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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 73 records · Page 4
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NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Advanced Supersonic Parachute Inflation Research Experiment-2 (ASPIRE2) Parachute Modeling and Flight Mechanics Performance

The Advanced Supersonic Parachute Inflation Research Experiment-2 (ASPIRE2) program is designed to test and qualify the supersonic parachute for the Mars entry, descent, and landing stage of the Mars Sample Return campaign. The ASPIRE2 test was planned for early 2026 and would have involved testing the parachute at deployments of Mach 2.1 and higher load conditions than previous Mars missions. The ASPIRE2 simulation builds upon a previous test framework from the ASPIRE tests in 2017-2018 used to qualify the Mars 2020 parachute, but due to new requirements, the modeling and simulation for ASPIRE2 has needed development and characterization of different sensitivities. This paper looks at the mission design as of mid-2024 and presents the trade space for qualifying the parachute in a dynamic environment.

Evan Roelke↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Advanced Supersonic Parachute Inflation Research Experiment-2 (ASPIRE2) Parachute Modeling and Flight Mechanics Performance

The Advanced Supersonic Parachute Inflation Research Experiment-2 (ASPIRE2) program is designed to test and qualify the supersonic parachute for the Mars entry, descent, and landing stage of the Mars Sample Return campaign. The ASPIRE2 test was planned for early 2026 and would have involved testing the parachute at deployments of Mach 2.1 and higher load conditions than previous Mars missions. The ASPIRE2 simulation builds upon a previous test framework from the ASPIRE tests in 2017-2018 used to qualify the Mars 2020 parachute, but due to new requirements, the modeling and simulation for ASPIRE2 has needed development and characterization of different sensitivities. This paper looks at the mission design as of mid-2024 and presents the trade space for qualifying the parachute in a dynamic environment.

Evan Roelke↗
NASA NTRS1978

The Golden Canopies (Infant Radiant Warmer)

The cradle warmer is based on technology in heated transparent materials developed by Sierracin Corporation, Sylmar, California he original application was in heated faceplates for the pressure suit heated faceplates worn by pilots of an Air Force/NASA reconnaissance and weather research plane. Later, Sierracin advanced the technology for other applications, among them the cockpit windows of the NASA X-15 supersonic research vehicle and the helmet faceplates of Apollo astronauts. Adapting the technology to hospital needs, Sierracin teamed with Cavitron Corporation, Anaheim, California, which produces the cradle warmer and two other systems employing Sierracin's electrically-heated transparencies. Working to combat the infant mortality rate, hospitals are continually upgrading delivery room and nursery care techniques. Many have special procedures and equipment to protect infants during the "period of apprehension," the critical six to 12 hours after delivery. One such item of equipment is an aerospace spinoff called the Infant Radiant Warmer, a "golden canopy" which provides uniform, controlled warmth to the infant's cradle. Warmth is vitally important to all newborns, particularly premature babies; they lose heat more rapidly than adults because they have greater surface area in comparison with body mass.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1947

Observations on an Aileron-Flutter Instability Encountered on a 45 Degree Swept-Back Wing in Transonic and Supersonic Flight

In the course of a flight test of a supersonic research pilotless aircraft (the NACA RM-1), large-amplitude aileron oscillations, probably aileron compressibility flutter, were encountered in the transonic and supersonic speed ranges. The wing was oscillating at the same frequency as the aileron. The aircraft was equipped with 45 degree swept-back wings of symmetrical NASA 65-010 airfoil section. Completely mass-balanced ailerons with 20 degree beveled trailing edges were installed on the wings. The ailerons were free floating with no mechanical restraining force other than the friction of the aileron hinges and servomechanism bearings throughout the high-speed interval of flight.

