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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 1,531 records · Page 85
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1975

An outlook for cargo aircraft of the future

An assessment is provided of the future of air cargo by analyzing air cargo statistics and trends, by noting air cargo system problems and inefficiencies, by analyzing characteristics of air-eligible commodities, and by showing the promise of new technology for future cargo aircraft with significant improvements in costs and efficiency. NASA's proposed program is reviewed which would sponsor the research needed to provide for development of advanced designs by 1985.

Nicks, O. W.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Coupled base motion response analysis of payload structural systems

Coupled base motion response analysis of payload structural systems is discussed. A systems analysis program is described which by component analysis structural transient response analyses can be completed. The program presents a proven technique, used initially on the Skylab program, which is designed to reduce cost and schedule time on detail structural analyses of structural payload systems. Base motion procedures are employed where critical segments of complex structural systems or components may be analyzed for various load conditions without having to re-establish the entire structural system coupled model properties. The transient response characteristics of a complex structural system are used as a basis for evaluating the transient response of a similar system.

Devers, A. D.↗
NASA NTRS1976

The use of a very high temperature nuclear reactor in the manufacture of synthetic fuels

The three parts of a program directed toward creating a cost-effective nuclear hydrogen production system are described. The discussion covers the development of a very high temperature nuclear reactor (VHTR) as a nuclear heat and power source capable of producing the high temperature needed for hydrogen production and other processes; the development of a hydrogen generation process based on water decomposition, which can utilize the outputs of the VHTR and be integrated with many different ultimate hydrogen consuming processes; and the evaluation of the process applications of the nuclear hydrogen systems to assess the merits and potential payoffs. It is shown that the use of VHTR for the manufacture of synthetic fuels appears to have a very high probability of making a positive contribution to meeting the nation's energy needs in the future.

Farbman, G. H.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Evaluation of selected chemical processes for production of low-cost silicon, phase 2

Potential designs for an integrated fluidized-bed reactor/zinc vaporizer/SiCl4 preheater unit are being considered and heat-transfer calculations have been initiated on versions of the zinc vaporizer section. Estimates of the cost of the silicon prepared in the experimental facility have been made for projected capacities of 25, 50, 75, and 100 metric ton of silicon. A 35 percent saving is obtained in going from 25 metric ton/year to the 50 metric ton/year level. This analysis, coupled with the recognition that use of two reactors in the 50 metric ton/year version allows for continued operation (at reduced capacity) with one reactor shut down, has resulted in a recommendation for adoption of an experimental facility capacity of 50 metric ton/year or greater. At this stage, the change to a larger size facility would not increase the design costs appreciably. In the experimental support program, the effects of seed bed particle size and depth were studied, and operation of the miniplant with a new zinc vaporizer was initiated, revealing the need for modification of the latter.

Blocher, J. M., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Solar photovoltaic systems

The Department of Energy's photovoltaic program is outlined. The main objective of the program is the development of low cost reliable terrestrial photovoltaic systems. A second objective is to foster widespread use of the system in residential, industrial and commercial application. The system is reviewed by examining each component; silicon solar cell, silicon solar cell modules, advanced development modules and power systems. Cost and applications of the system are discussed.

Forney, R. G.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Chemical vapor deposition growth

The objective was to investigate and develop chemical vapor deposition (CVD) techniques for the growth of large areas of Si sheet on inexpensive substrate materials, with resulting sheet properties suitable for fabricating solar cells that would meet the technical goals of the Low Cost Silicon Solar Array Project. The program involved six main technical tasks: (1) modification and test of an existing vertical-chamber CVD reactor system; (2) identification and/or development of suitable inexpensive substrate materials; (3) experimental investigation of CVD process parameters using various candidate substrate materials; (4) preparation of Si sheet samples for various special studies, including solar cell fabrication; (5) evaluation of the properties of the Si sheet material produced by the CVD process; and (6) fabrication and evaluation of experimental solar cell structures, using impurity diffusion and other standard and near-standard processing techniques supplemented late in the program by the in situ CVD growth of n(+)/p/p(+) sheet structures subsequently processed into experimental cells.

