Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Path”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,405 records · Page 78

Evaluation of Microwave Landing System (MLS) effect on the delivery performance of a fixed-path metering and spacing system

Metering and spacing (M & S) system's algorithms described assume an aircraft two dimensional are navigation capability. The three navigation systems compared were: very high frequency omnidirectional range/distance measuring equipment (VOR/DME) and ILS, VOR/DME and + or - 40 MLS, and VOR/DME and + or - 60 MLS. Other factors studied were M & S tentative schedule point location, route geometry effects, and approach gate location effects. Summarized results are: the MLS offers some improvement over VOR/DME and ILS if all approach routes contain computer assisted turns; pilot reaction to moving the gate closer to the runway threshold may adversely affect M & S performance; and coupling en route metering to terminal scheduling transfers most of the terminal holding to more full efficient, higher altitude en route delay.

Credeur, L.↗

A program-management plan with critical-path definition for Combustion Augmentation with Thermionic Energy Conversion (CATEC)

Thermionic energy conversion (TEC) is discussed. In recent TEC-topping analyses, overall plant efficiency (OPE) and cost of electricity (COE) improved slightly with current capabilities and substantially with fully matured technologies. Enhanced credibility derives from proven hot-corrosion protection for TEC by silicon-carbide clads in fossil fuel combustion products. Combustion augmentation with TEC (CATEC) affords minimal cost and plant perturbation, but with smaller OPE and COE improvements than more conventional topping applications. Risk minimization as well as comparative simplicity and convenience, favor CATEC for early market penetration. A program-management plan is proposed. Inputs, characteristics, outputs and capabilities are discussed.

Morris, J. F.↗

Multiyear slant-path rain fade statistics at 28.56 GHz for Wallops Island, Va.

The multiyear rain fade statistics collected in the Wallops Island, Va., area at 28.56 GHz during 1977 through 1979 showed that the overall fade distributions for the individual years showed small differences. Exceedance time variations were observed in the monthly and time of day fade data from year to year, but the second year fades relative to the first year had less than 20% rms deviation. These results are useful to designers of earth-satellite communications systems which require reliable fade statistics for establishing link-margin requirements. The Wallops Island fade distribution had an rms decibel deviation of less than 14% when compared with the International Radio Consultative Committee prediction model.

Goldhirsh, J.↗

Technology - The path to the next 50 years

The paper stresses the importance of committing time and resources to space technology based on the premise that an accurate appraisal of the impact of technology and other influences on the present state of aviation will facilitate the planning of space technology. The paper presents the technological advances in aviation since 1903 by dividing the era of aviation into four distinct segments and, by analogy, distinct phases are also seen in the evolution of space flight. One factor seen as limiting advances in space is cost. Processes in space must now be shown to be affordable; a demonstration of technological feasibility is no longer sufficient. For this reason, technology must focus on ensuring the affordability and utility of space processes. A commitment to making space affordable will yield the tools necessary to embark on future space ventures.

Williams, D. P.↗

Development of low modulus material for use in ceramic gas path seal applications

Three candidate materials were examined: Brunsbond (R) Pad; plasma sprayed porous NiCrAlY; and plasma sprayed low modulus microcracked zirconia. Evaluation consisted of mechanical, thermophysical, and oxidation resistance testing along with optical microscopy and a feasibility demonstration of attaching the material to a suitable substrate. The goals of the program were the following: feasibility of fastening or depositing the low modulus system onto a broad range of substrate alloys; feasibility of depositing or forming the low modulus system to a thickness of 0.19 cm to 0.38 cm; potential to attain a modulus of elasticity in the range of 3.4 to 6.9 GPa (0.5 to 1.0 MSI), and an ultimate strength of 17.2 MPa (2.5 ksi); suitable thermal conductivity; and static oxidation life of at least 1000 hours at 1311 K. The results of the program indicate that all three systems offer attractive properties as a strain isolator material.

Eaton, H. E.↗

Aerodynamic investigations to determine possible ice flight paths

After flights with the VFW 614 under severe icing conditions, damage to the engine was found. In wind tunnel tests a determination of the origin of this ice was made; it is supposed that the damage was caused by this ice. On the modified flight test model of the VFW 614 on a 1:15 scale, measurements were conducted in the VFW-Fokker wind tunnel with exposed particles which represented the free ice. The results of this testing are presented.

Burgsmueller, W.↗

Recent theoretical chemical dynamics at Rochester in the paths of Joseph O. Hirschfelder

A review of recent theoretical studies of gas-phase molecular rate processes, including various effects of laser radiation, is presented in the context of the extensive and influential work of Joseph O. Hirschfelder during the past half-century. The topics addressed are energy transfer, chemical reactions, unimolecular dissociation, transition states, and bound-continuum interactions.

George, T. F.↗

The path and surviving tail of a comet that fell into the sun

A satisfactory orbital solution for Comet Howard-Koomen-Michels 1979 XI is found on the assumption that the comet's line of apsides coincided with that of the Kreutz sungrazing comet group. The derived perihelion distance then shows that this is the first known case of a comet falling into the sun. A dust tail that survived the comet is studied as a particle flow phenomenon controlled by no force other than solar gravity and solar radiation pressure. The tail's outline is interpreted in terms of an onset of dust production, a peak repulsive force on the particles, and a circumsolar dustfree zone due to particle sublimation. It is shown that the surviving debris consisted mostly of absorbing, submicron size particles in hyperbolic trajectories convex to the sun and curving toward the earth. The tail width may be a product of the interaction of charged dust in the tail with a complicated structure of the coronal magnetic field.

Sekanina, Z.↗

A review of depolarization modeling for earth-space radio paths at frequencies above 10 GHz

A review is presented of models for the depolarization, caused by scattering from raindrops and ice crystals, that limits the performance of dual-polarized satellite communication systems at frequencies above 10 GHz. The physical mechanisms of depolarization as well as theoretical formulations and empirical data are examined. Three theoretical models, the transmission, attenuation-derived, and scaling models, are described and their relative merits are considered.

Bostian, C. W.↗

Radar prediction of absolute rain fade distributions for earth-satellite paths and general methods for extrapolation of fade statistics to other locations

The first absolute rain fade distribution method described establishes absolute fade statistics at a given site by means of a sampled radar data base. The second method extrapolates absolute fade statistics from one location to another, given simultaneously measured fade and rain rate statistics at the former. Both methods employ similar conditional fade statistic concepts and long term rain rate distributions. Probability deviations in the 2-19% range, with an 11% average, were obtained upon comparison of measured and predicted levels at given attenuations. The extrapolation of fade distributions to other locations at 28 GHz showed very good agreement with measured data at three sites located in the continental temperate region.

Goldhirsh, J.↗

Flight path design issues for the TOPEX mission

The proposed Ocean Topography Experiment (TOPEX) is an earth satellite mission currently under consideration by NASA. The primary purpose of the experiment is to determine the general circulation of the oceans and its variability. High precision, space based altimeter measurements will be combined with surface measurements and ocean models to accomplish the mission objectives. The paper will discuss mission requirements on orbit design, orbit selection space, derived requirements on navigation and satellite design issues which impact orbit selection. Unique aspects of the TOPEX orbit design are highlighted, such as high precision repeating orbits, 'frozen orbit' values of eccentricity and periapses, precise maneuver and orbit determination requirements and insuring crossing arcs over a calibration-site.

Frautnick, J. C.↗

Error Correction for Tandem Data-Transmission Paths

Mathematical analysis for digital data transmission calculates optimum number of binary error-correcting repeaters to install in given number of wideband channel links. Asymptotic results compared to computed numerical results.

Posner, E. C.↗