Cold water evaluation of NASA Launch Entry Suit (LES)
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Engineering topics
Publications and source records attributed to Kaufman, J. W..
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A mathematical/statistical analysis of inphase gusts and wind velocity moment forces over the first 150 m at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) is presented. The wind velocity profile data were acquired at the KSC 150 m ground wind tower. The results show that planetary boundary layer (PBL) winds can sustain near peak speeds for periods up to 60 sec and longer. This is proven from calculating the autocorrelation functions of moment forces for several 10 min cases of wind profile data. The results show that lower atmospheric planetary boundary layer winds have periodic variations for long periods of time. This flow characteristic is valuable as aerospace vehicle engineering and design criteria where wind loading must be determined.
The flight experiment and operations plans for the Doppler Lidar System (DLS) are provided. Application of DLS to the study of severe storms and local weather penomena is addressed. Test plans involve 66 hours of flight time. Plans also include ground based severe storm and local weather data acquisition.
The purpose of the first scientific working group meeting was fourfold: (1) to identify flight test options for engineering verification of the MSFC Doppler Lidar; (2) to identify flight test options for gathering data for scientific/technology applications; (3) to identify additional support equipment needed on the CV 990 aircraft for the flight tests; and (4) to identify postflight data processing and data sets requirements. The working group identified approximately ten flight options for gathering data on atmospheric dynamics processes, including turbulence, valley breezes, and thunderstorm cloud anvil and cold air outflow dynamics. These test options will be used as a basis for planning the fiscal year 1981 tests of the Doppler Lidar system.
The scientific interests and applications of the Airborne Doppler Lidar Wind Velocity Measurement System to severe storms and local weather are discussed. The main areas include convective phenomena, local circulation, atmospheric boundary layer, atmospheric dispersion, and industrial aerodynamics.
An interpretation of the Doppler lidar return is presented. Possible applications of the system to severe storm research are discussed. The present project schedule of the Doppler lidar system is outlined.
Wind wheel electric power generator apparatus includes a housing rotatably mounted upon a vertical support column. Primary and auxiliary funnel-type, venturi ducts are fixed onto the housing for capturing wind currents and conducting to a bladed wheel adapted to be operatively connected with the generator apparatus. Additional air flows are also conducted onto the bladed wheel; all of the air flows positively effecting rotation of the wheel in a cumulative manner. The auxiliary ducts are disposed at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the housing, and this feature, together with the rotatability of the housing and the ducts, permits capture of wind currents within a variable directional range.
Windpowered electric generator mounted in protective housing unit has improved efficiency and reliability.
Guidelines are provided on terrestrial environment data specifically applicable for NASA aerospace vehicles and associated equipment development. Information is included on the general distribution of natural environment extremes in the conterminous United States that may be needed to specify design criteria in the transportation of space vehicle subsystems and components. Atmospheric attenuation was investigated since certain earth orbital experiment missions are influenced by the earth's atmosphere. A summary of climatic extremes for worldwide operational needs is also included. The latest available information on probable climatic extremes is presented with information on atmospheric chemistry, seismic criteria, and on a mathematical model to predict atmospheric dispersion of aerospace engine exhaust cloud rise and growth. Cloud phenomena are also considered.
A scanning laser doppler velocimeter (SLDV) system was used to detect, track, and measure the velocity flow field of naturally occurring tornado-like flows (dust devils) in the atmosphere. A general description of the dust devil phenomenon is given along with a description of the test program, measurement system, and data processing techniques used to collect information on the dust devil flow field. The general meteorological conditions occurring during the test program are also described, and the information collected on two selected dust devils are discussed in detail to show the type of information which can be obtained with a SLDV system. The results from these measurements agree well with those of other investigators and illustrate the potential for the SLDV in future endeavors.
The quantitative estimates are presented of pollutant concentrations associated with the emission of the major combustion products (HCl, CO, and Al2O3) to the lower atmosphere during normal launches of the space shuttle. The NASA/MSFC Multilayer Diffusion Model was used to obtain these calculations. Results are presented for nine sets of typical meteorological conditions at Kennedy Space Center, including fall, spring, and a sea-breeze condition, and six sets at Vandenberg AFB. In none of the selected typical meteorological regimes studied was a 10-min limit of 4 ppm exceeded.
