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At least 955 records · Page 53

Descent Systems Study Presentation for Game Changing Development FY21 Annual Program Review

Previous NASA studies of landing human-scale payloads on Mars have concluded that supersonic retropropulsion (SRP), or using multiple retrorocket engines beginning at supersonic descent conditions, is an enabling technology. DSS is partnering with the Aerosciences Evaluation and Test Capabilities (AETC) office to conduct a SRP test in the Langley Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel (UPWT) to quantify the SRP prediction capabilities of multiple computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solvers for a range of model configurations, thrust magnitudes, and tunnel conditions.

Supersonic Retropropulsion↗

On-Orbit Assembly Task Definition Study

McDonnell Douglas Space Systems Company at Kennedy Space Center (MDSSC-KSC) has been tasked since November 1987 to provide support to the Space Station Evolution Working Group (EWG) based at NASA's Langley Research Center (LaRC). Work in the first year of this study included extensive data gathering and the development of study methodologies. The OEXP case studies as summarized in NASA Technical Memorandum 4075, Exploration Studies Technical Report FY 1988 Status, and NASA Document Z-2.1-002, Study Requirements Document FY 1989 Studies (SRD), define the mission scenarios and technical requirements which MSFC engineers and their contractors (Martin Marietta and Boeing) utilized in their design of exploration vehicles. LaRC selected case studies and vehicle designs upon which the study team performed processing analyses. An on-orbit SSF refurbishment crew of four dedicated to OEXP vehicle processing was baselined for all studies. In some Instances, LaRC modified the vehicle designs, launch manifests, or mission scenarios provided by MSFC to obtain specific data from the processing analyses. The results from the following case studies analyzed during 1989 are provided in this report: Phobos Gateway On-Orbit Assembly and Launch, Lunar Evolution Vehicle On-Orbit Refurbishment, and Mars Mission Vehicle On-Orbit Assembly and Launch. In addition, a concept for facility accommodations at Space Station Freedom (SSF) was developed and support equipment to be provided at the facility was defined. In support of the MSFC Launch/On-Orbit Processing (LOOP) study, LaRC asked us to assess ground and on-orbit processing Impacts resulting from launching the OEXP vehicles on several different ETO launch vehicles. Results developed by this study, Including processing tasks and times, and personnel and equipment requirements, will be entered Into the VPOD data base. VPOD will be used by LaRC to analyze future OEXP vehicles configurations, SSF facility and resource Impacts, and life cycle cost predictions.

Vargo, Rick↗

Spacelab software development and integration concepts study report, volume 1

The proposed software guidelines to be followed by the European Space Research Organization in the development of software for the Spacelab being developed for use as a payload for the space shuttle are documented. Concepts, techniques, and tools needed to assure the success of a programming project are defined as they relate to operation of the data management subsystem, support of experiments and space applications, use with ground support equipment, and for integration testing.

Rose, P. L.↗

Northeastern Center for Chemical Energy Storage (NECCES)

The chemical reactions that occur in batteries are complex, spanning a wide range of time and length scales from atomic jumps to the entire battery structure. The NECCES team of experimentalists and theorists made use of, and developed new methodologies to determine how model compound electrodes function in real time, as batteries are cycled. The team determined that kinetic control of intercalation reactions (reactions in which the crystalline structure is maintained) can be achieved by control of the materials morphology and explains and allows for the high rates of many intercalation reactions where the fundamental properties might indicate poor behavior in a battery application. The small overvoltage required for kinetic control is technically effective and economically feasible. A wide range of state-of-the-art operando techniques was developed to study materials under realistic battery conditions, which are now available to the scientific community. The team also investigated the key reaction steps in conversion electrodes, where the crystal structure is destroyed on reaction with lithium and rebuilt on lithium removal. These so-called conversion reactions have in principle much higher capacities, but were found to form very reactive discharge products that reduce the overall energy efficiency on cycling. It was found that by mixing either the anion, as in FeOF, or the cation, as in Cu1-yFeyF2, the capacity on cycling could be improved. The fundamental understanding of the reactions occurring in electrode materials gained in this study will allow for the development of much improved battery systems for energy storage. This will benefit the public in longer lived electronics, higher electric vehicle ranges at lower costs, and improved grid storage that also enables renewable energy supplies such as wind and solar.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

User community development for the space transportation system/Skylab

The New User Function plan for identifying beneficial uses of space is described. Critical issues such as funding, manpower, and protection of user proprietary rights are discussed along with common barriers which impede the development of a user community. Studies for developing methodologies of identifying new users and uses of the space transportation system are included.

