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At least 883 records · Page 49

Large Advanced Space Systems (LASS) computer-aided design program additions

The LSS preliminary and conceptual design requires extensive iteractive analysis because of the effects of structural, thermal, and control intercoupling. A computer aided design program that will permit integrating and interfacing of required large space system (LSS) analyses is discussed. The primary objective of this program is the implementation of modeling techniques and analysis algorithms that permit interactive design and tradeoff studies of LSS concepts. Eight software modules were added to the program. The existing rigid body controls module was modified to include solar pressure effects. The new model generator modules and appendage synthesizer module are integrated (interfaced) to permit interactive definition and generation of LSS concepts. The mass properties module permits interactive specification of discrete masses and their locations. The other modules permit interactive analysis of orbital transfer requirements, antenna primary beam n, and attitude control requirements.

Farrell, C. E.↗

Logistics Modeling for Lunar Exploration Systems

The extensive logistics required to support extended crewed operations in space make effective modeling of logistics requirements and deployment critical to predicting the behavior of human lunar exploration systems. This paper discusses the software that has been developed as part of the Campaign Manifest Analysis Tool in support of strategic analysis activities under the Constellation Architecture Team - Lunar. The described logistics module enables definition of logistics requirements across multiple surface locations and allows for the transfer of logistics between those locations. A key feature of the module is the loading algorithm that is used to efficiently load logistics by type into carriers and then onto landers. Attention is given to the capabilities and limitations of this loading algorithm, particularly with regard to surface transfers. These capabilities are described within the context of the object-oriented software implementation, with details provided on the applicability of using this approach to model other human exploration scenarios. Some challenges of incorporating probabilistics into this type of logistics analysis model are discussed at a high level.

Andraschko, Mark R.↗

Systematic Phase Curve Study of Known Transiting Systems from Year One of the TESS Mission

We present a systematic phase curve analysis of known transiting systems observed by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) during year one of the primary mission. Using theoretical predictions for the amplitude of the planetary longitudinal atmospheric brightness modulation, stellar ellipsoidal distortion and Doppler boosting, as well as brightness considerations to select targets with likely detectable signals, we applied a uniform data processing and light-curve modeling framework to fit the full-orbit phase curves of 22 transiting systems with planet-mass or brown dwarf companions, including previously published systems. Statistically significant secondary eclipse depths and/or atmospheric brightness modulation amplitudes were measured for HIP 65A, WASP-18, WASP-19, WASP-72, WASP-100, WASP-111, WASP-121, and WASP-122/KELT-14. For WASP-100b, we found marginal evidence that the brightest region of the atmosphere is shifted eastward away from the substellar point. We detected significant ellipsoidal distortion signals in the light curves of HIP 65A, TOI-503, WASP-18, and WASP-30, with HIP 65A, TOI-503 and WASP-18 also exhibiting Doppler boosting. The measured amplitudes of these signals agree with the predictions of theoretical models. Combining the optical secondary eclipse depths with previously published Spitzer 3.6 and 4.5 μm measurements, we derived dayside brightness temperatures and visible-light geometric albedos for a subset of the analyzed systems. We also calculated updated transit ephemerides combining the transit timings from the TESS light curves with previous literature values.

Ian Wong↗

Development of a Lunar Lander Modeling and Simulation Capability

The development and validation of a capability to perform quantitative, physics-based analysis of alternatives of conceptual unmanned, reusable lunar cargo lander architectures is discussed. The lander is conceptualized as a suite of disciplines that need to be sized, synthesized, and optimized for a mission. As such, models of these disciplines were developed and integrated in a recently-developed multi-disciplinary analysis and optimization framework for space systems. The development of the disciplines, as well as how they are integrated into the framework, is discussed. Additionally, validation studies were performed against the Descent Module of the Altair lunar lander. Finally, an example problem for an uncrewed, reusable lander is presented.

Eugina Mendez Ramos↗

Development of a Lunar Lander Modeling and Simulation Capability

The development and validation of a capability to perform quantitative, physics-based analysis of alternatives of conceptual unmanned, reusable lunar cargo lander architectures is discussed. The lander is conceptualized as a suite of disciplines that need to be sized, synthesized, and optimized for a mission. As such, models of these disciplines were developed and integrated in a recently-developed multi-disciplinary analysis and optimization framework for space systems. The development of the disciplines, as well as how they are integrated into the framework, is discussed. Additionally, validation studies were performed against the Descent Module of the Altair lunar lander. Finally, an example problem for an uncrewed, reusable lander is presented.

