Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Matrix completion”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 199 records · Page 11
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1994

The Influence of SiC on the Ablation Response of Advanced Refractory Composite Materials

In continuing our studies of advanced refractory composite materials we have recently completed an arc-jet test series of a diverse group of ceramics and ceramic matrix composites. The compositions range from continuous fiber reinforced ceramics to monoliths. Many of these materials contain SiC and one objective of this test series was to identify the influence of SiC oxidation mechanisms on material performance. Hence the arc heater was operated at two conditions; one in which the passive oxidation of SiC would be dominant and the other where the active oxidation of SiC would be dominant. It is shown here that the active oxidation mechanism of SiC does not dominate material performance when it is present at levels equal to or below 20 volume percent.

Bull, Jeffrey D.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Handling Qualities of a Large Civil Tiltrotor in Hover using Translational Rate Command

A Translational Rate Command (TRC) control law has been developed to enable low speed maneuvering of a large civil tiltrotor with minimal pitch changes by means of automatic nacelle angle deflections for longitudinal velocity control. The nacelle actuator bandwidth required to achieve Level 1 handling qualities in hover and the feasibility of additional longitudinal cyclic control to augment low bandwidth nacelle actuation were investigated. A frequency-domain handling qualities criterion characterizing TRC response in terms of bandwidth and phase delay was proposed and validated against a piloted simulation conducted on the NASA-Ames Vertical Motion Simulator. Seven experimental test pilots completed evaluations in the ADS-33E-PRF Hover Mission Task Element (MTE) for a matrix of nacelle actuator bandwidths, equivalent rise times and control response sensitivities, and longitudinal cyclic control allocations. Evaluated against this task, longitudinal phase delay shows the Level 1 boundary is around 0.4 0.5 s. Accordingly, Level 1 handling qualities were achieved either with a nacelle actuator bandwidth greater than 4 rad/s, or by employing longitudinal cyclic control to augment low bandwidth nacelle actuation.

Malpica, Carlos A.↗
NASA NTRS2017

Test and Analysis of Solid Rocket Motor Nozzle Ablative Materials

Asbestos free solid motor internal insulation samples were tested at the MSFC Hyperthermal Facility. Objectives of the test were to gather data for analog characterization of ablative and in-depth thermal performance of rubber materials subject to high enthalpy/pressure flow conditions. Tests were conducted over a range of convective heat fluxes for both inert and chemically reactive sub-sonic free stream gas flow. Instrumentation included use of total calorimeters, thermocouples, and a surface pyrometer for surface temperature measurement. Post-test sample forensics involved measurement of eroded depth, charred depth, total sample weight loss, and documentation of the general condition of the eroded profile. A complete Charring Material Ablator (CMA) style aero-thermal analysis was conducted for the test matrix and results compared to the measured data. In general, comparisons were possible for a number of the cases and the results show a limited predictive ability to model accurately both the ablative response and the in-depth temperature profiles. Lessons learned and modeling recommendations are made regarding future testing and modeling improvements that will increase understanding of the basic chemistry/physics associated with the complicated material ablation process of rubber materials.

Clayton, J. Louie↗
NASA NTRS1976

Radiance, polarization, and ellipticity of the radiation in the earth's atmosphere

The complete radiation field including polarization is calculated for a model of the real atmosphere by the matrix operator method. The radiance, direction and amount of polarization, and ellipticity are obtained at the top and bottom of the atmosphere for three values of the surface albedo (0; 0.15 0.90) and five solar zenith angles. Scattering and absorption by molecules (including ozone) and by aerosols are taken into account together with the variation of the number density of these substances with height. All results are calculated for both a normal aerosol number and a distribution which is one-third of the normal amount at all heights. The calculated values show general qualitative agreement with the available experimental measurements. The position of the neutral points of the polarization in the principal plane is a sensitive indicator of the characteristics of the aerosol particles in the atmosphere, since it depends on the sign and value of the single scattered polarization for scattering angles around 20 deg and 160 deg for transmitted and reflected photons respectively.

Hitzfelder, S. J.↗
NASA NTRS1987

A simple method to model truss-beams as equivalent continua

A new method is presented for obtaining stiffness constants for structures modeled as three-dimensional linear elastic beams. The three-dimensional lattice is comprised of multiple two-dimensional lattices. Matrix manipulation is used to determine the contribution of each two-dimensional substructure to the complete three dimensional lattice.

