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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 1,729 records · Page 96

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NASA NTRS1981

Substructure program for analysis of helicopter vibrations

A substructure vibration analysis which was developed as a design tool for predicting helicopter vibrations is described. The substructure assembly method and the composition of the transformation matrix are analyzed. The procedure for obtaining solutions to the equations of motion is illustrated for the steady-state forced response solution mode, and rotor hub load excitation and impedance are analyzed. Calculation of the mass, damping, and stiffness matrices, as well as the forcing function vectors of physical components resident in the base program code, are discussed in detail. Refinement of the model is achieved by exercising modules which interface with the external program to represent rotor induced variable inflow and fuselage induced variable inflow at the rotor. The calculation of various flow fields is discussed, and base program applications are detailed.

Sopher, R.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Correlation methods

A method for processing complex radar data with a computer using correlation functions is reviewed. Parameters including data storage, data reduction, and real time operation are addressed. Since complex auto- and cross-correlation functions are calculated and stored, almost no information is lost. These also can be analyzed in terms of the full correlation analysis of the spaced-antenna-drifts technique. The proposed approach therefore appears to be very feasible to suit most Mesosphere-Stratosphere-Troposphere (MST) radar applications.

Rottger, J.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Einstein X-ray survey of the Pleiades - The dependence of X-ray emission on stellar age

The data obtained with two pointed observations of 1 deg by 1 deg fields of the Pleiades region have been analyzed, and the results are presented. The maximum-likelihood X-ray luminosity functions for the Pleiades G and K stars in the cluster are derived, and it is shown that, for the G stars, the Pleiades X-ray luminosity function is significantly brighter than the corresponding function for Hyades G dwarf stars. This finding indicates a dependence of X-ray luminosity on stellar age, which is confirmed by comparison of the same data with median X-ray luminosities of pre-main sequence and local disk population dwarf G stars. It is suggested that the significantly larger number of bright X-ray sources associated with G stars than with K stars, the lack of detection of M stars, and the relatively rapid rotation of the Pleiades K stars can be explained in terms of the onset of internal differential rotation near the convective envelope-radidative core interface after the spin-up phase during evolution to the main sequence.

Micela, G.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Thermal ions at Saturn - Plasma parameters and implications

Plasma data from the PLS experiment on Voyagers 1 and 2 are analyzed at the Saturn encounters. Measured ion currents are simulated using the full response function of the PLS instrument assuming plasma distributions are isotropic Maxwellians. The plasma velocity, densities, and temperatures which best simulate the observations are determined. Saturn's magnetosphere is found to subcorotate outside of L = 5.5 for Voyager 1 and L = 7 for Voyager 2. Large radial and vertical flows are observed, especially in the outer magnetosphere and on the nightside. Ion temperatures increase with L to a maximum at L = 10, outside of which they vary rapidly. A temperature anisotropy with T-perpendicular greater than T-parallel is necessary to account for the observed temperatures and densities. The ions present are H(+) and O(+); there is no evidence of heavier ions or higher charge states. Calculations of N(L-squared) show an O(+) peak at L = 10 for both encounters, indicating the major O(+) source is at L = 10.

Richardson, J. D.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Characteristics of the tail of Comet Giacobini-Zinner

The physical structure and characteristics of the Comet Giacobini-Zinner tail are described. Variations in the vector B-field configuration, the electron distribution function, the energetic ion population, and the electromagnetic and electrostatic plasma wave spectra are analyzed. The ICE detected a two-lobe magnetic field configuration and a narrow central plasma sheet. Additional analyses proposed for the Giacobini-Zinner tail data are discussed.

Scarf, F. L.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Marine magnetic anomalies - The origin of the stripes

The results of recent observational and theoretical investigations of lineated magnetic anomalies on the ocean floor are summarized in tables, graphs, and diagrams and analyzed. Topics addressed include early lineation models, inversions of magnetic anomalies to obtain source functions, deep-tow studies of magnetic anomalies, evidence from the long-wavelength component of the magnetic field (including Magsat observations), and direct measurements of the magnetic properties of oceanic rocks. It is concluded that the source of the lineated anomalies must reside in most of the oceanic crust, not just in the pillow lavas of layer 2A.

