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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

The Advanced Solar Observatory. Executive summary

The topics covered include the following: (1) an overview of the Advanced Solar Observatory program and instrumentation; (2) the scientific motivation for the Advanced Solar Observatory; (3) a brief review of recent advances in solar physics; (4) a scientific strategy for solar physics; (5) the scientific objectives of the Advanced Solar Observatory; (6) the configuration of the Advanced Solar Observatory; (7) the development of the Advanced Solar Observatory; (8) the performance of the Advanced Solar Observatory; (9) scientific operation of the Advanced Solar Observatory; and (10) present status of the Advanced Solar Observatory. A compilation of major scientific problems in solar physics is presented in the appendix.

Walker, A. B. C., Jr.↗

A Hybrid Parachute Simulation Environment for the Orion Parachute Development Project

A parachute simulation environment (PSE) has been developed that aims to take advantage of legacy parachute simulation codes and modern object-oriented programming techniques. This hybrid simulation environment provides the parachute analyst with a natural and intuitive way to construct simulation tasks while preserving the pedigree and authority of established parachute simulations. NASA currently employs four simulation tools for developing and analyzing air-drop tests performed by the CEV Parachute Assembly System (CPAS) Project. These tools were developed at different times, in different languages, and with different capabilities in mind. As a result, each tool has a distinct interface and set of inputs and outputs. However, regardless of the simulation code that is most appropriate for the type of test, engineers typically perform similar tasks for each drop test such as prediction of loads, assessment of altitude, and sequencing of disreefs or cut-aways. An object-oriented approach to simulation configuration allows the analyst to choose models of real physical test articles (parachutes, vehicles, etc.) and sequence them to achieve the desired test conditions. Once configured, these objects are translated into traditional input lists and processed by the legacy simulation codes. This approach minimizes the number of sim inputs that the engineer must track while configuring an input file. An object oriented approach to simulation output allows a common set of post-processing functions to perform routine tasks such as plotting and timeline generation with minimal sensitivity to the simulation that generated the data. Flight test data may also be translated into the common output class to simplify test reconstruction and analysis.

Moore, James W.↗

Conceptual Design of a Tension Leg Platform With 22.3 MW Vertical Axis Turbine

Here, this paper presents the conceptual design of a tension leg platform (TLP) for the ARCUS “towerless” vertical-axis wind turbine (VAWT). VAWTs are ideal for floating offshore sites and have several advantages over horizontal-axis wind turbines (HAWT) including reduced top mass, lower center of gravity, increased energy capture, and in turn lower cost. The towerless ARCUS VAWT drives these advantages further through increased structural efficiency and by enabling more optimized TLP designs with simplified installation procedures. For hull sizing, we have studied three turbine sizes with corresponding power ratings of 5.1 MW, 10.4 MW and 22.3 MW. The largest turbine was identified as having the greatest potential to reduce the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) and is the reference size used for the further detailed design process. The conceptual design of the VAWT TLP has been awarded with an ABS Approval in Principle Certificate. This paper contains brief analysis results and design findings for a TLP designed to house a VAWT, including the following topics: • Applicable Design Codes • Metocean Conditions • ARCUS Turbine Loads • Design Load Cases and Requirements - Pre-service TLP Stability - In-place TLP Global Performance • Platform Configurations, Hull Structure Scantling Design, Weight and CG Estimation, and General Arrangement Drawings • Hull Ballast Plan for both Pre-service and In-place Conditions • Pre-service Quayside Integration, Transportation and Wet Tow Stability Analysis • Global Performance Analysis for Motions and Tendon tensions • Summary of cost components and system levelized cost of energy

17 WIND ENERGY↗

Chiral topologically ordered insulating phases in arrays of interacting integer quantum Hall islands

Here, we study networks of Coulomb-blockaded integer quantum Hall islands with even fillings ν = 2 k ( k being an integer), including cases with 2 k layers each of ν = 1 fillings. Allowing only spin-current interactions between the islands (i.e., without any charge transfer), we obtain solvable models leading to a rich set of insulating S U ( 2 ) k topologically ordered phases. The case with k = 1 is dual to the Kalmeyer-Laughlin phase, k = 2 to Kitaev's chiral spin liquid and the Moore-Read state, and k = 3 contains a Fibonacci anyon that may be utilized for universal topological quantum computation. Additionally, we show how the S U ( 2 ) k topological phases may be obtained also in an array of islands with ν = 2 k integer quantum Hall states and critical spin chains in a checkerboard pattern. The array and checkerboard constructions gap out the charge mode and additional “flavor” modes by virtue of their geometry. Furthermore, we find that a fine tuning of the system parameter is not needed in the checkerboard configuration and the ν = 2 case. We also discuss their bulk excitations, and show that their thermal Hall conductance is universal, reflecting the central charge c = 3 k / ( k + 2 ) of the chiral edge modes.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Effect of casing treatment of overall performance of axial-flow transonic fan stage with pressure ratio of 1.75 and tip solidity of 1.5

