Engineering PapersSearch

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “4G”

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 37 records · Page 2

Spall velocity measurements from laboratory impact craters

Spall velocities were measured for a series of impacts into San Marcos gabbro. Impact velocities ranged from 1 to 6.5 km/sec. Projectiles varied in material and size with a maximum mass of 4g for a lead bullet to a minimum of 0.04 g for an aluminum sphere. The spall velocities were calculated both from measurements taken from films of the events and from estimates based on range measurements of the spall fragments. The maximum spall velocity observed was 27 m/sec, or 0.5 percent of the impact velocity. The measured spall velocities were within the range predicted by the Melosh (1984) spallation model for the given experimental parameters. The compatability between the Melosh model for large planetary impacts and the results of these small scale experiments is considered in detail. The targets were also bisected to observe the internal fractures. A series of fractures were observed whose location coincided with the boundary of the theoretical near surface zone predicted by Melosh. Above this boundary the target material should receive reduced levels of compressive stress as compared to the more highly shocked region below.

Polanskey, Carol A.

Thermo-Oxidative Stability of Graphite/PMR-15 Composites: Effect of Fiber Surface Modification on Composite Shear Properties

Experiments were conducted to establish a correlation between the weight loss of a polyimide (PMR- 15) matrix and graphite fibers and the in-plane shear properties of their unidirectional composites subjected to different isothermal aging times up to 1000 hr at 316 C. The role of fiber surface treatment on the composite degradation during the thermo-oxidative aging was investigated by using A4 graphite fibers with three surface modifications: untreated (AU-4), surface treated (AS-4), and surface treated and sized with an epoxy-compatible sizing (AS-4G). The weight loss of the matrix fibers, and composites was determined during the aging. The effect of thermal aging was seen in all the fiber samples in terms of weight loss and reduction in fiber diameter. Calculated values of weight loss fluxes for different surfaces of rectangular unidirectional composite plates showed that the largest weight loss occurred at those cut surfaces where fibers were perpendicular to the surface. Consequently, the largest amount of damage was also noted on these cut surfaces. Optical observation of the neat matrix and composite plates subjected to different aging times revealed that the degradation (such as matrix microcracking and void growth) occurred in a thin surface layer near the specimen edges. The in-plane shear modulus of the composites was unaffected by the fiber surface treatment and the thermal aging. The shear strength of the composites with the untreated fibers was the lowest and it decreased with aging. A fracture surface examination of the composites with untreated fibers suggested that the weak interface allowed the oxidation reaction to proceed along the interface and thus expose the inner material to further oxidation. The results indicated that the fiber-matrix interface affected the composite degradation process during its thermal aging and that the the weak interface accelerated the composite degradation.

Madhukar, Madhu S.

The Effects of Fiber Surface Modification and Thermal Aging on Composite Toughness and Its Measurement

A detailed experimental study was conducted to establish the structure-property relationships between elevated temperature aging and fiber-matrix bonding, Mode 2 interlaminar fracture toughness, and failure modes of carbon fiber/PMR-15 composites. The fiber-matrix adhesion was varied by using carbon fibers with different surface treatments. Short beam shear tests were used to quantify the interfacial shear strength afforded by the use of the different fiber surface treatments. The results of the short beam shear tests showed that, for times up to 1000 hr, the aging process caused no changes in the bulk of the three composite materials that would degrade the shear properties of the material. Comparisons between the interlaminar shear strengths (ILSS) measured by the short beam shear tests and the GIIC test results, as measured by the ENF test, indicated that the differences in the surface treatments significantly affected the fracture properties while the effect of the aging process was probably limited to changes at the starter crack tip. The fracture properties changed due to a shift in the fracture from an interfacial failure to a failure within the matrix when the fiber was changed from AU-4 to AS-4 or AS-4G. There appears to be an effect of the fiber/matrix bonding on the thermo-oxidative stability of the composites that were tested. The low bonding afforded by the AU 1 fiber resulted in weight losses about twice those experienced by the AS 1 reinforced composites, the ones with the best TOS.

Bowles, Kenneth J.

Simulated 'On-Line' Wear Metal Analysis of Lubricating Oils by X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy

The objective of this project was to assess the sensitivity of X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XFS) for quantitative evaluation of metal particle content in engine oil suspensions and the feasibility of real-time, dynamic wear metal analysis. The study was focused on iron as the majority wear metal component. Variable parameters were: particle size, particle concentration and oil velocity. A commercial XFS spectrometer equipped with interchangeable static/dynamic (flow cell) sample chambers was used. XFS spectra were recorded for solutions of Fe-organometallic standard and for a series of DTE oil suspensions of high purity spherical iron particles of 2g, 4g, and 8g diameter, at concentrations from 5 ppm to 5,000 ppm. Real contaminated oil samples from Langley Air Force Base aircraft engines and NASA Langley Research Center wind tunnels were also analyzed. The experimental data conform the reliability of XFS as the analytical method of choice for this project. Intrinsic inadequacies of the instrument for precise analytic work at low metal concentrations were identified as being related to the particular x-ray beam definition, system geometry, and flow-cell materials selection. This work supports a proposal for the design, construction and testing of a conceptually new, miniature XFS spectrometer with superior performance, dedicated to on-line, real-time monitoring of lubricating oils in operating engines. Innovative design solutions include focalization of the incident x-ray beam, non-metal sample chamber, and miniaturization of the overall assembly. The instrument would contribute to prevention of catastrophic engine failures. A proposal for two-year funding has been presented to NASA Langley Research Center Internal Operation Group (IOG) Management, to continue the effort begun by this summer's project.

