Kolasinski, W. A.↗

Studies related to ocean dynamics. Task 3.2: Aircraft Field Test Program to investigate the ability of remote sensing methods to measure current/wind-wave interactions

The feasibility of remote sensing of current flows in the ocean and the remote sensing of ocean currents by backscattering cross section techniques was studied. It was established that for capillary waves, small scale currents could be accurately measured through observation of wave kinematics. Drastic modifications of waves by changing currents were noted. The development of new methods for the measurement of capillary waves are discussed. Improvement methods to resolve data processing problems are suggested.

Huang, N. E.↗

Galileo probe parachute test program: Wake properties of the Galileo probe at Mach numbers from 0.25 to 0.95

The results of surveys of the near and far wake of the Galileo Probe are presented for Mach numbers from 0.25 tp 0.95. The trends in the data resulting from changes in Mach number, radial and axial distance, angle of attack, and a small change in model shape are shown in crossplots based on the data. A rationale for selecting an operating volume suitable for parachute inflation based on low Mach number flight results is outlined.

Canning, Thomas N.↗

F-14 VSTFE and results of the cleanup flight test program

Flight transition data applicable to swept wings at high subsonic speeds are needed to make valid assessments of the potential for natural laminar flow or laminar flow control for transports of various sizes at various cruise speeds. NASA initiated the variable sweep transition flight experiment (VSTFE) to help establish a boundary layer transition data base for use in laminar flow wing design. The carrier vehicle for this experiment is an F-14, which has variable sweep capability. The variable sweep outer panels of the F-14 were modified with natural laminar flow gloves to provide not only smooth surfaces but also airfoils that can produce a wide range of pressure distributions for which transition location can be determined. The VSTFE program is briefly described and some preliminary glove I flight results are presented.

Meyer, Robert R.↗