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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 127 records · Page 7

Mariner Jupiter/Saturn 1977 infrared interferometer spectrometer (MJS' 77) design study

A design study of the Infrared Interferometer Spectrometer and Radiometer (IRIS) instrument for the Mariner Jupiter/Saturn 1977 mission was conducted. The objective of the study was to investigate a number a potential problem areas identified in previous studies and to develop the instrument system designs along the lines providing for the optimum performance obtainable with the allowable budgets. The considerations for the optical design, mechanical design, and electronic design are examined.

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State of technology on hydrogen fueled gas turbine engines

A series of investigations was conducted episodically from the 1950's to the early 1970's to investigate the feasibility and potential problem areas in the use of hydrogen fuel for gas turbine engines. A brief summary and bibliography are presented of the research that has been conducted by NASA, its predecessor NACA, and by industry under U. S. Air Force sponsorship. Although development efforts would be required to provide hydrogen fueled gas turbine engines for aircraft, past research has shown that hydrogen fueled engines are feasible, and except for flight weight liquid hydrogen pumps, there are no problem areas relating to engines requiring significant research.

Esgar, J. B.↗

A Management Information System Model for Program Management

The development of a model to simulate the information system of a program management type of organization is reported. The model statistically determines the following parameters: type of messages, destinations, delivery durations, type processing, processing durations, communication channels, outgoing messages, and priorites. The total management information system of the program management organization is considered, including formal and informal information flows and both facilities and equipment. The model is written in General Purpose System Simulation 2 computer programming language for use on the Univac 1108, Executive 8 computer. The model is simulated on a daily basis and collects queue and resource utilization statistics for each decision point. The statistics are then used by management to evaluate proposed resource allocations, to evaluate proposed changes to the system, and to identify potential problem areas. The model employs both empirical and theoretical distributions which are adjusted to simulate the information flow being studied.

Shipman, D. L.↗

Spacecraft integration of an ion propulsion system

This paper describes the development and integration of a one millipound thrust ion thruster system on the NASA Goddard ATS-F spacecraft with the objective of outlining for the propulsion system engineer: (1) system interactions or potential problems associated with the application of ion thruster systems, and (2) progress which has been made and is being made in identifying and solving these problems. Principal areas of concern are the compatibility of the thruster exhaust (ions and atoms) with sensitive spacecraft surfaces and possible electromagnetic interactions of the thruster and its exhaust with other spacecraft subsystems.

Worlock, R. M.↗

Experiment planning during the Skylab missions

The objectives of the Skylab Program included observations of the earth, the sun, the stars, and a comet in addition to a variety of engineering and medical experiments. Attention is given to mission planning activities accomplished before the launch of the orbital workshop, during the manned missions, and between manned missions. Two major purposes of early experiments planning were related to the establishment of reasonable potential goals in terms of accomplishment and the discovery of potential problems in scheduling. Planning during the mission proceeded according to a scheme in which the planning was done on a daily basis. Experiences from the three Skylab missions are discussed separately. The results of the Skylab Program demonstrate the value of the daily experiment planning system that was capable of reacting to changing constraints.

Sevier, J. R.↗

A STOL airworthiness investigation using a simulation of a deflected slipstream transport. Volume 1: Summary of results and airworthiness implications

A simulator study of short takeoff and landing (STOL) aircraft was conducted using a model of a deflected slipstream transport aircraft. The subjects considered are: (1) the approach, (2) flare and landing, (3) go-around, and (4) takeoff phases of flight. The results are summarized and possible implications with regard to airworthiness criteria are discussed. A data base is provided for future STOL airworthiness requirements and a preliminary indication of potential problem areas is developed. Comparison of the simulation results with various proposed STOL criteria indicates significant deficiencies in many of these criteria.

Stapleford, R. L.↗

IUS/TUG orbital operations and mission support study. Volume 3: Space tug operations

A study was conducted to develop space tug operational concepts and baseline operations plan, and to provide cost estimates for space tug operations. Background data and study results are presented along with a transition phase analysis (the transition from interim upper state to tug operations). A summary is given of the tug operational and interface requirements with emphasis on the on-orbit checkout requirements, external interface operational requirements, safety requirements, and system operational interface requirements. Other topics discussed include reference missions baselined for the tug and details for the mission functional flows and timelines derived for the tug mission, tug subsystems, tug on-orbit operations prior to the tug first burn, spacecraft deployment and retrieval by the tug, operations centers, mission planning, potential problem areas, and cost data.

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A STOL airworthiness investigation using a simulation of an augmentor wing transport. Volume 1: Summary of results and airworthiness implications

A simulator study of STOL airworthiness criteria was conducted using a model of an augmentor wing transport. The approach, flare and landing, go-around, and takeoff phases of flight were investigated. The results are summarized and possible implications with regard to airworthiness criteria are discussed. The results provide a data base for future STOL airworthiness requirements and a preliminary indication of potential problem areas. The results are also compared to the results from an earlier simulation of the Breguet 941S. Where possible, airworthiness criteria are proposed for consideration.

Stapleford, R. L.↗

FORTRAN Automated Code Evaluation System (faces) system documentation, version 2, mod 0

A system is presented which processes FORTRAN based software systems to surface potential problems before they become execution malfunctions. The system complements the diagnostic capabilities of compilers, loaders, and execution monitors rather than duplicating these functions. Also, it emphasizes frequent sources of FORTRAN problems which require inordinate manual effort to identify. The principle value of the system is extracting small sections of unusual code from the bulk of normal sequences. Code structures likely to cause immediate or future problems are brought to the user's attention. These messages stimulate timely corrective action of solid errors and promote identification of 'tricky' code. Corrective action may require recoding or simply extending software documentation to explain the unusual technique.

