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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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NASA NTRS2004

An Educational Multimedia Presentation on the Introduction to Spacecraft Charging

Over the last few decades, significant knowledge has been gained in how to protect spacecraft from charging; however, the continuing technical advancement in the design and build of satellites requires on-going effort in the study of spacecraft charging. A situation that we have encountered is that not all satellite designers and builders are familiar with the problem of spacecraft charging. The design of a satellite involves many talented people with diverse backgrounds, ranging from manufacturing and assembly to engineering and program management. The complex design and build of a satellite system requires people with highly specialized skills such that cross-specialization is often not achievable. As a result, designers and builders of satellites are not usually familiar with the problems outside their specialization. This is also true for spacecraft charging. Not everyone is familiar with the definition of spacecraft charging and the damage that spacecraft charging can cause. Understanding the problem is an important first step in getting everyone involved in addressing the appropriate spacecraft charging issues during the satellite design and build phases. To address this important first step, an educational multimedia presentation has been created to inform the general engineering community about the basics of spacecraft charging. The content of this educational presentation is based on relevant published technical papers. The presentation was developed using Macromedia Flash. This software produces a more dynamic learning environment than a typical slide show , resulting in a more effective learning experience. The end result is that the viewer will have learned about the basics of spacecraft charging. This presentation is available to the public through our website, www.dplscience.com, free of charge. Viewers are encouraged to pass this presentation to colleagues within their own work environment. This paper describes the content of the multimedia presentation.

Lin, E.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Improving stability and strength characteristics of framed structures with nonlinear behavior

In this paper an optimal design procedure is introduced to improve the overall performance of nonlinear framed structures. The design methodology presented here is a multiple-objective optimization procedure whose objective functions involve the buckling eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the structure. A constant volume with bounds on the design variables is used in conjunction with an optimality criterion approach. The method provides a general tool for solving complex design problems and generally leads to structures with better limit strength and stability. Many algorithms have been developed to improve the limit strength of structures. In most applications geometrically linear analysis is employed with the consequence that overall strength of the design is overestimated. Directly optimizing the limit load of the structure would require a full nonlinear analysis at each iteration which would be prohibitively expensive. The objective of this paper is to develop an algorithm that can improve the limit-load of geometrically nonlinear framed structures while avoiding the nonlinear analysis. One of the novelties of the new design methodology is its ability to efficiently model and design structures under multiple loading conditions. These loading conditions can be different factored loads or any kind of loads that can be applied to the structure simultaneously or independently. Attention is focused on optimal design of space framed structures. Three-dimensional design problems are more complicated to carry out, but they yield insight into real behavior of the structure and can help avoiding some of the problems that might appear in planar design procedure such as the need for out-of-plane buckling constraint. Although researchers in the field of structural engineering generally agree that optimum design of three-dimension building frames especially in the seismic regions would be beneficial, methods have been slow to emerge. Most of the research in this area has dealt with the optimization of truss and plane frame structures.

Pezeshk, Shahram↗

NASA NTRS1973

Parts, materials, and processes experience summary, volume 2

This summary provides the general engineering community with the accumulated experience from ALERT reports issued by NASA and the Government-Industry. Data Exchange Program, and related experience gained by Government and industry. It provides expanded information on selected topics by relating the problem area (failure) to the cause, the investigation and findings, the suggestions for avoidance (inspections, screening tests, proper part applications, requirements for manufacturer's plant facilities, etc.), and failure analysis procedures. Diodes, integrated circuits, and transistors are covered in this volume.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS1973

The Earth's Rotation

The most ancient and fundamental concern of astronomy is the orientation and motion of a terrestrial observer relative to the stars. Its geophysical aspects date from the time of Newton and Halley, and its mathematical foundations were laid by Euler 200 years ago. Despite this honorable antiquity, the subject is far from moribund and today presents a rich and fascinating array of challenges to observation, experiment, data analysis, and theory. The many‐faceted problems of the three‐dimensional rotation of the earth about its center of mass now attract astronomers and paleontologists, solid earth geophysicists and electrical engineers, general relativists and oceanographers, and applied mathematicians and scholars of classical texts.

