Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “patch”

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 577 records · Page 32

Simple Test Functions in Meshless Local Petrov-Galerkin Methods

Two meshless local Petrov-Galerkin (MLPG) methods based on two different trial functions but that use a simple linear test function were developed for beam and column problems. These methods used generalized moving least squares (GMLS) and radial basis (RB) interpolation functions as trial functions. These two methods were tested on various patch test problems. Both methods passed the patch tests successfully. Then the methods were applied to various beam vibration problems and problems involving Euler and Beck's columns. Both methods yielded accurate solutions for all problems studied. The simple linear test function offers considerable savings in computing efforts as the domain integrals involved in the weak form are avoided. The two methods based on this simple linear test function method produced accurate results for frequencies and buckling loads. Of the two methods studied, the method with radial basis trial functions is very attractive as the method is simple, accurate, and robust.

Raju, Ivatury S.↗

Analysis of Petal Rotation Trajectory Characteristics

In this study, the characteristics of petal rotation trajectories are explored in both the two-body and circular restricted three-body problem (CRTBP) models. Petal rotation trajectories alternate long and short resonances of different kinds to rotate the line of apsides. They are typically computed using the patched conic model, and they are used in a number of different missions and mission concepts including Cassini, JUICE, and Europa mission concepts. Petal rotation trajectories are first analyzed here using the patched conic model to quantify their characteristics and search for cases with fast rotation of the line of apsides. When they are computed in the CRTBP, they are unstable periodic orbits with corresponding stable and unstable manifolds. The characteristics of these orbits are explored from a dynamical systems perspective in the second phase of the study.

Resonance↗

Inflatable Antenna for CubeSat: Extension of the Previously Developed S-Band Design to the X-Band

The inflatable antenna for CubeSat is a 1 meter antenna reflector designed with one side reflective Mylar, another side clear Mylar with a patch antenna at the focus. The development of this technology responds to the increasing need for more capable communication systems to allow CubeSats to operate autonomously in interplanetary missions. An initial version of the antenna for the S-Band was developed and tested in both anechoic chamber and vacuum chamber. Recent developments in transceivers and amplifiers for CubeSat at X-band motivated the extension from the S-Band to the X-Band. This paper describes the process of extending the design of the antenna to the X-Band focusing on patch antenna redesign, new manufacturing challenges and initial results of experimental tests.

Babuscia, Alessandra↗

CARA Status and Upcoming Enhancements

CAS 8.4.3 was deployed to operations on 13 June 2017. Discrepancies Between 3D Pc Estimates and advanced Monte Carlo Equinoctial-Sampling Pc Estimates discovered and discussed at 23 May 2017 Useras (Registered Trademark) Forum. The patch created the Reporting Pc, which is the greater value between the calculated 2D and 3D Pc values This changed the Pc reported in the CDMs to the Reporting Pc This changed the Pc reported on the Summary Report to the Reporting Pc This changed the Pc reported on Maneuver Screening Analysis (MSA) Report to the Reporting Pc. Both the 2D and 3D Pc added to the Summary Report details section The patch also updated the 3D Pc algorithm to eliminate velocity covariance from the Pc calculation This will bring 2D and 3D Pc into close alignment for vast majority of events, particularly for the events in which the 2D/3D discrepancy was found.

conjunction assessmen↗

Estimating a Large Phased Array Antenna Radiation Pattern by Computer Electromagnetic Simulation

The design of a conformal antenna for use on UAV's (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) and other aircraft can be enhanced with computational electromagnetic modeling to determine the expected radiation patterns of the antenna when mounted on the aircraft. However, detailed simulation of the antenna structure and the aircraft together requires significant computational resources and time which may not be available. This paper details several methods for estimating the radiation pattern of a 50 by 50-element patch antenna. The Conformal Lightweight Antenna Structures for Aeronautical Communication Technologies (CLASACT) Program aims to build and test a 14.25 gigaherz (Ku-band) conformal antenna on a NASA-owned UAV. The antenna is intended for satellite communications and will enable communication between a ground station and a UAV when the separation distance is too great for line-of-sight communication. It is estimated that a 2 degree beamwidth will be necessary, requiring a 50 by 50 array of patch elements. The narrow beamwidth requirement, together with an element spacing of 0.6 lambda means that the array length will be 30 wavelengths, electrically very large. Three methods of varying complexity are described for estimating the total far-field radiation pattern. The results are shown for each method in the form of a normalized power pattern.

