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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

Drag characteristics of circular cylinders in a laminar boundary layer at supersonic free-stream velocities

Drag measurements were obtained with circular cylinders attached to a flat-plate surface with their longitudinal axes perpendicular to the plate surface. When more than one cylinder was tested, they were alined in a spanwise row perpendicular to the free-stream velocity vector. The drag measurements were obtained through a range of Mach numbers from 2.3 to 4.6, cylinder heights ranging from approximately 0.4 to 3 times the undisturbed laminar boundary-layer thickness, and cylinder height-to-diameter ratios of 1.0 and approximately 2. Included in the paper is a complete presentation in figure form of the experimental results and a discussion of the more significant findings. An attempt is made to select the most appropriate parameters for correlating the experimental results and, where possible, these results are compared with theoretical calculations.

Stallings, R. L., Jr.↗

Experimental determination of flow potential surfaces supporting a multiaxial formulation of viscoplasticity

Details of the experimental procedure followed in a preliminary set of experiments conducted on the representative alloy type 316 stainless steel are given. Although primary interest is in the determination of initial and subsequent surfaces of constant inelastic strain rate (SCISR) at high homologous temperatures (e.g., approx. 0.5). The preliminary tests were conducted at lower temperatures (approx. 0.2) largely because of experimental convenience. Nevertheless, significant time-dependent response at the lower temperature allowed SCISR measurements to be carried out and an evaluation of the experimental technique made. Results of the preliminary tests are presented showing three of a family of initial SCISR's, including strain rate vectors for assessing the condition of normality. Conclusions are drawn concerning the feasibility of the experimental technique, the nature of the measured SCISR's and an assesssment of the normality condition. Finally, a discussion is given of future research.

Ellis, J. R.↗

Postbuckling of laminated anisotropic panels

A two-part study of the buckling and postbuckling of laminated anisotropic plates with bending-extensional coupling is presented. The first part involves the development and application of a modified Rayleigh-Ritz analysis technique. Modifications made to the classical technique can be grouped into three areas. First, known symmetries of anisotropic panels are exploited in the selection of approximation functions. Second, a reduced basis technique based on these same symmetries is applied in the linear range. Finally, geometric boundary conditions are enforced via an exterior penalty function approach, rather than relying on choice of approximation functions to satisfy these boundary conditions. Numerical results are presented for both the linear and nonlinear range, with additional studies made to determine the effect of variation in penalty parameter and number of basis vectors. In the second part, six panels possessing anisotropy and bending-extensional coupling are tested. Detailed comparisons are made between experiment and finite element results in order to gain insight into the postbuckling and failure characteristics of such panels. The panels are constructed using two different lamination sequences, and panels with three different aspect ratios were constructed for each lamination sequence.

Jeffrey, Glenda L.↗

Choice of implicit and explicit operators for the upwind differencing method

The flux-vector and flux-difference splittings of Steger-Warming, van Leer and Roe are tested in all possible combinations on the implicit and explicit operators that can be distinguished in implicit relaxation methods for the steady Euler and Navier-Stokes equations. The tests include one-dimensional inviscid nozzle flow, and two-dimensional inviscid and viscous shock reflection. Roe's splitting, as anticipated, is found to uniformly yield the most accurate results. On the other hand, an approximate Roe splitting of the implicit operator (the complete Roe splitting is too complicated for practical use) proves to be the least robust with regard to convergence to the steady state. In this respect, the Steger-Warming splitting is the most robust; it leads to convergence when combined with any of the splittings in the explicit operator, although not necessarily in the most efficient way.

Liou, Meng-Sing↗

Choice of implicit and explicit operators for the upwind differencing method

The flux-vector and flux-difference splittings of Steger-Warming, Van Leer and Roe are tested in all possible combinations in the implicit and explicit operators that can be distinguished in implicit relaxation methods for the steady Euler and Navier-Stokes equations. The tests include one-dimensional inviscid nozzle flow, and two-dimensional inviscid and viscous shock reflection. Roe's splitting, as anticipated, is found to uniformly yield the most accurate results. On the other hand, an approximate Roe splitting of the implicit operator (the complete Roe splitting is too complicated for practical use) proves to be the least robust with regard to convergence to the steady state. In this respect, the Steger-Warming splitting is the most robust: it leads to convergence when combined with any of the splittings in the explicit operator, although not necessarily in the most efficient way.

