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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 559 records · Page 31
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1995

Ultra-high, resolution, modular optical angle encoder for space-based opto-mechanical applications

A 27-bit optical encoder using a novel patent pending technology has been developed by the MicroE Development Center of BEI Sensors & Systems Company and tested by the Sensor Systems Group (SSG) Inc., in a positioning and stabilization mirror assembly (PSMA) designed and constructed under a grant from the Marshall Space Flight Center. Test results verified performance within the specifications of the PSMA.

Luther, Holger↗
NASA NTRS1994

Space Active Modular Materials Experiments (SAMMES): Low Earth Orbital mission aboard the Space Test Experiments STEP-3 platform

The requirement of satellite systems to survive in the space environment for 5 to 10 years to achieve greater cost effectiveness is discussed. Characterization of the orbital space environment and its effects on spacecraft systems have received considerable research attention. Instrumentation for long term measurement of key physical parameters characterizing the low Earth orbit (LEO) environment and its effects on degradation of spacecraft materials and solar arrays is reported. These measurements enable active, real time monitoring of the health of spacecraft and payload systems. SAMMES is designed to be autonomous, compact, low power, and lightweight.

Joshi, P.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Composite Cocured Modular Eggcrate-Core Sandwich Structure

Lightweight composite-material (e.g., graphite fiber/epoxy matrix) cocured sandwich panels with eggcratelike cores developed for use as principal components of optical benches and other structures that support precise optical instruments. Structures offer greater thermal and mechanical stability. Advantages include easier fabrication and better mechanical properties.

Magurany, Charles J.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Modular transportable superconducting magnetic energy systems

Design and cost studies were performed for the magnet components of mid-size (1-5 MWh), cold supported SMES systems using alternative configurations. The configurations studied included solenoid magnets, which required onsite assembly of the magnet system, and toroid and racetrack configurations which consisted of factory assembled modules. For each configuration, design concepts and cost information were developed for the major features of the magnet system including the conductor, electrical insulation, and structure. These studies showed that for mid-size systems, the costs of solenoid and toroid magnet configurations are comparable and that the specific configuration to be used for a given application should be based upon customer requirements such as limiting stray fields or minimizing risks in development or construction.

Lieurance, Dennis↗
NASA NTRS1996

Program Simulates A Modular Manufacturing System

SSE computer program provides simulation environment for modeling manufacturing systems containing relatively small numbers of stations and operators. Designed to simulate manufacturing of apparel, also used in other manufacturing domains. Excellent for small or medium-size firms including those lacking expertise to develop detailed models or have only minimal knowledge in describing manufacturing systems and in analyzing results of simulations on mathematical models. User does not need to know simulation language to use SSE. Used to design new modules and to evaluate existing modules. Originally written in Turbo C v2.0 for IBM PC-compatible computers running MS-DOS and successfully implemented by use of Turbo C++ v3.0.

Schroer, Bernard J.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Another Program Simulates A Modular Manufacturing System

SSE5 computer program provides simulation environment for modeling manufacturing systems containing relatively small numbers of stations and operators. Designed to simulate manufacturing of apparel, also used in other manufacturing domains. Valuable for small or medium-size firms, including those lacking expertise to develop detailed mathematical models or have only minimal knowledge in describing manufacturing systems and in analyzing results of simulations on mathematical models. Two other programs available bundled together as SSE (MFS-26245). Each program models slightly different manufacturing scenario. Written in Turbo C v2.0 for IBM PC-series and compatible computers running MS-DOS and successfully compiled using Turbo C++ v3.0.

Schroer, Bernard J.↗
NASA NTRS1997

Modular Manufacturing Simulator Users Manual

Since the agency was established in 1958, a key part of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's mission has been to make technologies available to American industry so it can be more widely used by the citizens who paid for it. While many people might think that 'rocket science' has no application to earthly problems, rocket science in fact employs earthly materials, processes, and designs adapted for space, and which can be adapted for other purposes on Earth. Marshall Space Flight Center's Technology Transfer Office has outreach programs designed to connect American business, industries, educational institutions, and individuals who have needs, with NASA people and laboratories who may have the solutions. MSFC's national goal is to enhance America's competitiveness in the world marketplace and ensure that the technological breakthroughs by American laboratories benefit taxpayers and the many industries making up our Nation's industrial base. Activities may range from simple exchanges of technical data to Space Act Agreements which lead to NASA and industry working closely together to solve a problem. The goal is to ensure that America gains and maintains its proper place of leadership among the world's technologically developed nations. Some of the many technologies transferred from NASA to commercial customers include those associated with: Welding and fabrication; Medical and pharmaceutical uses; Fuels and coatings; Structural composites and Robotics. These activities are aimed to achieve the same goal: slowing, halting, and gradually reversing the erosion of American technological leadership. Legislation such as the National Technology Initiative starts at the top and works down through the national corporate structure, while MSFC's activities start at the grassroots level and work up through the small and medium-sized business which form the bulk of our industrial community.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1999

