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At least 91 records · Page 5

Solid rocket booster thrust vector control V-2 off-nominal testing

The results of the V-2 off nominal test sequence performed on the space shuttle solid rocket booster thrust vector control (SRB TVC) system are reported. The TVC subsystem was subjected to 19 off nominal test conditions. The test sequence consisted of: 8 burp starts, 30 hot firings, 14 GN2 spin tests, and 3 servicing passive system tests. It is concluded that the TVC subsystem operated nominally in response to the given commands and test conditions. Test objectives, detail results, and data are included.

Pagan, B.

Experimental investigations of thrust vectoring systems for VTOL aircraft

This paper presents a summary of two technology programs sponsored by NASA to investigate the characteristics of two thrust vectoring schemes for V/STOL aircraft. The operational capability of the VTOL aircraft is dependent on maximum utilization of the installed thrust in both the cruise and powered lift modes of flight. An effective thrust vectoring system on the cruise propulsion unit is therefore essential to provide maximum payload in hover and STOL plus minimum specific fuel consumption in loiter and cruise. Introducing a high by-pass ratio fan system, augmenting the gas generator thrust, as the propulsion system for VTOL aircraft places increased significance on the performance of the relatively short coupled thrust vectoring systems. The two programs discussed herein include both large-scale and small-scale tests of a vectoring hood system with a vented, internal-lip and swivel nozzle systems. These tests indicated that a satisfactory thrust vectoring system can be developed.

Rolls, L. S.

Design and test of electromechanical actuators for thrust vector control

New control mechanisms technologies are currently being explored to provide alternatives to hydraulic thrust vector control (TVC) actuation systems. For many years engineers have been encouraging the investigation of electromechanical actuators (EMA) to take the place of hydraulics for spacecraft control/gimballing systems. The rationale is to deliver a lighter, cleaner, safer, more easily maintained, as well as energy efficient space vehicle. In light of this continued concern to improve the TVC system, the Propulsion Laboratory at the NASA George C. Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) is involved in a program to develop electromechanical actuators for the purpose of testing and TVC system implementation. Through this effort, an electromechanical thrust vector control actuator has been designed and assembled. The design consists of the following major components: Two three-phase brushless dc motors, a two pass gear reduction system, and a roller screw, which converts rotational input into linear output. System control is provided by a solid-state electronic controller and power supply. A pair of resolvers and associated electronics deliver position feedback to the controller such that precise positioning is achieved. Testing and evaluation is currently in progress. Goals focus on performance comparisons between EMA's and similar hydraulic systems.

Cowan, J. R.

Static investigation of several yaw vectoring concepts on nonaxisymmetric nozzles

A test has been conducted in the static test facility of the Langley 16-Foot Transonic Tunnel to determine the flow-turning capability and the effects on nozzle internal performance of several yaw vectoring concepts. Nonaxisymmetric convergent-divergent nozzles with throat areas simulating dry and afterburning power settings and single expansion ramp nozzles with a throat area simulating a dry power setting were modified for yaw thrust vectoring. Forward-thrust and pitch-vectored nozzle configurations were tested with each yaw vectoring concept. Four basic yaw vectoring concepts were investigated on the nonaxisymmetric convergent-divergent nozzles: (1) translating sidewall; (2) downstream (of throat) flaps; (3) upstream (of throat) port/flap; and (4) powered rudder. Selected combinations of the rudder with downstream flaps or upstream port/flap were also tested. A single yaw vectoring concept, post-exit flaps, was investigated on the single expansion ramp nozzles. All testing was conducted at static (no external flow) conditions and nozzle pressure ratios varied from 2.0 up to 10.0.

Mason, M. L.

Thrust Vectoring on the NASA F-18 High Alpha Research Vehicle

Investigations into a multiaxis thrust-vectoring system have been conducted on an F-18 configuration. These investigations include ground-based scale-model tests, ground-based full-scale testing, and flight testing. This thrust-vectoring system has been tested on the NASA F-18 High Alpha Research Vehicle (HARV). The system provides thrust vectoring in pitch and yaw axes. Ground-based subscale test data have been gathered as background to the flight phase of the program. Tests investigated aerodynamic interaction and vane control effectiveness. The ground-based full-scale data were gathered from static engine runs with image analysis to determine relative thrust-vectoring effectiveness. Flight tests have been conducted at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center. Parameter identification input techniques have been developed. Individual vanes were not directly controlled because of a mixer-predictor function built into the flight control laws. Combined effects of the vanes have been measured in flight and compared to combined effects of the vanes as predicted by the cold-jet test data. Very good agreement has been found in the linearized effectiveness derivatives.

