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At least 217 records · Page 12

Fuel-conservative guidance system for powered-lift aircraft

A concept for automatic terminal-area guidance, comprising two modes of operation, has been developed and evaluated in flight tests. In the first or predictive mode, fuel-efficient approach trajectories are synthesized in fast time. In the second or tracking mode, the synthesized trajectories are reconstructed and tracked automatically. An energy rate performance model derived from the lift, drag, and propulsion-system characteristics of the aircraft is used in the synthesis algorithm. The method optimizes the trajectory for the initial aircraft position and wind and temperature profiles encountered during each landing approach. The paper describes the design theory and discusses the results of simulations and flight tests using the Augmentor Wing Jet STOL Research Aircraft.

Erzberger, H.↗

Software breadboard study

The overall goal of this study was to develop new concepts and technology for the Comet Rendezvous Asteroid Flyby (CRAF), Cassini, and other future deep space missions which maximally conform to the Functional Specification for the NASA X-Band Transponder (NXT), FM513778 (preliminary, revised July 26, 1988). The study is composed of two tasks. The first task was to investigate a new digital signal processing technique which involves the processing of 1-bit samples and has the potential for significant size, mass, power, and electrical performance improvements over conventional analog approaches. The entire X-band receiver tracking loop was simulated on a digital computer using a high-level programming language. Simulations on this 'software breadboard' showed the technique to be well-behaved and a good approximation to its analog predecessor from threshold to strong signal levels in terms of tracking-loop performance, command signal-to-noise ratio and ranging signal-to-noise ratio. The successful completion of this task paves the way for building a hardware breadboard, the recommended next step in confirming this approach is ready for incorporation into flight hardware. The second task in this study was to investigate another technique which provides considerable simplification in the synthesis of the receiver first LO over conventional phase-locked multiplier schemes and in this approach, provides down-conversion for an S-band emergency receive mode without the need of an additional LO. The objective of this study was to develop methodology and models to predict the conversion loss, input RF bandwidth, and output RF bandwidth of a series GaAs FET sampling mixer and to breadboard and test a circuit design suitable for the X and S-band down-conversion applications.

Nuckolls, C.↗

Development and Application of Computational/In Vitro Toxicological Methods for Chemical Hazard Risk Reduction of New Materials for Advanced Weapon Systems

The development of quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) is essential for reducing the chemical hazards of new weapon systems. The current collaboration between HEST (toxicology research and testing), MLPJ (computational chemistry) and PRS (computational chemistry, new propellant synthesis) is focusing R&D efforts on basic research goals that will rapidly transition to useful products for propellant development. Computational methods are being investigated that will assist in forecasting cellular toxicological end-points. Models developed from these chemical structure-toxicity relationships are useful for the prediction of the toxicological endpoints of new related compounds. Research is focusing on the evaluation tools to be used for the discovery of such relationships and the development of models of the mechanisms of action. Combinations of computational chemistry techniques, in vitro toxicity methods, and statistical correlations, will be employed to develop and explore potential predictive relationships; results for series of molecular systems that demonstrate the viability of this approach are reported. A number of hydrazine salts have been synthesized for evaluation. Computational chemistry methods are being used to elucidate the mechanism of action of these salts. Toxicity endpoints such as viability (LDH) and changes in enzyme activity (glutahoione peroxidase and catalase) are being experimentally measured as indicators of cellular damage. Extrapolation from computational/in vitro studies to human toxicity, is the ultimate goal. The product of this program will be a predictive tool to assist in the development of new, less toxic propellants.

