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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 289 records · Page 16

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NASA NTRS1975

Chandrasekhar-type algorithms for fast recursive estimation in linear systems with constant parameters

In this recursive method proposed, the gain matrix for the Kalman filter and the convariance of the state vector are computed not via the Riccati equation, but from certain other equations. These differential equations are of Chandrasekhar-type. The 'invariant imbedding' idea resulted in the reduction of the basic boundary value problem of transport theory to an equivalent initial value system, a significant computational advance. Initial value experience showed that there is some computational savings in the method and the loss of positive definiteness of the covariance matrix is less vulnerable.

Choudhury, A. K.↗

NASA NTRS1975

LOTS of LTA applications

Current problems facing the logistical planner in utilizing the new ships of the modern, intermodal sea transportation systems in a logistics-over-the-shore (undeveloped) environment are described. Then the employment of two potential LTA vehicle systems are described and discussed as significant parts of possible solutions to this range of logistical problems. Vulnerability aspects of these LTA vehicles are also briefly addressed because of their possible employment near combat areas.

Brown, J. S.↗

NASA NTRS1976

The large motor plume/material impingement test program at AEDC utilizing the four selected propellants from the small motor tests at MSFC (July, August, and September 1974), section 3

Efforts made to determine the vulnerability of Orbiter and ET materials located at various positions within exhaust plumes from test SSRM's using four different propellant formulations are discussed. Data also cover the effect on TPS materials from a single SSRM plume and dual SSRM plumes, and definitions of test SSRM plume environment at material specimen locations.

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NASA NTRS1976

Additional design studies of the NASA/Navy lift/cruise fan

Additional preliminary design studies were performed for a turbotip lift/cruise fan propulsion system for a Navy multimission aircraft. The LCF459/J97 propulsion system was previously designed for this application. These studies extended the analysis in areas of (1) scroll commonality, (2) increased engine-out contingency ratings, (3) mounting systems, (4) manufacturing cost reductions, and (5) vulnerability.

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NASA NTRS1976

The implementation of fail-operative functions in integrated digital avionics systems

System architectures which incorporate fail operative flight guidance functions within a total integrated avionics complex are described. It is shown that the mixture of flight critical and nonflight critical functions within a common computer complex is an efficient solution to the integration of navigation, guidance, flight control, display, and flight management. Interfacing subsystems retain autonomous capability to avoid vulnerability to total avionics system shutdown as a result of only a few failures.

Osoer, S. S.↗

NASA NTRS1975

Scanning electron microscope investigation of the structural growth in thick sputtered coatings

Sputtered S-Monel, silver, and 304 stainless steel coatings and molybdenum disulfide coatings were deposited on mica and metal substrates with various surface finishes to investigate the structural growth of the coating by scanning electron microscopy. The geometry and the surface morphology of the nodules are characterized. Compositional changes within the coating were analyzed by energy dispersive X-ray analysis. Defects in the surface finish act as preferential nucleation sites and form isolated overlapping and complex nodules and various unusual surface overgrowths on the coating. The nodule boundaries are very vulnerable to chemical etching and these nodules do not disappear after full annealing. Further, they have undesirable effects on mechanical properties; cracks are initiated at the nodules when the coating is stressed by mechanical forces.

Spalvins, T.↗

NASA NTRS1975

Lightning effects on the NASA F-8 digital fly-by-wire airplane

An investigation was conducted to evaluate the possible electromagnetic effects of lightning on a fly-by-wire flight control system which had been developed for an F8 aircraft. A brief description is presented of the flight control system. The test and measurement technique used in the investigation is discussed. The results of the investigation are considered, taking into account the vulnerability of individual system components to lightning induced voltages.

Plumer, J. A.↗

NASA NTRS1975

An advanced imaging communication system for planetary exploration

An advanced imaging communication system (AICS) for planetary exploration is presented. The system offers 'end-to-end' information rate improvements of 3 to 5 times over existing systems in addition to extensive user flexibility to adapt his rate/fidelity priorities to fit a particular mission. AICS contains two major system elements. The first is a concatenated Reed-Solomon/Viterbi coded channel. This provides a powerful, yet practical, solution to the usual 'error vulnerability' problem associated with compressed data. The second major element is an extremely adaptive image data compression algorithm called RM2. The details of this algorithm as presently simulated are discussed in considerable detail. Used in conjunction with the virtually error free performance of the Reed-Solomon/Viterbi channel the stated AICS advantages are obtained.

Rice, R. F.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Status of research into lightning effects on aircraft

Developments in aircraft lightning protection since 1938 are reviewed. Potential lightning problems resulting from present trends toward the use of electronic controls and composite structures are discussed, along with presently available lightning test procedures for problem assessment. The validity of some procedures is being questioned because of pessimistic results and design implications. An in-flight measurement program is needed to provide statistics on lightning severity at flight altitudes and to enable more realistic tests, and operators are urged to supply researchers with more details on electronic components damaged by lightning strikes. A need for review of certain aspects of fuel system vulnerability is indicated by several recent accidents, and specific areas for examination are identified. New educational materials and standardization activities are also noted.

