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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

Beyond Guesswork: Code Verification for Acoustic Duct Mode Prediction

The code used in the work (Swirl) is a frequency-domain linearized Euler equation solver that is designed to predict the effect of acoustic liners on acoustic modes propagating in realistic sheared and swirling mean flows, guiding the design of more efficient liner configurations. The purpose of this study is to validate Swirl using the Method Of Manufactured Solutions (MMS). This study also investigated the effect of the integration and spatial differencing methods on the convergence for a given Manufactured Solution. In addition, the effect of boundary condition implementation was tested. Through rigorous validation of the Swirl code using the MMS, this research underscores the significance of integration and spatial differencing methods on convergence, evaluates boundary condition implementations, and systematically assesses the impact of various filters.

Code Verification↗

Experiments on Exhaust Noise of Tightly Integrated Propulsion Systems

A wide-ranging series of tests have been completed that seek to map the effects of installation, including jet by jet interaction effects, on exhaust noise from various nozzles in forward flight. The primary data was far-field acoustic spectral directivity. The goals of the test series were (i) to generate enough data for empirical models of the different effects, and (ii) to provide data for advanced computational noise predictions methods applied to simplified yet realistic configurations. Data is presented that demonstrate several checks on data quality and that provide an overview of trends observed to date. Among the findings presented here: (i) Data was repeatable between jet rigs for single nozzles with and without surfaces to within +/- 0.5 dB. (ii) The presence of a second jet caused a strong reduction of the summed noise in the plane of the two plumes and an increase over the expected source doubling in most other azimuthal planes. (iii) The impact of the second jet was reduced when the jets were unheated. (iv) The impact of adding a second isolated rectangular jet was relatively independent of the nozzle aspect ratio up to aspect ratio 8:1. (v) Forward flight had similar impact on a high aspect ratio (8:1) jet as on an axisymmetric jet, except at the peak noise angle where the impact was less. (vi) The effect of adding a second round jet to a tightly integrated nozzle where the nozzle lip was less than a diameter from the surface was very dependent upon the length of the surface downstream of the nozzle. (vii) When the nozzles were rectangular and tightly integrated with the airframe surface the impact of a second jet was very dependent upon how close together the two jets were. This paper serves as an overview of the test; other papers presented in the same conference will give more detailed analysis of the results.

Noise↗

Cyclic loads tests of carbon involute solid rocket motor outer boot ring segments

The cyclic loads tests performed on the 30-in. segments of the DM-9 (Development Motor-9) configuration solid rocket outer boot ring are described. The tests found that the effect of the cyclic loadings on the structural integrity of the outer boot ring was negligible. The results are compared with a hand analysis of the strength of a 30-in. outer boot ring segment. Several phenomena of engineering interest are also described.

Ahmed, Rafiq↗

Characterization facility for magneto-optic media and systems

Objectives of this research are: (1) to measure the hysteresis loop, Kerr rotation angle, anisotropy energy profile, Hall voltage, and magnetoresistance of thin-film magneto-optic media using our loop-tracer; (2) measure the wavelength-dependence of the Kerr rotation angle, Theta(sub k), and ellipticity, epsilon(sub k), for thin-film media using our magneto-optic Kerr spectrometer (MOKS); (3) measure the dielectric tensor of thin-film and multilayer samples using our variable-angle magneto-optic ellipsometer (VAMOE); (4) measure the hysteresis loop, coercivity, remanent magnetization, saturation magnetization, and anisotropy energy constant for thin film magnetic media using vibrating sample magnetometry; (5) observe small magnetic domains and investigate their interaction with defects using magnetic force microscopy; (6) perform static read/write/erase experiments on thin-film magneto-optic media using our static test station; (7) integrate the existing models of magnetization, magneto-optic effects, coercivity, and anisotropy in an interactive and user-friendly environment, and analyze the characterization data obtained in the various experiments, using this modeling package; (8) measure focusing- and tracking-error signals on a static testbed, determine the 'feedthrough' for various focusing schemes, investigate the effects of polarization and birefringence, and compare the results with diffraction-based calculations; and (9) measure the birefringence of optical disk substrates using two variable angle ellipsometers.