Pitkin, Marvin↗
NASA NTRS2007

Overview of Experimental Capabilities - Supersonics

This viewgraph presentation gives an overview of experimental capabilities applicable to the area of supersonic research. The contents include: 1) EC Objectives; 2) SUP.11: Elements; 3) NRA; 4) Advanced Flight Simulator Flexible Aircraft Simulation Studies; 5) Advanced Flight Simulator Flying Qualities Guideline Development for Flexible Supersonic Transport Aircraft; 6) Advanced Flight Simulator Rigid/Flex Flight Control; 7) Advanced Flight Simulator Rapid Sim Model Exchange; 8) Flight Test Capabilities Advanced In-Flight Infrared (IR) Thermography; 9) Flight Test Capabilities In-Flight Schlieren; 10) Flight Test Capabilities CLIP Flow Calibration; 11) Flight Test Capabilities PFTF Flowfield Survey; 12) Ground Test Capabilities Laser-Induced Thermal Acoustics (LITA); 13) Ground Test Capabilities Doppler Global Velocimetry (DGV); 14) Ground Test Capabilities Doppler Global Velocimetry (DGV); and 15) Ground Test Capabilities EDL Optical Measurement Capability (PIV) for Rigid/Flexible Decelerator Models.

Banks, Daniel W.↗
NASA NTRS2019

Reconstruction of the Advanced Supersonic Parachute Inflation Research Experiment Sounding Rocket Flight Tests with Strengthened Disk-Gap-Band Parachute

The Advanced Supersonic Parachute Inflation Research and Experiments project is a flight test program for development of supersonic parachutes for future use at Mars. The flight tests are a risk-reduction program for the Mars 2020 mission. The flight tests involve two Disk-Gap- Band parachute designs to be tested at relevant Mach number and dynamic pressure regimes for the Mars 2020 entry capsule. The first of these parachutes is a built-to-print design that was successfully employed by the Mars Science Laboratory lander at Mars in August 2012, and the second is a design that is strengthened in material properties and construction methods but has the same geometry as that used by Mars Science Laboratory. The first flight test of the built-to-print parachute took place on October 4, 2017 at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility. The parachute test was successful. The second and third flight tests took place on March 31st and September 7th 2018, respectively, and successfully tested the strengthened parachute design. This paper describes the instrumentation, data analysis techniques, and atmospheric and trajectory reconstruction results from the second and third flight tests.

Karlgaard, Christopher D.↗
NASA NTRS1949

Flight Investigation of 6.25-Inch-Diameter Deacon Rocket and 10-Inch-Scale Model Rocket

Flight tests were conducted at the NACA Pilotless Aircraft Research Station, Wallops Island, to determine the characteristics of the Allegany Ballistics Laboratory's 6.2inch-diameter Deacon and lO-inch-scale model solid-propellant rocket motors. The tests were performed to assist in the development of these rockets which were designed for, and urgently needed to propel supersonic research models and pilotless aircraft. The tests showed that the rocket motors functioned properly under various flight- acceleration loads over a range of pre-ignition grain temperatures. A maximum velocity of 4180 feet per second was obtained at an elapsed time of 2.9 seconds with the 6.25-inch Deacon rocket motor at a gross weight of l9O pounds. Free-flight data of drag coefficient for the Deacon configuration for a Mach number range of 1.1 to 3.6 have been obtained from flight tests of several pounds. Camera studies of the take-off and flights of the Deacon rocket shared no evidence of breakup of propellant grains. An analysis of the forces to which the Deacon rocket grain is subjected was made. The analysis shows that the grain loading is most severe near the beginning and near the end of the rocket action time. The 10-inch-scale model rocket motor is a scaled model of the l6-inch- diameter multi-perforated, cast-grain rocket motor. A maximum velocity of 1625 feet per second at a time of 1.075 seconds was obtained at a gross weight of 309 pounds.

Watson, R. S.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Bibliography of Supersonic Cruise Aircraft Research (SCAR) Program from 1972 to Mid-1977

This bibliography documents publications of the supersonic cruise aircraft research (SCAR) program that were generated during the first 5 years of effort. The reports are arranged according to systems studies and five SCAR disciplines: propulsion, stratospheric emissions impact, structures and materials, aerodynamic performance, and stability and control. The specific objectives of each discipline are summarized. Annotation is included for all NASA inhouse and low-number contractor reports. There are 444 papers and articles included.

Hoffman, S.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Overview of supersonic laminar flow control research on the F-16XL ships 1 and 2

NASA is directing research to develop technology for a high-speed civil transport. Supersonic laminar flow control has been identified as a program element, since it offers significant drag-reduction benefits and is one of the more promising technologies for producing an economically viable aircraft design. NASA is using two prototype F-16XL aircraft to research supersonic laminar flow control. The F-16XL planform is similar to design planforms of high-speed civil transports. The planform makes the aircraft ideally suited for developing technology pertinent to high-speed transports. The supersonic laminar flow control research programs for both aircraft are described. Some general results of the ship-1 program demonstrate that significant laminar flow was obtained using laminar flow control on a highly swept wing at supersonic speeds.

