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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

Comparison of Contamination Model Predictions to LDEF Surface Measurements

Contaminant deposition measurements have been made on species content and depth profiles on three experiments trays from the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF), Auger, Argon sputtering, Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis (ESCA) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis. The integrated spacecraft environment model (ISEM) was used to predict the deposition levels of the contaminants measured on the three trays. The details of the modeling and assumptions used are presented along with the predictions for the deposition on select surfaces on the trays. These are compared to the measured results. The trays represent surfaces that have a high atomic oxygen flux, and intermediate oxygen flux, and no oxygen flux. All surfaces received significant solar Ultraviolet flux. It appears that the atomic oxygen was the primary agent that caused significant deposition to occur. Surfaces that saw significant contaminant flux solar UV and no atomic oxygen did not show any appreciable levels of observable deposition. The implications of the atom ic oxygen interaction with contaminant deposits containing silicon contaminant sources is discussed. The primary contaminant sources are DC61104 adhesive and Z306 paint. The results and interpretation of the findings have a potential significant impact on spacecraft surfaces that are exposed to solar UV and atomic oxygen in low Earth orbit.

Gordon, Tim↗

COSMIC monthly progress report

Activities of the Computer Software Management and Information Center (COSMIC) are summarized for the month of August, 1993. Tables showing the current inventory of programs available from COSMIC are presented and program processing and evaluation activities are discussed. Ten articles were prepared for publication in the NASA Tech Brief Journal. These articles (included in this report) describe the following software items: (1) MOM3D - A Method of Moments Code for Electromagnetic Scattering (UNIX Version); (2) EM-Animate - Computer Program for Displaying and Animating the Steady-State Time-Harmonic Electromagnetic Near Field and Surface-Current Solutions; (3) MOM3D - A Method of Moments Code for Electromagnetic Scattering (IBM PC Version); (4) M414 - MIL-STD-414 Variable Sampling Procedures Computer Program; (5) MEDOF - Minimum Euclidean Distance Optimal Filter; (6) CLIPS 6.0 - C Language Integrated Production System, Version 6.0 (Macintosh Version); (7) CLIPS 6.0 - C Language Integrated Production System, Version 6.0 (IBM PC Version); (8) CLIPS 6.0 - C Language Integrated Production System, Version 6.0 (UNIX Version); (9) CLIPS 6.0 - C Language Integrated Production System, Version 6.0 (DEC VAX VMS Version); and (10) TFSSRA - Thick Frequency Selective Surface with Rectangular Apertures. Activities in the areas of marketing, customer service, benefits identification, maintenance and support, and dissemination are also described along with a budget summary.

Source record↗

NASA's Deep Space Network (DSN) Lunar Exploration Upgrades (DLEU)

In the near future, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) will return to the moon beginning the next era of human exploration. NASA’s Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) program will play a vital role in establishing communications and navigation support to realize the ambitious goals of the Artemis program. SCaN’s overall lunar communications support plan will be covered in a separate 2023 SpaceOps paper: “NASA’s Communications and Navigation Architecture Plans to Support the Return to the Moon and a Sustainable Lunar Presence”. The plan as it currently stands, includes a three-fold approach of lunar relay services, a dedicated set of new ground stations and support through the Deep Space Network (DSN). This paper will have a more granular focus on the DSN and NASA’s plans to upgrade and expand the network to be better suited for human spaceflight on and around the lunar surface. NASA’s Deep Space Network (DSN) will be a critical communications component for the upcoming lunar activities. There will be multiple spacecraft, using different bands, and some of those spacecraft will be transmitting and receiving using multiple bands, requiring DSN support of S-band (2 GHz), X-band (7 GHz up, 8 GHz down), and K-band (22.5 GHz up, 26 GHz down). Since there may be more than one spacecraft in the beamwidth of the DSN antennas, the DSN support will require an extension of the DSN’s capability to support multiple spacecraft using one antenna, expanding it to provide two simultaneous uplinks in the different bands at each antenna. Achieving this requires using new techniques for manufacturing the frequency selective surfaces, called dichroics, which steer the different frequency beams from and to the appropriate transmitting and receiving equipment, along with the addition of a new K-band uplink system. Additionally, due to the relative closeness of the moon from Earth (as opposed to the planetary missions the DSN supports daily), significantly higher data rates on both uplink and downlink are required, specifically up to 20 Mbps on the uplink and 150 Mbps on the downlink, both using Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) error correcting codes. And, again due to the relative closeness of the moon, there is a need for low latency data delivery of the high rate downlink telemetry which requires a change in the current DSN paradigm of delivering higher rate data with higher latency.

