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At least 289 records · Page 16

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NASA NTRS1982

Multibody transport concept

Two baseline aircraft are configured in this study. The multibody aircraft has two fuselage bodies located at approximately 28% wing semispan. The single-body aircraft is configured in such a way as to provide a reference base with which the multibody aircraft can be compared. The aircraft are sized to provide the lowest direct operating cost configuration when transporting 771,620 lbs. over a distance of 3,500 nautical miles at a cruise speed of Mach 0.80. The aircraft are assumed to operate in the years 1990-1995, thus allowing for the incorporation of those technologies expected to be mature and available for production usage in 1985. In comparison with the single-body aircraft, the two-body aircraft shows reductions of 8.9% in wing weight, 7.7% in structural weight, 13.5% in block fuel weight, and 11.3% in direct operating cost.

Moore, J. W.↗

NASA NTRS1982

The 15-meter diameter mechanically scanned deployable antenna

A preliminary design with structural model data and thermal-performance estimates of a 15-meter mechanically scanned deployable antenna (MSDA) that could be launched onboard a Shuttle Orbiter to provide radiometric brightness temperature maps of the Earth and oceans in selected bands over a frequency range from 1.4 to 11 GHz is provided. The study objectives were met through the design of a unique, integrated, offset feed mast and reflector design that uses the deployable box-truss structure as a building block. The performance of this system is summarized. The all graphite-epoxy, 4.57-meter prototype cube that was completed in 1981 and is proposed for this reflector and feed mast design is presented.

Coyner, J. V.↗

NASA NTRS1990

The mechanism of high-T(sub c) superconductivity due to bound hole mediators: Relationship to ferroelectricity

The mediation by bound holes creating Cooper pairing in high T(sub c) superconductors has its origin in charge transfer excitations on the multivalence cation (virtual excitions) and in bound excitions or polarizations associated with the oxygen 2p electrons. These phenomena are produced and/or enhanced by a high internal electric field which is itself created by virtue of the unique crystal structures and polyhedral building blocks of high T(sub c) materials. The polarizations which can create oxygen holes (in addition to excitions) may be due to simply the internal electric field or to polaronic and electron-deficient bond behavior. This gives rise to two energy-dependent oxygen bands near the Fermi level. The magnitude and direction of the internal electric fields were calculated for Y1Ba2Cu3O(7-delta) (1-2-3) and show strong z-direction fields at the Cu(2), O2, and O3 sites and an even stronger -z direction field at the O4 site. The field calculations also show why electrical conductivity in the 1-2-3 material is essentially in the base plane of the CuO5 pyramid (the CuO2 plane).

Vezzoli, G. C.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Imide/Arylene Ether Copolymers

New imide/arylene ether copolymers prepared by reacting anhydride-terminated poly(amic acids) with amine-terminated poly(arylene ethers) in polar aprotic solvents. Each resulting copolymer may have one glass-transition temperature or two, depending on chemical structure and/or compatibility of block units. Most of copolymers form tough, solvent-resistant films with high tensile properties. Films cast from solution tough and flexible, and exhibit useful thermal and mechanical properties. Potentially useful as moldings, adhesives, or composite matrices. Because of flexible arylene ether blocks, these copolymers easier to process than polyimides.

Jensen, Brian J.↗

NASA NTRS1994

Protein crystal growth in microgravity: Temperature induced large scale crystallization of insulin

One of the major stumbling blocks that prevents rapid structure determination using x-ray crystallography is macro-molecular crystal growth. There are many examples where crystallization takes longer than structure determination. In some cases, it is impossible to grow useful crystals on earth. Recent experiments conducted in conjuction with NASA on various Space Shuttle missions have demonstrated that protein crystals often grow larger and display better internal molecular order than their earth-grown counterparts. This paper reports results from three Shuttle flights using the Protein Crystallization Facility (PCF). The PCF hardware produced large, high-quality insulin crystals by using a temperature change as the sole means to affect protein solubility and thus, crystallization. The facility consists of cylinders/containers with volumes of 500, 200, 100, and 50 ml. Data from the three Shuttle flights demonstrated that larger, higher resolution crystals (as evidenced by x-ray diffraction data) were obtained from the microgravity experiments when compared to earth-grown crystals.