Frazier, John M.↗

The Rate Constant for the Reaction H + C2H5 at T = 295 - 150K

The reaction between the hydrogen atom and the ethyl (C2H3) radical is predicted by photochemical modeling to be the most important loss process for C2H5 radicals in the atmospheres of Jupiter and Saturn. This reaction is also one of the major sources for the methyl radicals in these atmospheres. These two simplest hydrocarbon radicals are the initial species for the synthesis of larger hydrocarbons. Previous measurements of the rate constant for the H + C2H5 reaction varied by a factor of five at room temperature, and some studies showed a dependence upon temperature while others showed no such dependence. In addition, the previous studies were at higher temperatures and generally higher pressures than that needed for use in planetary atmospheric models. The rate constant for the reaction H + C2H5 has been measured directly at T = 150, 202 and 295 K and at P = 1.0 Torr He for all temperatures and additionally at P = 0.5 and 2.0 Torr He at T = 202 K. The measurements were performed in a discharge - fast flow system. The decay of the C2H5 radical in the presence of excess hydrogen was monitored by low-energy electron impact mass spectrometry under pseudo-first order conditions. H atoms and C2H5 radicals were generated rapidly and simultaneously by the reaction of fluorine atoms with H2 and C2H6, respectively. The total rate constant was found to be temperature and pressure independent. The measured total rate constant at each temperature are: k(sub 1)(295K) = (1.02+/-0.24)x10(exp -10), k(sub 1)(202K) = (1.02+/-0.22)x10(exp -10) and k(sub 1)(150K) = (0.93+/-0.21)x10(exp -10), all in units of cu cm/molecule/s. The total rate constant derived from all the combined measurements is k(sub 1) = (l.03+/-0.17)x10(exp -10) cu cm/molecule/s. At room temperature our results are about a factor of two higher than the recommended rate constant and a factor of three lower than the most recently published study.

Pimentel, Andre S.↗

Man-machine Integration Design and Analysis System (MIDAS) Task Loading Model (TLM) experimental and software detailed design report

This is the experimental and software detailed design report for the prototype task loading model (TLM) developed as part of the man-machine integration design and analysis system (MIDAS), as implemented and tested in phase 6 of the Army-NASA Aircrew/Aircraft Integration (A3I) Program. The A3I program is an exploratory development effort to advance the capabilities and use of computational representations of human performance and behavior in the design, synthesis, and analysis of manned systems. The MIDAS TLM computationally models the demands designs impose on operators to aide engineers in the conceptual design of aircraft crewstations. This report describes TLM and the results of a series of experiments which were run this phase to test its capabilities as a predictive task demand modeling tool. Specifically, it includes discussions of: the inputs and outputs of TLM, the theories underlying it, the results of the test experiments, the use of the TLM as both stand alone tool and part of a complete human operator simulation, and a brief introduction to the TLM software design.

Staveland, Lowell↗

What Was Learned in Predicting Slender Airframe Aerodynamics with the F16-XL Aircraft

The CAWAPI-2 coordinated project has been underway to improve CFD predictions of slender airframe aerodynamics. The work is focused on two flow conditions and leverages a unique flight data set obtained with the F-16XL aircraft for comparison and verification. These conditions, a low-speed high angle-of-attack case and a transonic low angle-of-attack case, were selected from a prior prediction campaign wherein the CFD failed to provide acceptable results. In re-visiting these two cases, approaches for improved results include better, denser grids using more grid adaptation to local flow features as well as unsteady higher-fidelity physical modeling like hybrid RANS/URANS-LES methods. The work embodies predictions from multiple numerical formulations that are contributed from multiple organizations where some authors investigate other possible factors that could explain the discrepancies in agreement, e.g. effects due to deflected control surfaces during the flight tests, as well as static aeroelastic deflection of the outer wing. This paper presents the synthesis of all the results and findings and draws some conclusions that lead to an improved understanding of the underlying flow physics, and finally making the connections between the physics and aircraft features.

Rizzi, Arthur↗

What Was Learned in Predicting Slender Airframe Aerodynamics with the F-16XL Aircraft

The second Cranked-Arrow Wing Aerodynamics Project, International, coordinated project has been underway to improve high-fidelity computational-fluid-dynamics predictions of slender airframe aerodynamics. The work is focused on two flow conditions and leverages a unique flight data set obtained with the F-16XL aircraft for comparison and validation. These conditions, a low-speed high-angle-of-attack case and a transonic low-angle-of-attack case, were selected from a prior prediction campaign wherein the computational fluid dynamics failed to provide acceptable results. In revisiting these two cases, approaches for improved results include better, denser grids using more grid adaptation to local flow features as well as unsteady higher-fidelity physical modeling like hybrid Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes/unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes/large-eddy simulation methods. The work embodies predictions from multiple numerical formulations that are contributed from multiple organizations where some authors investigate other possible factors that could explain the discrepancies in agreement (e.g., effects due to deflected control surfaces during the flight tests as well as static aeroelastic deflection of the outer wing). This paper presents the synthesis of all the results and findings and draws some conclusions that lead to an improved understanding of the underlying flow physics, finally making the connections between the physics and aircraft features.

