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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 163 records · Page 9

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NASA NTRS2025

Hardware in the Loop Performance of Terrestrial Powered Descent Dual Quaternion Guidance With A Custom First-Order Solver

The Safe & Precise Landing Integrated Capabilities Evolution (SPLICE) program continues to push the development of advanced descent and landing technologies. This paper will focus on the improvements made to the SPLICE Dual Quaternion Guidance (DQG) algorithm, which is a critical software component for generating approach phase and hazard avoidance trajectories. The trajectory performance of SPLICE DQG will be evaluated in preparation for a terrestrial flight test that incorporates a hazard avoidance maneuver. Additionally, the implementation of a customized first order Proportional-Integral Projected Gradient solver will be reviewed, along with preliminary execution results on the SPLICE Descent and Landing Computer (DLC).

SPLICE↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Dragonfly Mission Entry and Descent Modeling and Simulation Overview

Dragonfly is a New Frontiers Program mission, led by The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, that will deliver a rotorcraft lander to Saturn’s moon, Titan. The focus of this work is to analyze the trajectory of the entry vehicle from cruise stage separation until lander separation. This analysis is done by the NASA Langley Research Center Entry, Descent, and Landing team using the Program to Optimize Trajectories II. This paper provides an overview of the current design and the robustness of the overall entry sequence using a Monte Carlo uncertainty analysis. The work presented in this study includes the updated design, models, and analysis completed since the Dragonfly Entry, Descent, and Landing Mission Preliminary Design Review.

Simulation↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Dragonfly Mission Entry and Descent Modeling and Simulation Overview

Simulation↗

DOE OSTI2025

Benchmarking optimization methods for materials research: Gradient descent and Bayesian optimization for lithium-ion battery aging diagnostics

Accurate and efficient parameter estimation is essential for battery diagnostics and aging analysis. Here, in this study, we compare two optimization-based approaches—gradient descent and Bayesian optimization—for extracting parameters from differential voltage analysis in lithium-ion batteries. While these techniques are widely used, their relative strengths and limitations for this application are not well understood. The study evaluates the trade-offs between these methods in terms of result quality, computational cost, and reliability within this specific application. The diagnostic results from our battery data suggest adopting gradient descent as an initial method for rapid and efficient analysis, while employing more stable optimization techniques, such as Bayesian optimization, as a verification step to mitigate potential instability. Comparing the two methods provides information on algorithmic choice, while inspiring further discussions on selecting appropriate techniques for specific research tasks.

Zhao, Ziqing [Boston Univ., MA (United States)] (O↗

DOE OSTI2025

CONCURRENT, CONDENSED STEIN VARIATIONAL GRADIENT DESCENT FOR UNCERTAINTY QUANTIFICATION OF NEURAL NETWORKS

In this work, we propose a Stein variational gradient descent (SVGD) method to concurrently sparsify, train, and provide uncertainty quantification (UQ) of a complexly parameterized model, such as a neural network (NN). It employs a graph reconciliation and condensation process to reduce complexity and increase similarity in the Stein ensemble of parameterizations. Therefore, the proposed concurrent, condensed SVGD (ccSVGD) method can provide UQ on parameters, not just outputs. Furthermore, the parameter reduction speeds up the convergence of the Stein gradient descent as it reduces the combinatorial complexity by aligning and differentiating the sensitivity to parameters. These properties are demonstrated with an illustrative example and an application to a mechanical response representation problem in solid mechanics.

42 ENGINEERING↗

NASA NTRS1962

DRAG CHARACTERISTICS AND DYNAMIC STABILITY IN DESCENT OF A ROTARY PARACHUTE TESTED IN A VERTICAL TUNNEL

An investigation was conducted in the Langley 20-foot free-spinning tunnel at low speeds to determine the drag characteristics and dynamic stability in descent of a 64-inch-diameter rotary parachute. The drag coefficient of the basic rotary parachute was approximately 1.7 based on total cloth area_ cutting cloth away from the tips of the parachute permitted it to rotate faster and gave a somewhat higher drag coefficient of about 2.1. In general, the rotary parachute was extremely stable in descent, with oscillations of probably less than 1°. Small changes in rigging had no appreciable effect on the performance of the parachute. Accompanying zip folder contains video of the experimental process completed for this document and the related records for the Experimental aerodynamic performance characteristics of a rotor entry vehicle configuration. 1-3.

