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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 937 records · Page 52

Measurement of reach envelopes with a four-camera Selective Spot Recognition (SELSPOT) system

The basic Selective Spot Recognition (SELSPOT) system is essentially a system which uses infrared LEDs and a 'camera' with an infrared-sensitive photodetector, a focusing lens, and some A/D electronics to produce a digital output representing an X and Y coordinate for each LED for each camera. When the data are synthesized across all cameras with appropriate calibrations, an XYZ set of coordinates is obtained for each LED at a given point in time. Attention is given to the operating modes, a system checkout, and reach envelopes and software. The Video Recording Adapter (VRA) represents the main addition to the basic SELSPOT system. The VRA contains a microprocessor and other electronics which permit user selection of several options and some interaction with the system.

Stramler, J. H., Jr.↗

The Information Adaptive System - A demonstration of real-time onboard image processing

The Information Adaptive System (IAS) program has the objective to develop and demonstrate, at the brassboard level, an architecture which can be used to perform advanced signal procesing functions on board the spacecraft. Particular attention is given to the processing of high-speed multispectral imaging data in real-time, and the development of advanced technology which could be employed for future space applications. An IAS functional description is provided, and questions of radiometric correction are examined. Problems of data packetization are considered along with data selection, a distortion coefficient processor, an adaptive system controller, an image processing demonstration system, a sensor simulator and output data buffer, a test support and demonstration controller, and IAS demonstration operating modes.

Thomas, G. L.↗

The LSLE echocardiograph - Commercial hardware aboard Spacelab

The Life Sciences Laboratory Equipment Echocardiograph, a commercial 77020AC Ultrasound Imaging System modified to meet NASA's spacecraft standards, is described. The assembly consists of four models: display and control, scanner, scan converter, and physioamplifiers. Four separate processors communicate over an IEE-488 bus, and the system has more than 6000 individual components on 35 printed circuit cards. Three levels of self test are provided: a short test during power up, a basic test initiated by a front panel switch, and interactive tests for specific routines. Default mode operation further enhances reliability. Modifications of the original system include the replacement of ac power supplies with dc to dc converters, a slide-out keyboard (to prevent accidental operation), Teflon insulated wire, and additional shielding for the ultrasound transducer cable.

Schwarz, R.↗

Creating competitive rotorcraft noise technology

Rotorcraft noise includes turbofan engine noise components, as well as noise from the main and tail rotors that is conditioned by the aircraft's various operational modes. Both of the rotors generate loading noise and broadband noise. Another noise contributor is blade/vortex interaction noise, which results when shed vortices are encountered by a following blade, releasing impulsive acoustic energy. Attention is presently given to the experimental and developmental initiatives to be made by a NASA/industry five-year program that began in 1983. Aeroacoustic data acquired from experiments conducted in NASA facilities can be used in the development of empirical noise prediction methods, in the improvement of existing noise prediction methodology, in the evaluation of proposed reduced noise designs, and in the establishment of useful scaling relationships for selected noise-generating mechanisms.

Raney, J. P.↗

Experimental investigation of the pulsed electrothermal (PET) thruster

Burton et al. (1982) have discussed the theory of the Pulsed Electrothermal (PET) thruster, a device which in principle can operate with 70 percent efficiency at a specific impulse of 1000 seconds and higher. It is pointed out that this level of performance would be particularly attractive for orbit raising of large satellites and other near-earth missions, which cannot be easily accomplished by chemical propulsion. The present investigation is concerned with two PET thruster operating modes. A PET thruster was built and tested on a thrust stand. Exhaust velocities for polyethylene propellant vary from 20 to 27 km/sec. Single pulse specific impulse and efficiency measurements based on ablated mass show a thruster efficiency of 37-56 percent in the time range from 1000 to 1750 seconds. It is believed that an improved design with a thruster efficiency in the range from 70 to 80 percent might be possible.

