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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 55 records · Page 3

Applications of Multi Port Amplifier to personal satellite communications

In personal satellite communications, satellite antenna beam becomes narrow, and number of beams will be thirty to more than one hundred. This paper shows that Multi Port Amplifier is most suitable to multiple beam transmitter for personal communications satellite. It was shown that the single beam coverage area(cell) diameter is determined by personal earth station(PES) eirp, uplink C/No and uplink frequency band. Required number of cells for European or North American regional coverage at FPLMTS uplink frequency band is shown as around 32. It was shown that 32 beams systems will be easily implemented by using 2 set of 16-port MPA. Redundancy to SSPA failure is considered by increasing number of SSPAs. Actual configuration for 16-port MPA are briefly shown. The presented configuration will be easy to implement and the most economical solution.

Egami, Shunichiro↗

NAS Experiences of Porting CM Fortran Codes to HPF on IBM SP2 and SGI Power Challenge

Current Connection Machine (CM) Fortran codes developed for the CM-2 and the CM-5 represent an important class of parallel applications. Several users have employed CM Fortran codes in production mode on the CM-2 and the CM-5 for the last five to six years, constituting a heavy investment in terms of cost and time. With Thinking Machines Corporation's decision to withdraw from the hardware business and with the decommissioning of many CM-2 and CM-5 machines, the best way to protect the substantial investment in CM Fortran codes is to port the codes to High Performance Fortran (HPF) on highly parallel systems. HPF is very similar to CM Fortran and thus represents a natural transition. Conversion issues involved in porting CM Fortran codes on the CM-5 to HPF are presented. In particular, the differences between data distribution directives and the CM Fortran Utility Routines Library, as well as the equivalent functionality in the HPF Library are discussed. Several CM Fortran codes (Cannon algorithm for matrix-matrix multiplication, Linear solver Ax=b, 1-D convolution for 2-D datasets, Laplace's Equation solver, and Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) codes have been ported to Subset HPF on the IBM SP2 and the SGI Power Challenge. Speedup ratios versus number of processors for the Linear solver and DSMC code are presented.

Saini, Subhash↗

Internal Flow Thermal/Fluid Modeling of STS-107 Port Wing in Support of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board

As part of the aero-thermodynamics team supporting the Columbia Accident Investigation Board (CAB), the Marshall Space Flight Center was asked to perform engineering analyses of internal flows in the port wing. The aero-thermodynamics team was split into internal flow and external flow teams with the support being divided between shorter timeframe engineering methods and more complex computational fluid dynamics. In order to gain a rough order of magnitude type of knowledge of the internal flow in the port wing for various breach locations and sizes (as theorized by the CAB to have caused the Columbia re-entry failure), a bulk venting model was required to input boundary flow rates and pressures to the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analyses. This paper summarizes the modeling that was done by MSFC in Thermal Desktop. A venting model of the entire Orbiter was constructed in FloCAD based on Rockwell International s flight substantiation analyses and the STS-107 reentry trajectory. Chemical equilibrium air thermodynamic properties were generated for SINDA/FLUINT s fluid property routines from a code provided by Langley Research Center. In parallel, a simplified thermal mathematical model of the port wing, including the Thermal Protection System (TPS), was based on more detailed Shuttle re-entry modeling previously done by the Dryden Flight Research Center. Once the venting model was coupled with the thermal model of the wing structure with chemical equilibrium air properties, various breach scenarios were assessed in support of the aero-thermodynamics team. The construction of the coupled model and results are presented herein.

