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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 181 records · Page 10

Thermal performance evaluation of the Solargenics solar collector at outdoor conditions

Test procedures used during the performance of an evaluation program are presented. The test program was conducted to obtain the following performance data and information on the solar collector. (1) thermal performance data under outdoor conditions; (2) structural behavior of collector under static conditions; (3) effects of long term exposure to material weathering elements. The solargenics is a liquid, single-glazed, flat plate collector. Approximate dimensions of each collector are 240 inches long, 36 inches wide, and 3.5 inches in depth.

Source record↗

Long-term weathering effects on the thermal performance of the solargenics (liquid) solar collector at outdoor conditions

The test procedures and the results obtained during the evaluation of a single-covered liquid solar collector are presented. The tests were performed under outdoor natural conditions. The collector was under stagnation conditions for a total of approximately ten months. The solar collector is a liquid, single-glazed, flat plate collector, and is about 240 inches long, and 3.8 inches in depth.

Source record↗

Comparison of indoor-outdoor thermal performance for the Sunpak evacuated tube liquid collector

Performance data for current Sunpak production collectors is presented. The effects of an improved manifold are seen from the test results. The test results show excellent correlation between the solar simulator derived test results and outdoor test results. Also, because of different incident angle modifiers, the all-day efficiency of this collector with a diffuse reflector is comparable to the performance with the standard shaped specular reflector.

Source record↗

Polymerizable ultraviolet stabilizers for outdoor use

Polymeric materials that are stable enough to use outdoors without changes in excess of 20 years are investigated. Ultraviolet stabilizers or plastic materials were synthesized, polymerizable ultraviolet stabilizers, particularly of the 2(2-hydroxyphenyl)2H-benzotriazole family were prepared their polymerization, copolymerization and grafting onto other polymers were demonstrated, and ultraviolet stabilizing systems were devised. These materials were evaluated from the photophysical point of view.

Vogl, O.↗

Heat transfer from a simulated shuttle external tank in the naturally turbulent outdoor environment

To estimate the local heat-transfer coefficients around an external-tank (ET) surface, a 9.8-m-high by 8.4-m-diameter ET simulator is constructed, instrumented, and tested in the naturally turbulent outdoor environment. Two different configurations under which the testing is conducted are described. The time-average, local values of Nusselt number at time-average Reynolds numbers of 2.2 x 10 to the 6th, 2.6 x 10 to the 6th, and 4.5 x 10 to the 6th are presented. It is shown that, at the same Reynolds numbers, the heat transfer coefficients due to the atmospheric airflow are higher than those due to airflow in a low-turbulent-intensity wind tunnel.

Lin, F. N.↗

Strength of graphite/epoxy bolted wing-skin splice specimens subjected to outdoor exposure under constant load and yearly fatigue loading

The results of an experimental study to provide long-term durability data on detailed full-scale graphite/epoxy wing-skin joint designs under environmental exposure and cyclic loading associated with commercial transport aircraft are reported. The specimens consisted of a single-row bolt configuration fabricated from T300/5208 and a double-row bolt configuration fabricated from T300/5209. The unpainted specimens were exposed to the outdoor environment under a sustained tensile load, and at yearly intervals, they were subjected to fatigue loading. Experimental results showed a slight reduction in residual tensile strength for both graphite/epoxy joints under the exposure times and fatigue loadings reported. A 7.5-percent decrease in residual strength was observed for the T300/5208 single-row joint after 5 years exposure and two lifetimes of fatigue loading. A 5.3-percent decrease in residual strength was observed for the T300/5209 double-row joint after 7 years exposure and 2.8 lifetimes of fatigue loading. The 5208 epoxy material was more susceptible to degradation by ultraviolet radiation than the 5209 epoxy material.

Wichorek, G. R.↗

Outdoor test stand performance of a convertible engine with variable inlet guide vanes for advanced rotorcraft propulsion

A variable inlet guide van (VIGV) type convertible engine that could be used to power future high-speed rotorcraft was tested on an outdoor stand. The engine ran stably and smoothly in the turbofan, turboshaft, and dual (combined fan and shaft) power modes. In the turbofan mode with the VIGV open fuel consumption was comparable to that of a conventional turbofan engine. In the turboshaft mode with the VIGV closed fuel consumption was higher than that of present turboshaft engines because power was wasted in churning fan-tip airflow. In dynamic performance tests with a specially built digital engine control and using a waterbrake dynamometer for shaft load, the engine responded effectively to large steps in thrust command and shaft torque. Previous mission analyses of a conceptual X-wing rotorcraft capable of 400-knot cruise speed were revised to account for more fan-tip churning power loss than was originally estimated. The new calculations confirm that using convertible engines rather than separate lift and cruise engines would result in a smaller, lighter craft with lower fuel use and direct operating cost.