Eugina Mendez Ramos↗

Development of a Lunar Lander Modeling and Simulation Capability

The development and validation of a capability to perform quantitative, physics-based analysis of alternatives of conceptual unmanned, reusable lunar cargo lander architectures is discussed. The lander is conceptualized as a suite of disciplines that need to be sized, synthesized, and optimized for a mission. As such, models of these disciplines were developed and integrated in a recently-developed multi-disciplinary analysis and optimization framework for space systems. The development of the disciplines, as well as how they are integrated into the framework, is discussed. Additionally, validation studies were performed against the Descent Module of the Altair lunar lander. Finally, an example problem for an uncrewed, reusable lander is presented.

Eugina Mendez Ramos↗

HVI Ballistic Performance Characterization of Non-Parallel Walls

The Double-Wall, "Whipple" Shield [1] has been the subject of many hypervelocity impact studies and has proven to be an effective shield system for Micro-Meteoroid and Orbital Debris (MMOD) impacts for spacecraft. The US modules of the International Space Station (ISS), with their "bumper shields" offset from their pressure holding rear walls provide good examples of effective on-orbit use of the double wall shield. The concentric cylinder shield configuration with its large radius of curvature relative to separation distance is easily and effectively represented for testing and analysis as a system of two parallel plates. The parallel plate double wall configuration has been heavily tested and characterized for shield performance for normal and oblique impacts for the ISS and other programs. The double wall shield and principally similar Stuffed Whipple Shield are very common shield types for MMOD protection. However, in some locations with many spacecraft designs, the rear wall cannot be modeled as being parallel or concentric with the outer bumper wall. As represented in Figure 1, there is an included angle between the two walls. And, with a cylindrical outer wall, the effective included angle constantly changes. This complicates assessment of critical spacecraft components located within outer spacecraft walls when using software tools such as NASA's BumperII. In addition, the validity of the risk assessment comes into question when using the standard double wall shield equations, especially since verification testing of every set of double wall included angles is impossible.

Bohl, William↗

STARS: An Integrated, Multidisciplinary, Finite-Element, Structural, Fluids, Aeroelastic, and Aeroservoelastic Analysis Computer Program

A multidisciplinary, finite element-based, highly graphics-oriented, linear and nonlinear analysis capability that includes such disciplines as structures, heat transfer, linear aerodynamics, computational fluid dynamics, and controls engineering has been achieved by integrating several new modules in the original STARS (STructural Analysis RoutineS) computer program. Each individual analysis module is general-purpose in nature and is effectively integrated to yield aeroelastic and aeroservoelastic solutions of complex engineering problems. Examples of advanced NASA Dryden Flight Research Center projects analyzed by the code in recent years include the X-29A, F-18 High Alpha Research Vehicle/Thrust Vectoring Control System, B-52/Pegasus Generic Hypersonics, National AeroSpace Plane (NASP), SR-71/Hypersonic Launch Vehicle, and High Speed Civil Transport (HSCT) projects. Extensive graphics capabilities exist for convenient model development and postprocessing of analysis results. The program is written in modular form in standard FORTRAN language to run on a variety of computers, such as the IBM RISC/6000, SGI, DEC, Cray, and personal computer; associated graphics codes use OpenGL and IBM/graPHIGS language for color depiction. This program is available from COSMIC, the NASA agency for distribution of computer programs.

Gupta, K. K.↗

BioSTEAM-LCA: An Integrated Modeling Framework for Agile Life Cycle Assessment of Biorefineries under Uncertainty

Biorefineries will play a critical role in sustainable bioeconomies, but projections of their environmental impacts vary widely. A core challenge with life cycle assessments (LCAs) of biorefineries is that they are often disconnected from biorefinery design, simulation, and techno-economic analysis (TEA). This lack of integration is a barrier to early stage technology and process evaluations, reducing consistency and transparency across sustainability indicators while limiting our understanding of the relative importance of individual factors (e.g., design decisions, greenhouse gas emission accounting procedures), how these factors interact, and trade-offs or synergies with process economics. In this study, we propose a new agile LCA framework, BioSTEAMLCA, which layers onto BioSTEAM (Biorefinery Simulation and Techno-Economic Analysis Modules, which automates biorefinery design, simulation, and TEA) to characterize the environmental impacts of biorefineries across a landscape of designs, technology performance assumptions, and contexts. Inventory databases and impact assessment methods are integrated to enable flexible user defined LCA system models, and the implications of uncertainties throughout the production system are characterized via Monte Carlo simulation. To demonstrate the capabilities of BioSTEAMLCA, we present a case study for sugarcane ethanol production. Overall, BioSTEAM-LCA enables computationally efficient, agile gate-to-gate LCA to evaluate biorefinery processes, the production of candidate biofuels and bioproducts, and trade-offs among productivity, economics, and environmental impacts under uncertainty.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Defining the 50-Year Module: Luck, Design, or Both?

