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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

A Scanning Hartmann Focus Test for the EUVI Telescopes aboard STEREO

The Solar TErrestrial RElations Observatory (STEREO), the third mission in NASA's Solar Terrestrial Probes program, was launched in 2006 on a two year mission to study solar phenomena. STEREO consists of two nearly identical satellites, each carrying an Extreme Ultraviolet Imager (EUVI) telescope as part of the Sun Earth Connection Coronal and Heliospheric Investigation instrument suite. EUVI is a normal incidence, 98mm diameter, Ritchey-Chretien telescope designed to obtain wide field of view images of the Sun at short wavelengths (17.1-30.4nm) using a CCD detector. The telescope entrance aperture is divided into four quadrants by a mask near the secondary mirror spider veins. A mechanism that rotates another mask allows only one of these sub-apertures to accept light over an exposure. The EUVI contains no focus mechanism. Mechanical models predict a difference in telescope focus between ambient integration conditions and on-orbit operation. We describe an independent check of the ambient, ultraviolet, absolute focus setting of the EUVI telescopes after they were integrated with their respective spacecraft. A scanning Hartmann-like test design resulted from constraints implied by the EUVI aperture select mechanism. This inexpensive test was simultaneously coordinated with other NASA integration and test activities in a high-vibration, clean room environment. The total focus test error was required to be better than +/-0.05 mm. We describe the alignment and test procedure, sources of statistical and systematic error, and then the focus determination results using various algorithms. The results are consistent with other tests of focus alignment and indicate that the EUVI telescopes meet the ambient focus offset requirements. STEREO is functioning well on-orbit and the EUVI telescopes meet their on-orbit image quality requirements.

Ohl, Ray↗

Orion European Structural Test Article Propellant Tank Fill and Drain Carts

Environmental testing of the Orion European Structural Test Article (E-STA), which contains the Orion European Service Module (ESM), required that the onboard propellant tanks be filled and drained with fuel and oxidizer simulant fluids as well as pressurized and de-pressurized with an ullage gas. This conference paper will elaborate on how these objectives were fulfilled by presenting the development of derived requirements definition, initial fill and drain concepts, selection of simulant fluids, finalization of pump and pressurization design, selection of components, selection of transfer hoses and interface connections, as well as development and maintenance of budgets, schedules, reviews, construction, documentation, and test procedures. This paper also describes implementation of checkout and commissioning activities leading to successful fluid cart pumping and pressurization operations for the test campaign. The development, construction, and operation of the fluid cart pumping and pressurization systems for the Environmental testing of the Orion European Structural Test Article (E-STA), took place at the NASA Glenn Research Center's Plum Brook Station Space Environments Complex (SEC) during 2015 and 2016.

Pressurization↗

Flight test design for CH-47 parameter identification

The VTOL Approach and Landing Technology (VALT) program is a significant experimental research program aimed at establishing a data base for rotorcraft operation in a terminal area environment. Work was undertaken to determine helicopter math models suitable for analyzing maneuvers along a VTOL trajectory and to apply these math models to determine the flight test procedures of greatest effectiveness in establishing helicopter dynamic characteristics in this mode of operation. As the principal result of this investigation, a flight test specification is presented for the CH-47 VALT aircraft operating along the specified VTOL trajectory of the VALT program.

Hall, W. E., Jr.↗

The test facility requirements for the thermal vacuum thermal balance test of the Cosmic Background Explorer Observatory

The Cosmic Background Explorer Observatory (COBE) underwent a thermal vacuum thermal balance test in the Space Environment Simulator (SES). This was the largest and most complex test ever conducted at this facility. The 4 x 4 m (13 x 13 ft) spacecraft weighed approx. 2223 kg (4900 lbs) for the test. The test set up included simulator panels for the inboard solar array panels, simulator panels for the flight cowlings, Sun and Earth Sensor stimuli, Thermal Radio Frequency Shield heater stimuli and a cryopanel for thermal control in the Attitude Control System Shunt Dissipator area. The fixturing also included a unique 4.3 m (14 ft) diameter Gaseous Helium Cryopanel which provided a 20 K environment for the calibration of one of the spacecraft's instruments, the Differential Microwave Radiometer. This cryogenic panel caused extra contamination concerns and a special method was developed and written into the test procedure to prevent the high buildup of condensibles on the panel which could have led to backstreaming of the thermal vacuum chamber. The test was completed with a high quality simulated space environment provided to the spacecraft. The test requirements, test set up, and special fixturing are described.