deep space network↗

NASA’s Deep Space Network (DSN) Lunar Exploration Upgrades (DLEU)

In the near future, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) will returnhumansto the moon beginning the next era of human exploration. NASA’s Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) program will play a vital role in establishing communications and navigation support to realize the ambitious goals of the Artemis program. SCaN’s overall lunar communications support plan will be covered in a separate 2023 SpaceOps paper: “NASA’s Communications and Navigation Architecture Plans to Support the Return to the Moon and a Sustainable Lunar Presence.” The four-point plan,as it currently stands, includes lunar relay services, a dedicated set of new ground stations, international partner contributions,and supportthrough the Deep Space Network (DSN)and associated upgrades. This paper will have a more granular focus on the DSN and NASA’s plans to upgrade and expand the network to be better suited for human spaceflight on and around the lunar surface. NASA’s Deep Space Network (DSN) will be a critical communications component for the upcoming lunar activities. There will be multiple spacecraft, using different bands, and some of those spacecraft will be transmitting and receiving using multiple bands, requiring DSN support of S-band (2 GHz), X-band (7 GHz up, 8 GHz down), and K-band (22.5 GHz up, 26 GHz down). Since there may be more than one spacecraft in the beamwidth of the DSN antennas, the DSN support will require an extension of the DSN’s capability to support multiple spacecraft using one antenna, expanding it to provide two simultaneous uplinks in the different bands at each antenna. Achieving this requires using new techniques for manufacturing the frequency selective surfaces, called dichroics, which steer the different frequency beams from and to the appropriate transmitting and receiving equipment, along with the addition of a new K-band uplink system. Additionally, due to the relative closeness of the moon from Earth (as opposed to the planetary missionsthe DSN supports daily), significantly higher data rates on both uplink and downlinkare requiredare possible and desirable by the lunar missions, specifically up to 20 Mbps on the uplink and 150 Mbps on the downlink, both using Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) error correcting codes. And, again due to the relative closeness of the moon, there is a need for low latency data delivery of the high rate downlink telemetry which requires a change in the current DSN paradigm of delivering higher rate data with higher latency.

Moon↗

Applications of the method of Monte Carlo to problems in thermal radiation

A summary of the work involving the Monte Carlo method in the solution of problems in thermal radiation transfer is presented, which indicates general methods previously used for solving problems in which radiation is coupled with other modes of energy transfer. Previous work involving radiation in absorbing-emitting media is included. An example is outlined to indicate the use of the Monte Carlo method in the design of a space radiator. Suggestions are given for solution of a complex case incorporating the effects of coupled conduction, convection and radiation, wavelength dependent and selective surfaces, nonisothermal conditions, and strongly directional or nondiffuse emitting and reflecting surfaces. A discussion is given of the factors that may affect convergence, running time, and accuracy of the Monte Carlo solutions and of the advantages and disadvantages of this approach for practical problems. Also discussed are the case of programming for complex problems and the probable machine time requirements of the method.

THERMAL RADIATION↗

Comparison of various methods for mathematical analysis of the Foucault knife edge test pattern to determine optical imperfections

The linearized integral equation for the Foucault test of a solid mirror was solved by various methods: power series, Fourier series, collocation, iteration, and inversion integral. The case of the Cassegrain mirror was solved by a particular power series method, collocation, and inversion integral. The inversion integral method appears to be the best overall method for both the solid and Cassegrain mirrors. Certain particular types of power series and Fourier series are satisfactory for the Cassegrain mirror. Numerical integration of the nonlinear equation for selected surface imperfections showed that results start to deviate from those given by the linearized equation at a surface deviation of about 3 percent of the wavelength of light. Several possible procedures for calibrating and scaling the input data for the integral equation are described.

Gatewood, B. E.↗

An analytical and experimental evaluation of shadow shields and their support members.

