Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “base technology”

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 505 records · Page 28

Filament-wound composite vessels material technology

Programs are reviewed that were conducted to establish a technology base for applying advanced fibers or resins to high performance filament-wound pressure vessels for containment of cryogens and high pressure gases. Materials evaluated included boron, graphite, PRD 49-1 and 3/epoxy and S-glass/polyimide composites. Closed-end cylindrical, and oblate spheroid-shaped vessels were fabricated in 4- and 8-inch diameter sizes. Vessels were subjected to single-cycle burst, low-cycle fatigue, and sustained loading tests over a -423 F to room temperature range for epoxy composites and a -423 to 500 F temperature range for the polyimide composites. Vessels tested at cryogenic and/or 500 F had thin (3 to 20 mils) metallic liners whereas vessels tested at room temperature had elastomeric liners. Correlations between acoustic emissions and burst and cyclic properties of PRD 49-1 filament-wound vessels are discussed.

Lark, R. F.↗

Study of ballistic mode Mercury Orbiter missions. Volume 1: Summary report

A summary is given of the scope, approach, and major results of the study of ballistic mode Mercury orbit missions (the Mariner Venus-Mercury spacecraft). The performance potential of ballistic flight mode is presented along with a study of alternate flight techniques. Orbit selection considerations are discussed in terms of the thermal environment of Mercury. Orbiter science experiments are summarized. Technology assessments were conducted for major subsystems appropriate to spin-stabilized and three-axis-stabilized spacecraft designs. Conclusions from this study are: ballistic mode Mercury orbiter missions offer adequate performance for effective follow-up of the MVM'73 science findings; the existing and programmed technology base is adequate for implementation of Mercury orbit spacecraft design; and when pending MVM flyby has been accomplished and the results analyzed, the data base will be adequate to support detailed orbiter spacecraft design efforts.

Hollenbeck, G. R.↗

Structural technologies - Systems challenges and NASA thrusts.

Some significant areas of emphasis in the NASA airframes structures program are highlighted. The topics treated include automated analysis and design processes, building confidence in advanced composites, improving the technology base for future supersonic and hypersonic vehicles, validation of concepts for active control systems, development of predictive methods for aircraft loads and aeroelasticity, and generation of methodology to assure structural integrity as a part of the design process. An integrated long-range program for fatigue and fracture is recommended.

Brooks, G. W.↗

Development and flight test of a digital fly-by-wire F8.

The objective of the F-8 digital fly-by-wire program is to establish a technology base for the implementation of advanced flight control systems. The central element is the Apollo Lunar Guidance Computer (LGC). This versatile computer ran over 2000 hours in support of fly-by-wire without a failure. Difficulties encountered in the first flights were corrected rapidly and simply by changes in the erasable software memory. Control-configured vehicles offer significant weight-saving possibilities.

Peterson, B. A.↗

A manual-control approach to development of VTOL automatic landing technology.

The operation of VTOL aircraft in the city-center environment will require complex landing-approach trajectories that insure adequate clearance from other traffic and obstructions and provide the most direct routing for efficient operations. As part of a larger program to develop the necessary technology base, a flight investigation was undertaken to study the problems associated with manual and automatic control of steep, decelerating instrument approaches and landings. The study employed a three-cue flight director driven by control laws developed and refined during manual-control studies and subsequently applied to the automatic approach problem. The validity of this approach was demonstrated by performing the first automatic approach and landings to a predetermined spot ever accomplished with a helicopter. The manual-control studies resulted in the development of a constant-attitude deceleration profile and a low-noise navigation system.

Kelly, J. R.↗

Developing structures technology for the day after tomorrow.

To prepare for new demands on aircraft structures, NASA has established a number of goals. These include automatic analysis and design, building confidence in advanced composites, improving the technology base for future supersonic and hypersonic vehicles, validating concepts for active controls, developing methods for predicting aircraft loads and aeroelasticity, and generating design methods for assuring structural integrity. Progress made in achieving these goals is discussed in detail.

Brooks, G. W.↗

Multi-kw dc power distribution system study program

The first phase of the Multi-kw dc Power Distribution Technology Program is reported and involves the test and evaluation of a technology breadboard in a specifically designed test facility according to design concepts developed in a previous study on space vehicle electrical power processing, distribution, and control. The static and dynamic performance, fault isolation, reliability, electromagnetic interference characterisitics, and operability factors of high distribution systems were studied in order to gain a technology base for the use of high voltage dc systems in future aerospace vehicles. Detailed technical descriptions are presented and include data for the following: (1) dynamic interactions due to operation of solid state and electromechanical switchgear; (2) multiplexed and computer controlled supervision and checkout methods; (3) pulse width modulator design; and (4) cable design factors.

Berkery, E. A.↗

Design of propellant acquisition systems for advanced cryogenic space propulsion systems

This paper presents results of work conducted to expand the technology base and evolve practical propellant surface tension acquisition system designs for future cryogenic space vehicles. Surface tension screen device channel flow analysis and supporting tests showed that reasonable mesh sizes could provide the required retention performance. Integrated subsystem studies and development showed that practical and effective screen surface tension acquisition devices could be designed for typical applications, but that other interfacing feed subsystems are often constrained by the design of the particular acquisition device. These constraints may dominate the total feed system performance.

Burge, G. W.↗

Shuttle sonic boom - Technology and predictions

Because the shuttle differs significantly in both geometric and operational characteristics from conventional supersonic aircraft, estimation of sonic boom characteristics required a new technology base. The prediction procedures thus developed are reviewed. Flight measurements obtained for both the ascent and entry phases of the Apollo 15 and 16 and for the ascent phase only of the Apollo 17 missions are presented which verify the techniques established for application to shuttle. Results of extensive analysis of the sonic boom overpressure characteristics completed to date are presented which indicate that this factor of the shuttle's environmental impact is predictable, localized, of short duration and acceptable. Efforts are continuing to define the shuttle sonic boom characteristics to a fine level of detail based on the final system design.

