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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 1,099 records · Page 61

Metal-wool heat shields for space shuttle

The packaging of metal wool for reusable thermal heat shields applied to aerodynamic and other surfaces for the space shuttle was analyzed and designed, and samples were fabricated and experimentally studied. Parametric trends were prepared for selected configurations. An all-metal thermally efficient, reliable, reusable and producible heat shield system was designed and structurally tested for use on spacecraft aerodynamic surfaces where temperatures do not exceed 810 K. Stainless steel sheet, primarily for structure and secondarily in the transverse plane for thermal expansion, was shown to accommodate thermal expansion in all directions when restrained at the edges and heated to 1360 K. Aerodynamic loads of 0.35 x 1000,000 newtons/sq meter, and higher, may be easily accepted by structures of this design. Seven all-metal thermal protection specimens, 12.7 cm square and 2.5 cm thick were fabricated and are being experimentally evaluated at simulated shuttle entry conditions in an arc jet facility.

Miller, R. C.↗

Sealing technology for aircraft gas turbine engines

Experimental evaluation under simulated engine conditions revealed that conventional mainshaft seals have disadvantages of high gas leakage rates and wear. An advanced seal concept, the self-acting face seal, has a much lower gas leakage rate and greater pressure and speed capability. In endurance tests (150 hr) to 43 200 rpm the self-acting seal wear was not measurable, indicating noncontact sealing operation was maintained even at this high rotative speed. A review of published data revealed that the leakage through gas path seals has a significant effect on TSFC, stall margin and engine maintenance. Reducing leakages by reducing seal clearances results in rubbing contact, and then the seal thermal response and wear determines the final seal clearances. The control of clearances requires a material with the proper combination of rub tolerance (abradability) and erosion resistance. Increased rub tolerance is usually gained at the expense of reduced erosion resistance and vice versa.

Ludwig, L. P.↗

Comparison of some classification techniques

The so-called table look-up classification procedure and a modification of it are discussed. These and several other classification techniques are evaluated and simulation results comparing some of the techniques are displayed. Indications are that the table look-up technique is quite useful in classifying large sets of data, such as in remote sensing data analysis.

Odell, P. L.↗

Man-systems evaluation of moving base vehicle simulation motion cues

A motion cue investigation program is reported that deals with human factor aspects of high fidelity vehicle simulation. General data on non-visual motion thresholds and specific threshold values are established for use as washout parameters in vehicle simulation. A general purpose similator is used to test the contradictory cue hypothesis that acceleration sensitivity is reduced during a vehicle control task involving visual feedback. The simulator provides varying acceleration levels. The method of forced choice is based on the theory of signal detect ability.

Kirkpatrick, M.↗

Optimization and sensitivity studies of flight-path trajectories

The optimization of landing trajectories of the Boeing 737 is presented. The primary factor considered was the noise delivered to the population residing near an air terminal but passenger comfort, fuel consumption and time elapsed during the maneuver were also considered. A digital simulation of the aircraft, a noise model and a passenger comfort model, was completed. The digital simulation was made more efficient time-wise. A population model for an urban area was developed and the noise model was integrated into the population model. A steepest descent optimization algorithm was programmed. Some constant glide slope trajectories into an urban Airport were simulated and evaluated with respect to the performance index, and their ground track plotted.

Cook, G.↗

Sealing technology for aircraft gas turbine engines

Experimental evaluation under simulated engine conditions revealed that conventional mainshaft seals have disadvantages of high gas leakage rates and wear. An advanced seal concept, the self-acting face seal, has a much lower gas leakage rate and greater pressure and speed capability. In endurance tests (150 hr) to 43,200 rpm the self-acting seal wear was not measurable, indicating that noncontact sealing operation was maintained even at this high rotative speed. A review of published data revealed that the leakage through gas path seals has a significant effect on thrust specific fuel consumption, stall margin, and engine maintenance. Reducing leakages by reducing seal clearances results in rubbing contact, and then the seal thermal response and wear determines the final seal clearances.

Ludwig, L. P.↗

Human decision making in future ATC systems comparative studies in distributed traffic management

Seven different human-centered alternatives for distributing traffic management responsibility between air and ground in the terminal area were simulated and evaluated at NASA-Ames Research Center in the man-machine integration branch. The alternatives differed in three divisions of decision-making responsibility ranging from completely ground-centered to completely air-centered and in the amount of information presented to the pilots via traffic situation displays (TSD). Objective, verbal and subjective measures of system performance, workloads, preferences, etc., were obtained. Based on the task and corresponding measures, the ground-centered (vectoring) alternative was the least favorable. Best overall performance was achieved and preferred with a moderate division of responsibility in which controllers issued sequence order only and pilots used a TSD with 30 sec path predictors on their own aircraft. Speculations on the use of the results in context of a ground-centralized system failure and for future ATC systems are presented.

Kreifeldt, J. G.↗

Analysis and design of a capsule landing system and surface vehicle control system for Mars exploration

Problems related to the design and control of an autonomous rover for the purpose of unmanned exploration of the planets were considered. Building on the basis of prior studies, a four wheeled rover of unusual mobility and maneuverability was further refined and tested under both laboratory and field conditions. A second major effort was made to develop autonomous guidance. Path selection systems capable of dealing with relatively formidable hazard and terrains involving various short range (1.0-3.0 meters), hazard detection systems using a triangulation detection concept were simulated and evaluated. The mechanical/electronic systems required to implement such a scheme were constructed and tested. These systems include: laser transmitter, photodetectors, the necessary data handling/controlling systems and a scanning mast. In addition, a telemetry system to interface the vehicle, the off-board computer and a remote control module for operator intervention were developed. Software for the autonomous control concept was written. All of the systems required for complete autonomous control were shown to be satisfactory except for that portion of the software relating to the handling of interrupt commands.

