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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

Characterization of EMI generated by the discharge of a VOLT solar array

The interaction of a high-voltage solar array with the space plasma environment is investigated in a laboratory simulation experiment. Discharges are observed to occur when the solar array is at a sufficiently high negative bias with respect to the plasma. The frequency of occurrence of discharge is found to depend critically on the plasma density and on the geometry of the array. The electromagnetic interference (EMI) associated with a discharge is also measured. The amplitude of EMI increases with the magnitude of the high voltage. Since the discharge-generated EMI is of significant amplitude, its effect on the performance of systems in space must be evaluated.

Leung, P.↗

Noncontacting Measurement of Shaft Angle

Fiber-optic transducer offers several advantages over mechanical linkages. Angular position of rotary valve measured by pair of optical-fiber deflectometers. Measurement device sensitive, immune to electromagnetic interference, and does not wear out since fibers do not make contact with valve. Device more rugged than linear or rotary variable-differential transformers it replaces.

Barkhoudarian, S.↗

Fiber-Optic Temperature Sensor

Proposed sensor measures temperatures over wide range, from cryogenic liquids to burning gases. Made in part of optical fibers, sensor lighter in weight than thermocouple and immune to electromagnetic interference. Device does not respond to temperatures elsewhere than at sensing tip. Thermal expansion and contraction of distance between fiber end and mirror alters interference between light reflected from those two surfaces, thereby giving interferometric indication of temperatures.

Maram, Jonathan M.↗

Laboratory plasma interactions experiments: Results and implications to future space systems

The experimental results discussed show the significance of the effects caused by spacecraft plasma interactions, in particular the generation of Electromagnetic Interference. As the experimental results show, the magnitude of the adverse effects induced by Plasma Interactions (PI) will be more significant for spacecraft of the next century. Therefore, research is needed to control possible adverse effects. Several techniques to control the selected PI effects are discussed. Tests, in the form of flight experiments, are needed to validate these proposed ideas.

Leung, Philip↗

EMC and power quality standards for 20-kHz power distribution

The Space Station Power Distribution System has been baselined as a sinusoidal single phase, 440 VRMS system. This system has certain unique characteristics directly affecting its application. In particular, existing systematic description and control documents were modified to reflect the high operating frequency. This paper will discuss amendments made on Mil STD 704 (Electrical Power Characteristics), and Mil STD 461-B (Electromagnetic Emission and Susceptibility Requirements for the Control of Electromagnetic Interference). In some cases these amendments reflect changes of several orders of magnitude. Implications and impacts of these changes are discussed.

Hansen, Irving G.↗

Properties and potential applications of brominated P-100 carbon fibers

A review of the properties and potential applications of bromine-intercalated pitch-based carbon fibers is presented. The dynamics of the intercalation reaction are summarized, and characteristics, such as resistivity, density, and stability, are discussed. In addition, the mechanical and electrical properties of bromine-intercalated fiber-epoxy conposites will be addressed. With conductivities comparable to stainless steel, these brominated carbon fibers may be used in a number of composite applications, such as electromagnetic interference shielding containers, large conductive space structures, lightning strike-tolerant aircraft surfaces, and aircraft deicing applications.

Jaworske, D. A.↗

Robot Gripper With Signal Processing

Single-chip computer and sensor-circuit chips preprocess sensor data. Self-contained circuitry combines sensor signals for serial digital transmission. Gripping surfaces crossed with grooves for grasping differently shaped objects. Gripper cavities house sensors and preprocessing circuitry. Sensors and preprocessing circuitry in robot gripper reduce amount of data being transmitted between robot controller and gripper. Placement in gripper reduces signal delays and vulnerability to electromagnetic interference.

Killion, Richard R.↗

Small, Optically-Driven Power Source

Power transmitted along fiber-optic cables. Transmitted as infrared light along fiber-optic cable, converted to electricity to supply small electronic circuit. Power source and circuit remains electrically isolated from each other for safety or reduces electromagnetic interference. Array of diodes made by standard integrated-circuit techniques and packaged for mounting at end of fiber-optic cable.

