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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 595 records · Page 33
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1988

An investigation of conformable antennas for the astronaut backpack communication system

During periods of extravehicular activity it is obviously important that communication and telemetry systems continue to function independently of the astronaut. A system of antennas must therefore be designed that will provide the necessary isotropic coverage using circular polarization over both the transmit and receive frequency bands. To avoid the inherent physical limitations to motion that would be incurred with any sort of protruding antenna, it is necessary that the radiator be essentially flush-mounted or conformable to the structure on which it is attached. Several individual antenna elements are needed for the desired coverage. Both the particular elements chosen and their location determine the ultimate radiation pattern of the overall system. For these reasons a two-fold research plan was undertaken. First, individual elements were investigated and designed. Then various mounting locations were considered and the radiation patterns were predicted taking into account the effects of the astronaut's backpack.

Long, Stuart A.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Prediction of BVI noise patterns and correlation with wake interaction locations

High resolution fluctuating airloads data were acquired during a test of a contemporary design United Technologies model rotor in the Duits-Nederlandse Windtunnel (DNW). The airloads are used as input to the noise prediction program WOPWOP, in order to predict the blade-vortex interaction (BVI) noise field on a large plane below the rotor. Trends of predicted advancing and retreating side BVI noise levels and directionality as functions of flight condition are presented. The measured airloads have been analyzed to determine the BVI locations on the blade surface, and are used to interpret the predicted BVI noise radiation patterns. Predicted BVI locations are obtained using the free wake model in CAMRAD/JA, the UTRC Generalized Forward Flight Distorted Wake Model, and the UTRC FREEWAKE analysis. These predicted BVI locations are compared with those obtained from the measured pressure data.

Marcolini, Michael A.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Correlated Electromagnetic Levitation Actuator: A Reaction Sphere Based Attitude Control System

To address problems experienced by current reaction wheels and control moment gyroscopebased attitude control systems (ACS), researchers at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center have begun developing a reaction sphere actuator based on correlated electromagnetic levitation that will be immune to destructive bearing friction, momentum saturation, and gimbal lock. The Correlated Electromagnetic Levitation Actuator (CELA) advances the state of the art of reaction sphere ACSs by employing the concept of correlated magnetics. It is a frictionless, direct-drive reaction sphere that harnesses a unique technology with an array of applications across multiple disciplines. Correlated electromagnets function in a manner that is analogous to a matched filter; the convolution of two signals is peaked at the index representing the greatest match. For CELA, the signals are the patterns of magnetic flux density as a function of position. The magnitude of the convolution equates to an attractive or repulsive force, and these forces can be azimuthal or radial. The development of CELA is based in four distinct disciplines: Advanced Manufacturing, Prototype Development, Electromagnetic Modeling, and Controls. We are developing novel manufacturing techniques required to build arrays of permanent and electromagnet dipoles on curved surfaces. To print the permanent magnetic array, we have developed a probe with pyramidal magnets that will reside on a robotic arm to induce localized magnetic fields on a surface. The probe also includes the ability to erase dipole patterns from a permanent magnet by heating the surface to its Curie temperature. A number of test articles and prototypes have been developed using additive manufacturing methods. These prototypes have included hemispherical motors to test the drive algorithm, and a levitation test bed that demonstrates a magnetic bearing method based on attractive magnetic forces and ratiometric Hall effect sensors. We developed an array of electromagnetic dipoles on a printed circuit board (PCB) with individual H-bridges controlling each coil. This device created various flux density patterns and we measured their magnetic fields using a custom Hall effect 3-D probe and a LabVIEW virtual instrument. These data will serve as a benchmark for characterizing the accuracy of future models. Current work is focused on modeling the magnetic fields of our prototype arrays using COMSOL Finite Element Analysis and verifying the model against our test data. Accurate modeling will allow us to quickly test new patterns of electromagnets and their macro behavior. Eventually, the magnetic field models will be implemented in our controls simulations to facilitate precise control of the reaction sphere. Initial model results agree with field measurements to within 1 G (5% of measured flux density). Currently, we are testing different material properties of the electromagnets and their magnetic fields and thermal effects. These results will be used to refine the design of the electromagnetic dipoles. Our control efforts have centered on developing commutation, levitation, and field pattern shaping hardware in the form of breadboards and PCBs with software running on a local microcontroller. In addition, our partners developed MATLAB Simulink models to demonstrate a PID controller thatmitigates disturbance forces resulting from the interaction of drive and levitation magnetics. Finally, we have designed a three-axis test stand that will be used in future work to demonstrate CELA’s orientation control capability.