Preliminary Results of the 1.5% TCA (Modular) Controls Model in the NASA Langley UPWT

To summarize the significant highlights in this report: (1) Data quality, determined by multiple repeat runs performed on the TCA baseline configuration, and long-term repeatability, determined by comparing baseline Reference H data from this test to a previous test, have been shown to be good. (2) The longitudinal stability of the TCA is more non-linear than for the Reference H, and while it is similar at normal lift values, the TCA has considerably more pitch-up at higher lift. (3) Longitudinal control effectiveness of the TCA is similar to the Reference H and the ratio of elevator effectiveness to horizontal tail effectiveness is approximately 0.3. 4) The directional stability of the TCA is improved relative to Reference H at higher angles-of attack. The chine is effective for improving directional stability. (5) The directional control effectiveness 'of the TCA rudder is the same as that of the Reference H rudder at low angles-of-attack, after taking factors, such as number of rudder panels deflected and vertical tail volume into account. However, rudder effectiveness was shown to be reduced at higher angles-of-attack. (6) The lateral stability was shown to be reduced relative to the Reference H, which may be beneficial at low speeds for alleviating lateral control saturation. (7) Lateral control effectiveness for the TCA was shown to be similar to the Reference H for negative trailing-edge flap deflections and was reduced by approximately 25% for positive trailing-edge flap deflections.

Kubiatko, Paul↗
NASA NTRS1999

Preliminary Results of the 1.5% TCA (Modular) Controls Model in the NASA Langley UPWT

To summarize the significant highlights in this report: (1) Data quality, determined by multiple repeat runs performed on the TCA baseline configuration, and long-term repeatability, determined by comparing baseline Reference H data from this test to a previous test, have been shown to be good. (2) The longitudinal stability of the TCA is more non-linear than for the Reference H, and while it is similar at normal lift values, the TCA has considerably more pitch-up at higher lift. (3) Longitudinal control effectiveness of the TCA is similar to the Reference H and the ratio of elevator effectiveness to horizontal tail effectiveness is approximately 0.3. (4) The directional stability of the TCA is improved relative to Reference H at higher angles-of attack. The chine is effective for improving directional stability.

Kubiatko, Paul↗
NASA NTRS2000

The Fluids And Combustion Facility Combustion Integrated Rack And The Multi-User Droplet Combustion Apparatus: Microgravity Combustion Science Using Modular Multi-User Hardware

The Fluids and Combustion Facility (FCF) is a multi-rack payload planned for the International Space Station (ISS) that will enable the study of fluid physics and combustion science in a microgravity environment. The Combustion Integrated Rack (CIR) is one of two International Standard Payload Racks of the FCF and is being designed primarily to support combustion science experiments. The Multi-user Droplet Combustion Apparatus (MDCA) is a multi-user apparatus designed to accommodate four different droplet combustion science experiments and is the first payload for CIR. The CIR will function independently until the later launch of the Fluids Integrated Rack component of the FCF. This paper provides an overview of the capabilities and the development status of the CIR and MDCA.

OMalley, Terence F.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Generative Representations for the Automated Design of Modular Physical Robots

We will begin with a brief background of evolutionary robotics and related work, and demonstrate the scaling problem with our own prior results. Next we propose the use of an evolved generative representation as opposed to a non-generative representation. We describe this representation in detail as well as the evolutionary process that uses it. We then compare progress of evolved robots with and without the use of the grammar, and quantify the obtained advantage. Working two- dimensional and three-dimensional physical robots produced by the system are shown.

Hornby, Gregory S.↗
NASA NTRS2003

A New Modular Approach for Tightly Coupled Fluid/Structure Analysis

Static aeroelastic computations are made using a C++ executive suitable for closely coupled fluid/structure interaction studies. The fluid flow is modeled using the Euler/Navier Stokes equations and the structure is modeled using finite elements. FORTRAN based fluids and structures codes are integrated under C++ environment. The flow and structural solvers are treated as separate object files. The data flow between fluids and structures is accomplished using I/O. Results are demonstrated for transonic flow over partially flexible surface that is important for aerospace vehicles. Use of this development to accurately predict flow induced structural failure will be demonstrated.

Guruswamy, Guru↗
NASA NTRS2004

A Modular, Data Driven System: Architecture for GSFC Ground Systems: GSFC's Mission Services Evolution Center (GMSEC)

The GSFC Mission Services Evolution Center (GMSEC) was established in 2001 to coordinate ground and flight data systems development and services at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). GMSEC system architecture represents a new way to build the next generation systems to be used for a variety of missions for years to come. The old approach was to find or build the best products available and integrate them into a reusable system to meet everyone's needs. The new approach assumes that needs, products, and technology will change.

