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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 757 records · Page 42

Simple formulas for designing an offset multibeam parabolic reflector

Theoretical methods (computer programs) which are available for analyzing reflector performance are of the 'forward' type. Performance parameters can be calculated after the configuration of the reflector is given. In many practical applications, however, the problem is often of the 'inverse' type. The reflector has to be designed on the basis of a given set of performance parameters. Attention is given to a systematic procedure based on simple formulas for solving such an inverse problem. Because of the simplicity of the formulas, the final results obtained from the procedure do not have great accuracy. Thus, they represent only a preliminary design, which can be refined by repeatedly using the forward-type programs.

Lee, S.-W.↗

Methods for Developing Successful Systems Engineers

Systems Engineering (SE) is a complex and challenging field that incorporates the knowledge of systems engineering processes, the ability to synthesize a wide-range of engineering disciplines, and the ability to lead a team of people to successfully accomplish the goals of a project. It requires hard technical skills and soft-skill leadership savvy. As a result, three main development needs are identified: 1) Knowledge of SE processes, the benefits of these processes to a project and their tailored application 2) Knowledge of a wide-range of engineering disciplines, how they interrelate in a system, and the development of sound technical judgement 3) Team leadership to direct and motivate a team of subsystem and discipline experts This paper describes the establishment of a comprehensive training and development program for Systems Engineers at NASA Ames Research Center that addresses in part each of these three areas from the perspective of the implementing manager. A variety of methods have been utilized including the establishment of a SE Community of Practice, a unique and innovative web tool, on-line videos, classroom training in NASA’s 17 Common Technical Processes, guidance on the tailored application of these processes, monthly technical talks, mentoring in both technical judgment and team leadership, and NASA’s Leadership Development Programs. While much of professional SE development must come through project experience, the approaches listed above can accelerate development. The diversity of skills required of Systems Engineering demands a multi-faceted approach to successfully train and develop this critical skill.

development↗

Methods for Developing Successful Systems Engineers

Systems Engineering (SE) is a complex and challenging field that incorporates the knowledge of systems engineering processes, the ability to synthesize a wide-range of engineering disciplines, and the ability to lead a team of people to successfully accomplish the goals of a project. It requires hard technical skills and soft-skill leadership savvy. As a result, three main development needs are identified: 1. Knowledge of SE processes, the benefits of these processes to a project and their tailored application 2. Knowledge of a wide-range of engineering disciplines, how they interrelate in a system, and the development of sound technical judgement 3. Team leadership to direct and motivate a team of subsystem and discipline experts This paper describes the establishment of a comprehensive training and development program for Systems Engineers at NASA Ames Research Center that addresses in part each of these three areas from the perspective of the implementing manager. A variety of methods have been utilized including the establishment of a SE Community of Practice, a unique and innovative web tool, on-line videos, classroom training in NASA’s 17 Common Technical Processes, guidance on the tailored application of these processes, monthly technical talks, mentoring in both technical judgment and team leadership, and NASA’s Leadership Development Programs. While much of professional SE development must come through project experience, the approaches listed above can accelerate development. The diversity of skills required of Systems Engineering demands a multi-faceted approach to successfully train and develop this critical skill.

development↗

Solid amine development program

A regenerable solid amine material to perform the functions of humidity control and CO2 removal for space shuttle type vehicle is reported. Both small scale and large scale testing have shown this material to be competitive, especially for the longer shuttle missions. However, it had been observed that the material off-gasses ammonia under certain conditions. This presents two concerns. The first, that the ammonia would contaminate the cabin atmosphere, and second, that the material is degrading with time. An extensive test program has shown HS-C to produce only trace quantities of atmospheric contaminants, and under normal extremes, to have no practical life limitation.

Lovell, J. S.↗

Numerical analysis of stiffened shells of revolution. Volume 3: Users' manual for STARS-2B, 2V, shell theory automated for rotational structures, 2 (buckling, vibrations), digital computer programs

The User's manual for the shell theory automated for rotational structures (STARS) 2B and 2V (buckling, vibrations) is presented. Several features of the program are: (1) arbitrary branching of the shell meridians, (2) arbitrary boundary conditions, (3) minimum input requirements to describe a complex, practical shell of revolution structure, and (4) accurate analysis capability using a minimum number of degrees of freedom.