Ruth, R. P.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Space Resources and Space Settlements

This publication contains the technical papers from the five task groups that took part in the 1977 Ames Summer Study on Space Settlements and Industrialization Using Nonterrestrial Materials. The study was sponsored by the following NASA Headquarters organizations: Office of Space Science, Office of Aeronautics and Space Technology, and Office of Space Transportation Systems. The NASA Ames Research Center hosted the study and provided administrative support through its Life Sciences Directorate. Expert assistance in the many aspects of the study came from NASA Headquarters, NASA centers, universities, industry, and from individual consultants. This summer study was the largest and most comprehensive investigation of space manufacturing and habitation to date; forty senior research workers and ten students participated. The six-week study was preceded by several months of planning and preparation, and was followed by extensive work on manuscript checking, review, and assembly. The study topics reflected the research areas requiring the most intensive attention as ofrnid-1977; they were: Group I: Regenerative life-support systems and controlled environment agriculture. Group II: Parametric studies of efficient habitats in space. Time and cost analysis of a space manufacturing program plan. Group III: Detection and analysis of special classes of asteroids suitable as material resources for space manufacturing; studies of retrieval missions. Group IV: Electromagnetic mass drivers for use as interorbital engines, as devices to launch lunar material into space, and as tugs for the retrieval of asteroidal material. Group V: Chemical processing of non terrestrial material in space; manufacture of metals and glass fibers, beneficiation, and design of processing plants. These five task groups each produced two or more technical papers, signed by the contributing members. The papers were subjected to independent peer review by scientists not connected with the study. During the course of the study, frequent formal and informal exchanges of information occurred between task groups, so that the entire effort evolved in a coherent fashion and was directed toward common goals. However, each group remained responsible for the choice of its topics and for its conclusions. A listing of all the participants is given on pages vii-x. It would be inappropriate for me to single out particular people or groups for special mention, since all involved applied their skills with dedication and enthusiasm. Instead, I thank everyone for their contributions to the success of the study, and also for making it a united and warmly cooperative personal experience.

John Billingham↗
NASA NTRS1979

Extraterrestrial processing and manufacturing of large space systems, volume 2, chapters 7-14 and appendices

Production and support equipment specifications are described for the space manufacturing facility (SMF). Defined production equipment includes electromagnetic pumps for liquid metal, metal alloying furnaces, die casters, electron beam welders and cutters, glass forming for structural elements, and rolling. A cost analysis is presented which includes the development, the aquisition of all SMF elements, initial operating cost, maintenance and logistics cost, cost of terrestrial materials, and transportation cost for each major element. Computer program listings and outputs are appended.

Miller, R. H.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Considerations in STS payload environmental verification

The current philosophy of the GSFS regarding environmental verification of Shuttle payloads is reviewed. In the structures area, increased emphasis will be placed on the use of analysis for design verification, with selective testing performed as necessary. Furthermore, as a result of recent cost optimization analysis, the multitier test program will presumably give way to a comprehensive test program at the major payload subassembly level after adequate workmanship at the component level has been verified. In the thermal vacuum area, thought is being given to modifying the approaches used for conventional spacecraft.

Keegan, W. B.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Solar power satellite system definition study, phase 2. Part 1: Midterm briefing

An overview of the program plan for the Solar Power Satellite Program is given. Progress in the microwave power transmission system is reported. A description is given of the following: (1) launch and recovery site facilities, systems and operations; (2) cargo packaging; (3) earth-to-LEO cargo transportation operations; (4) LEO-to-GEO cargo transportation operations; (5) personnel transportation operations; (6) space vehicles in-space maintenance operations; and (7) SPS maintenance systems and operations. Other topics discussed include GEO base operations, satellite construction operations, intra-base logistics, and GEO base definition. A research and program plan is presented along with cost estimates.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1980

Use of Glass Reinforced Concrete (GRC) as a substrate for photovoltaic modules

A substrate for flat plate photovoltaic solar panel arrays using a glass fiber reinforced concrete (GRC) material was developed. The installed cost of this GRC panel is 30% less than the cost goal of the Near Term Low-Cost Flat Plate Photovoltaic Solar Array Program. The 4 ft by 8 ft panel is fabricated from readily available inexpensive materials, weighs a nominal 190 lbs., has exceptionally good strength and durability properties (rigid and resists weathering), is amenable to mass production and is easily installed on simple mountings. Solar cells are encapsulated in ethylene/vinyl acetate with Tedlar backing and Korad cover film. The laminates are attached to the GRC substrate with acrylic transfer tape and edge sealed with silicone RTV adhesive.