The effect of a number of casing treatments on the overall performance of a 1.75-pressure-ratio, 423-m/sec-tip-speed fan stage was evaluated. The skewed slot configuration with short-open slots over the midportion of the rotor had a stall margin of 23.5 percent, while the solid casing had a stall margin of 15.0 percent. The skewed slot configuration with long open slots extending ahead of and over portion of rotor displaced the stall line to the lowest flow at all speeds tested. At design speed, the peak efficiency for the long, forward open slots was 1 point less than that for the short midopen slots and 3 points less than that for the solid casing.

Osborn, W. M.↗

Observation of the impulse phase of a simple flare

The paper presents a broad range of complementary observations (SMM and ground-based) of the onset and impulsive phase of the fairly large (1B, M1.2) but simple two-ribbon flare which occurred at 19:15 UT on November 1, 1980 in the northern part of the active region Boulder No. AR2776. It is found that the overall magnetic field configuration in which the flare occurred was a fairly simple, closed arch containing nonpotential substructure; the flare occurred spontaneously within the arch (it was not triggered by emerging magnetic flux). The two major spikes of the impulsive energy release are examined, and the three immediate products of this energy release are discussed.

Tandberg-Hanssen, E.↗

Free-flying teleoperator for space missions

The design of a free-flying teleoperator (FFTO) intended to assist the Space Shuttle in performing its various missions is discussed, where FFTO is to be carried into earth orbit and returned to earth by the Shuttle. The FFTO system is described as to configuration, major subsystems, and mechanization concept. The kinematics of the manipulator and methods of sedating a satellite are discussed. Satellite equations of motion are provided, and cases of zero tumbling rate and non-zero tumbling rate are examined. Cases for which use of FFTO is compulsory are indicated, and the FFTO contributions to the Shuttle missions are analyzed.

Hung, J. C.↗

Use of a 360-Degree Underwater Camera to Characterize Artificial Reef and Fish Aggregating Effects around Marine Energy Devices

Marine energy devices must be attached to the seafloor by their foundations, pilings, or anchors, and will have other parts in the water column like the devices themselves, mooring lines, and power export cables running along the seafloor. The installation and presence of these artificial structures will create physical changes that can disrupt or create new habitats, and potentially alter the behavior of mobile organisms such as fish around a device by attracting them to these new artificial reefs and fish aggregating devices. In this study, we tested a new approach for monitoring fish activity around a marine energy device anchor: a 360-degree underwater camera to keep the target (a wave energy converter’s anchor) in the field of view of the camera. The camera was deployed in three configurations (hand-held, tripod, video lander) at sites with different hydrodynamics and underwater visibilities. The video lander was the best configuration: very stable, versatile, and easy to handle. The 360-degree field of view enabled observing and counting fishes, which were more abundant at dusk than dawn or noon, around the anchor. Despite remaining challenges, 360-degree cameras are useful tools for monitoring animal interactions with marine energy devices.

360-degree camera↗

Non-Axisymmetric Inflatable Pressure Structure (NAIPS) Concept that Enables Mass Efficient Packageable Pressure Vessels with Sealable Openings

Achieving minimal launch volume and mass are always important for space missions, especially for deep space manned missions where the costs required to transport mass to the destination are high and volume in the payload shroud is limited. Pressure vessels are used for many purposes in space missions including habitats, airlocks, and tank farms for fuel or processed resources. A lucrative approach to minimize launch volume is to construct the pressure vessels from soft goods so that they can be compactly packaged for launch and then inflated en route or at the final destination. In addition, there is the potential to reduce system mass because the packaged pressure vessels are inherently robust to launch loads and do not need to be modified from their in-service configuration to survive the launch environment. A novel concept is presented herein, in which sealable openings or hatches into the pressure vessels can also be fabricated from soft goods. To accomplish this, the structural shape is designed to have large regions where one principal stress is near zero. The pressure vessel is also required to have an elongated geometry for applications such as airlocks.