controls↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Correlated Electromagnetic Levitation Actuator: A Reaction Sphere-Based Attitude Control System

To address problems experienced by current reaction wheels and control moment gyroscopebased attitude control systems (ACS), researchers at National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA’s) Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) have begun developing a reaction sphere actuator based on correlated electromagnetic levitation that will be immune to destructive bearing friction, momentum saturation, and gimbal lock. The Correlated Electromagnetic Levitation Actuator (CELA) advances the state of the art of reaction sphere ACSs by employing the concept of correlated magnetics. It is a frictionless, direct-drive reaction sphere that harnesses a unique technology with an array of applications across multiple disciplines. Correlated electromagnets function in a manner that is analogous to a matched filter; the convolution of two signals is peaked at the index representing the greatest match. For CELA, the signals are the patterns of magnetic flux density as a function of position. The magnitude of the convolution equates to an attractive or repulsive force, and these forces can be azimuthal or radial. The development of CELA is based in four distinct disciplines: Advanced Manufacturing, Prototype Development, Electromagnetic Modeling, and Controls. We are developing novel manufacturing techniques required to build arrays of permanent and electromagnet dipoles on curved surfaces. To print the permanent magnetic array, we have developed a probe with pyramidal magnets that will reside on a robotic arm to induce localized magnetic fields on a surface. We have also used high temperature ovens to erase dipole patterns from a permanent magnet by heating the surface to its Curie temperature. A number of test articles and prototypes have been developed using additive manufacturing methods. These prototypes have included hemispherical motors to test the drive algorithm, and a levitation test bed that demonstrates a magnetic bearing method based on attractive magnetic forces and ratiometric Hall effect sensors. We developed an array of electromagnetic dipoles on a printed circuit board (PCB) with individual H-bridges controlling each coil. This device created various flux density patterns and we measured their magnetic fields using a custom Hall effect 3-D probe and a LabVIEW virtual instrument. These data will serve as a benchmark for characterizing the accuracy of future models. Current work is focused on modeling the magnetic fields of our prototype arrays using COMSOL finite element analysis (FEA) and verifying the model against our test data. Accurate modeling will allow us to quickly test new patterns of electromagnets and their macro behavior. Eventually, the magnetic field models will be implemented in our controls simulations to facilitate precise control of the reaction sphere. Initial model results agree with field measurements to within 1 G (5% of measured flux density). Currently, we are testing different material properties of the electromagnets and their magnetic fields and thermal effects. These results will be used to refine the design of the electromagnetic dipoles. Our control efforts have centered on developing commutation, levitation, and field pattern shaping hardware in the form of breadboards and PCBs with software running on a local microcontroller. In addition, our partners developed MATLAB Simulink models to demonstrate a PID controller that mitigates disturbance forces resulting from the interaction of drive and levitation magnetics. Finally, we have designed a three-axis test stand that will be used in future work to demonstrate CELA’s orientation control capability.

reaction sphere↗
NASA NTRS1980

SPS antenna element evaluation

The SPS transmitting array requires an architecture which will provide a low weight, high efficiency and high structural rigidity. Waveguide slot arrays constitute the most desirable option. Consequently, such an array was chosen for the SPS. Waveguide slot arrays offer high efficiency, uniform illumination, and are fairly lightweight. Bandwidths of such arrays are narrow, typically 1/2-2%. Although this does not directly impact the SPS, which transmits power at a single frequency of 2.45 GHz, the narrow bandwidth does constrain the thermal and mechanical tolerances of the antenna. The purpose of this program is to better define the electronic aspects of an SPS specific waveguide slot array. The specific aims of the program are as follows: (1) To build a full-scale half-module, 10 stick, array, the design parameters for which are to be determined analytical considerations tempered by experimental data on a single slotted radiating stick, (2) To experimentally evaluate the completed array with respect to antenna pattern, impedance and return loss; and (3) To measure swept transmission amplitude and phase to provide a data base for design of a receiving antenna.