Milam, Laura J.↗

Test facility requirements for the thermal vacuum thermal balance test of the Cosmic Background Explorer Observatory

The Cosmic Background Explorer Observatory (COBE) underwant a thermal vacuum thermal balance test in the Space Environment Simulator (SES). This was the largest and most complex test ever conducted at this facility. The 4 x 4 m (13 x 13 ft) spacecraft weighed approx. 2223 kg (4900 lbs) for the test. The test set up included simulator panels for the inboard solar array panels, simulator panels for the flight cowlings, Sun and Earth Sensor stimuli, Thermal Radio Frequency Shield heater stimuli and a cryopanel for thermal control in the Attitude Control System Shunt Dissipator area. The fixturing also included a unique 4.3 m (14 ft) diameter Gaseous Helium Cryopanel which provided a 20 K environment for the calibration of one of the spacecraft's instruments, the Differential Microwave Radiometer. This cryogenic panel caused extra contamination concerns and a special method was developed and written into the test procedure to prevent the high buildup of condensibles on the panel which could have led to backstreaming of the thermal vacuum chamber. The test was completed with a high quality simulated space environment provided to the spacecraft. The test requirements, test set up, and special fixturing are described.

Milam, Laura J.↗

Orion European Structural Test Article Propellant Tank Fill and Drain Carts

Environmental testing of the Orion European Structural Test Article (E-STA), which contains the Orion European Service Module (ESM), required that the onboard propellant tanks be filled and drained with fuel and oxidizer simulant fluids as well as pressurized and depressurized with an ullage gas. This conference paper will elaborate on how these objectives were fulfilled by presenting the development of derived requirements definition, initial fill and drain concepts, selection of simulant fluids, finalization of pump and pressurization design, selection of components, and selection of transfer hoses and interface connections as well as development and maintenance of budgets, schedules, reviews, construction, documentation, and test procedures. This paper also describes the implementation of checkout and commissioning activities leading to successful fluid cart pumping and pressurization operations for the test campaign. The development, construction, and operation of the fluid cart pumping and pressurization systems for the environmental testing of the Orion E-STA, took place at NASA's Plum Brook Station Space Environments Complex (SEC) during 2015 and 2016.

FLUID TRANSFER↗

Short-range quantitative precipitation forecasts using a divergent initialization

Data simulations and real data tests indicate that the treatment of the initial divergence field in a mesoscale weather prediction model strongly influences the quality of the first 6 hours of a rainfall forecast. Of the procedures tested for determining the initial divergence field for the predictions, the best technique is found to be the Tarbell et al. (1981) diagnostic procedure, where a diabatic form of the omega equation is used to obtain a three-dimensional vertical motion field that in turn can be used in conjunction with a continuity equation to obtain the horizontal divergence fields.

Salmon, E. M.↗

Named Data Networking for DER Cybersecurity

We present our research findings on the novel NDN protocol. In this work, we defined key attack scenarios for possible exploitation and detail software security testing procedures to evaluate the security of the NDN software. This work was done in the context of distributed energy resources (DER). The software security testing included an execution of unit tests and static code analyses to better understand the software rigor and the security that has been implemented. The results from the penetration testing are presented. Recommendations are discussed to provide additional defense for secure end-to-end NDN communications.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Tension fracture of laminates for transport fuselage. Part 1: Material screening