Harrison, C. G. A.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Comparison of currents predicted by NASCAP/LEO model simulations with elementary Langmuir-type bare probe models for an insulated cable containing a single pinhole

The behavior of a defect in the insulation of a short biased section of cable in a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) space environment was examined. Such studies are of the utmost importance for large space power systems where great quantities of cabling will be deployed. An insulated probe containing a pinhole was placed into a hypothetical high speed LEO plasma. The NASA Charging Analyzer Program (NASCAP/LEO) was used to explore sheath growth about the probe as a function of applied voltage and to predict I-V behavior. A set of independent current calculations using Langmuir's formulations for concentric spheres and coaxial cylinders were also performed. The case of concentric spheres was here extended to include the case of concentric hemispheres. Several simple Langmuir-type models were then constructed to bracket the current collected by the cable. The space-charge sheath radius and impact parameters were used to determine the proper current regime. I-V curves were plotted for the models and comparisons were made with NASCAP/LEO results. Finally, NASCAP/LEO potential contours and surface cell potential plots were examined to explain interesting features in the NASCAP/LEO I-V curve.

Galofaro, Joel T.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Active control of panel vibrations induced by boundary-layer flow

Some problems in active control of panel vibration excited by a boundary layer flow over a flat plate are studied. In the first phase of the study, the optimal control problem of vibrating elastic panel induced by a fluid dynamical loading was studied. For a simply supported rectangular plate, the vibration control problem can be analyzed by a modal analysis. The control objective is to minimize the total cost functional, which is the sum of a vibrational energy and the control cost. By means of the modal expansion, the dynamical equation for the plate and the cost functional are reduced to a system of ordinary differential equations and the cost functions for the modes. For the linear elastic plate, the modes become uncoupled. The control of each modal amplitude reduces to the so-called linear regulator problem in control theory. Such problems can then be solved by the method of adjoint state. The optimality system of equations was solved numerically by a shooting method. The results are summarized.

Chow, Pao-Liu↗

NASA NTRS1990

Rates of change of the earth's magnetic field measured by recent analyses

Typical rates of change of the earth's magnetic field are presented as a function of the earth's spherical harmonics. Harmonics up to the eight degree are analyzed. With the increase in the degree of the harmonics an increase in the relative rate of change can be observed. For higher degrees, the rate of change can be predicted. This enables a differentiation between harmonics originating in the core and harmonics caused by crustal magnetization. The westward drift of the magnetic field depends on the longitudinal gradient of the field. In order to determine the longitudinal motions, harmonics up to degree 20 can be utilized. The average rate of secular acceleration increases with the degree of harmonics from 0.001 deg/sq yr for a dipole term to an average of 0.05 deg/sq yr for degree eight harmonics.

Harrison, C. G. A.↗

NASA NTRS1991

On-board processing architectures for satellite B-ISDN services

Onboard baseband processing architectures for future satellite broadband integrated services digital networks (B-ISDN's) are addressed. To assess the feasibility of implementing satellite B-ISDN services, critical design issues, such as B-ISDN traffic characteristics, transmission link design, and a trade-off between onboard circuit and fast packet switching, are analyzed. Examples of the two types of switching mechanisms and potential onboard network control functions are presented. A sample network architecture is also included to illustrate a potential onboard processing system.

Inukai, Thomas↗

NASA NTRS1992

On-board processing satellite network architectures for broadband ISDN

Inukai, Thomas↗

NASA NTRS1992

Requirements and opportunities for satellite autonomy

The requirements for autonomous control of spacecraft functions have been well articulated by a wide selection of US Air Force mission analyses and architecture studies. The opportunities however, to implement these autonomy functions have been limited. An overview of documented requirements is presented to demonstrate the scope of autonomous functions needed, and potential time frames for implementation is derived. The missed opportunities are analyzed to provide lessons learned, and near term opportunities will be reviewed. The current initiatives at the Phillips Laboratory are described in terms of the requirements addressed and the proposed approaches will show program risk reduction for satellite autonomy technology insertion into space operations.