Mackenzie, Anne I.↗

Aperture, A Large Telescope Using Magnetostriction For Post Deployment Corrections: Final Technical Report of NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Phase I

In summary, astronomical as well as Earth observing applications of the future are counting on larger aperture telescopes than are currently available. Several groups have been working on the topic of enabling large (about 16-m diameter) UV-Vis telescopes for many years. The unique feature of our concept is that magnetic films are used rather than electrostatic films or piezo-electrostatic pads. Our magnetic film concept allows for contiguous correction along the surface, does not require a hard wire connection, and does not require continuous external application of the field. There are many unknowns related to the initial accuracy of the deployed figure prior to the magnetic write head corrections. The length scale over which the corrections need to be applied is also of concern. For, although approximately mm length scale corrections can be made with the MSM plus write head technology, the number of 1 mm² patches in a 16 m diameter mirror is too large to contemplate applying individual corrections to each individual patch. However, deployment strategies and the materials available continue to evolve, in particular shape memory composites (SMCs) [34] or alloys (SMAs) [41], such that at this time we see no show-stoppers for this concept. Furthermore, the ability to tune deformations down to much (factors of 10-100) smaller (m) scale opens the futuristic possibility of improving the figure well beyond Strehl values of 90%.

APERTURE↗

Repair of Sandwich Structure in Support of the Payload Adapter Fitting (PAF) Part II: Severe Damage Repair

As part of a program examining a Payload Adaptor Fitting (PAF) for NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS), a repair study of impact damage and misdrilled holes in composite sandwich structure was undertaken.1 In that study, it was shown that small holes and barely visible impact damage (BVID) could be repaired and all the measured undamaged in-plane compression strength recovered without removing the damaged material using a simple patch repair. It was noted that for more severe damage, either larger patches or removal of damage (or both) may be necessary to regain all of the measured undamaged compression strength. This Technical Memorandum (TM) presents the results of an experimental investigation into repair of more severely damaged sandwich structure than what was studied in reference 1.

Nettles, A. T.↗

Fragmentation Increases Impact of Wind Disturbance on Forest Structure and Carbon Stocks in a Western Amazonian Landscape

Tropical second-growth forests could help mitigate climate change, but the degree to which their carbon potential is achieved will depend on exposure to disturbance. Wind disturbance is common in tropical forests, shaping structure, composition, and function, and influencing successional trajectories. However, little is known about the impacts of extreme winds in fragmented landscapes, though second-growth forests are often located in mosaics of forest, pasture, cropland, and other land cover types. Though indirect evidence suggests that fragmentation increases risk of wind damage, few studies have found such impacts following severe storms. In this study, we ask whether fragmentation and forest type (old vs. second growth) were associated with variation in wind damage after a severe convective storm in a fragmented production landscape in western Amazonia. We applied linear spectral unmixing to Landsat 8 imagery from before and after the storm, and combined it with field observations of damage to map wind effects on forest structure and biomass (Figure 4, 5). We also used Landsat 8 imagery to map land cover with the goals of identifying old- and second-growth forest and characterizing fragmentation. We used these data to assess variation in wind disturbance across 95,596 hectares of forest, distributed over 6,110 patches. We find that fragmentation is significantly associated with wind damage, with damage severity higher at forest edges and in edgier, more isolated patches (Figure 7). Damage was more severe in old-growth than in second-growth forests, but this effect was weaker than that of fragmentation (Figure 8). These results illustrate the importance of considering spatial configuration and landscape context in planning tropical forest restoration and predicting carbon sequestration in second-growth forests. Future research should address the mechanisms behind these results, to minimize wind damage risk in second-growth forests so their carbon potential can be maximally achieved.