Gisser, D. G.↗

Precise optical pulse timing

This paper evaluates the performance of the maximum likelihood and several sub-optimum arrival time estimators for optical pulses. The performance analysis of a 'sliding window' counter followed by that of a threshold detector is achieved by deriving an expression for the first crossing density of the output of the counter. A sub-optimum arrival time estimator using a threshold rather than a maximum detector is suggested and evaluated by simulation. It appears to provide near optimum performance.

Lee, G.↗

Feasibility study of negative lift circumferential type seal for helicopter transmissions

A new seal concept, the negative lift circumferential type seal, was evaluated under simulated helicopter transmission conditions. The bore of the circumferential seal contains step type geometry which produces a negative lift that urges the sealing segments towards the shaft surface. The seal size was a 2.5 inch bore and the test speeds were 7000 and 14,250 rpm. During the 300 hour test at typical transmission seal pressure (to 2 psig) the leakage was within acceptable limits and generally less than 0.1 cc/hour during the last 150 hours of testing. The wear to the carbon segments during the 300 hours was negligible.

Goldring, E. N.↗

Evaluation of the in-flight noise signature of a 32-chute suppressor nozzle: Acoustic data report

Outdoor static and 40 x 80 FT wind tunnel tests of the J79-15 engine/nacelle system with the conic nozzle and 32-chute exhaust suppressor were conducted to acquire the data necessary to evaluate the simulated in-flight signature of an engine-size 32-chute exhaust nozzle suppressor using the 40 x 80 ft wind tunnel and to study possible engine core noise contamination of the jet signature. The tests are described and and a sampling of the data acquired is presented. Included are aero performance summaries, as-measured and composite 1/3 OBSPL spectra for the 70 ft sideline high and low mics from the outdoor static tests, sideline traverse spectra and internal noise measurements from both the outdoor static and the 40 x 80 ft wind tunnel tests.

Moore, M. T.↗

Evaluation of SHABERTH: A bearing simulation computer program

To investigate lubrication effects on bearing thermal performance, an investigation was performed to determine the feasibility of using the SKF program SHABERTH for simulating the performance of cryogenically lubricated ball bearings. As a part of this study, the particular application chosen for SHABERTH was to simulate the performance of the Space Shuttle main engine turbo-pump and pre-burner bearing system.

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Path selection process utilizing rapid estimation scheme

The paper describes the use of a rapid estimation scheme for path selection by a roving vehicle. Essentially, the evaluation procedure simulates movement of the rover over each of several corridors lying radially outward from the scanning position. Two levels of corridors are used, and the path selection scheme selects the optimal primary corridor according to a dynamic programming algorithm. In the present version, the length of the corridors is variable. The rapid estimation scheme provides information to define corridor dimensions. This corridor structure, which varies as a function of the terrain, eliminates the need for backtracking, except in certain extreme cases. Computer results are promising in that obstacles were avoided while corridor lengths were kept to a maximum where safety permitted.

Ring, H.↗

Evaluation of turbo-propulsion simulators as a testing technique for fighter aircraft

Ames Research Center has under way a program to develop the technology for using turbine-powered jet engine simulators as a test technique for simulating installed jet engine characteristics in small-scale wind-tunnel models of complete VSTOL fighter configurations. The program consists of three key elements: (1) static testing SN003 prototype turbine engine simulator (MAPS), (2) the development of the Propulsion Simulator Calibration Laboratory at Ames, and (3) the design, fabrication, and testing of a twin-engine 'closely coupled' V/STOL fighter wind-tunnel model. The model will use the Compact Multi-mission Propulsion Simulator (CMAPS) and will also be tested in flow-through and jet-effects modes to assess the effect of simultaneous inlet and nozzle flow simulation. This paper includes a description of the planned effort and anticipated future tasks.

Bailey, R. O.↗

Subcontracted activities related to TES for building heating and cooling

The subcontract program elements related to thermal energy storage for building heating and cooling systems are outlined. The following factors are included: subcontracts in the utility load management application area; life and stability testing of packaged low cost energy storage materials; and development of thermal energy storage systems for residential space cooling. Resistance storage heater component development, demonstration of storage heater systems for residential applications, and simulation and evaluation of latent heat thermal energy storage (heat pump systems) are also discussed. Application of thermal energy storage for solar application and twin cities district heating are covered including an application analysis and technology assessment of thermal energy storage.

Martin, J.↗

Optimization and simulation of flight control laws under parameter uncertainty and external disturbances

Several tasks pertinent to flight control in parameter uncertainty and wind-gust loading were successfully completed. Identification algorithms for extracting stability and control derivatives from flight data taking gust loading into account were developed. They were verified by simulation and evaluated throughly on actual flight data taken on a Lockheed Jet Star flying in turbulence. In particular the need for automatically generated dither-like inputs was studied. Criteria for performance evaluation using stochastic models were developed for gust alleviation as well as handling quantities. Algorithms for assessing degradation in performance due to parameter uncertainty were developed and evaluated using flight test data.

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