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Canning, T. N.

Publications and source records attributed to Canning, T. N..

At least 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1988

The ballistic range and aerothermodynamic testing

A renewed interest in hypervelocity vehicles requires an increase in our knowledge of aerothermodynamic phenomena. Tests conducted in our ground-based facilities can be used both to better understand the physics of hypervelocity flight, and to calibrate and validate computer codes designed to predict vehicle performance in the hypervelocity environment. This paper reviews the requirements for aerothermodynamic testing and discusses the ballistic range and its capabilities. Examples of the kinds of testing performed in typical high-performance ballistic ranges are described; we draw heavily on experience obtained in the ballistics facilities at NASA Ames. Prospects for improving the capabilities of the ballistic range by using advanced instrumentation are discussed. Finally, recent developments in gun technology and their application to extend the capability of the ballistic range are summarized.

Strawa, A. W.↗
NASA NTRS1981

High acceleration cable deployment system

A deployment system that will safely pay one cable from a ballistic forebody when the forebody is separated from an afterbody (to which the cable is secured and when the separation is marked by high acceleration and velocity) is described.

Canning, T. N.↗
NASA NTRS1980

High-acceleration cable deployment

Prototype high-acceleration umbilical-cable deployment allows electrical communication between above-ground instrumentation and ballistic projectile below surface. Cable deployment is made up of forebody and afterbody. Foreboy can be separated from afterbody by rocket, or they can be fired as unit at target that stops afterbody on impact (forebody would continue, deploying cable). Similar design could be used in study of sea ice and in other surface-penetration studies.

Barns, C. E.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Fiscal year 1976 progress report on a feasibility study evaluating the use of surface penetrators for planetary exploration

The feasibility of employing penetrators for exploring Mars was examined. Eight areas of interest for key scientific experiments were identified. These include: seismic activity, imaging, geochemistry, water measurement, heatflow, meteorology, magnetometry, and biochemistry. In seven of the eight potential experiment categories this year's progress included: conceptual design, instrument fabrication, instrument performance evaluation, and shock loading of important components. Most of the components survived deceleration testing with negligible performance changes. Components intended to be placed inside the penetrator forebody were tested up to 3,500 g and components intended to be placed on the afterbody were tested up to 21,000 g. A field test program was conducted using tentative Mars penetrator mission constraints. Drop tests were performed at two selected terrestrial analog sites to determine the range of penetration depths for anticipated common Martian materials. Minimum penetration occurred in basalt at Amboy, California. Three full-scale penetrators penetrated 0.4 to 0.9 m into the basalt after passing through 0.3 to 0.5 m of alluvial overburden. Maximum penetration occurred in unconsolidated sediments at McCook, Nebraska. Two full-scale penetrators penetrated 2.5 to 8.5 m of sediment. Impact occurred in two kinds of sediment: loess and layered clay. Deceleration g loads of nominally 2,000 for the forebody and 20,000 for the afterbody did not present serious design problems for potential experiments. Penetrators have successfully impacted into terrestrial analogs of the probable extremes of potential Martian sites.

Blanchard, M. B.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Heater-mixer for stored fluids

A fluid storage vessel for containing cryogenic fluids is described. The storage vessel contains an auxiliary chamber which is connected to the main container by a jet nozzle. The wall of the auxiliary vessel is heat cycled to produce a corresponding expansion and contraction of the fluid within the auxiliary chamber. This action causes heating and mixing of the stored fluid by means of jetting the expanded fluid to and from relative to the stored fluid contents of the vessel.

Canning, T. N.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Bimetallic fluid displacement apparatus

Stirring and heating stored gases and liquids is accomplished by using the deformation of a bimetallic structure which deforms significantly when heated. The deformation is used to effect gradual or impulsive motion of a piston, vane, wire, or diaphram for displacement of the fluid. The heated bimetallic is also employed for heating the stored fluid.

Canning, T. N.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Bimetallic devices for stirring fluids

Device consists of helical heating coil inside cylinder and affixed at one end. Piston is fastened at other end and is free to move axially through cylinder. Electrical power extends coil when applied to conductors. Bimetallic stirrer may also be made in vane form.

Canning, T. N.↗