Schwartz, Naomi B.↗

Keplerian Analysis for Versatile Evaluation of Arbitrary Trajectories

Designing interplanetary missions is an iterative process, with a tight coupling between mission analysis and vehicle design. The ability to simultaneously process both analyses early on can provide significant benefits in both the concept formulation and in overall mission feasibility. To implement such a simultaneous analysis process, there is a need to model interplanetary trajectories rapidly while maintaining an acceptable level of fidelity. Many simple patched conics tools make too many assumptions to satisfactorily address all relevant constraints and objectives, while full-fidelity trajectory design tools often require more time and expertise than is available in early conceptual studies. Hence, some form of middle-ground modeling tool would provide value. This paper introduces the development of such a tool using Python. This tool, Keplerian Analysis for Versatile Evaluation of Arbitrary Trajectories (KAVEAT), implements a patched conics method that enforces continuity of state (time, mass, position, velocity) through all transitions between various spheres of influence on the trajectory. The trajectory is constructed in an object-oriented manner, dynamically assembling unique maneuvers such as departure burns, heliocentric transfers (ballistic or with electric propulsion), and planetary flybys (powered or unpowered). Each maneuver has its own specific set of basic inputs needed to define it. The tool then takes these defined maneuvers, strings them together creating all the interdependencies required, and solves for the ideal trajectory using a gradient-based optimizer.

Katherine T McBrayer↗

SHERLOC Investigations at the Máaz and Séítah formations within Jezero crater

Introduction: The Scanning Habitable Environments with Raman and Luminescence for Organics and Chemicals (SHERLOC) instrument combines microscopic imaging, native fluorescence and Raman spectroscopy to better understand the mineral and chemical makeup of rocks on the martian surface. Native fluorescence emissions from aromatic organic species allow for detection and classification of aromatic organic molecules, whereas Raman scattered photons from molecules allow identification of functional groups of organics, chemicals, and minerals. These signatures are obtained on a 100 micron spatial scale and collocated to images so textures, minerals and chemicals can all be compared [1]. Results: SHERLOC has been operating on Mars since February 18, 2021. As of this writing, we have analyzed 3 natural surfaces, and 5 abraded rock patches created during the Crater Floor Campaign within Jezero crater [2]. The Guillaumes target (from the Roubion outcrop, Roubion member of the Máaz Formation) is dominated by Ca-sulfate with patches of perchlorate. The Bellegarde target (from the Rochette outcrop, Rochette member of the Máaz Formation) exhibits Raman peaks that match hydrated Ca-sulfate, amorphous/microcrystalline silicate (AMS), carbonate, and phosphate phases. A fluorescence doublet at ~305 and ~325 nm was detected and is most likely due to indigenous organic material in the sample. The Garde target (from the Bastide outcrop, Bastide member of the Séítah Formation) is dominated by olivine and carbonate with AMS occurring across the material. The Dourbes target (from the Brac outcrop, Bastide member of the Séítah Formation) is dominated by olivine and shows minor amounts of carbonate, hydrated Ca-sulfate, and AMS. The Quartier target exhibits a large sulfate feature, as well as carbonate, perchlorate, olivine and a fluorescence doublet at 305 and 325 nm and is very similar to that observed at Bellegarde. In each of these samples we have identified fluorescence features that are likely aromatic organics native to the rock interiors. Acknowledgments: This work was carried out at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, The California Institute of Technology under a contract from NASA.

L W Beegle↗

The Harmonic Linearized Navier-Stokes Equations for Transition Prediction in Three-Dimensional Flows

The conventional method to predict the onset of laminar-turbulent transition in convectively unstable boundary-layer flows is based on the logarithmic amplification ratio, the so-called N-factor, of the linear instability waves. To calculate the N-factor, the flow variables are decomposed into a laminar basic state solution and the linear disturbances, which are assumed to be harmonic in time. The most commonly used linear stability analysis approaches include the locally parallel linear stability theory (LST) and the nonlocal, weakly nonparallel parabolized stability equations (PSE). However, these methods do not account for strong streamwise gradients that are encountered in several configurations of interest, such as those in the vicinity of roughness elements, steps, gaps, or corners. To compute the linear evolution of disturbances along such strongly nonparallel regions, the harmonic linearized Navier-Stokes equations (HLNSE) need to be solved. The discretization of the HLNSE for spanwise/azimuthally inhomogeneous laminar basic states yields a linear system of complex arithmetic with a leading dimension of the order of 10^(7) to 10^(8) even in relatively simple flows. A combined multithread and multiprocessor algorithm is implemented for the direct solution of such linear systems. Results for a supersonic boundary layer over a three-dimensional roughness patch show good agreement with experimental measurements when the evolution of the instability waves over the roughness patch is included via the HLNSE. Additionally, inflow-resolvent analysis based on the HLNSE for discrete-roughness-induced disturbances in the nose tip of a blunt cone at Mach 6 demonstrates the importance of including the disturbance amplification along the near vicinity of the roughness element and separation region.

