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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 235 records · Page 13
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1975

Description and Flight Test Results of the NASA F-8 Digital Fly-by-Wire Control System

A NASA program to develop digital fly-by-wire (DFBW) technology for aircraft applications is discussed. Phase I of the program demonstrated the feasibility of using a digital fly-by-wire system for aircraft control through developing and flight testing a single channel system, which used Apollo hardware, in an F-8C airplane. The objective of Phase II of the program is to establish a technology base for designing practical DFBW systems. It will involve developing and flight testing a triplex digital fly-by-wire system using state-of-the-art airborne computers, system hardware, software, and redundancy concepts. The papers included in this report describe the Phase I system and its development and present results from the flight program. Man-rated flight software and the effects of lightning on digital flight control systems are also discussed.

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NASA NTRS1974

Steady-state and transient operation of a heat-pipe radiator system

Data obtained on a VCHP heat-pipe radiator system tested in a vacuum environment were studied. Analyses and interpretation of the steady-state results are presented along with an initial analysis of some of the transient data. Particular emphasis was placed on quantitative comparisons of the experimental data with computer model simulations. The results of the study provide a better understanding of the system but do not provide a complete explanation for the observed low VCHP performance and the relatively flat radiator panel temperature distribution. The results of the study also suggest hardware, software, and testing improvements.

Sellers, J. P.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Microprocessor-based multichannel flutter monitor using dynamic strain gage signals

Two microprocessor-based multichannel monitors for monitoring strain gage signals during aerodynamic instability (flutter) testing in production type turbojet engines were described. One system monitors strain gage signals in the time domain and gives an output indication whenever the signal amplitude of any gage exceeds a pre-set alarm or abort level for that particular gage. The second system monitors the strain gage signals in the frequency domain and therefore is able to use both the amplitude and frequency information. Thus, an alarm signal is given whenever the spectral content of the strain gage signal exceeds, at any point, its corresponding amplitude vs. frequency limit profiles. Each system design is described with details on design trade-offs, hardware, software, and operating experience.

Smalley, R. R.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Digital data processing system dynamic loading analysis

Simulation and analysis of the Space Shuttle Orbiter Digital Data Processing System (DDPS) are reported. The mated flight and postseparation flight phases of the space shuttle's approach and landing test configuration were modeled utilizing the Information Management System Interpretative Model (IMSIM) in a computerized simulation modeling of the ALT hardware, software, and workload. System requirements simulated for the ALT configuration were defined. Sensitivity analyses determined areas of potential data flow problems in DDPS operation. Based on the defined system requirements and the sensitivity analyses, a test design is described for adapting, parameterizing, and executing the IMSIM. Varying load and stress conditions for the model execution are given. The analyses of the computer simulation runs were documented as results, conclusions, and recommendations for DDPS improvements.

Lagas, J. J.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Spacelab cost reduction alternatives study. Volume 1: Executive summary

Alternative approaches to payload operations planning and control and flight crew training are defined for spacelab payloads with the goal of: lowering FY77 and FY 78 costs for new starts; lowering costs to achieve Spacelab operational capability; and minimizing the cost per Spacelab flight. These alternatives attempt to minimize duplication of hardware, software, and personnel, and the investment in supporting facility and equipment. Of particular importance is the possible reduction of equipment, software, and manpower resources such as comtational systems, trainers, and simulators.

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NASA NTRS1976

Requirements and specifications of the space telescope for scientific operations

Requirements for the scientific operations of the Space Telescope and the Science Institute are used to develop operational interfaces between user scientists and the NASA ground system. General data systems are defined for observatory scheduling, daily science planning, and science data management. Hardware, software, manpower, and space are specified for several science institute locations and support options.

West, D. K.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Microprocessor-based multichannel flutter monitor using dynamic strain gage signals

Two microprocessor-based multichannel monitors are described for monitoring strain gage signals during aerodynamic instability (flutter) testing in production type turbojet engines. One system monitors strain gage signals in the time domain and gives an output indication whenever the signal amplitude of any gage exceeds a pre-set alarm or abort level for that particular gage. The second system monitors the strain gage signals in the frequency domain and therefore is able to use both the amplitude and frequency information. Thus, an alarm signal is given whenever the spectral content of the strain gage signal exceeds, at any point, its corresponding amplitude vs frequency limit profile. Each system design is described with details on design trade-offs, hardware, software, and operating experience.

Smalley, R. R.↗
NASA NTRS1977

LST data management and mission operations concept

A candidate design concept for an LST ground facility is described. The design objectives were to use NASA institutional hardware, software and facilities wherever practical, and to maximize efficiency of telescope use. The pointing control performance requirements of LST are summarized, and the major data interfaces of the candidate ground system are diagrammed.

Walker, R.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Concept Verification Test - Evaluation of Spacelab/Payload operation concepts

The Concept Verification Test (CVT) procedure is used to study Spacelab operational concepts by conducting mission simulations in a General Purpose Laboratory (GPL) which represents a possible design of Spacelab. In conjunction with the laboratory a Mission Development Simulator, a Data Management System Simulator, a Spacelab Simulator, and Shuttle Interface Simulator have been designed. (The Spacelab Simulator is more functionally and physically representative of the Spacelab than the GPL.) Four simulations of Spacelab mission experimentation were performed, two involving several scientific disciplines, one involving life sciences, and the last involving material sciences. The purpose of the CVT project is to support the pre-design and development of payload carriers and payloads, and to coordinate hardware, software, and operational concepts of different developers and users.

