Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “certification by analysis”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 307 records · Page 17

Flight Test Methodology for NASA Advanced Inlet Liner on 737MAX-7 Test Bed (Quiet Technology Demonstrator 3)

This paper describes the acoustic flight test results of an advanced nacelle inlet acoustic liner concept designed by NASA Langley, in a campaign called Quiet Technology Demonstrator 3 (QTD3). NASA has been developing multiple acoustic liner concepts to benefit acoustics with multiple-degrees of freedom (MDOF) honeycomb cavities, and lower the excrescence drag. Acoustic and drag performance were assessed at a lab-scale, flow duct level in 2016. Limitations of the lab-scale rig left open-ended questions regarding the in-flight acoustic performance. This led to a joint project to acquire acoustic flyover data with this new liner technology built into full scale inlet hardware containing the NASA MDOF Low Drag Liner. Boeing saw an opportunity to collect the acoustic flyover data on the 737 MAX-7 between certification tests at no impact to the overall program schedule, and successfully executed within the allotted time. The flight test methodology and the test configurations are detailed and the acoustic analysis is summarized in this paper. After the tone and broadband deltas associated with the inlet hardware were separated and evaluated, the result was a significant decrease in cumulative EPNL (Effective Perceived Noise Level).

Wong, Jackie W.↗

Design and Fabrication of the Langley Aerodrome No. 8 - Distributed Electric Propulsion VTOL Testbed

The Langley Aerodrome No. 8 (LA-8) is a distributed electric propulsion, vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft that is being used for wind tunnel testing and free flight testing at the NASA Langley Research Center. The intent of the LA-8 project is to provide a low-cost, modular test bed for technologies in the area of Advanced Air Mobility which includes electric urban and short regional flight. The methods used on the LA-8 provide a rapid means to verify aerodynamic, acoustic, and flight dynamics analysis of new electric VTOL and short takeoff and landing (STOL) designs. In addition, the flight vehicle will be used to help develop test processes for FAA flight vehicle airworthiness certification and for the development of robust flight control algorithms that are tolerant of failures. A new approach is being used on test vehicle design that makes extensive use of 3-D printing. Although materials used in 3-D printing have less strength than traditional materials used for NASA’s wind tunnel and flight models, strategic placement of load-carrying structures allows the aircraft to meet structural criteria while also enabling easy changes to be made in the vehicle design, such as the outer mold line. Modularity of the vehicle’s main components allows rapid changes to the vehicle configuration for comparative evaluation of alternate designs. Finally, a description is given of detailed inertia measurements of the flight vehicle using compound pendulum swing methods.

Urban air mobility↗

Energy Auditor Job Task Analysis

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is contracted by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) to develop and maintain the resources under the Guidelines for Home Energy Professionals (GHEP) project. The purpose of the GHEP project is to increase the quality of work conducted for residential energy retrofits in the United States through the WAP network and other residential retrofit programs. The HEP certifications support WAP and the broader residential home performance industry through the credentialing process and development of defined JTAs for Energy Auditors (EA) and Quality Control Inspectors (QCI). This report outlines the most recent updates (2022) to the EA JTA.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

A Hybrid Heavy Duty Diesel Power System for Off-Road Applications—Concept Validation

A multiyear power system R&D program was completed with the objective of developing an off-road hybrid heavy duty diesel engine with front end accessory drive-integrated energy storage. This system was validated to deliver 10.5–25.6% reduction in fuel consumption over current Tier 4 Final-based 18L diesel engines, over various off-road machine application cycles. The power system consisted of a downsized heavy-duty diesel 13L engine containing advanced combustion technologies, capable of elevated peak cylinder pressures and thermal efficiencies, thermal barrier coatings, exhaust waste heat recovery via SuperTurbo™ turbocompounding, and hybrid energy assisting and recovery through both mechanical and electrical systems. Following the concept definition, design, and analysis phases of the program, the final phase focused on building and validating the performance and efficiency in laboratory tests. While aspects of the system such as start/stop and reduced off-road cooling package energy losses were only analytically evaluated, the main 13L concept engine with full hybrid system was successfully built and tested in steady-state and in transient certification and real-world application cycles. Extensive simulations in Caterpillar's DYNASTY™ software environment utilized the validation test data to assess performance more fully and confidently over varied cycles and strategies. An average fuel consumption reduction of 17.9% was realized, and the majority (~13%) of the benefit stemmed from the core concept 13L engine. In conclusion, a total cost of ownership analysis provides context to commercial viability and where adoption focus should be placed.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