Barton, O., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Eigenvalue calculation procedure for an Euler/Navier-Stokes solver with application to flows over airfoils

A Lanczos procedure is presently applied to a Navier-Stokes (N-S) solver for eigenvalues and eigenvectors associated with the small-perturbation analysis of the N-S equations' finite-difference representation for airfoil flows; the matrix used is very large, sparse, real, and nonsymmetric. The Lanczos procedure is shown to furnish complete spectral information for the eigenvalues, as required for transient-stability analysis of N-S solvers.

Mahajan, Aparajit J.↗
NASA NTRS1997

Lymphocyte trafficking and HIV infection of human lymphoid tissue in a rotating wall vessel bioreactor

The pathogenesis of HIV infection involves a complex interplay between both the infected and noninfected cells of human lymphoid tissue, the release of free viral particles, the de novo infection of cells, and the recirculatory trafficking of peripheral blood lymphocytes. To develop an in vitro model for studying these various aspects of HIV pathogenesis we have utilized blocks of surgically excised human tonsils and a rotating wall vessel (RWV) cell culture system. Here we show that (1) fragments of the surgically excised human lymphoid tissue remain viable and retain their gross cytoarchitecture for at least 3 weeks when cultured in the RWV system; (2) such lymphoid tissue gradually shows a loss of both T and B cells to the surrounding growth medium; however, this cellular migration is reversible as demonstrated by repopulation of the tissue by labeled cells from the growth medium; (3) this cellular migration may be partially or completely inhibited by embedding the blocks of lymphoid tissue in either a collagen or agarose gel matrix; these embedded tissue blocks retain most of the basic elements of a normal lymphoid cytoarchitecture; and (4) both embedded and nonembedded RWV-cultured blocks of human lymphoid tissue are capable of productive infection by HIV-1 of at least three various strains of different tropism and phenotype, as shown by an increase in both p24 antigen levels and free virus in the culture medium, and by the demonstration of HIV-1 RNA-positive cells inside the tissue identified by in situ hybridization. It is therefore reasonable to suggest that gel-embedded and nonembedded blocks of human lymphoid tissue, cocultured with a suspension of tonsillar lymphocytes in an RWV culture system, constitute a useful model for simulating normal lymphocyte recirculatory traffic and provide a new tool for testing the various aspects of HIV pathogenesis.

Tissue Culture/instrumentation/methods↗
NASA NTRS2009

Thermal Analysis and Testing of Candidate Materials for PAIDAE Inflatable Aeroshell

The Program to Advance Inflatable-Decelerators for Atmospheric Entry (PAIDAE) is a NASA project tasked with developing and evaluating viable inflatable-decelerator aeroshell geometries and materials. Thermal analysis of material layups supporting an inflatable aeroshell was completed in order to identify expected material response, failure times, and to establish an experimental test matrix to keep barrier layer materials from reaching critical temperature limits during thermal soak. Material layups were then tested in the 8- foot High Temperature Tunnel (8'HTT), where they were subjected to hypersonic aerothermal heating conditions, similar to those expected for a Mars entry. This paper presents a broad overview of the thermal analysis supporting multiple materials, and layup configurations tested in the 8'HTT at flight conditions similar to those that would be experienced during Mars entry trajectories. Direct comparison of TPS samples tested in the 8'HTT verify that the thermal model accurately predicted temperature profiles when there are up to four materials in the test layup. As the number of material layers in each test layup increase (greater than 4), the accuracy of the prediction decreases significantly. The inaccuracy of the model predictions for layups with more than four material layers is believed to be a result of the contact resistance values used throughout the model being inaccurate. In addition, the harsh environment of the 8'HTT, including hot gas penetrating through the material layers, could also be a contributing factor.

DelCorso, Joseph A.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Spectral Line Parameters Including Temperature Dependences of Self- and Air-Broadening in the 2 (left arrow) 0 Band of CO at 2.3 micrometers

Temperature dependences of pressure-broadened half-width and pressure-induced shift coefficients along with accurate positions and intensities have been determined for transitions in the 2<--0 band of C-12 O-16 from analyzing high-resolution and high signal-to-noise spectra recorded with two different Fourier transform spectrometers. A total of 28 spectra, 16 self-broadened and 12 air-broadened, recorded using high- purity (greater than or equal to 99.5% C-12-enriched) CO samples and CO diluted with dry air(research grade) at different temperatures and pressures, were analyzed simultaneously to maximize the accuracy of the retrieved parameters. The sample temperatures ranged from 150 to 298K and the total pressures varied between 5 and 700 Torr. A multispectrum nonlinear least squares spectrum fitting technique was used to adjust the rovibrational constants (G, B, D, etc.) and intensity parameters (including Herman-Wallis coefficients), rather than determining individual line positions and intensities. Self-and air-broadened Lorentz half-width coefficients, their temperature dependence exponents, self- and air-pressure-induced shift coefficients, their temperature dependences, self- and air-line mixing coefficients, their temperature dependences and speed dependence have been retrieved from the analysis. Speed-dependent line shapes with line mixing employing off-diagonal relaxation matrix element formalism were needed to minimize the fit residuals. This study presents a precise and complete set of spectral line parameters that consistently reproduce the spectrum of carbon monoxide over terrestrial atmospheric conditions.

