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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 NTRS1984

Assessment of US industry's technology trends and new technology requirements

The utility and effectiveness of a novel approach (the Applications Development, or AD approach), intended to augment the efficiency of NASA's technology utilization (TU) through dissemination of NASA technologies and joint technology development efforts with U.S. industry is tested. The innovative AD approach consists of the following key elements: selection of NASA technologies appearing to have leading edge attributes; interaction with NASA researchers to assess the characteristics and quality of each selected technology; identification of industry's needs in the selected technology areas; structuring the selected technologies in terms of specifications and standards familiar to industry (industrial Spec. Sheets); identification and assessment of industry's interest in the specific selected NASA technologies, utilizing the greatly facilitated communication made possible by the availability of the industrial Spec. Sheets; and matching selected NASA technologies with the needs of selected industries.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS1986

Aerodynamic design trends for commercial aircraft

Recent research on advanced-configuration commercial aircraft at DFVLR is surveyed, with a focus on aerodynamic approaches to improved performance. Topics examined include transonic wings with variable camber or shock/boundary-layer control, wings with reduced friction drag or laminarized flow, prop-fan propulsion, and unusual configurations or wing profiles. Drawings, diagrams, and graphs of predicted performance are provided, and the need for extensive development efforts using powerful computer facilities, high-speed and low-speed wind tunnels, and flight tests of models (mounted on specially designed carrier aircraft) is indicated.

Hilbig, R.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Improved piston ring materials for 650 deg C service

A program to develop piston ring material systems which will operate at 650C was performed. In this program, two candidate high temperature piston ring substrate materials, Carpenter 709-2 and 440B, were hot formed into the piston ring shape and subsequently evaluated. In a parallel development effort ceramic and metallic piston ring coating materials were applied to cast iron rings by various processing techniques and then subjected to thermal shock and wear evaluation. Finally, promising candidate coatings were applied to the most thermally stable hot formed substrate. The results of evaluation tests of the hot formed substrate show that Carpenter 709-2 has greater thermal stability than 440B. Of the candidate coatings, plasma transferred arc (PTA) applied tungsten carbide and molybdenum based systems exhibit the greatest resistance to thermal shock. For the ceramic based systems, thermal shock resistance was improved by bond coat grading. Wear testing was conducted to 650C (1202F). For ceramic systems, the alumina/titania/zirconia/yttria composition showed highest wear resistance. For the PTA applied systems, the tungsten carbide based system showed highest wear resistance.

Bjorndahl, W. D.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Silicon production in a fluidized bed reactor

Part of the development effort of the JPL in-house technology involved in the Flat-Plate Solar Array (FSA) Project was the investigation of a low-cost process to produce semiconductor-grade silicon for terrestrial photovoltaic cell applications. The process selected was based on pyrolysis of silane in a fluidized-bed reactor (FBR). Following initial investigations involving 1- and 2-in. diameter reactors, a 6-in. diameter, engineering-scale FBR was constructed to establish reactor performance, mechanism of silicon deposition, product morphology, and product purity. The overall mass balance for all experiments indicates that more than 90% of the total silicon fed into the reactor is deposited on silicon seed particles and the remaining 10% becomes elutriated fines. Silicon production rates were demonstrated of 1.5 kg/h at 30% silane concentration and 3.5 kg/h at 80% silane concentration. The mechanism of silicon deposition is described by a six-path process: heterogeneous deposition, homogeneous decomposition, coalescence, coagulation, scavenging, and heterogeneous growth on fines. The bulk of the growth silicon layer appears to be made up of small diameter particles. This product morphology lends support to the concept of the scavenging of homogeneously nucleated silicon.

Rohatgi, N. K.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Space Shuttle development update

The development efforts, since the STS-4 flight, in the Space Shuttle (SS) program are presented. The SS improvements introduced in the last two years include lower-weight loads, communication through the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite, expanded extravehicular activity capability, a maneuvering backpack and the manipulator foot restraint, the improvements in thermal projection system, the 'optional terminal area management targeting' guidance software, a rendezvous system with radar and star tracker sensors, and improved on-orbit living conditions. The flight demonstrations include advanced launch techniques (e.g., night launch and direct insertion to orbit); the on-orbit demonstrations; and added entry and launching capabilities. The entry aerodynamic analysis and entry flight control fine tuning are described. Reusability, improved ascent performance, intact abort and landing flexibility, rollout control, and 'smart speedbrakes' are among the many improvements planned for the future.