Bowers, Albion H.

Altitude testing of a flight weight, self-cooled, 2D thrust vectoring exhaust nozzle

The Augmented Deflector Exhaust Nozzle (ADEN) was tested in PSL-3 at NASA-Lewis Research Center using an F404 engine. The ADEN is a flight weight Single Expansion Ramp Nozzle with thrust vectoring, an internal cooling system utilizing the available engine fan flow, and a variable area throat controlled by the engine control system. Test conditions included dry and max A/B operation at nozzle pressure ratios from 2.0 to 15.0. High nozzle pressure loading was simulated to verify structural integrity at near maximum design pressure. Nozzle settings covered the full range in throat area and + or - 15 deg deflection angle. Test results demonstrated expected aerodynamic performance, cooling system effectiveness, control system stability, and mechanical integrity.

Wooten, W. H.

Hot gas ingestion test results of a two-poster vectored thrust concept with flow visualization in the NASA Lewis 9- by 15-foot low speed wind tunnel

A 9.2 percent scale STOVL hot gas ingestion model was tested in the NASA Lewis 9 x 15-foot Low-Speed Wind Tunnel. Flow visualization from the Phase 1 test program, which evaluated the hot ingestion phenomena and control techniques, is covered. The Phase 2 test program evaluated the hot gas ingestion phenomena at higher temperatures and used a laser sheet to investigate the flow field. Hot gas ingestion levels were measured for the several forward nozzle splay configurations and with flow control/life improvement devices (LIDs) which reduced the hot gas ingestion. The test was conducted at full scale nozzle pressure ratios and inlet Mach numbers. Results are presented over a range of nozzle pressure ratios at a 10 kn headwind velocity. The Phase 2 program was conducted at exhaust nozzle temperatures up to 1460 R and utilized a sheet laser system for flow visualization of the model flow field in and out of ground effects. The results reported are for nozzle exhaust temperatures up to 1160 R and contain the compressor face pressure and temperature distortions, the total pressure recovery, the inlet temperature rise, and the environmental effects of the hot gas. The environmental effects include the ground plane contours, the model airframe heating, and the location of the ground flow separation.

Johns, Albert L.

Technical Evaluation Motor No. 7 (TEM-7)

The Technical Evaluation Motor No. 7 (TEM-7) test was a full-scale, full duration static test firing of a high performance motor-configuration solid rocket motor with nozzle vectoring. The final test report documents the procedures, performance, and results of the static test firing of TEM-7. All observations, discussions, conclusions, and recommendations included in the report are complete and final except for the TEM-7 fixed housing unbond investigation. A presentation and discussion of TEM-7 performance, anomalies, and test result concurrence with the objectives outlined in CTP-0107, Rev A, Space Shuttle Technical Evaluation Motor No. 7 (TEM-7) Static Fire Test Plan are included.

Hughes, Phil

Predictions of malaria vector distribution in Belize based on multispectral satellite data

Use of multispectral satellite data to predict arthropod-borne disease trouble spots is dependent on clear understandings of environmental factors that determine the presence of disease vectors. A blind test of remote sensing-based predictions for the spatial distribution of a malaria vector, Anopheles pseudopunctipennis, was conducted as a follow-up to two years of studies on vector-environmental relationships in Belize. Four of eight sites that were predicted to be high probability locations for presence of An. pseudopunctipennis were positive and all low probability sites (0 of 12) were negative. The absence of An. pseudopunctipennis at four high probability locations probably reflects the low densities that seem to characterize field populations of this species, i.e., the population densities were below the threshold of our sampling effort. Another important malaria vector, An. darlingi, was also present at all high probability sites and absent at all low probability sites. Anopheles darlingi, like An. pseudopunctipennis, is a riverine species. Prior to these collections at ecologically defined locations, this species was last detected in Belize in 1946.

