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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 109 records · Page 6

The NASA F-106B Storm Hazards Program

During the NASA LRC Storm Hazards Program, 698 thunderstorm precipitations were made from 1980 to 1983 with an F-106B aircraft in order to record direct lightning strike data and the associated flight conditions. It was found that each of the three composite fin caps tested experienced multiple lightning attachments with only minor cosmetic damage. The maximum current level was only 20 ka, which is well below the design standard of 200 ka; however, indications are that the current rate of rise standard has been approached and may be exceeded in a major strike. The peak lightning strike rate occurred at ambient temperatures between -40 and -45 C, while most previously reported strikes have occurred at or near the freezing level. No significant operational difficulties or major aircraft damage resulting from the thunderstorm penetrations have been found.

Neely, W. R., Jr.↗

Simulating Single-Event Upsets in Bipolar RAM's

Simulation technique saves testing. Uses interactive version of SPICE (Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis). Device and subcircuit models available in software used to construct macromodel for an integrated bipolar transistor. Time-dependent current generators placed inside transistor macromodel to simulate charge collection from ion track. Significant finding of experiments is standard design practice of reducing power in unaddressed bipolar RAM cell increases sensitivity of cell to single-event upsets.

Zoutendyk, J. A.↗

The Palomar Observatory CCD camera

Standard designs for Dewars and electronics which have been developed for the Palomar Observatory CCD camera are described in detail. The Dewars described have holding times of about 17 to 24 hours. In-operation readout-noise levels of about 8 electrons are achieved for TI 800 x 800 CCDs; tests of these CCDs reveal that, over their range of operation, the amplifiers and A/D converters are linear to better than 0.2 percent.

Gunn, J. E.↗

Hierarchy of on-orbit servicing interfaces

A series of equipment interfaces is involved in on-orbit servicing operations. The end-to-end hierarchy of servicing interfaces is presented. The interface concepts presented include structure and handling, and formats for transfer of resources (power, data, fluids, etc.). Consequences on cost, performance, and service ability of the use of standard designs or unique designs with interface adapters are discussed. Implications of the interface designs compatibility with remote servicing using telerobotic servicers are discussed.

Moe, Rud V.↗

Mars rover RTG study

The paper describes the design and analysis of radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) for powering the Mars rover vehicle, which is a critical element of the unmanned Mars Rover and Sample Return mission (MRSR). A brief description is given of a reference mission scenario, an illustrative rover design and activity pattern on Mars, power system requirements, and environmental constraints, including the RTG cooling requirements during transit to Mars. The key RTG design problem, i.e. venting the helium generated by the fuel's alpha decay without intrusion of the Martian atmosphere into the RTG, is identified and a design approach to solve that problem is proposed. The study's primary objective is to quantify the performance improvements achievable in new successfully developed technologies, to estimate the required time, effort, success probability, and programmatic risk in developing these new technologies, and thus to help identify the best strategy for meeting the MRSR system goals. Finally, the paper compares the RTGs' specific powers for different power levels (250W vs 125W), different thermoelectric element designs (standard vs short unicouples vs multicouples), and different thermoelectric figures of merit (0.00058K to the -1 to 0.00140K to the -1).

Schock, A.↗

A novel array antenna for MSAT applications

The issue of reducing the cost of phased array vehicle antennas through the use of a lens feeding arrangement instead of phase shifters at each element is addressed. In particular, the economic viability of a mobile satellite system (MSAT) is largely dependent on the efficient use of the allocated scarce spectrum and orbit as well as the satellite power. the type of vehicle antenna used will play a critical role in achieving this efficiency. A standard design approach for an electronically steered array uses phase shifters at each element to provide beam steering. A method for reducing the required number of phase shifters by using an R-KR lens feed network is outlined. The authors briefly discuss the phase shifter approach to beam steering, examine various lens feed techniques, and describe the R-KR lens approach. The lens feed network architecture is examined, a computer model for simulation of the array is presented, and the results of analysis of a suggested design for the MSAT application are given. In addition, satellite acquisition and tracking considerations are investigated.

Bodnar, Donald G.↗

Attached shuttle payload carriers: Versatile and affordable access to space

The shuttle has been primarily designed to be a versatile vehicle for placing a variety of scientific and technological equipment in space including very large payloads; however, since many large payloads do not fill the shuttle bay, the space and weight margins remaining after the major payloads are accommodated often can be made available to small payloads. The Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) has designed standardized mounting structures and other support systems, collectively called attached shuttle payload (ASP) carriers, to make this additional space available to researchers at a relatively modest cost. Other carrier systems for ASP's are operated by other NASA centers. A major feature of the ASP carriers is their ease of use in the world of the Space Shuttle. ASP carriers attempt to minimized the payload interaction with Space Transportation System (STS) operations whenever possible. Where this is not possible, the STS services used are not extensive. As a result, the interfaces between the carriers and the STS are simplified. With this near autonomy, the requirements for supporting documentation are considerably lessened and payload costs correspondingly reduced. The ASP carrier systems and their capabilities are discussed in detail. The range of available capabilities assures that an experimenter can select the simplest, most cost-effective carrier that is compatible with his or her experimental objectives. Examples of payloads which use ASP basic hardware in nonstandard ways are also described.