Rizzi, Arthur↗

Organic synthesis in the outer Solar System: Recent laboratory simulations for Titan, the Jovian planets, Triton and comets

We tabulate the most abundant gases and their radiation yields, for two experimental pressures: 0.24 mb, more relevant to upper atmosphere excitation, and 17 mb, more relevant to tropospheric, cosmic ray excitation. The yields computed in the 0.24 mb experiment combined with measured electronic fluxes and a simple, eddy diffusion model of Titan's atmosphere predict abundances of detected molecules in agreement with those found by Voyager and for heavier products, in somewhat better agreement with observation than photochemical absolute reaction rate kinetics models. All Voyager organics are accounted for and no detectable products are found that Voyager did not detect. A striking increase of products with multiple bonds is found with decreasing pressure. Hydrocarbon abundances decline slowly with increasing carbon number. Additionally, we list preliminary estimates for the yield of the heteropolymer, which seems to be produced in a quantity comparable (in moles of C+N consumed) to the total amount of gaseous product. The production rate required to sustain Titan's haze against sedimentation also indicates yields of this order. As can be seen from the table, over 10(exp 9) years substantial amounts of these products can accumulate on the surface -- ranging from cm thickness for the (C+N equals 4) species to a meter or more for HCN and C2H2; we also expect a meter or more of tholins. Similar analyses have been or are being done for the Jovian planets and Triton. Charged particle irradiation of hydrocarbon clathrates or mixed hydrocarbon/water ices produces a range of organic products, reddening and darkening of the ices and characteristic infrared spectra. From such spectra, the predicted emission by fine particles in cometary comae well-matches the observed 3.4 micron emission spectra of Comet Halley and other recent comets. Heliocentric evolution of organic emission features in comets is predicted. Organic products of such ice irradiation may account for colors and albedos on some of the satellites in the outer solar system, especially Triton and Pluto, where solid methane is known to exist.

Sagan, C.↗

Network synthesis localization of two soft gamma repeaters

We introduce the method of 'network synthesis,' which allows the detection of very weak gamma-ray transient signals in the data of the Ulysses gamma-ray burst (GRB) experiment from repeating sources. It consists of defining a grid of alpha, delta values, and for each BATSE detection of a burst from a soft gamma repeater, predicting the arrival time of the burst at Ulysses and co-adding the Ulysses data rephased so that the burst signals are aligned in time and produce a detectable pulse. We demonstrate that this method identifies the position of the soft repeater SGR 1806-20, and apply it to the repeater B1900+14. We show that the counterpart to this burst source is probably in or in the vicinity of the Galactic supernova remnant G42.8+0.6.

Hurley, Kevin↗

Effect of the Reynolds Number on the Freestream Disturbance Environment in a Mach 6 Nozzle

To understand the impact of unit Reynolds number on the acoustic disturbance field inside a high-speed wind tunnel, we use Direct Numerical Simulations (DNS) to model the turbulent boundary layers along the walls of a quasi-two-dimensional nozzle configuration. Intended as a stepping stone to fully three-dimensional simulations of freestream noise inside the NASA 20-Inch Mach 6 Wind Tunnel, the present simulations are based on periodic boundary conditions across the spanwise width of the computational domain that corresponds to about one third of the actual tunnel width. These simulations are performed at four different unit Reynolds numbers, ranging from 3.56e6 to 14.0e6 per meter. The predominantly hydrodynamic fluctuations inside the boundary layer are shown to be nearly unaffected by the presence of freestream forcing associated with the impinging acoustic radiation from the opposite wall. Thus, the Reynolds number trends associated with boundary-layer quantities are consistent with previously published DNS of flat-plate boundary layers at similar Mach numbers and wall temperature ratios. The unsteady disturbance environment within the nozzle core region is found to be approximately spatially homogeneous and purely acoustic in nature. The numerical results are used to make comparisons with tunnel noise measurements by Chou et al. [1,2]. Unlike previous comparisons involving static-pressure fluctuations based on the DNS and pitot-pressure fluctuations measured in the wind tunnel, direct comparisons involving the fluctuations in the same physical quantity, namely, the streamwise mass flux, have been reported for the first time. The predicted decrease in the root-mean-square fluctuations in pressure and mass flux with an increasing unit Reynolds number is in agreement with the measurements in the NASA 20-Inch Mach 6 Wind Tunnel. Additional details of the acoustic radiation field are quantified and should be useful toward a digital synthesis of the tunnel disturbance environment that would enable realistic simulations of the natural transition process.

