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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
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2011

Report of the Horizontal Launch Study

A study of horizontal launch concepts has been conducted. This study, jointly sponsored by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) was tasked to estimate the economic and technical viability of horizontal launch approaches. The study team identified the key parameters and critical technologies which determine mission viability and reported on the state of the art of critical technologies, along with objectives for technology development.

Wilhite, Alan W.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Preliminary analysis of the benefits derived to US Air Force spacecraft from on-orbit refueling

This analysis was undertaken during FY-91 as a preliminary step to identify potential benefits from refueling Air Force satellites on orbit. Both economic and operational benefits were included. Operational benefits were related in economic terms to allow evaluation. All economic comparisons were made using FY-91 costs. An additional purpose of the effort was to identify the preferred mission parameters, for an on-orbit refueling system. A companion study was being concurrently conducted by SSD/XRP and NASA/JPL to develop a hardware concept for an on-orbit refueling system. The mass estimates for refueling missions obtained from the companion study were used in conducting the economic analyses of this benefits study. For this study, on-orbit refueling was based on the concept developed in the companion JPL study. The concept involves launching an S/C carrying fuel that would be transferred to another 'target' S/C which is already in orbit. The two S/C would then rendezvous, dock, and transfer fuel. Another fluid, such as a cryogenic, might be included if needed by the target S/C. The hardware concept for refueling was intended to minimize costs. The re-fueler S/C was designated to be expendable and would contain only the minimal capabilities. It would be launched into the orbit plane and altitude of the target S/C(s). The re-fueler S/C would rendezvous and dock with the target S/C and the fluid transfer would occur. When the refueling mission was completed, the re-fueler S/C would be ejected from the orbit. In order to optimize launch costs, some missions involved launching two re-fueler S/C on the LV. In this case the second re-fueler S/C would be placed in a storage orbit until needed.

Smith, Scott↗
NASA NTRS1993

Parallel runway requirement analysis study. Volume 1: The analysis

The correlation of increased flight delays with the level of aviation activity is well recognized. A main contributor to these flight delays has been the capacity of airports. Though new airport and runway construction would significantly increase airport capacity, few programs of this type are currently underway, let alone planned, because of the high cost associated with such endeavors. Therefore, it is necessary to achieve the most efficient and cost effective use of existing fixed airport resources through better planning and control of traffic flows. In fact, during the past few years the FAA has initiated such an airport capacity program designed to provide additional capacity at existing airports. Some of the improvements that that program has generated thus far have been based on new Air Traffic Control procedures, terminal automation, additional Instrument Landing Systems, improved controller display aids, and improved utilization of multiple runways/Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) approach procedures. A useful element to understanding potential operational capacity enhancements at high demand airports has been the development and use of an analysis tool called The PLAND_BLUNDER (PLB) Simulation Model. The objective for building this simulation was to develop a parametric model that could be used for analysis in determining the minimum safety level of parallel runway operations for various parameters representing the airplane, navigation, surveillance, and ATC system performance. This simulation is useful as: a quick and economical evaluation of existing environments that are experiencing IMC delays, an efficient way to study and validate proposed procedure modifications, an aid in evaluating requirements for new airports or new runways in old airports, a simple, parametric investigation of a wide range of issues and approaches, an ability to tradeoff air and ground technology and procedures contributions, and a way of considering probable blunder mechanisms and range of blunder scenarios. This study describes the steps of building the simulation and considers the input parameters, assumptions and limitations, and available outputs. Validation results and sensitivity analysis are addressed as well as outlining some IMC and Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) approaches to parallel runways. Also, present and future applicable technologies (e.g., Digital Autoland Systems, Traffic Collision and Avoidance System II, Enhanced Situational Awareness System, Global Positioning Systems for Landing, etc.) are assessed and recommendations made.

Ebrahimi, Yaghoob S.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Low luminosity galactic X-ray sources

Models of soft X-ray emission from low-luminosity galactic X-ray sources are compared with currently available data. Emphasis is placed on disk population stars, irrespective of source temperatures spectral type, luminosity class, and age; and predictions of source temperatures and variability have been used to distinguish between the various models. It is tentatively found that the X-ray emission characteristics of late and early spectral types, and young and old stars, share many similarities; an economical explanation for this is the manifestation of coronal surface activity modulated by the stellar parameters that govern stellar magnetic activity (e.g., rotation). In some cases (such as for OB stars), a proper theory accounting for the heating of the coronal plasma does not exist.