WIND TUNNEL↗

NASA NTRS1951

Wind-tunnel investigation of the descent characteristics of bodies of revolution simulating anti-personnel bombs

An investigation has been conducted in the Langley 20-foot free spinning tunnel to study the relative behavior in descent of a number of homogeneous balsa bodies of revolution simulating anti-personnel bombs with a small cylindrical exploding device suspended approximately 10 feet below the bomb. The bodies of revolution included hemispherical, near-hemispherical, and near-paraboloid shapes. The ordinates of one near-paraboloid shape were specified by the Office of the Chief of Ordnance, U. S. Army. The behavior of the various bodies without the cylinder was also investigated. The results of the investigation indicated that several of the bodies descended vertically with their longitudinal axis, suspension line, and small cylinder in a vertical attitude,. However, the body, the ordinates of which had been specified by the Office of the Chief of Ordnance, U. S. Army, oscillated considerably from a vertical attitude while descending and therefore appeared unsuitable for its intended use. The behavior of this body became satisfactory when its center of gravity was moved well forward from its original position. In general, the results indicated that the descent characteristics of the bodies of revolution become more favorable as their shapes approached that of a hemisphere.

Sher, S. H.↗

NASA NTRS1973

Apollo experience report: Descent propulsion system

The propulsion system for the descent stage of the lunar module was designed to provide thrust to transfer the fully loaded lunar module with two crewmen from the lunar parking orbit to the lunar surface. A history of the development of this system is presented. Development was accomplished primarily by ground testing of individual components and by testing the integrated system. Unique features of the descent propulsion system were the deep throttling capability and the use of a lightweight cryogenic helium pressurization system.

Hammock, W. R., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1972

Apollo 15 mission report, supplement 4: Descent propulsion system final flight evaluation

The results of a postflight analysis of the LM-10 Descent Propulsion System (DPS) during the Apollo 15 Mission are reported. The analysis determined the steady state performance of the DPS during the descent phase of the manned lunar landing. Flight measurement discrepancies are discussed. Simulated throttle performance results are cited along with overall performance results. Evaluations of the propellant quantity gaging system, propellant loading, pressurization system, and engine are reported. Graphic illustrations of the evaluations are included.

Avvenire, A. T.↗

NASA NTRS1973

Apollo LM guidance computer software for the final lunar descent.

In all manned lunar landings to date, the lunar module Commander has taken partial manual control of the spacecraft during the final stage of the descent, below roughly 500 ft altitude. This report describes programs developed at the Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, MIT, for use in the LM's guidance computer during the final descent. At this time computational demands on the on-board computer are at a maximum, and particularly close interaction with the crew is necessary. The emphasis is on the design of the computer software rather than on justification of the particular guidance algorithms employed. After the computer and the mission have been introduced, the current configuration of the final landing programs and an advanced version developed experimentally by the author are described.

Eyles, D.↗

NASA NTRS1973

Thermal control subsystem design of a Saturn/Uranus atmospheric entry probe for descent missions to 20 bars.

A study of scientific probes to explore the atmospheres of Saturn and Uranus to depths of between 2 and 30 bars is summarized. The study assessed configuration tradeoffs of recommended exploratory payloads, determined the types and quantities of the thermal control devices required, and evaluated thermal structural details and viable mission alternatives. These results indicated that a vented probe design with an environmental pressurization system for the first 2.5 bars of descent would satisfy the requirements for missions to either Saturn or Uranus to depths of approximately 20 bars. Parametric atmospheric descent thermal analyses are discussed and the effect of worst-case atmospheric models and navigational arrival uncertainties on mission performance are presented.

Webb, C. M.↗

NASA NTRS1972

Apollo 12 mission report: Descent, propulsion system final flight evaluation (supplement 5)

The results are presented of the postflight analysis of the Descent propulsion system (DPS) performance during the Apollo 12 Mission. The primary objective of the analysis was to determine the steady-state performance of the DPS during the descent phase of the manned lunar landing. This is a supplement ot the Apollo 12 Mission Report. In addition to further analysis of the DPS, this report brings together information from other reports and memorandums analyzing specific anomalies and performance in order to present a comprehensive description of the DPS operation during the Apollo 12 Mission.

