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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 343 records · Page 19

Design and fabrication of graphite-epoxy bolted wing skin splice specimens

Graphite-epoxy bolted joint specimens were designed and fabricated. These specimens were to be representative of a side-of-body wing skin splice with a 20-year life expectancy in a commercial transport environment. Preliminary tests were performed to determine design values of bearing and net tension stresses. Based upon the information developed, a three-fastener-wide representative wing skin splice was designed for a load of 2627 KN/m (15,000 lbf/in.). One joint specimen was fabricated and tested at NASA. The wing skin splice failed at 106 percent of design ultimate load. This joint design achieved all static load objectives. Fabrication of six specimens, together with their loading fixtures, was completed, and the specimens were delivered to NASA-LRC.

Johnson, R. W.↗

Analysis methods for Kevlar shield response to rotor fragments

Several empirical and analytical approaches to rotor burst shield sizing are compared and principal differences in metal and fabric dynamic behavior are discussed. The application of transient structural response computer programs to predict Kevlar containment limits is described. For preliminary shield sizing, present analytical methods are useful if insufficient test data for empirical modeling are available. To provide other information useful for engineering design, analytical methods require further developments in material characterization, failure criteria, loads definition, and post-impact fragment trajectory prediction.

Gerstle, J. H.↗

The dynamics of free liquid drops

The behavior of rotating and oscillating free liquid drops was studied by many investigators theoretically for many years. More recent numerical treatments have yielded predictions which are yet to be verified experimentally. The purpose is to report the results of laboratory work as well as that of the experiments carried out in space during the flight of Spacelab 3, and to compare it with the existing theoretical studies. Ground-based experiments were attempted as a first approximation to the ideal boundary conditions used by the theoretical treatments by neutralizing the overwhelming effects of the Earth's gravitational field with an outside supporting liquid and with the use of levitation technology. The viscous and inertial loading of such a suspending fluid was found to profoundly effect the results, but the information thus gathered has emphasized the uniqueness of the experimental data obtained in the low-gravity environment of space.

Wang, T. G.↗

Alaska SAR Facility (ASF5) SAR Communications (SARCOM) Data Compression System

The real-time operational requirements for SARCOM translation into a high speed image data handler and processor to achieve the desired compression ratios and the selection of a suitable image data compression technique with as low as possible fidelity (information) losses and which can be implemented in an algorithm placing a relatively low arithmetic load on the system are described.

Mango, Stephen A.↗

Analyzing the I/O behavior of supercomputer applications

Supercomputer applications of I/Os are classified here into three categories - required, checkpoint, and data staging - and it is shown how memory size and CPU speed are likely to affect each category. A data analysis shows that data staging I/O dominates when it is present. If an application requires data staging I/O, its read/write ratio is greater than one; otherwise, its read/write ratio is less than one. This information can be used to anticipate a program's I/O demands and thus reduce the load on the I/O system.

Miller, Ethan L.↗

Structural Analysis Methods for Structural Health Management of Future Aerospace Vehicles

Two finite element based computational methods, Smoothing Element Analysis (SEA) and the inverse Finite Element Method (iFEM), are reviewed, and examples of their use for structural health monitoring are discussed. Due to their versatility, robustness, and computational efficiency, the methods are well suited for real-time structural health monitoring of future space vehicles, large space structures, and habitats. The methods may be effectively employed to enable real-time processing of sensing information, specifically for identifying three-dimensional deformed structural shapes as well as the internal loads. In addition, they may be used in conjunction with evolutionary algorithms to design optimally distributed sensors. These computational tools have demonstrated substantial promise for utilization in future Structural Health Management (SHM) systems.

Tessler, Alexander↗

Simulating Operation of a Complex Sensor Network

Simulation Tool for ASCTA Microsensor Network Architecture (STAMiNA) ["ASCTA" denotes the Advanced Sensors Collaborative Technology Alliance.] is a computer program for evaluating conceptual sensor networks deployed over terrain to provide military situational awareness. This or a similar program is needed because of the complexity of interactions among such diverse phenomena as sensing and communication portions of a network, deployment of sensor nodes, effects of terrain, data-fusion algorithms, and threat characteristics. STAMiNA is built upon a commercial network-simulator engine, with extensions to include both sensing and communication models in a discrete-event simulation environment. Users can define (1) a mission environment, including terrain features; (2) objects to be sensed; (3) placements and modalities of sensors, abilities of sensors to sense objects of various types, and sensor false alarm rates; (4) trajectories of threatening objects; (5) means of dissemination and fusion of data; and (6) various network configurations. By use of STAMiNA, one can simulate detection of targets through sensing, dissemination of information by various wireless communication subsystems under various scenarios, and fusion of information, incorporating such metrics as target-detection probabilities, false-alarm rates, and communication loads, and capturing effects of terrain and threat.