Mansuripur, M.↗

A Case Study of 4 & 5 Cost Effectiveness

This paper looks at the Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) of NASA's Space Shuttle Day of Launch I-Load Update (DoLILU) project. IV&V is defined. The system's development life cycle is explained. Data collection and analysis are described. DoLILU Issue Tracking Reports (DITRs) authored by IV&V personnel are analyzed to determine the effectiveness of IV&V in finding errors before the code, testing, and integration phase of the software development life cycle. The study's findings are reported along with the limitations of the study and planned future research.

Neal, Ralph D.↗

Lessons Learned on Operating and Preparing Operations for a Technology Mission from the Perspective of the Earth Observing-1 Mission

The New Millennium Program's first Earth-observing mission (EO-1) is a technology validation mission. It is managed by the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland and is scheduled for launch in the summer of 2000. The purpose of this mission is to flight-validate revolutionary technologies that will contribute to the reduction of cost and increase of capabilities for future land imaging missions. In the EO-1 mission, there are five instrument, five spacecraft, and three supporting technologies to flight-validate during a year of operations. EO-1 operations and the accompanying ground system were intended to be simple in order to maintain low operational costs. For purposes of formulating operations, it was initially modeled as a small science mission. However, it quickly evolved into a more complex mission due to the difficulties in effectively integrating all of the validation plans of the individual technologies. As a consequence, more operational support was required to confidently complete the on-orbit validation of the new technologies. This paper will outline the issues and lessons learned applicable to future technology validation missions. Examples of some of these include the following: (1) operational complexity encountered in integrating all of the validation plans into a coherent operational plan, (2) initial desire to run single shift operations subsequently growing to 6 "around-the-clock" operations, (3) managing changes in the technologies that ultimately affected operations, (4) necessity for better team communications within the project to offset the effects of change on the Ground System Developers, Operations Engineers, Integration and Test Engineers, S/C Subsystem Engineers, and Scientists, and (5) the need for a more experienced Flight Operations Team to achieve the necessary operational flexibility. The discussion will conclude by providing several cost comparisons for developing operations from previous missions to EO-1 and discuss some details that might be done differently for future technology validation missions.

Mandl, Dan↗

Overview of High-Resolution Nondestructive Inspection of the Space Shuttle External Tank (ET) Spray-on-Foam Insulation (SOFI) and Acreage Heat tiles using Focused, Synthetic and Holographical Millimeter Wave Techniques

Space Shuttle Columbia's catastrophic failure has been attributed to a piece of spray-on-foam insulation (SOFI) that was dislodged from the external tank (ET) and struck the leading edge of the left wing. A piece of SOFI was also dislodged in the recent Space Shuttle Discovery's flight. From immediately after the Columbia accident, microwave and millimeter wave nondestructive testing methods were considered as potential effective inspection tools for evaluating the integrity of the SOFI. To this end and as a result of these efforts, both real-focused, synthetic focusing and holographical techniques, at a wide range of frequencies covering 24 GHz to 150 GHz, have been developed for this purpose. Images of various complex SOFI panels with a wide range of embedded anomalies (representing real potential defects) have been produced using these techniques, including relatively small anomalies located near complex structural features representative of the external tank. These real-focused and 3D holographical images have effectively demonstrated the utility of these methods for SOFI inspection as being viable, robust, repeatable, simple, portable and relatively inexpensive (tens of $K as opposed to hundreds of $K). In addition, the potential viability of these methods for inspecting acreage heat tiles have has been demonstrated. This paper presents an overview of these activities, representative images of these panels using all of the imaging techniques used and a discussion of the practical attributes of these inspection methods.

Kharkovsky, S.↗

Design and Testing of an Ultra-Light Weight Perching System for Sloped or Vertical Rough Surfaces on Mars