Anderson, Bianca T.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Overview of supersonic laminar flow control research on the F-16XL ships 1 and 2

NASA is directing research to develop technology for a high-speed civil transport. Supersonic laminar flow control has been identified as a program element, since it offers significant drag-reduction benefits and is one of the more promising technologies for producing an economically viable aircraft design. NASA is using two prototype F-16XL aircraft to research supersonic laminar flow control. The F-16XL planform is similar to design planforms of high-speed civil transports. The planform makes the aircraft ideally suited for developing technology pertinent to high-speed transports. The supersonic laminar flow control research programs for both aircraft are described. Some general results of the ship-1 program demonstrate that significant laminar flow was obtained using laminar flow control on a highly swept wing at supersonic speeds.

Anderson, Bianca T.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Results of NASTRAN modal analyses and ground vibration tests on the YF-12A airplane

The YF-12A aircraft, a delta-winged vehicle powered by two jet engines, was utilized in an investigation of the structural dynamic characteristics of a large, flexible, supersonic research vehicle. A large NASA structural analysis (NASTRAN) finite-element model was used to compute the ten lowest frequency symmetric and ten lowest frequency antisymmetric modes for the YF-12A aircraft. The results of the analysis were compared with experimental data obtained in a ground vibration test conducted with the completed aircraft. It was found that the finite-element structural model employed provides an adequate prediction of the dynamic behavior of the aircraft structure in the case of basic wing and body modes.

Kordes, E. E.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Improved aircraft dynamic response and fatigue life during ground operations using an active control landing gear system

A three-degree-of-freedom aircraft landing analysis incorporating a series-hydraulic active control main landing gear has been developed and verified using preliminary experimental data from drop tests of a modified main landing gear from a 2722 kg (6000 lbm) class of airplane. The verified analysis was also employed to predict the landing dynamics of a supersonic research airplane with an active control main landing gear system. The results of this investigation have shown that this type of active gear is feasible and indicate a potential for improving airplane dynamic response and reducing structural fatigue damage during ground operations by approximately 90% relative to that incurred with the passive gear.

Mcgehee, J. R.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Advanced Supersonic Parachute Inflation Research and Experiment-2 (ASPIRE2) Flight Mechanics Modeling and Simulation

Introduction: The Advanced Supersonic Para-chute Inflation Research Experiment-2 (ASPIRE2) program is a sounding rocket flight test to be conducted at Wallops Island, VA in early 2025. This program is a risk mitigation exercise for the Mars Sample Retrieval Lander (MSRL) program and builds upon the success of the 2017 & 2018 ASPIRE program, [1,2]. While the ASPIRE program certified the strengthened 21.5 m diameter disk-gap-band (DGB) deployed at Mach 1.7, ASPIRE2 will certify a 24 m diameter DGB deployed at Mach 2.1. The need to certify this increased parachute performance is driven the increased lander mass for MSRL; over 50% increase in comparison to M2020. Modeling: Like its predecessor, ASPIRE2 is developing a multi-body flight dynamics simulation to predict parachute dynamics and aide in designing the flight test that will target Mars-relevant flight conditions, as shown in Figure 1. This work de-scribes the parachute modeling, flight mechanics simulations (from payload separation to splash-down), and design trades used to prepare for the 2025 ASPIRE2 flight. Discussed herein are comparisons between ASPIRE and ASPIRE2, noting key differences in the parachute modeling and vehicle configuration. A study on the attitude control system performance impacts with respect to payload section design will also be presented. This work will quantify the pre-flight parachute performance in the presence of uncertainties, such as those associated with the separation from the sounding rocket, atmosphere, the parachute system, and vehicle mass. The pre-flight predictions will include Monte Carlo analyses, powered by the flight mechanics simulations to show the ASPIRE2 vehicle performance in meeting program requirements on parachute deployment conditions (Mach & dynamic pressure), parachute loads, vehicle attitude at key milestones, and the vehicle splashdown conditions.