Vaiana, G. S.↗
NASA NTRS1991

The pulse-pair algorithm as a robust estimator of turbulent weather spectral parameters using airborne pulse Doppler radar

The pulse pair method for spectrum parameter estimation is commonly used in pulse Doppler weather radar signal processing since it is economical to implement and can be shown to be a maximum likelihood estimator. With the use of airborne weather radar for windshear detection, the turbulent weather and strong ground clutter return spectrum differs from that assumed in its derivation, so the performance robustness of the pulse pair technique must be understood. Here, the effect of radar system pulse to pulse phase jitter and signal spectrum skew on the pulse pair algorithm performance is discussed. Phase jitter effect may be significant when the weather return signal to clutter ratio is very low and clutter rejection filtering is attempted. The analysis can be used to develop design specifications for airborne radar system phase stability. It is also shown that the weather return spectrum skew can cause a significant bias in the pulse pair mean windspeed estimates, and that the poly pulse pair algorithm can reduce this bias. It is suggested that use of a spectrum mode estimator may be more appropriate in characterizing the windspeed within a radar range resolution cell for detection of hazardous windspeed gradients.

Baxa, Ernest G., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS2018

Using Remote Sensing Mapping and Growth Response to Environmental Variability to Aide Aquatic Invasive Plant Management

Management of aquatic weeds in complex watersheds and river systems present many challenges to assessment, planning and implementation of management practices for floating and submerged aquatic invasive plants. The Delta Region Areawide Aquatic Weed Project (DRAAWP), a USDA sponsored area-wide project, is working to enhance planning, decision-making and operational efficiency in the California Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Satellite and airborne remote sensing are used map (area coverage and biomass density), direct operations, and assess management impacts on plant communities. Archived satellite records enable review of results following previous climate and management events and aide in developing long-term strategies. Examples of remote sensing aiding effectiveness of aquatic weed management will be discussed as well as areas for potential technological improvement. Modeling at local and watershed scales using the SWAT modeling tool provides insight into land-use effects on water quality (described by Zhang in same Symposium). Controlled environment growth studies have been conducted to quantify the growth response of invasive aquatic plants to water quality and other environmental factors. Environmental variability occurs across a range of time scales from long-term climate and seasonal trends to short-term water flow mediated variations. Response time for invasive species response are examined at time scales of weeks, day, and hours using a combination of study duration and growth assessment techniques to assess water quality, temperature (air and water), nitrogen, phosphorus, and light effects. These provide response parameters for plant growth models in response to the variation and interact with management and economic models associated with aquatic weed management. Plant growth models are to be informed by remote sensing and applied spatially across the Delta to balance location and type of aquatic plant, growth response to altered environments and phenology. Initial utilization of remote sensing tools developed for mapping of aquatic invasive plants improved operational efficiency in management practices. These assessment methods provide a comprehensive and quantitative view of aquatic invasive plants communities in the California Delta.

Remote Sensing↗
NASA NTRS2018

Using Remote Sensing to Assess of Growth and Distribution for Floating Invasive Plants and Growth Response Times to Altered Environments

Management of aquatic weeds in complex watersheds and river systems present many challenges to assessment, planning and implementation of management practices for aquatic invasive plants. The Delta Region Areawide Aquatic Weed Project (DRAAWP), a USDA (U. S. Dept. of Agriculture)-sponsored area-wide project, is working to enhance planning, decision-making and operational efficiency of invasive plant management in the California Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Satellite and airborne remote sensing are used to map area of plant coverage and estimate biomass density to aid operations and assess management impacts on plant communities. Modeling at local and watershed scales using the SWAT (Soil Water Assessment Tool) modeling tool provides insight into land-use effects on water quality. Environmental variability in the Delta occurs across a range of time scales from long-term climate and seasonal trends to short-term water flow mediated variations. Controlled environment growth studies have been conducted to quantify the growth response of invasive aquatic plants to water quality and other environmental factors. Response time for invasive species response are examined at time scales of weeks, day, and hours using a combination of study duration and growth assessment techniques to assess water quality, temperature (air and water), and light effects. These provide response parameters for plant growth models in response to environmental variation and interact with management and economic models associated with aquatic weed management. Plant growth models are to be informed by remote sensing and applied spatially across the Delta to balance location and type of aquatic plant, growth response to altered environments and phenology. Initial utilization of remote sensing tools developed for mapping of aquatic invasive plants improved operational efficiency in management practices. These assessment methods provide a comprehensive and quantitative view of aquatic invasive plant communities in the California Delta.

