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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 91 records · Page 5

Mach 2 combustion characteristics of hydrogen/hydrocarbon fuel mixtures

The combustion of H2/CH4 and H2/C2H4 mixtures containing 10 to 70 vol pct hydrocarbon at combustor inlet Mach number 2 and temperatures 2000 to 4000 R is investigated experimentally, applying direct-connect test hardware and techniques similar to those described by Diskin and Northam (1987) in the facilities of the NASA Langley Hypersonic Propulsion Branch. The experimental setup, procedures, and data-reduction methods are described; and the results are presented in extensive tables and graphs and characterized in detail. Fuel type and mixture are found to have little effect on the wall heating rate measured near the combustor exit, but H2/C2H4 is shown to burn much more efficiently than H2/CH4, with no pilot-off blowout equivalence ratios greater than 0.5. It is suggested that H2/hydrocarbon mixtures are feasible fuels (at least in terms of combustion efficiency) for scramjet SSTO vehicles operating at freestream Mach numbers above 4.

Diskin, Glenn S.↗

Mach 2 combustion characteristics of hydrogen/hydrocarbon fuel mixtures

The combustion of H2/CH4 and H2/C2H4 mixtures containing 10-70 vol pct hydrocarbon at cumbustor inlet Mach number 2 and temperatures 2000-4000 R is investigated experimentally, applying direct-connect test hardware and techniques similar to those described by Diskin and Northam (1987) in the facilities of the NASA Langley Hypersonic Propulsion Branch. The experimental setup, procedures, and data-reduction methods are described; and the results are presented in extensive tables and graphs and characterized in detail. Fuel type and mixture are found to have little effect on the wall heating rate measured near the combustor exit, but H2/C2H4 is shown to burn much more efficiently than H2/CH4, with no pilot-off blowout at equivalence ratios greater than 0.5. It is suggested that H2/hydrocarbon mixtures are feasible fuels (at least in terms of combustion efficiency) for scramjet SSTO vehicles operating at freestream Mach numbers above 4.

Diskin, Glenn S.↗

Fighter agility metrics, research, and test

Proposed new metrics to assess fighter aircraft agility are collected and analyzed. A framework for classification of these new agility metrics is developed and applied. A completed set of transient agility metrics is evaluated with a high fidelity, nonlinear F-18 simulation provided by the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center. Test techniques and data reduction methods are proposed. A method of providing cuing information to the pilot during flight test is discussed. The sensitivity of longitudinal and lateral agility metrics to deviations from the pilot cues is studied in detail. The metrics are shown to be largely insensitive to reasonable deviations from the nominal test pilot commands. Instrumentation required to quantify agility via flight test is also considered. With one exception, each of the proposed new metrics may be measured with instrumentation currently available. Simulation documentation and user instructions are provided in an appendix.

Liefer, Randall K.↗

Fighter agility metrics

Fighter flying qualities and combat capabilities are currently measured and compared in terms relating to vehicle energy, angular rates and sustained acceleration. Criteria based on these measurable quantities have evolved over the past several decades and are routinely used to design aircraft structures, aerodynamics, propulsion and control systems. While these criteria, or metrics, have the advantage of being well understood, easily verified and repeatable during test, they tend to measure the steady state capability of the aircraft and not its ability to transition quickly from one state to another. Proposed new metrics to assess fighter aircraft agility are collected and analyzed. A framework for classification of these new agility metrics is developed and applied. A complete set of transient agility metrics is evaluated with a high fidelity, nonlinear F-18 simulation. Test techniques and data reduction methods are proposed. A method of providing cuing information to the pilot during flight test is discussed. The sensitivity of longitudinal and lateral agility metrics to deviations from the pilot cues is studied in detail. The metrics are shown to be largely insensitive to reasonable deviations from the nominal test pilot commands. Instrumentation required to quantify agility via flight test is also considered. With one exception, each of the proposed new metrics may be measured with instrumentation currently available.