Devi, V. Malathy↗
NASA NTRS2010

Importance of Requirements Analysis & Traceability to Improve Software Quality and Reduce Cost and Risk

The goal of this paper is to emphasize the importance of developing complete and unambiguous requirements early in the project cycle (prior to Preliminary Design Phase). Having a complete set of requirements early in the project cycle allows sufficient time to generate a traceability matrix. Requirements traceability and analysis are the key elements in improving verification and validation process, and thus overall software quality. Traceability can be most beneficial when the system changes. If changes are made to high-level requirements it implies that low-level requirements need to be modified. Traceability ensures that requirements are appropriately and efficiently verified at various levels whereas analysis ensures that a rightly interpreted set of requirements is produced.

Kapoor, Manju M.↗
NASA NTRS2018

Scattering and Radiative Properties of Morphologically Complex Carbonaceous Aerosols: A Systematic Modeling Study

This paper provides a thorough modeling-based overview of the scattering and radiative properties of a wide variety of morphologically complex carbonaceous aerosols. Using the numerically-exact superposition T-matrix method, we examine the absorption enhancement, absorption Angstroem exponent (AAE), backscattering linear depolarization ratio (LDR), and scattering matrix elements of black-carbon aerosols with 11 different model morphologies ranging from bare soot to completely embedded soot-sulfate and soot-brown carbon mixtures. Our size-averaged results show that fluffy soot particles absorb more light than compact bare-soot clusters. For the same amount of absorbing material, the absorption cross section of internally mixed soot can be more than twice that of bare soot. Absorption increases as soot accumulates more coating material and can become saturated. The absorption enhancement is affected by particle size, morphology, wavelength, and the amount of coating. We refute the conventional belief that all carbonaceous aerosols have AAEs close to 1.0. Although LDRs caused by bare soot and certain carbonaceous particles are rather weak, LDRs generated by other soot-containing aerosols can reproduce strong depolarization measured by Burton et al. for aged smoke. We demonstrate that multi-wavelength LDR measurements can be used to identify the presence of morphologically complex carbonaceous particles, although additional observations can be needed for full characterization. Our results show that optical constants of the host/coating material can significantly influence the scattering and absorption properties of soot-containing aerosols to the extent of changing the sign of linear polarization. We conclude that for an accurate estimate of black-carbon radiative forcing, one must take into account the complex morphologies of carbonaceous aerosols in remote sensing studies as well as in atmospheric radiation computations.

carbonaceous aerosols; scattering matrix; polariza↗
NASA NTRS1992

Accelerated complete-linearization method for calculating NLTE model stellar atmospheres

Two approaches to accelerating the method of complete linearization for calculating NLTE model stellar atmospheres are suggested. The first one, the so-called Kantorovich variant of the Newton-Raphson method, consists of keeping the Jacobi matrix of the system fixed, which allows us to calculate the costly matrix inversions only a few times and then keep them fixed during the subsequent computations. The second method is an application of the Ng acceleration. Both methods are extremely easy to implement with any model atmosphere code based on complete linearization. It is demonstrated that both methods, and especially their combination, yield a rapidly and globally convergent algorithm, which takes 2 to 5 times less computer time, depending on the model at hand and the required accuracy, than the ordinary complete linearization. Generally, the time gain is more significant for more complicated models. The methods were tested for a broad range of atmospheric parameters, and in all cases they exhibited similar behavior. Ng acceleration applied on the Kantorovich variant thus offers a significant improvement of the standard complete-linearization method, and may now be used for calculating relatively involved NLTE model stellar atmospheres.

