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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 577 records · Page 32

Investigation of Spiral Bevel Gear Condition Indicator Validation via AC-29-2C Using Fielded Rotorcraft HUMS Data

This report presents the analysis of gear condition indicator data collected on a helicopter when damage occurred in spiral bevel gears. The purpose of the data analysis was to use existing in-service helicopter HUMS flight data from faulted spiral bevel gears as a Case Study, to better understand the differences between HUMS data response in a helicopter and a component test rig, the NASA Glenn Spiral Bevel Gear Fatigue Rig. The reason spiral bevel gear sets were chosen to demonstrate differences in response between both systems was the availability of the helicopter data and the availability of a test rig that was capable of testing spiral bevel gear sets to failure. The objective of the analysis presented in this paper was to re-process helicopter HUMS data with the same analysis techniques applied to the spiral bevel rig test data. The damage modes experienced in the field were mapped to the failure modes created in the test rig. A total of forty helicopters were evaluated. Twenty helicopters, or tails, experienced damage to the spiral bevel gears in the nose gearbox. Vibration based gear condition indicators data was available before and after replacement. The other twenty tails had no known anomalies in the nose gearbox within the time frame of the datasets. These twenty tails were considered the baseline dataset. The HUMS gear condition indicators evaluated included gear condition indicators (CI) Figure of Merit 4 (FM4), Root Mean Square (RMS) or Diagnostic Algorithm 1 (DA1) and +/- 3 Sideband Index (SI3). Three additional condition indicators, not currently calculated on-board, were calculated from the archived data. These three indicators were +/- 1 Sideband Index (SI1), the DA1 of the difference signal (DiffDA1) and the peak-to-peak of the difference signal (DP2P). Results found the CI DP2P, not currently available in the on-board HUMS, performed the best, responding to varying levels of damage on thirteen of the fourteen helicopters evaluated. Two additional CIs also not in the on-board system, DiffDA1and SI1, also performed well responding to twelve and ten of the fourteen helicopters evaluated respectively. Of the three CIs currently available in the MSPU, DA1, FM4 and SI3, SI3, responded to eight, DA1 responded to six and FM4 responded to four of the fourteen helicopters evaluated. FM4, the poorest performing CI, was not as responsive to damage as the other five CIs. Conversely, when compared to the other two, it was the only CI that responded to damage on two helicopters. CI response could not be correlated to specific failure modes due to limited pictures and subjective descriptions found within the TDA. Flight regime did affect CI response to some gear faults. Due to the range of operating conditions for each regime, more studies are required to determine their sensitivity to regimes.

rotorcraft↗

Flight Flutter Testing of the P6M

On the P6M the shake behavior, i.e., the response to random excitation at subcritical speeds of lowly damped airplane modes, is as important as the actual flutter speed. The approach is to first study the problem by means of analyses and wind-tunnel tests. These predictions are compared with flight test data obtained by spectral analysis of tape recordings of the airplane vibration responses to random aerodynamic turbulence. A similar spectrum analysis approach was used in high speed wind-tunnel tests. A resonance excitation technique was developed for low speed wind-tunnel testing, and well defined V-g curves were obtained. The effect of various parameters on both shake and flutter of T-tails with and without dihedral were studied. Preliminary flight tests yielded good correlation; they also yielded interesting information concerning a low frequency transonic snaking mode, and excitation by shed vortices.

Kachadourian, G.↗

Dynamic Inlet Distortion Prediction with a Combined Computational Fluid Dynamics and Distortion Synthesis Approach

A procedure has been developed for predicting peak dynamic inlet distortion. This procedure combines Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and distortion synthesis analysis to obtain a prediction of peak dynamic distortion intensity and the associated instantaneous total pressure pattern. A prediction of the steady state total pressure pattern at the Aerodynamic Interface Plane is first obtained using an appropriate CFD flow solver. A corresponding inlet turbulence pattern is obtained from the CFD solution via a correlation linking root mean square (RMS) inlet turbulence to a formulation of several CFD parameters representative of flow turbulence intensity. This correlation was derived using flight data obtained from the NASA High Alpha Research Vehicle flight test program and several CFD solutions at conditions matching the flight test data. A distortion synthesis analysis is then performed on the predicted steady state total pressure and RMS turbulence patterns to yield a predicted value of dynamic distortion intensity and the associated instantaneous total pressure pattern.