Long, Marianna M.↗

NASA NTRS1999

Performance and Applications of ENSAERO-MPI on Scalable Components

The latest improvements and results generated by ENSAERO-MPI are presented in this paper. ENSAERO-MPI is a parallelized, high-fidelity, multi-block code with fluids, structures and controls capabilities developed at NASA Ames Research Center under the support of HPCC. It is capable of multidisciplinary simulations by simultaneously integrating the Navier-Stokes equations, the finite element structural equations as well as control dynamics equations using aeroelastically adaptive, patched grids. Improvements have been made to the code's robustness, moving grid capabilities and performance.

Farhangnia, Mehrdad↗

NASA NTRS2001

Studies in the X-Ray Emission of Clusters of Galaxies and Other Topics

The paper discusses the following: (1) X-ray study of groups of galaxies with Chandra and XMM. (2) X-ray properties of point sources in Chandra deep fields. (3) Study of cluster substructure using wavelet techniques. (4) Combined study of galaxy clusters with X-ray and the S-Z effect. Groups of galaxies are the fundamental building blocks of large scale structure in the Universe. X-ray study of the intragroup medium offers a powerful approach to addressing some of the major questions that still remain about almost all aspects of groups: their ages, origins, importance of composition of various galaxy types, relations to clusters, and origin and enrichment of the intragroup gas. Long exposures with Chandra have opened new opportunities for the study of X-ray background. The presence of substructure within clusters of galaxies has substantial implications for our understanding of cluster evolution as well as fundamental questions in cosmology.

Vrtilek, Jan↗

NASA NTRS2002

Design and Synthesis of Novel Block Copolymers for Efficient Opto-Electronic Applications

It has been predicted that nano-phase separated block copolymer systems containing electron rich donor blocks and electron deficient acceptor blocks may facilitate the charge carrier separation and migration in organic photovoltaic devices due to improved morphology in comparison to polymer blend system. This paper presents preliminary data describing the design and synthesis of a novel Donor-Bridge-Acceptor (D-B-A) block copolymer system for potential high efficient organic optoelectronic applications. Specifically, the donor block contains an electron donating alkyloxy derivatized polyphenylenevinylene (PPV), the acceptor block contains an electron withdrawing alkyl-sulfone derivatized polyphenylenevinylene (PPV), and the bridge block contains an electronically neutral non-conjugated aliphatic hydrocarbon chain. The key synthetic strategy includes the synthesis of each individual block first, then couple the blocks together. While the donor block stabilizes and facilitates the transport of the holes, the acceptor block stabilizes and facilitates the transport of the electrons, the bridge block is designed to hinder the probability of electron-hole recombination. Thus, improved charge separation and stability are expected with this system. In addition, charge migration toward electrodes may also be facilitated due to the potential nano-phase separated and highly ordered block copolymer ultra-structure.

Sun, Sam-Shajing↗

NASA NTRS1989

Vapor resistant arteries

A vapor block resistant liquid artery structure for heat pipes. A solid tube artery with openings is encased in the sintered material of a heat pipe wick. The openings are limited to that side of the artery which is most remote from the heat source. The liquid in the artery can thus exit the artery through the openings and wet the sintered sheath, but vapor generated at the heat source is unlikely to move around the solid wall of the artery and reverse its direction in order to penetrate the artery through the openings. An alternate embodiment uses finer pore size wick material to resist vapor entry.