Campbell, W. Spencer↗

NASA NTRS1993

Measuring the dynamics of structural changes in biological macromolecules from light scattering data

Examining techniques to study the dynamics of structural changes in various molecules has been an ongoing goal of the space program. Knowing how these phenomena occur in biological systems is fundamental to understanding what is necessary for life to remain functional in the space environment. A hierarchy of biological organization is functionally described when cells join together small organic molecules to form larger and more complex molecules. Characterizing the architecture of a particular macromolecule helps determine how that molecule works in the living cell and is basic to the diversity of life. Understanding this arrangement involves the correlation of the structure of macromolecules with their functions. A light scattering photometer was developed for detecting continuous measurement of the angular spectrum of light scattered by dynamically changing systems. The analysis of light scattered by biological macromolecules can be used to determine concentration, size, shape, molecular weight, and structural changes of cells, such as erythrocytes. Some light scattering photometers can collect and store 120 angular scattering spectra per minute, with an angular resolution of 0.2 deg which can be displayed with computer graphics. The light scattering photometer does the following: functions to produce and detect scattered light; determines scatter angles; and collects, stores, and analyzes data.

Johnson, Adriel D.↗

NASA NTRS1996

Evaluation of high temperature superconductive thermal bridges for space borne cryogenic detectors

Infrared sensor satellites are used to monitor the conditions in the earth's upper atmosphere. In these systems, the electronic links connecting the cryogenically cooled infrared detectors to the significantly warmer amplification electronics act as thermal bridges and, consequently, the mission lifetimes of the satellites are limited due to cryogenic evaporation. High-temperature superconductor (HTS) materials have been proposed by researchers at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Langley's Research Center (NASA-LaRC) as an alternative to the currently used manganin wires for electrical connection. The potential for using HTS films as thermal bridges has provided the motivation for the design and the analysis of a spaceflight experiment to evaluate the performance of this superconductive technology in the space environment. The initial efforts were focused on the preliminary design of the experimental system which allows for the quantitative comparison of superconductive leads with manganin leads, and on the thermal conduction modeling of the proposed system. Most of the HTS materials were indicated to be potential replacements for the manganin wires. In the continuation of this multi-year research, the objectives of this study were to evaluate the sources of heat transfer on the thermal bridges that have been neglected in the preliminary conductive model and then to develop a methodology for the estimation of the thermal conductivities of the HTS thermal bridges in space. The Joule heating created by the electrical current through the manganin wires was incorporated as a volumetric heat source into the manganin conductive model. The radiative heat source on the HTS thermal bridges was determined by performing a separate radiant interchange analysis within a high-T(sub c) superconductor housing area. Both heat sources indicated no significant contribution on the cryogenic heat load, which validates the results obtained in the preliminary conduction model. A methodology was presented for the estimation of the thermal conductivities of the individual HTS thermal bridge materials and the effective thermal conductivities of the composite HTS thermal bridges as functions of temperature. This methodology included a sensitivity analysis and the demonstration of the estimation procedure using simulated data with added random errors. The thermal conductivities could not be estimated as functions of temperature; thus the effective thermal conductivities of the HTS thermal bridges were analyzed as constants.

Scott, Elaine P.↗

NASA NTRS1995

Adaptive Identification and Characterization of Polar Ionization Patches

Dynamics Explorer 2 (DE 2) spacecraft data are used to detect and characterize polar cap 'ionization patches' loosely defined as large-scale (greater than 100 km) regions where the F region plasma density is significantly enhanced (approx greater than 100%) above the background level. These patches are generally believed to develop in or equatorward of the dayside cusp region and then drift in an antisunward direction over the polar cap. We have developed a flexible algorithm for the identification and characterization of these structures, as a function of scale-size and density enhancement, using data from the retarding potential analyzer, the ion drift meter, and the langmuir probe on board the DE 2 satellite. This algorithm was used to study the structure and evolution of ionization patches as they cross the polar cap. The results indicate that in the altitude region from 240 to 950 km ion density enhancements greater than a factor of 3 above the background level are relatively rare. Further, the ionization patches show a preferred horizontal scale size of 300-400 km. There exists a clear seasonal and universal time dependence to the occurrence frequency of patches with a northern hemisphere maximum centered on the winter solstice and the 1200-2000 UT interval.

