Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “commentary”

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 55 records · Page 3

Survey of application of radiation to preparative chemistry

The use of radiation for preparative chemistry in liquid solutions is investigated. General principles are presented and preparations involving reduction, oxidation, polymerization, and decomposition are given. The use of various solvents, water, other inorganic liquids and organic liquids for this purpose is discussed. Finally, a commentary is made on some specific applications where radiation chemistry as a preparative technique may be useful.

Philipp, W. H.↗

Prediction of free shear flows: A comparison of the performance of six turbulence models

The performance is evaluated of three distinct classes of turbulence model. These classes are: (1) Turbulent-viscosity models in which the length scale of turbulence is found by way of algebraic formulas, (2) turbulent-viscosity models in which the length scale of turbulence is found from a partial differential equation of transport, and (3) models in which the shear stress itself is the dependent variable of a partial differential conservation equation. Two models were examined in each class; thus, six different models were tested. A complete mathematical statement of these models is provided and a brief commentary on the models is included.

Launder, B. E.↗

Flight-path and airspeed control for the STOL approach and landing

Analytical investigations and piloted moving base simulator evaluations were conducted for manual control of flight path and airspeed for the approach and landing of a powered lift jet STOL aircraft. Flight-path and airspeed response characteristics were described analytically and were evaluated for the simulation experiments which were carried out on a large motion simulator. The response characteristics were selected and evaluated for a specified path and speed control technique. These characteristics were the initial flight-path response, flight-path overshoot, flight-path-airspeed coupling in response to a change in thrust, and the sensitivity of airspeed to pitch-attitude changes. Results are presented in the form of pilot opinion ratings and commentary, substantiated where appropriate by response time histories and aircraft states at the point of touchdown.

Franklin, J. A.↗

MSFC Skylab Kohoutek project report

Skylab 4 experiment's selection for observing of the Comet Kohoutek, 1973f is documented. The report also reflects premission planning versus the actual experiment performance based upon the changing cometary parameters. The experiment concepts, hardware, operational performance and anaomalies are discussed. Experiments which viewed the comet were mainly through the SAL and ATM, but some were handheld and EVA. A complete astronaut commentary appears as appendixes.

Source record↗

A STOL airworthiness investigation using a simulation of an augmentor wing transport. Volume 2: Simulation data and analysis

A simulator study of STOL airworthiness was conducted using a model of an augmentor wing transport. The approach, flare and landing, go-around, and takeoff phases of flight were investigated. The simulation and the data obtained are described. These data include performance measures, pilot commentary, and pilot ratings. A pilot/vehicle analysis of glide slope tracking and of the flare maneuver is included.

Heffley, R. K.↗

Medical Information Management System (MIMS): A generalized interactive information system

An interactive information system is described. It is a general purpose, free format system which offers immediate assistance where manipulation of large data bases is required. The medical area is a prime area of application. Examples of the system's operation, commentary on the examples, and a complete listing of the system program are included.

Alterescu, S.↗

The Slate all metal airship

The development of the Slate all metal airship City of Glendale built and completed in 1930 is presented. The airship facilities are discussed. Pertinent data which led to other engineering accomplishments for aviation are shown. The SMD-100 concept is presented along with a brief commentary on the costs and problems involved in such an airship design and the application of the hoisting and elevator facilities to airship development.

Slate, C. C.↗

Lunar cartographic dossier, volume 1

The dossier is designed to provide an up to date summary of the extent and quality of cartographic information as well as describing materials available to support lunar scientific investigation and study. It covers the specific photographic, selenodetic and cartographic data considered to be of continuing significance to users of lunar cartographic information. Historical background data is included. Descriptive and evaluative information is presented concerning lunar maps, photomaps and photo mosaics. Discussion comprises identification of series or individual sheet characteristics, control basis, source materials and compilation methodology used. The global, regional and local selenodetic control are described which were produced for lunar feature location in support of lunar mapping or positional study. Further discussion covers the fundamental basis for each control system, number of points produced, techniques employed and evaluated accuracy. Although lunar photography is an informational source rather than a cartographic product, a photography section was included to facilitate correlation to the mapping and control works described. Description of lunar photographic systems, photography and photo support data are presented from a cartographic-photogrammetric viewpoint with commentary on cartographic applications.