Results are presented of the downwind concentrations of engine exhaust by-products from the Delta-Thor Telsat-A vehicle launched from Cape Kennedy, Florida on November 9, 1972 (2014 EST). The meteorological conditions which existed are identified as well as the exhaust cloud rise and the results from the MSFC Multilayer Diffusion Model calculations. These predictions are compared to exhaust cloud sampled data acquired by the Langley Research Center personnel. Values of the surface level concentrations show that very little hydrochloric acid, carbon monoxide, or aluminum oxide reached the ground.
Predictions of the spatial concentration mapping of the potentially toxic constituents of the exhaust effluents from a launch of a Saturn 5 and of a Scout-Algol 3 vehicle utilizing the NASA/MSFC Multilayer Diffusion Program are provided. In the case of the Saturn 5, special attention was given to the concentration fields of carbon monoxide with a correlation of carbon dioxide concentrations. The Scout-Algol 3 provided an example of the centerline concentrations of hydrogen chloride, carbon monoxide, and alumina under typical meteorological conditions. While these results define the specific environmental impact of these two launches under the meteorological conditions existing during launches, they also provide a basis for the empirical monitoring of the constituents of the exhaust effluents of these vehicles.
Emission into the atmosphere of aerospace vehicle exhaust effluents and by-products is considered by using atmospheric diffusion models to calculate downwind concentrations and dosages from various engine and solid rocket booster (SRB) exhaust by-products. A major effort is being made to gather detailed data on the chemical reactions that take place between the exhaust effluents and the atmosphere. Basic diffusion estimation formulas consider normal exhaust releases, abnormal releases, leaks, and inadvertent spills. Cloud rise formulas for use in source identification are included and meteorological inputs covered.
An instrument for measuring peak wind speeds under severe environmental conditions is described, comprising an elongated cylinder housed in an outer casing. The cylinder contains a piston attached to a longitudinally movable guided rod having a pressure disk mounted on one projecting end. Wind pressure against the pressure disk depresses the movable rod. When the wind reaches its maximum speed, the rod is locked by a ball clutch mechanism in the position of maximum inward movement. Thereafter maximum wind speed or pressure readings may be taken from calibrated indexing means.
Empirical and analytical results have been reduced from time-lapse photographs of exhaust clouds during the launch of Apollo 10, 14, 15, and 16 from the Kennedy Space Center. Theoretical predictions of the buoyant cloud rise and growth compare very favorably to actual measurements. The mathematical model predicts with engineering accuracy the terminal altitude and size of the clouds. A principal input to MSFC's multilayer diffusion model is top height of the exhaust cloud. It is this characteristic dimension that is the main subject of this report. An interesting occurrence during launch is the formation of bimodal exhaust cloud which is due to the north-south oriented flame trench directly beneath the base of the vehicle. This study has added considerable information on engine exhaust cloud rise and growth which is essential to the study of atmospheric dispersal in time and space.
The percentage levels of wind speed differences are presented computed from sequential FPS-16 radar/Jimsphere wind profiles. The results are based on monthly profiles obtained from December 1964 to July 1970 at Cape Kennedy, Florida. The profile sequences contain a series of three to ten Jimspheres released at approximately 1.5-hour intervals. The results given are the persistence analysis of wind speed difference at 1.5-hour intervals to a maximum time interval of 12 hours. The monthly percentage of wind speed differences and the annual percentage of wind speed differences are tabulated. The percentage levels are based on the scalar wind speed changes calculated over an altitude interval of approximately 50 meters and printed out every 25 meters as a function of initial wind speed within each five-kilometer layer from near sea level to 20 km. In addition, analyses were made of the wind speed difference for the 0.2 to 1 km layer as an aid for studies associated with take-off and landing of the space shuttle.
Detailed wind velocities and temperature profile measurements by FPS-14 radar/Jimsphere technique for space vehicle and SST applications