Non-NASA Center

Technical Evaluation Motor No. 7 (TEM-07)

Technical Evaluation Motor Number 7 (TEM-7) was a full scale, full-duration static test firing of a high performance motor (HPM) configuration solid rocket motor (SRM) with nozzle vectoring. The static test fire occurred on 11 December 1990 at the Thiokol Corporation Static Test Bay T-97. Documented here are the procedures, performance, and results available through 22 January 1991. Critical post test hardware activities and assessment of the test data are not complete. A completed test report will be submitted 60 days after the test date. Included here is a presentation and discussion of the TEM-7 performance, anomalies, and test result concurrence with the objectives outlined in CTP-0107 Revision A, Space Shuttle Technical Evaluation Motor number 7 (TEM-07) Static Fire Test Plan.

Hugh, Phil

Static investigation of post-exit vanes for multiaxis thrust vectoring

Transonic wind tunnel tests are conducted to determine the flow-turning capabilities and nozzle internal performance of axisymmetric and nonaxisymmetric nozzles employing postexit vanes for multiaxis thrust-vectoring. The geometric parameters investigated for the axisymmetric nozzle installation were number of vanes, vane curvature, vane location relative to nozzle exit, and vane deflection angle; for the nonaxisymmetric cases, the parameters were vane planform and curvature, nozzle type, and nozzle exit aspect ratio. Nozzle pressure ratio was varied from 1.5 to 6.0, using high pressure air.

Berrier, Bobby L.

Derivation of mass and stiffness matrices from dynamic test data.

A technique is described by which orthonormal modal vectors, computed from dynamic test response data, are used to derive mass, stiffness, and damping matrices for a discrete model of the distributed elastic system. Matrices thus computed from subsystems tests may be readily incorporated into larger system models. The method has been applied to a test of the Saturn V S-II stage LOX tank-engine support system. The dynamic responses of the discrete model are shown to correlate well with test data throughout the frequency range tested.

Thoren, A. R.

Hot gas ingestion test results of a two-poster vectored thrust concept with flow visualization in the NASA Lewis 9- x 15-foot low speed wind tunnel

A 9.2 percent scale Short Takeoff and Vertical Landing (STOVL) hot gas ingestion model was designed and built by McDonnell Douglas Corporation (MCAIR) and tested in the Lewis Research Center 9 x 15 foot Low Speed Wind Tunnel (LSWT). Hot gas ingestion, the entrainment of heated engine exhaust into the inlet flow field, is a key development issure for advanced short takeoff and vertical landing aircraft. Flow visualization from the Phase 1 test program, which evaluated the hot ingestion phenomena and control techniques, is covered. The Phase 2 test program evaluated the hot gas ingestion phenomena at higher temperatures and used a laser sheet to investigate the flow field. Hot gas ingestion levels were measured for the several forward nozzle splay configurations and with flow control/life improvement devices (LIDs) which reduced the hot gas ingestion. The model support system had four degrees of freedom - pitch, roll, yaw, and vertical height variation. The model support system also provided heated high-pressure air for nozzle flow and a suction system exhaust for inlet flow. The test was conducted at full scale nozzle pressure ratios and inlet Mach numbers. Test and data analysis results from Phase 2 and flow visualization from both Phase 1 and 2 are documented. A description of the model and facility modifications is also provided. Headwind velocity was varied from 10 to 23 kn. Results are presented over a range of nozzle pressure ratios at a 10 kn headwind velocity. The Phase 2 program was conducted at exhaust nozzle temperatures up to 1460 R and utilized a sheet laser system for flow visualization of the model flow field in and out of ground effects. The results reported are for nozzle exhaust temperatures up to 1160 R. These results will contain the compressor face pressure and temperature distortions, the total pressure recovery, the inlet temperature rise, and the environmental effects of the hot gas. The environmental effects include the ground plane contours, the model airframe heating, and the location of the ground flow separation.

Johns, Albert L.