Schimerman, L. A.↗

Numerical study of some solar-wind interaction models with space objects

The considerable variety of atmospheric and magnetic field properties possessed by the planets results in a corresponding variety of flow details, and a remarkably rich field of comparative study of solar wind flow around major objects in the solar system. It is the purpose of this paper to present a review of the fluid aspects of these flows and how they are approximated to obtain tractable mathematical problems, and a commentary on possibilities for further improvements and on some misconceptions that have appeared in applications of the results.

Belotserkovskii, O. M.↗

Hygroscopic Properties of Magnetic Recording Tape

Relative humidity has been recognized as an important environmental factor in many head-tape interface phenomena such as headwear, friction, staining, and tape shed. Accordingly, the relative humidity is usually specified in many applications of tape use, especially when tape recorders are enclosed in hermetically sealed cases. Normally, the relative humidity is believed regulated by humidification of the fill gas to the specification relative humidity. This study demonstrates that the internal relative humidity in a sealed case is completely controlled by the time-dpendence of the hygroscopic properties of the pack of magnetic recording tape. Differences are found in the hygroscopic properties of the same brand of tape, which apparently result from aging, and which may have an effect on the long-term humidity-regulating behavior in a sealed case, and on the occurrence of head-tape interface phenomena from the long-term use of the tape. Results are presented on the basic hygroscopic properties of magnetic tape, its humidity-regulating behavior in a sealed case, and a theoretical commentary on the relative humidity dependence of head-wear by tape, is included.

Cuddihy, E. F.↗

Longitudinal handling qualities during approach and landing of a powered lift STOL aircraft

Longitudinal handling qualities evaluations were conducted on the Ames Research Center Flight Simulator for Advanced Aircraft (FSAA) for the approach and landing tasks of a powered lift STOL research aircraft. The test vehicle was a C-8A aircraft modified with a new wing incorporating internal blowing over an augmentor flap. The investigation included: (1) use of various flight path and airspeed control techniques for the basic vehicle; (2) assessment of stability and command augmentation schemes for pitch attitude and airspeed control; (3) determination of the influence of longitudinal and vertical force coupling for the power control; (4) determination of the influence of pitch axis coupling with the thrust vector control; and (5) evaluations of the contribution of stability and command augmentation to recovery from a single engine failure. Results are presented in the form of pilot ratings and commentary substantiated by landing approach time histories.

Franklin, J. A.↗

A design procedure for control/display systems

This paper proposes a design procedure for control and display systems in which levels of automation vary over a significant range. The elements of the primary analysis tool (the Optimal Control Model of the Human Operator) are briefly reviewed, and the use of the model at three levels of specification (information level, display-element level, and display-format level) is discussed. Based on observation and pilot commentary, it is assumed that the pilot allocates his attention to control the aircraft to the desired level of performance, and then, with remaining capacity, to monitor displays. This facet of behavior is incorporated into the design procedure so that regardless of the level of control automation, all systems are compared at the same level of control performance. The design procedure is applied to the longitudinal control of a CH-47 helicopter. The procedure points out the need for performance-workload relations for control, which are fairly well understood, and performance-workload relations for monitoring, about which little is known.

Curry, R. E.↗

The physics of gridded and conductive coated dielectrics for spacecraft

Theoretical aspects of electrostatic control and design of gridded and conductive film bonded polymers, for spacecraft Thermo-optical blankets are considered. Brief commentaries relative to the salient features of the primarily developed facility for and characterization of said polymers is also considered.