Archer, J. L.↗

Structure-borne noise control for propeller aircraft

A laboratory test apparatus was developed which would allow the study and development of propeller wake/vortex-induced structure-borne interior noise control measures. Various methods of wing structural modification, including blocking masses, surface damping treatments, and tuned mechanical absorbers, were evaluated relative to reduced interior noise levels. Inboard wing fuel was found to act as an effective blocking mass. Wing panel add-on damping treatment in the form of a single, constrained layer was not an effective control measure, except in the area of the propeller wake. However, highly damped, tuned mechanical absorbers were found to be the most efficient structure-borne noise (SBN) control measure.

Unruh, James F.↗

The Life Sciences program at the NASA Ames Research Center - An overview

The research projects planned for the Life Sciences program have a goal of answering basic questions concerning the nature of life itself and its evolution in the universe from basic elements, as well as the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. The program also includes studies of the evolution and development of life on the planet earth, and the global changes occurring today that affect life on the earth. The paper describes the simulation models developed to study the effects of space, the flight projects of the program, and the biomedical program, which currently focuses on the physiological changes in the human body that are associated with space flights and the interactions among these changes.

Vernikos-Danellis, Joan↗

Radar studies of arctic ice and development of a real-time Arctic ice type identification system

Studies were conducted to develop a real-time Arctic ice type identification system. Data obtained by NASA Mission 126, conducted at Pt. Barrow, Alaska (Site 93) in April 1970 was analyzed in detail to more clearly define the major mechanisms at work affecting the radar energy illuminating a terrain cell of sea ice. General techniques for reduction of the scatterometer data to a form suitable for application of ice type decision criteria were investigated, and the electronic circuit requirements for implementation of these techniques were determined. Also, consideration of circuit requirements are extended to include the electronics necessary for analog programming of ice type decision algorithms. After completing the basic circuit designs a laboratory model was constructed and a preliminary evaluation performed. Several system modifications for improved performance are suggested. (Modified author abstract)

Rouse, J. W., Jr.↗

Longitudinal development of muons in large air showers studies from the arrival time distributions measured at 900m above sea level

The arrival time distributions of muons with energies above 1.0GeV and 0.5GeV have been measured in the Akeno air-shower array to study the longitudinal development of muons in air showers with primary energies in the range 10 to the 17th power to 10 to the 18th power ev. The average rise times of muons with energies above 1.0GeV at large core distances are consistent with those expected from very high multiplicity models and, on the contrary, with those expected from the low multiplicity models at small core distances. This implies that the longitudinal development at atmospheric depth smaller than 500 cm square is very fast and that at larger atmospheric depths is rather slow.

Kakimoto, F.↗

Use of Traditional and Novel Methods to Evaluate the Influence of an EVA Glove on Hand Performance

The gloved hand is one of an astronaut s primary means of interacting with the environment, and any restrictions imposed by the glove can strongly affect performance during extravehicular activity (EVA). Glove restrictions have been the subject of study for decades, yet previous studies have generally been unsuccessful in quantifying glove mobility and tactility. Past studies have tended to focus on the dexterity, strength, and functional performance of the gloved hand; this provides only a circumspect analysis of the impact of each type of restriction on the glove s overall capability. The aim of this study was to develop novel capabilities to provide metrics for mobility and tactility that can be used to assess the performance of a glove in a way that could enable designers and engineers to improve their current designs. A series of evaluations were performed to compare unpressurized and pressurized (4.3 psi) gloved conditions with the ungloved condition. A second series of evaluations were performed with the Thermal Micrometeoroid Garment (TMG) removed. This series of tests provided interesting insight into how much of an effect the TMG has on gloved mobility - in some cases, the presence of the TMG restricted glove mobility as much as pressurization did. Previous hypotheses had assumed that the TMG would have a much lower impact on mobility, but these results suggest that an improvement in the design of the TMG could have a significant impact on glove performance. Tactility testing illustrated the effect of glove pressurization, provided insight into the design of hardware that interfaces with the glove, and highlighted areas of concern. The metrics developed in this study served to benchmark the Phase VI EVA glove and to develop requirements for the next-generation glove for the Constellation program.