Lunden, C. D.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Analysis and design of a surface-wave-scanned optical sensor array

This paper treats a scheme for converting the information of the spatial pattern of light of an image into a time-varying voltage pattern by the use of acoustic surface waves. After a brief review of earlier work, the application of the scheme to vidicon-type applications is tested by a feasibility calculation. This is followed by a consideration of various physical configurations possible and some experimental results. The rest of the paper deals with the subject of sensor array design. Included here are discussions of system components, methods of computation used, optimization, and the design of some integrated sensor arrays. The work shows that an integrated acoustically scanned array sensor of 250 or more elements per line in a 5 cm length, with scanning at TV frame rates, should be possible.

Shaw, K. A.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Graphic design of pinhole cameras

The paper describes a graphic technique for the analysis and optimization of pinhole size and focal length. The technique is based on the use of the transfer function of optical elements described by Scott (1959) to construct the transfer function of a circular pinhole camera. This transfer function is the response of a component or system to a pattern of lines having a sinusoidally varying radiance at varying spatial frequencies. Some specific examples of graphic design are presented.

Edwards, H. B.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Evaluation of thick wall wave guide element

The SPS transmitting array requires an architecture which will provide a low weight, high efficiency and high structural rigidity. As noted above, waveguide slot arrays constitute the most desirable option. Consequently, such an array has been chosen for the SPS. Waveguide slot arrays offer high efficiency, uniform illumination, are are fairly lighweight. Bandwidths of such arrays are narrow, typically 1/2-2%. Although this does not directly impact the SPS, which transmits power at a single frequency of 2.45 GHz, the narrow bandwidth does constrain the thermal and mechanical tolerances of the antenna. The purpose of this program is to better define the electronic aspects of an SPS specific waveguide slot array. The specific aims of the program are as follows: (1) To build a full-scale half-module, 10 stick, array, the design parameters for which are to be determined by analytical considerations tempered by experimental data on a single slotted radiating stick, (2) To experimentally evaluate the completed array with respect to antenna pattern, impedance and return loss, and (3) To measure swept transmission amplitude and phase to provide a data base for design of a receiving antenna.

Nalos, E. J.↗
NASA NTRS2023

Spacesuit Fit and Mobility Assessments by Digital Human Modeling

Spacesuit Fit and Mobility Assessments by Digital Human Modeling K. Han Kim (Leidos, Inc.) Elizabeth A. Benson (KBR, Inc.) Sudhakar L. Rajulu (NASA Johnson Space Center) Spacesuits are required to accommodate safe operations for astronauts across gender and a wide variety of body shapes and sizes. This goal has been of particular importance given the increasing diversity of NASA crewmembers for upcoming Missions. While testing with design prototypes is a critical step for spacesuit development, iterative mockup design, fabrication, and human subject tests can be extremely costly and time consuming. Moreover, testing with a limited subject pool has often raised questions for validity, as test subjects need to represent the entire astronaut population, not only of the past or current, but also the future. This study is aimed at demonstrating how digital human modeling (DHM) tools have been built and directly supported NASA spacesuit developments. With DHM, the computer aided design (CAD) model of a spacesuit was integrated with human body models. Two use scenarios are presented in this paper, namely fit and mobility. For fit assessments, the suit-to-body contact and compression patterns were estimated using 3D human body scan models virtually wearing a spacesuit model. A statistical fit classifier was made from the contact patterns and applied against a large database of body scans (N=2,500). With this technique, the NASA reference design spacesuit Exploration EVA Mobility Unit (xEMU)was verified to accommodate 90% of the astronaut-like population, with the critical dimensions covering 1stto 99thpercentiles of the target body measurements. A similar technique assessed XEMU mobility. The maximum reach envelopes were considered, within which the work objects and critical hardware interfaces should be located for safe and ergonomic operations. While the reach envelope geometry varies significantly with the suit wearer’s body size and strength, the existing test data did not include the subjects critically required to define suit mobility requirements, such as very small females or large males. Using the xEMU virtual model kinematically simulated and permuted for a hypothetical wearer, however, the existing data were statistically transformed and scaled. This method enabled for a parametric estimation of the reach envelopes from the 1stpercentile female or 99thpercentile male. The outcome was successfully incorporated for requirement developments. With the new DHM tools, human integration of the spacesuit was structurally simulated and predictively assessed, which would have been otherwise impossible. Also, the needs for iterative mockup and subject tests were significantly reduced, which resulted in time and cost saving. Additional work is in progress to integrate additional vehicles, tools, and hardware with DHM framework.