Svalbonas, V.↗

Land use and mapping

The ERTS program provides data that can be used to derive information relative to the actual use of the land resource, in a practical and timely manner. ERTS data provide coverage of total land areas, and its repetitive nature enables the detection and monitoring of changes taking place in land use. Generally, the techniques and the procedures used to extract information from ERTS data may be categorized as pertaining to either the interpretations of ERTS imagery or to the use of digital data and computer techniques. Examples are given of the use of ERTS-1 data for land use classification in: (1) New England areas; (2) Chesapeake Bay and Washington, D.C.; (3) Mississippi Gulf Coast; (4) Los Angeles, California; (5) Houston, Texas; and (6) Phoenix, Arizona.

Joyce, A. T.↗

A review of the NASA V-G/VGH general aviation program

The V-G and VGH data collected from a wide variety of general aviation airplanes since the inception of the NASA V-G/VGH General Aviation Program in 1962 are presented. These data were analyzed to obtain information on the gust and maneuver loads, on the operating practices, and on the effects of different types of operations on these parameters.

Jewel, J. W., Jr.↗

TDRSS solar array arc discharge tests

Solar array design guidelines for immunity to the geomagnetic substorm environment at geosynchronous altitudes are summarized. The preliminary design guidelines and recommended practices based on these test results are given. It is concluded that specific design and immunity verification problems on each spacecraft program have to be solved on an individual basis until the technology matures to an adequate level.

Inouye, G. T.↗

Microcomputer system for medium-sized and experimental finite element analysis

The development of a microcomputer system is described. A series of finite element analysis programs are evaluated in terms of their cost effective application within the microcomputer system. It is shown that the system is practically maintenance free and can be sustained by individual laboratories of standard scale in the educational or academic environment.

Yamada, Y.↗

Structural sizing considerations for large space platforms

Structural optimization studies are made using mathematical programming techniques to examine minimum mass structural proportions of deployable and erectable tetrahedral truss platforms subject to the integrated effects of practical design requirements. Considerations integrated into the optimization process are: 1) lowest natural frequencies of the platform and individual platform components (struts); 2) packaging constraints imposed by the Shuttle cargo bay capacity; 3) initial curvature of the struts; 4) column buckling of the struts due to gravity gradient, orbital transfer, strut length tolerance, or design loads; and 5) practical lower limits for strut diameter and wall thickness. Ultra-low mass designs are shown to be possible with strut proportions much more slender than those conventionally used for earthbound application.

Heard, W. L., Jr.↗

The JT8D and JT9D engine component improvement: Performance improvement program

The NASA sponsored Engine Component Improvement - Performance Improvement Program at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft advanced the state of the art of thermal barrier coatings and ceramic seal systems, demonstrated the practicality of an advanced turbine clearance control system and an advanced fan design in the JT9D engine, and demonstrated the advantages of modern cooling, sealing, and aerodynamic designs in the high pressure turbine and compressor of the JT8D engine. Several of these improvements are already in airline service in JT8D and JT9D engines, and others will enter service soon in advanced models of these engines. In addition, the technology advances are being transferred to completely new engine configurations, the PW2037 engine and the NASA sponsored Energy Efficient Engine.

Gaffin, W. O.↗

Operations planning and analysis handbook for NASA/MSFC phase B development projects

Current operations planning and analysis practices on NASA/MSFC Phase B projects were investigated with the objectives of (1) formalizing these practices into a handbook and (2) suggesting improvements. The study focused on how Science and Engineering (S&E) Operational Personnel support Program Development (PD) Task Teams. The intimate relationship between systems engineering and operations analysis was examined. Methods identified for use by operations analysts during Phase B include functional analysis, interface analysis methods to calculate/allocate such criteria as reliability, Maintainability, and operations and support cost.