Benson, Elizabeth A.↗

Superconducting gravity gradiometer mission. Volume 2: Study team technical report

Scientific and engineering studies and developments performed or directed by a Study Team composed of various Federal and University activities involved with the development of a three-axis superconducting gravity gradiometer integrated with a six-axis superconducting accelerometer are examined. This instrument is being developed for a future orbital mission to make precise global gravity measurements. The scientific justification and requirements for such a mission are discussed. This includes geophysics, the primary mission objective, as well as secondary objective, such as navigation and feats of fundamental laws of physics, i.e., a null test of the inverse square law of gravitation and tests of general relativity. The instrument design and status along with mission analysis, engineering assessments, and preliminary spacecraft concepts are discussed. In addition, critical spacecraft systems and required technology advancements are examined. The mission requirements and an engineering assessment of a precursor flight test of the instrument are discussed.

Morgan, Samuel H.↗

Superconducting gravity gradiometer mission. Volume 1: Study team executive summary

An executive summary is presented based upon the scientific and engineering studies and developments performed or directed by a Study Team composed of various Federal and University activities involved with the development of a three-axis Superconducting Gravity Gradiometer integrated with a six-axis superconducting accelerometer. This instrument is being developed for a future orbital mission to make precise global gravity measurements. The scientific justification and requirements for such a mission are discussed. This includes geophysics, the primary mission objective, as well as secondary objectives, such as navigation and tests of fundamental laws of physics, i.e., a null test of the inverse square law of gravitation and tests of general relativity. The instrument design and status along with mission analysis, engineering assessments, and preliminary spacecraft concepts are discussed. In addition, critical spacecraft systems and required technology advancements are examined. The mission requirements and an engineering assessment of a precursor flight test of the instrument are discussed.

Morgan, Samuel H.↗

On the development of noise-producing large-scale wavelike eddies in a plane turbulent jet

The paper studies the development of large-scale wavelike eddies in a two-dimensional turbulent jet, extending earlier work on the mixing region (Liu, 1974). The basic mean flow developes from one of mixing-region type with an initially specified boundary-layer thickness into a fully developed jet. This study brings out the role of the varicose and sinuous modes as they develop in a growing mean flow. In general, it is found that, for a given frequency parameter, the varicose mode has a shorter streamwise lifetime than the sinuous mode. For lower frequencies, the latter persists past the end of the potential core only to become subject to dissipation by the enhanced fine-scale turbulent activity in that region.

Merkine, L.-O.↗

Development of new methods for studying nanostructures using neutron scattering

The goal of this project was to develop improved instrumentation for studying the microscopic structures of materials using neutron scattering. Neutron scattering has a number of advantages for studying material structure but suffers from the well-known disadvantage that neutrons’ ability to resolve structural details is usually limited by the strength of available neutron sources. We aimed to overcome this disadvantage using a new experimental technique, called Spin Echo Scattering Angle Encoding (SESAME) that makes use of the neutron’s magnetism. Our goal was to show that this innovation will allow the country to make better use of the significant investment it has recently made in a new neutron source at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and will lead to increases in scientific knowledge that contribute to the Nation’s technological infrastructure and ability to develop advanced materials and technologies. We were successful in demonstrating the technical effectiveness of the new method and established a baseline of knowledge that has allowed ORNL to start a project to implement the method on one of its neutron beam lines.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Preliminary Studies Leading Toward the Development of a LIDAR Bathymetry Mapping Instrument

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) at Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) has developed a laser ranging device (LIDAR) which provides accurate and timely data of earth features. NASA/GSFC recently modified the sensor to include a scanning capability to produce LIDAR swaths. They have also integrated a Global Positioning System (GPS) and an Inertial Navigation System (INS) to accurately determine the absolute aircraft location and aircraft attitude (pitch, yaw, and roll), respectively. The sensor has been flown in research mode by NASA for many years. The LIDAR has been used in different configurations or modes to acquire such data as altimetry (topography), bathymetry (water depth), laser-induced fluorosensing (tracer dye movements, oil spills and oil thickness, chlorophyll and plant stress identification), forestry, and wetland discrimination studies. NASA and HARC are developing a commercial version of the instrument for topographic mapping applications. The next phase of the commercialization project will be to investigate other applications such as wetlands mapping and coastal bathymetry. In this paper we report on preliminary laboratory measurements to determine the feasibility of making accurate depth measurements in relatively shallow water (approximately 2 to 6 feet deep) using a LIDAR system. The LIDAR bathymetry measurements are relatively simple in theory. The water depth is determined by measuring the time interval between the water surface reflection and the bottom surface reflection signals. Depth is then calculated by dividing by the index of refraction of water. However, the measurements are somewhat complicated due to the convolution of the water surface return signal with the bottom surface return signal. Therefore in addition to the laboratory experiments, computer simulations of the data were made to show these convolution effects in the return pulse waveform due to: (1) water depth, and (2) changes in bottom surface reflectivity.