Simultaneous expansion and orthogonalization of measured modes for structure identification

Tests of large structures on-orbit will be performed with measurements at a relatively few structure points. Values for the unmeasured degrees of freedom (dofs) can be estimated based on measured dofs and analytical model dynamic information. These 'expanded' mode shapes are useful for optimal-update identification and damage location as well as test/analysis correlation. A new method of expansion for test mode shape vectors is developed from the orthogonal Procrustes problem from computational linear algebra. A subspace defined by the set of measured dofs is compared to a subspace defined by mode shapes from an analytical model of the structure. The method simultaneously expands and orthogonalizes the mode shape vectors. Two demonstration problems are used to compare the new method to current expansion techniques. One demonstration uses test data from a laboratory scale-model truss structure. Performance of the new method is comparable or superior to that of the previous expansion methods which require separate orthogonalization.

Smith, Suzanne Weaver

Design of a Thermal Testbed for Metrology of Active Antennas

NASA mission requirements have driven an increased interest in active phased array antennas (APAA) for space-based user communication terminals. Recent advancements in 5G technology have driven down the cost of APAA development and manufacturing all while providing a technology solution that covers many existing Ka-Band satellite communication spectrum bands. While these developments have provided ample opportunities to leverage new chips and arrays for use in space, there is also a need to evaluate these antennas in a relevant environment. Active arrays, as designed for use in 5G, require thermal management to avoid damage to the device as well as to maintain performance. Measured performance under various thermal conditions is essential both for understanding overall APAA performance and ensuring operation is within required tolerances. To address these measurement needs, the SmallSat Ka-band Operations User Terminal (SKOUT) project at the NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) developed a test environment that combines traditional antenna and communication system metrology with a conduction cooling/heating thermal control system to simulate the space thermal environment. This paper will address the metrologysystem design and performance specifications as well as test article setup and operation. Tests that are typically performed at ambient temperature can now be performed over the typical temperature range of a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) mission. These tests include error vector magnitude (EVM), gain to noise temperature (G/T), antenna patterns, and non-linear characterization. The paper will cover the configuration for each test and provide results from a recent test campaign. Results illustrate the importance of higher fidelity environmental testing when evaluating the performance of an APAA.

active phased array

Effects of upper-surface blowing and thrust vectoring on low speed aerodynamic characteristics of a large-scale supersonic transport model

Tests were conducted in a full scale tunnel to determine the low speed aerodynamic characteristics of a large scale arrow wing supersonic transport configured with engines mounted above the wing for upper surface blowing and conventional lower surface engines having provisions for thrust vectoring. Tests were conducted over an angle of attack range of -10 deg to 34 deg and for Reynolds numbers (based on the mean aerodynamic chord) of 5.17 x 1 million and 3.89 x 1 million. A limited number of tests were also conducted for the upper surface engine configuration in the high lift condition at an angle of sideslip of 10 deg in order to evaluate lateral directional characteristics and with the right engine inoperative in order to evaluate the engine out condition.

Coe, P. L., Jr.

Supervised fully polarimetric classification of the Black Forest test site: From MAESTROI to MAC Europe

A study on the performance of a supervised fully polarimetric maximum likelihood classifier for synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data when applied to a specific classification context: forest classification based on age classes and in the presence of a sloping terrain is presented. For the experimental part, the polarimetric AIRSAR data at P, L, and C-band, acquired over the German Black Forest near Freiburg in the frame of the 1989 MAESTRO-1 campaign and the 1991 MAC Europe campaign was used, MAESTRO-1 with an ESA/JRC sponsored campaign, and MAC Europe (Multi-sensor Aircraft Campaign); in both cases the multi-frequency polarimetric JPL Airborne Synthetic Aperture Radar (AIRSAR) radar was flown over a number of European test sites. The study is structured as follows. At first, the general characteristics of the classifier and the dependencies from some parameters, like frequency bands, feature vector, calibration, using test areas lying on a flat terrain are investigated. Once it is determined the optimal conditions for the classifier performance, we then move on to the study of the slope effect. The bulk of this work is performed using the Maestrol data set. Next the classifier performance with the MAC Europe data is considered. The study is divided into two stages: first some of the tests done on the Maestro data are repeated, to highlight the improvements due to the new processing scheme that delivers 16 look data. Second we experiment with multi images classification with two goals: to assess the possibility of using a training set measured from one image to classify areas in different images; and to classify areas on critical slopes using different viewing angles. The main points of the study are listed and some of the results obtained so far are highlighted.

Degrandi, G.