Eirls, J. L.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Satellite Power Systems (SPS) concept definition study. Volume 4: Transportation analysis

Transportation system elements were synthesized and evaluated on the basis of their potential to satisfy overall satellite (SPS) transportation requirements and of their sensitivities, interfaces, and impact on the SPS. Additional analyses and investigations were conducted to further define transportation system concepts that will be needed for the developmental and operational phases of an SPS program. To accomplish these objectives, transportation systems such as shuttle and its derivatives have been identified; new heavy lift launch vehicle concepts, cargo and personnel orbital transfer vehicles and intra-orbit transfer vehicle concepts have been evaluated. To a limited degree, the program implications of their operations and costs were assessed. The results of these analyses have been integrated into other elements of the overall SPS concept definition studies.

Hanley, G. M.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Reduced power processor requirements for the 30-cm diameter HG ion thruster

The characteristics of power processors strongly impact the overall performance and cost of electric propulsion systems. A program was initiated to evaluate simplifications of the thruster-power processor interface requirements. The power processor requirements are mission dependent with major differences arising for those missions which require a nearly constant thruster operating point (typical of geocentric and some inbound planetary missions) and those requiring operation over a large range of input power (such as outbound planetary missions). This paper describes the results of tests which have indicated that as many as seven of the twelve power supplies may be eliminated from the present Functional Model Power Processor used with 30-cm diameter Hg ion thrusters.

Rawlin, V. K.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Opportunities for structural improvements for an advanced supersonic transport vehicle

The superplastically formed diffusion-bonded (SPF/DB) program has developed successfully and far enough to recommend that a major structural program to validate the weight and cost of SPF/DB sandwich titanium structure should be initiated. The NASA Langley study of wing and fuselage SPF/DB sandwich panels shows that this process is potentially structurally efficient. The Douglas SPF/DB expanded sandwich process that utilizes a welded core sheet that expands to face sheets proves to be very efficient. The theoretical weight optimization design charts for the wing and fuselage concepts were validated by small-scale tests. Mnay design applications were fabricated. Projecting the results of an SPF/DB sandwich airframe structure to a MDC AST design shows significant weight and cost savings. A 6 percent lower direct operating cost was calculated. A growth AST utilizing composites, metal matrices, and SPF/DB sandwich shows future promise for a post-1990 technology readiness. Titanium SPF/DB sandwich, compared to presently available aluminum structure, is superior for application to a Mach 2.2 supersonic transport.

Fischler, J. E.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Satellite Power Systems (SPS) concept definition study (Exhibit D). Volume 3: Transportation analysis

Additional analyses and investigations were conducted to further define transportation system concepts that will be needed for the developmental and operational phases of an SPS program. To accomplish these objectives, transportation systems such as the Shuttle and its derivatives were identified; new heavy lift launch vehicle (HLLV) concepts, cargo and personnel orbital transfer vehicles (EOTV and POTV), and intraorbit transfer vehicle (IOTV) concepts were evaluated; and, to a limited degree, the program implications of their operations and costs were assessed. The results of these analyses were integrated into other elements of the overall SPS concept definition studies.

Hanley, G. M.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Orbit Transfer Vehicle Engine Study. Phase A, extension 1: Study plan update

The updated study plan for the Space Transportation System orbit transfer vehicle (OTV) engine study is presented. The study program consists of engine system, programmatic, cost, and risk analyses of OTV engine concepts. Detailed task descriptions for the advanced expander cycle engine optimization, alternate low thrust capability, and safety, reliability, and cost comparisons are given.

Mellish, J. A.↗