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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 1,675 records · Page 93

Mark 3 correlator hardware and software

The Mark 3 correlator system is described in some detail. The correlator system is based on a modular philosophy. Each correlator module independently processes the data from one track pair. Therefore, 28 modules are necessary to complete a full one baseline processor and 84 modules for a full 3 baseline processor. Each correlator module has two interfaces: (1) data and clock from each of the two tracks to be correlated and (2) Computer Automated Measurement and Control (CAMAC) dataway interface to the computer. The processor is organized around the IEEE CAMAC standard architecture, housing 15 correlator modules in each of 6 crates. This allows one pass processing of a full 3 baseline 28 track observation or a 6 baseline (4 station) 14 track observation. The correlator architecture allows easy expansion for up to 8 stations. The computer system is an HP 1000 system utilizing a 16 bit minicomputer with disc and tape peripherals. The processing software is also organized in a modular fashion with many independent but cooperative programs controlling the operation of the Mark 3 processor. Processing time through the correlator is normally real time or faster, with graphics displays providing real time monitor and control of the processing operation.

Whitney, A. R.↗

Oxygen production for interplanetary return missions

Interplanetary missions with extraterrestrial returns are limited by large propulsion mass requirements. The injected mass landed on an extraterrestrial body can be reduced substantially by utilizing indigenous materials for the production of propellant on the extraterrestrial body. Analyses reported show that for Mars return missions, in situ production of oxygen during the wait between landing and the next low-energy return opportunity reduces the Earth-launch mass requirements to the allowable limit for direct entry and direct return missions. A small chemical processor using radioisotope thermal energy can extract oxygen several times its own mass from carbon dioxide, during the several-hundred-days wait on Mars. The fundamental element of the concept is the electrolytic process. Solid electrolyte cells for extracting oxygen from gaseous feedstock are identified. The basic physical principles underlying the extraction process are analyzed, and the relations between the major parameters established. The laboratory equipment for experimental investigation of the process is presented.

Richter, R.↗

PROCRU: A model for analyzing crew procedures in approach to landing

A model for analyzing crew procedures in approach to landing is developed. The model employs the information processing structure used in the optimal control model and in recent models for monitoring and failure detection. Mechanisms are added to this basic structure to model crew decision making in this multi task environment. Decisions are based on probability assessments and potential mission impact (or gain). Sub models for procedural activities are included. The model distinguishes among external visual, instrument visual, and auditory sources of information. The external visual scene perception models incorporate limitations in obtaining information. The auditory information channel contains a buffer to allow for storage in memory until that information can be processed.

Baron, S.↗

Determination of secondary electron emission characteristics of lunar soil samples

A procedure is described for the determination of the 'apparent crossover voltage', i.e. the value of the primary (bombarding) electron energy at which an insulating sample surface changes the average sign of its charge. This apparent crossover point is characteristic of the secondary emission properties of insulating powders such as the lunar soil samples. Lunar core samples from well-defined, distinct soil layers are found to differ significantly in their secondary emission properties. This observation supports the suggestion that soil layers were deposited by an electrostatic transport process.

Gold, T.↗

An application of extremal field guidance in statistical low thrust guidance analysis

The subject of this paper is the application of extremal field guidance to the covariance analysis of low thrust retargeting guidance. The general procedure for low thrust navigation analysis is briefly reviewed. The basic equations of trajectory optimization and extremal field guidance are presented with emphasis on the low thrust problem. The adopted formulation includes thruster on-off times as control variables and accounts for the effects of model parameter variations. A method of solution of the guidance equations is outlined; and the application of the solution in a covariance analysis, including a procedure for the treatment of model parameter variations as either biases or first order Gauss-Markov stochastic processes, is discussed.

Jacobson, R. A.↗

Forest resource information system

Remote sensing technology providing St. Regis with an independent operational system and having LANDSAT data as a significant and viable contributor was documented and transferred. Primary emphasis was placed on documenting developmental LARSYS (LARSYSDV) software modules. Timelines and a short description of the software documentation process is given.

