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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

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NASA NTRS1985

Parallel processor programs in the Federal Government

In 1982, a report dealing with the nation's research needs in high-speed computing called for increased access to supercomputing resources for the research community, research in computational mathematics, and increased research in the technology base needed for the next generation of supercomputers. Since that time a number of programs addressing future generations of computers, particularly parallel processors, have been started by U.S. government agencies. The present paper provides a description of the largest government programs in parallel processing. Established in fiscal year 1985 by the Institute for Defense Analyses for the National Security Agency, the Supercomputing Research Center will pursue research to advance the state of the art in supercomputing. Attention is also given to the DOE applied mathematical sciences research program, the NYU Ultracomputer project, the DARPA multiprocessor system architectures program, NSF research on multiprocessor systems, ONR activities in parallel computing, and NASA parallel processor projects.

Schneck, P. B.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Electric Field Containerless Processing Technology

The objective of this task is to develop the science and technology base required to design and construct a high temperature electric field positioning module that could be used by materials scientists to conduct containerless science experiments in a low gravity environment. Containerless science modules that employ electric fields to position and manipulate samples offer several advantages over acoustic or electromagnetic systems. The electric field system will operate not only at atmospheric pressures but also in a vacuum, in contrast to the acoustic modules which can only operate in atmosphere where the acoustic forces are sufficient. The electric field technique puts minimum energy into the sample, whereas the electromagnetic system can deposit energy into the sample through eddy current heat as well as physical mixing in the sample. Two types of electric field modules have been constructed and tested to date. One employs a charged sample and uses electrostatic forces to position and control the sample. The second type of module induces electrical polarization of the sample and electric field gradients to position and control the sample.

Elleman, D. D.↗

NASA NTRS1985

New technology implementation: Technical, economic and political factors

An analysis is presented of the process of implementing advanced manufacturing technology, based on studies of numerous organizations. This process is seen as consisting of a series of decisions with technical, economic, and political objectives. Frequency decisions involve specifications, equipment, resources/organization, and location. Problems in implementation are viewed as resulting from tradeoffs among the objectives, the tendency of decision makers to emphasize some objectives at the expense of others, and the propensity of problems to spread from one area to another. Three sets of recommendations, based on this analysis, are presented.

Dean, J. W., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Oxygen/hydrocarbon combustion devices technology

A program was conducted to investigate ignition, combustion and heat transfer characteristics of liquid oxygen and RP-1 fuel applicable to large gas generator cycle booster engines. The program was part of a broad effort intended to generate a combustion devices technology base for both RP-1 and methane fuels and both gas generator and staged combustion engine cycles. Two gas generator injector designs were tested over a chamber pressure range of 1500 to 3100 psia and a gas temperature range of 1500 to 2300 R. Both configurations were evaluated for combustion efficiency, gas temperature profile and combustion stability. Thrust chamber firings were conducted using a platelet type main injector and a water cooled calorimeter combustion chamber. Test conditions ranged from 1700 to 2200 psia chamber pressure and from 2.0 to 2.8 mixture ratio. A program goal to reduce previously measured nozzle heating rates was achieved, but at the expense of combustion efficiency.

Bailey, C. R.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Orbital transfer vehicle engine integration study

Industry studies were undertaken to establish the technology base for an advanced engine for Orbital Transfer Vehicles for mid-1990s IOC. This paper presents the results of a study conducted by General Dynamics Convair Division, under contract to Aerojet TechSystems Company for NASA-LeRC, to define requirements, interface conditions, and operational design criteria for new LO2/LH2 propulsion systems applicable to future Orbit Transfer Vehicles, and to assess the impacts of space basing, man rating, and low-g transfer on propulsion system design requirements. The primary study emphasis was to determine what the OTV engine thrust level should be, how many engines are required on the OTV, and how the OTV engine should be designed. This was accomplished by evaluating planned OTV missions and concepts to determine the requirements for the OTV propulsion system, conducting tradeoffs and comparisons to optimize OTV capability, and evaluating reliability and maintenance to determine the recommended OTV engine design for future development.