Transport fuselage structures are designed to contain pressure following a large penetrating damage event. Applications of composites to fuselage structures require a database and supporting analysis on tension damage tolerance. Tests with 430 fracture specimens were used to accomplish the following: (1) identify critical material and laminate variables affecting notch sensitivity; (2) evaluate composite failure criteria; and (3) recommend a screening test method. Variables studied included fiber type, matrix toughness, lamination manufacturing process, and intraply hybridization. The laminates found to have the lowest notch sensitivity were manufactured using automated tow placement. This suggests a possible relationship between the stress distribution and repeatable levels of material inhomogeneity that are larger than found in traditional tape laminates. Laminates with the highest notch sensitivity consisted of toughened matrix materials that were resistant to a splitting phenomena that reduces stress concentrations in major load bearing plies. Parameters for conventional fracture criteria were found to increase with crack length for the smallest notch sizes studied. Most material and laminate combinations followed less than a square root singularity for the largest crack sizes studied. Specimen geometry, notch type, and notch size were evaluated in developing a screening test procedure. Traitional methods of correcting for specimen finite width were found to be lacking. Results indicate that a range of notch sizes must be tested to determine notch sensitivity. Data for a single small notch size (0.25 in. diameter) was found to give no indication of the sensitivity of a particular material and laminate layup to larger notch sizes.

Walker, T. H.↗

Correlating the EMC analysis and testing methods for space systems in MIL-STD-1541A

A study was conducted to improve the correlation between the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) analysis models stated in MIL-STD-1541A and the suggested testing methods used for space systems. The test and analysis methods outlined in MIL-STD-1541A are described, and a comparative assessment of testing and analysis techniques as they relate to several EMC areas is presented. Suggestions on present analysis and test methods are introduced to harmonize and bring the analysis and testing tools in MIL-STD-1541A into closer agreement. It is suggested that test procedures in MIL-STD-1541A must be improved by providing alternatives to the present use of shielded enclosures as the primary site for such tests. In addition, the alternate use of anechoic chambers and open field test sites must be considered.

Perez, Reinaldo J.↗

The Effects of Long Term Cure on Offgassed Products of Coatings

The Environmental Chemistry and Compatability Team at The Marshall Space Flight Center conducts toxic offgassing analysis on materials and flight hardware for use in habitable environments aboard the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station. As part of Research and Development, the Toxic Offgassing Laboratory conducted a long term cure study on four polyurethane coatings which are slated for potential use on Space Station. This study demonstrates the effects of cure time and temperature on the total tox value (sum T) and the maximum usage weight for each coating. All analysis was conducted according to test procedures outlined specifically for Space Station environments. Therefore, the ratings and weight limits generated for these materials are most applicable to space environments. However, this test does give some indication of time frames for solvent removal and is therefore of interest to, the environmental community as a whole.

Engle, Ginger↗

Status of WSTF Pyrovalve Handbook Development in Year 2000

Significant data have been generated through various spacecraft propulsion system projects involving the use of pyrotechnically operated valves (pyrovalves). These data need to be analyzed, interpreted, summarized, associated, and formatted so they can be made available for spacecraft propulsion system design involving pyrovalves and used to specify test procedures in the performance evaluation and qualification of these systems. To meet this need, a Pyrovalve Handbook is being developed at the NASA White Sands Test Facility. Standards of performance for pyrovalve applications are being formulated under the sponsorship of the NASA Technical Standards Program, as are pyrovalve testing standards under the sponsorship of the NASA Safety and Risk Management Program. The ultimate goal is to have the Handbook adopted as a voluntary standard under the guidance of the AIAA Energetic Components and Systems Technical Committee and, in a more restrictive format, become an integral part of ISO standards for Explosive Systems and Devices Used on Space Vehicles. Feedback from both Government and industry is encouraged and will be the focus of the presentation. It is especially critical that feedback be received on content and formatting of the Handbook to maximize benefit to the technical community. Submission of validated data from organizations outside of NASA is also encouraged.