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Investigation of a catalytic gas generator for the Space Shuttle APU

An investigation was conducted to establish the capability of a monopropellant hydrazine catalytic gas generator to meet the requirements specified for the Space Shuttle APU. Detailed analytical and experimental studies were conducted on potential problem areas including long-term nitriding effects on materials, design variables affecting catalyst life, vehicle vibration effects, and catalyst oxidation/contamination. A full-scale gas generator, designed to operate at a chamber pressure of 750 psia and a flow rate of 0.36 lbm/sec, was fabricated and subjected to three separate life test series. The objective of the first test series was to demonstrate the capability of the gas generator to successfully complete 20 simulated Space Shuttle missions in steady-state operation. The gas generator was then refurbished and subjected to a second series of tests to demonstrate the pulse-mode capability of the gas generator during 20 simulated missions. The third series of tests was conducted with a refurbished reactor to further demonstrate pulse-mode capability with a modified catalyst bed.

Emmons, D. L.↗

Radiant coolers - Theory, flight histories, design comparisons and future applications

Radiant coolers have been developed for application to the cooling of infrared detectors aboard NASA earth observation systems and as part of the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program. The prime design constraints for these coolers are the location of the cooler aboard the satellite and the satellite orbit. Flight data from several coolers indicates that, in general, design temperatures are achieved. However, potential problems relative to the contamination of cold surfaces are also revealed by the data. A comparison among the various cooler designs and flight performances indicates design improvements that can minimize the contamination problem in the future.

Donohoe, M. J.↗

Man in space - A time for perspective

Factors affecting crew performances in long-term space flights are examined with emphasis on the Space Shuttle-Spacelab program. Biomedical investigations carried out during four Skylab missions indicate that initially rapid changes in certain physiological parameters, notably in cardiovascular response and red-blood-cell levels, lead to an adapted condition. Calcium loss remains a potential problem. Space Shuttle environmental control and life-support systems are described together with technology facilitating performance of mission objectives in a weightless environment. It is concluded that crew requirements are within the physical and psychological capability of astronauts, but the extent to which nonastronaut personnel will be able to participate without extensive training and pre-conditioning remains to be determined.

Winter, D. L.↗

Microwave scanning beam landing system compatibility and performance: Engineering analyses 75-1 and 75-2

The microwave scanning beam landing system (MSBLS) is the primary position sensor of the Orbiter's navigation subsystem during the autoland phase of the flight. Portions of the system are discussed with special emphasis placed on potential problem areas as referenced to the Orbiter's mission. Topics discussed include system compatability, system accuracy, and expected RF signal levels. A block and flow diagram of MSBLS system operation is included with a list of special tests required to determine system performance.

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Hardware simulation of KU-band spacecraft receiver and bit synchronizer, phase 2, volume 1

The acquisition behavior of the PN subsystem of an automatically acquiring spacecraft receiver was studied. A symbol synchronizer subsystem was constructed and integrated into the composite simulation of the receiver. The overall performance of the receiver when subjected to anomalies such as signal fades was evaluated. Potential problems associated with PN/carrier sweep interactions were investigated.

Lindsey, W. C.↗

Radio and EUV observations of a coronal hole

Current ideas and modeling assumptions concerning the structure of the transition region and corona are summarized. Observations of a specific coronal hole are reported which were made with the EUV spectroheliometer aboard Skylab and with high-resolution radio telescopes in Australia and West Germany. Theoretical EUV line intensities and radio brightness temperatures are calculated, and an attempt is made to analyze the observations on the basis of standard one-dimensional plane-parallel hydrostatic-equilibrium models for the transition region and corona. It is found that any given standard model predicts either higher radio brightnesses or lower EUV line intensities than are observed. Several potential problem areas are examined in order to resolve this conflict. It is concluded that a model involving departures from hydrostatic equilibrium, varying conductive flux, mass outflow, as well as effects of thermal diffusion and nonequilibrium ionization should be investigated in more detail.

Dulk, G. A.↗

Alternative fuels

Potential problems related to the use of alternative aviation turbine fuels are discussed and both ongoing and required research into these fuels is described. This discussion is limited to aviation turbine fuels composed of liquid hydrocarbons. The advantages and disadvantages of the various solutions to the problems are summarized. The first solution is to continue to develop the necessary technology at the refinery to produce specification jet fuels regardless of the crude source. The second solution is to minimize energy consumption at the refinery and keep fuel costs down by relaxing specifications.

Grobman, J. S.↗

Analysis of data systems requirements for global crop production forecasting in the 1985 time frame

Data systems concepts that would be needed to implement the objective of the global crop production forecasting in an orderly transition from experimental to operational status in the 1985 time frame were examined. Information needs of users were converted into data system requirements, and the influence of these requirements on the formulation of a conceptual data system was analyzed. Any potential problem areas in meeting these data system requirements were identified in an iterative process.

Downs, S. W.↗

Evaluation of the SSRCT engine with a hydrazine as a fuel, phase 1

The performance parameters for the space shuttle reaction control thruster (SSRCT) when the fuel is changed from monomethylhydrazine to hydrazine were predicted. Potential problems are higher chamber wall temperature during steady state operation and explosive events during pulse mode operation. Solutions to the problems are suggested. To conduct the analysis, a more realistic film cooling model was devised which considers that hydrazine based fuels are reactive when used as a film coolant on the walls of the combustion chamber. Hydrazine based fuels can decompose exothermally as a monopropellant and also enter into bipropellant reactions with any excess oxidizer in the combustion chamber. It is concluded that the conversion of the thruster from MMH to hydrazine fuel is feasible but that a number of changes would be required to achieve the same safety margins as the monomethylhydrazine-fueled thruster.

Minton, S. J.↗