Turbulence↗

Effect of the Reynolds Number on the Freestream Disturbance Environment in a Mach 6 Nozzle

To understand the impact of unit Reynolds number on the acoustic disturbance field inside a high-speed wind tunnel, we use Direct Numerical Simulations (DNS) to model the turbulent boundary layers along the walls of a quasi-two-dimensional nozzle configuration. Intended as a stepping stone to fully three-dimensional simulations of freestream noise inside the NASA 20-Inch Mach 6 Wind Tunnel, the present simulations are based on periodic boundary conditions across the spanwise width of the computational domain that corresponds to about one third of the actual tunnel width. These simulations are performed at four different unit Reynolds numbers, ranging from 3.56e6 to 14.0e6 per meter. The predominantly hydrodynamic fluctuations inside the boundary layer are shown to be nearly unaffected by the presence of freestream forcing associated with the impinging acoustic radiation from the opposite wall. Thus, the Reynolds number trends associated with boundary-layer quantities are consistent with previously published DNS of flat-plate boundary layers at similar Mach numbers and wall temperature ratios. The unsteady disturbance environment within the nozzle core region is found to be approximately spatially homogeneous and purely acoustic in nature. The numerical results are used to make comparisons with tunnel noise measurements by Chou et al. [1,2]. Unlike previous comparisons involving static-pressure fluctuations based on the DNS and pitot-pressure fluctuations measured in the wind tunnel, direct comparisons involving the fluctuations in the same physical quantity, namely, the streamwise mass flux, have been reported for the first time. The predicted decrease in the root-mean-square fluctuations in pressure and mass flux with an increasing unit Reynolds number is in agreement with the measurements in the NASA 20-Inch Mach 6 Wind Tunnel. Additional details of the acoustic radiation field are quantified and should be useful toward a digital synthesis of the tunnel disturbance environment that would enable realistic simulations of the natural transition process.

Acoustics↗

The ultraviolet dayglow at solar maximum. III - Photoelectron-excited emissions of N2 and O

Rocket observations of the far ultraviolet dayglow spectrum near solar cycle maximum are analyzed using laboratory cross sections, atmospheric composition models, and photoelectron production models. Photoelectron-excited emissions of N2 and O are used to derive a self-consistent description of the atmosphere at solar maximum. Spectral synthesis of the N2 Lyman-Birge-Hopfield bands shows a departure of a 1Pi(q) state vibrational populations from the direct excitation theory. Observations of the N2 second positive (0, 0) 3371-A band and O I 1356-A emission indicate an exospheric temperature of 1600 K, 200 K higher than predicted by empirical models. The empirical models are also found to overestimate the O and O2 densities required to fit the data by a factor of 2 and 1.4, respectively. These results are compared to the results of an analysis of similar observations made in 1978 near solar minimum.

Meier, R. R.↗

A Comparative Study of Some Dynamic Stall Models

Three semi-empirical aerodynamic stall models are compared with respect to their lift and moment hysteresis loop prediction, limit cycle behavior, easy implementation, and feasibility in developing the parameters required for stall flutter prediction of advanced turbines. For the comparison of aeroelastic response prediction including stall, a typical section model and a plate structural model are considered. The response analysis includes both plunging and pitching motions of the blades. In model A, a correction to the angle of attack is applied when the angle of attack exceeds the static stall angle. In model B, a synthesis procedure is used for angles of attack above static stall angles and the time history effects are accounted through the Wagner function. In both models the life and moment coefficients for angle of attack below stall are obtained from tabular data for a given Mach number and angle of attack. In model C, referred to an the ONERA model, the life and moment coefficients are given in the form of two differential equations, one for angles below stall, and the other for angles above stall. The parameters of those equations are nonlinear functions of the angle of attack.

