Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Engineering Systems”

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 631 records · Page 35

System Engineering Processes at Kennedy Space Center for Development of the SLS and Orion Launch Systems

There are over 40 subsystems being developed for the future SLS and Orion Launch Systems at Kennedy Space Center. These subsystems developed at the Kennedy Space Center Engineering Directorate follow a comprehensive design process which requires several different product deliverables during each phase of each of the subsystems. This Paper describes this process and gives an example of where the process has been applied.

Schafer, Eric J.↗

Systems Engineering and Integration (SE and I)

The issue of technology advancement and future space transportation vehicles is addressed. The challenge is to develop systems which can be evolved and improved in small incremental steps where each increment reduces present cost, improves, reliability, or does neither but sets the stage for a second incremental upgrade that does. Future requirements are interface standards for commercial off the shelf products to aid in the development of integrated facilities; enhanced automated code generation system slightly coupled to specification and design documentation; modeling tools that support data flow analysis; and shared project data bases consisting of technical characteristics cast information, measurement parameters, and reusable software programs. Topics addressed include: advanced avionics development strategy; risk analysis and management; tool quality management; low cost avionics; cost estimation and benefits; computer aided software engineering; computer systems and software safety; system testability; and advanced avionics laboratories - and rapid prototyping. This presentation is represented by viewgraphs only.

Chevers, ED↗

Extended Performance Characterization of the 12.5-kW Advanced Electric Propulsion System Engineering Test Unit Hall Thruster

This work presents a summary of the first detailed performance assessment of the Advanced Electric Propulsion System (AEPS) Engineering Test Unit 2 (ETU-2) thruster produced by Aerojet Rocketdyne at the throttle conditions most relevant for AEPS application on the Gateway Power and Propulsion Element (PPE). First, an assessment was performed of ETU-2 performance and backpressure sensitivity at the previously-tested throttle points of 300 V/6.25 kW, 400 V/8.33 kW, 500 V/10.42 kW, and 600 V/12.5 kW that confirmed ETU-2 and the test facility were both operating nominally and consistent with historical baselines. ETU-2 performance and stability were then assessed throughout the PPE throttle range of 2.6-12 kW and shown to be in-family with predictions based on the scaling of previous results. Taken together, these results will help inform application of AEPS on PPE as the AEPS design progresses towards its Critical Design Review.

Jason D Frieman↗

Extended Performance Characterization of the 12.5-kW Advanced Electric Propulsion System Engineering Test Unit Hall Thruster

This work presents a summary of the first detailed performance assessment of the Advanced Electric Propulsion System (AEPS) Engineering Test Unit 2 (ETU-2) thruster produced by Aerojet Rocketdyne at the throttle conditions most relevant for AEPS application on the Gateway Power and Propulsion Element (PPE). First, an assessment was performed of ETU-2 performance and backpressure sensitivity at the previously-tested throttle points of 300 V/6.25 kW, 400 V/8.33 kW, 500 V/10.42 kW, and 600 V/12.5 kW that confirmed ETU-2 and the test facility were both operating nominally and consistent with historical baselines. ETU-2 performance and stability were then assessed throughout the PPE throttle range of 2.6-12 kW and shown to be in-family with predictions based on the scaling of previous results. Taken together, these results will help inform application of AEPS on PPE as the AEPS design progresses towards its Critical Design Review.

HERMeS↗

Performance of the 12.5-kW Advanced Electric Propulsion System Engineering Test Unit Hall Thruster

This work presents a summary of the performance test campaign of the 12.5 kW Advanced Electric Propulsion System (AEPS) Engineering Test Unit 2 (ETU-2) thruster produced by Aerojet Rocketdyne. This test campaign had three major goals: to assess design compliance with thruster requirements, provide a comparison to the previously-tested NASA Hall Effect Rocket with Magnet Shielding (HERMeS) Technology Demonstration Units (TDUs) from which the AEPS ETU design was derived, and support AEPS application on the Power and Propulsion Element (PPE). Assessments of ETU-2 performance were conducted at discharge powers of 2.6 to 13.1 kW, which encompasses the original AEPS throttle conditions as well as those most relevant for AEPS application on PPE. The results from the test campaign indicate that ETU-2 performance meets or exceeds all AEPS thruster performance requirements and matches the values and trends previously measured with the HERMeS TDUs. In addition, similar to the HERMeS TDUs, ETU-2 performance showed minimal variation over approximately 1636 h of operating time due to the incorporation of magnetic shielding. Taken together, these results show that the AEPS design is successfully replicating the performance of the HERMeS TDUs to within the empirical uncertainty and meeting its performance requirements as the design progresses to its Critical Design Review.