Jennings, Esther↗

Framework for Seismic Vulnerability Assessment of Nonstructural Elements Inside an Inflatable Lunar Habitat

The pursuit of knowledge and curiosity are once again driving humanity to seek a human presence on extraterrestrial bodies. While numerous challenges must be overcome on the moon to achieve this goal, the moonquake hazard has often been overlooked. Using NASA’s Moon to Mars Architecture requirements for surface habitation and accounting for the midterm/long-term mission duration, a framework for vulnerability assessment is developed for essential nonstructural elements (NSEs) inside an inflatable habitat subjected to moonquakes. The aim of this study is to develop an approach to assess the vulnerability of typical NSEs that support essential equipment, such as the environmental control and life support system, under a paucity of information related to the seismic hazard. We also emphasize that the launch dynamic environment and lunar seismic environment exhibit notable differences in their characteristics, which can lead to higher lateral acceleration levels than initially expected. This acceleration may be linked to high-occurrence seismic events. However, due to the lack of information regarding the frequency of these events, the risk of NSEs being subjected to unforeseen loads increases. It is imperative to equip future lunar habitats with seismic mitigation measures until additional seismometers are deployed near upcoming surface human outposts.

Oscar D Forero↗

Implementation and testing of a Neighborhood Office Center (NOC) and integration of the NOC with an administrative correspondence management information system

The application of telecommunications and telecomputing was investigated as a means of reducing NASA's consumption of natural resources and the proliferation of paper copies of correspondence. The feasibility, operational advantages, and limitations of decentralized (remote) neighborhood offices (NOC) linked through an electronic network are demonstrated. These offices are joined to a management information system for correspondence tracking, and to an administrative office center service based on the use of magnetic medium word processing typewriters which handle the daily typing load. In connection with an augmented teleconference network, a uniform means is provided for creating, storing, and retrieving administrative documents, records, and data, while simultaneously permitting users of the system to track their status. Information will be transferred without using paper - merely through digital electronic communication and display, as a step toward the establishment of an agency-wide electronic mail system.

Source record↗

NELS 2.0 - A general system for enterprise wide information management

NELS, the NASA Electronic Library System, is an information management tool for creating distributed repositories of documents, drawings, and code for use and reuse by the aerospace community. The NELS retrieval engine can load metadata and source files of full text objects, perform natural language queries to retrieve ranked objects, and create links to connect user interfaces. For flexibility, the NELS architecture has layered interfaces between the application program and the stored library information. The session manager provides the interface functions for development of NELS applications. The data manager is an interface between session manager and the structured data system. The center of the structured data system is the Wide Area Information Server. This system architecture provides access to information across heterogeneous platforms in a distributed environment. There are presently three user interfaces that connect to the NELS engine; an X-Windows interface, and ASCII interface and the Spatial Data Management System. This paper describes the design and operation of NELS as an information management tool and repository.

Smith, Stephanie L.↗

Wind profiles for Space Shuttle loads analysis

The small scale wind velocity perturbations in vertical wind profiles at Cape Kennedy, Florida were analyzed in order to derive information for simulations of space shuttle ascent through the perturbed atmosphere. The available statistical data does not permit specification of various aspects of idealized singularities and wavelike perturbations with a reasonable degree of confidence. The information developed as a result of the analysis described in Section 3 of this report is suitable for the further development of idealized models. The term perturbation is used instead of the more common term, gust. According to the conventional approach, a gust profile is calculated by applying a high pass digital filter to a Jimsphere profile; all the speeds in the filtered profile are defined as gusts. The high pass filtered profile is defined as a residual profile and the maximum residual in the vicinity of a specified reference height is defined as the gust. Gusts defined in this manner represent the perturbation peaks. A detailed discussion of the calculation of residual profiles and gusts is given. The meteorological coordinate system, the data sample, and Jimsphere profiles are also described. Recommendations and conclusions are presented.

Adelfang, S. I.↗

Introduction to ball bearings

The purpose of a ball bearing is to provide a relative positioning and rotational freedom while transmitting a load between two structures, usually a shaft and a housing. For high rotational speeds (e.g., in gyroscope ball bearings) the purpose can be expanded to include rotational freedom with practically no wear in the bearing. This condition can be achieved by separating the bearing parts with a coherent film of fluid known as an elastohydrodynamic film. This film can be maintained not only when the bearing carries the load on a shaft, but also when the bearing is preloaded to position the shaft to within micro- or nano-inch accuracy and stability. Background information on ball bearings is provided, different types of ball bearings and their geometry and kinematics are defined, bearing materials, manufacturing processes, and separators are discussed. It is assumed, for the purposes of analysis, that the bearing carries no load.