Liou, Meng-Sing↗

A comparison of the ground effects measured with and without rate-of-descent modeling on the F-15 S/MTD configuration

The effect of descent rate (DR) on the approach aerodynamics of the F-15 S/MTD aircraft is investigated experimentally using a moving model in the NASA Langley Vortex Research Facility. A 0.083-scale low-speed rotary-balance model equipped with a thrust-reverser simulator and with grit strips to assure turbulent flow was tested in an approach configuration at forward speed 60 ft/sec, corresponding to DR = 4.19 ft/sec. The results are presented in extensive graphs and compared with wind-tunnel data on the same configuration at DR = 0. Significant differences are attributed to the DR in the present experiments and the presence of a ground boundary layer in the wind-tunnel tests. It is predicted that safe approaches could be made with the lower thrust reverser vectored up to 80 deg, or even 110 deg if the DR were not arrested near the ground.

Kemmerly, Guy T.↗

Design and Implementation of a Parallel Multivariate Ensemble Kalman Filter for the Poseidon Ocean General Circulation Model

A multivariate ensemble Kalman filter (MvEnKF) implemented on a massively parallel computer architecture has been implemented for the Poseidon ocean circulation model and tested with a Pacific Basin model configuration. There are about two million prognostic state-vector variables. Parallelism for the data assimilation step is achieved by regionalization of the background-error covariances that are calculated from the phase-space distribution of the ensemble. Each processing element (PE) collects elements of a matrix measurement functional from nearby PEs. To avoid the introduction of spurious long-range covariances associated with finite ensemble sizes, the background-error covariances are given compact support by means of a Hadamard (element by element) product with a three-dimensional canonical correlation function. The methodology and the MvEnKF configuration are discussed. It is shown that the regionalization of the background covariances; has a negligible impact on the quality of the analyses. The parallel algorithm is very efficient for large numbers of observations but does not scale well beyond 100 PEs at the current model resolution. On a platform with distributed memory, memory rather than speed is the limiting factor.

Keppenne, Christian L.↗

Defect Localization Capabilities of a Global Detection Scheme: Spatial Pattern Recognition Using Full-field Vibration Test Data in Plates

Recently, a conceptually simple approach, based on the notion of defect energy in material space has been developed and extensively studied (from the theoretical and computational standpoints). The present study focuses on its evaluation from the viewpoint of damage localization capabilities in case of two-dimensional plates; i.e., spatial pattern recognition on surfaces. To this end, two different experimental modal test results are utilized; i.e., (1) conventional modal testing using (white noise) excitation and accelerometer-type sensors and (2) pattern recognition using Electronic speckle pattern interferometry (ESPI), a full field method capable of analyzing the mechanical vibration of complex structures. Unlike the conventional modal testing technique (using contacting accelerometers), these emerging ESPI technologies operate in a non-contacting mode, can be used even under hazardous conditions with minimal or no presence of noise and can simultaneously provide measurements for both translations and rotations. Results obtained have clearly demonstrated the robustness and versatility of the global NDE scheme developed. The vectorial character of the indices used, which enabled the extraction of distinct patterns for localizing damages proved very useful. In the context of the targeted pattern recognition paradigm, two algorithms were developed for the interrogation of test measurements; i.e., intensity contour maps for the damaged index, and the associated defect energy vector field plots.