K Han Kim↗
NASA NTRS2006

UHF Relay Antenna Measurements on Phoenix Mars Lander Mockup

The Phoenix Lander, a NASA Discovery mission which lands on Mars in the spring of 2008, will rely entirely on UHF relay links between it and Mars orbiting assets, (Odyssey and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO)), to communicate with the Earth. As with the Mars Exploration Rover (MER) relay system, non directional antennas will be used to provide roughly emispherical coverage of the Martian sky. Phoenix lander deck object pattern interference and obscuration are significant, and needed to be quantified to answer system level design and operations questions. This paper describes the measurement campaign carried out at the SPAWAR (Space and Naval Warfare Research) Systems Center San Diego (SSC-SD) hemispherical antenna range, using a Phoenix deck mockup and engineering model antennas. One goal of the measurements was to evaluate two analysis tools, the time domain CST, and the moment method WIPL-D software packages. These would subsequently be used to provide pattern analysis for configurations that would be difficult and expensive to model and test on Earth.

scattering↗
NASA NTRS2003

Binary-Phase Fourier Gratings for Nonuniform Array Generation

We describe a design method for a binary-phase Fourier grating that generates an array of spots with nonuniform, user-defined intensities symmetric about the zeroth order. Like the Dammann fanout grating approach, the binary-phase Fourier grating uses only two phase levels in its grating surface profile to generate the final spot array. Unlike the Dammann fanout grating approach, this method allows for the generation of nonuniform, user-defined intensities within the final fanout pattern. Restrictions governing the specification and realization of the array's individual spot intensities are discussed. Design methods used to realize the grating employ both simulated annealing and nonlinear optimization approaches to locate optimal solutions to the grating design problem. The end-use application driving this development operates in the near- to mid-infrared spectrum - allowing for higher resolution in grating specification and fabrication with respect to wavelength than may be available in visible spectrum applications. Fabrication of a grating generating a user-defined nine spot pattern is accomplished in GaAs for the near-infrared. Characterization of the grating is provided through the measurement of individual spot intensities, array uniformity, and overall efficiency. Final measurements are compared to calculated values with a discussion of the results.

Keys, Andrew S.↗
NASA NTRS1992

A 20-dB quasi-integrated horn antenna

A multimode quasi-integrated dipole-fed horn antenna is presented with a performance comparable to that of waveguide-fed corrugated horn antennas. The antenna has been designed using fullwave analysis and has been fabricated and tested at 91 GHz. The horn has a gain of 20 dB with very symmetric patterns, a Gaussian coupling efficiency of 97 percent, and a cross-polarization level of -22.7 dB. The antenna provides a significant improvement in integrated antenna designs and is suitable for millimeter-wave communication and radar systems and as a Gaussian-beam launcher in quasi-optical receiver systems.

Eleftheriades, George V.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Antenna analysis using neural networks

Conventional computing schemes have long been used to analyze problems in electromagnetics (EM). The vast majority of EM applications require computationally intensive algorithms involving numerical integration and solutions to large systems of equations. The feasibility of using neural network computing algorithms for antenna analysis is investigated. The ultimate goal is to use a trained neural network algorithm to reduce the computational demands of existing reflector surface error compensation techniques. Neural networks are computational algorithms based on neurobiological systems. Neural nets consist of massively parallel interconnected nonlinear computational elements. They are often employed in pattern recognition and image processing problems. Recently, neural network analysis has been applied in the electromagnetics area for the design of frequency selective surfaces and beam forming networks. The backpropagation training algorithm was employed to simulate classical antenna array synthesis techniques. The Woodward-Lawson (W-L) and Dolph-Chebyshev (D-C) array pattern synthesis techniques were used to train the neural network. The inputs to the network were samples of the desired synthesis pattern. The outputs are the array element excitations required to synthesize the desired pattern. Once trained, the network is used to simulate the W-L or D-C techniques. Various sector patterns and cosecant-type patterns (27 total) generated using W-L synthesis were used to train the network. Desired pattern samples were then fed to the neural network. The outputs of the network were the simulated W-L excitations. A 20 element linear array was used. There were 41 input pattern samples with 40 output excitations (20 real parts, 20 imaginary). A comparison between the simulated and actual W-L techniques is shown for a triangular-shaped pattern. Dolph-Chebyshev is a different class of synthesis technique in that D-C is used for side lobe control as opposed to pattern shaping. The interesting thing about D-C synthesis is that the side lobes have the same amplitude. Five-element arrays were used. Again, 41 pattern samples were used for the input. Nine actual D-C patterns ranging from -10 dB to -30 dB side lobe levels were used to train the network. A comparison between simulated and actual D-C techniques for a pattern with -22 dB side lobe level is shown. The goal for this research was to evaluate the performance of neural network computing with antennas. Future applications will employ the backpropagation training algorithm to drastically reduce the computational complexity involved in performing EM compensation for surface errors in large space reflector antennas.