Sharp, John R.↗

Solutions Network Formulation Report: Improving NOAA's PORTS(R) Through Enhanced Data Inputs from NASA's Ocean Surface Topography Mission

The Nation uses water-level data for a variety of practical purposes, including nautical charting, maritime navigation, hydrography, coastal engineering, and tsunami and storm surge warnings. Long-term applications include marine boundary determinations, tidal predictions, sea-level trend monitoring, oceanographic research, and climate research. Accurate and timely information concerning sea-level height, tide, and ocean current is needed to understand their impact on coastal management, disaster management, and public health. Satellite altimeter data products are currently used by hundreds of researchers and operational users to monitor ocean circulation and to improve scientists understanding of the role of the oceans in climate and weather. The NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) National Ocean Service has been monitoring sea-level variations for many years. NOAA s PORTS (Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System) DST (decision support tool), managed by the Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services, supports safe and cost-efficient navigation by providing ship masters and pilots with accurate real-time information required to avoid groundings and collisions. This report assesses the capacity of NASA s satellite altimeter data to meet societal decision support needs through incorporation into NOAA s PORTS. NASA has a long heritage of collecting data for ocean research, including its current Terra and Aqua missions. Numerous other missions provide additional important information for coastal management issues, and data collection will continue in the coming decade with such missions as the OSTM (Ocean Surface Topography Mission). OSTM will provide data on sea-surface heights for determining ocean circulation, climate change, and sea-level rise. We suggest that NASA incorporate OSTM altimeter data (C- and Ku-band) into NOAA s PORTS DST in support of NASA s Coastal Management National Application with secondary support to the Disaster Management and Public Health National Applications.

Guest, DeNeice↗

Using Indium Tin Oxide To Mitigate Dust on Viewing Ports

NASA plans to use a number of onboard viewing ports to measure lunar regolith in situ and to monitor robotic and human activities on the lunar or Martian surface. Because of the size and abundance of dust particles on these bodies, the potential for dust to occlude viewing ports and windows is high enough to threaten system lifetime and reliability, especially when activities rely on relaying video to either a habitat module or controllers on Earth. This project uses a technology being developed by KSC's Electrostatics and Surface Physics Laboratory to remove dust from windowlike surfaces. The technology applies an alternating electric potential to interlaced electrodes. In this application, we use indium tin oxide (ITO) to create various electrode patterns in order to determine the most reliable pattern for dust removal. This technology has application to systems where optical clarity is important. Specifically, this project considers the in situ resource utilization (ISRU) application of a viewing port for Raman spectroscopy, where the electrode pattern on glass would be coated with a scratch-resistant sapphire film (Al2O3).

Source record↗

Investigation of a Low-Drag Gun Port in the NACA Two-Dimensional Low-Turbulence Tunnel

Tests were made in the NACA two-dimensional low-turbulence tunnel of three gun ports with a height of approximately 4 percent of the chord faired into an NACA 66,2-213 low-drag-airfoil section by bulging the section at the gun port. Gun ports faired in this manner had practically no effect on the maximum lift and the critical compressibility speed of the section and showed only small increase in the drag in the range of lift coefficients for high-speed and cruising-flight conditions.

Horton, Elmer A.↗

Design of P-3 Nadir Port

This project details the design and analysis of a structure to replace the interface of the P-3B nadir port with an optimized interface for science installations. A new nadir port plug has been designed to replace the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) plug (Lockheed PN 910169) currently used in Nadir ports 1 and 2 on the NASA P-3B aircraft. The plug consists of a milled frame that can be outfitted with customizable flat plates to meet a broad range of science needs. The frame slides into place using the existing P-3B rail system using a lever and tie-rod assembly. The seal interface will contact the Fuselage skin of the aircraft and consists of a bulb E-seal that is riveted around the perimeter of the frame. The flat plate (20 inches x 31 inches) provides a large profile that can be outfitted based on science mission goals and requirements to attach multiple instruments. This is a significant increase to the aircraft capability. Previously, the OEM plug had to be modified to hold very small plates, windows, or instruments limiting the use of the ports.There were several challenges for this project that included a constrained schedule, lack of historical references, and reverse engineering. The unusually tight schedule for design, manufacture, and install limited potential approaches. In addition, design of a new interface to replace the existing plug, on an aircraft designed in the 1960's by Lockheed for the Navy with little to no documentation, required substantial reverse engineering. In order to accomplish this, a suitable method to determine interface requirements with the aircraft had to be solved. After several iterations, the solution was to implement laser scanning techniques to scan the aircraft and the OEM plug and generate a 3D model to capture the design envelope. The structure is designed to maintain a positive margin of safety when subjected to the inertial, pressure, and aerodynamic load requirements for an external installation on the P-3B, as described in the Wallops' P-3B Design Requirements 548-RQMT-0001 Rev. A . A finite element model is created in FEMAP (Finite Element Modeling And Postprocessing) and is run through NX Nastran solver to analyze the structure. After several iterations of analysis, the structure was enveloped to hold 115 pounds evenly distributed on the plate.