Entry Descent and Landing↗
NASA NTRS1975

Fabrication methods for YF-12 wing panels for the Supersonic Cruise Aircraft Research Program

Advanced fabrication and joining processes for titanium and composite materials are being investigated by NASA to develop technology for the Supersonic Cruise Aircraft Research (SCAR) Program. With Lockheed-ADP as the prime contractor, full-scale structural panels are being designed and fabricated to replace an existing integrally stiffened shear panel on the upper wing surface of the NASA YF-12 aircraft. The program involves ground testing and Mach 3 flight testing of full-scale structural panels and laboratory testing of representative structural element specimens. Fabrication methods and test results for weldbrazed and Rohrbond titanium panels are discussed. The fabrication methods being developed for boron/aluminum, Borsic/aluminum, and graphite/polyimide panels are also presented.

Hoffman, E. L.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Preliminary assessment of a supersonic STOVL flight research and demonstration aircraft

NASA Ames has conducted a conceptual design study of a supersonic short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) flight research and demonstration aircraft sized according to current technology levels. The aircraft would provide the capability for demonstrating advanced technologies required for STOVL and would be instrumented to provide temperature, pressure, and noise data for power-induced-effects research. The propulsion concept for the single-engine aircraft studied operates in mixed flow without thrust augmentation during power-lift flight. The study aircraft is full scale to facilitate STOVL propulsion-system component validation and power-induced aerodynamics research. Performance is sufficient to permit investigation and validation of vertical landing and hover, accelerating and decelerating transitions, short takeoff, reduced-weight vertical takeoff, and supersonic flight. Mission and maneuver capability is sufficient to demonstrate the operational utility of this class of aircraft. Aircraft mission and technology sensitivities were also examined.

Samuels, Jeffrey J.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Transonic aerodynamic characteristics of a supersonic cruise aircraft research model with the engines suspended above the wing

The influence of upper-surface nacelle exhaust flow on the aerodynamic characteristics of a supersonic cruise aircraft research configuration was investigated in a 16 foot transonic tunnel over a range of Mach numbers from 0.60 to 1.20. The arrow-wing transport configuration with engines suspended over the wing was tested at angles of attack from -4 deg to 6 deg and jet total pressure ratios from 1 to approximately 13. Wing-tip leading edge flap deflections of -10 deg to 10 deg were tested with the wing-body configuration. Various nacelle locations (chordwise, spanwise, and vertical) were tested over the ranges of Mach numbers, angles of attack, and jet total-pressure ratios. The results show that reflecting the wing-tip leading edge flap from 0 deg to -10 deg increased the maximum lift-drag ratio by 1.0 at subsonic speeds. Jet exhaust interference effects were negligible.

Mercer, C. E.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Advanced Supersonic Parachute Inflation Research Experiment 2 (ASPIRE2) Flight Mechanics and Parachute Performance

The Advanced Supersonic Parachute Inflation Re-search Experiment-2 (ASPIRE2) program consists of a sounding rocket flight test to be launched at Wallops Flight Facility (WFF) in 2025. This effort seeks to qualify the supersonic parachute for the Sample Retrieval Lander (SRL) under the Mars Sample Return (MSR) program, building off the successes of its predecessor program, ASPIRE, which launched in both 2017 and 2018. The conops for the ASPIRE2 mission are shown in Figure 1 relative to its predecessor. While the ASPIRE pro-gram qualified a 21.5 m diameter disk-gap band parachute deployed at Mach 1.7, the SRL parachute will be increased to 24 m in diameter and target a Mach 2.1 parachute deployment condition, the largest diameter supersonic parachute deployed at the highest Mach number to date. These requirements are driven by the increased landing mass of the sample retrieval lander, which is roughly a 50% increase over that of the Mars2020 entry vehicle. These changes necessitate ASPIRE2 to certify the parachute performance under similar deployment conditions. This work will cover the 6-DoF para-chute model implementation and flight mechanics performance for the ASPIRE2 campaign and discuss how these results will impact the design of the test article. The ASPIRE2 trajectory is simulated using a multi-body flight dynamics tool, Program to Optimize Simulated Trajectories II (POST2). This work will summarize both the flight mechanics and parachute modeling (from payload separation until splashdown) and performance for this mission. Various design trades will be assessed such as para-chute tuning parameters as well as vehicle center of gravity location.

Evan Roelke↗