Smith, William T.↗
NASA NTRS1973

High temperature antenna development for space shuttle, volume 1

Design concepts for high temperature flush mounted Space Shuttle Orbiter antenna systems are discussed. The design concepts include antenna systems for VHF, L-band, S-band, C-band and Ku-band frequencies. The S-band antenna system design was completed and test hardware fabricated. It was then subjected to electrical and thermal testing to establish design requirements and determine reuse capabilities. The thermal tests consisted of applying ten high temperature cycles simulating the Orbiter entry heating environment in an arc tunnel plasma facility and observing the temperature distributions. Radiation pattern and impedance measurements before and after high temperature exposure were used to evaluated the antenna systems performance. Alternate window design concepts are considered. Layout drawings, supported by thermal and strength analyses, are given for each of the antenna system designs. The results of the electrical and thermal testing of the S-band antenna system are given.

Kuhlman, E. A.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Information for space radar designers: Required dynamic range vs resolution and antenna calibration using the Amazon rain forest

Calibration of the vertical pattern of the antennas for the SEASAT scatterometer was accomplished using the nearly-uniform radar return from the Amazon rain forest. A similar calibration will be attempted for the SIR-B antenna. Thick calibration is important to establish the radiometric calibration across the swath of the SIR-B, and the developed methodology will provide an important tool in the evaluation of future spaceborne imaging radars. This calibration was made by the very-wide-beam SEASAT scatterometer antennas because at 14.65 GHz the scattering coefficient of the rain forest is almost independent of angle of incidence. It is expected that the variation in scattering coefficient for the rain forest across the relatively narrow vertical beam of the SIR-B will be very small; even at L band the forest should be essentially impenetrable for radar signals, the volume scatter from the treetops will predominate as at higher frequencies. The basic research elements include: (1) examination of SIR-B images over the rain forest to establish the variability of the scattering coefficient at finer resolutions than that of the SEASAT scatterometer; (2) analysis of the variability of SIR-B data detected prior to processing for either azimuth compression or; possibly, range compression so that averages over relatively large footprints can be used; (3) processing of data of the form of (2) using algorithms that can recover the vertical pattern of the antenna.

Moore, R. K.↗
NASA NTRS2019

Swirl Distortion Using Stream Vanes for Boundary Layer Ingestion Research

The swirl distortion of a StreamVane (Trademark) was investigated in the NASA Glenn Research Center W8 test facility. The StreamVane (Trademark) was designed and generated by Virginia Tech based on CFD simulations and included a center body at the aerodynamic interface plane. The swirl pattern generated by the distortion was evaluated using a dense grid of 5-hole Pitot probe measurements captured using a rotating array of probes. Good agreement was found between the design intent and the results at 38.5 kg/s mass flow. The StreamVane (Trademark) swirl results were compared to clean facility flow at 5 inlet mass flows and found to be consistent. Additionally, the axial location of the StreamVane (Trademark) relative to the measurement plane was investigated to determine the impact on downstream total pressure loss generated by the vanes. The intent of this work was to assess the viability of using a StreamVane (Trademark) to generate a Type I or Type II distortion into a Boundary Layer Ingesting propulsor to assess its aerodynamic performance and aeromechanic response.

swirl distortion↗
NASA NTRS1992

Design of a monopulse SAR system to determine elevation angles

Terrain height variations in mountainous areas cause problems in radiometric corrections of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images. To determine the elevation angle and the height at the different parts of an image, an application of the monopulse principle is proposed. From the ratios of images radiometrically modulated by the difference and sum antenna pattern in range it is possible to calculate the appropriate elevation angle at any point in the image. Design considerations for a corresponding airborne SAR-system are presented, and some estimates of error influences (e.g., ambiguities), expected performance and precision in topographic mapping are given.

Oettl, H.↗