Shaubach, Robert M.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Vapor resistant arteries

Shaubach, Robert M.↗

NASA NTRS2008

Geologic Mapping of Isabella Quadrangle (V-50) and Helen Planitia, Venus

(25-50 S, 180-210 E) is host to numerous coronae and small volcanic centers (paterae and shield fields), focused (Aditi and Sirona Dorsa) and distributed (penetrative north-south trending wrinkle ridges) contractional deformation, and radial and linear extensional structures, all of which contribute materials to and/or deform the expansive surrounding plains (Nsomeka and Wawalag Planitiae). Regional plains, which are a northern extension of regional plains mapped in the Barrymore Quadrangle V-59 [1], dominate the V-50 quadrangle. Previous mapping divided the regional plains into two members: regional plains, members a and b [2]. A re-evaluation of these members has determined that a continuous and consistent unit contact does not exist; however, the majority of this radar unit or surficial unit will still be displayed on the final map as a stipple pattern as it is a prevalent feature of the quadrangle. With minimal tessera or highland material, much of the quadrangle s oldest materials are plains units (the regional plains). Much of these plains are covered with small shield edifices that exhibit a variety of material contributions (or flows). In the northwest, several flows emerge and flow to the southeast from Diana-Dali Chasmata. Local corona- and mons-fed flows superpose the regional plains; however, earlier stages of volcano-tectonic centers marked by arcuate and radial structural elements, including terrain so heavily deformed that it takes on a new appearance, may have developed prior to or concurrently with the region plains. Northtrending deformation belts disrupt the central portion of the map area and wrinkle ridges parallel these larger belts. Isabella crater, in the northeastern quadrant, is highly asymmetric and displays two prominent ejecta blanket morphologies, which generally correlate with distance from the impact structure suggesting that ejecta block size or ejecta blanket thickness may be the cause. The crater floor is very dark and shows no direct connection with the large outflow to the south, which emphasizes the asymmetry observed. Isabella crater ejecta and outflow materials clearly postdate several small craters in the vicinity.

Bleamaster, Leslie F., III↗

NASA NTRS2017

BILL-E: Robotic Platform for Locomotion and Manipulation of Lightweight Space Structures

We describe a robotic platform for traversing and manipulating a modular 3D lattice structure. The robot is designed to operate within a specifically structured environment, which enables low numbers of degrees of freedom (DOF) compared to robots performing comparable tasks in an unstructured environment. This allows for simple controls, as well as low mass and cost. This approach, designing the robot relative to the local environment in which it operates, results in a type of robot we call a "relative robot." We describe a bipedal robot that can locomote across a periodic lattice structure, as well as being able to handle, manipulate, and transport building block parts that compose the lattice structure. Based on a general inchworm design, the robot has added functionality for traveling over and operating on a host structure.

Aeronautics↗

NASA NTRS2018

Bipedal Isotropic Lattice Locomoting Explorer: Robotic Platform for Locomotion and Manipulation of Discrete Lattice Structures and Lightweight Space Structures

A robotic platform for traversing and manipulating a modular 3D lattice structure is described. The robot is designed specifically for its tasks within a structured environment, and is simplified in terms of its numbers of degrees of freedom (DOF). This allows for simpler controls and a reduction of mass and cost. Designing the robot relative to the environment in which it operates results in a specific type of robot called a "relative robot". Depending on the task and environment, there can be a number of relative robots. This invention describes a bipedal robot which can locomote across a periodic lattice structure made of building block parts. The robot is able to handle, manipulate, and transport these blocks when there is more than one robot. Based on a general inchworm design, the robot has added functionality while retaining minimal complexity, and can perform numerous maneuvers for increased speed, reach, and placement.