Hamrock, B. J.↗

Probabilistic Sensitivity Analyses Incorporating Surrogate Models for the Structural Response of a Representative Inflatable Space Structure

This study concentrates on results from probabilistic analysis and numerical simulation tools to identify parameter sensitivities and assess surrogate model suitability for a novel inflatable airlock concept, specifically the Non-Axisymmetric Inflatable Pressure Structure (NAIPS) under NASA's Minimalistic Advanced Softgoods Hatch (MASH) Program. The current studies extended the demonstration of probabilistic analysis tools to identify parameter sensitivities by: incorporating nonlinear material load-strain property curves and orthotropic representation of the fabric; and exploring the use of surrogate models to facilitate rapid evaluations as new information becomes available, as well as enable optimizations. The airlock model has been simplified to focus on the end dome section. Brief overviews of the finite element model and associated surrogate models are provided along with the probabilistic sensitivity analysis approaches. Responses of interest include the sensitivities of various loads in the structural elements of the NAIPS to material properties, cord lengths, inflation pressure and friction between softgoods components. The use of surrogate models was explored to facilitate rapid sensitivity evaluations as parameter ranges change. The completion of the sensitivity studies improved understanding of the dependence of load responses to several uncertain parameters and confidence in the ability to use surrogate models to represent the finite element simulations.

Lyle, Karen H.↗

Novel High Gas-Temperature Calibration System Demonstrated

Accurate measurement of high gas temperatures, typically above 1300 K, has always presented challenges to researchers. Thermocouples often perturb the local gas flow and temperature field; they provide indirect information; and at high temperatures, they require large corrections so that actual gas temperatures can be determined. The physical and chemical stability of thermocouples to withstand the thermal loads and reactive environments prevailing at high temperatures naturally limits their life and maximum use temperature. Optical systems have their own drawbacks since accurate results depend on well-characterized emissivity, optical thickness, and gas composition information. These properties are rarely well known, especially in high-temperature, chemically reacting environments. In addition, optical systems usually require independent calibrations, which often involve the use of thermocouples, and hence, suffer from their aforementioned limitations. A new technique developed by researchers at the NASA Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field exploits an abrupt increase in the emittance of optically thin materials at their unique melting temperatures for a direct determination of gas temperature. Pure metallic-oxide fibers, varying in diameter from 60 to 400 mm, have been used in measurements over a temperature range of 2050 to 2700 K. The accuracy and reproducibility of the technique is estimated to be 15 K: that is, within the uncertainty in the melting points of the materials. Other fiber materials with different, but unique, melting points could be used to extend the technique over a larger temperature range.

Gokoglu, Suleyman A.↗

Observation of the initiation and progression of damage in compressively loaded composite plates containing a cutout

A series of experiments was carried out to determine the mechanism of failure in compressively loaded laminated plates with a circular cutout. Real time holographic interferometry and photomicrography are used to observe the progression of failure. These observations together with post experiment plate sectioning and deplying for interior damage observation provide useful information for modelling the failure process. It is revealed that the failure is initiated as a localised instability in the zero layers, at the hole surface. With increasing load extensive delamination cracking is observed. The progression of failure is by growth of these delaminations induced by delamination buckling. Upon reaching a critical state, catastrophic failure of the plate is observed. The levels of applied load and the rate at which these events occur depend on the plate stacking sequence.

Waas, A.↗

Dynamic-scanning-electron-microscope study of friction and wear

A friction and wear apparatus was built into a real time scanning electron microscope (SEM). The apparatus and SEM comprise a system which provides the capability of performing dynamic friction and wear experiments in situ. When the system is used in conjunction with dispersive X-ray analysis, a wide range of information on the wearing process can be obtained. The type of wear and variation with speed, load, and time can be investigated. The source, size, and distribution of wear particles can be determined and metallic transferal observed. Some typical results obtained with aluminum, copper, and iron specimens are given.

Brainard, W. A.↗

The facilitating effects of uncertainty in long-term manual control

A 40-minute tracking task with different disturbance inputs was used to look for the effects of reduced task demands on long term manual control. The expected facilitating effects of task difficulty are hard to find. The decrements in performance over the run are no greater for the easier tasks. The detrimental effects of lower demand appear to be increased relative variability in performance, and possibly reduced performance on transition to unexpected, more difficult tasks. An information measure, including the effects of 'self-induced' uncertainty is developed as a work-load measure. There is a positive correlation between this 'self-induced work-load' and performance decrement for the easiest task, just the opposite of what the facilitation hypothesis would predict.

Verplank, W. L.↗

The effects of tensile preloads on the impact response of carbon/epoxy laminates

The effects of tensile preloads on the tension-after-impact (TAI) strength of composite laminates of IM7/8551-7 were examined. A failure threshold curve was first determined so the most informative values for preload/impact energy combinations could be determined. The impact tests were instrumented so maximum load of impact, as well as several other parameters could be measured. The elastic response data indicate that as the tensile preload is increased, the maximum load of impact also increases. The damage data show that at low impact energies, the damage/failure is an 'all-or-nothing' event but at higher impact energies, a region of preload values exists where the coupons could sustain damage, yet not fail catastrophically.

Nettles, Alan↗