Langley Research Center Metrology Program status for fiscal year 1987

The status of the Langley Research Center's metrology program for fiscal year 1987 is presented. The NASA Metrology Information System, which was operational for the entire year, provided the majority of performance data describing work analysis, turnaround time, out-of-tolerance instrument data, and other instrument service data. Calibration system development, equipment replacing and updating, status of last year's planned objectives, and Reference Standard certification requirements are described. The status of the LaRC voltage and resistance measurement assurance program and the agency-wide resistance program are reviewed. Progress on fiscal year 1987 objectives is discussed and fiscal year 1988 objectives are stated.

Kern, Frederick A.↗

A review and update of the NASA aircraft noise prediction program propeller analysis system

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Aircraft Noise Prediction Program (ANOPP) Propeller Analysis System (PAS) is a set of computational modules for predicting the aerodynamics, performance, and noise of propellers. The ANOPP PAS has the capability to predict noise levels for propeller aircraft certification and produce parametric scaling laws for the adjustment of measured data to reference conditions. A technical overview of the prediction techniques incorporated into the system is presented. The prediction system has been applied to predict the noise signature of a variety of propeller configurations including the effects of propeller angle of attack. A summary of these validation studies is discussed with emphasis being placed on the wind tunnel and flight test programs sponsored by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the Piper Cherokee Lance aircraft. A number of modifications and improvements have been made to the system and both DEC VAX and IBM-PC versions of the system have been added to the original CDC NOS version.

Golub, Robert A.↗

Fracture Mechanics for Composites: State of the Art and Challenges

Interlaminar fracture mechanics has proven useful for characterizing the onset of delaminations in composites and has been used with limited success primarily to investigate onset in fracture toughness specimens and laboratory size coupon type specimens. Future acceptance of the methodology by industry and certification authorities however, requires the successful demonstration of the methodology on the structural level. In this paper, the state-of-the-art in fracture toughness characterization, and interlaminar fracture mechanics analysis tools are described. To demonstrate the application on the structural level, a panel was selected which is reinforced with stringers. Full implementation of interlaminar fracture mechanics in design however remains a challenge and requires a continuing development effort of codes to calculate energy release rates and advancements in delamination onset and growth criteria under mixed mode conditions.

Krueger, Ronald↗

2006 NASA Range Safety Annual Report

Throughout 2006, Range Safety was involved in a number of exciting and challenging activities and events, from developing, implementing, and supporting Range Safety policies and procedures-such as the Space Shuttle Launch and Landing Plans, the Range Safety Variance Process, and the Expendable Launch Vehicle Safety Program procedures-to evaluating new technologies. Range Safety training development is almost complete with the last course scheduled to go on line in mid-2007. Range Safety representatives took part in a number of panels and councils, including the newly formed Launch Constellation Range Safety Panel, the Range Commanders Council and its subgroups, the Space Shuttle Range Safety Panel, and the unmanned aircraft systems working group. Space based range safety demonstration and certification (formerly STARS) and the autonomous flight safety system were successfully tested. The enhanced flight termination system will be tested in early 2007 and the joint advanced range safety system mission analysis software tool is nearing operational status. New technologies being evaluated included a processor for real-time compensation in long range imaging, automated range surveillance using radio interferometry, and a space based range command and telemetry processor. Next year holds great promise as we continue ensuring safety while pursuing our quest beyond the Moon to Mars.

TenHaken, Ron↗

Environmental and structural assessment of four year in-commercial service composite helicopter structures

This paper presents the technical background for including environmental effects in the design of helicopter composite structures. This effort was supported by test results of components and panels having up to four years of field exposure. The preceeding was part of an eight year program to evaluate in-service environmental factors for comparison with laboratory test results. Full scale static and fatigue tests were conducted on composite components removed from S-76 helicopters used in commercial operations in the Gulf Coast region of Louisiana. Small scale tests were conducted using coupons removed from panels exposed to the outdoor environment in Stratford, Connecticut and West Palm Beach, Florida. Panel configurations were representative of S-76 components. Moisture analysis and strength tests on components and panels are reported after two, three and four years of exposure. Moisture levels were compared with predicted values. Mechanical test results were compared to initial certification tests for component strength, and to baseline laboratory coupon testing.