Chance, Monica↗

Using Scattered Light From Nadir Port to Aid the Terra and Aqua MODIS Reflective Solar Band Calibration

The MODIS instruments on the Terra and Aqua spacecraft employ a solar diffuser (SD) and a solar diffuser stability monitor (SDSM) system to calibrate their reflective solar bands (RSBs), covering a spectral range from 0.4 to 2.1 µm. The UV exposure of the SD, from its sun-view port as well as the scattered light (sunlight reflected from top-of-atmosphere), has led to a wavelength dependent degradation of the SD, with larger degradation observed at shorter wavelengths. The scatter off the diffuser onto the scan mirror is in the forward direction, whereas the scatter off the diffuser onto the SDSM fold mirror is in the backward direction. Since the outgoing angles (viewed by MODIS detectors) are the same as the scheduled SD calibration, the gain derived from scattering light facilitates monitoring the dependence of the SD’s degradation on incident angles. In this paper, we present a method that uses multiple orbits over each mission to obtain a SD response to the nadir port illumination. The SD degradation estimated from the nadir port illumination is compared with the degradation derived from the sun-illuminated SD. As both Terra and Aqua spacecraft continue to drift from their nominal orbits, the SD calibration mechanism has been adapted to these drifts, especially in terms of characterizing the transmission screen function. This paper also presents the utility of this scattering light data to support the RSB calibration in the post-nominal orbit drift era of operations.

MODIS↗

The potential of multi-port optical memories in digital computing

A high-capacity memory with a relatively high data transfer rate and multi-port simultaneous access capability may serve as the basis for new computer architectures. The implementation of a multi-port optical memory is discussed. Several computer structures are presented that might profitably use such a memory. These structures include (1) a simultaneous record access system, (2) a simultaneously shared memory computer system, and (3) a parallel digital processing structure.

Alford, C. O.↗

Safety shield for vacuum/pressure chamber viewing port

Observers are protected from flying debris resulting from a failure of a vacuum or pressure chamber viewing port following an implosion or explosion by an optically clear shatter resistant safety shield which spaced apart from the viewing port on the outer surface of the chamber.

Shimansky, R. A.↗

Interface Circuit For Printer Port

Electronic circuit, called printer-port interface circuit (PPI) developed to overcome certain disadvantages of previous methods for connecting IBM PC or PC-compatible computer to other equipment. Has both reading and writing modes of operation. Very simple, requiring only six integrated circuits. Provides for moderately fast rates of transfer of data and uses existing unmodified circuit card in IBM PC. When used with appropriate software, circuit converts printer port on IBM PC, XT, AT, or compatible personal computer to general purpose, 8-bit-data, 16-bit address bus that connects to multitude of devices.

Tucker, Jerry H.↗

Determination of the dissipative loss of a two-port network from noise temperature measurements

When radiometric equipment is available, noise temperature measurement techniques provide a convenient and accurate means for determining the dissipative component of the insertion loss of a two-port network. It is increasingly becoming the practice to ignore mismatch errors caused by multiple reflections between the source, the receiver, and the component whose dissipative loss is being measured. Mismatch errors are difficult to determine in practice because of the requirements of having full knowledge of the magnitudes of reflection coefficients and S-parameters. This article shows it is permissible to neglect the effects of mismatch errors if special conditions are met. These special conditions only require that the reflection coefficients of the source and load be made negligibly small and that the two-port network being evaluated has reciprocal and symmetrical properties.