Coley, W. R.↗

NASA NTRS2000

Nontangent, Developed Contour Bulkheads for a Single-Stage Launch Vehicle

Dry weights for single-stage launch vehicles that incorporate nontangent, developed contour bulkheads are estimated and compared to a baseline vehicle with 1.414 aspect ratio ellipsoidal bulkheads. Weights, volumes, and heights of optimized bulkhead designs are computed using a preliminary design bulkhead analysis code. The dry weights of vehicles that incorporate the optimized bulkheads are predicted using a vehicle weights and sizing code. Two optimization approaches are employed. A structural-level method, where the vehicle's three major bulkhead regions are optimized separately and then incorporated into a model for computation of the vehicle dry weight, predicts a reduction of4365 lb (2.2 %) from the 200,679-lb baseline vehicle dry weight. In the second, vehicle-level, approach, the vehicle dry weight is the objective function for the optimization. For the vehicle-level analysis, modified bulkhead designs are analyzed and incorporated into the weights model for computation of a dry weight. The optimizer simultaneously manipulates design variables for all three bulkheads to reduce the dry weight. The vehicle-level analysis predicts a dry weight reduction of 5129 lb, a 2.6% reduction from the baseline weight. Based on these results, nontangent, developed contour bulkheads may provide substantial weight savings for single stage vehicles.

Wu, K. Chauncey↗

NASA NTRS2000

Effect of Elevated Pressure on the Heat Transfer and Power Requirements During Bridgman Growth of PMN-PT Crystals

Performance of the furnace during Bridgman growth of the lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate crystal (PMN-PT) is analyzed. PMN-PT is electrostrictive ceramic that has near ideal strain-voltage function. Furthermore piezoelectric (2000 to 2300 pC/N) and coupling (92 to 95%) constants are exceptionally good. Due to these properties PMN-PT has wide range of applications - from sonars to transducers in a high precision optical systems. In this research first attempt to crystallize PMN-PT in a Mellen type vertical Bridgman furnace was not successful, as melting temperature of precursor materials was not achieved. At this point choice was between building a new more powerful facility or finding ways to enhance performance of the existing furnace. Besides adjusting power supply to the individual heating elements, redesigning ampoule holding cartridge and improving furnace insulation one more radical improvement was proposed. The entire furnace was placed into the high pressure chamber. Further experiments confirmed that temperature inside the furnace was increased sufficiently to melt precursor materials to obtain PMN-PT. Numerical modeling is undertaken to find limitations of this technique and to predict temperature distribution inside the ampoule. It is of interest also to account for main factors contributing to a higher temperatures achieved in the furnace under the higher pressure (up to 10 atm.). Numerical model of the furnace is based on general purpose finite - element code FIDAP and on previous efforts to model Bridgman type furnace with multiply heaters. In order to account for all heat transfer mechanism involved - conduction, convection and radiation - different parts of the furnace are modeled in accordance with expected dominant mode of heat transfer - conduction in the solid parts, conduction and radiation in the ampoule, gas convection and conduction in the furnace openings complemented with wall-to-wall radiation. Because of these complicating factors, dimensional rather than non-dimensional modeling is performed using steady-state 2-D and 3-D models. Particular attention is paid to the modeling of radiation in a semitransparent material of ampoule 7 sapphire. The radiation model is validated by solving realistic test problem - conduction and radiation heat transfer in the fused quartz. Results are in agreement with both experimental and analytical data.

Bune, Andris↗

NASA NTRS2002

Analysis of Metallized Teflon(trademark) Film Materials Performance on Satellites

Laboratory and on-orbit performance data for two common thermal control materials, silver- and aluminum-backed (metallized) fluorinated ethyl-propylene (TER) was collected from a variety of sources and analyzed. This paper demonstrates that the change in solar absorptance, alpha, is a strong function of particulate radiation for these materials. Examination of additional data shows that the atomic oxygen recession rate is a strong function of solar exposure with an induction period of between 25 to 50 equivalent solar hours. The relationships determined in this analysis were incorporated into an electronic knowledge base, the 'Spacecraft Materials Selector,' under NASA contract NAS8-98213.

Pippin, H. Gary↗