Saleeb, A. F.↗

Recovery of postural equilibrium control following space flight

DSO 605 represents the first large study of balance control following spaceflight. Data collected during DSO 605 confirm the theory that postural ataxia following short duration spaceflight is of vestibular origin. We used the computerized dynamic posturography technique developed by Nashner et al. to study the role of the vestibular system in balance control in astronauts during quiet stance before and after spaceflight. Our results demonstrate unequivocally that balance control is disrupted in all astronauts immediately after return from space. The most severely affected returning crew members performed in the same way as vestibular deficient patients exposed to this test battery. We conclude that otolith mediated spatial reference provided by the terrestrial gravitational force vector is not used by the astronauts balance control systems immediately after spaceflight. Because the postflight ataxia appears to be mediated primarily by CNS adaptation to the altered vestibular inputs caused by loss of gravitational stimulation, we believe that intermittent periods of exposure to artificial gravity may provide an effective in-flight countermeasure. Specifically, we propose that in-flight centrifugation will allow crew members to retain their terrestrial sensory-motor adapted states while simultaneously developing microgravity adapted states. The dual-adapted astronaut should be able to make the transition from microgravity to unit gravity with minimal sensory-motor effects. We have begun a ground based program aimed at developing short arm centrifuge prescriptions designed to optimize adaptation to altered gravitational environments. Results from these experiments are expected to lead directly to in-flight evaluation of the proposed centrifuge countermeasure. Because our computerized dynamic posturography system was able to (1) quantify the postflight postural ataxia reported by crew members and observed by flight surgeons and scientists, (2) track the recovery of normal (preflight) balance control, (3) differentiate between rookie and veteran subjects, and (4) provide normative and clinical databases for comparison, and because our study successfully characterized postflight balance control recovery in a large cross-section of Shuttle crew members, we recommend that this system and protocol be adopted as a standard dependent measure for evaluating the efficacy of countermeasures and/or evaluating the postflight effects of changing mission durations or activities.

Paloski, William H.↗

Split-Block Waveguide Polarization Twist for 220 to 325 GHz

A split-block waveguide circuit that rotates polarization by 90 has been designed with WR-3 input and output waveguides, which are rectangular waveguides used for a nominal frequency range of 220 to 325 GHz. Heretofore, twisted rectangular waveguides equipped with flanges at the input and output have been the standard means of rotating the polarizations of guided microwave signals. However, the fabrication and assembly of such components become difficult at high frequency due to decreasing wavelength, such that twisted rectangular waveguides become impractical at frequencies above a few hundred gigahertz. Conventional twisted rectangular waveguides are also not amenable to integration into highly miniaturized subassemblies of advanced millimeter- and submillimeter-wave detector arrays now undergoing development. In contrast, the present polarization- rotating waveguide can readily be incorporated into complex integrated waveguide circuits such as miniaturized detector arrays fabricated by either conventional end milling of metal blocks or by deep reactive ion etching of silicon blocks. Moreover, the present split-block design can be scaled up in frequency to at least 5 THz. The main step in fabricating a splitblock polarization-rotating waveguide of the present design is to cut channels having special asymmetrically shaped steps into mating upper and lower blocks (see Figure 1). The dimensions of the steps are chosen to be consistent with the WR-3 waveguide cross section, which is 0.864 by 0.432 mm. The channels are characterized by varying widths with constant depths of 0.432, 0.324, and 0.216 mm and by relatively large corner radii to facilitate fabrication. The steps effect both a geometric transition and the corresponding impedance-matched electromagnetic-polarization transition between (1) a WR-3 rectangular waveguide oriented with the electric field vector normal to the block mating surfaces and (2) a corresponding WR-3 waveguide oriented with its electric field vector parallel to the mating surfaces of the blocks. A prototype has been built and tested. Figure 2 presents test results indicative of good performance over nearly the entire WR-3 waveguide frequency band.