Source record↗

Synthesis: Intertwining product and process

Synthesis is a proposed systematic process for rapidly creating different members of a program family. Family members are described by variations in their requirements. Requirements variations are mapped to variations on a standard design to generate production quality code and documentation. The approach is made feasible by using principles underlying design for change. Synthesis incorporates ideas from rapid prototyping, application generators, and domain analysis. The goals of Synthesis and the Synthesis process are discussed. The technology needed and the feasibility of the approach are also briefly discussed. The status of current efforts to implement Synthesis methodologies is presented.

Weiss, David M.↗

Engine dynamic analysis with general nonlinear finite element codes

A general engine dynamic analysis as a standard design study computational tool is described for the prediction and understanding of complex engine dynamic behavior. Improved definition of engine dynamic response provides valuable information and insights leading to reduced maintenance and overhaul costs on existing engine configurations. Application of advanced engine dynamic simulation methods provides a considerable cost reduction in the development of new engine designs by eliminating some of the trial and error process done with engine hardware development.

Adams, M. L.↗

Aging commuter aeroplanes: Fatigue evaluation and control methods

The risks associated with old aeroplanes arise in the main from the difficulty of obtaining support from the manufacturer and other skilled people, and from a general loss of reliability caused by wear and other deterioration. The loss of reliability is caused by two broad classes of problem. There are those problems which are self evident, and hazardous rather than catastrophic. These are the problem areas where characteristically there have been multiple overhauls, repairs, and replacements, and where aging really means the results of repair ineffectiveness that accumulates. The other class of problem is the insidious and potentially catastrophic class. It includes the progressive deterioration of items which are not maintained, and often cannot be maintained because the deterioration cannot be seen. It includes loss of physical properties in adhesives and other organic compounds, corrosion, and the response to repeated loads. This paper deals with a currently unnecessarily troublesome aspect of that response. The present working definition of "commuter aeroplanes" encompasses a wide range of aging types, from the Fairchild F27, through deHavilland Canada Twin Otters to the smaller twin engined Piper and Cessna models. It includes such types as the Lockheed 10, the Beech 18, and the Grumman Mallard. Although we must remain concerned about those types which have been certificated under a design standard or operational rule which embodies the elementary fail-safe concept and which have not been subjected to a subsequent structural audit, this paper is directed, in the first instance, towards types for which fatigue and damage tolerance evaluation was not required as a condition of certification. It will be seen, however, that the principles are robust enough for more general application.

Aging Aircraft↗

Techniques for optimal crop selection in a controlled ecological life support system

A Controlled Ecological Life Support System (CELSS) utilizes a plant's natural ability to regenerate air and water while being grown as a food source in a closed life support system. Current plant research is directed toward obtaining quantitative empirical data on the regenerative ability of each species of plant and the system volume and power requirements. Two techniques were adapted to optimize crop species selection while at the same time minimizing the system volume and power requirements. Each allows the level of life support supplied by the plants to be selected, as well as other system parameters. The first technique uses decision analysis in the form of a spreadsheet. The second method, which is used as a comparison with and validation of the first, utilizes standard design optimization techniques. Simple models of plant processes are used in the development of these methods.

Mccormack, Ann↗

Group Task Force on Satellite Rescue and Repair

The Group Task Force was chartered by the Administrator of NASA to recommend 'a policy outlining the criteria, the design standards, and the pricing model to guide NASA in assessing the responsibilities for government and nongovernment Satellite Rescue and Repair Missions.' Criteria for accepting such missions, risks, and benefits to all sectors of our economy involved in satellite services, adequacy of planning and training, and the impact on NASA's primary mission were reviewed. The Group began by asking a more fundamental question; is satellite rescue and repair a logical element of NASA's mission? Factors considered were: (1) the probability of rescue or repair opportunities arising; (2) the economic justification for such attempts; (3) the benefits to NASA, both from such ad hoc learning experiences in space operations and the impact on the public perception of NASA; (4) the effect of such unanticipated missions on NASA's scheduled activities; (5) any potential effect on NASA's technical capability to work in space; and (6) any potential effect on U.S. economic competitiveness.

Source record↗

On the actual loads on airplane landing gears

This investigation was intended to throw light on a number of problems: 1) obtain a time history of the force acting on the gear wheels during take-off and landing runs; 2) obtain the time history of the direction of this force (magnitude of its three components along the coordinate axes); 3) derive conclusions as to the design load factors. In connection with the latter, of special interest was the solution of such problems as: a) the dynamic loads in the three main landing attitudes; b) the problem of the true direction of the forces for each of the three "pure" types of landing; c) combination of the above types; d) the comparison for each of the chassis members of the computed force (according to the design standards) with the actual force measured in the tests so as to determine the actual factors of safety.