Reddy, T. S. R.↗

Stall flutter analysis of propfans

Three semi-empirical aerodynamic stall models are compared with respect to their lift and moment hysteresis loop prediction, limit cycle behavior, easy implementation, and feasibility in developing the parameters required for stall flutter prediction of advanced turbines. For the comparison of aeroelastic response prediction including stall, a typical section model and a plate structural model are considered. The response analysis includes both plunging and pitching motions of the blades. In model A, a correction of the angle of attack is applied when the angle of attack exceeds the static stall angle. In model B, a synthesis procedure is used for angles of attack above static stall angles, and the time history effects are accounted for through the Wagner function.

Reddy, T. S. R.↗

Improved Spacecraft Materials for Radiation Protection

Methods by which radiation shielding is optimized need to be developed and materials of improved shielding characteristics identified and validated. The galactic cosmic rays (GCR) are very penetrating and the energy absorbed by the astronaut behind the shield is nearly independent of shield composition and even the shield thickness. However, the mix of particles in the transmitted beam changes rapidly with shield material composition and thickness. This results in part from the breakup of the high-energy heavy ions of the GCR which make contributions to biological effects out of proportion to their deposited energy. So the mixture of particles in the radiation field changes with shielding and the control of risk contributions from dominant particle types is critical to reducing the hazard to the astronaut. The risk of biological injury for a given particle type depends on the type of biological effect and is specific to cell or tissue type. Thus, one is faced with choosing materials which may protect a given tissue against a given effect but leave unchanged or even increase the risk of other effects in the same tissue or increase the risks to other adjacent tissues of a different type in the same individual. The optimization of shield composition will then be tied to a specific tissue and risk to that tissue. Such peculiarities arise from the complicated mixture of particles, the nature of their biological response, and the details of their interaction with material constituents. Aside from the understanding of the biological response to specific components, one also needs an accurate understanding of the radiation emerging from the shield material. This latter subject has been a principal element of this project. In the past ten years our understanding of space radiation interactions with materials has changed radically, with a large impact on shield design. For example, the NCRP estimated that only 2 g/sq cm. of aluminum would be required to meet the annual 500 mSv limit for the exposure of the blood forming organs (this limit is strictly for LEO but can be used as a guideline for the Mars mission analysis). The current estimates require aluminum shield thicknesses above 50 g/sq cm., which is impractical. In such a heavily shielded vehicle, the neutrons produced throughout the vehicle also contribute significantly to the exposure and this demands greater care in describing the angular dependence of secondary particle production processes. As such the continued testing of databases and transport procedures in laboratory and spaceflight experiments has continued. This has been the focus of much of the last year's activity and has resulted in improved neutron prediction capability. These new methods have also improved our understanding of the surface environment of Mars. The Mars 2003 NRA HEDS related surface science requirements were driven by the need to validate predictions on the upward flux of neutrons produced in the Martian regolith and bedrock made by the codes developed under this project. The codes used in the surface environment definition are also being used to look at in situ resources for the development of construction material for Martian surface facilities. For example, synthesis of polyimides and polyethylene as binders of regolith for developing basic structural elements has been studied and targets built for accelerator beam testing of radiation shielding properties. Preliminary mechanical tests have also been promising. Improved spacecraft materials have been identified (using the criteria reported by this project at the last conference) as potentially important for future shielding materials. These are liquid hydrogen, hydrogenated nanofibers, liquid methane, LiH, Polyethylene, Polysulfone, and Polyetherimide (in order of decreasing shield performance). Some of the materials are multifunctional and are required for other onboard systems. We are currently preparing software for trade studies with these materials relative to the Mars Reference Mission as required in the project's final year.