M G Rochester↗

NASA NTRS1978

Light airplane crash tests at three flight-path angles

Three similar twin engine general aviation airplane specimens were crash tested at Langley impact dynamics research facility at 27 m/sec and at flight-path angles of -15 deg, -30 deg, and -45 deg. Other flight parameters were held constant. The test facility, instrumentation, test specimens, and test method are briefly described. Structural damage and accelerometer data for each of the three impact conditions are presented and discussed.

Castle, C. B.↗

NASA NTRS1978

Fuel consumption improvement in current transport engines

A review is conducted of improvements which can be made with respect to the fuel consumption of current engines and new production versions of current engines. A description is presented of an engine diagnostics program which has the objective to identify and quantify the causes and sources of performance deterioration in the JT9D turbofan engine and to develop basic data which will be applied to minimize performance degradation of current and future engines. General areas where performance losses occur are examined, taking into account seals, blades and vanes, and cases. Potential performance improvement concepts are related to improved component aerodynamics, improved flowpath sealing, blade tip clearance control, improved turbine cooling effectiveness, improved turbine materials and coatings, duct and nozzle aerodynamic refinements, nacelle aerodynamic refinements, forced exhaust mixers, advanced nacelle materials, and advanced fuel control.

Hines, R. W.↗

NASA NTRS1978

Photovoltaic tests and applications project

The activities and accomplishments of the Photovoltaic Tests and Applications Project during the period April 1976 through June 1977 are summarized. Results of efforts to identify potential near-term photovoltaic applications and users are discussed, including the outcome of an extensive survey of Federal government agencies. The status of application experiments is presented. Various general engineering efforts are reported, including the design and construction of a photovoltaic Systems Test Facility. Efforts to develop a high efficiency 10 kVA self-commutated inverter and controller specifically designed for photovoltaic systems are also discussed. The results of a wide variety of activities in the area of photovoltaic measurements and standards are related. Documents generated by the Project during the reporting period are listed in an Appendix.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS1978

Flight test techniques for low speed airfoil evaluation

Techniques for in-flight evaluation of new airfoils by modifying a single engine general aviation aircraft and measuring and recording airfoil surface pressures, airfoil wake pressures, and aircraft angle of attack and airspeed are presented. Included are descriptions of the aircraft modifications, instrumentation, data reduction techniques, illustrations of typical results and comments on new equipment for flight test applications.

Hoffmann, M. J.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Determination of stability and control parameters of a light airplane from flight data using two estimation methods

Two identification methods, the equation error method and the output error method, are used to estimate stability and control parameter values from flight data for a low-wing, single-engine, general aviation airplane. The estimated parameters from both methods are in very good agreement primarily because of sufficient accuracy of measured data. The estimated static parameters also agree with the results from steady flights. The effect of power different input forms are demonstrated. Examination of all results available gives the best values of estimated parameters and specifies their accuracies.

Klein, V.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Light airplane crash tests at three roll angles

Three similar twin engine general aviation airplanes were crash tested at the Langley impact dynamics research facility at 27 m/sec and at nominal roll angles of 0 deg, -15 deg, and -30 deg. Other flight parameters were held constant. The test facility, instrumentation, test specimens, and test method are briefly described. Structural damage and accelerometer data for each of the three impact conditions are presented and discussed.

Castle, C. B.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Light airplane crash tests at three pitch angles

Three similar twin-engine general aviation airplane specimens were crash tested at an impact dynamics research facility at 27 m/sec, a flight path angle of -15 deg, and pitch angles of -15 deg, 0 deg, and 15 deg. Other crash parameters were held constant. The test facility, instrumentation, test specimens, and test method are briefly described. Structural damage and accelerometer data for each of the three impact conditions are presented and discussed.