Liefer, Randall K.↗

Toughness properties of a three-dimensional carbon-epoxy composite

The three-dimensional (3D) orthogonal interlocked fabric contains through-the-thickness reinforcement in order to enhance the interlaminar fracture toughness of the composite. The interlaminar fracture toughness of a carbon-epoxy orthogonal interlocked fabric composite was experimentally determined by use of the recently developed tabbed double cantilever beam specimen. The data reduction methods applicable to these tests and materials and the interpretation of the results were discussed. The results of critical strain energy release rate, G(IC), were compared to those of a two-dimensional (2D) laminate having the same in-plane structure. The energy-dissipating crack propagation processes were described. The in-plane fracture toughness of the three-dimensional fabric was experimentally measured and compared to that of the two-dimensional laminate. The through-the-thickness fibers were found to create a tenfold increase in interlaminar toughness, and a 25-percent improvement in the in-plane fracture toughness.

Guenon, Valerie↗

Assessment of proposed fighter agility metrics

This paper presents the results of an analysis of proposed metrics to assess fighter aircraft agility. A novel framework for classifying these metrics is developed and applied. A set of transient metrics intended to quantify the axial and pitch agility of fighter aircraft is evaluated with a high fidelity, nonlinear F-18 simulation. Test techniques and data reduction method are proposed, and sensitivities to pilot introduced errors during flight testing is investigated. Results indicate that the power onset and power loss parameters are promising candidates for quantifying axial agility, while maximum pitch up and pitch down rates are for quantifying pitch agility.

Liefer, Randall K.↗

Early results from the Cosmic Background Explorer (COBE)

The Cosmic Background Explorer, launched 18 Nov. 1989, has nearly completed its first full mapping of the sky with all three of its instruments: A Far Infrared Absolute Spectrometer (FIRAS) covering 0.1 to 10 mm, a set of Differential Microwave Radiometers (DMR) operating at 3.3, 5.7, and 9.6 mm, and a diffuse Infrared Background Experiment (DIRBE) spanning 1 to 300 microns in ten bands. A preliminary map of the sky derived from DIRBE data is presented. Initial cosmological implications include: a limit on the comptonization parameter of 0.001, on the chemical potential parameter of 0.01, a strong limit on the existence of a hot smooth intergalactic medium, and a confirmation that the dipole anisotropy has the spectrum expected from a Doppler shift of a blackbody. There are no significant anisotropies in the microwave sky detected, other than from our own galaxy and a cos theta dipole anisotropy whose amplitude and direction agree with previous data. At shorter wavelengths, the sky spectrum and anisotropies are dominated by emission from local sources of emission within our Galaxy and Solar System. Preliminary comparison of IRAS (Infrared Astronomical Satellite) and DRIBE sky brightnesses toward the ecliptic poles shows the IRAS values to be significantly higher than found by DRIBE at 100 microns. The presence of gain and zero point errors in the IRAS total brightness data is suggested. The spacecraft, instrument designs, and data reduction methods are described.

Mather, J. C.↗

Observations and modeling of the Jovian remote neutral sodium emissions

An analysis and modeling is presented for the large cloud of neutral Na extending out to more than 400 Jovian radii in the planet's equatorial plane. Attention is given to such properties as morphology, abundances, source rates and mechanisms, and spatial asymmetries. A comprehensive description is presented of the observational and data-reduction methods used in these extended planetary atmosphere pilot studies.

Flynn, Brian↗

Determination and prediction of Magellan's orbit

The Magellan spacecraft has been systematically mapping the surface of Venus since September 15, 1990, using a synthetic aperture radar. The spacecraft orbit about Venus is nearly polar, with an orbital period of 3.26 hours and periapsis altitude of 295 km. The radiometric measurements and the data reduction method used to determine and predict the spacecraft state are described. Orbit determination and prediction results are given for the first 146 days of mapping (through February 8, 1991, 60 percent of the first rotation of Venus). Orbit accuracy requirements of 150 meters in the radial position, and 1 km in the along-track and cross-track positions are shown to be met, but with exceptions. All error requirements were exceeded during a combined period of limited in-plane orbit observability due to earth-orbit relative geometry, and increased measurement noise due to superior conjunction.