Mcbrayer, R. O.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Distributed microprocessors for spacecraft control and data handling

The Unified Data System (UDS) group at JPL is attempting to reduce total mission costs by designing a spacecraft data system which takes advantage of the natural and historical partitioning of a spacecraft into subsystems. Each subsystem is assigned a microprocessor which needs just enough capability to control the sensors and actuators of that subsystem, collect its data and maintain time synchronization with the rest of the spacecraft. The resulting distributed system avoids many of the overhead costs of a single centralized multi-processing system. To minimize complexity and therefore minimize total mission costs, a variety of standards and restrictions are imposed on the design of hardware, software, and communications. Articulation of these standards and restrictions is a major benefit deriving from the UDS program.

Lesh, F.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Remote sensing

Various imaging techniques are outlined for use in mapping, land use, and land management in Mexico. Among the techniques discussed are pattern recognition and photographic processing. The utilization of information from remote sensing devices on satellites are studied. Multispectral band scanners are examined and software, hardware, and other program requirements are surveyed.

Jinich, A.↗
NASA NTRS1979

A dynamic integrated test for the Space Shuttle

The dynamic integrated test (DIT) has been designed to perform a final checkout of the assembled Space Shuttle vehicle at Kennedy Space Center. The fact that the vehicle is not in a laboratory environment for the test represents a significant constraint in that the use of test equipment is extremely limited, and environment models cannot be used. In essence, the DIT causes the vehicle to believe that it is flying, so that hardware and software systems are exercised much as they would be for a real flight. This technique provides a tool for verifying such items as data bus activity patterns, critical timing sequences, software and hardware moding as a function of flight parameters, absence of EMI problems and other systems interactions which cannot be tested fully in the laboratory.

Brody, S.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Coal gasification systems engineering and analysis. Appendix H: Work breakdown structure

A work breakdown structure (WBS) is presented which encompasses the multiple facets (hardware, software, services, and other tasks) of the coal gasification program. The WBS is shown to provide the basis for the following: management and control; cost estimating; budgeting and reporting; scheduling activities; organizational structuring; specification tree generation; weight allocation and control; procurement and contracting activities; and serves as a tool for program evaluation.

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NASA NTRS1981

The 30/20 GHz demonstration system SSUS-D/BSE

The systems consisting of a 30/20 GHz communication satellite featuring a multiple fixed beam and scanning beam antenna, SS-TDMA, onboard processing and high power TWT's and IMPATT amplifiers, a trunking space-diversity Earth station, a customer premise system (CPS) portable Earth station and a Master Control Station. Hardware, software and personnel are included to build and launch one satellite and to carry on a two year experimentation and demonstration period of advanced Ka-band systems concepts and technology. Included are first level plans identifying all tasks, a schedule for system development and an assessment of critical technology and risk and a preliminary experiments plan.

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NASA NTRS1981

Implementing automatic geographic referencing in Utah

Efforts to use a fully integrated approach to remote sensing in Utah include a realization that data and information are also resources to be managed. A possibility that information acquired for a specific use such as geological application may be of use to others, for instance, to the highway department. Utah is trying to establish a core operation within the state to make some upfront investment in hardware, software, and technical expertise, sufficient to make the operational people in the field aware of what can be done. The key to the operation is to facilitate, coordinate, and educate, so agencies can act for themselves based on their needs, desires, capabilities, and budget.

Plott, B. L.↗
NASA NTRS1981

A general purpose computer-to-computer interface Xerox Sigma computer-to-DEC PDP 11 computer

The Sigma/PDP 11 Interface is a general-purpose system for interconnecting a Xerox Sigma series computer and a DEC PDP 11 series computer. Although the unit is designed to operate in a real-time environment, it can be used in nonreal-time modes as well. Several features, designed to facilitate using the system in varied applications are included in the unit; for example, the features can be used to isolate software or hardware faults. This paper contains descriptions of the hardware and software operations of the interface and examples of real-time applications in the research environment at Ames Research Center.

Fetter, J. L.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Assessment of current state of the art in modeling techniques and analysis methods for large space structures

Advances in continuum modeling, progress in reduction methods, and analysis and modeling needs for large space structures are covered with specific attention given to repetitive lattice trusses. As far as continuum modeling is concerned, an effective and verified analysis capability exists for linear thermoelastic stress, birfurcation buckling, and free vibration problems of repetitive lattices. However, application of continuum modeling to nonlinear analysis needs more development. Reduction methods are very effective for bifurcation buckling and static (steady-state) nonlinear analysis. However, more work is needed to realize their full potential for nonlinear dynamic and time-dependent problems. As far as analysis and modeling needs are concerned, three areas are identified: loads determination, modeling and nonclassical behavior characteristics, and computational algorithms. The impact of new advances in computer hardware, software, integrated analysis, CAD/CAM stems, and materials technology is also discussed.

Noor, A. K.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Digital Instrumentation Analysis and Navigation System (DIANS) for system identification

Hardware, software, and performance features of the Digital Instrumentation and Navigation System (DIANS) designed for NASA research to collect flight data as a strap-down system are detailed. The support software for the system has a cross compiler, a linkage editor, and cross assembler, extended communication capabilities, postflight processing applications, and compilers for PASCAL, FORTRAN, CBASIC and MT. The DIANS microcomputer has a 1 Mbyte RAM module, a fast floating point processor board, a 68000 monoboard computer with 64 RAM, a 128 Kbyte bubble memory card, and a navigation radio. The system also carries a battery for full system operation for over an hour. The support software is also stored on a host mainframe computer, which has a CP/M operating system. Pitch, roll, and heading data are gathered from the on-board system, and communication is possible between the airborne and ground-based computer.

Smyth, R. K.↗