Vaughan, V. L., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Measurement of the handling characteristics of two light airplanes

A flight investigation of the handling characteristics of two single engine general aviation airplanes, one a high wing and the other a low wing, included a variety of measurements of different characteristics of the airplanes. The characteristics included those of the control systems, performance, longitudinal and lateral responses, and stall motions.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS1981

Applications of dynamic stability parameters to problems in aircraft dynamics

The application and analysis of dynamic stability parameters were examined. The effects of wing leading edge modifications on the stalling and spinning characteristics of a single engine general aviation research airplane are evaluated. It is illustrated how dynamic stability parameters measured in wind tunnel tests are used to predict the spin resistance of this class of aircraft, and that autorotation criteria are derived from the relationships which exist between static and dynamic aerodynamic characteristics.

Chambers, J. R.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Applications of dynamic stability parameters to problems in aircraft dynamics

The paper presents highlights of a recent study which illustrates the application and analysis of dynamic stability parameters. More specifically, the investigation consisted of an evaluation of the effects of wing leading-edge modifications on the stalling and spinning characteristics of a single-engine general aviation research airplane. The results of the investigation illustrate how dynamic stability parameters measured in wind-tunnel tests are used to predict the spin resistance of this class of aircraft; and that autorotation criteria can be derived from the relationships which exist between static and dynamic aerodynamic characteristics.

Chambers, J. R.↗

NASA NTRS1981

An optimization model for energy generation and distribution in a dynamic facility

An analytical model is described using linear programming for the optimum generation and distribution of energy demands among competing energy resources and different economic criteria. The model, which will be used as a general engineering tool in the analysis of the Deep Space Network ground facility, considers several essential decisions for better design and operation. The decisions sought for the particular energy application include: the optimum time to build an assembly of elements, inclusion of a storage medium of some type, and the size or capacity of the elements that will minimize the total life-cycle cost over a given number of years. The model, which is structured in multiple time divisions, employ the decomposition principle for large-size matrices, the branch-and-bound method in mixed-integer programming, and the revised simplex technique for efficient and economic computer use.

Lansing, F. L.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Analysis of high load dampers

High load damping requirements for modern jet engines are discussed. The design of damping systems which could satisfy these requirements is also discusseed. In order to evaluate high load damping requirements, engines in three major classes were studied; large transport engines, small general aviation engines, and military engines. Four damper concepts applicable to these engines were evaluated; multi-ring, cartridge, curved beam, and viscous/friction. The most promising damper concept was selected for each engine and performance was assessed relative to conventional dampers and in light of projected damping requirements for advanced jet engines.

Bhat, S. T.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Crash tests of four low-wing twin-engine airplanes with truss-reinforced fuselage structure

Four six-place, low-wing, twin-engine, general aviation airplane test specimens were crash tested under controlled free flight conditions. All airplanes were impacted on a concrete test surface at a nomial flight path velocity of 27 m/sec. Two tests were conducted at a -15 deg flight path angle (0 deg pitch angle and 15 deg pitch angle), and two were conducted at a -30 deg flight path angle (-30 deg pitch angle). The average acceleration time histories (crash pulses) in the cabin area for each principal direction were calculated for each crash test. In addition, the peak floor accelerations were calculated for each test as a function of aircraft fuselage longitudinal station number. Anthropomorphic dummy accelerations were analyzed using the dynamic response index and severity index (SI) models. Parameters affecting the dummy restraint system were studied; these parameters included the effect of no upper torso restraint, measurement of the amount of inertia-reel strap pullout before locking, measurement of dummy chest forward motion, and loads in the restraints. With the SI model, the dummies with no shoulder harness received head impacts above the concussive threshold.

Williams, M. S.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Design, analysis and test verification of advanced encapsulation systems

An analytical methodology for advanced encapsulation designs was developed. From these methods design sensitivities are established for the development of photovoltaic module criteria and the definition of needed research tasks. Analytical models were developed to perform optical, thermal, electrical and analyses on candidate encapsulation systems. From these analyses several candidate systems were selected for qualification testing. Additionally, test specimens of various types are constructed and tested to determine the validity of the analysis methodology developed. Identified deficiencies and/or discrepancies between analytical models and relevant test data are corrected. Prediction capability of analytical models is improved. Encapsulation engineering generalities, principles, and design aids for photovoltaic module designers is generated.

Garcia, A., III↗