Poster presenting a new Duramat project that will develop a science-based definition of a "50-year solar panel" by combining reliability data, climate risks, design choices, and long-term cost analysis. The work aims to clarify what is needed to enable longer-lasting, high-value solar systems.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

MTF analysis of LANDSAT-4 Thematic Mapper

The spatial radiance distribution of a ground target must be known to a resolution at least four to five times greater than that of the system under test when measuring a satellite sensor's modulation transfer function. Calibration of the target requires either the use of man-made special purpose targets with known properties, e.g., a small reflective mirror or a dark-light linear pattern such as line or edge, or use of relatively high resolution underflight imagery to calibrate an arbitrary ground scene. Both approaches are to be used in addition a technique that utilizes an analytical model for the scene spatial frequency power spectrum is being investigated as an alternative to calibration of the scene.

Schowengerdt, R.↗

MTF Analysis of LANDSAT-4 Thematic Mapper

The spatial radiance distribution of a ground target must be known to a resolution at least four to five times greater than that of the system under test when measuring a satellite sensor's modulation transfer function. Calibration of the target requires either the use of man-made special purpose targets with known properties, e.g., a small reflective mirror or a dark-light linear pattern such as line or edge, or use of relatively high resolution underflight imagery to calibrate an arbitrary ground scene. Both approaches are to be used, in addition a technique that utilizes an analytical model of the scene spatial frequency power spectrum is being investigated as an alternative to calibration of the scene.

Schowengerdt, R.↗

Received optical power calculations for optical communications link performance analysis

The factors affecting optical communication link performance differ substantially from those at microwave frequencies, due to the drastically differing technologies, modulation formats, and effects of quantum noise in optical communications. In addition detailed design control table calculations for optical systems are less well developed than corresponding microwave system techniques, reflecting the relatively less mature state of development of optical communications. Described below are detailed calculations of received optical signal and background power in optical communication systems, with emphasis on analytic models for accurately predicting transmitter and receiver system losses.

Marshall, W. K.↗

Advanced Modular Sub-Atmospheric Hybrid Heat Engine (Final Report)

The Phase 1 Final Technical Report describes the results of the work completed during the “Advanced Modular Sub-Atmospheric Hybrid Heat Engine” project. A key part of the Phase 1 work was the completion of a thermodynamic cycle analysis for the MHHE at the selected module size. The hybrid heat engine has been developed as a modular unit (sized in the range of 500kW – 60MW) that can be used with modular coal or biomass gasifiers, with distributed power generation systems, with large power plants comprised of multiple generating units, and with natural gas compression stations. The MHHE will provide cleaner, more efficient, and lower cost generation with better load following capabilities than existing competing technologies with a singular generating source such as solar farm, gas turbine, or combustion engine. The drivers of the MHHE technology are: benefits of modular power generation (reduced equipment cost, construction cost and implementation time, connection ready on delivery, flexible scalability, serviceability), fuel flexibility, lowest cost power generation and reduced emissions.A logical progression of work and a clear path forward toward meeting the FOA goals and objectives have been established. Namely, a preliminary market analysis and primary fuel identification was completed first and then the modularity of the system was defined. The benefits of the proposed hybrid and modular heat engine were described when applied to modular coal gasifiers, distributed power generators, and larger power plants. Based on the market analysis, modularity, and chosen primary fuel, a conceptual design and layout of the hybrid heat engine was developed, analyzed, and characterized. The technology gaps already identified have been reviewed and expanded upon, and a test plan to address these gaps through bench scale testing in Phase 2 has been developed. Cost estimate methodology and considerations in support of a potential Phase 2 project have been described.