Review of the major results of an analytical and experimental program aimed at determining the potential effectiveness of shadow shields in minimizing radiant heat transfer into cryogenic propellant tanks on long-duration interplanetary missions, taking into account the thermal interaction between shields and their support structures. Analytical procedures are developed and applied that include the strut-shield interaction in predicting shadow shield performance. The results of experimental studies of the effects of configuration variables on the performance of a scale model of a shadow shield system are presented. The experimental results are used to verify the validity of analytical predictions. The results obtained show that: (1) shadow shields can be effective in reducing the heat transfer into cryogenic propellant tanks, and (2) the conductive heat transfer through supports can be reduced by selective surface coatings.

Stochl, R. J.↗

Documenting helicopter operations from an energy standpoint

Results are presented of a study of the relative and absolute energy consumption of helicopters, including limited comparisons with fixed-wing aircraft, and selected surface transportation vehicles. Additional comparisons were made to determine the level of reduction in energy consumption expected from the application of advanced technologies to the helicopter design and sizing process. It was found that improvements in helicopter consumption characteristics can be accomplished through the utilization of advanced technology to reduce drag, structures weight, and powerplant fuel consumption.

Davis, S. J.↗

Evaluation of flat-plate collector efficiency under controlled conditions in a solar simulator

The measured thermal efficiencies of 35 collectors tested with a solar simulator, along with the correlation equations used to generalize the data, are presented. The single correlation used is shown to apply to all the different types of collectors tested, including one with black paint and one cover, one with a selective surface coating and two covers, and an evacuated-tube collector. The test and correlation technique is also modified by using a shield so that collectors larger than the simulator test area can also be tested. This technique was verified experimentally for a shielded collector for which the collector shielded area was 31% of the solar simulator radiation area. A table lists all the collectors tested, the collector areas, and the experimental constants used to correlate the data for each collector.

Johnson, S. M.↗

Evaluation of flat-plate collector efficiency under controlled conditions in a solar simulator

The measured thermal efficiencies of 35 collectors tested with a solar simulator, along with the correlation equations used to generalize the data, are presented in this report. The single correlation used is shown to apply to all the different types of collectors tested, including one with black paint and one cover, one with a selective surface coating and two covers, and an evacuated-tube collector. The test and correlation technique is also modified by using a shield so that collectors larger than the simulator test area can also be tested. This technique was verified experimentally for a shielded collector for which the collector shielded area was 31% of the solar simulator radiation area. A table lists all the collectors tested, the collector areas, and the experimental constants used to correlate the data for each collector.

Johnson, S. M.↗

In situ ozone data for evaluation of the laser absorption spectrometer ozone remote sensor: 1979 southeastern Virginia urban plume study summer field program

Ozone data from the 1979 Southeastern Virginia Urban Study (SEV-UPS) field program are presented. The SEV-UPS was conducted for evaluation of an ozone remote sensor, the Laser Absorption Spectrometer. During the measurement program, remote-sensor evaluation was in two areas; (1) determination of the remote sensor's accuracy, repeatability, and operational characteristics, and (2) demonstration of the application of remotely sensed ozone data in air-quality studies. Data from six experiments designed to provide in situ ozone data for evaluation of the sensor in area 1, above, are presented. Experiments consisted of overflights of a test area with the remote sensor aircraft while in situ measurements with a second aircraft and selected surface stations provided correlative ozone data within the viewing area of the remote sensor.

Gregory, G. L.↗

Design practices for controlling spacecraft charging interactions

A design guidelines handbook prepared to provide criteria for assessing and minimizing spacecraft charging interactions is described. An evaluation philosophy of analyzing specific satellite designs in a substorm environment specification with NASCAP is proposed. Criteria for possible discharges are given and a technique for computing the discharge transients is outlined. The charging of a three axis stabilized satellite is examined to illustrate the philosophy. Possible discharge locations are found and transients computed. The effect of changing selected surface coatings is evaluated and found to substantially reduce charging levels.

Stevens, N. J.↗

The thermal fatigue resistance of H-13 Die Steel for aluminum die casting dies

The effects of welding, five selected surface coatings, and stress relieving on the thermal fatigue resistance of H-13 Die Steel for aluminum die casting dies were studied using eleven thermal fatigue specimens. Stress relieving was conducted after each 5,000 cycle interval at 1050 F for three hours. Four thermal fatigue specimens were welded with H-13 or maraging steel welding rods at ambient and elevated temperatures and subsequently, subjected to different post-weld heat treatments. Crack patterns were examined at 5,000, 10,000, and 15,000 cycles. The thermal fatigue resistance is expressed by two crack parameters which are the average maximum crack and the average cracked area. The results indicate that a significant improvement in thermal fatigue resistance over the control was obtained from the stress-relieving treatment. Small improvements were obtained from the H-13 welded specimens and from a salt bath nitrogen and carbon-surface treatment. The other surface treatments and welded specimens either did not affect or had a detrimental influence on the thermal fatigue properties of the H-13 die steel.