Norby, W. P.↗

Titan/Centaur D-1TTC-5 Helios B flight data report

The fourth operational flight of the newest NASA unmanned launch vehicle is reported. The spacecraft was the Helios B, the second of two solar probes designed and built by the Federal Republic of Germany. The primary mission objective, to place the Helios spacecraft on a heliocentric orbit in the ecliptic plane with a perihelion distance of 0.29 AU, was successfully accomplished. After successful injection of the Helios spacecraft, a series of experiments were performed with the Centaur stage to demonstrate its operational capabilities. All objectives of the extended mission phase were successfully met. This report presents the analysis of the launch vehicle flight data for the primary mission phase of the TC-5 flight.

Adams, K. A.↗

Flight survey of the 757 wing noise field and its effects on laminar boundary layer transition. Volume 2: Data compilation

A flight test program was performed using the Boeing 757 flight research airplane to investigate the effect of noise from wing mounted engines on laminar boundary layer transition. An NLF glove was installed on the right wing panel just outboard of the engine. The extent of laminar flow on the glove was measured as a function of engine power setting for a range of flight conditions. A combination of surface and probe microphones was distributed over the upper and lower wing surfaces to measure sound spectra. The flight test program was completed in June 1985 and the results of preliminary analysis indicate that a maximum of about 29 percent of chord laminar flow was obtained on the upper surface and about 28 percent on the lower surface (at a high sideslip condition). The engine speed was varied from about 2600 (idle) to about 4500 (maximum continuous power) r/min. This produced changes in sound pressure level up to 20 dB on the lower surface. On the upper surface, the noise levels were independent of engine power but sensitive to airplane Mach number. No effect of engine power setting on upper surface transition location was observed, and only a small forward movement of the transition location on the lower surface was observed at the high power settings. Volume 1 of this report contains the program description and data analysis. Volume 2 is a compilation of all of the flight test data.

Source record↗

Space Transportation System Payloads Data and Analysis

The background, current developments and future plans for the Space Transportation System Payloads Data and Analysis (SPDA) activities at Marshall Space Flight Center are reviewed. It is shown how the payload data bank and future planned activities will interface with the payloads community and Space Transportation System designers. The interfaces with the STS data base include NASA planning, international planning, payload design, shuttle design, user agencies planning and information, and OMB, Congress and others.

Peterson, J. D.↗

A brief description of an Earth Resources Technology Satellite (ERTS) computer data analysis and management program

A data analysis and management procedure currently being used at Marshall Space Flight Center to analyze ERTS digital data is described. The objective is to acquaint potential users with the various computer programs that are available for analysis of multispectral digital imagery and to show how these programs are used in the overall data management plan. The report contains a brief description of each computer routine, and references are provided for obtaining more detailed information.

Jayroe, R. R., Jr.↗

Adaptation of time line analysis program to single pilot instrument flight research

A data base was developed for SPIFR operation and the program was run. The outputs indicated that further work was necessary on the workload models. In particular, the workload model for the cognitive channel should be modified as the output workload appears to be too small. Included in the needed refinements are models to show the workload when in turbulence, when overshooting a radial or glideslope, and when copying air traffic control clearances.

Hinton, D. A.↗

MSFC Data Analysis of the SAFE/DAE Experiment

The Solar Array Flight Experiment (SAFE) on-orbit experiment for measurement of large structures dynamics consists of a dynamic sensing system designed to record and analyze the dynamic characteristics of the SAFE. The early availability of the SAFE and its basic large space structure characteristics made it a logical candidate for verification of the sensing system and evaluation technique. The characteristics of the solar array which place it well within the generic class of large space structures are: (1) Large size; (2) Low natural frequencies; (3) Mechanical complexity of its extendable/retractable mast; and (4) The inability to dynamic test in Earth atmosphere and one g.

