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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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NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Upgrades to the Single Stage Axial Compressor and Fan Facility For Low Pressure Ratio and Boundary Layer Ingesting Fan Research

Next generation aircraft engine efficiency goals will be met through high bypass ratio engines. To achieve these goals, a combination of small core and low pressure ratio fan technologies will be necessary. Additionally, advanced propulsion air-frame integration concepts, such as boundary layer propulsion, and distributed electrically driven fans with short inlets or wing integration strategies, are beginning to be investigated for their potential fuel burn savings. In order to realize the potential fuel savings from these technologies, it is necessary to have testing capabilities for the components. The NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) Single StageAxial Fan and Compressor Facility (also called the GRC W-8Facility) has recently undergone several significant upgrades in order to effectively test low pressure ratio fans and various inlet distortions. This paper will outline various challenges to testing low pressure ratio fans and the methods implemented to ensure that the W-8 facility is capable of performing these tests and acquiring high quality data. The upgrades include significant pip-ing upgrades to reduce pressure loss and turbulence, capability for inlet total pressure and swirl distortion, increased test section length including a longer shaft, a two component balance, an up-graded rotating data system, and a new temperature characterization to reduce uncertainties in thermocouple measurements

W-8 Facility↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Upgrades to the Mars Global Reference Atmospheric Model (Mars-GRAM)

The inability to test planetary spacecraft in the flight environment prior to a mission requires engineers to rely on ground-based testing and models of the vehicle and expected environments. One of the most widely used engineering reference models of planetary atmospheres are the Global Reference Atmospheric Models (GRAMs). The NASA Science Mission Directorate (SMD) has provided funding support to upgrade the GRAMs since Fiscal Year 2018. The GRAM upgrades are being developed by NASA Marshall Space Flight Center and NASA Langley Research Center. This poster provides details regarding recent MarsGRAM upgrades.

atmospheric models↗
NASA NTRS1977

Upgrading and testing program for narrow band high resolution planetary IR imaging spectrometer

An imaging spectrometer, intended primarily for observations of the outer planets, which utilizes an acoustically tuned optical filter (ATOF) and a charge coupled device (CCD) television camera was modified to improve spatial resolution and sensitivity. The upgraded instrument was a spatial resolving power of approximately 1 arc second, as defined by an f/7 beam at the CCD position and it has this resolution over the 50 arc second field of view. Less vignetting occurs and sensitivity is four times greater. The spectral resolution of 15 A over the wavelength interval 6500 A - 11,000 A is unchanged. Mechanical utility has been increased by the use of a honeycomb optical table, mechanically rigid yet adjustable optical component mounts, and a camera focus translation stage. The upgraded instrument was used to observe Venus and Saturn.

Wattson, R. B.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Antenna feedhorn software upgrade

The HYBRIDHORN computer program was developed to serve as an item of general purpose antenna feedhorn design and analysis software. The formulation contains a small flare angle approximation which is subject to question for designs such as the S- and X-band feedhorn. Additionally, the original formulation did not allow azimuthal variation indexes other than unity. The HYBRIDHORN program was upgraded to correct both of these deficiencies. A large flare angle formulation was found. In the upgrade, all of the major program elements were converted to Univac 1108 compatible structured FORTRAN (SFTRAN) for ease of software maintenance. The small and large angle formulations are described and sample numerical results are presented.

Potter, P. D.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Upgraded automotive gas turbine engine design and development program, volume 2

Results are presented for the design and development of an upgraded engine. The design incorporated technology advancements which resulted from development testing on the Baseline Engine. The final engine performance with all retro-fitted components from the development program showed a value of 91 HP at design speed in contrast to the design value of 104 HP. The design speed SFC was 0.53 versus the goal value of 0.44. The miss in power was primarily due to missing the efficiency targets of small size turbomachinery. Most of the SFC deficit was attributed to missed goals in the heat recovery system relative to regenerator effectiveness and expected values of heat loss. Vehicular fuel consumption, as measured on a chassis dynamometer, for a vehicle inertia weight of 3500 lbs., was 15 MPG for combined urban and highway driving cycles. The baseline engine achieved 8 MPG with a 4500 lb. vehicle. Even though the goal of 18.3 MPG was not achieved with the upgraded engine, there was an improvement in fuel economy of 46% over the baseline engine, for comparable vehicle inertia weight.