Mcardle, Jack G.↗

Performance and loads data from an outdoor hover test of a Lynx tail rotor

A Lynx tail rotor was tested in hover at the Outdoor Aerodynamic Research Facility at NASA Ames Research Center. The test objectives were to measure the isolated rotor performance to provide a baseline for subsequent testing, and to operate the rotor throughout the speed and collective envelope before testing in the NFAC 40- by 80-Foot Wind Tunnel. Rotor forces and blade bending moments were measured at ambient wind conditions from zero to 6.23 m/sec. The test envelope was limited to rotor speeds of 1550 to 1850 rpm and minus 13 deg to plus 20 deg of blade collective pitch. The isolated rotor performance and blade loads data are presented.

Signor, David B.↗

Distribution of volatile organic chemicals in outdoor and indoor air

The EPA volatile organic chemistry (VOC) national ambient data base (Shah, 1988) is discussed. The 320 chemicals included in the VOC data base are listed. The methods used to obtain the data are reviewed and the availability, accessibility, and operation of the data base are examined. Tables of the daily outdoor concentrations for 66 chemicals and the daily indoor concentrations for 35 chemicals are presented.

Shah, Jitendra J.↗

Laser Velocimeter For Outdoor Or Wind-Tunnel Measurements

Laser velocimeter developed for remotely controlled operation in large wind tunnel or at outdoor aircraft-testing site. Long-range laser velocimeter has expanded focal range and ability to measure two perpendicular components of velocity simultaneously. Includes electronic subsystems for control and acquisition of data.

Reinath, Michael S.↗

Evaluation of outdoor-to-indoor response to minimized sonic booms

Various studies were conducted by NASA and others on the practical limitations of sonic boom signature shaping/minimization for the High-Speed Civil Transport (HSCT) and on the effects of these shaped boom signatures on perceived loudness. This current effort is a further part of this research with emphasis on examining shaped boom signatures which are representative of the most recent investigations of practical limitations on sonic boom minimization, and on examining and comparing the expected response to these signatures when experienced indoors and outdoors.

Brown, David↗

Development of a large-scale, outdoor, ground-based test capability for evaluating the effect of rain on airfoil lift

A large-scale, outdoor, ground-based test capability for acquiring aerodynamic data in a simulated rain environment was developed at the Langley Aircraft Landing Dynamics Facility (ALDF) to assess the effect of heavy rain on airfoil performance. The ALDF test carriage was modified to transport a 10-ft-chord NACA 64210 wing section along a 3000-ft track at full-scale aircraft approach speeds. An overhead rain simulation system was constructed along a 525-ft section of the track with the capability of producing simulated rain fields of 2, 10, 30, and 40 in/hr. The facility modifications, the aerodynamic testing and rain simulation capability, the design and calibration of the rain simulation system, and the operational procedures developed to minimize the effect of wind on the simulated rain field and aerodynamic data are described in detail. The data acquisition and reduction processes are also presented along with sample force data illustrating the environmental effects on data accuracy and repeatability for the 'rain-off' test condition.

Bezos, Gaudy M.↗

Ditching Tests with a 1/12-Scale Model of the Army A-26 Airplane in Langley Tank No. 2 and on an Outdoor Catapult

Tests were conducted in calm water in Langley tank no. 2 and in calm and rough water at an outdoor catapult in order to determine the best way to make a forced landing of an Army A-26 airplane and to determine its probable ditching behavior. These tests were requested by the Air Materiel Command, Army Air Forces, in their letter of March 26, 1943, WEL:AW:50.

Jarvis, George A.↗

Ditching Tests of a 1/9-Size Model of the Army P-38 Airplane in Langley Tank No. 2 and at the Outdoor Catapult

A dynamically similar model of the Army P-38 airplane was tested to determine the best way to land this airplane on the water and to determine its probable ditching performance. The tests consisted of ditching the model at various landing attitudes, flap settings, speeds, weights, and conditions of simulated damage. The model was ditched in calm water from the tank towing carriage and a few ditching were made in both calm and rough water at the outdoor catapult. The performance of the model was determined by making visual observations, by recording lengths of run and time histories of decelerations, and by taking motion pictures of the ditchings.