Okress, E. C.↗

A piloted simulator study on augmentation systems to improve helicopter flying qualities in terrain flight

Four basic single-rotor helicopters, one teetering, on articulated, and two hingeless, which were found to have a variety of major deficiencies in a previous fixed-based simulator study, were selected as baseline configurations. The stability and control augmentation systems (SCAS) include simple control augmentation systems to decouple pitch and yaw responses due to collective input and to quicken the pitch and roll control responses; SCAS of rate-command type designed to optimize the sensitivity and damping and to decouple the pitch-roll due to aircraft angular tate; and attitude-command type SCAS. Pilot ratings and commentary are presented as well as performance data related to the task. SCAS control usages and their gain levels associated with specific rotor types are also discussed.

Chen, R. T. N.↗

The NASTRAN theoretical manual (level 16.0)

The manual is a commentary on the NASTRAN computer program, introducing the program to all interested persons. The manual's most important function is to present the developments of the analytical and numerical procedures that underlie the program. This manual is one of the four manuals which document the NASTRAN computer program.

Source record↗

Aerodynamic characteristics of sixteen electric, hybrid, and subcompact vehicles

An elementary electric and hybrid vehicle aerodynamic data base was developed using data obtained on sixteen electric, hybrid, and sub-compact production vehicles tested in the Lockheed-Georgia low-speed wind tunnel. Zero-yaw drag coefficients ranged from a high of 0.58 for a boxey delivery van and an open roadster to a low of about 0.34 for a current four-passenger proto-type automobile which was designed with aerodynamics as an integrated parameter. Vehicles were tested at yaw angles up to 40 degrees and a wing weighting analysis is presented which yields a vehicle's effective drag coefficient as a function of wing velocity and driving cycle. Other parameters investigated included the effects of windows open and closed, radiators open and sealed, and pop-up headlights. Complete six-component force and moment data are presented in both tabular and graphical formats. Only limited commentary is offered since, by its very nature, a data base should consist of unrefined reference material. A justification for pursuing efficient aerodynamic design of EHVs is presented.

Kurtz, D. W.↗

A piloted simulator investigation of augmentation systems to improve helicopter nap-of-the-earth handling qualities

A piloted simulation study assessed various levels of stability and control augmentation designed to improve the handling qualities of several helicopters in nap-of-the-earth (NOE) flight. Five basic single rotor helicopters - one teetering, two articulated, and two hingeless - which were found to have a variety of major deficiencies in a previous fixed-based simulator study were selected as baseline configurations. The stability and control augmentation systems (SCAS) include simple control augmentation systems (CAS) to decouple pitch and yaw responses due to collective input and to quicken the pitch and roll control responses; SCAS of rate command type designed to optimize the sensitivity and damping and to decouple the pitch-roll due to aircraft angular rate; and attitude command type SCAS. Pilot ratings and commentary are presented as well as performance data related to the task. SCAS control usage and their gain levels associated with specific rotor type are also discussed.

Chen, R. T. N.↗

Piloted simulator investigation of helicopter control systems effects on handling qualities during instrument flight

An exploratory piloted simulation was conducted to investigate the effects of the characteristics of helicopter flight control systems on instrument flight handling qualities. This joint FAA/NASA study was motivated by the need to improve instrument flight capability. A near-term objective is to assist in updating the airworthiness criteria for helicopter instrument flight. The experiment consisted of variations of single-rotor helicopter types and levels of stability and control augmentation systems (SCAS). These configurations were evaluated during an omnirange approach task under visual and instrument flight conditions. The levels of SCAS design included a simple rate damping system, collective decoupling plus rate damping, and an attitude command system with collective decoupling. A limited evaluation of stick force versus airspeed stability was accomplished. Some problems were experienced with control system mechanization which had a detrimental effect on longitudinal stability. Pilot ratings, pilot commentary, and performance data related to the task are presented.

Forrest, R. D.↗