Jenett, Benjamin↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Magnetic Mapping in the Inner Magnetosphere using Kamodo

Many models require specialized access and interpolation schemes to effectively extract and interpolate their outputs. In particular, the Block-Adaptive Tree Solarwind Roe Upwind Scheme (BATSRUS) component of the Space Weather Modeling Framework (SWMF) requires Kamodo to take advantage of its block-based adaptive grid structure, and the Lyon-Fedder Mobarry magnetosphere model (or its successor GAMERA) needs a scheme that appreciates the distorted spherical arrangement of grid vertices on a non-orthogonal grid. With the flythrough layer developed by Ringuette et al. (SH42E-2337), the underlying model readers have been adapted to use multiple time steps in a single Python session to perform 4- dimensional interpolations in time and space. Kamodo now utilizes lazy interpolation that loads data only when needed. We present the successful integration of SWMF/BATSRUS magnetosphere access and interpolation into the new 4D Kamodo framework utilizing an external library of C code. Through function composition, Kamodo facilitates the calculation of derived quantities and the transformation of positions and vectors into different coordinate systems. This work is a significant step towards performing field line tracing in Kamodo with SWMF magnetosphere outputs.

Lutz Rastaetter↗

NASA NTRS2002

Specimen block counter-staining for localization of GUS expression in transgenic arabidopsis and tobacco

A simple counter-staining procedure has been developed for comparative beta-glucuronidase (GUS) expression and anatomical localization in transgenic herbaceous arabidopsis and tobacco. This protocol provides good anatomical visualization for monitoring chimeric gene expression at both the organ and tissue levels. It can be used with different histochemical stains and can be extended to the study of woody species. The specimens are paraffin-embedded, the block is trimmed to reveal internal structure, safranin-O staining solution is briefly applied to the surface of the block, then washed off and, after drying, a drop of immersion oil is placed on the stained surface for subsequent photographic work. This gives tissue counter-staining with good structural preservation without loss of GUS staining product; moreover, sample observation is rapid and efficient compared to existing procedures.

NASA Discipline Plant Biology↗

NASA NTRS1992

Imide/arylene ether copolymers

Imide/arylene ether block copolymers are prepared by reacting anhydride terminated poly(amic acids) with amine terminated poly(arylene ethers) in polar aprotic solvents and by chemically or thermally cyclodehydrating the resulting intermediate poly(amic acids). The resulting block copolymers have one glass transition temperature or two, depending upon the particular structure and/or the compatibility of the block units. Most of these block copolymers form tough, solvent resistant films with high tensile properties.

Jensen, Brian J.↗

NASA NTRS2020

Androgynous Fasteners for Robotic Structural Assembly

We describe the design and analysis of an androgynous fastener for autonomous robotic assembly of high performance structures. The design of these fasteners aims to prioritize ease of assembly through simple actuation with large driver positioning tolerance requirements, while producing a reversible mechanical connection with high strength and stiffness per mass. This can be applied to high strength to weight ratio structural systems, such as discrete building block based systems that offer reconfigurability, scalability, and system lifecycle efficiency. Such periodic structures are suitable for navigation and manipulation by relatively small mobile robots. The integration of fasteners, which are lightweight and can be robotically installed, into a high performance robotically managed structural system is of interest to reduce launch energy requirements, enable higher mission adaptivity, and decrease system life-cycle costs.

Formoso, Olivia↗

NASA NTRS1997

Damped Ly alpha absorbers at high redshift: Large disks or galactic building blocks?

The nature of the physical structures giving rise to damped Lyman alpha absorption systems (DLAS) at high redshifts is investigated. The proposal that rapidly rotating large disks are the only viable explanation for the observed asymmetric profiles of low ionization absorption lines is examined. Using hydrodynamic simulations of galaxy formation, it is demonstated that irregular protogalactic clumps can reproduce the observed velocity width distribution and asymmetries of the absorption profiles equally well. The velocity broadening in the simulated clumps is due to a mixture of rotation, random motions, infall and merging. The observed velocity width correlates with the virial velocity for the dark matter halo of the forming protogalactic clump. The typical virial velocity of the halos required to lead to the DLAS population is approximately 100 km/s. It is concluded that the evidence that DLAS at high redshift are related to large, rapidly rotating disks, is not compelling.

Haehnelt, Martin G.↗