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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

Propulsion concepts for high speed aircraft

A wide variety of potentially useful and effective airbreathing aircraft have been postulated to operate at speeds in excess of Mach 3.0 by NASA and the USAF. These systems include hydrogen-fueled transports of interest for very long ranges and airbreathing launch vehicles which are aircraft-type first stage candidates for future space shuttle systems. Other high speed airbreathing systems for possible future military applications include advanced reconnaissance and fighter/interceptor type aircraft and strategic systems. This paper presents (1) a chronology of Air Force technical activity on future propulsion concepts, (2) a status report on NASA research on scramjet technology for future systems which may require speeds above Mach 5, and (3) a description of a research vehicle by which advanced propulsion technology and other technologies related to high speed can be demonstrated.

Stull, F. D.↗

Design and development of a passive propellant management system

This paper describes the passive propellant management system program being conducted for the NASA-Marshall Space Flight Center. The objectives of this program are to design and develop a hydrazine propellant acquisition system which will acquire propellant in low- or zero-g environments and also retain this propellant under high axially directed accelerations that may be experienced during launch and orbit-to-orbit transfer. The system design requirements were established to satisfy requirements for a large number of potential NASA and military applications, such as orbit-to-orbit shuttles and satellite vehicles. The resulting concept is a multicompartmented tank with independent surface-tension acquisition channels in each compartment. The tank is designed to provide greater than 98% expulsion efficiency when subjected to the simultaneous requirements of acceleration, vibration, and outflow usage. The system design has the unique capability to demonstrate low-g performance in a one-g test environment, and the test program has been structured around this capability.

Regnier, W. W.↗

Design and performance verification of a passive propellant management system

This paper describes the design and verification testing of a reusable passive propellant management system. The system was designed to acquire propellant in low- or zero-g environments and also retain this propellant under high axially directed accelerations that may be experienced during launch and orbit-to-orbit transfer. The system design requirements were established to satisfy generally the requirements for a large number of potential NASA and military applications, such as orbit-to-orbit shuttles and satellite vehicles. The resulting concept was a multicompartmented tank with independent surface tension acquisition channels in each compartment. The tank was designed to provide a minimum expulsion efficiency of 98 percent when subjected to the simultaneous conditions of acceleration, vibration, and outflow. The system design has the unique capability to demonstrate low-g performance in a 1-g test environment, and the test program summarized was structured around this capability.

Hess, D. A.↗

Overview of the carbon fiber problem

Carbon fibers (CF) composite structures are being utilized more as alternatives to metals in both civilian and military applications. They are valued for their light weight and high strength as well as for their ease of designing structures with specific shapes and sizes. However, a problem may exist due to the high conductivity of CF. CF are manufactured from a precursor material which is subjected to great stress and heat treatment causing a change in the physical and electrical properties. The fibers are bound together by a matrix of epoxy. In the event of fire (aircraft accident) the epoxy would burn away releasing these fibers into the atmosphere. When these fibers come in contact with electronic equipment, they might cause damage to by settling on electrical junctions. An overview is given of the objectives for a study, and the approach and methodology developed for determination of risk profiles.

Source record↗

The XV-15 tilt rotor research aircraft

The XV-15 tilt rotor has shown good handling qualities in all modes of flight; in the helicopter mode it allows precision hover and agility with low pilot workload. Vibration and noise levels are low; the conversion procedure is easy, with satisfactory acceleration or deceleration. The XV-15 handling demonstrated its potential for many civil and military applications.

Dugan, D. C.↗

V/STOL aircraft and fluid dynamics

The impact of military applications on rotorcraft and V/STOL aircraft design is summarized with respect to fixed-wing aircraft. The influence of the mission needs on the configurational design of V/STOL aircraft, the implications regarding some problems in fluid dynamics relating to propulsive flows, and their interaction with the aircraft and the ground plane, are also considered. Additional research in fluid dynamics that can contribute to an improvement in performance of V/STOL aircraft is suggested.

Roberts, L.↗

A perspective of power management for large space platforms

NASA and military applications for high power spacecraft are presently being planned. A perspective of autonomous power management for low earth orbit large space platforms is presented. A multichannel 250 kWe utility-type power subsystem is used as a baseline system. The need for automation is reviewed, based on power subsystem complexity, survivability requirements, and cost benefits. On-board versus ground management is discussed with respect to these needs. In addition, the utilization of autonomous power management to enable technology readiness of large complex power subsystems is described. Recommendations are made for further technology thrusts.

Decker, D. K.↗

Aeroelastic considerations for continuous patrol/high altitude surveillance platforms

For the last several years, an investigation has been conducted regarding the feasibility of unmanned, airborne, High-Altitude Powered Platforms (HAPP), and High Surveillance Platforms for Over-the-Horizon Targeting (HI-SPOT). These airborne platforms have been proposed as a means of achieving a continuous regional communication-relay or for continuous regional surveillance for use in agricultural research or military applications, i.e., fleet support. These platforms would offer improvements over existing orbiting satellites. These improvements are related to better resolution and increased mission flexibility. The required mission endurance up to six months, would be obtained through the use of either solar power, a cryogenically fueled engine, or microwave-power. Attention is given to airborne platform configuration, structure, structural and aerodynamic modeling, modal analysis, and flutter analysis.