Ezzo, M. B.↗

A methodology for evaluating the reliability and risk of structures under complex service environments

The theoretical basis and numerical implementation of NESSUS (Numerical Evaluation of Stochastic Structures Under Stress), a computer code for probabilistic structural analysis of aerospace components, are described, with an emphasis on the use of NESSUS for reliability and risk assessment. Topics addressed include the structure of probabilistic models of fatigue-crack initiation, risk/cost evaluation, fatigue-fracture analysis, and fatigue-crack initiation. Numerical results from typical applications are presented in graphs and briefly characterized. The usefulness of NESSUS predictions for establishing inspection and retirement schedules and for component certification is indicated.

Shiao, Michael C.↗

Common Cause Case Study: An Estimated Probability of Four Solid Rocket Booster Hold-down Post Stud Hang-ups

Until Solid Rocket Motor ignition, the Space Shuttle is mated to the Mobil Launch Platform in part via eight (8) Solid Rocket Booster (SRB) hold-down bolts. The bolts are fractured using redundant pyrotechnics, and are designed to drop through a hold-down post on the Mobile Launch Platform before the Space Shuttle begins movement. The Space Shuttle program has experienced numerous failures where a bolt has "hung-up." That is, it did not clear the hold-down post before liftoff and was caught by the SRBs. This places an additional structural load on the vehicle that was not included in the original certification requirements. The Space Shuttle is currently being certified to withstand the loads induced by up to three (3) of eight (8) SRB hold-down post studs experiencing a "hang-up." The results af loads analyses performed for four (4) stud-hang ups indicate that the internal vehicle loads exceed current structural certification limits at several locations. To determine the risk to the vehicle from four (4) stud hang-ups, the likelihood of the scenario occurring must first be evaluated. Prior to the analysis discussed in this paper, the likelihood of occurrence had been estimated assuming that the stud hang-ups were completely independent events. That is, it was assumed that no common causes or factors existed between the individual stud hang-up events. A review of the data associated with the hang-up events, showed that a common factor (timing skew) was present. This paper summarizes a revised likelihood evaluation performed for the four (4) stud hang-ups case considering that there are common factors associated with the stud hang-ups. The results show that explicitly (i.e. not using standard common cause methodologies such as beta factor or Multiple Greek Letter modeling) taking into account the common factor of timing skew results in an increase in the estimated likelihood of four (4) stud hang-ups of an order of magnitude over the independent failure case.

Cross, Robert↗

Common Cause Case Study: An Estimated Probability of Four Solid Rocket Booster Hold-Down Post Stud Hang-ups

Until Solid Rocket Motor ignition, the Space Shuttle is mated to the Mobil Launch Platform in part via eight (8) Solid Rocket Booster (SRB) hold-down bolts. The bolts are fractured using redundant pyrotechnics, and are designed to drop through a hold-down post on the Mobile Launch Platform before the Space Shuttle begins movement. The Space Shuttle program has experienced numerous failures where a bolt has hung up. That is, it did not clear the hold-down post before liftoff and was caught by the SRBs. This places an additional structural load on the vehicle that was not included in the original certification requirements. The Space Shuttle is currently being certified to withstand the loads induced by up to three (3) of eight (8) SRB hold-down experiencing a "hang-up". The results of loads analyses performed for (4) stud hang-ups indicate that the internal vehicle loads exceed current structural certification limits at several locations. To determine the risk to the vehicle from four (4) stud hang-ups, the likelihood of the scenario occurring must first be evaluated. Prior to the analysis discussed in this paper, the likelihood of occurrence had been estimated assuming that the stud hang-ups were completely independent events. That is, it was assumed that no common causes or factors existed between the individual stud hang-up events. A review of the data associated with the hang-up events, showed that a common factor (timing skew) was present. This paper summarizes a revised likelihood evaluation performed for the four (4) stud hang-ups case considering that there are common factors associated with the stud hang-ups. The results show that explicitly (i.e. not using standard common cause methodologies such as beta factor or Multiple Greek Letter modeling) taking into account the common factor of timing skew results in an increase in the estimated likelihood of four (4) stud hang-ups of an order of magnitude over the independent failure case.