Mroczynski, R. P.↗

Coal pump development phase 3

Techniques for achieving continuous coal sprays were studied. Coazial injection with gas and pressure atomization were studied. Coal particles, upon cooling, were found to be porous and fragile. Reactivity tests on the extruded coal showed overall conversion to gases and liquids unchanged from that of the raw coal. The potentials for applications of the coal pump to eight coal conversion processes were examined.

Kushida, R. O.↗

Systems analysis - Key to NASA's data system planning

Critical steps in the systems analysis process for NASA's data system planning are: (1) compilation of future user/mission requirements, (2) development of alternative overall data system concepts which satisfy requirements, (3) assessment of future development and availability of data system technology, and (4) cost/performance tradeoff studies of the alternative concepts for systems optimization. Tasks within the NEEDS (NASA End-to-End Data System) Program, which correspond to the critical steps in this systems analysis process are examined.

Nelson, R. W.↗

Problems in correlation caused by propulsion systems

Correlation efforts and selected results for transonic drag are reviewed. A process to reduce the typical error sources to decrease the errors inherent in the transonic aircraft development process is summarized.

Smith, R. H.↗

Atmospheric methane /CH4/ - Trends and seasonal cycles

On the basis of 22 months of almost continuous automated, GC/FID measurements of atmospheric CH4 and Cape Meares (45 deg N), it is shown that the concentration of CH4 is increasing at about 2% per yr (+ or - 0.5%/yr). The data also revealed stable seasonal cycles with peak concentrations in October and minimum concentrations in July. The magnitude of the seasonal variations during these months is about + or - 20 ppby from the average (+ or - 1.2%). If the current trend continues, the increased CH4 concentration may result in a 0.2 K to 0.4 K average increase in earth's surface temperature over the next 40 years or so (based on calculations of Wang et al. (1976)). The coupling of CH4 to tropospheric and stratospheric chemical processes is discussed.

Rasmussen, R. A.↗

A unique approach to fabricating precision space structures elements

A procedure of fabricating graphite epoxy columns used in the assembly of large space platforms is described. The requirement for precise dimensional control led to a unique hot resin injection process. Dry, high modulus fiber is wound over a vertically mounted steam-heated mandrel. A steam-heated sleeve or caul is slipped over the wound mandrel and resin is injected and cured in place. Approximately 200 column elements have been fabricated using this efficient process.

Cohan, H.↗

Small gas turbine combustor primary zone development

Designers of small gas turbine engines prefer a close-coupled compressor to turbine shafting arrangement, which in some designs necessitates the use of a small reverse-flow annular combustor. A design methodology for obtaining the maximum performance potential of these combustors is necessary. This paper describes an approach to optimize the design process and gain insight into primary zone performance through interactive theoretical analyses and experimental tests. Three candidate combustor designs are described which address the performance limiting problem areas associated with small annular combustors. Design methodology centers around understanding and controlling primary zone aerodynamics and the interaction of the distributed fuel with internal airflow patterns. Complete three-dimensional flow field analytical performance prediction procedures are presented and results compared with performance and emission measurements described by probes located at the exit of the primary zone. The effective use of analytical performance prediction methods in the design process is demonstrated.

Sullivan, R. E.↗

Data management of Shuttle radiofrequency navigation aids

It is noted that the Shuttle navigation system employs redundant tactical air navigation (tacan) and microwave scanning beam landing system (MSBLS) equipment for use in navigation during descent from altitudes of about 150,000 feet through rollout. Attention is given here to the multiple tacan and MSBLS units (three each) that were placed onboard to provide the necessary protection in the event of possible failures. The goals, features, approach, and performance of onboard software required to manage multiple tacan MSBLS units and to provide the corresponding data for navigation processing are described.

Stokes, R. E.↗

Processing composite materials

The fabrication of several composite structural articles including DC-10 upper aft rudders, L-1011 vertical fins and composite biomedical appliances are discussed. Innovative composite processing methods are included.

R. M. Baucom↗