In this paper, we present the design, characterization, and functional demonstration of a perching system that enables a flying vehicle to land on rough sloped or vertical surfaces. Steep slopes are of particular scientific interest since they are often associated with geologically interesting features including sites of active modification (e.g. landslides/avalanches, slope streaks), exposed bedrock and/or ice, and as-yet unmodified young features (e.g. walls of fresh craters or polar pits that are actively expanding). However the steep nature of these sites makes access with traditional field robots difficult: ground vehicles are unable to traverse the steep terrain and aerial vehicles are limited by their flight time and an ability to operate near terrain. We propose to address these limitation by enabling the UAV to reliably perch on steep terrain to perform in situ measurements and collect samples. Perching also enables a solar powered UAV to traverse large terrain features such as the Valles Marineris that could not be covered in a single flight by repeatedly perching and recharging its batteries. The proposed perching system that is being developed consists of a microspine gripper, a compliant gripper to vehicle interface, and a flying vehicle equipped with an autonomy sensor suite. The system also includes perception and control algorithms that identify perching targets and execute the required perching maneuver. To date, the majority of the effort has focused on developing and characterizing the microspine gripper. The initial prototype weighs 100 g, is capable of securely grasping a range of natural surfaces, and successful grasps support loads of over 10 N. Refinement of the gripper, integrating and testing it on a UAV, measuring aerodynamic distrubances from wall effects, and developing the required perception and control algorithms is ongoing. This paper describes the overall architecture of our proposed system, the design of the gripper, and its performance during initial testing.

Backus, Spencer↗

Microwave holography for nondestructive testing

Holographic methods permit use of very large effective apertures so that weak signals can be collected over wide area and integrated to form image. Technique, modification of side-looking radar principle, can be used at very short ranges needed for nondestructive inspection of test specimens.

Cribbs, R. W.↗

Design integration and noise studies for jet STOL aircraft. Volume 1: Program summary

This program was undertaken to develop, through analysis, design, experimental static testing, wind tunnel testing, and design integration studies, an augmentor wing jet flap configuration for a jet STOL transport aircraft having maximum propulsion and aerodynamic performance with minimum noise generation. The program had three basic elements: (1) static testing of a scale wing section to demonstrate augmentor performance and noise characteristics; (2) two-dimensional wind tunnel testing to determine flight speed effects on performance; and (3) system design and evaluation which integrated the augmentor information obtained into a complete system and ensured that the design was compatible with the requirements for a large STOL transport having a 500-ft sideline noise of 95 PNdB or less. This objective has been achieved.

Okeefe, V. O.↗

Impact of Jovian radiation environmental hazard on spacecraft and mission development design

The environmental impact on the TOPS 12L configuration is discussed. The activities in system environmental design and testing are described, and radiation design restraints based on the upper limit model are given. Range energy cutoffs in aluminum are also presented and the effective shielding thicknesses for electrons and protons of different energies are included. Design integration problems and radiation testing aspects are considered. Data are given for selecting the parts which should be tested in a formal test program, and the piece-part radiation thresholds are tabulated for electrons and protons.

Divita, E.↗

Design and test of a prototype scale ejector wing

A two dimensional momentum integral analysis was used to examine the effect of changing inlet area ratio, diffuser area ratio, and the ratio of ejector length to width. A relatively wide range of these parameters was considered. It was found that for constant inlet area ratio the augmentation increases with the ejector length, and for constant length: width ratio the augmentation increases with inlet area ratio. Scale model tests were used to verify these trends and to examine th effect of aspect ratio. On the basis of these results, an ejector configuration was selected for fabrication and testing at a scale representative of an ejector wing aircraft. The test ejector was powered by a Pratt-Whitney F401 engine developing approximately 12,000 pounds of thrust. The results of preliminary tests indicate that the ejector develops a thrust augmentation ratio better than 1.65.

Mefferd, L. A.↗

The Effect of Faster Engine Response on the Lateral Directional Control of a Damaged Aircraft

The integration of flight control and propulsion control has been a much discussed topic, especially for emergencies where the engines may be able to help stabilize and safely land a damaged aircraft. Previous research has shown that for the engines to be effective as flight control actuators, the response time to throttle commands must be improved. Other work has developed control modes that accept a higher risk of engine failure in exchange for improved engine response during an emergency. In this effort, a nonlinear engine model (the Commercial Modular Aero-Propulsion System Simulation 40k) has been integrated with a nonlinear airframe model (the Generic Transport Model) in order to evaluate the use of enhanced-response engines as alternative yaw rate control effectors. Tests of disturbance rejection and command tracking were used to determine the impact of the engines on the aircraft's dynamical behavior. Three engine control enhancements that improve the response time of the engine were implemented and tested in the integrated simulation. The enhancements were shown to increase the engine s effectiveness as a yaw rate control effector when used in an automatic feedback loop. The improvement is highly dependent upon flight condition; the airframe behavior is markedly improved at low altitude, low speed conditions, and relatively unchanged at high altitude, high speed.

