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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 145 records · Page 8

Effects of atmospheric conditions on the operating characteristics of supersonic cruise aircraft

Since for maximum range a supersonic transport must cruise near its maximum Mach number, accurate flight control is needed, especially when severe atmospheric transients are encountered. This paper describes atmospheric transients that have been encountered by the XB-70, YF-12, and Concorde aircraft during supersonic flights and the ensuing responses of the aircraft propulsion and flight control systems. It was found that atmospheric conditions affected these supersonic cruise vehicles in much the same way, with minor differences according to the type of propulsion and flight control system. Onboard sensors are sufficiently accurate to provide data on the atmosphere, including turbulence over the route, that are accurate enough for entry in the climatic record and for use as inputs to the control systems. Nominal atmospheric transients can be satisfactorily controlled, but some problems remain for extreme cases.

Schweikhard, W. G.↗

On the mass of Saturn's rings

This paper presents a statistical estimate of the mass of Saturn's rings, determined to be (6.2 plus or minus 2.4) x 10 to the -6th masses of Saturn. This value was obtained by fitting a gravitational model of the Saturn system which included rings, satellites, and the planet to the observed secular apsidal and nodal rates of the inner satellites. The apsidal commensurability of particles in the rings of Titan was shown to produce no significant effect on the structure of the rings.

Mclaughlin, W. I.↗

A simple method for estimating minimum autorotative descent rate of single rotor helicopters

Flight test results of minimum autorotative descent rate are compared with calculations based on the minimum power required for steady level flight. Empirical correction factors are derived that account for differences in energy dissipation between these two flight conditions. A method is also presented for estimating the minimum power coefficient for level flight for any helicopter for use in the empirical estimation procedure of autorotative descent rate.

Talbot, P. D.↗

Interstellar cloud material - Contribution to planetary atmospheres

A statistical analysis of the properties of dense interstellar clouds indicates that the solar system has encountered at least a dozen clouds of sufficient density to cause planets to accumulate nonnegligible amounts of some isotopes. The effect is most pronounced for neon. This mechanism could be responsible for much of the neon in Earth's atmosphere. For Mars, the predicted amount of neon added by cloud encounters greatly exceeds the present abundance.

Butler, D. M.↗

A piloted simulator study on augmentation systems to improve helicopter flying qualities in terrain flight

Four basic single-rotor helicopters, one teetering, on articulated, and two hingeless, which were found to have a variety of major deficiencies in a previous fixed-based simulator study, were selected as baseline configurations. The stability and control augmentation systems (SCAS) include simple control augmentation systems to decouple pitch and yaw responses due to collective input and to quicken the pitch and roll control responses; SCAS of rate-command type designed to optimize the sensitivity and damping and to decouple the pitch-roll due to aircraft angular tate; and attitude-command type SCAS. Pilot ratings and commentary are presented as well as performance data related to the task. SCAS control usages and their gain levels associated with specific rotor types are also discussed.

Chen, R. T. N.↗

A piloted simulator investigation of augmentation systems to improve helicopter nap-of-the-earth handling qualities

A piloted simulation study assessed various levels of stability and control augmentation designed to improve the handling qualities of several helicopters in nap-of-the-earth (NOE) flight. Five basic single rotor helicopters - one teetering, two articulated, and two hingeless - which were found to have a variety of major deficiencies in a previous fixed-based simulator study were selected as baseline configurations. The stability and control augmentation systems (SCAS) include simple control augmentation systems (CAS) to decouple pitch and yaw responses due to collective input and to quicken the pitch and roll control responses; SCAS of rate command type designed to optimize the sensitivity and damping and to decouple the pitch-roll due to aircraft angular rate; and attitude command type SCAS. Pilot ratings and commentary are presented as well as performance data related to the task. SCAS control usage and their gain levels associated with specific rotor type are also discussed.

Chen, R. T. N.↗

Picture processing analysis of the optical structure of NGC 5128 /Centaurus A/

Results are presented for a detailed study of the peculiar elliptical galaxy NGC 5128 (Cen A), based on computer video analysis of several photographic plates of exceptional quality reduced to the standard UBV system. The picture-processing results and the measured properties of the elliptical and gaseous-disk components of NGC 5128 are examined, along with the distribution, spectral characteristics, and chemical composition of the H II regions in the disk. The data show that NGC 5128 consists of a giant E2 galaxy containing a significant amount of gas and dust situated predominantly in an equatorial disk where vigorous star formation is occurring. Reasons why NGC 5128 is so different from giant ellipticals in clusters are considered.

Dufour, R. J.↗

Effects of rotor parameter variations on handling qualities of unaugmented helicopters in simulated terrain flight

A coordinated analysis and ground simulator experiment was performed to investigate the effects on single rotor helicopter handling qualities of systematic variations in the main rotor hinge restraint, hub hinge offset, pitch-flap coupling, and blade lock number. Teetering rotor, articulated rotor, and hingeless rotor helicopters were evaluated by research pilots in special low level flying tasks involving obstacle avoidance at 60 to 100 knots airspeed. The results of the experiment are in the form of pilot ratings, pilot commentary, and some objective performance measures. Criteria for damping and sensitivity are reexamined when combined with the additional factors of cross coupling due to pitch and roll rates, pitch coupling with collective pitch, and longitudinal static stability. Ratings obtained with and without motion are compared. Acceptable flying qualities were obtained within each rotor type by suitable adjustment of the hub parameters, however, pure teetering rotors were found to lack control power for the tasks. A limit for the coupling parameter L sub q/L sub p of 0.35 is suggested.