Plumer, J. A.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Clearance of short circuited ion optics electrodes by capacitive discharge

The ion optics electrodes of low specific impulse (3000 sec) mercury electron bombardment ion thrusters are vulnerable to short circuits by virtue of their relatively small interelectrode spacing (0.5 mm). Metallic flakes from backsputtered deposits are the most probable cause of such 'shorts' and 'typical' flakes have been simulated here using refractory wire that has a representative, but controllable, cross section. Shorting wires can be removed by capacitive discharge without significant damage to the electrodes. This paper describes an evaluation of 'short' removal versus electrode damage for several combinations of capacitor voltage, stored energy, and short circuit conditions.

Poeschel, R. L.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Designing the L-1011 to minimize rotor failures effects

Design philosophies used in the L-1011 aircraft to provide protection against rotor fragments include: (1) incorporating into the rotor design features that tend to promote small fragments if failure occurs; (2) containing the fragments within the engine shell or greatly reducing the energy content of those fragments that are eventually uncontained; (3) shielding vulnerable elements or systems with heavy structural members that tend to stop or deflect high velocity fragments; and (4) incorporating redundant and/or backup systems into the basic design and separating these systems so as to minimize the probability that more than one system will be damaged by an uncontained rotor fragment. Some of the design features that were incorporated into the Rolls-Royce RB211 engine are discussed, and two in-service experiences are considered in order to illustrate the practical operation of these features.

Wignot, J. E.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Direct effects protection

Protection of an aircraft and each of its various systems against the direct effects of lightning were analyzed. Components located in different sections of the aircraft were individually examined since they are likely to experience different degrees of susceptibility to lightning, and may be vulnerable to different components of the lightning flash. The basic steps to be followed in establishing lightning protection were presented by discussing the varieties of arc entry and current flow-through damage. The lightning-strike zones and lightning current environments are established, since environmental conditions in the zones are those under which specific protective measures must perform. Airworthiness regulations which apply to lightning protection are cited.

Franklin A Fisher↗

NASA NTRS1977

Component damage analysis

Semiconductor breakdown in aircraft was investigated since lightning strikes induce large current and voltage pulses which may cause failure. Work was done to determine whether or not these voltages and currents cause upset or damage to active or passive components. Failure thresholds were studied extensively and an assessment was made of the vulnerability of a system to a transient environment.

Franklin A Fisher↗

NASA NTRS1978

LANDSAT application of remote sensing to shoreline-form analysis

The author has identified the following significant results. Using Assateague Island, Cape Hatteras, and Cape Lookout, significantly high correlations were found for most of the six barrier island sections that were examined. Relationships were not consistent from island to island. It was concluded that coastal vulnerability to storm damage can not be assessed based on coastal orientation alone. When orientation data were combined with erosion data for individual barrier islands, the relationship could be used as a basis for barrier island classification. A method was developed to obtain large amounts of historical data on surface coastal process from aerial photography, which was called the orthogonal grid address system. Data on shoreline change and overwash penetration gathered on over 400 km of the mid-Atlantic coast, are being used by various federal and state agencies for planning purposes.

Dolan, R.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Political and legal implications of developing and operating a satellite power system

A number of political and legal implications of developing and operating a satellite power system (SPS) are identified and studied in this report. These include the vulnerability of SPS to actions of adversaries, communications impacts, the legality of an SPS in orbit including on-orbit military protection, alleviation of political concerns about deployment and operation of SPS, programmatic planning for SPS and the interaction of SPS with federal regulatory agencies and major departments. In comparing SPS to terrestrial power stations, it is seen that the political problems are neither clearly larger nor clearly smaller--they are clearly different and they are international in nature. If SPS is to become a reality these problems must be dealt with. Five major issues are identified. These must be resolved in order to obtain international acceptance of SPS. However, this study has found no insurmountable obstacles that would clearly prohibit the deployment, operation and protection of an SPS fleet.

Hazelrigg, G. A., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1978

Contingency plans for chromium utilization. Publication NMAB-335

The United States depends entirely on foreign sources for the critical material, chromium, making it very vulnerable to supply disruptions. The effectiveness of programs such as stockpiling, conservation, and research and development for substitutes to reduce the impact of disruption of imports of chromite and ferrochromium are discussed. Alternatives for decreasing chromium consumption also are identified for chromium-containing materials in the areas of design, processing, and substitution.

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NASA NTRS1978

Satellite Power System (SPS) military applications

The potential military role, both offensive and defensive, of a Satellite Power System (SPS) is examined. A number of potential military support possibilities are described. An SPS with military capabilities may have a strong negative impact on international relations if it is not internationalized. The SPS satellite would be vulnerable to military action of an enemy with good space capability, but would experience little or no threat from saboteurs or terrorists, except via the ground controls. The paper concludes with an outline of some of the key issues involved, and a number of recommendations for future study, including some areas for long term efforts.

Ozeroff, M. J.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Carbon Fiber Risk Analysis

The scope and status of the effort to assess the risks associated with the accidental release of carbon/graphite fibers from civil aircraft is presented. Vulnerability of electrical and electronic equipment to carbon fibers, dispersal of carbon fibers, effectiveness of filtering systems, impact of fiber induced failures, and risk methodology are among the topics covered.

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