Hubeny, I.↗
NASA NTRS1971

Test and evaluation of Apollo 14 composite casting demonstration specimens and flight and control samples

The results of experiments 1, 2, and 10 of the Apollo 14 composite casting demonstration are discussed. The purpose of the demonstration, with regard to samples 1 and 2, was to obtain preliminary data on the liquid phase sintering process in a weightless environment. With regard to sample 10, the purpose was to obtain preliminary information on how to achieve uniform dispersion of dense particles on a metal matrix by employing shaking modes or forces in the system when the metal matrix is molten. Results of the demonstrations were interpreted in a quantitative and qualitative manner. For experiment 1 it was found that the tungsten particles were redistributed more uniformly in the flight sample than in the control sample. Experiment 2 results indicate that complete melting may not have occured and thus a high degree of significance cannot be associated with the qualitative results relating to particle redistribution data. The particle-matrix system of experiment 10 was found to be nonwetting.

Fabiniak, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Photoionization in Ultraviolet Processing of Astrophysical Ice Analogs at Cryogenic Temperatures

Two recent experimental studies have demonstrated that amino acids or amino acid precursors are generated when astrophysical ice analogs are subjected to ultraviolet (UV) irradiation at cryogenic temperatures. Understanding the complete phenomenology of photoprocessing is critical to elucidating chemical reaction mechanisms that can function within an ice matrix under very cold conditions. Pushing beyond the much better characterized study of photolytic dissociation of chemical bonds through electronic excitation, this work explored the ability of UV radiation present in the interstellar medium to ionize small molecules embedded in ices. Quantum chemical calculations, including bulk solvation effects, were used to study the ionization of hydrogen (H2), water, and methanol (CH3OH) bound in small clusters of water. Ionization potentials were found to be much smaller in the condensed phase than in the gas phase; even a small cluster can account for large changes in the ionization potentials in ice, as well as the known formation of an OH--H3O+ pair in the case of H2O photoionization. To gauge the impact of photoionization on subsequent grain chemistry, the reaction between OH and CO in the presence of H3O+ was studied and compared with the potential energy surface without hydronium present, which is relevant to chemistry following photolysis. The differences indicate that the reaction is somewhat more likely to proceed to products (H + CO2) in the case of photoionization.

Woon, David E.↗
NASA NTRS2016

Development and Provision of Functional Foods to Promote Health on Long-Duration Space Missions

During long-duration NASA space missions, such as proposed missions to Mars, astronauts may experience negative physiological effects such as bone loss. Functional foods such as high-lycopene, high-flavonoids and high-omega-3 products and fruits and vegetables may mitigate the negative effects of spaceflight on physiological factors including the bone health of crewmembers. Previous studies showed that current ISS provisions provide high-lycopene and high-omega-3 food items but the variety is limited, which could promote menu fatigue. Bioactive compounds can degrade like other chemical compounds and lose functionality. The native concentrations and stability of bioactive compounds have never been determined in spaceflight foods, and adequate information is not available for commercial products for the storage durations required for space exploration (5 years). The purpose of this task is to develop new spaceflight foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, lycopene, or flavonoids, identify commercial products with these bioactive compounds that meet spaceflight requirements, and define the stability of these nutrients in storage to enable purposeful functional food incorporation into the space food system. The impact of storage temperature on the stability of lutein, lycopene, beta-carotene, omega-3 fatty acids, phenolics, anthocyanins and sterols is being studied in 12 ISS menu items stored at three different temperatures (4, 21, 35 degree C) over 2 years. Additionally, nutrient and quality stability are being assessed on a larger food set stored at 21 degree C over 2 years that contains twelve newly developed foods, 10 commercial products repackaged to spaceflight requirements, and another 5 current ISS menu items expected to be good sources of omega-3 fatty acids, lycopene, or flavonoids. All items were shipped overnight to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University (Corvalis, OR) after processing and 1-year of storage and analyzed for bioactive compound concentrations. Sensory evaluation was conducted on the newly developed functional foods and commercial products with untrained panelists (n is greater than or equal to 25) using a 9-point Hedonic scale to test sensory attributes and overall acceptability after processing and 1-year of storage (21 degree C). Repeat nutritional and sensory analyses will be conducted in the same foods after the 2-year storage period is completed. The stability of bioactive compounds in the selected foods was dependent on storage temperature and food matrix. Omega-3 showed excellent stability in the analyzed products after 1-year of storage, regardless of the storage temperature; phenolic compounds also showed good stability. Lycopene was more stable in oil-based products rather than water-based products because of the protection that lipids offer to lycopene molecules. Also, lycopene was more stable in freeze-dried products than in high moisture foods. The 12 newly developed functional foods showed good overall acceptability in sensory attributes after processing (average score 7.2 out of 9.0) and maintained sensory quality through 1-year (21 degree C); the overall acceptability was on average 7.1 after storage. Similar behavior was observed for the 10 commercial products after 1 year. The developed products are good sources of omega-3 (both plant and marine), vegetables (7 vegetable-based products), and good sources of carotenoids, such as the Curry Pumpkin Soup and the Sweet and Savory Kale. Nine of the new products, such as Mango Salad, Pickled Beets, and Braised Red Cabbage, are rich in phenolic compounds. Stability of most of the studied nutrients seems to be adequate after 1-year of storage in most of the tested foods. However, storage temperature of the food must be considered during long-duration space missions to achieve stability of all nutrients. Likewise, more information is needed regarding nutrient retention after 2-years of storage to identify nutritional gaps that may be expected over the 5-year shelf life required for a Mars mission. New developed products will be filling a gap in the current space food system to minimize menu fatigue, provide specific nutrients to reduce the negative effects of long-duration space missions and maintain crew members' health. Information about bioactive compounds in developed products after 1-year and 2-year of storage will provide the knowledge base for further product development.