May, Ryan D.↗

Ion engine auxiliary propulsion applications and integration study

The benefits derived from application of the 8-cm mercury electron bombardment ion thruster were assessed. Two specific spacecraft missions were studied. A thruster was tested to provide additional needed information on its efflux characteristics and interactive effects. A Users Manual was then prepared describing how to integrate the thruster for auxiliary propulsion on geosynchronous satellites. By incorporating ion engines on an advanced communications mission, the weight available for added payload increases by about 82 kg (181 lb) for a 100 kg (2200 lb) satellite which otherwise uses electrothermal hydrazine. Ion engines can be integrated into a high performance propulsion module that is compatible with the multimission modular spacecraft and can be used for both geosynchronous and low earth orbit applications. The low disturbance torques introduced by the ion engines permit accurate spacecraft pointing with the payload in operation during thrusting periods. The feasibility of using the thruster's neutralizer assembly for neutralization of differentially charged spacecraft surfaces at geosynchronous altitude was demonstrated during the testing program.

S. Zafran↗

Changes in Polymeric Tether Properties Due to Atomic Oxygen

The Propulsive Small Expendable Deployer System (ProSEDS) mission is designed to provide an on-orbit demonstration of the electrodynamic propulsion capabilities of tethers in space. The ProSEDS experiment will be a secondary payload on a Delta II unmanned expendable booster. A 5-km conductive tether is attached to the Delta II second stage and collects current fiom the low Earth orbit (LEO) plasma to facilitate de-orbit of the spent stage. The conductive tether is attached to a 10-km non-conductive tether, which is then attached to an endmass containing several scientific instruments. Atomic oxygen (AO) erodes most organic materials. As the orbit of the Delta II second stage decas, the AO flux (atoms/sq cm sec) increases. A nominal AO fluence of 1 x l0(exp 21) atoms/sq cm was agreed upon by the investigators as an adequate level for evaluating the performance of the tether materials. A test series was performed to determine the effect of atomic oxygen (AO) on the mechanical integrity and possible strength loss of ProSEDS tether materials. The tether materials in this study were Dyneema, an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene material used as the non-conducting portion of the ProSEDS tether, and the Kevlar core strength fiber used in the conductive tether. Samples of Dyneema and Kevlar were exposed to various levels of atomic oxygen up to 1.07 x 10(exp 21) atoms/sq cm in the Marshall Space Flight Center Atomic Oxygen Beam Facility (AOBF). Changes in mass were noted after AO exposure. The tethers were then tensile-tested until failure. AO affected both the Dyneema and Kevlar tether material strength. Dyneema exposed to 1.07 x 10(exp 21) atoms/sq cm of atomic oxygen failed due to normal handling when removed fiom the AOBF and was not tensile-tested. Another test series was performed to determine the effect of AO on the electrical properties of the ProSEDS conductive tether. The conductive tether consists of seven individually coated strands of 28 AWG 1350-0 aluminum wire. The conductive coating, developed by Triton Systems, Inc., is a mix of polyanaline and COR, a clear AO-resistant polymer.

Finckenor, Miria M.↗

Multi-lab comparison on R-curve methodologies: Alloy 2024-T3

In an effort to determine an optimum method for ranking the fracture toughness of developmental aluminum alloys for High Speed Civil Transport applications, five labs performed K and/or J based fracture tests on aluminum alloy 2024-T3. Two material thicknesses were examined: 0.063 in. and 0.125 in. Middle crack tension and compact tension specimens were excised from 60 in. wide middle crack tension panels which had been previously tested at Boeing. The crack resistance curves generated were compared to the R-curves from 60 in. wide specimens. The experimental program indicated that effective stress intensity from secant compliance based crack length and stress intensity calculated from J-integral testing were equivalent. In addition, comparison of different specimen sizes and configurations indicated that standard validity requirements for compact tension specimens may be overly restrictive.

Reynolds, Anthony P.↗