Wagner, C. E.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Upgrading and performance of the SAO laser ranging system in Matera

The performance of the SAO lasers was improved considerably in terms of accuracy, range noise, data yield, and reliability. With the narrower laser pulse (2.5-3.0 nsec) and a new analog pulse processing system, the systematic range errors were reduced to 3-5 cm and range noise has been reduced to 5-15 cm on low satellites and 10-18 cm on Lageos. Pulse repetition rate was increased to 30 ppm and considerable improvement has been made in signal-to-noise ratio by using a 3 Angstrom interference filter and by reducing the range gate window down to 200-400 nsec. The first upgraded system was installed in Arequipa, Peru in the spring of 1982. The second upgraded system is now in operation in Matera, Italy. The third system is expected to be installed in Israel during 1984.

Maddox, J.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Voyager-Neptune telemetry - The DSN 70 meter antenna upgrade

The Deep Space Network (DSN) is responsible for the acquisition of in-situ science and engineering measurements and navigation data from spacecraft exploring the Solar System. Key characteristics of the DSN design approach, the costs to upgrade performance over the past several decades, and some fundamental constraints on performance are discussed. The specific 70-meter upgrade task and the resulting overall benefits to Voyager-Neptune and the mission set are addressed.

Hall, Justin R.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Ground Communication Facility (GCF) upgrade task for Deep Space Network

The GCF upgrade task for NASA's Deep Space Network (DSN) is described. The DSN is a multimission telecommunications and radiometric data facility used to support space science, exploration, and applications by communicating with spacecraft and observing other radio sources. The GCF upgrade task is a six-year project designed to increase the data rate throughout capacity from 280 kbps to 2.272 Mbps from each tracking area to JPL, and 224 kbps from JPL to each tracking area. This would be accomplished by using a selective automatic repeat request error correction scheme in all throughput data.

Hung, Chaw-Kwei↗
NASA NTRS1992

Preliminary test results and upgrades for an automated assembly system

An automated structures assembly testbed developed by Langley Research Center to study the practical problems associated with the automated assembly of large space structures using robotic manipulators is described. Emphasis is placed on the requirements and features of system upgrades and their impact on system performance, flexibility, and reliability. The current research program is aimed at evolving the baseline assembly system into a flexible, robust, sensor-based system capable of assembling more complex truss-supported satellite systems. To achieve this objective, five system upgrades have been developed including a machine vision capability to eliminate taught robot arm positions; an on-board end-effector microprocessor to reduce communications; a second-generation end-effector to construct contoured trusses for antennas and install payloads; the installation of reflector-type panels on the truss to produce a complete and functional system, and an expert system to significantly reduce the amount of software code required for system operation and provide greater flexibility in implementing new features.

Will, Ralph W.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Two color satellite laser ranging upgrades at Goddard's 1.2m telescope facility

The ranging laboratory at Goddard's 1.2 m telescope tracking facility has recently been upgraded to include a single photoelectron sensitive Hamamatsu streak camera-based range receiver which uses doubled and tripled Nd:YAG frequencies for satellite laser ranging. Other ranging system upgrades include a new continuum laser, which will deliver up to 30 millijoules (mJ) at both 532 and 355 nm at a pulsewidth of 30 picoseconds (FWHM), and replacement of both ranging and tracking computers with COMPAQ 386 based systems. Preliminary results using a photomultiplier-tube based receiver and waveform digitizer indicate agreement within the accuracy of the measurement with the theoretical Marini and Murray model for atmospheric refraction. Two color streak camera measurements are used to further analyze the accuracy of these and other atmospheric refraction models.

