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At least 235 records · Page 13

Design considerations for a monolithic, GaAs, dual-mode, QPSK/QASK, high-throughput rate transceiver

A monolithic, GaAs, dual mode, quadrature amplitude shift keying and quadrature phase shift keying transceiver with one and two billion bits per second data rate is being considered to achieve a low power, small and ultra high speed communication system for satellite as well as terrestrial purposes. Recent GaAs integrated circuit achievements are surveyed and their constituent device types are evaluated. Design considerations, on an elemental level, of the entire modem are further included for monolithic realization with practical fabrication techniques. Numerous device types, with practical monolithic compatability, are used in the design of functional blocks with sufficient performances for realization of the transceiver.

Kot, R. A.↗

Design considerations for high-power VHF radar transceivers (keynote paper)

A review and analysis of conference papers addressing the design of high power VHF radar tranceivers is presented. Specific design topics include: (1) distributed versus single transmitters; (2) coded pulses and decoder design; (3) large transmitter design considerations; and (4) T/R switch design. The topics in the discussion on future directions include the following: (1) enhanced receiver performance; (2) transmitter systems for unattended operation; (3) limitations of the current T/R switch designs; (4) data processing (is eight bits enough); and (5) new frequencies (200 MHz and/or 400 MHz).

Brosnahan, J. W.↗

Some aerodynamic considerations for advanced aircraft configurations

Recent NASA wind-tunnel investigations of advanced unconventional configurations are surveyed, with an emphasis on those applicable to general-aviation aircraft. Photographs of typical models and graphs of aerodynamic parameters are provided. The designs discussed include aft installation of tractor or pusher-propellor engines; forward-swept wings; canards; combinations of canard, wing, and horizontal tail; and propeller-over-the-wing configurations. Consideration is given to canard-wing flow-field interactions, natural laminar flow, the choice of canard airfoil, directional stability and control, and propulsion-system location.

Williams, L. J.↗

Thermal management considerations for 100 kW(e) In-Core Thermionic Space Nuclear Power System

The general thermal management approach for the SP-100 In-Core Thermionic Space Nuclear Power System is presented. Thermal advantages and design features of the heat transport subsystem are addressed, including the selection of parameters, heat transport fluid, and materials. Pumping considerations, thermal insulation requirements, and radiator design are discussed, and the impacts of system scaling to higher power levels are projected.

Van Hagan, T. H.↗

Wing design with attainable thrust considerations

A CAD process that includes leading-edge thrust considerations for wings with high aerodynamic efficiencies is outlined. Rectangular grids are used for evaluation of both subsonic and supersonic pressure loadings. Account is taken of the Mach number, Re, the wing planform, the presence of camber, the airfoil geometry and the locations and forces induced by shed vortices. Optimization techniques are applied to the candidate surfaces in order to consider the attainable thrust. Inclusion of the optimization techniques permits analyses of mission-adaptive wings and various flap systems and the elimination of singularities in the flight envelope.

Carlson, H. W.↗

Cost considerations in database selection - A comparison of DIALOG and ESA/IRS

It is pointed out that there are many factors which affect the decision-making process in determining which databases should be selected for conducting the online search on a given topic. In many cases, however, the major consideration will be related to cost. The present investigation is concerned with a comparison of the costs involved in making use of DIALOG and the European Space Agency's Information Retrieval Service (ESA/IRS). The two services are very comparable in many respects. Attention is given to pricing structure, telecommunications, the number of databases, prints, time requirements, a table listing online costs for DIALOG and ESA/IRS, and differences in mounting databases. It is found that ESA/IRS is competitively priced when compared to DIALOG, and, despite occasionally higher telecommunications costs, may be even more economical to use in some cases.

Jack, R. F.↗

Motor/generator and electronic control considerations for energy storage flywheels

A spacecraft electric power supply system is described. Requirements of the system are to accelerate a momentum wheel to a fixed maximum speed when solar energy is available and to maintain a constant voltage on the spacecraft bus under varying loads when solar energy is not available. Candidate motor types, pulse width modulated current control systems, and efficiency considerations are discussed. In addition, the Lunar Roving Vehicle motors are described along with their respective efficiencies.

Nola, F. J.↗

Dynamic Considerations for Control of Closed Life Support Systems

Reliability of closed life support systems depend on their ability to continue supplying the crew's needs during perturbations and equipment failures. The dynamic considerations interact with the basic static design through the sizing of storages, the specification of excess capacities in processors, and the choice of system initial state. A very simple system flow model was used to examine the possibilities for system failures even when there is sufficient storage to buffer the immediate effects of the perturbation. Two control schemes are shown which have different dynamic consequences in response to component failures.

Babcock, P. S.↗

Considerations for damage analysis of gas turbine hot section components

The hot flowpath of a gas turbine engine contains static and rotating components operating in a very hostile environment. Since the reliable operation of these components is critical to the safe and efficient performance of the engine, structural life analysis of these members is carried out with great care. However, the complex nature of the strain-temperature-time cycle affecting the engine makes a general analysis procedure difficult and usually leads to separating the damage into regimes where one damage mode dominates. In particular, cycle dependent, time dependent, and thermomechanical fatigue regimes have been identified and some general considerations of each region are discussed. This discussion includes both the damage models themselves and the application of the models. Specific examples of several models are given and important factors affecting each are presented.