Cockrum, Richard H.↗

Better welds for launch vehicles

The use and benefits of automated variable polarity plasma arc (VPPA) welding of Al joints are described. The entire welding system, including welding head manipulator, weld-wire feed, torch, and power supply are computer controlled. The importance of proper torch dynamics and the control of argon gas flow through the plasma orifice are discussed. The use of arc-voltage control, the improvements in system monitoring, and the reduction or elimination of electromagnetic interferences are examined. VPPA welding is applicable to joining Space Shuttle components, and an example of its use on an External Tank of the Shuttle is presented.

Schwinghamer, Robert J.↗

EMC and power quality standards for 20-kHz power distribution

The Space Station Power Distribution System has been baselined as a sinusoidal single phase, 440 VRMS system. This system has certain unique characteristics directly affecting its application. In particular, existing systematic description and control documents were modified to reflect the high operating frequency. This paper will discuss amendments made on Mil STD 704 (Electrical Power Characteristics), and Mil STD 461-B (Electromagnetic Emission and Susceptibility Requirements for the Control of Electromagnetic Interference). In some cases these amendments reflect changes of several orders of magnitude. Implications and impacts of these changes are discussed.

Hansen, Irving G.↗

Digital avionics susceptibility to high energy radio frequency fields

Generally, noncritical avionic systems for transport category aircraft have been designed to meet radio frequency (RF) susceptibility requirements set forth in RTCA DO 160B, environmental conditions and test procedures for airborne equipment. Section 20 of this document controls the electromagnetic interference (EMI) hardening for avionics equipment to levels of 1 and 2 V/m. Currently, US equipment manufacturers are designing flight-critical fly-by-wire avionics to a much higher level. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has requested that the RTCA SC-135 high-energy radio frequency (HERF) working group develop appropriate testing procedures for section 20 of RTCA DO 160B for radiated and conducted susceptibility at the box and systems level. The FAA has also requested the SAE AE4R committee to address installed systems testing, airframe shielding effects and RF environment monitoring. Emitters of interest include radar (ground, ship, and aircraft) commercial broadcast and TV station, mobile communication, and other transmitters that could possibly affect commercial aircraft.

Larsen, William E.↗

Spectrum-Modulating Fiber-Optic Sensors

Family of spectrum-modulating fiber-optic sensors undergoing development for use in aircraft-engine control systems. Fiber-optic sensors offer advantages of small size, high bandwidth, immunity to electromagnetic interference, and light weight. Furthermore, they reduce number of locations on aircraft to which electrical power has to be supplied.

Beheim, Glenn↗

Igniter heater EMI transient test

Testing to evaluate Redesigned Solid Rocket Motor igniter heater electromagnetic interference (EMI) effects on the Safe and Arm (S and A) device was completed. It was suspected that EMI generated by the igniter heater and it's associated electromechanical relay could cause a premature firing of the NASA Standard Initiators (NSIs) inside the S and A. The maximum voltage induced into the NSI fire lines was 1/4 of the NASA specified no-fire limit of one volt (SKB 26100066). As a result, the igniter heaters are not expected to have any adverse EMI effects on the NSIs. The results did show, however, that power switching causes occasional high transients within the igniter heater power cable. These transients could affect the sensitive equipment inside the forward skirt. It is therefore recommended that the electromechanical igniter heater relays be replaced with zero crossing solid state relays. If the solid state relays are installed, it is also recommended that they be tested for EMI transient effects.

Cook, M.↗

Preventing Simultaneous Conduction In Switching Transistors

High voltage spikes and electromagnetic interference suppressed. Power-supply circuit including two switching transistors easily modified to prevent simultaneous conduction by both transistors during switching intervals. Diode connected between collector of each transistor and driving circuit for opposite transistor suppresses driving signal to transistor being turned on until transistor being turned off ceases to carry current.

Mclyman, William T.↗

Electro-impulse de-icing testing analysis and design

Electro-Impulse De-Icing (EIDI) is a method of ice removal by sharp blows delivered by a transient electromagnetic field. Detailed results are given for studies of the electrodynamic phenomena. Structural dynamic tests and computations are described. Also reported are ten sets of tests at NASA's Icing Research Tunnel and flight tests by NASA and Cessna Aircraft Company. Fabrication of system components are described and illustrated. Fatigue and electromagnetic interference tests are reported. Here, the necessary information for the design of an EIDI system for aircraft is provided.