Zagwodzki, Thomas W.↗
NASA NTRS1993

HP upgrade operational streamlining

New computer technology and resources must be successfully integrated into CDSLR station operations to manage new complex operational tracking requirements, support the on site production of new data products, support ongoing station performance improvements, and to support new station communication requirements. The NASA CDSLR Network is in the process of upgrading station computer resources with HP UNIX workstations, designed to automate a wide range of operational station requirements. The primary HP upgrade objective was to relocate computer intensive data system tasks from the controller computer to a new advanced computer environment designed to meet the new data system requirements. The HP UNIX environment supports fully automated real time data communications, data management, data processing, and data quality control. Automated data compression procedures are used to improve the efficiency of station data communications. In addition, the UNIX environment supports a number of semi-automated technical and administrative operational station tasks. The x window user interface generates multiple simultaneous color graphics displays, providing direct operator visibility and control over a wide range of operational station functions.

Edge, David R.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Network upgrades

The NASA Scientific and Technical Information (STI) Project modernization plan covers both software and hardware upgrades. On the hardware side, replacing terminals with PC's will enhance office automation functions, provide mainframe and computer network systems access, and facilitate client/server functions. The modernization plan upgrades will involve commercial off-the-shelf software, user interface and client development tools, and the redesign and integration of application systems and software.

Ridgeway, Roland↗
NASA NTRS1993

On-line upgrade of program modules

This paper presents a taxonomy of problems that must be solved in order to achieve on-line upgradability of long-lived programs, and presents a solution to the fundamental problems in the taxonomy. The solutions are based upon AdaPT, a set of language extensions designed to aid in the distribution of a single Ada program. AdaPT introduces three major units, the public, the partition, and the node. Publics are primarily used to share type information. Partitions are the basic units of distribution while nodes are used to control the configuration of the program. Nodes and partitions can be created dynamically via the allocator. A node-level routine controls the replacement process. The controlling node creates a new instance of the routine being replaced; the run-time system must ensure that the new instance is the updated one. Once access to the new version has been established, all further calls to the module are redirected to the new version and the caller is informed of the change so that it may make subsequent calls directly. When a module is being upgraded, there is a transition period during which both the old and new versions are present. We require that clients of a potentially replaceable module 'check in' with the controlling node. The controlling node keeps track of the number of clients that have been redirected to the replacement. When all have been redirected, the old version can be deallocated.

Waldrop, Raymond S.↗
NASA NTRS1996

GPS Monitor Station Upgrade Program at the Naval Research Laboratory

One of the measurements made by the Global Positioning System (GPS) monitor stations is to measure the continuous pseudo-range of all the passing GPS satellites. The pseudo-range contains GPS and monitor station clock errors as well as GPS satellite navigation errors. Currently the time at the GPS monitor station is obtained from the GPS constellation and has an inherent inaccuracy as a result. Improved timing accuracy at the GPS monitoring stations will improve GPS performance. The US Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) is developing hardware and software for the GPS monitor station upgrade program to improve the monitor station clock accuracy. This upgrade will allow a method independent of the GPS satellite constellation of measuring and correcting monitor station time to US Naval Observatory (USNO) time. THe hardware consists of a high performance atomic cesium frequency standard (CFS) and a computer which is used to ensemble the CFS with the two CFS's currently located at the monitor station by use of a dual-mixer system. The dual-mixer system achieves phase measurements between the high-performance CFS and the existing monitor station CFS's to within 400 femtoseconds. Time transfer between USNO and a given monitor station is achieved via a two way satellite time transfer modem. The computer at the monitor station disciplines the CFS based on a comparison of one pulse per second sent from the master site at USNO. The monitor station computer is also used to perform housekeeping functions, as well as recording the health status of all three CFS's. This information is sent to the USNO through the time transfer modem. Laboratory time synchronization results in the sub nanosecond range have been observed and the ability to maintain the monitor station CFS frequency to within 3.0 x 10 (sup minus 14) of the master site at USNO.