Wilson, John W.↗

B Complex 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine, and Methylcobalamin Supplementation as a Non-Mechanical Countermeasure to Mitigate Optic Disc Edema Changes During Strict 6º Head-Down Tilt Bed Rest

A subset of astronauts on International Space Station missions have experienced optic disc edema, part of what is characterized as Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS). While the precise cause of SANS is unknown, it is likely that there are multiple contributing factors, including genetic and environmental factors. Our recent work has shown that crewmembers with SANS have higher concentrations of metabolic biomarkers of impairments in the one-carbon metabolic pathway compared to unaffected astronauts - before, during, and after f light (1). B-vitamin status and the presence of one-carbon pathway single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variants predicted the incidence of SANS pathologies, including optic disc edema (2). Specifically, the G allele of methionine synthase reductase (MTRR) A66G and the C allele of serine hydroxymethyltransferase-1 (SHMT1) C1420T were associated with increased incidence of SANS pathologies (2). In a recent 30-d bed rest head-down tilt study with 0.5% CO2 exposure, 5 of 11 subjects developed optic disc edema (4) and the same SHMT1 C1420T and MTRR A66G genetic variants were associated with a larger increase in total retina thickness, a quantitative measure of optic disc edema (5). We published a multi-hit hypothesis of how genetics represents an indispensable element of SANS, which is a multifactorial problem (6). In brief: endothelial dysfunction secondary to genetic, biochemical/nutritional, and physiological (e.g., cardiovascular/fluid shift) f actors could lead to optic disc edema and the other ocular changes that occur in SANS. We expanded this hypothesis to include the possibility that genetic effects on B-vitamin status can alter nitric oxide synthesis and oxidative stress in the endothelium. This in turn could alter the turnover of structural components of the sclera, making it more susceptible to pathologic changes when faced with stressors related to the unrelenting headward fluid shift that occurs in weightlessness and strict head-down tilt bed rest (5). If the relationships that we have observed in flight and ground-based research hold true for the SANS Countermeasure Study, these genetic factors could predict who will be more susceptible to the development of SANS, and more importantly could also provide countermeasure options. As has been shown extensively in the literature, vitamin supplementation can serve to overcome genetic hindrances to one-carbon biochemistry and vascular physiology. Thus, based on our findings, publications, and hypotheses, supported by extensive supporting literature, we had hoped to test in the SANS Countermeasure Study the efficacy of a bioactive B-vitamin complex as a countermeasure to optimize function of the one-carbon pathway and prevent or mitigate optic disc edema during strict 6-degree head down tilt bed rest, and ultimately in space f light. While the supplement is no longer planned to be tested in the SANS Countermeasure Study because of laws regulating supplementation studies like this costing much more than initially planned, we will assess the contribution of one-carbon pathway genetics and B-vitamin status to SANS risk.

S R Zwart↗

High temperature polymers - A review of novel thermally stable hexafluoroisopropylidene-containing polymers

The synthesis and properties to date of several novel HFIP-containing polymers and copolymers are presented. Thermal analyses of polyether ketones (PEK), aromatic polyesters, and polymers from a novel 18F-diacid were performed on a thermal analyzer. All three polymer types exhibited enhanced solubility, thermal stability, and low dielectric constants that are predicted for polymers containing the HFIP moiety. The moderate thermal stability observed in the polymers derived from the 18F-diacid is attributed to the oxidatively weak methylene linkage between the HFIP groups and the phenyl rings. PEKs and polyarylates show potential as high emissivity coatings under conditions where atomic oxygen is present.

Kane, K. M.↗

Arctic Research NASA's Cryospheric Sciences Program

Much of NASA's Arctic Research is run through its Cryospheric Sciences Program. Arctic research efforts to date have focused primarily on investigations of the mass balance of the largest Arctic land-ice masses and the mechanisms that control it, interactions among sea ice, polar oceans, and the polar atmosphere, atmospheric processes in the polar regions, energy exchanges in the Arctic. All of these efforts have been focused on characterizing, understanding, and predicting, changes in the Arctic. NASA's unique vantage from space provides an important perspective for the study of these large scale processes, while detailed process information is obtained through targeted in situ field and airborne campaigns and models. An overview of NASA investigations in the Arctic will be presented demonstrating how the synthesis of space-based technology, and these complementary components have advanced our understanding of physical processes in the Arctic.

Waleed, Abdalati↗