Jarvis, George A.↗

Sub-Surface Windscreen for the Measurement of Outdoor Infrasound

A windscreen has been developed that features two advantages favorable for the measurement of outdoor infrasound. First, the sub-surface location, with the top of the windscreen flush with the ground surface, minimizes the mean velocity of the impinging wind. Secondly, the windscreen material (closed cell polyurethane foam) has a sufficiently low acoustic impedance (222 times that of air) and wall thickness (0.0127 m) to provide a transmission coefficient of nearly unity over the infrasonic frequency range (0-20 Hz). The windscreen, a tightly-sealed box having internal dimensions of 0.3048 x 0.3048 x 0.3556 m, contains a microphone, preamplifier, and a cable feed thru to an external power supply. Provisions are made for rain drainage and seismic isolation. A three-element array, configured as an equilateral triangle with 30.48 m spacing and operating continuously in the field, periodically receives highly coherent signals attributed to emissions from atmospheric turbulence. The time delays between infrasonic signals received at the microphones permit determination of the bearing and elevation of the sources, which correlate well with locations of pilot reports (PIREPS) within a 320 km radius about the array. The test results are interpreted to yield spectral information on infrasonic emissions from clear air turbulence.

Shams, Qamar A.↗

Sub-Surface Windscreen for Outdoor Measurement of Infrasound

A windscreen is configured for measuring outdoor infrasonic sound. The windscreen includes a container and a microphone. The container defines a chamber. The microphone is disposed in the chamber and can be operatively supported by the floor. The microphone is configured for detecting infrasonic sound. The container is advantageously formed from material that exhibits an acoustic impedance of between 0 and approximately 3150 times the acoustic impedance of air. A reflector plate may be disposed in the container. The reflector plate operatively can support the microphone and provides a doubling effect of infrasonic pressure at the microphone.

Zuckerwar, Allan J.↗

Results of Outdoor to Indoor Propagation Measurements from 5-32GHz

The demand for wireless services has increased exponentially in the last few years and shows no signs of slowing in the near future. In order for the next generation wireless to provide seamless access, whether the user is indoors or out, a thorough understanding and validation of models describing the impact of building entry loss (BEL) is required. This information is currently lacking and presents a challenge for most system designers. For this reason empirical data is needed to assess the impact of BEL at frequencies that are being explored for future mobile broadband applications This paper present the results of measurements of outdoor-to-indoor propagation from 5-32 GHz in three different buildings. The first is a newer building that is similar in construction to modern residential home. The second is an older commercial office building. The last building is a very new commercial office building built using modern green building techniques. These three buildings allow for the measurement of propagation losses through both modern and older materials; such as glass windows and exterior block and siding. Initial results found that at particular spatial locations the BEL could be less than 1dB or more than 70dB with free space losses discounted (this is likely influenced by multipath). Additionally, it was observed that the PDF distributions of a majority of the measurements trended toward log-normal with means and standard deviations ranging from 8-38dB and 6-14dB, respectively.

building entry loss↗

Global Premature Mortality Due to Anthropogenic Outdoor Air Pollution and the Contribution of Past Climate Change

Increased concentrations of ozone and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) since preindustrial times reflect increased emissions, but also contributions of past climate change. Here we use modeled concentrations from an ensemble of chemistry–climate models to estimate the global burden of anthropogenic outdoor air pollution on present-day premature human mortality, and the component of that burden attributable to past climate change. Using simulated concentrations for 2000 and 1850 and concentration–response functions (CRFs), we estimate that, at present, 470 000 (95% confidence interval, 140 000 to 900 000) premature respiratory deaths are associated globally and annually with anthropogenic ozone, and 2.1 (1.3 to 3.0) million deaths with anthropogenic PM2.5-related cardiopulmonary diseases (93%) and lung cancer (7%). These estimates are smaller than ones from previous studies because we use modeled 1850 air pollution rather than a counterfactual low concentration, and because of different emissions. Uncertainty in CRFs contributes more to overall uncertainty than the spread of model results. Mortality attributed to the effects of past climate change on air quality is considerably smaller than the global burden: 1500 (−20 000 to 27 000) deaths yr (exp -1) due to ozone and 2200 (−350 000 to 140 000) due to PM2.5. The small multi-model means are coincidental, as there are larger ranges of results for individual models, reflected in the large uncertainties, with some models suggesting that past climate change has reduced air pollution mortality.

human health↗