Cary, Everett↗
NASA NTRS2005

Autonomous Assembly of Modular Structures in Space and on Extraterrestrial Locations

The new U.S. National Vision for Space Exploration requires many new enabling technologies to accomplish the goals of space commercialization and returning humans to the moon and extraterrestrial environments. Traditionally, flight elements are complete subsystems requiring humans to complete the integration and assembly. These bulky structures also require the use of heavy launch vehicles to send the units to a desired location. This philosophy necessitates a high degree of safety, numerous space walks at a significant cost. Future space mission costs must be reduced and safety increased to reasonably achieve exploration goals. One proposed concept is the autonomous assembly of space structures. This concept is an affordable, reliable solution to in-space and extraterrestrial assembly. Assembly is autonomously performed when two components join after determining that specifications are correct. Local sensors continue monitor joint integrity post assembly, which is critical for safety and structural reliability. Achieving this concept requires a change in space structure design philosophy and the development of innovative technologies to perform autonomous assembly. Assembly of large space structures will require significant numbers of integrity sensors. Thus simple, low-cost sensors are integral to the success of this concept. This paper addresses these issues and proposes a novel concept for assembling space structures autonomously. Core technologies required to achieve in space assembly are presented. These core technologies are critical to the goal of utilizing space in a cost efficient and safe manner. Additionally, these novel technologies can be applied to other systems both on earth and extraterrestrial environments.

Alhorn, Dean C.↗
NASA NTRS2005

Autonomous Assembly of Modular Structures in Space and on Extraterrestrial Locations

The fulfillment of the new US. National Vision for Space Exploration requires many new enabling technologies to accomplish the goal of utilizing space for commercial activities and for returning humans to the moon and extraterrestrial environments. Traditionally, flight structures are manufactured as complete systems and require humans to complete the integration and assembly in orbit. These structures are bulky and require the use of heavy launch vehicles to send the units to the desired location, e.g. International Space Station (ISS). This method requires a high degree of safety, numerous space walks and significant cost for the humans to perform the assembly in orbit. For example, for assembly and maintenance of the ISS, 52 Extravehicular Activities (EVA's) have been performed so far with a total EVA time of approximately 322 hours. Sixteen (16) shuttle flights haw been to the ISS to perform these activities with an approximate cost of $450M per mission. For future space missions, costs have to be reduced to reasonably achieve the exploration goals. One concept that has been proposed is the autonomous assembly of space structures. This concept is an affordable, reliable solution to in-space and extraterrestrial assembly operations. Assembly is autonomously performed when two components containing onboard electronics join after recognizing that the joint is appropriate and in the precise position and orientation required for assembly. The mechanism only activates when the specifications are correct and m a nominal range. After assembly, local sensors and electronics monitor the integrity of the joint for feedback to a master controller. To achieve this concept will require a shift in the methods for designing space structures. In addition, innovative techniques will be required to perform the assembly autonomously. Monitoring of the assembled joint will be necessary for safety and structural integrity. If a very large structure is to be assembled in orbit, then the number of integrity sensors will be significant. Thus simple, low cost sensors are integral to the success of this concept. This paper will address these issues and will propose a novel concept for assembling space structures autonomously. The paper will present Several autonomous assembly methods. Core technologies required to achieve in space assembly will be discussed and novel techniques for communicating, sensing, docking and assembly will be detailed. These core technologies are critical to the goal of utilizing space in a cost efficient and safe manner. Finally, these technologies can also be applied to other systems both on earth and extraterrestrial environments.

Alhorn, Dean C.↗
NASA NTRS2005

Modular Engine Noise Component Prediction System (MCP) Technical Description and Assessment Document

This report describes an empirical prediction procedure for turbofan engine noise. The procedure generates predicted noise levels for several noise components, including inlet- and aft-radiated fan noise, and jet-mixing noise. This report discusses the noise source mechanisms, the development of the prediction procedures, and the assessment of the accuracy of these predictions. Finally, some recommendations for future work are presented.

Herkes, William H.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Modular Avionics Concept Developed for Microgravity Space Experiments: FEANICS

The Flow Enclosure Accommodating Novel Investigations in Combustion of Solids (FEANICS) is a facility being developed at the NASA Glenn Research Center that will be integrated into the Combustion Integrated Rack onboard the International Space Station. FEANICS will support various experimental studies of solid combustion in a microgravity environment. The experiments will vary, and the FEANICS facility hardware combined with the Combustion Integrated Rack hardware is designed to meet the science requirements of the individual experiments.

Hausmann, Clifford R.↗