Schock, R. W.↗

Analysis of Gamma-Ray Data from Solar Flares in Cycles 21 and 22

One of our primary accomplishments under grant NAGW-35381 was the systematic derivation and compilation, for the first time, of physical parameters for all gamma-ray flares detected by the SMM GRS during its ten year lifetime. The flare parameters derived from the gamma-ray spectra include: bremsstrahlung fluence and best-fit power-law parameters, narrow nuclear line fluence, positron annihilation line fluence, neutron capture line fluence, and an indication of whether or not greater than 10 MeV emissions were present. We combined this compilation of flare parameters with our plots of counting rate time histories and flare spectra to construct an atlas of gamma-ray flare characteristics. The atlas time histories display four energy bands: 56-199 kev, 298526 keV, 4-8 MeV, and 10-25 MeV. These energy bands respectively measure nonrelativistic bremsstrahlung, trans-relativistic bremsstrahlung, nuclear de-excitation, and ultra-relativistic bremsstrahlung. The atlas spectra show the integrated high-energy spectra measured for all GRS flares and dissects them into electron bremsstrahlung, positron annihilation and nuclear emission components. The atlas has been accepted for publication in the Astrophysical Journal Supplements and is currently in press. The atlas materials were also supplied to the Solar Data Analysis Center at Goddard Space Flight Center and were made available through a web site at the University of New Hampshire. Since a uniform methodology was adopted for deriving the flare parameters, this atlas will be very useful for future statistical and correlative studies of solar flares-three independent groups are presently using it to correlate interplanetary energetic particle measurements with our gamma-ray measurements. A better model for the response of the GRS instrument to high energy radiation was also developed. A refined response model was needed because the old model was not adequate for predicting the first and second escape peaks associated with strong nuclear lines nor could it accurately describe the Compton continuum shape. The new response was developed using a GEANT based simulation code and tested against preflight calibration data. The refinement of the response model and the removal of systematic errors now allow more detailed spectral studies of the GRS gamma-ray measurements. This refined response function was supplied to the Solar DAC at Goddard and was also made available via a web site at the University of New Hampshire.

Vestrand, W. Thomas↗

Airborne RF Measurement System and Analysis of Representative Flight RF Environment

Environmental radio frequency (RF) data over a broad band of frequencies were needed to evaluate the airspace around several airports. An RF signal measurement system was designed using a spectrum analyzer connected to an aircraft VHF/UHF navigation antenna installed on a small aircraft. This paper presents an overview of the RF measurement system and provides analysis of a sample of RF signal measurement data over a frequency range of 30 MHz to 1000 MHz.

Koppen, Sandra V.↗

Estimation of aircraft aerodynamic parameters from flight data

Several ways for obtaining aerodynamic parameters of an aircraft from flight data are presented. A brief description of data analysis from steady measurements is given, and a concept of system identification is introduced. This is followed by a mathematical model of an aircraft with aerodynamic forces and moments approximated either by polynomials or splines and a detailed treatment of two often-used techniques for parameter estimation. Because of renewed interest in frequency-domain analysis, one section of the paper is devoted to this problem. The methods are demonstrated in several examples using real flight data.

Klein, Vladislav↗

A flight test method for pilot/aircraft analysis

In high precision flight maneuvres a pilot is a part of a closed loop pilot/aircraft system. The assessment of the flying qualities is highly dependent on the closed loop characteristics related to precision maneuvres like approach, landing, air-to-air tracking, air-to-ground tracking, close formation flying and air-to air refueling of the receiver. The object of a research program at DFVLR is the final flight phase of an air to ground mission. In this flight phase the pilot has to align the aircraft with the target, correct small deviations from the target direction and keep the target in his sights for a specific time period. To investigate the dynamic behavior of the pilot-aircraft system a special ground attack flight test technique with a prolonged tracking maneuvres was developed. By changing the targets during the attack the pilot is forced to react continously on aiming errors in his sights. Thus the closed loop pilot/aircraft system is excited over a wide frequency range of interest, the pilot gets more information about mission oriented aircraft dynamics and suitable flight test data for a pilot/aircraft analysis can be generated.