Boundary Layer Stability↗

The Harmonic Linearized Navier-Stokes Equations for Transition Prediction in Three-Dimensional Flows

The conventional method to predict the onset of laminar-turbulent transition in convectively unstable boundary-layer flows is based on the logarithmic amplification ratio, the so-called N-factor, of the linear instability waves. To calculate the N-factor, the flow variables are decomposed into a laminar basic state solution and the linear disturbances, which are assumed to be harmonic in time. The most commonly used linear stability analysis approaches include the locally parallel linear stability theory (LST) and the non-local, weakly nonparallel parabolized stability equations (PSE). However, these methods do not account for strong streamwise gradients that are encountered in several configurations of interest, as roughness elements, steps, gaps, or corners. To solve the linear evolution of disturbances along such strongly nonparallel regions, the harmonic linearized Navier-Stokes equations (HLNSE) need to be solved. The discretization of the HLNSE for spanwise/azimuthally inhomogeneous laminar basic states yields a linear system of complex arithmetic with a leading dimension of the order of 107 to 108. A combined multithread and multiprocessor algorithm is implemented for the direct solution of such linear system. Results for a supersonic boundary layer over a three-dimensional roughness patch show good agreement with experimental measurements when the evolution of the instability waves over the roughness patch is included via the HLNSE.

Boundary Layer Stability↗

Space Suit Portable Life Support System Fastener and Insert Summary, Issues, and Testing Results

Fasteners are included in every assembly on the Exploration External Mobility Unity Portable Life Support System (xEMU PLSS). However, fasteners and inserts have been the cause of many issues seen on the PLSS during development; furthermore, inserts with thermoplastics are not very well understood. The materials used in the PLSS are sometimes softer and lighter weight metals or thermoplastics which require the installation of inserts to improve the interface strength. In addition, space flight requirements call out the need for an additional running/locking torque, so they do not detach in case of failure of the final torque. The xEMU PLSS has experienced various issues with fasteners and inserts, from the bolt binding in an insert or the running torque failing prematurely. A study has been completed to address the running torque life problem. This study compares the insert and locking feature combinations to determine the combination which maximizes life. The study found that using a locking patch with an insert fails after the first installation. Therefore, it is no longer recommended to use a locking patch fastener with an insert for future installments. For the bolt binding issue, inserts have been installed too deep and have caused the bolt to bind near the final threads of the inserts where the hole is not tapped deep enough. Thermoplastics, on the other end, can either use standard helical inserts or heat set inserts. Another study was performed using tangless inserts and heat inserts installed in thermoplastics to quantify the expected pull-out strength for various insert installation parameters (insert type, temperature, and pressure). This paper will review the issues and lessons learned with fasteners on the xEMU PLSS, provide results of a locking feature study, and provide results and recommended installation settings from a heat insert study.

Ryan Ogilvie↗

Instabilities in the Wake of a Pseudorandom Roughness on a Supersonic Flat Plate

A roughness patch defined by a two-dimensional Fourier series was installed in a highly-polished flat plate model immersed in a supersonic quiet flow. The NASA Langley Research Center Supersonic Low Disturbance Tunnel is capable of providing a Mach 3.5 flow with low freestream acoustic noise and low turbulence levels. Measurements made with a hot-wire probe downstream of the roughness element showed the presence of instability modes that did not cause transition in the measurement region at a freestream unit Reynolds number of Re =12.6×10^6/m. The largest amplitude mode appeared to be similar to a symmetric mode. The same roughness patch immersed in a higher freestream acoustic noise environment showed little to no evidence of the instability modes. Instead, disturbances found in the boundary layer matched closely to the freestream spectra measured in the empty tunnel under the same conditions, indicating some evidence of freestream forcing in the boundary layer.

Roughness induced transition↗

Instabilities in the Wake of a Pseudorandom Roughness on a Supersonic Flat Plate

A roughness patch defined by a two-dimensional Fourier series was installed in a highly-polished flat plate model immersed in a supersonic quiet flow. The NASA Langley Research Center Supersonic Low Disturbance Tunnel is capable of providing a Mach 3.5 flow with low freestream acoustic noise and low turbulence levels. Measurements made with a hot-wire probe downstream of the roughness element showed the presence of instability modes that did not cause transition in the measurement region at a freestream unit Reynolds number of Re =12.6×10^6/m. The largest amplitude mode appeared to be similar to a symmetric mode. The same roughness patch immersed in a higher freestream acoustic noise environment showed little to no evidence of the instability modes. Instead, disturbances found in the boundary layer matched closely to the freestream spectra measured in the empty tunnel under the same conditions, indicating some evidence of freestream forcing in the boundary layer.