Ketchum, W. J.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Orbital transfer vehicle engine integration study

NASA-LeRC is sponsoring industry studies to establish the technology base for an advanced engine for orbital transfer vehicles for mid-1990s IOC. Engine contractors are being assisted by vehicle contractors to define the requirements, interface conditions, and operational design criteria for new LO2-LH2 propulsion systems applicable to future orbit transfer vehicles and to assess the impacts on space basing, man rating, and low-G transfer missions on propulsion system design requirements. The results of a study is presented. The primary study emphasis was to determine what the OTV engine thrust level should be, how many engines are required on the OTV, and how the OTV engine should be designed. This was accomplished by evaluating planned OTV missions and concepts to determine the requirements for the OTV propulsion system, conducting tradeoffs and comparisons to optimize OTV capability, and evaluating reliability and maintenance to determine the recommended OTV engine design for future development.

Ketchum, W. J.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Pioneering the space frontier

The goals and plans of the program for exploration and development of the space frontier recommended by the National Commission on Space for the next 50 years are described. The topics discussed include civilian space goals for 21st-century America, low-cost access to the solar system, opening the space frontier, and American leadership on the space frontier. Papers are presented on advancing science; exploring, prospecting, and settling the solar system; space enterprise and building the technology base; and on an economical, phased approach. In addition, consideration is given to the aspects of conducting an effective science program, government policy and the private sector, international cooperation and competition, 21st-century America, and to what the recommended program will do.

Space Exploration↗

NASA NTRS1984

Development of selected advanced aerodynamics and active control concepts for commercial transport aircraft

Work done under the Energy Efficient Transport project in the field of advanced aerodynamics and active controls is summarized. The project task selections focused on the following: the investigation of long-duct nacelle shape variation on interference drag; the investigation of the adequacy of a simple control law for the elastic modes of a wing; the development of the aerodynamic technology at cruise and low speed of high-aspect-ratio supercritical wings of high performance; and the development of winglets for a second-generation jet transport. All the tasks involved analysis and substantial wind tunnel testing. The winglet program also included flight evaluation. It is considered that the technology base has been built for the application of high-aspect-ratio supercritical wings and for the use of winglets on second-generation transports.

Taylor, A. B.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Microgravity Science and Applications Program tasks, 1986 revision

The Microgravity Science and Applications (MSA) program is directed toward research in the science and technology of processing materials under conditions of low gravity to provide a detailed examination of the constraints imposed by gravitational forces on Earth. The program is expected to lead to the development of new materials and processes in commercial applications adding to this nation's technological base. The research studies emphasize the selected materials and processes that will best elucidate the limitations due to gravity and demonstrate the enhanced sensitivity of control of processes that may be provided by the weightless environment of space. Primary effort is devoted to a study of the specific areas of research which reveals potential value in the initial investigations of the previous decades. Examples of previous process research include crystal growth and directional solidification of metals; containerless processing of reactive materials; synthesis and separation of biological materials; etc. Additional efforts will be devoted to identifying the special requirements which drive the design of hardware to reduce risk in future developments.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS1986

Plasma interactions and surface/material effects

A discussion on plasma interactions and surface/material effects is summarized. The key issues in this area were: (1) the lack of data on the material properties of common spacecraft surface materials; (2) lack of understanding of the contamination and decontamination processes; and (3) insufficient analytical tools to model synergistic phenomena related to plasma interactions. Without an adequate database of material properties, accurate system performance predictions cannot be made. The interdisciplinary nature of the surface-plasma interactions area makes it difficult to plan and maintain a coherent theoretical and experimental program. The shuttle glow phenomenon is an excellent example of an unanticipated, complex interaction involving synergism between surface and plasma effects. Building an adequate technology base for understanding and predicting surface-plasma interactions will require the coordinated efforts of engineers, chemists, and physicists. An interdisciplinary R and D program should be organized to deal with similar problems that the space systems of the 21st century may encounter.

Mandel, M.↗

NASA NTRS1986

NASA OAST and its role in space technology development

Several new programs, efforts in space research and technology, are introduced that the Office of Aeronautics and Space Technology has begun to support. The four key issues that currently are consuming NASA's energies and should be of great concern are listed. NASA is placing its emphasis in space on: (1) reconstituting the Shuttle capability; (2) maintaining the space station momentum; (3) resolving the current science mission backlog; and (4) rebuilding the technology base. Ways of implementing and funding these issues are discussed.