Zumwalt, G. W.↗

Research and test facilities for development of technologies and experiments with commercial applications

One of NASA'S agency-wide goals is the commercial development of space. To further this goal NASA is implementing a policy whereby U.S. firms are encouraged to utilize NASA facilities to develop and test concepts having commercial potential. Goddard, in keeping with this policy, will make the facilities and capabilities described in this document available to private entities at a reduced cost and on a noninterference basis with internal NASA programs. Some of these facilities include: (1) the Vibration Test Facility; (2) the Battery Test Facility; (3) the Large Area Pulsed Solar Simulator Facility; (4) the High Voltage Testing Facility; (5) the Magnetic Field Component Test Facility; (6) the Spacecraft Magnetic Test Facility; (7) the High Capacity Centrifuge Facility; (8) the Acoustic Test Facility; (9) the Electromagnetic Interference Test Facility; (10) the Space Simulation Test Facility; (11) the Static/Dynamic Balance Facility; (12) the High Speed Centrifuge Facility; (13) the Optical Thin Film Deposition Facility; (14) the Gold Plating Facility; (15) the Paint Formulation and Application Laboratory; (16) the Propulsion Research Laboratory; (17) the Wallops Range Facility; (18) the Optical Instrument Assembly and Test Facility; (19) the Massively Parallel Processor Facility; (20) the X-Ray Diffraction and Scanning Auger Microscopy/Spectroscopy Laboratory; (21) the Parts Analysis Laboratory; (22) the Radiation Test Facility; (23) the Ainsworth Vacuum Balance Facility; (24) the Metallography Laboratory; (25) the Scanning Electron Microscope Laboratory; (26) the Organic Analysis Laboratory; (27) the Outgassing Test Facility; and (28) the Fatigue, Fracture Mechanics and Mechanical Testing Laboratory.

Source record↗

High power density dc/dc converter: Selection of converter topology

The work involved in the identification and selection of a suitable converter topology is described. Three new dc/dc converter topologies are proposed: Phase-Shifted Single Active Bridge DC/DC Converter; Single Phase Dual Active Bridges DC/DC Converter; and Three Phase Dual Active Bridges DC/DC Converter (Topology C). The salient features of these topologies are: (1) All are minimal in structure, i.e., each consists of an input and output bridge, input and output filter and a transformer, all components essential for a high power dc/dc conversion process; (2) All devices of both the bridges can operate under near zero-voltage conditions, making possible a reduction of device switching losses and hence, an increase in switching frequency; (3) All circuits operate at a constant frequency, thus simplifying the task of the magnetic and filter elements; (4) Since, the leakage inductance of the transformer is used as the main current transfer element, problems associated with the diode reverse recovery are eliminated. Also, this mode of operation allows easy paralleling of multiple modules for extending the power capacity of the system; (5) All circuits are least sensitive to parasitic impedances, infact the parasitics are efficently utilized; and (6) The soft switching transitions, result in low electromagnetic interference. A detailed analysis of each topology was carried out. Based on the analysis, the various device and component ratings for each topology operating at an optimum point, and under the given specifications, are tabulated and discussed.

Divan, Deepakraj M.↗

Space Station Technology Summary

The completion of the Space Station Propulsion Advanced Technology Programs established an in-depth data base for the baseline gaseous oxygen/gaseous hydrogen thruster, the waste gas resistojet, and the associated system operations. These efforts included testing of a full end-to-end system at National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)-Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) in which oxygen and hydrogen were generated from water by electrolysis at 6.89 MPa (1,000 psia), stored and fired through the prototype thruster. Recent end-to-end system tests which generate the oxygen/hydrogen propellants by electrolysis of water at 20.67 MPa (3,000 psia) were completed on the Integrated Propulsion Test Article (IPTA) at NASA-Johnson Space Center (JSC). Resistojet testing has included 10,000 hours of life testing, plume characterization, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) testing. Extensive 25-lbf thruster testing was performed defining operating performance characteristics across the required mixture ratio and thrust level ranges. Life testing has accumulated 27 hours of operation on the prototype thruster. A total of seven injectors and five thrust chambers were fabricated to the same basic design. Five injectors and three thrust chambers designed to incorporate improved life, performance, and producibility characteristics are ready for testing. Five resistojets were fabricated and tested, with modifications made to improve producibility. The lessons learned in the area of producibility for both the O2/H2 thrusters and for the resistojet have resolved critical fabrication issues. The test results indicate that all major technology issues for long life and reliability for space station application were resolved.

Iacabucci, R.↗