Floating↗
NASA NTRS2019

Growth Response of Water Hyacinth to Environmental Ranges in the California Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta

Management of aquatic weeds in complex watersheds and river systems present many challenges to assessment, planning, and implementation of management for aquatic invasive plants. The Delta Region Areawide Aquatic Weed Project (DRAAWP), a USDA sponsored area-wide project including NASA Ames Research Center and State of California Department of Boating and Waterways, is working to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency of invasive plant management in the California Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Expansion of invasive aquatic plants has been detrimental to water management and the ecosystem complex in the San Francisco Bay/California Delta. The portion of DRAAWP reported here focuses on parametrizing the environmental response inputs for the Delta models for prominent invasive aquatic plants. Changing climate, long-term drought, shifts in land use, and variation in water flow and quality from input watersheds lead to wide and unique variation in environmental conditions. Environmental variability occurs across a range of time scales from long-term climate and seasonal trends to short-term water flow mediated variations. Response of invasive aquatic plants are examined using controlled environment growth facilities at time scales of weeks, day, and hours using a combination of study duration and growth assessment techniques to assess water quality, temperature, nutrient, and light effects. These provide response parameters for plant growth models in response to the variation and interact with management and economic models associated with aquatic weed management. Plant growth models are informed by remote sensing and applied spatially across the Delta to balance location and type of aquatic plant, growth response to altered environments and phenology.

Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta.v↗
NASA NTRS1972

Economic and environmental aspects of STOL transportation

A system study to analyze the question of the impact of advanced STOL aircraft in meeting the needs of short-haul air transportation systems is discussed. The study is concerned with the following aspects: (1) service to the passenger, (2) economic viability, and (3) economic criteria to include community noise, ground and air decongestion, and air pollution. The STOL aircraft parameters are defined. Preliminary conclusions concerning the feasibility of short-haul air transportation are presented.

Stewart, E. C.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Constant-Elasticity-of-Substitution Simulation

Program simulates constant elasticity-of-substitution (CES) production function. CES function used by economic analysts to examine production costs as well as uncertainties in production. User provides such input parameters as price of labor, price of capital, and dispersion levels. CES minimizes expected cost to produce capital-uncertainty pair. By varying capital-value input, one obtains series of capital-uncertainty pairs. Capital-uncertainty pairs then used to generate several cost curves. CES program menu driven and features specific print menu for examining selected output curves. Program written in BASIC for interactive execution and implemented on IBM PC-series computer.

Reiter, G.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Parametric analysis of ATT configurations.

This paper describes the results of a Lockheed parametric analysis of the performance, environmental factors, and economics of an advanced commercial transport envisioned for operation in the post-1985 time period. The design parameters investigated include cruise speeds from Mach 0.85 to Mach 1.0, passenger capacities from 200 to 500, ranges of 2800 to 5500 nautical miles, and noise level criteria. NASA high performance configurations and alternate configurations are operated over domestic and international route structures. Indirect and direct costs and return on investment are determined for approximately 40 candidate aircraft configurations. The candidate configurations are input to an aircraft sizing and performance program which includes a subroutine for noise criteria. Comparisons are made between preferred configurations on the basis of maximum return on investment as a function of payload, range, and design cruise speed.

Lange, R. H.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Low cost point focus solar concentrator, phase 1

Design concepts and plans for mass-production facilities and equipment, field installation, and maintenance were developed and used for cost analysis of a pneumatically stabilized plastic film point focus solar concentrator which has potential application in conjunction with Brayton cycle engines or supply of thermal energy. A sub-scale reflector was fabricated and optically tested by laser ray tracing to determine focal deviations of the surface slope and best focal plane. These test data were then used for comparisons with theoretical concentrator performance modeling and predictions of full-scale design performance. Results of the economic study indicate the concentrator design will have low cost when mass-produced and has cost/performance parameters that fall within current Jet Propulsion Laboratory goals.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1979

A study of industrial hydrogen and syngas supply systems

The potential and incentives required for supplying hydrogen and syngas feedstocks to the U.S. chemical industry from coal gasification systems were evaluated. Future hydrogen and syngas demand for chemical manufacture was estimated by geographic area and projected economics for hydrogen and syngas manufacture was estimated with geographic area of manufacture and plant size as parameters. Natural gas, oil and coal feedstocks were considered. Problem areas presently affecting the commercial feasibility of coal gasification discussed include the impact of potential process improvements, factors involved in financing coal gasification plants, regulatory barriers affecting coal gasification, coal mining/transportation, air quality regulations, and competitive feedstock pricing barriers. The potential for making coal gasification the least costly H2 and syngas supply option. Options to stimulate coal gasification system development are discussed.