Brand, V.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Inertial energy storage for advanced space station applications

Because the NASA Space Station will spend approximately one-third of its orbital time in the earth's shadow, depriving it of solar energy and requiring an energy storage system to meet system demands, attention has been given to flywheel energy storage systems. These systems promise high mechanical efficiency, long life, light weight, flexible design, and easily monitored depth of discharge. An assessment is presently made of three critical technology areas: rotor materials, magnetic suspension bearings, and motor-generators for energy conversion. Conclusions are presented regarding the viability of inertial energy storage systems and of problem areas requiring further technology development efforts.

Van Tassel, K. E.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Space Shuttle filament wound case compressive strength study. I - Testing

Immediately before liftoff, ignition of the Space Shuttle main engines places a significant bending moment on the filament wound cases of the solid rocket booster motors. This results in substantial compressive loading of the aft end of the composite case which, because of attachment requirements, has a complicated design including inserted broadgoods and helical ply dropoffs. To investigate the performance of the filament wound cases during the prelaunch load environment, a comprehensive study was initiated which included both testing and analysis. The results of the test program, which included testing of several full-scale and over three hundred subscale articles, will be described. The test program began with a short development effort to establish appropriate subscale test specimens for determining the material compressive strengths. Once these were established, a more comprehensive test program was initiated to determine the effects on strength of both processing and design changes. Full-scale cases were tested in a simulated prelaunch bending environment in order to validate the analysis predictions. In all tests, special attention was given to observation of the failure sequence which involved a complex process of load transfer from the region of helical ply dropoffs to the broadgood termination region.

Madsen, C. B.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Fluid management and its role in the future of Space Station

Technological challenges and suggested plans for meeting them pertaining to fluid management in the Space Station are discussed. A short overview is given of the major Space Station systems and operations which employ or rely on fluid management, followed by a description of the general system issues and challenges encountered in managing fluids in space. Examples of some current and near term activities directed toward providing the understanding and technologies necessary to overcome relevant problems are presented. Finally, suggested plans for similar but longer range research and development activities are offered. These plans emphasize the requirements and benefits of expanded in-space experiments, with the ultimate aim of using the Space Station as a facility for fluid management research and technology development efforts.

Salzman, J.↗

NASA NTRS1985

The 3600 hp split-torque helicopter transmission

Final design details of a helicopter transmission that is powered by GE twin T 700 engines each rated at 1800 hp are presented. It is demonstrated that in comparison with conventional helicopter transmission arrangements the split torque design offers: weight reduction of 15%; reduction in drive train losses of 9%; and improved reliability resulting from redundant drive paths between the two engines and the main shaft. The transmission fits within the NASA LeRC 3000 hp Test Stand and accepts the existing positions for engine inputs, main shaft, connecting drive shafts, and the cradle attachment points. One necessary change to the test stand involved gear trains of different ratio in the tail drive gearbox. Progressive uprating of engine input power from 3600 to 4500 hp twin engine rating is allowed for in the design. In this way the test transmission will provide a base for several years of analytical, research, and component development effort targeted at improving the performance and reliability of helicopter transmission.

White, G.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Summary assessment of solar thermal parabolic dish technology for electrical power generation

An assessment is provided of solar thermal parabolic dish technology for electrical power generation. The assessment is based on the development program undertaken by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory for the U.S. Department of Energy and covers the period from the initiation of the program in 1976 through mid-1984. The program was founded on developing components and subsystems that are integrated into parabolic dish power modules for test and evaluation. The status of the project is summarized in terms of results obtained through testing of modules, and the implications of these findings are assessed in terms of techno-economic projections and market potential. The techno-economic projections are based on continuation of an evolutionary technological development program and are related to the accomplishments of the program as of mid-1984. The accomplishments of the development effort are summarized for each major subsystem including concentrators, receivers, and engines. The ramifications of these accomplishments are assessed in the context of developmental objectives and strategies.

Penda, P. L.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Summary of flat-plate solar array project documentation: Abstracts of published documents, 1975-1986, revision 1

Abstracts of final reports, or the latest quarterly or annual, of the Flat-Plate Solar Array (FSA) Project Contractor of Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in-house activities are presented. Also presented is a list of proceedings and publications, by author, of work connected with the project. The aim of the program has been to stimulate the development of technology that will enable the private sector to manufacture and widely use photovoltaic systems for the generation of electricity in residential, commercial, industrial, and Government applications at a cost per watt that is competitive with utility generated power. FSA Project activities have included the sponsoring of research and development efforts in silicon refinement processes, advanced silicon sheet growth techniques, higher efficiency solar cells, solar cell/module fabrication processes, encapsulation, module/array engineering and reliability, and economic analyses.