Burton, R. L.↗

Ignition characterization of the GOX/ethanol propellant combination

This paper describes the results of a study to define the ignition characteristics and thruster pulse mode capabilities of the GOX/ethanol propellant combination. Ignition limits were defined in terms of mixture ratio and cold flow pressure using a spark initiated torch igniter. Igniter tests were run over a wide range of cold flow pressure, propellant temperature and mixture ratio. The product of cold flow pressure and igniter chamber diameter was used to correlate mixture ratio regimes of ignition and nonignition. Engine ignition reliability and pulse mode capability were demonstrated using a 620 lbF thruster with an integrated torch igniter. The nominal chamber pressure and mixture ratio were 150 psia and 1.8, respectively, thruster tests were run over a wide range of chamber pressures and mixture ratios. The feasibility of thruster pulse mode operation with the non-hypergolic GOX/ethanol propellant combination was demonstrated.

Lawver, B. R.↗

Supersonic STOVL ejector aircraft from a propulsion point of view

A baseline supersonic STOVL ejector aircraft, its propulsion and typical operating modes is described, and important propulsion parameters are identified. Then a number of propulsion system changes are evaluated for improvement of the lift-off performance aft deflection of the ejector jet and heating of the ejector primary air either by burning or using the hot engine core flow. The possibility for cooling the footprint is illustrated for mixing or interchanging the fan and core flows, and in use of a core flow ejector. The application of a new engine concept the turbine bypass engine plus a turbocompressor to supply the ejector primary air, and thrust during takeoff combat are presented. Previously announced in STAR as N84-24581

Luidens, R.↗

Lightweight, Switchable Peristaltic Pump

Peristaltic pump moves liquids through 50 or more channels simultaneously. Special feature of pump pressure plates remotely set between idle and operating positions. In new design, unnecessary to preposition pressure plates and, unnecessary to enter pump housing to move plates into operating mode.

Below, R. R.↗

EMI characteristics of a potential control system

With the development and use of charged particle sources for controlling spacecraft potentials there is a need to better understand the effects of these systems on spacecraft operations. The emission of charged particles perturbs the spacecraft environment and signals are generated which may interfere with other vehicle functions. In particular, the generated signals are apt to interfere with detectors for observing waves that exist naturally in the space environment. Examples of this type of interference are presented from the SCATHA satellite during a period when the vehicle was highly charged. A plasma source on board the spacecraft succeeded in discharging the vehicle with each of four different operating modes. The VLF broadband receiver on SCATHA detected interference over the entire 0-5 kHz range of both the electric and magnetic field detectors during these charged particle emissions. This frequency range includes the 2 kHz electron gyrofrequency but is below the 9 kHz electron plasma frequency. The observations suggest that interference occurs through introduction of anomalous signals, and through suppression of background field measurements.

Donatelli, D. E.↗

Summary of nonaxisymmetric nozzle internal performance from the NASA Langley Static Test Facility

Early experimental work on multifunction nozzles (prior to 1978) concentrated on quantifying the isolated and installed performance of specific nozzle designs at various power settings during cruise, vectored thrust, and reverse thrust operating modes. Since 1978, however, significant effort has been expended on developing a parametric data base on nozzle internal design variables which could lead to improved internal performance and/or lower structural weight. Much of this work has been conducted in the Static Test Facility of the NASA/Langley 16-Foot Transonic Tunnel using subscale models and high pressure air to simulate jet exhaust. A review of the research effort on nonaxisymmetric multifunction nozzles along with a summary of many of the results is presented. In addition, internal performance results from subscale models tested in the Static Test Facility and from full-scale engine/nozzle tests are compared.

Leavitt, L. D.↗

A cometary and interplanetary dust experiment on the Vega spacecraft missions to Halley's Comet

The dust counter and mass analyzer on board both the Vega 1 and Vega 2 spacecraft scheduled to encounter Halley's Comet are discussed. The operational modes, data formats, telemetry modes and data acquisition, and scientific measurements planned for this experiment both at encounter and during interplanetary travel are described. The initial postlaunch calibration and experiment status are summarized in an appendix.