Holloway, P. F.↗

Shuttle filter study. Volume 1: Characterization and optimization of filtration devices

A program to develop a new technology base for filtration equipment and comprehensive fluid particulate contamination management techniques was conducted. The study has application to the systems used in the space shuttle and space station projects. The scope of the program is as follows: (1) characterization and optimization of filtration devices, (2) characterization of contaminant generation and contaminant sensitivity at the component level, and (3) development of a comprehensive particulate contamination management plane for space shuttle fluid systems.

Source record↗

Description and Flight Test Results of the NASA F-8 Digital Fly-by-Wire Control System

A NASA program to develop digital fly-by-wire (DFBW) technology for aircraft applications is discussed. Phase I of the program demonstrated the feasibility of using a digital fly-by-wire system for aircraft control through developing and flight testing a single channel system, which used Apollo hardware, in an F-8C airplane. The objective of Phase II of the program is to establish a technology base for designing practical DFBW systems. It will involve developing and flight testing a triplex digital fly-by-wire system using state-of-the-art airborne computers, system hardware, software, and redundancy concepts. The papers included in this report describe the Phase I system and its development and present results from the flight program. Man-rated flight software and the effects of lightning on digital flight control systems are also discussed.

Source record↗

Prototype rigid polyimide components

The activity is reported which was conducted for utilizing spin-off Apollo base technology to fabricate a variety of commercial and aerospace related parts that are nonflammable and resistant to high-temperature degradation. Manufacturing techniques and the tooling used to fabricate each of the polyimide/glass structures is discussed. A brief history, tracing the development of high-temperature polyimide resins, is presented along with a discussion of the properties of DuPont's PI 2501/glass material (later redesignated PI 4701/glass). Mechanical and flammability properties of DuPont's PI 2501/glass laminates are compared with epoxy, phenolic, and silicone high-temperature resin/glass material systems. Offgassing characteristics are also presented. A discussion is included of the current developments in polyimide materials technology and the potential civilian and government applications of polyimide materials to reduce fire hazards and increase the survivability of men and equipment.

Wykes, D. H.↗

Development of a high efficiency thin silicon solar cell

Progress is reported in an attempt to realize higher specific power output and radiation resistance from thin solar cells for space applications. The efforts applied to establishing the technological base for fabricating high efficiency thin solar cells are described. Progress is characterized by continuous improvements in all parameters of the space cell.

Lindmayer, J.↗

Study of space shuttle orbiter system management computer function. Volume 2: Automated performance verification concepts

The findings are presented of investigations on concepts and techniques in automated performance verification. The investigations were conducted to provide additional insight into the design methodology and to develop a consolidated technology base from which to analyze performance verification design approaches. Other topics discussed include data smoothing, function selection, flow diagrams, data storage, and shuttle hydraulic systems.

Source record↗

Large-scale educational telecommunications systems for the US: An analysis of educational needs and technological opportunities

The needs to be served, the subsectors in which the system might be used, the technology employed, and the prospects for future utilization of an educational telecommunications delivery system are described and analyzed. Educational subsectors are analyzed with emphasis on the current status and trends within each subsector. Issues which affect future development, and prospects for future use of media, technology, and large-scale electronic delivery within each subsector are included. Information on technology utilization is presented. Educational telecommunications services are identified and grouped into categories: public television and radio, instructional television, computer aided instruction, computer resource sharing, and information resource sharing. Technology based services, their current utilization, and factors which affect future development are stressed. The role of communications satellites in providing these services is discussed. Efforts to analyze and estimate future utilization of large-scale educational telecommunications are summarized. Factors which affect future utilization are identified. Conclusions are presented.

Morgan, R. P.↗

Space shuttle main engine definition (phase B). Volume 2: Avionics

The advent of the space shuttle engine with its requirements for high specific impulse, long life, and low cost have dictated a combustion cycle and a closed loop control system to allow the engine components to run close to operating limits. These performance requirements, combined with the necessity for low operational costs, have placed new demands on rocket engine control, system checkout, and diagnosis technology. Based on considerations of precision environment, and compatibility with vehicle interface commands, an electronic control, makes available many functions that logically provide the information required for engine system checkout and diagnosis.

Source record↗

Engine systems technology

Current full-scale engine development programs are discussed, and efforts to improve the available technology base are presented. The Lewis full-scale engine test facilities are described. Several typical engine programs and plans for research in aeromechanical instability or flutter are summarized. An overview of Lewis studies of flow distortion and its effects on engine stability is presented. The origins and nature of the distortion problem are summarized, and some of the results and methods for both steady and time-varying distortions are discussed.

Willoh, R.↗

Surface tension propellant acquisition system technology for Space Shuttle reaction control tanks

A program was conducted to provide the technology base for the SS/RCS flight tankage. Through a combination of analysis, subscale testing and computer predictions, a surface tension acquisition/expulsion system design was developed for the Orbiter RCS application. A full-scale tank system was fabricated and ground verification testing was conducted. Cleaning, inspection, fill and drain, and one-g expulsion performance were demonstrated. Results show that the fine-mesh screen, compartmented tank system provides the performance, flexibility, reusability, and other characteristics required by the pulsing, high flowrate RCS. It provides the required expulsion under widely differing high-g boost abort and reentry vectors oriented 119 deg apart and during on-orbit operation under omnidirectional low-g conditions.

Fester, D. A.↗