Ward, John↗

COWVR Instrument Antenna, Performance Verification and Test Results

This paper describes the test campaign and the results used to verify the performance of the Compact Ocean Wind Vector Radiometer (COWVR) instrument antenna. Developed as a proof-of-concept technology demonstration mission, it’s planned for launch in 2016. Using small mass and low power, when compared to other instruments with similar capabilities, COWVR promises to obtain the same wind vector retrieval accuracy. COWVR was designed and developed at Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in collaboration with the US Air Force Space Missile Command.

off-set reflector↗

Cosmic Shear Analysis of the DECam Local Volume Exploration Survey

We forecast cosmological constraints and develop a cosmic shear analysis pipeline for the DECam Local Volume Exploration Survey (DELVE). We test the effects of two different intrinsic alignment frameworks (TATT and NLA) on synthetic data vectors. In addition, we examine the impact of baryon contamination and determine the necessary scale cuts to reduce its influence. We find the forecast results to be as constraining as the DES Y3 cosmological parameter measurements.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Chapter 24 - Propulsion

This chapter provides a basic guide to the flight testing of propulsion system operability and compatibility (O&C). For the purposes of establishing a frame of reference, O&C refers to the ability of the aircrew to establish and maintain the desired level of propulsion system net propulsive force throughout the operating envelope of the aircraft. For the purposes of definition, net propulsive force is used to refer to the vector resultant of all throttle dependant forces acting upon the aircraft. By limiting the discussion in this Section to flight testing of the O&C of the propulsion system, it should not be interpreted to mean that these are the only factors that need to be considered when conducting flight test to evaluate an aircraft propulsion system. Propulsion system structural interfaces, pneumatic interfaces, mechanical interfaces, hydraulic interfaces, thermodynamic interfaces and electrical interfaces must all be evaluated prior to or concurrently with the O&C test program in order to ensure a safe and effective flight test program of the aircraft and propulsion system.

Lawrence A Thomas↗

A Computational Study of a New Dual Throat Fluidic Thrust Vectoring Nozzle Concept

A computational investigation of a two-dimensional nozzle was completed to assess the use of fluidic injection to manipulate flow separation and cause thrust vectoring of the primary jet thrust. The nozzle was designed with a recessed cavity to enhance the throat shifting method of fluidic thrust vectoring. Several design cycles with the structured-grid, computational fluid dynamics code PAB3D and with experiments in the NASA Langley Research Center Jet Exit Test Facility have been completed to guide the nozzle design and analyze performance. This paper presents computational results on potential design improvements for best experimental configuration tested to date. Nozzle design variables included cavity divergence angle, cavity convergence angle and upstream throat height. Pulsed fluidic injection was also investigated for its ability to decrease mass flow requirements. Internal nozzle performance (wind-off conditions) and thrust vector angles were computed for several configurations over a range of nozzle pressure ratios from 2 to 7, with the fluidic injection flow rate equal to 3 percent of the primary flow rate. Computational results indicate that increasing cavity divergence angle beyond 10 is detrimental to thrust vectoring efficiency, while increasing cavity convergence angle from 20 to 30 improves thrust vectoring efficiency at nozzle pressure ratios greater than 2, albeit at the expense of discharge coefficient. Pulsed injection was no more efficient than steady injection for the Dual Throat Nozzle concept.

Deere, Karen A.↗

Quaternion normalization in additive EKF for spacecraft attitude determination

This work introduces, examines, and compares several quaternion normalization algorithms, which are shown to be an effective stage in the application of the additive extended Kalman filter (EKF) to spacecraft attitude determination, which is based on vector measurements. Two new normalization schemes are introduced. They are compared with one another and with the known brute force normalization scheme, and their efficiency is examined. Simulated satellite data are used to demonstrate the performance of all three schemes. A fourth scheme is suggested for future research. Although the schemes were tested for spacecraft attitude determination, the conclusions are general and hold for attitude determination of any three dimensional body when based on vector measurements, and use an additive EKF for estimation, and the quaternion for specifying the attitude.