Turner, C. D.↗

Space power technology into the 21st Century

The space power systems of the early 21st century are discussed. The capabilities which are anticipated to evolve from today's state of the art and the technology development programs presently in place or planned for the remainder of the century are emphasized. The power system technologies considered include: solar thermal, nuclear, radioisotope, photovoltaic, thermionic, thermoelectric, and dynamic conversion systems such as the Brayton and Stirling cycles. Energy storage technologies considered include: nickel hydrogen biopolar batteries, advanced high energy rechargeable batteries, regenerative fuel cells, and advanced primary batteries. The present state of the art of these space power and energy technologies is discussed along with their projections, trends and goals. A speculative future mission model is postulated which includes manned orbiting space stations, manned lunar bases, unmanned Earth orbital and interplanetary spacecraft, manned interplanetary missions, military applications, and Earth to space and space to space transportation systems. The various space power/energy system technologies which are anticipated to be operational by the early 21st century are matched to these missions.

Faymon, K. A.↗

Space power technology into the 21st century

This paper discusses the space power systems of the early 21st century. The focus is on those capabilities which are anticipated to evolve from today's state-of-the-art and the technology development programs presently in place or planned for the remainder of the century. The power system technologies considered include solar thermal, nuclear, radioisotope, photovoltaic, thermionic, thermoelectric, and dynamic conversion systems such as the Brayton and Stirling cycles. Energy storage technologies considered include nickel hydrogen biopolar batteries, advanced high energy rechargeable batteries, regenerative fuel cells, and advanced primary batteries. The present state-of-the-art of these space power and energy technologies is discussed along with their projections, trends and goals. A speculative future mission model is postulated which includes manned orbiting space stations, manned lunar bases, unmanned earth orbital and interplanetary spacecraft, manned interplanetary missions, military applications, and earth to space and space to space transportation systems. The various space power/energy system technologies anticipated to be operational by the early 21st century are matched to these missions.

Faymon, K. A.↗

Retrodirective-Optical-Transponder Concept

Pointing errors and optical imperfections automatically corrected. Coherent optical transponder employs nearly-degenerate four-wave mixing in nonlinear optical element to produce signal traveling back toward source of incoming signal. Return signal modulated for communication, navigation, data transmission, tracking, and identification. When perfected concept finds important civilian and military applications in line-of-sight tracking, communication and identification.

Dickinson, R. M.↗

A miniature tactical Rb frequency standard

Work on an innovative design for miniature rubidium frequency standards has reached the pre-production demonstration stage at Litton Guidance and Control Systems. Pre-production units were built and tested under contract to the Rome Air Development Center of the U.S. Air Force Systems Command. The units, which are designed for use in tactical military applications, feature fast warm-up, low power consumption, and vibration insensitivity. The output stability under vibration is maintained without the need for external shock-mounts. The design objectives and test results are discussed.

Kwon, T. M.↗

Lubrication Handbook For The Space Industry

A 458-page handbook covers many of solid and liquid lubricants used in space industry. Also useful reference in industrial and military applications of lubricants. Part A of handbook compilation of data on chemical and physical properties of over 250 solid lubricants, including bonded solid lubricants, dispersions, and composites. Part B covers over 250 liquid lubricants, greases, oils, compounds, and fluids.

Mcmurtrey, Ernest L.↗

MFOX-Technology, transceiver design and performance

The multipurpose fiber optic transceiver (MFOX) family of fiber-optic transceivers will provide standard, military-qualified off-the-shelf transmitters and receivers for ground-based tactical fiber-optic communications. The author describes these units and their capabilities for diverse military applications.

Channin, Donald J.↗

Autonomous flight and remote site landing guidance research for helicopters

Automated low-altitude flight and landing in remote areas within a civilian environment are investigated, where initial cost, ongoing maintenance costs, and system productivity are important considerations. An approach has been taken which has: (1) utilized those technologies developed for military applications which are directly transferable to a civilian mission; (2) exploited and developed technology areas where new methods or concepts are required; and (3) undertaken research with the potential to lead to innovative methods or concepts required to achieve a manual and fully automatic remote area low-altitude and landing capability. The project has resulted in a definition of system operational concept that includes a sensor subsystem, a sensor fusion/feature extraction capability, and a guidance and control law concept. These subsystem concepts have been developed to sufficient depth to enable further exploration within the NASA simulation environment, and to support programs leading to the flight test.

Denton, R. V.↗

Induction launcher design considerations

New concepts in the design of induction accelerators and their power supplies for space and military applications are discussed. Particular attention is given to a piecewise-rising-frequency power supply in which each elementary generator (normal compulsator or rising frequency generator) has a different base frequency. A preliminary design of a coaxial induction accelerator for a hypersonic real gas facility is discussed to illustrate the concepts described.

Driga, M. D.↗

Improved Design For Birefringent Filter

Highly selective laser tuning achieved without thin plates of questionable optical quality. Improved birefringent filter developed for use with broad-band-emission laser. Provides improved narrow-band operation and wavelength selectivity. New filter design improves traditional design by providing method of increasing wavelength separation between highly transmitted peaks. Such broad-band lasers becoming popular in scientific laboratories and useful in military applications and separation of isotopes.

Bair, Clayton H.↗

Circuit Detects Faint Flashes Against Bright Background

Lightning detector is photocell-and-amplifier circuit detecting flashes of light against steady or slowly varying bright background. Measures luminous flux in scene under observation. Designed to detect lightning from spacecraft in orbit far above clouds. Also used on Earth to detect lightning from distance during day or night, or to detect other flashes of light in safety-related, scientific, industrial, and military applications.

Vaughan, O.↗