Talbot, P. D.↗

The carbon abundance in two h 2 regions of the small Megallanic Cloud

Observations of the ultraviolet spectra of two locations in the H II region NGC 346 and of the entire H II region IC 1644 in the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) were made using the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) satellite. The abundance of carbon in the nebulae was derived using theoretical model analysis combined with ground-based spectrophotometry of other emission lines. The abundance of C relative to H in the SMC was found to be lower by -0.9 dex compared with the Sun and lower by -0.8 dex compared with the Orion Nebula. This C deficiency is similar to that of O, Ne, S, and Ar in the SMC, but not as great as found for N. The sites and history of C nucleosynthesis in galaxies is similar to that of O, Ne, S, and Ar, in contrast to that of N, which appears to be more complex, perhaps because of a mixture of secondary primary sources or a significant contribution from intermediate-mass long-lived stars.

Dufour, R. J.↗

Rotorcraft researchers and operators - Is there is common ground

An investigation is conducted concerning the extent to which a program for rotorcraft research presented by NASA meets the user needs. Problems of civil operators are examined, taking into account powerplants, reliability and maintainability, environment, noise and vibration, and lack of space for passengers' baggage. A description of applicable technology is provided, giving attention to aerodynamics and structures, propulsion, power transfer methodology, flight control, avionic systems, human factors, and vehicle configurations. One of the most difficult challenges in trying to bring research to bear on operator problems is that in general researchers are working on long-term solutions while operators are seeking short-term answers. Attention is also given to potential technological bright spots, higher risk technologies, highest technological risks, and advanced vehicle configurations.

Talbot, P. D.↗

The carbon abundance in the Magellanic Clouds from IUE observations of H II regions

Results are given of observations of the UV spectra of several H II regions in the Magellanic Clouds, with emphasis on obtaining the carbon abundance from the UV lines of C II, C III, and C IV. The observations and results are described, and theoretical model calculations are presented of the H II regions and the relative abundances of H, He, C, N, O, S, Cl, and Ar computed from the UV and visual spectra. In addition, the abundance results for the Magellanic Clouds are compared with the sun, the Orion Nebula, and galactic planetary nebulae. In comparison with solar abundances, carbon is found to be depleted relative to hydrogen in the Magellanic Clouds by an amount larger than that of nitrogen and oxygen in the SMC and by an amount between that of nitrogen and oxygen in the LMC. It is noted that the results are consistent with a scenario that nitrogen and oxygen have greater primary yields in massive stars than carbon, which may be produced predominantly in less massive stars (such that C/N and C/O in galaxies are initially very low and subsequently increase with evolution). Subsequently, the C/N ratio may decrease as secondary production of nitrogen in less massive stars becomes significant.

Dufour, R. J.↗

A mathematical model of a single main rotor helicopter for piloted simulation

A mathematical model, suitable for piloted simulation of the flying qualities of helicopters, is a nonlinear, total force and moment model of a single main rotor helicopter. The model has ten degrees of freedom: six rigid body, three rotor flapping, and the rotor rotational degrees of freedom. The rotor model assumes rigid blades with rotor forces and moments radially integrated and summed about the azimuth. The fuselage aerodynamic model uses a detailed representation over a nominal angle of attack and sideslip range of + or - 15 deg., as well as a simplified curve fit at large angles of attack or sideslip. Stabilizing surface aerodynamics are modeled with a lift curve slope between stall limits and a general curve fit for large angles of attack. A generalized stability and control augmentation system is described. Additional computer subroutines provide options for a simplified engine/governor model, atmospheric turbulence, and a linearized six degree of freedom dynamic model for stability and control analysis.

Talbot, P. D.↗

Research opportunities in space motion sickness, phase 2

Space and motion sickness, the current and projected NASA research program, and the conclusions and suggestions of the ad hoc Working Group are summarized. The frame of reference for the report is ground-based research.

Talbot, J. M.↗

Effect of buoyancy and power design parameters on hybrid airship performance

The effects of several design parameters on the performance of hybrid airships having rotors and propellers were examined with a simple mathematical model. The parameters included buoyancy ratio, Froude number, ratio of rotor power to total power, and rotor shaft tilt. Performance variations resulting from changes in these parameters were calculated, and are presented and discussed. Performance quantities included best climb rate, equivalent vehicle L/D, and maximum speed. Performance at all speeds between hover and maximum speed was found to be sensitive to power distribution between rotors and propellers, and to rotor shaft tilt.

Talbot, P. D.↗

Trajectory Analysis and the Orbit Determination

Two programs aid in trajectory analysis. DPTRAJ, ODP and their supporting utility programs capable of handling massive amounts of data and performing numerical calculations required for solving navigation problems associated with planetary fly-by and lander missions. Used extensively in support of Voyager.

Alderson, D. J.↗