Engelhardt, D. B.↗

A Model for Space Shuttle Orbiter Tire Side Forces Based on NASA Landing Systems Research Aircraft Test Results

Forces generated by the Space Shuttle orbiter tire under varying vertical load, slip angle, speed, and surface conditions were measured using the Landing System Research Aircraft (LSRA). Resulting data were used to calculate a mathematical model for predicting tire forces in orbiter simulations. Tire side and drag forces experienced by an orbiter tire are cataloged as a function of vertical load and slip angle. The mathematical model is compared to existing tire force models for the Space Shuttle orbiter. This report describes the LSRA and a typical test sequence. Testing methods, data reduction, and error analysis are presented. The LSRA testing was conducted on concrete and lakebed runways at the Edwards Air Force Flight Test Center and on concrete runways at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC). Wet runway tire force tests were performed on test strips made at the KSC using different surfacing techniques. Data were corrected for ply steer forces and conicity.

Carter, John F.↗

On-Orbit Performance Degradation of the International Space Station P6 Photovoltaic Arrays

This paper discusses the on-orbit performance and performance degradation of the International Space Station P6 solar array wings (SAWs) from the period of December 2000 through February 2003. Data selection considerations and data reduction methods are reviewed along with the approach for calculating array performance degradation based on measured string shunt current levels. Measured degradation rates are compared with those predicted by the computational tool SPACE and prior degradation rates measured with the same SAW technology on the Mir space station. Initial results show that the measured SAW short-circuit current is degrading 0.2 to 0.5 percent per year. This degradation rate is below the predicted rate of 0.8 percent per year and is well within the 3 percent estimated uncertainty in measured SAW current levels. General contributors to SAW degradation are briefly discussed.

Kerslake, Thomas W.↗

Isolated Roughness Induced Boundary-Layer Transition: Shuttle Orbiter Ground Tests and Flight Experience

Recent Orbiter wind tunnel data and flight data have been used to evaluate boundary-layer transition induced by discrete-roughness elements on the Orbiter windward surface. Orbiter flow field calculations have been used to compute transition parameters and disturbance parameters for correlating the results and comparing the trends. Existing transition correlations have been modified and applied to the Orbiter. These correlations provide a means to predict transition on the Orbiter given a known isolated roughness element. Furthermore, these data and data reduction methods provide information and guidance for the prediction of transition due to &screte-roughness elements on future winged reentry vehicles.

Bouslog, Stanley A.↗

Orion Entry Handling Qualities Assessments

The Orion Command Module (CM) is a capsule designed to bring crew back from the International Space Station (ISS), the moon and beyond. The atmospheric entry portion of the flight is deigned to be flown in autopilot mode for nominal situations. However, there exists the possibility for the crew to take over manual control in off-nominal situations. In these instances, the spacecraft must meet specific handling qualities criteria. To address these criteria two separate assessments of the Orion CM s entry Handling Qualities (HQ) were conducted at NASA s Johnson Space Center (JSC) using the Cooper-Harper scale (Cooper & Harper, 1969). These assessments were conducted in the summers of 2008 and 2010 using the Advanced NASA Technology Architecture for Exploration Studies (ANTARES) six degree of freedom, high fidelity Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GN&C) simulation. This paper will address the specifics of the handling qualities criteria, the vehicle configuration, the scenarios flown, the simulation background and setup, crew interfaces and displays, piloting techniques, ratings and crew comments, pre- and post-fight briefings, lessons learned and changes made to improve the overall system performance. The data collection tools, methods, data reduction and output reports will also be discussed. The objective of the 2008 entry HQ assessment was to evaluate the handling qualities of the CM during a lunar skip return. A lunar skip entry case was selected because it was considered the most demanding of all bank control scenarios. Even though skip entry is not planned to be flown manually, it was hypothesized that if a pilot could fly the harder skip entry case, then they could also fly a simpler loads managed or ballistic (constant bank rate command) entry scenario. In addition, with the evaluation set-up of multiple tasks within the entry case, handling qualities ratings collected in the evaluation could be used to assess other scenarios such as the constant bank angle maintenance case. The 2008 entry assessment was divided into two sections (see Figure 1). Entry I was the first, high speed portion of a lunar return and Entry II was the second, lower speed portion of a lunar return, which is similar (but not identical) to a typical ISS return.