Shiskin, S↗

Specification and testing for power by wire aircraft

A power by wire aircraft is one in which all active functions other than propulsion are implemented electrically. Other nomenclature are 'all electric airplane,' or 'more electric airplane.' What is involved is the task of developing and certifying electrical equipment to replace existing hydraulics and pneumatics. When such functions, however, are primary flight controls which are implemented electrically, new requirements are imposed that were not anticipated by existing power system designs. Standards of particular impact are the requirements of ultra-high reliability, high peak transient bi-directional power flow, and immunity to electromagnetic interference and lightning. Not only must the electromagnetic immunity of the total system be verifiable, but box level tests and meaningful system models must be established to allow system evaluation. This paper discusses some of the problems, the system modifications involved, and early results in establishing wiring harness and interface susceptibility requirements.

Hansen, Irving G.↗

ADS-33C related handling qualities research performed using the NRC Bell 205 airborne simulator

Over 10 years ago a project was initiated by the U.S. Army AVSCOM to update the military helicopter flying qualities specification MIL-8501-A. While not yet complete, the project reached a major milestone in 1989 with the publication of an Airworthiness Design Standard, ADS-33C. The 8501 update project initially set out to identify critical gaps in the requisite data base and then proceeded to fill them using a variety of directed research studies. The magnitude of the task required that it become an international effort: appropriate research studies were conducted in Germany, the UK and Canada as well as in the USA. Canadian participation was supported by the Department of National Defense (DND) through the Chief of Research and Development. Both ground based and in-flight simulation were used to study the defined areas and the Canadian Bell 205-A1 variable stability helicopter was used extensively as one of the primary research tools available for this effort. This paper reviews the involvement of the Flight Research Laboratory of the National Research Council of Canada in the update project, it describes the various experiments conducted on the Airborne Simulator, it notes significant results obtained and describes ongoing research associated with the project.

J Murray Morgan↗

Flight testing and frequency domain analysis for rotorcraft handling qualities characteristics

A demonstration of frequency domain flight testing techniques and analyses was performed on a U.S. Army OH-58D helicopter in support of the OH-58D Airworthiness and Flight Characteristics Evaluation and the Army's development and ongoing review of Aeronautical Design Standard 33C, Handling Qualities Requirements for Military Rotorcraft. Hover and forward flight (60 knots) tests were conducted in 1 flight hour by Army experimental test pilots. Further processing of the hover data generated a complete database of velocity, angular rate, and acceleration frequency responses to control inputs. A joint effort was then undertaken by the Airworthiness Qualification Test Directorate (AQTD) and the U.S. Army Aeroflightdynamics Directorate (AFDD) to derive handling qualities information from the frequency response database. A significant amount of information could be extracted from the frequency domain database using a variety of approaches. This report documents numerous results that have been obtained from the simple frequency domain tests; in many areas, these results provide more insight into the aircraft dynamics that affect handling qualities than to traditional flight tests. The handling qualities results include ADS-33C bandwidth and phase delay calculations, vibration spectral determinations, transfer function models to examine single axis results, and a six degree of freedom fully coupled state space model. The ability of this model to accurately predict aircraft responses was verified using data from pulse inputs. This report also documents the frequency-sweep flight test technique and data analysis used to support the tests.

Ham, Johnnie A.↗

Low cost paths to binary optics

Application of binary optics has been limited to a few major laboratories because of the limited availability of fabrication facilities such as e-beam machines and the lack of standardized design software. Foster-Miller has attempted to identify low cost approaches to medium-resolution binary optics using readily available computer and fabrication tools, primarily for the use of students and experimenters in optical computing. An early version of our system, MacBEEP, made use of an optimized laser film recorder from the commercial typesetting industry with 10 micron resolution. This report is an update on our current efforts to design and build a second generation MacBEEP, which aims at 1 micron resolution and multiple phase levels. Trails included a low cost scanning electron microscope in microlithography mode, and alternative laser inscribers or photomask generators. Our current software approach is based on Mathematica and PostScript compatibility.

Nelson, Arthur↗

Techniques for optimal crop selection in a controlled ecological life support system

A Controlled Ecological Life Support System (CELSS) utilizes a plant's natural ability to regenerate air and water while being grown as a food source in a closed life support system. Current plant research is directed toward obtaining quantitative empirical data on the regenerative ability of each species of plant and the system volume and power requirements. Two techniques were adapted to optimize crop species selection while at the same time minimizing the system volume and power requirements. Each allows the level of life support supplied by the plants to be selected, as well as other system parameters. The first technique uses decision analysis in the form of a spreadsheet. The second method, which is used as a comparison with and validation of the first, utilizes standard design optimization techniques. Simple models of plant processes are used in the development of these methods.

Mccormack, Ann↗