Koehler, R.↗

Evaluation of various thrust calculation techniques on an F404 engine

In support of performance testing of the X-29A aircraft at the NASA-Ames, various thrust calculation techniques were developed and evaluated for use on the F404-GE-400 engine. The engine was thrust calibrated at NASA-Lewis. Results from these tests were used to correct the manufacturer's in-flight thrust program to more accurately calculate thrust for the specific test engine. Data from these tests were also used to develop an independent, simplified thrust calculation technique for real-time thrust calculation. Comparisons were also made to thrust values predicted by the engine specification model. Results indicate uninstalled gross thrust accuracies on the order of 1 to 4 percent for the various in-flight thrust methods. The various thrust calculations are described and their usage, uncertainty, and measured accuracies are explained. In addition, the advantages of a real-time thrust algorithm for flight test use and the importance of an accurate thrust calculation to the aircraft performance analysis are described. Finally, actual data obtained from flight test are presented.

Ray, Ronald J.↗

Validation of Artemis I Aerothermal Design Models Using Developmental Flight Instrumentation

The inaugural flight of the Space Launch System (SLS) Block 1 launch vehicle, Artemis I, occurred on November 16, 2022, and featured a full suite of Developmental Flight Instrumentation (DFI) that provided aerothermodynamic measurements to assess thermal design and substantiate aerothermodynamic models. The Block 1 launch vehicle aerothermal instrumentation consisted of approximately 277 aerothermal gauges mounted throughout the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV), Integrated Spacecraft and Payload Element (ISPE), Core Stage (CS) and Solid Rocket Boosters (SRB) and an additional 179 thermal gauges on the Orion Crew Module (CM). Instrumentation included calorimeters, radiometers, pressure transducers, gas temperature probes, and thermocouples. Data was collected from lift-off through CS Main Engine Cut-Off (MECO). The flight data was invaluable for determining aerothermal model performance and developing flight-derived aerothermal environments for flight reconstruction thermal analysis and future SLS aerothermal models. The data offered critical insights into the aerothermodynamic conditions experienced during the launch and ascent of the SLS vehicle. This study compares the flight derived environments to pre-existing design models. The aerothermal models were constructed using MINIVER, the aerothermal engineering code which predicts aerodynamic heating and acts as an integration tool for incorporating databases from computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and wind tunnel test data. The comparisons reveal the fidelity of the design models, highlighting areas where the design models accurately predicted flight conditions and instances where deviations were observed. Preliminary results suggest that while the design models largely aligned with the observed flight data, there were unique observations that reflected needed areas of model refinement. Aerothermal flight data from Artemis I for the SLS Block 1 vehicle will be further utilized to enhance the accuracy of Block 1B and Block 2 aerothermal models, ensuring improved safety and performance for subsequent Artemis missions.

aerothermodynamics↗

Validation of Artemis I Aerothermal Design Models Using Developmental Flight Instrumentation

The inaugural flight of the Space Launch System (SLS) Block 1 launch vehicle, Artemis I, occurred on November 16, 2022, and featured a full suite of Developmental Flight Instrumentation (DFI) that provided aerothermodynamic measurements to assess thermal design and substantiate aerothermodynamic models. The Block 1 launch vehicle aerothermal instrumentation consisted of approximately 277 aerothermal gauges mounted throughout the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV), Integrated Spacecraft and Payload Element (ISPE), Core Stage (CS) and Solid Rocket Boosters (SRB) and an additional 179 thermal gauges on the Orion Crew Module (CM). Instrumentation included calorimeters, radiometers, pressure transducers, gas temperature probes, and thermocouples. Data was collected from lift-off through CS Main Engine Cut-Off (MECO). The flight data was invaluable for determining aerothermal model performance and developing flight-derived aerothermal environments for flight reconstruction thermal analysis and future SLS aerothermal models. The data offered critical insights into the aerothermodynamic conditions experienced during the launch and ascent of the SLS vehicle. This study compares the flight derived environments to pre-existing design models. The aerothermal models were constructed using MINIVER, the aerothermal engineering code which predicts aerodynamic heating and acts as an integration tool for incorporating databases from computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and wind tunnel test data. The comparisons reveal the fidelity of the design models, highlighting areas where the design models accurately predicted flight conditions and instances where deviations were observed. Preliminary results suggest that while the design models largely aligned with the observed flight data, there were unique observations that reflected needed areas of model refinement. Aerothermal flight data from Artemis I for the SLS Block 1 vehicle will be further utilized to enhance the accuracy of Block 1B and Block 2 aerothermal models, ensuring improved safety and performance for subsequent Artemis missions.

aerothermodynamics↗