Seto, R. K. M.↗

NASA NTRS1971

The lateral/directional stability characteristics of a four-propeller tilt-wing V/STOL model in low-speed steep descent

Lateral-directional dynamic stability derivatives are presented for a O.1-scale model of the XC-142A tilt-wing transport. The tests involved various descending flight conditions achieved at constant speed and wing incidence by varying the vehicle angle of attack. The propeller blade angle and the speed were also changed in the steepest descent case. The experimental data were analyzed assuming that the dynamic motions of the vehicle may be described by linearized equations, with the lateral-directional characteristics of the full-scale aircraft also presented and discussed. Results from this experimental investigation indicated that the full-scale aircraft would have a stable lateral-directional motion in level flight, with the dynamic motion becoming less stable as the descent angle was increased.

Dicarlo, D. J.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Helicopter optimal descent and landing after power loss

An optimal control solution is obtained for the descent and landing of a helicopter after the loss of power in level flight. The model considers the helicopter vertical velocity, horizontal velocity, and rotor speed; and it includes representations of ground effect, rotor inflow time lag, pilot reaction time, rotor stall, and the induced velocity curve in the vortex ring state. The control (rotor thrust magnitude and direction) required to minimize the vertical and horizontal velocity at contact with the ground is obtained using nonlinear optimal control theory. It is found that the optimal descent after power loss in hover is a purely vertical flight path. Good correlation, even quantitatively, is found between the calculations and (non-optimal) flight test results.

Johnson, W.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Viking Mars hydrazine terminal descent engine thermal design considerations

A description is given of some of the more significant thermal design considerations employed in the development and qualification of the monopropellant hydrazine terminal descent engines on the Viking Mars lander spacecraft. The terminal descent engine operates in a blowdown and throttling mode, which results in an operating thrust range of 638 to 90 lbf. Martian entry thermal design boundary conditions are described, along with resulting radiative and conductive engine thermal isolation hardware. Test results are presented, showing engine thermal design performance as compared with specified requirements. General engine materials of construction are described, along with Hastelloy B shell structural characteristics, which were extended to 2000 F by test and are compared with limited existing MIL-HDBK-5 data. Subscale test results are presented, showing the maximum catalyst bed cylinder design temperature of 1970 F. Test results also are presented, showing local reactor internal convective heat-transfer coefficients. Such data are unique, since the engine employs a completely radial flow catalyst bed design. This design approach is the first of its kind in the monopropellant hydrazine gas generator field to be flight qualified.

Cunningham, C. R.↗

NASA NTRS1978

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.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Experimental evaluation of active and passive means of alleviating rotor impulsive noise in descent flight

A controlled wind tunnel test program was conducted on a model 2.14 m (7 ft) diameter teetering rotor to determine the effectiveness of blade tips such as the Ogee tip and the TAMI (Tip Air Mass Injection) tip in reducing the impulsive noise due to blade-vortex interaction in descent flight. In addition, a full rectangular tip which has the same span as the Ogee tip and an effective rectangular tip which has the same lifting area as the Ogee tip were also considered. The tests were conducted at two advance ratios (0.125 and 0.14) with various descent rates ranging from steady level flight to about 6 m/sec (20 ft/sec). A comparison of the performance of different rotors showed that for the same tip Mach number and thrust, the Ogee tip rotor absorbed more power than the full rectangular tip rotor, while the TAMI tip rotor absorbed more power than the effective tip rotor.

Janakiram, D. S.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Human factors by descent energy management

This paper describes some of the results of a human factors study of energy management during descent using standard aircraft displays. Discussions with pilots highlighted the practical constraints involved and the techniques (algorithms) used to accomplish the descent. The advantages and disadvantages of these algorithms are examined with respect to workload and their sensitivity to disturbances. Vertical navigation and flight performance computers are discussed in terms of the information needed for effective pilot monitoring and takeover

Curry, R. E.↗