Otoshi, T. Y.↗

ASRM Multi-Port Igniter Flow Field Analysis

The Advanced Solid Rocket Motor (ASRM) program was initiated by NASA in response to the need for a new generation rocket motor capable of providing increased thrust levels over the existing Redesigned Solid Rocket Motor (RSRM) and thus augment the lifting capacity of the space shuttle orbiter. To achieve these higher thrust levels and improve motor reliability, advanced motor design concepts were employed. In the head end of the motor, for instance, the propellent cast has been changed from the conventional annular configuration to a 'multi-slot' configuration in order to increase the burn surface area and guarantee rapid motor ignition. In addition, the igniter itself has been redesigned and currently features 12 exhaust ports in order to channel hot igniter combustion gases into the circumferential propellent slots. Due to the close proximity of the igniter ports to the propellent surfaces, new concerns over possible propellent deformation and erosive burning have arisen. The following documents the effort undertaken using computational fluid dynamics to perform a flow field analysis in the top end of the ASRM motor to determine flow field properties necessary to permit a subsequent propellent fin deformation analysis due to pressure loading and an assessment of the extent of erosive burning.

Kania, Lee↗

Design of the NASA Lewis 4-Port Wave Rotor Experiment

Pressure exchange wave rotors, used in a topping stage, are currently being considered as a possible means of increasing the specific power, and reducing the specific fuel consumption of gas turbine engines. Despite this interest, there is very little information on the performance of a wave rotor operating on the cycle (i.e., set of waves) appropriate for use in a topping stage. One such cycle, which has the advantage of being relatively easy to incorporate into an engine, is the four-port cycle. Consequently, an experiment to measure the performance of a four-port wave rotor for temperature ratios relevant to application as a topping cycle for a gas turbine engine has been designed and built at NASA Lewis. The design of the wave rotor is described, together with the constraints on the experiment.

Wilson, Jack↗

Comparison Between Simulated and Experimentally Measured Performance of a Four Port Wave Rotor

Performance and operability testing has been completed on a laboratory-scale, four-port wave rotor, of the type suitable for use as a topping cycle on a gas turbine engine. Many design aspects, and performance estimates for the wave rotor were determined using a time-accurate, one-dimensional, computational fluid dynamics-based simulation code developed specifically for wave rotors. The code follows a single rotor passage as it moves past the various ports, which in this reference frame become boundary conditions. This paper compares wave rotor performance predicted with the code to that measured during laboratory testing. Both on and off-design operating conditions were examined. Overall, the match between code and rig was found to be quite good. At operating points where there were disparities, the assumption of larger than expected internal leakage rates successfully realigned code predictions and laboratory measurements. Possible mechanisms for such leakage rates are discussed.

Paxson, Daniel E.↗

Porting the Core Flight System to the Dellingr Cubesat

Dellingr is a 6U Cubesat developed by NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. It was delivered to the International Space Station in August 2017, and is scheduled to be deployed in November 2017. Compared to a typical NASA satellite, the Dellingr Cubesat had an extremely low budget and short schedule. Although the Dellingr Cubesat has minimal hardware resources, the cFS was ultimately chosen for the flight software. Using the cFS on the Dellingr Cubesat presented a few challenges, but also offered opportunities to help speed up development and verify the ACS flight software. This presentation will cover the lessons learned in porting the cFS to the Dellingr Cubesat, including working with the limited hardware resources, porting the cFS to FreeRTOS, and overcoming limitations related to data storage and file transfer. This presentation will also cover how hardware abstraction was used to run the flight software on multiple platforms and interface with the 42 dynamic simulator.

flight softwar↗