Amos, W. J.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Planning and evaluation parameters for offshore complexes

Issues are presented for consideration in the planning and design of offshore artificial complexes. The construction of such complexes, their social, economic, and ecological impacts, and the legal-political-institutional environments within which their development could occur, are discussed. Planning, design, and construction of near-shore complexes located off the Mid-Atlantic coast of the United States is emphasized.

Sincoff, M. Z.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Hybrid Electric Turboprop Commercial Freighter Opportunity

As the era of electric and hybrid electric aviation is dawning, we have the opportunity to reduce cost, energy use, and emissions of air transportation. In this paper, the case is made for the potential efficiency benefits that can be gained with hybrid electric propulsion. Initial economic, mission profile, and propulsion system concepts for a large turboprop aircraft we designate as the Hybrid Electric Turboprop Commercial Freighter (HETCOF) are presented. Market analysis shows HETCOF has the potential to serve a large market share, but the cost requirements for a new purpose built are challenging relative to the repurposed narrow body aircraft currently operating in the market. Comparing HETCOF to a genericized large turboprop freighter the payload capacity is reduced by 40% for the TRL 5+ configuration but is equivalent to the baseline for the TRL 1-2 configuration. All HETCOF configurations result in increased efficiency and subsequent block fuel, block energy, and block emissions reductions. An integrated power/thermal/and energy storage system is presented and analyzed using key performance parameters to estimate weights and losses at three technology readiness levels. Analysis shows that for a concept like this to have economic and energy benefits, many TRL 1-2 level technologies would be needed. Relevant ARPA-E programs and NASA technologies being developed to enable the benefit are also described. The most significant result of this paper is that the HETCOF concept can close with reduced fuel burn, energy use, and emissions while retaining some or all of the cargo capability of the baseline aircraft across TRL level assumptions, which enables this platform to be used for near term introduction with increasing benefits as technology matures.

Ralph H Jansen↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Parameter, Post-Processing Sensitivities, and Qualification Approach of Laser Powder Bed Fusion Hydrogen Resistant Alloy NASA HR-1

Metal additive manufacturing (AM) processes are being used to enable economical manufacturing of legacy alloys as well as advancing new alloys. Laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) is a metal AM process that has high maturity and being used to produce a variety of parts for space applications including complex propulsion components. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has identified the need to develop and advance new materials in unique space applications such as high-pressure hydrogen environments. NASA HR-1 is a high strength Fe-Ni based superalloy designed to resist high pressure hydrogen environment embrittlement (HEE), oxidation, and corrosion that has been successfully adapted to laser powder directed energy deposition (LP-DED). Insights gained from the NASA HR-1 development for LP-DED have guided the development process for L-PBF. However, adapting NASA HR-1 to L-PBF posed new challenges due to the distinct differences between the additive manufacturing processes. During parameter development, sensitivities were observed in post-processing that necessitated additional optimization of heat treatments. Additionally, the variations in thickness and how it influenced the microstructural response during heat treatment was characterized. Understanding these sensitivities is important to qualification of the material in a L-PBF machine. This ensures that the microstructures and properties of the material maintain consistency in production. This presentation will cover parameter development along with post-processing challenges and solutions will be discussed in addition to key material properties as it pertains to application performance and qualification per NASA-STD-6030. Improvements made by developing a derivative alloy, NASA HR-2, will be highlighted through preliminary small scale parameter development, material characterization, and initial property testing.

NASA HR-1↗
NASA NTRS1974

Feasibility Study of a Satellite Solar Power Station

A feasibility study of a satellite solar power station (SSPS) was conducted to: (1) explore how an SSPS could be flown and controlled in orbit; (2) determine the techniques needed to avoid radio frequency interference (RFI); and (3) determine the key environmental, technological, and economic issues involved. Structural and dynamic analyses of the SSPS structure were performed, and deflections and internal member loads were determined. Desirable material characteristics were assessed and technology developments identified. Flight control performance of the SSPS baseline design was evaluated and parametric sizing studies were performed. The study of RFI avoidance techniques covered (1) optimization of the microwave transmission system; (2) device design and expected RFI; and (3) SSPS RFI effects. The identification of key issues involved (1) microwave generation, transmissions, and rectification and solar energy conversion; (2) environmental-ecological impact and biological effects; and (3) economic issues, i.e., costs and benefits associated with the SSPS. The feasibility of the SSPS based on the parameters of the study was established.

Glaser, P. E.↗