Source record↗

A multiple beam antenna concept for a 30/20 GHz satellite communications system

Design and operational performance features of a NASA planned 30/30 GHz flight experiment communications system multiple-beam antenna (MBA) are described. The MBA is a shared aperture offset Cassegrain type with a main reflector diameter of 3 m and physically separated transmit and receive feeds. A planar frequency selective surface is employed which is transmissive to the receive signals and reflective to the transmit signals. Trade-offs and constraints in the MBA feed design are explored, noting the higher feed loss and complexity due to choosing variable power dividers for the beam forming network. Doublet beam coverage of the east coast of the continental U.S. is shown to be possible with a triangular lattice array of feed horns with aperture diameters and element spacings of two wavelengths. The doublet configuration requires ten times the components as a singlet array.

Forman, B. J.↗

Geology

Three objectives were outlined: (1) global distribution, geometry and composition of continental rock units; (2) morphology and structure of the continental crust; and (3) monitoring selected surface processes. Mapping soil, sediment and rock characteristics for land surfaces requires the use of visible, reflected, thermal and radio parts of the spectrum. Digital topographic data (elevation, slope angle, slope magnitude) are needed to correct reflectance, emission, and radar data. In addition, images of the topographic data provide fundamental information on the morphology and structure of the land.

Arvidson, R.↗

An evaluation of the relative merits of wing-canard, wing-tail, and tailless arrangements for advanced fighter applications

Two sets of wind tunnel tests were performed to examine the relative merits of wing-canard, wing-tail and tailless configurations for advanced fighters. Both sessions focused on variable camber using automated, prescheduled leading and trailing edge flap positioning. The trials considered a modified F-16 tail and canard configuration at subsonic, transonic and supersonic speeds, a 60 deg delta wing sweep, a 44 deg leading edge trapezoidal wing at subsonic and supersonic speeds, vortex flow effects, and flow interactions in the canard-wing-tail-tailless variations. The results showed that large negative stabilities would need to be tolerated in wing-canard arrangements to make them competitive with wing-tail arrangements. Subsonic polar shapes for canard and tailless designs were more sensitive to static design margins than were wing-tail arrangements. Canards provided better stability at supersonic speeds. The static margin limits were a critical factor in control surface selection. Finally, a tailless delta wing configuration exhibited the lowest projected gross take-off weight and drag values.

Nicholas, W. U.↗

Data communications and monitor for the Penn State University profiler network

The profiler network installed by the Department of Meteorology at Penn State University utilizes a microcomputer for network monitoring and control. The network consists of two VHF and one UHF wind profiling Doppler radars. Additional measurement systems added to the network include temperature and humidity profiling radiometers, sodar for boundary layer wind profiling and selected surface based baseline systems. Remote diagnostic capabilities were also implemented in the Penn State network. It is possible to remotely analyze many specific malfunctions of the transmitter or signal processor.

Peters, R. M.↗

Part 1: The geomorphic evolution of Eastern Margaritifer Sinus, Mars

Geomorphic mapping, crater counts on selected surfaces, and a detailed study of drainage basins, were used to trace the geologic evolution of Margaritifer Sinus Quandrangle. The oldest dated surface covering these basins evolved during the period of intense bombardment. Since that time four resurfacing events have occurred. The first three were all of regional extent, while the fourth, occurred locally, filling basins. Valley networks, incised in the third event unit, are always buried by the fourth event unit when present. A peak in geomorphic activity occurred from 10,000 to 5000. Events during this period included the formation of Uzboi/Ladon Valles with deposition in Ladon Basin, and the formation of Samara and Parana/Loire Valles in MC19SE. Flow out of Ladon Basin and to a lesser extent Samara and Parana/Loire Valles created etched terrain at their confluence that was synchronous with initiation of Margaritifer and Iani Chaos. The range of dates for the chaos may be due to periodic collapse. The extensive, well integrted nature of Samara and Parana/Loire Valles requires the existence of a long period of favorable climatic conditions to allow their formation. Development of these two systems was probably through sapping processes.

Grant, John A., III↗