Romero, J.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Proceedings of the 1985 NASA Ames Research Center's Ground-Effects Workshop

The purpose of the workshop was to discuss the current technology base for aerodynamic ground effects and to establish directions for further research of advanced, high performance aircraft designs, particularly those concepts utilizing powered lift systems; e.g., V/STOL, ASTOVL, and STOL aircraft. Fourteen papers were presented in the following areas: suckdown and fountain effects in hover; STOL ground vortex and hot gas ingestion; and vortex lift and jet flaps in ground effect. These subject areas were chosen with regard to current activities in the field of aircraft ground effects research.

Mitchell, Kerry↗

NASA NTRS1987

Air Force and DOD solar power requirements

It is noted that future power requirements are increasing for some expanded and new missions within the Air Force and Department of Defense. New requirements are needed in terms of lifetime, survivability, power level and performance. The photovoltaic arrays have a demonstrated record of reliable performance, life, affordable cost, and utility. It is argued that there is a need to push for the research and development resources needed to develop the technology base for these future power system needs.

Wise, Joseph F.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Artificial intelligence for Space Station automation: Crew safety, productivity, autonomy, augmented capability

Artificial intelligence (AI) R&D projects for the successful and efficient operation of the Space Station are described. The book explores the most advanced AI-based technologies, reviews the results of concept design studies to determine required AI capabilities, details demonstrations that would indicate the existence of these capabilities, and develops an R&D plan leading to such demonstrations. Particular attention is given to teleoperation and robotics, sensors, expert systems, computers, planning, and man-machine interface.

Firschein, O.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Candidate materials for advanced fire-resistant photovoltaic modules

A cooperative, cost-sharing research effort to develop a technology base required to construct fire-ratable photovoltaic modules has resulted in the identification of several high-temperature, back-surface candidate materials capable of raising the fire-resistance of modules using hydrocarbon encapsulants to Class A and B levels. Advanced experimental module configurations have been developed using back surfaces consisting of Kapton, Tedlar laminates, metal-foils, and fiberglass materials with high-temperature coatings. Test results (October 1984; March 1985; May 1985; and October 1985) indicate that several of these advanced module configurations are capable of achieving Class B fire-resistance levels, while a few configurations can achieve Class A levels. The paper summarizes activities to date, discussing flammability failure mechanisms, time-temperature profiles, and results of Block V environmental exposure tests of a candidate material suitable for both Class B and Class A fire-resistance levels.

Sugimura, R. S.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Rekindled vision of hypersonic travel

NASA has joined with the DOD to conduct the National Aerospace Plane (NASP) program, whose experimental test vehicle will be designated the X-30. NASP will study the X-30's takeoff from a runway under its own power, acceleration to high Mach number on the basis of airbreathing propulsion, emergence into LEO, reentry into the earth atmosphere, and descent to a powered horizontal landing. NASP will thereby generate technology base data for three distinct types of aircraft: upper-atmosphere hypersonic-cruise aircraft, LEO space transports, and military transatmospheric vehicles. The current concept-validation phase of NASP focuses on airbreathing propulsion, lightweight/high-strength heat-resistant materials, and computational fluid dynamics.

Colladay, Raymond S.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Electrical Power Working Group report

The status of and need for power technologies for Spacecraft 2000 were assessed and development programs required to establish an achievable and competitive technology base for spacecraft of the 21st century were identified. The results are summarized, including the recommendations and the underlying rationale.

Vanommering, Gerrit↗

NASA NTRS1988

HOST turbine heat transfer program summary

The objectives of the HOST Turbine Heat Transfer subproject were to obtain a better understanding of the physics of the aerothermodynamic phenomena and to assess and improve the analytical methods used to predict the flow and heat transfer in high temperature gas turbines. At the time the HOST project was initiated, an across-the-board improvement in turbine design technology was needed. A building-block approach was utilized and the research ranged from the study of fundamental phenomena and modeling to experiments in simulated real engine environments. Experimental research accounted for approximately 75 percent of the funding with the remainder going to analytical efforts. A healthy government/industry/university partnership, with industry providing almost half of the research, was created to advance the turbine heat transfer design technology base.

Heat transfer↗