Bermudez-Aguirre, D.↗
NASA NTRS2023

Stand Alone Electrical Equipment PRL 227a (Formerly PRL 227 LOC3) Confirmatory Sampling Report Addendum

HydroGeoLogic, Inc. (HGL) prepared this Confirmatory Sampling Report Addendum (CSRA) for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Kennedy Space Center (KSC), Florida. PRL 227a Location of Concern (LOC) 3 is located on 10th Street, west of the former Vertical Processing Facility (M7-1469), SWMU 077. The Load Break Switches (LBS) were installed in 1986 and are suspected to have formerly contained dielectric fluid that contained polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The LBS were replaced in 1993 with new LBSs that do not contain PCBs. The LBS are located on a concrete pad surrounded by grass that is mowed and maintained. A total of 330 soil samples were collected between June 2020 and December 2022 from 88 locations at depths ranging from 0-0.5 to 19-20 ft bls. In general, soil samples collected from depths less than 5 ft were collected via hand auger and samples collected beyond 5 ft bls were collected using a direct-push technology drill rig. Soil samples collected from greater than 5 ft bls to 20 ft bls were collected to confirm PCBs were not present at depth in the aquifer matrix. Delineation samples were collected using an approximately 20 ft horizontal spacing. PCB impacted soil has been completely delineated to the State of Florida residential soil cleanup target level (SCTL) at PRL 227a horizontally and vertically. PCB concentrations have been identified above the residential and industrial SCTL as well as concentrations greater than or equal to 50 ppm requiring coordination with EPA and disposal at a facility authorized under TSCA. Based upon the CSRA sampling, an interim measure is recommended to remove PCB impacted soil above the residential SCTL. The total volume of PCB impacted soil to be removed is 591.6 cubic yards. This includes approximately 9.3 cubic yards of soil with PCB concentrations greater than or equal to 50 ppm. An interim measure work plan is included as an attachment to this report.

electrical equipment↗
NASA NTRS1975

The automated multi-stage substructuring system for NASTRAN

The substructuring capability developed for eventual installation in Level 16 is now operational in a test version of NASTRAN. Its features are summarized. These include the user-oriented, Case Control type control language, the automated multi-stage matrix processing, the independent direct access data storage facilities, and the static and normal modes solution capabilities. A complete problem analysis sequence is presented with card-by-card description of the user input.

Field, E. I.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Solar dynamic heat receiver technology

A full-size, solar dynamic heat receiver was designed to meet the requirements specified for electrical power modules on the U.S. Space Station, Freedom. The heat receiver supplies thermal energy to power a heat engine in a closed Brayton cycle using a mixture of helium-xenon gas as the working fluid. The electrical power output of the engine, 25 kW, requires a 100 kW thermal input throughout a 90 minute orbit, including when the spacecraft is eclipsed for up to 36 minutes from the sun. The heat receiver employs an integral thermal energy storage system utilizing the latent heat available through the phase change of a high-temperature salt mixture. A near eutectic mixture of lithium fluoride and calcium difluoride is used as the phase change material. The salt is contained within a felt metal matrix which enhances heat transfer and controls the salt void distribution during solidification. Fabrication of the receiver is complete and it was delivered to NASA for verification testing in a simulated low-Earth-orbit environment. This document reviews the receiver design and describes its fabrication history. The major elements required to operate the receiver during testing are also described.

Sedgwick, Leigh M.↗