HERMeS↗

Performance of the 12.5-kW Advanced Electric Propulsion System Engineering Test Unit Hall Thruster

This work presents a summary of the performance test campaign of the 12.5 kW Advanced Electric Propulsion System (AEPS) Engineering Test Unit 2 (ETU-2) thruster produced by Aerojet Rocketdyne. This test campaign had three major goals: to assess design compliance with thruster requirements, provide a comparison to the previously-tested NASA Hall Effect Rocket with Magnet Shielding (HERMeS) Technology Demonstration Units (TDUs) from which the AEPS ETU design was derived, and support AEPS application on the Power and Propulsion Element (PPE). Assessments of ETU-2 performance were conducted at discharge powers of 2.6 to 13.1 kW, which encompasses the original AEPS throttle conditions as well as those most relevant for AEPS application on PPE. The results from the test campaign indicate that ETU-2 performance meets or exceeds all AEPS thruster performance requirements and matches the values and trends previously measured with the HERMeS TDUs. In addition, similar to the HERMeS TDUs, ETU-2 performance showed minimal variation over approximately 1636 h of operating time due to the incorporation of magnetic shielding. Taken together, these results show that the AEPS design is successfully replicating the performance of the HERMeS TDUs to within the empirical uncertainty and meeting its performance requirements as the design progresses to its Critical Design Review.

Jason D Frieman↗

Generalized simulation technique for turbojet engine system analysis

A nonlinear analog simulation of a turbojet engine was developed. The purpose of the study was to establish simulation techniques applicable to propulsion system dynamics and controls research. A schematic model was derived from a physical description of a J85-13 turbojet engine. Basic conservation equations were applied to each component along with their individual performance characteristics to derive a mathematical representation. The simulation was mechanized on an analog computer. The simulation was verified in both steady-state and dynamic modes by comparing analytical results with experimental data obtained from tests performed at the Lewis Research Center with a J85-13 engine. In addition, comparison was also made with performance data obtained from the engine manufacturer. The comparisons established the validity of the simulation technique.

Seldner, K.↗

Systems Engineering and Reusable Avionics

One concept for future space flights is to construct building blocks for a wide variety of avionics systems. Once a unit has served its original purpose, it can be removed from the original vehicle and reused in a similar or dissimilar function, depending on the function blocks the unit contains. For example: Once a lunar lander has reached the moon's surface, an engine controller for the Lunar Decent Module would be removed and used for a lunar rover motor control unit or for a Environmental Control Unit for a Lunar Habitat. This senior design project included the investigation of a wide range of functions of space vehicles and possible uses. Specifically, this includes: (1) Determining and specifying the basic functioning blocks of space vehicles. (2) Building and demonstrating a concept model. (3) Showing high reliability is maintained. The specific implementation of this senior design project included a large project team made up of Systems, Electrical, Computer, and Mechanical Engineers/Technologists. The efforts were made up of several sub-groups that each worked on a part of the entire project. The large size and complexity made this project one of the more difficult to manage and advise. Typical projects only have 3-4 students, but this project had 10 students from five different disciplines. This paper describes the difference of this large project compared to typical projects, and the challenges encountered. It also describes how the systems engineering approach was successfully implemented so that the students were able to meet nearly all of the project requirements.