Doggett, William R.↗

Status Report on Aeroelasticity in the Vehicle Development for X-57 Maxwell

Risk reduction is the objective of the X-57 Maxwell aeroelasticity team. The X-57, NASA’s experimental electric propulsion aircraft, has a long thin wing with primary propulsion systems located at the wing tips and high lift motors distributed along the span. Many of the classical aeroelastic concerns associated with such a configuration were addressed through early design decisions. The as-designed intermediate flight vehicle configurations show flutter mechanisms associated with flexible models of control surface systems –the stabilator, flaps and ailerons. Improvements to the analytical models, based on ground test data and project decisions about flight operations, show improved prospects of the vehicle being aeroelastically stable throughout the flight envelope. On-going ground testing and further analyses will lend credibility to the flutter predictions and vehicle safety.

Heeg, Jennifer↗

Structural Dynamics Observations in Space Launch System Green Run Hot Fire Testing

The Space Launch System (SLS) Core Stage (CS) Thrust Vector Control (TVC) system is comprised of eight mechanical feedback Shuttle heritage Type III TVC actuators and four RS-25 engines, each attached to a Shuttle heritage gimbal block/bearing. Two actuators are used to move each engine in two planes perpendicular to one another (i.e., pitch and yaw). The TVC system design leverages hardware from the Space Shuttle program as well as new hardware designed specifically for the Core Stage. The Green Run Hot Fire (GRHF) of the SLS Core Stage provided a flight-like ground test environment for verification of integrated vehicle TVC performance. A TVC model coupled to a vehicle structural dynamic model has been developed previously and incrementally validated in subsystem tests and simulations. Still, some aspects of TVC performance in GRHF were not anticipated. The ensuing investigation demonstrated the need for well-instrumented test environments, various levels of modeling fidelity, test-representative structural models, and caution in reuse of legacy components. This paper is the sixth installment in a seven-paper series surveying the design, engineering, test validation, and flight performance of the Core Stage Thrust Vector Control system. It introduces the salient structural dynamic phenomena uncovered in ambient and hot fire testing. During the Green Run test campaign, a comparison of ambient and hot fire step responses showed a significant change in apparent damping due to the presence of friction, challenging long standing assumptions that friction could be neglected. Additionally, the characteristic response of the engine and thrust structure during GRHF proved to be more complex than anticipated, as evidenced by the available actuator, thrust structure, and engine measurements. While the string-potentiometer based test instrumentation was intended to allow for reconstruction of the engine angles along the two control axes, the geometric placement, location uncertainty, and responses in overlapping frequency spectra revealed additional phenomena requiring further analysis and post-processing. The observations from both modal and frequency response testing during the Green Run ambient and hot fire configurations led to Engine and Core Stage FEM (finite element model) updates. When evidence of unexpected engine motion was found in engine section accelerometer data, the authors pursued additional structural analysis leading to FEM updates associated with the TVC gimbal and thrust structure. Through collaboration between structures, TVC, and flight control disciplines, the test-informed models and root-cause analysis led to confident flight rationale for the first flight of the SLS launch vehicle.

Richard Moore↗

Utah FORGE: Slide-Hold-Slide Experiments on Westerly Granite at Temperatures up to 250 Degrees C

Laboratory slide-hold-slide tests were conducted in a conventional triaxial deformation configuration on 1-inch diameter cylindrical cores of Westerly granite bisected by a sawcut oriented at 30 degrees from vertical. Tests were conducted at a constant confining pressure of 30 MPa with a 10 MPa pore fluid pressure. The pore fluid was deionized water. Experiments were conducted at temperatures of 22, 100, 200, and 250 C. This data was collected to examine fault strength recovery in hydrothermal conditions.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗

Structural Dynamics Observations in Space Launch System Green Run Hot Fire Testing