Howard, Julien L.↗

Environmentally Friendly Corrosion Preventative Compounds

The objective of the Ground Systems Development and Operations Program Environmentally Friendly Corrosion Protective Coatings and Corrosion Preventive Compounds (CPCs) project is to identify, test, and develop qualification criteria for the use of environmentally friendly corrosion protective coatings and CPCs for flight hardware and ground support equipment. This document is the Final Report for Phase I evaluations, which included physical property, corrosion resistance, and NASA spaceport environment compatibility testing and analysis of fifteen CPC types. The CPCs consisted of ten different oily film CPCs and five different wax or grease CPC types. Physical property testing encompassed measuring various properties of the bulk CPCs, while corrosion resistance testing directly measured the ability of each CPC material to protect various metals against corrosion. The NASA spaceport environment compatibility testing included common tests required by NASA-STD-6001, "Flammability, Odor, Offgassing, and Compatibility Requirements and Test Procedures for Materials in Environments that Support Combustion". At the end of Phase I, CPC materials were down-selected for inclusion in the next test phases. This final report includes all data and analysis of results obtained by following the experimental test plan that was developed as part of the project. Highlights of the results are summarized by test criteria type.

Preventative Compounds↗

Programmed pulsing to initiation apparatus for electroexplosive testing

An electroexplosive device accepts electrical energy and converts it into heat which is used to initiate a primary explosion. Disadvantages of the current electroexplosive testing method have led to the development of a new testing procedure which is based on a principle of programmed pulsing to initiation. A series of stepwise increasing energy pulses is applied to the device which is tested until the initiation of the explosion occurs. The test principle is discussed along with the design of the apparatus.

Rosenthal, L. A.↗

Determination of longitudinal aerodynamic derivatives using flight data from an icing research aircraft

A flight test was performed with the NASA Lewis Research Center's DH-6 icing research aircraft. The purpose was to employ a flight test procedure and data analysis method, to determine the accuracy with which the effects of ice on aircraft stability and control could be measured. For simplicity, flight testing was restricted to the short period longitudinal mode. Two flights were flown in a clean (baseline) configuration, and two flights were flown with simulated horizontal tail ice. Forty-five repeat doublet maneuvers were performed in each of four test configurations, at a given trim speed, to determine the ensemble variation of the estimated stability and control derivatives. Additional maneuvers were also performed in each configuration, to determine the variation in the longitudinal derivative estimates over a wide range of trim speeds. Stability and control derivatives were estimated by a Modified Stepwise Regression (MSR) technique. A measure of the confidence in the derivative estimates was obtained by comparing the standard error for the ensemble of repeat maneuvers, to the average of the estimated standard errors predicted by the MSR program. A multiplicative relationship was determined between the ensemble standard error, and the averaged program standard errors. In addition, a 95 percent confidence interval analysis was performed for the elevator effectiveness estimates, C sub m sub delta e. This analysis identified the speed range where changes in C sub m sub delta e could be attributed to icing effects. The magnitude of icing effects on the derivative estimates were strongly dependent on flight speed and aircraft wing flap configuration. With wing flaps up, the estimated derivatives were degraded most at lower speeds corresponding to that configuration. With wing flaps extended to 10 degrees, the estimated derivatives were degraded most at the higher corresponding speeds. The effects of icing on the changes in longitudinal stability and control derivat

Ranaudo, R. J.↗

Baseline tests of an autonomous telerobotic system for assembly of space truss structures

Several proposed space missions include precision reflectors that are larger in diameter than any current or proposed launch vehicle. Most of these reflectors will require a truss structure to accurately position the reflector panels and these reflectors will likely require assembly in orbit. A research program has been conducted at the NASA Langley Research Center to develop the technology required for the robotic assembly of truss structures. The focus of this research has been on hardware concepts, computer software control systems, and operator interfaces necessary to perform supervised autonomous assembly. A special facility was developed and four assembly and disassembly tests of a 102-strut tetrahedral truss have been conducted. The test procedures were developed around traditional 'pick-and-place' robotic techniques that rely on positioning repeatability for successful operation. The data from two of the four tests were evaluated and are presented in this report. All operations in the tests were controlled by predefined sequences stored in a command file, and the operator intervened only when the system paused because of the failure of an actuator command. The tests were successful in identifying potential pitfalls in a telerobotic system, many of which would not have been readily anticipated or incurred through simulation studies. Addressing the total integrated task, instead of bench testing the component parts, forced all aspects of the task to be evaluated. Although the test results indicate that additional developments should be pursued, no problems were encountered that would preclude automated assembly in space as a viable construction method.

Rhodes, Marvin D.↗