Bar-Itzhack, I. Y.↗

Acoustic Flight Test of the Joby Aviation Advanced Air Mobility Prototype Vehicle

An extensive acoustic flight test was performed on the Joby Aviation pre-production all-electric vertical takeoff and landing prototype. With the design intent of carrying a pilot and four passengers a maximum range of 150 miles, this vehicle utilizes distributed propulsion and vectored thrust via six tilting propellers. As part of the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) National Campaign, this is the first full-scale AAM aircraft tested by NASA over representative conditions for all phases of a typical mission profile. A 58- channel distributed microphone array was used to acquire acoustic measurements on more than 100 test points (31 unique conditions). The measurements were postprocessed with synchronously sampled vehicle position and state data to form ground noise contours of departures and approaches at various flight path angles and accelerations. Comparing ground areas of 75 dBA isolines, approaches consistently exhibit higher noise levels rela- tive to departures. Directivity maps were generated for constant airspeed level flyovers. Examples comparing the differences in a semi-thrust borne and full wing-borne mode are given, with full wing-borne mode representing the quietest phase of the flight envelope tested. Measurements for hover in and out of ground effect are given and found to have 2 to 5 dB variation over a single run, and more significant variation between back-to-back runs. Finally, initial analysis of acoustic symmetry about the longitudinal vehicle axis and repeatability over several test days are presented.

Acoustics↗

NASA Ares I Launch Vehicle First Stage Roll Control System Cold Flow Development Test Program Overview

The Ares I launch vehicle is the selected design, chosen to return humans to the moon, Mars, and beyond. It is configured in two inline stages: the First Stage is a Space Shuttle derived five-segment Solid Rocket Booster and the Upper Stage is powered by a Saturn V derived J-2X engine. During launch, roll control for the First Stage (FS) is handled by a dedicated Roll Control System (RoCS) located on the connecting Interstage. That system will provide the Ares I with the ability to counteract induced roll torque while any induced yaw or pitch moments are handled by vectoring of the booster nozzle. This paper provides an overview of NASA s Ares I FS RoCS cold flow development test program including detailed test objectives, types of tests run to meet those objectives, an overview of the results, and applicable lessons learned. The test article was built and tested at the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, AL. The FS RoCS System Development Test Article (SDTA) is a full scale, flight representative water flow test article whose primary objective was to obtain fluid system performance data to evaluate integrated system level performance characteristics and verify analytical models. Development testing and model correlation was deemed necessary as there is little historical precedent for similar large flow, pulsing systems such as the FS RoCS. The cold flow development test program consisted of flight-similar tanks, pressure regulators, and thruster valves, as well as plumbing simulating flight geometries, combined with other facility grade components and structure. Orifices downstream of the thruster valves were used to simulate the pressure drop through the thrusters. Additional primary objectives of this test program were to: evaluate system surge pressure (waterhammer) characteristics due to thruster valve operation over a range of mission duty cycles at various feed system pressures, evaluate temperature transients and heat transfer in the pressurization system, including regulator blowdown and propellant ullage performance, measure system pressure drops for comparison to analysis of tubing and components, and validate system activation and re-activation procedures for the helium pressurant system. Secondary objectives included: validating system processes for loading, unloading, and purging, validating procedures and system response for multiple failure scenarios, including relief valve operation, and evaluating system performance for contingency scenarios. The test results of the cold flow development test program are essential in validating the performance and interaction of the Roll Control System and anchoring analysis tools and results to a Critical Design Review level of fidelity.

Butt, Adam↗

VSTOL Systems Research Aircraft (VSRA) Harrier

NASA's Ames Research Center has developed and is testing a new integrated flight and propulsion control system that will help pilots land aircraft in adverse weather conditions and in small confined ares (such as, on a small ship or flight deck). The system is being tested in the V/STOL (Vertical/Short Takeoff and Landing) Systems research Aircraft (VSRA), which is a modified version of the U.S. Marine Corps's AV-8B Harrier jet fighter, which can take off and land vertically. The new automated flight control system features both head-up and panel-mounted computer displays and also automatically integrates control of the aircraft's thrust and thrust vector control, thereby reducing the pilot's workload and help stabilize the aircraft for landing. Visiting pilots will be encouraged to test the new system and provide formal evaluation flights data and feedback. An actual flight test and the display panel of control system are shown in this video.

Source record↗