The Space Launch System (SLS) Core Stage (CS) Thrust Vector Control (TVC) system is comprised of eight mechanical feedback Shuttle heritage Type III TVC actuators and four RS-25 engines, each attached to a Shuttle heritage gimbal block/bearing. Two actuators are used to move each engine in two planes perpendicular to one another (i.e., pitch and yaw). The TVC system design leverages hardware from the Space Shuttle program as well as new hardware designed specifically for the Core Stage. The Green Run Hot Fire (GRHF) of the SLS Core Stage provided a flight-like ground test environment for verification of integrated vehicle TVC performance. A TVC model coupled to a vehicle structural dynamic model has been developed previously and incrementally validated in subsystem tests and simulations. Still, some aspects of TVC performance in GRHF were not anticipated. The ensuing investigation demonstrated the need for well-instrumented test environments, various levels of modeling fidelity, test-representative structural models, and caution in reuse of legacy components. This paper is the sixth installment in a seven-paper series surveying the design, engineering, test validation, and flight performance of the Core Stage Thrust Vector Control system. It introduces the salient structural dynamic phenomena uncovered in ambient and hot fire testing. During the Green Run test campaign, a comparison of ambient and hot fire step responses showed a significant change in apparent damping due to the presence of friction, challenging long standing assumptions that friction could be neglected. Additionally, the characteristic response of the engine and thrust structure during GRHF proved to be more complex than anticipated, as evidenced by the available actuator, thrust structure, and engine measurements. While the string-potentiometer based test instrumentation was intended to allow for reconstruction of the engine angles along the two control axes, the geometric placement, location uncertainty, and responses in overlapping frequency spectra revealed additional phenomena requiring further analysis and post-processing. The observations from both modal and frequency response testing during the Green Run ambient and hot fire configurations led to Engine and Core Stage FEM (finite element model) updates. When evidence of unexpected engine motion was found in engine section accelerometer data, the authors pursued additional structural analysis leading to FEM updates associated with the TVC gimbal and thrust structure. Through collaboration between structures, TVC, and flight control disciplines, the test-informed models and root-cause analysis led to confident flight rationale for the first flight of the SLS launch vehicle.

Richard K. Moore↗

Fast Laser Shutters With Low Vibratory Disturbances

A prototype vacuum-compatible, fast-acting, long-life shutter unit that generates very little vibratory disturbance during switching is reviewed. This is one of a number of shutters designed to satisfy requirements specific to an experiment, to be performed aboard a spacecraft in flight, in which laser beams must be blocked rapidly and completely, without generating a vibratory disturbance large enough to adversely affect the power and frequency stability of the lasers. Commercial off-the-shelf laboratory shutter units -- typically containing electromagnet-coil-driven mechanisms -- were found not to satisfy the requirements because they are not vacuum-compatible, their actuators engage in uncompensated motions that generate significant vibrations, and their operational lifetimes are too short. Going beyond the initial outerspace application, the present vacuum-compatible, fast-acting, long-life shutter units could also be used in terrestrial settings in which there are requirements for their special characteristics. In designing these shutter units, unbalanced, electromagnetically driven mechanisms were replaced with balanced mechanisms that include commercial piezoelectric bending actuators. In each shutter unit, the piezoelectric bending actuators are configured symmetrically as opposing cantilever beams within a housing that contains integral mounts for lenses that focus a laser beam to a waist at the shutter location. In operation, the laser beam is blocked by titanium blades bonded near the free ends of the piezoelectric benders. The benders are driven by shaped electrical pulses with a maximum voltage differential of less than 60 V. Preliminary measurements indicate that rise and fall times are less than 1 ms.

Brinza, David↗

The Leading Edge 250: Oblique wing aircraft configuration project, volume 4

The design of a high speed transport aircraft using the oblique wing concept as a part of the High Speed Civil Transport (HSCT) aircraft study is the Leading Edge 250 capable of travelling at Mach 4 with 250 passengers and has a 6,500 nautical mile range. Its innovation lies within its use of the unconventional oblique wing to provide efficient flight at any Mach number. Wave drag is kept to a minimum at high speed, while high lift is attained during critical takeoff and landing maneuvers by varying the sweep of the wing.

Schmidt, Andre↗

Ultraviolet solar identifications based on extended absorption series observed in the laboratory spectrum of Si I

The absorption spectrum of Si I in the wavelength region between 1500 and 1900 A has been photographed at high resolution. The silicon vapor was produced in a 122-cm-long King furnace at 1800 to 2300 C. Forty-two Rydberg series have been observed from the ground state terms 3p(2)3P and 1D to terms associated with the 3pns and 3pnd configurations. All of the series from these configurations with J less than 4 have been extended with the 3pnd 3D(3) levels reaching n = 56. Numerous perturbations have been observed. This laboratory work has provided the basis for extending the identification of silicon lines in the solar spectrum. Nearly all lines found in the laboratory spectrum are also found in rocket spectrograms of the solar chromosphere. More than 300 lines have been attributed to Si I. The excellent correlation between laboratory and solar Si I lines is illustrated.

Moore, C. E.↗

Heat Shield And Axial Retainer For Turbopump Blade

Modified configuration for axial retention of blades of cryogenic turbopump expected to reduce dynamic and thermal stresses, thereby increasing operating life. Expected to overcome some of structural limitations in which various components of "fir-tree" blade/disk attachments shaped in such way as to concentrate stresses. Advantages include: No overhung loading on attachment faces of disk or blades; No additional stress concentrators added to attachment faces of disk or blades; and No large axial thermal gradients on edges of disk and blades.

Moore, Jerry H.↗