Conrad, James M.↗

A Systems Engineering Approach to Quality Assurance for Aerospace Testing

On the surface, it appears that AS91001 has little to say about how to apply a Quality Management System (QMS) to major aerospace test programs (or even smaller ones). It also appears that there is little in the quality engineering Body of Knowledge (BOK)2 that applies to testing, unless it is nondestructive examination (NDE), or some type of lab or bench testing associated with the manufacturing process. However, if one examines: a) how the systems engineering (SE) processes are implemented throughout a test program; and b) how these SE processes can be mapped to the requirements of AS9100, a number of areas for involvement of the quality professional are revealed. What often happens is that quality assurance during a test program is limited to inspections of the test article; what could be considered a manufacturing al fresco approach. This limits the quality professional and is a disservice to the programs and projects, since there are a number of ways that quality can enhance critical processes, and support efforts to improve risk reduction, efficiency and effectiveness.

Shepherd, Christena C.↗

Aircraft Engine Systems

The objective is to develop the capability to numerically model the performance of gas turbine engines used for aircraft propulsion. This capability will provide turbine engine designers with a means of accurately predicting the performance of new engines in a system environment prior to building and testing. The 'numerical test cell' developed under this project will reduce the number of component and engine tests required during development. As a result, the project will help to reduce the design cycle time and cost of gas turbine engines. This capability will be distributed to U.S. turbine engine manufacturers and air framers. This project focuses on goals of maintaining U.S. superiority in commercial gas turbine engine development for the aeronautics industry.

Veres, Joseph P.↗

Aircraft Engine Systems

This report outlines the detailed simulation of Aircraft Turbofan Engine. The objectives were to develop a detailed flow model of a full turbofan engine that runs on parallel workstation clusters overnight and to develop an integrated system of codes for combustor design and analysis to enable significant reduction in design time and cost. The model will initially simulate the 3-D flow in the primary flow path including the flow and chemistry in the combustor, and ultimately result in a multidisciplinary model of the engine. The overnight 3-D simulation capability of the primary flow path in a complete engine will enable significant reduction in the design and development time of gas turbine engines. In addition, the NPSS (Numerical Propulsion System Simulation) multidisciplinary integration and analysis are discussed.

Veres, Joseph↗

Thermal and Environmental Barrier Coatings for Advanced Propulsion Engine Systems

Ceramic thermal and environmental barrier coatings (TEBCs) are used in gas turbine engines to protect engine hot-section components in the harsh combustion environments, and extend component lifetimes. For future high performance engines, the development of advanced ceramic barrier coating systems will allow these coatings to be used to simultaneously increase engine operating temperature and reduce cooling requirements, thereby leading to significant improvements in engine power density and efficiency. In order to meet future engine performance and reliability requirements, the coating systems must be designed with increased high temperature stability, lower thermal conductivity, and improved thermal stress and erosion resistance. In this paper, ceramic coating design and testing considerations will be described for high temperature and high-heat-flux engine applications in hot corrosion and oxidation, erosion, and combustion water vapor environments. Further coating performance and life improvements will be expected by utilizing advanced coating architecture design, composition optimization, and improved processing techniques, in conjunction with modeling and design tools.

Zhu, Dong-Ming↗

Shuttle primary reaction control system engine exhaust plume contamination effects

Space Shuttle proximity operations constitute an important part of the SSF induced external environment. The impingement of primary reaction control system (PRCS) engine plumes on SSF functional surfaces during docking or berthing and separation leads to concerns about molecular contamination and high speed particle impact. The Shuttle Plume Impingement flight Experiment (SPIE) was designed to provide a direct measure of both the molecular contamination and particle impact rates produced by Shuttle PRCS engines in the LEO environment. The measured permanent deposition produced by PRCS engine firings was less than that assumed in current SSF programatic assessments. Only two to three possible high velocity particle impact pits were observed on the RMS end effector hardware.

Koontz, Steve↗

Convertible engine system for high speed rotorcraft

The identification of engine technology needed for high speed rotorcraft and to also provide suitable propulsion data for the High Speed Rotor Craft is presented. The several objectives are: (1) to generate technology planning data for NASA, (2) to help understand the propulsion requirements of new aircraft types being considered, and (3) to have a source of consistent engine data for the airframe companies doing the studies. This study is primarily directed at Folding Tilt Rotor types with some consideration given to the X-Wing type.

Hirschkron, R.↗