Bihari, B.↗

Overview of SLS Aeroacoustic Environment Development

The Space Launch System (SLS) ascent aeroacoustic environments provide the externally driven noise levels predicted for vehicle ascent during transonic and supersonic flight, and serve as an important input for component and secondary structure vibroacoustic design criteria. This aerodynamically induced noise is predominantly generated by unsteady flow within the local boundary layer due to free stream interaction with the outer mold line (OML). Additional sources are shear flow interactions, shocks, protuberance flows, and wake flows. This presentation provides an overview of the aeroacoustics discipline along with the SLS environment development process, including wind tunnel testing and general data reduction methods. The state of the discipline is also presented with a summary of aeroacoustic measurement and computational techniques currently on the horizon.

Steva, Thomas↗

A Survey of Eight Hot Jupiters in Secondary Eclipse Using WIRCam at CFHT

We present near-infrared high-precision photometry for eight transiting hot Jupiters observed during their predicted secondary eclipses. Our observations were carried out using the staring mode of the WIRCam instrument on the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope (CFHT).We present the observing strategies and data reduction methods which delivered time series photometry with statistical photometric precision as low as 0.11 percent. We performed a Bayesian analysis to model the eclipse parameters and systematics simultaneously. The measured planet-to-star flux ratios allowed us to constrain the thermal emission from the day side of these hot Jupiters, as we derived the planet brightness temperatures. Our results combined with previously observed eclipses reveal an excess in the brightness temperatures relative to the blackbody prediction for the equilibrium temperatures of the planets for a wide range of heat redistribution factors. We find a trend that this excess appears to be larger for planets with lower equilibrium temperatures. This may imply some additional sources of radiation, such as reflected light from the host star and/or thermal emission from residual internal heat from the formation of the planet.

Bayesian Analysis↗

Blunt Body Pitch Damping Measurements from Multiple Subsonic Free-to-Pitch Magnetic Suspension Trials

The yaw damping coefficients of two blunt entry vehicle models, measured from free-to-oscillate tests in the ODU/NASA subsonic magnetic suspension wind tunnel are presented. Multiple repeat trials were conducted for both models. Two separate data reduction methods were used to extract damping coefficients and yaw moment slope. Both methods identified similar damping and stability values, with differences being consistent with their known limitations.

magnetic suspension↗

Preliminary Measurement of Pitch Damping of Blunt Entry Vehicles in a Subsonic Magnetic Suspension Wind Tunnel

The yaw damping coefficients of two blunt entry vehicle models, measured from free-to-oscillate tests in the ODU/NASA subsonic magnetic suspension wind tunnel are presented. Multiple repeat trials were conducted for both models. Two separate data reduction methods were used to extract damping coefficients and yaw moment slope. Both methods identified similar damping and stability values, with differences being consistent with their known limitations.

magnetic suspension↗

Attitude Reconstruction of Free-Flight CFD Generated Trajectories Using Non-Linear Pitch Damping Coefficient Curves

Attitude history reconstruction of Free-flight CFD generated trajectories with non-linear pitch damping coefficient curves is investigated. Free-flight CFD simulations of the capsule shape used for the Genesis sample return mission and the upcoming Dragonfly mission to Titan are conducted for 1-, 2-, and 3-degree-of-freedom cases. Two different data reduction methodologies are employed to derive a pitch damping curve as a function of instantaneous angle of attack. These curves are then used to reconstruct the attitude history of the body which is compared to the raw simulation results. While both data reduction methods produce pitch damping curves that can generally reconstruct the motion seen in the Free-flight simulations, it is found that optimization of the pitch damping curve using an inverse estimation process yields superior and more generalizable results. Further refinement of this technique could allow pitch damping curves derived using CFD to serve as a capability complementary to existing techniques for dynamic stability characterization.

entry↗