08 HYDROGEN↗

Thermal Analysis of Propulsion Components for the Europa Clipper Mission

This presentation describes the thermal analysis and model development that occurred for selected components on the propulsion module subsystem of the Europa Clipper mission, which will fly to Jupiter's icy moon Europa and collect science data from orbit. An overview of a bipropellant system is given, as well as a description of a typical thermal propulsion design. A comparison is also provided, describing the unique Europa Clipper thermal design, which is atypical in many respects. The engine thermal model development is also discussed, including hot-firing tests with nozzle convection correlation, as well as thermal vacuum tests to measure and correlate the emissivity of critical nozzle surfaces. A description of engine firing, as well as valve soak back, is also provided, including temperature maps and results of engine cases. A summary is also provided, of lessons learned regarding thermal propulsion considerations.

propulsion module subsystem↗

First Stage Solid Propellant Multi Debris Thermal Analysis

The crew launch vehicle considered for the Constellation (Cx) Program utilizes a first stage solid rocket motor. If an abort is initiated in first stage flight the Crew Module (CM) will separate and be pulled away from the launch vehicle via a Launch Abort System (LAS) in order to safely and quickly carry the crew away from the malfunction launch vehicle. Having aborted the mission, the launch vehicle will likely be destroyed via a Flight Termination System (FTS) in order to prevent it from errantly traversing back over land and posing a risk to the public. The resulting launch vehicle debris field, composed primarily of first stage solid propellant, poses a threat to the CM. The harsh radiative thermal environment induced by surrounding burning propellant debris may lead to CM parachute failure. A methodology, detailed herein, has been developed to address this concern and quantify the risk of first stage propellant debris leading to radiative thermal demise of the CM parachutes. Utilizing basic thermal radiation principles, a software program was developed to calculate parachute temperature as a function of time for a given abort trajectory and debris piece trajectory set. Two test cases, considered worst-case aborts with regard to launch vehicle debris environments, were analyzed using the simulation: an abort declared at Mach 1 and an abort declared at maximum dynamic pressure (Max Q). For both cases, the resulting temperature profiles indicated that thermal limits for the parachutes were not exceeded. However, short duration close encounters by single debris pieces did have a significant effect on parachute temperature, with magnitudes on the order of 10 s of degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore while these two test cases did not indicate exceedance of thermal limits, in order to quantify the risk of parachute failure due to radiative effects from the abort environment, a more thorough probability-based analysis using the methodology demonstrated herein must be performed.

Toleman, Benjamin M.↗

Progress in ITER ECE diagnostic design and integration

The ITER electron cyclotron emission (ECE) diagnostic system has primary roles in providing measurements of the core electron temperature profile and the electron temperature fluctuation associated with the neoclassical tearing modes. The ITER ECE system includes a radial and oblique line-of-sight. Four 43-meter long low-loss transmission lines (TLs) are designed to transmit millimeter wave power in the frequency range of 70–1000 GHz in both X- and O-mode polarization from the port plug to the ECE instrumentation room in the diagnostic building. The measurement instrumentation includes two Fourier transform spectrometer (FTS) systems and two radiometer systems. The Indian Domestic Agency (IN-DA) and United States Domestic Agency share the responsibility. The IN-DA scope excluding instrumentation and control has passed its preliminary design review and is progressing towards the final design review (FDR). In parallel, the diagnostic integration in different areas is ongoing. Furthermore, several captive components for the TLs have passed FDR and will be manufactured for installation in the tokamak building soon. A peer review meeting has been held on the prototype hot calibration source, and its integration and new thermal analysis in the diagnostic shield module are continuing. A prototype TL is being tested. A prototype polarizing Martin-Puplett type FTS, operating in the frequency range 70–1000 GHz, features an in-vacuo fast scanning mechanism and a cryo-cooled dual-channel THz detector system. Its performance has been assessed in detail against ITER requirements.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Analysis of the Impact of Installation Parameters and System Size on Bifacial Gain and Energy Yield of PV Systems

In this work, we present the combined effect of installation parameters (tilt angle, height above ground, and albedo) on the bifacial gain and energy yield of three photovoltaic (PV) system configurations: a single module, a row of five modules, and five rows of five modules utilizing RADIANCE based ray tracing model. We show that optimum tilt angle is dependent on parameters such as height, albedo, size of the system, and time of the year. For a single bifacial module installed in Albuquerque, NM, the optimum tilt angle is lowest (~5 degree) for summer solstice and highest (~65 degree) for winter solstice. For larger systems, optimum tilt angle can be up to 200 more than that for a single module system. We also show that modules in large scale systems, generate lower energy due to large shadowing areas cast by the modules on the ground. For albedo of 21 %, middle module in a large array generates up to 7% less energy than a single bifacial module. To validate our model, we utilize measured data from Sandia's fixed tilt bifacial PV testbed and compare it with our simulations. We find that due to higher non-uniformity, lower tilt angles demonstrate high normalized root mean square deviation (NRMSD) between measured and simulated values than high tilt angles.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