Perkins, M. A.↗

Reduction of background noise induced by wind tunnel jet exit vanes

The NASA-Langley 4 x 7 m wind tunnel develops low frequency flow pulsations at certain velocity ranges during open throat mode operation, affecting the aerodynamics of the flow and degrading the resulting model test data. Triangular vanes attached to the trailing edge of flat steel rails, mounted 10 cm from the inside of the jet exit walls, have been used to reduce this effect; attention is presently given to methods used to reduce the inherent noise generation of the vanes while retaining their pulsation reduction features.

Martin, R. M.↗

Precise-Conductance Valve Insert

Valve modification provides two operating modes fully open and small, precise leak. Copper insert with radially oriented holes allows small, controllable, precise effusion rate when valve closed or nearly unobstructed flow when valve open. Numerous applications in surface physics, vacuum physics, materials science, gas kinetics, thin films, and other areas of research requiring measured flows of gas into or out of system.

Outlaw, R. A.↗

Infrared diagnosis using liquid crystal detectors

The possible uses of pulsed carbon dioxide lasers for analysis of plasmas and flows need appropriate infrared image converters. Emphasis was placed on liquid crystal detectors and their operational modes. Performance characterstics and selection criteria, such as high sensitivity, short reaction time, and high spatial resolution are discussed.

Hugenschmidt, M.↗

Halogen occultation experiment (HALOE) performance verification test procedure

The Performance Verification Test Procedure is given for the Halogen Occultation Experiment (HALOE) instrument, which is being developed in house at the Langley Research Center for the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS). This procedure is used for comprehensive performance testing of the HALOE instrument which occurs before, during, and after flight environmental tests. The radiometric performance tests include noise, drift, linearity, instantaneous field-of-view, cal wheel gas cell characterization, and self thermal emissions. Pointer/tracker performance tests include sun sensor performance, gimbal performance, control system performance, and boresight alignment. In addition, the instrument is tested functionally in simulated orbit sequences and all command operating modes are exercised. The data analysis required for each test is specified and pass/fail criteria are given where applicable. This test will fully demonstrate the HALOE instrument's ability to achieve science mission requirements. The HALOE instrument is a gas correlation radiometer that measures vertical distribution of eight upper atmospheric constituents: O3, HCl, HF, NO, CH4, H2O, NO2, and CO2.

Mauldin, L. E., III↗

Oxidizer heat exchanger component testing

As part of the RL10 Rocket Engine Product Improvement Program, Oxidizer Heat Exchanger (OHE) stages 1, 2, and 3 were designed and fabricated during late 1983 and early 1984. The purpose of the OHE is to provide gaseous oxygen to the propellant injector for stable engine operation at tank head idle and pumped idle operating modes. This report summarizes the OHE stages 1 and 3 rig testing, and includes the separation of the stage 1-and-2 assembly and the remanifolding of stage 1. The OHE performance analysis and analytical model modifications for both stages are also presented. The flow tests were accomplished during the time period from 9 October 1984 to 12 November 1984.

Kmiec, T.↗

Space Shuttle navigation validation

The validation of the guidance, navigation, and control system of the Space Shuttle is explained. The functions of the ascent, on-board, and entry mission phases software of the navigation system are described. The common facility testing, which evaluates the simulations to be used in the navigation validation, is examined. The standard preflight analysis of the operational modes of the navigation software and the post-flight navigation analysis are explained. The conversion of the data into a useful reference frame and the use of orbit parameters in the analysis of the data are discussed. Upon entry the data received are converted to flags, ratios, and residuals in order to evaluate performance and detect errors. Various programs developed to support navigation validation are explained. A number of events that occurred with the Space Shuttle's navigation system are described.

Ragsdale, A.↗

The Orbital Maneuvering Vehicle - Extending the reach of the space transportation system

This paper describes the Orbital Maneuvering Vehicle (OMV) concept and its intended role. It recaps the past activities leading up to the current concept and summarizes the present status and plans. The various types of missions, operating modes, and performance capability are described. Typical mission scenarios for servicing missions from both the Shuttle and the Space Station are described.

Bekey, I.↗