Roughness induced transition↗

The Imprint of Intermittent Interchange Reconnection on the Solar Wind

The solar wind is known to be highly structured in space and time. Observations from Parker Solar Probe have revealed an abundance of so-called magnetic switchbacks within the near-Sun solar wind. In this Letter, we use a high-resolution, adaptive-mesh, magnetohydrodynamics simulation to explore the disturbances launched into the solar wind by intermittent/bursty interchange reconnection and how they may be related to magnetic switchbacks. We find that repeated ejection of plasmoid flux ropes into the solar wind produces a curtain of propagating and interacting torsional Alfvénic waves. We demonstrate that this curtain forms when plasmoid flux ropes dynamically realign with the radial field as they are ejected from the current layer and that this is a robust effect of the 3D geometry of the interchange reconnection region. Simulated flythroughs of this curtain in the low corona reveal an Alfvénic patch that closely resembles observations of switchback patches, but with relatively small magnetic field deflections. Therefore, we suggest that switchbacks could be the solar wind imprint of intermittent interchange reconnection in the corona, provided an in situ process subsequently amplifies the disturbances to generate the large deflections or reversals of radial field that are typically observed. That is to say, our results indicate that a combination of low-coronal and inner-heliospheric mechanisms may be required to explain switchback observations.

corona↗

Instabilities in the Wake of a Pseudorandom Roughness on a Supersonic Flat Plate

A roughness patch defined by a two-dimensional Fourier series was installed in a highly-polished flat plate model immersed in a supersonic quiet flow. The NASA Langley Research Center Supersonic Low Disturbance Tunnel is capable of providing a Mach 3.5 flow with low freestream acoustic noise and low turbulence levels. Measurements made with a hot-wire probe downstream of the roughness element showed the presence of instability modes that did not cause transition in the measurement region at a freestream unit Reynolds number of Re =12.6×10^6/m. The largest amplitude mode appeared to be similar to a symmetric mode. The same roughness patch immersed in a higher freestream acoustic noise environment showed little to no evidence of the instability modes. Instead, disturbances found in the boundary layer matched closely to the freestream spectra measured in the empty tunnel under the same conditions, indicating some evidence of freestream forcing in the boundary layer.

Roughness induced transition↗

Sampling the Margin Unit of Jezero Crater, Mars for Future Mars Sample Return

Mars 2020 Perseverance rover is currently exploring Jezero crater, which contains an ancient lake-delta system with a high potential for past habitability. One of Perseverance’s primary science goals is to collect a set of scientifically return-worthy samples for return to Earth (Mars Sample Return; MSR). Between February 2021 and December 2023, Perseverance has sealed 23 tubes containing 20 rock cores, 2 regolith samples and one atmosphere sample. All rock and regolith samples are accompanied by a set of observations (Sample Threshold Observation Protocol, the STOP List) performed on abrasion patches or regolith near each sample collection site. These observations are documented in the Initial Reports and the Sample Dossier (https://pds-geosciences.wustl.edu/missions/mars2020/returned_sample_science.htm). Here we provide an overview of the samples collected during the Margin campaign. The Margin unit is situated interior and adjacent to the western crater rim and exhibits a strong carbonate signal from orbital reflectance spectroscopy. Stratigraphically the unit lies beneath the previously explored curvilinear and blocky units of the fan top and is therefore older than those units. Based on its position near the crater rim and the strong carbonate detections it has been proposed to be a shoreline deposit with possible lacustrine carbonates. Alternative hypotheses include pyroclastic, fluviolacustrine and aeolian deposits. Based on rover observations a lacustrine shoreline deposit seems most likely. The planning of the Margin campaign took place during the summer of 2023, and 3-5 samples were baselined to be collected. Exploration of the Margin unit began in September 2023 and so far, two samples have been collected: the Pelican Point core at the Hans Amundsen Memorial Workspace in the Mandu Wall region , and the Lefroy Bay core at Lake Newell in the Turquoise Bay region (Fig. 1). The associated abrasion patches are Amherst Point (Pelican Point) and Bills Bay (Lefroy Bay) . Mandu Wall is interpreted to be stratigraphically lower than Turquoise Bay based on topography.

Mars sample return↗