Cook, T. S.↗

Atmospheric transfer of radiation above an inhomogeneous non-Lambertian reflective ground. II - Computational considerations and results

The theoretical foundation for solution of the three-dimensional radiative transfer problem described in the preceding paper is reviewed. Practical considerations involved in implementing the Fourier transform/Gauss-Seidel method on a minicomputer are discussed, along with derivations of symmetry relations and approximations which can be used to enhance the computational efficiency. Model results for a surface whose albedo varies as a step function are presented and compared with published solutions obtained by using the Monte Carlo method.

Diner, D. J.↗

Fuel cell power plant economic and operational considerations

Fuel cell power plants intended for electric utility and cogeneration applications are now in the design and construction stage. This paper describes economic and operational considerations being used in the development and design of plants utilizing air cooled phosphoric acid fuel cells. Fuel cell power plants have some unique characteristics relative to other types of power plants. As a result it was necessary to develop specific definitions of the fuel cell power plant characteristics in order to perform cost of electricity calculations. This paper describes these characteristics and describes the economic analyses used in the Westinghouse fuel cell power plant program.

Lance, J. R.↗

Artificial gravity studies and design considerations for Space Station centrifuges

The requirements to and capabilities of a Space Station biological facility centrifuge are discussed on the basis of an assessment of the objectives and subjects of future microgravity biological experiments. It is argued that the facility should be capable of both acute and extended chronic exposure of test subjects and biological materials to altered-g loading. In addition, the experimental approaches and equipment for microgravity studies on a Space Station are outlined. Finally, the engineering requirements of such a centrifuge are examined, with consideration of radial gravity gradients, size, and physical access to animals.

Halstead, T. W.↗

Crashworthy design considerations for general aviation seats

This report summarizes the experimental research conducted at the NASA Langley Research Center on general aviation seat and occupant crash response and discusses seat design considerations. Included are typical floor acceleration pulses from general aviation airplane crash tests, the performance of typical general aviation seats in a simulated crash environment, and the performance of prototype energy absorbing (EA) seat designs. Static and dynamic seat testing procedures and test facilities are discussed. Also presented are results from a series of dynamic tests of typical general aviation seats and prototype EA seats.

Alfaro-Bou, E.↗

Seeding materials: Health and safety considerations

The choice of a proper seeding material for laser velocimeters must include health and safety considerations. Failure to do so can lead to catastrophic results. All materials are toxic, and laser velocimeter seeding materials are no exception. Toxicity may be considered an inherent property of a given material. The manifestation of that property or the physiological response to the material is dependent on dose and exposure conditions. An approximate physiological classification of toxicity is given in tablular form. Toxicity in some situations is not necessarily the most restrictive factor in selection of materials. It is also very important to consider how the material is used so that actual exposure to the material in a damaging form can result. For example, nickel and cadmium are both extremely toxic as systemic poisons and in the case of nickel as a carcinogen. Seeding materials are dispersed in air under conditions that favor personnel exposure. Dispersal equipment is frequently if not normally manned, and personnel are often required to make frequent adjustments to assure proper operations.

Brown, R. D.↗

Design considerations for application of laminar flow control systems to transport aircraft

The current status of the laminar-flow control LFC technology is summarized. Factors that have previously inhibited the application of LFC are first reviewed. Involved are the effects of atmospheric ice crystals, surface irregularities, acoustical environment, and off-design operating conditions. Aircraft design trends that are different from turbulent aircraft are discussed as are various design requirements unique to the LFC systems. Current design approaches for the principal LFC systems are reviewed. These include the system for protection of the leading-edge region from surface contamination and icing and the system for removal of a portion of the boundary-layer air. The latter includes consideration of both multiple spanwise suction slots and distributed perforations and required differences between the wing-box and leading-edge box regions.

Braslow, A. L.↗

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) program Economic and programmatic, considerations

The Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) represents the principal element of a new space-based tracking and communication network which will support NASA spaceflight missions in low earth orbit. In its complete configuration, the TDRSS network will include a space segment consisting of three highly specialized communication satellites in geosynchronous orbit, a ground segment consisting of an earth terminal, and associated data handling and control facilities. The TDRSS network has the objective to provide communication and data relay services between the earth-orbiting spacecraft and their ground-based mission control and data handling centers. The first TDRSS spacecraft has been now in service for two years. The present paper is concerned with the TDRSS experience from the perspective of the various programmatic and economic considerations which relate to the program.

Aller, R. O.↗

Optical system design considerations for interplanetary platforms

Considerations fundamental to the design of optical systems for interplanetary platforms are discussed with regard to the degree that they require departures from ground-based optical technology. Spectral availability, radiation and thermal cycles, microgravity, and space transportation constraints are considered, and new optical technologies are reviewed for their potential impact on the planetary missions planned for the rest of this century.

Miller, E. A.↗

Physiological considerations for EVA in the Space Station era

The physiological parameters that will affect EMU design and operational scheduling for the Space Station Program are discussed. The system must be designed to safely and effectively handle the increased frequency of extravehicular activity projected for longer flight periods than in the past. In order to minimize the risk of decompression sickness a proper combination of equilibration time to cabin pressure, suit pressure, and prebreathing denitrogenation, is necessary. Effective thermal exchange is projected to be automatically controlled and to have an 8-hr 1000 BTU/hr capability. Physiological changes due to adaptation to weightlessness must be considered in scheduling for their impact on performance/fatigue and in coping with motion sickness. Radiation protection to the limit of 80 rad/quarter must be achieved by scheduling to avoid periodic proton and solar flare exposure, and by additional EMU shielding. Additional EMU considerations are the control of microorganisms and the higher pressure requirement for emergency O2 purge.

Horrigan, D. J., Jr.↗