Cross, Robert↗

NASA Tech Briefs, January 2011

The topics include: 1) Distributed Aerodynamic Sensing and Processing Toolbox; 2) Collaborative Supervised Learning for Sensor Networks; 3) Hazard Detection Software for Lunar Landing; 4) Onboard Nonlinear Engine Sensor and Component Fault Diagnosis and Isolation Scheme; 5) Network-Capable Application Process and Wireless Intelligent Sensors for ISHM; 6) Interface Supports Multiple Broadcast Transceivers for Flight Applications; 7) FPGA Sequencer for Radar Altimeter Applications; 8) Miniature Sapphire Acoustic Resonator - MSAR; 9) Process-Hardened, Multi-Analyte Sensor for Characterizing Rocket Plume Constituents; 10) SAD5 Stereo Correlation Line-Striping in an FPGA; 11) Hybrid Composite Cryogenic Tank Structure; 12) Nanoscale Deformable Optics; 13) Reliability-Based Design Optimization of a Composite Airframe Component; 14) Zinc Oxide Nanowire Interphase for Enhanced Lightweight Polymer Fiber Composites; 15) Plasma Igniter for Reliable Ignition of Combustion in Rocket Engines; 16) Wire Test Grip Fixture; 17) A Sub-Hertz, Low-Frequency Vibration Isolation Platform; 18) Carbon Nanofibers Synthesized on Selective Substrates for Nonvolatile Memory and 3D Electronics; 19) Nanoparticle/Polymer Nanocomposite Bond Coat or Coating; 20) High-Resolution Wind Measurements for Offshore Wind Energy Development; 21) Spring Tire; 22) Marsviewer 2008; 23) Mission Services Evolution Center Message Bus; 24) Major Constituents Analysis for the Vehicle Cabin Atmosphere Monitor; 25) Astronaut Health Participant Summary Application; 26) Adaption of the AMDIS Method to Flight Status on the VCAM Instrument; 27) Natural Language Interface for Safety Certification of Safety-Critical Software; 28) Cryogenic Caging for Science Instrumentation; 29) Wide-Range Neutron Detector for Space Nuclear Applications; 30) In Situ Guided Wave Structural Health Monitoring System; 31) Multiplexed Energy Coupler for Rotating Equipment; 32) Attitude Estimation in Fractionated Spacecraft Cluster Systems; 33) Full Piezoelectric Multilayer-Stacked Hybrid Actuation/Transduction Systems; 34) Active Flow Effectors for Noise and Separation Control; 35) Method and System for Temporal Filtering in Video Compression Systems; 36) Apparatus for Measuring Total Emissivity of Small, Low-Emissivity Samples; 37) Multiple-Zone Diffractive Optic Element for Laser Ranging Applications; 38) Simplified Architecture for Precise Aiming of a Deep-Space Communication Laser Transceiver; 39) Two-Photon-Absorption Scheme for Optical Beam Tracking; 40) High-Sensitivity, Broad-Range Vacuum Gauge Using Nanotubes for Micromachined Cavities; 41) Wide-Field Optic for Autonomous Acquisition of Laser Link; 42) Extracting Zero-Gravity Surface Figure of a Mirror; 43) Modeling Electromagnetic Scattering From Complex Inhomogeneous Objects; 44) Visual Object Recognition and Tracking of Tools; 45) Method for Implementing Optical Phase Adjustment; 46) Visual SLAM Using Variance Grid Maps; 47) Rapid Calculation of Spacecraft Trajectories Using Efficient Taylor Series Integration; 48) Efficient Kriging Algorithms; 49) Predicting Spacecraft Trajectories by the WeavEncke Method; 50) An Augmentation of G-Guidance Algorithms; 51) Comparison of Aircraft Icing Growth Assessment Software; 52) Silicon-Germanium Voltage-Controlled Oscillator at 105 GHz; 53) Estimation of Coriolis Force and Torque Acting on Ares-1; 54) Null Lens Assembly for X-Ray Mirror Segments; and 55) High-Precision Pulse Generator.

Source record↗

An Abstract Interpretation Framework for the Round-Off Error Analysis of Floating-Point Programs

This paper presents an abstract interpretation framework for the round-off error analysis of floating-point programs. This framework defines a parametric abstract analysis that computes, for each combination of ideal and floating-point execution path of the program, a sound over-approximation of the accumulated floating-point round-off error that may occur. In addition, a Boolean expression that characterizes the input values leading to the computed error approximation is also computed. An abstraction on the control flow of the program is proposed to mitigate the explosion of the number of elements generated by the analysis. Additionally, a widening operator is defined to ensure the convergence of recursive functions and loops. An instantiation of this framework is implemented in the prototype tool PRECiSA that generates formal proof certificates stating the correctness of the computed round-off errors.