Phillips, M. J.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Cryogenic Fluid Management Flight Experiment (CFMFE)

Since its foundation, NASA has excelled in the study and development of microgravity fluid management technology. With the advent of space-based vehicles and systems, the use of and the ability to efficiently manage subcritical cryogens in the space environment has become necessary to our growing space program. The NASA Lewis Research Center is responsible for the planning and execution of a program which will provide advanced in-space cryogenic fluid management technology. A number of future space missions have been identified that will require or could benefit from this technology. These technology needs have been prioritized and the Cryogenic Fluid Management Flight Experiment (CFMFE) is being designed to provide the experimental data necessary for the technological development effort.

Defelice, David M.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Onboard high data rate signal processing and storage

The objective is to advance the state of the art in onboard image data processing and storage through the use of advanced gallium arsenide integrated circuit technology. Viewgraphs are given on research and development efforts, an adaptive programmable processor chip set, design characteristics of an eight bit general processor, and a density comparison of silicon and gallium arsenide integrated circuits.

Miller, Warner H.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Fiber optic data systems

An overview is given of a continuing data system architecture development effort. Accomplishments and states of Office of Aeronautics and Space Technology, NASA efforts are discussed, and possible future directions are briefly commented upon. Some performance data is presented on the access protocol utilized in the Bus Interface Unit (BIU) design effort, and it is compared with other access protocols. The status of the qualification effort is presented showing the successful qualification testing of cables, connectors, light emitting diodes and PIN diodes. Information is given in the form of charts and diagrams.

Hartenstein, R.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Mission analysis and phased development of a lunar base

Manned lunar base activities may support one or more of three basic objectives: scientific research, the exploitation of lunar resources to manufacture a space infrastructure, and the establishment of a self-sufficient lunar base that can serve as a springboard toward long term planetary exploration. The present analysis gives attention to the commonality that may exist among the operational requirements of the three stated goals, as well as the degree of dependency of later developmental phases on the technology and systems development efforts of earlier phases.

Roberts, B. B.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Multiple Access Ku-band communications subsystem for the Space Station

This paper presents the results of advanced work on system design for the Space Station Multiple Access Subsystem (SSMAS), which includes equipment aboard the Space Station itself and aboard the space-borne group of user vehicles. In addition to the system development efforts, early hardware design work is being performed. A Ku-band transceiver representing the EVA or other equipment configuration has been breadboarded and system testing performed. Additional hardware is being designed for NASA JSC, which will be assembled to form a SSMAS test bed where the subsystem itself, as well as its hardware components, will be tested and evaluated.

Mackiw, G. E.↗

NASA NTRS1986

A one-megapixel image acquisition and processing system for solar oscillation studies

The 1-Mpixel image acquisition and processing system that has been installed at the Mt. Wilson observatory as part of the development effort for the NASA/ESA Solar Oscillations Imager Experiment of the projected Heliospheric Observatory mission is discussed. The system encompasses a high speed CCD camera with a 1024 x 1024-pixel virtual phase chip array, yielding a readout rate of about 800,000 pixels/sec; this allows the entire Mpixel array to be read out in just over 1 sec. The camera is interfaced with a floating point array processor that integrates several successive exposures from the CCD camera and differences selected pairs of integrated images. The system is currently being used to record and difference narrowband images of the sun.

Rhodes, Edward J., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1987

NASA/GE advanced low emissions combustor program

The Advanced Low Emissions Combustor Program consisted of the design and testing of advanced combustor concepts utilizing lean, premixed, prevaporized fuel and variable geometry. The objective was to evaluate the potential of these combustor systems to provide very low pollutant emissions levels, superior performance and high durability relative to contemporary combustor designs. Four full annular combustor concepts were designed and fabricated for a 30:1 pressure ratio high bypass turbofan engine. The four full annular combustors with active variable geometry were tested at pressures up to approximately 0.7 MPa with Jet A fuel. The two most promising concepts were also tested in a high pressure sector combustor test rig capable of operation at the maximum engine pressures. The high pressure sector combustor tests were conducted with Jet A and a fuel with reduced hydrogen content. Results of the sector combustor tests are presented in this paper. The potential for very low emissions with premixed fuel was demonstrated. However, autoignition or flashback within the premixing systems was encountered at high pressures. Further development effort is required to address this problem area.

Ekstedt, E. E.↗