Hill, John M.↗

An exploratory study to determine the integrated technological air transportation system ground requirements of liquid-hydrogen-fueled subsonic, long-haul civil air transports

An exploratory study was conducted to evaluate the feasibility and cost impact of implementing a liquid-hydrogen-fueled (LHz), air transport support system at Chicago-O’Hare International Airport. The study assumed an available supply of hydrogen to the airport boundary. It also assumed that the present widebody fleet at O’Hare was replaced by 400 passenger, LH2-fueled aircraft operating on the current frequency schedule and route network. The LH2 aircraft configurations used in this study were developed during a previous NASA-sponsored study. A baseline air terminal concept was developed which permitted airlines and the airport to operate JP- or LH2-fueled aircraft at common terminal gates. The concept included installation of a hydrogen liquefaction and storage facility on airport property, as well as the fuel distribution system. The capital investment and hydrogen-related operating costs to the airlines were estimated. The study concluded that the system would be technically and operationally feasible at O’Hare, and that economics would be a prime factor in future decisions regarding the use of LH2 as an air transport fuel. Research and technology recommendations were made to improve component efficiency/reliability. The study also concluded that additional investigation should be conducted on the implementation of a nationwide or worldwide LH2 air transportation system, to understand fully the operational and economic implications of the total system, before decisions could be made relative to committing to this option.

Hydrogen↗

National Ignition Facility Opacity Time Resolved Spectrometer Systems Engineering Final Project

The National Ignition Facility (NIF) is the world’s largest and most energetic laser facility. The NIF system is designed to produce high energy density (temperature and pressure) conditions through the application of its 192 laser beams. One of the users of NIF is the opacity platform developed to study the opacities at temperatures and densities relevant to the solar interior and stellar evolution. The platform was developed to study iron (Fe) opacity at temperatures relevant to the solar interior. The opacity campaign uses spectrometers to gather data. Spectrometers utilize crystals to produce x-ray spectra that are recorded on time-integrated and time-resolved detectors. The opacity spectrometer (OpSpec) currently fielded and in use at NIF uses a time integrated film channel to collect data. The opacity spectrometer time resolved (OpSpecTR) will utilize novel hCMOS detectors to capture time resolved images of spectra of interest. The key stakeholders identified for OpSpecTR included the physicists responsible for OpSpec and OpSpecTR, the Target Area Science and Engineering (TASE) department at NIF, the NIF and Photon Science (NIF & PS) Opacity program, the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS) Physics and Engineering program, the Sandia hCMOS manufacturing and testing program, and the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) program sponsor. The Target and Experimental Operations (TEXOPS) was identified as a key stakeholder because the group includes the individuals that will physically interact with the OpSpecTR system as it participates in NIF experiments. The opacity platform collects data in a unique orientation relative to the existing diagnostics fielded at NIF. The existing infrastructure at NIF uses a diagnostic manipulator (DIM) to insert the diagnostic near the target chamber center to collect data during a NIF shot. Existing diagnostics collect data through the center line of the DIM axis and collect relevant data perpendicular to this axis. The opacity platform requires crystals mounted in a specific orientation which requires data collection parallel to the DIM axis. This deviation from standard NIF practices was a key factor in developing requirements.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Mid-latitude wind forced ocean circulation studies

A simple barotropic vorticity equation model was developed to study some of the various modeling factors that affect the characteristics of strong western boundary currents like the Gulf Stream and Kuroshio. Successful prediction of sea surface temperature, both in the climatological mean and over periods as short as 1 month requires that the heating tendency, due to horizontal advection of heat by these currents, be accurately modeled. Conventional, coarse resolution ocean models do not satisfactorily reproduce the dominant features of these currents. It is concluded that it is important to understand why they do not and what must be done to do so in the future.

Harrison, D. E.↗