Titolo, Laura↗

Summary Report for the NEPA Impact Analysis. Revision 1

The Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), located in southeastern New Mexico, has been developed by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for the geologic (deep underground) disposal of defense-related transuranic (TRU) waste. Containment of TRU waste at the WIPP facility is derived from standards set forth in Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 191. The DOE assesses compliance with the containment standards according to the Certification Criteria in Title 40 CFR Part 194 by means of Performance Assessment (PA) calculations performed by Sandia National Laboratories (SNL). WIPP PA calculations estimate the probability of radionuclide releases from the repository to the accessible environment for a regulatory period of 10,000 years after facility closure. The DOE Carlsbad Field Office (CBFO) has initiated a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) action for a proposal to excavate and use additional transuranic (TRU) waste disposal panels at the WIPP facility. This report documents an analysis undertaken as part of an effort to evaluate the potential environmental consequences of the proposed action. Although not explicitly required for a NEPA analysis, evaluations of a dose indicator to hypothetical members of the public after final facility closure are presented in this report. The analysis is carried out in two stages: first, Performance Assessment (PA) calculations quantify the potential releases to the accessible environment over a 10,000-year post-closure period. Second, dose was evaluated for three hypothetical exposure pathways using the conservative radionuclide concentrations assumed to be released to the accessible environment.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Noise Reduction Trajectory Analysis of a Supersonic Business Jet using Novel Optimization Tools

Proposals to reduce airport noise during takeoff and landing for supersonic aircraft using methods such as variable noise reduction systems add complexity to conceptual flight models. To better optimize these takeoff and landing profiles for noise certification, new modeling methods are explored in this paper with the end goal of more effectively determining the sensitivities of airframe, propulsion, and mission design variables on overall airport noise. Takeoff and landing trajectories are modeled for a notional supersonic business jet concept developed by NASA for use in environmental impact studies conducted by the International Civil Aviation Organization. Optimization tools capable of gradient-based optimal control and collocation solving methods are examined with the aim of achieving faster solutions in a more comprehensive design space. The benefits and limitations of these new methods are compared with existing methods used in previous studies of the airplane concept. It is found that the new modeling methods match closely when compared with existing tools for a standard takeoff and landing case, with a cumulative effective perceived noise difference of 0.1 EPNdB. Comparisons between takeoff trajectories with a variable noise reduction system match within 0.8 EPNdB and 1.3 EPNdB, due to highlighted differences in the modeling approaches.

supersonic↗

Progress toward the development of an airfoil icing analysis capability

The NASA-Lewis aircraft icing analysis program is composed of three major sub-programs. These sub-programs are ice accretion simulation, performance degradation evaluation, and ice protection system evaluation. These topics cover all areas of concern related to the simulation of aircraft icing and its consequences. The motivation for these activities is twofold, reduction of time and effort required in experimental programs and the ability to provide reliable information for aircraft certification in icing, over the complete range of environmental conditions. In addition to the analytical activities associated with development of these codes, several experimental programs are underway to provide verification information for existing codes. These experimental programs are also used to investigate the physical processes associated with ice accretion and removal for improvement of present analytical models. The NASA-Lewis icing analysis program is thus striving to provide a full range of analytical tools necessary for evaluation of the consequences of icing and of ice protection systems.

Potapczuk, Mark G.↗

A Frank Discussion on Lessons Learned From Adopting and Applying NASA-STD-6030 for Spaceflight Systems

With the advancement and adoption of Additive Manufacturing (AM) for spaceflight systems, numerous lessons have been learned during the qualification and certification of AM components. The lessons learned covered in this presentation will provide an overview of the challenges faced by NASA centers and commercial partners working to design AM hardware that complies with NASA-STD-6030 Additive Manufacturing Requirements (AMR). Topics of interest include tailoring of requirements for specific projects, documentation requirements, and addressing conservative approaches towards mechanical property development and analysis. In addition to that, this presentation aims to impress that these lessons learned will influence the future revisions of the NASA technical standard to facilitate and advance AM technology adoption on NASA projects.

Additive Manufacturing↗