Batson, Robert C.↗

Summary of paper: Area navigation implementation for a microcomputer-based Loran-C receiver

The development of an area navigation program and the implementation of this software on a microcomputer-based Loran-C receiver to provide high-quality, practical area navigation information for general aviation are described. This software provides range and bearing angle to a selected waypoint, cross-track error, course deviation indication (CDI), ground speed, and estimated time of arrival at the waypoint. The range/bearing calculation, using an elliptical Earth model, provides very good accuracy; the error does not exceed more than -.012 nm (range) or 0.09 degree (bearing) for a maximum range to 530 nm. The alpha-beta filtering is applied in order to reduce the random noise on Loran-C raw data and in the ground speed calculation. Due to alpha-beta filtering, the ground speed calculation has good stability for constant or low-accelerative flight. The execution time of this software is approximately 0.2 second. Flight testing was done with a prototype Loran-C front-end receiver, with the Loran-C area navigation software demonstrating the ability to provide navigation for the pilot to any point in the Loran-C coverage area in true area navigation fashion without line-of-sight and range restriction typical of VOR area navigation.

Oguri, Fujiko↗

Software reliability - Measures and effects in flight critical digital avionics systems

The paper discusses software reliability as it applies particularly to design and evaluation of flight-critical digital avionics systems. Measures of software reliability, measurement methods and reliability (macro-) models are discussed. Recent work assessing their accuracy in predicting software errors in 'fly-by-wire' Newtonian applications is presented. Additional, detailed topics are discussed including software error distributions (e.g. catastrophic vs. noncatastrophic) and the effects of system growth/maturity on reliability improvement. In practical flight-critical digital applications, software reliability improvement is sought through use of parallel, redundant software (i.e. N-version programming) or backup software that can be invoked in the event of (primary) software failure. Achievable reliability levels are however highly sensitive to common-mode specification and programming errors. Recent data correlating these errors with net software reliability are discussed.

Dunn, William R.↗

Large-scale Advanced Prop-fan (LAP) technology assessment report

The technologically significant findings and accomplishments of the Large Scale Advanced Prop-Fan (LAP) program in the areas of aerodynamics, aeroelasticity, acoustics and materials and fabrication are described. The extent to which the program goals related to these disciplines were achieved is discussed, and recommendations for additional research are presented. The LAP program consisted of the design, manufacture and testing of a near full-scale Prop-Fan or advanced turboprop capable of operating efficiently at speeds to Mach .8. An aeroelastically scaled model of the LAP was also designed and fabricated. The goal of the program was to acquire data on Prop-Fan performance that would indicate the technology readiness of Prop-Fans for practical applications in commercial and military aviation.

Degeorge, C. L.↗

PI-in-a-box: An expert system to advise astronauts during experiments

Perhaps the scarcest resource for manned flight experiments - on Spacelab or on Space Station Freedom - will continue to be crew time. To maximize the efficiency of the crew, and to make use of their abilities to work as scientist collaborators as well as equipment operators, normally requires more training in a wide variety of disciplines than is practical. The successful application of on-board expert systems, as envisioned by the 'Principal Investigator (PI)-in-a-Box' program, should alleviate the training bottleneck and provide the astronaut with the guidance and coaching needed to permit him or her to operate an experiment according to the desires and knowledge of the PI, despite changes in conditions. In addition to the functions of providing expert devise concerning scheduling and repair, the program should bring the astronaut into the scientific evaluation phase of an experiment by sharing with him the guidance and observations regarding the relevance and importance of data as it is being generated. Initial reaction from the astronaut community has been positive.

Young, Laurence R.↗

Development of a low-cost virtual reality workstation for training and education

Virtual Reality (VR) is a set of breakthrough technologies that allow a human being to enter and fully experience a 3-dimensional, computer simulated environment. A true virtual reality experience meets three criteria: (1) it involves 3-dimensional computer graphics; (2) it includes real-time feedback and response to user actions; and (3) it must provide a sense of immersion. Good examples of a virtual reality simulator are the flight simulators used by all branches of the military to train pilots for combat in high performance jet fighters. The fidelity of such simulators is extremely high -- but so is the price tag, typically millions of dollars. Virtual reality teaching and training methods are manifestly effective, but the high cost of VR technology has limited its practical application to fields with big budgets, such as military combat simulation, commercial pilot training, and certain projects within the space program. However, in the last year there has been a revolution in the cost of VR technology. The speed of inexpensive personal computers has increased dramatically, especially with the introduction of the Pentium processor and the PCI bus for IBM-compatibles, and the cost of high-quality virtual reality peripherals has plummeted. The result is that many public schools, colleges, and universities can afford a PC-based workstation capable of running immersive virtual reality applications. My goal this summer was to assemble and evaluate such a system.

Phillips, James A.↗