Galysh, Ivan J.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Research of TREETOPS Structural Dynamics Controls Simulation Upgrade

Under the provisions of contract number NAS8-40194, which was entitled 'TREETOPS Structural Dynamics and Controls Simulation System Upgrade', Oakwood College contracted to produce an upgrade to the existing TREETOPS suite of analysis tools. This suite includes the main simulation program, TREETOPS, two interactive preprocessors, TREESET and TREEFLX, an interactive post processor, TREEPLOT, and an adjunct program, TREESEL. A 'Software Design Document', which provides descriptions of the argument lists and internal variables for each subroutine in the TREETOPS suite, was established. Additionally, installation guides for both DOS and UNIX platforms were developed. Finally, updated User's Manuals, as well as a Theory Manual, were generated.

Yates, Rose M.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Methods and Techniques for Risk Prediction of Space Shuttle Upgrades

Since the Space Shuttle Accident in 1986, NASA has been trying to incorporate probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) in decisions concerning the Space Shuttle and other NASA projects. One major study NASA is currently conducting is in the PRA area in establishing an overall risk model for the Space Shuttle System. The model is intended to provide a tool to predict the Shuttle risk and to perform sensitivity analyses and trade studies including evaluation of upgrades. Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) and its prime contractors including Pratt and Whitney (P&W) are part of the NASA team conducting the PRA study. MSFC responsibility involves modeling the External Tank (ET), the Solid Rocket Booster (SRB), the Reusable Solid Rocket Motor (RSRM), and the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME). A major challenge that faced the PRA team is modeling the shuttle upgrades. This mainly includes the P&W High Pressure Fuel Turbopump (HPFTP) and the High Pressure Oxidizer Turbopump (HPOTP). The purpose of this paper is to discuss the various methods and techniques used for predicting the risk of the P&W redesigned HPFTP and HPOTP.

Hoffman, Chad R.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Technology and Advanced Development for a Non-Toxic Orbital Maneuvering System and Reaction Control System for Orbiter Upgrade

NASA intends to pursue technology applications to upgrade the Space Shuttle Orbiter OMS and RCS systems with non-toxic propellants. The primary objectives of an upgraded OMS/RCS are improved safety and reliability, reduced operations and maintenance costs while meeting basic OMS/RCS operational and performance requirements. The OMS/RCS has a high degree of direct interaction with the crew and requires subsystem and components that are compatible with integration into the orbiter vehicle with regard to external mold-line, power and thermal control The non-toxic propulsion technology is also applicable to future Human Exploration and Development of Space (HEDS) missions. The HEDS missions have similar requirements for attitude control and lander descent/ascent propulsion and which will emphasize the use of In-Situ Resource for propellants. When used as a regenerative coolant as in the Shuttle Orbiter OMS combustion chamber, non-toxic fuels such as ethanol are limited in their cooling capacity by the bulk temperature rise permitted to prevent film boiling or possible coking. Typical regeneratively cooled chambers are constructed from highly conductive copper, which maximizes heat transfer, or from low conductivity materials like stainless steel that can also exacerbate cooling problems. For an ethanol cooled application the heat transfer into the fluid must be controlled to reduce the fuel coolant bulk temperature rise. An approach to provide this control is the subject of this report. This report is being issued to document work done by Aerojet on NASA contract NAS 8-98042. Specifically, this project investigates of the use of ethanol, a designated non-toxic fuel, as a coolant for the Space Shuttle Orbital Maneuvering System Engine combustion chamber. The project also addresses a cost reducing fabrication technique for construction of such a combustion chamber. The study contained three major sub-tasks: an analytical investigation and trade study which included layout of a flight type chamber concept, the fabrication and evaluation of formed platelet liner panels and the preparation and testing of mechanical properties specimens representative of a novel hot gas wall concept.

Hayes, W. A.↗
NASA NTRS2000

STS-101: Atlantis Orbiter Upgrade Briefing

Live footage shows panelists, Manager of the Space Shuttle Program Development, Elric McHenry, and the Associate Program Manager for Space Shuttle Upgrades, Andy Allen, giving an overview of the new upgrades on the STS-101 Orbiter. McHenry and Allen speaks about the changes and modernization of Atlantis. The panelists' mentions all the new capabilities of the new glass cockpit. They emphasize the redesign of the engine, specifically, the ability to shut down automatically. They also discuss future implementation of a smart cockpit.

Source record↗