Kelliher, Warren C.

Centrifuge Study of Pilot Tolerance to Acceleration and the Effects of Acceleration on Pilot Performance

A research program the general objective of which was to measure the effects of various sustained accelerations on the control performance of pilots, was carried out on the Aviation Medical Acceleration Laboratory centrifuge, U.S. Naval Air Development Center, Johnsville, PA. The experimental setup consisted of a flight simulator with the centrifuge in the control loop. The pilot performed his control tasks while being subjected to acceleration fields such as might be encountered by a forward-facing pilot flying an atmosphere entry vehicle. The study was divided into three phases. In one phase of the program, the pilots were subjected to a variety of sustained linear acceleration forces while controlling vehicles with several different sets of longitudinal dynamics. Here, a randomly moving target was displayed to the pilot on a cathode-ray tube. For each combination of acceleration field and vehicle dynamics, pilot tracking accuracy was measured and pilot opinion of the stability and control characteristics was recorded. Thus, information was obtained on the combined effects of complexity of control task and magnitude and direction of acceleration forces on pilot performance. These tests showed that the pilot's tracking performance deteriorated markedly at accelerations greater than about 4g when controlling a lightly damped vehicle. The tentative conclusion was also reached that regardless of the airframe dynamics involved, the pilot feels that in order to have the same level of control over the vehicle, an increase in the vehicle dynamic stability was required with increases in the magnitudes of the acceleration impressed upon the pilot. In another phase, boundaries of human tolerance of acceleration were established for acceleration fields such as might be encountered by a pilot flying an orbital vehicle. A special pilot restraint system was developed to increase human tolerance to longitudinal decelerations. The results of the tests showed that human tolerance of longitudinal deceleration forces was considerably improved through use of the special restraint system.

Creer, Brent Y.

Trajectory Control for Vehicles Entering the Earth's Atmosphere at Small Flight Path Angles

Methods of controlling the trajectories of high-drag-low-lift vehicles entering the earth's atmosphere at angles of attack near 90 deg and at initial entry angles up to 3 deg are studied. The trajectories are calculated for vehicles whose angle of attack can be held constant at some specified value or can be perfectly controlled as a function of some measured quantity along the trajectory. The results might be applied in the design of automatic control systems or in the design of instruments which will give the human pilot sufficient information to control his trajectory properly during an atmospheric entry. Trajectory data are compared on the basis of the deceleration, range, angle of attack, and, in some cases, the rate of descent. The aerodynamic heat-transfer rate and skin temperature of a vehicle with a simple heat-sink type of structure are calculated for trajectories made with several types of control functions. For the range of entry angles considered, it is found that the angle of attack can be controlled to restrict the deceleration down to an arbitrarily chosen level of 3g. All the control functions tried are successful in reducing the maximum deceleration to the desired level. However, in order to avoid a tendency for the deceleration to reach an initial peak decrease, and then reach a second peak, some anticipation is required in the control function so that the change in angle of attack will lead the change in deceleration. When the angle of attack is controlled in the aforementioned manner, the maximum rate of aerodynamic heat transfer to the skin is reduced, the maximum skin temperature of the vehicle is virtually unaffected, and the total heat absorbed is slightly increased. The increase in total heat can be minimized, however, by maintaining the maximum desired deceleration for as much of the trajectory as possible. From an initial angle of attack of 90 deg, the angle-of-attack requirements necessary to maintain constant values of deceleration (1g to 4g) and constant values of rate of descent (450 to 1,130 ft/sec) as long as it is aerodynamically practical are calculated and are found to be moderate in both magnitude and rate. Entry trajectories made with these types of control are presented and discussed.

Eggleston, John M.

Landing-Impact Characteristics of Load-Alleviating Struts on a Model of a Winged Space Vehicle

A brief experimental investigation was made of the landing-impact characteristics of a 1/9-scale dynamic model of a winged space vehicle. The landing tests were made by catapulting a free model onto a hard; surface runway and onto water. The model had a conical fuselage and a flat - plate wing with a basic delta planform and 75 deg sweepback of the leading edge. The use of yielding-metal shock absorbers and various landing-gear arrangements was investigated during landing impact. The basic landing gear consisted of a dual rubber-tired nose wheel and twin main skids aft of the center of gravity near the wing tips. landing motion and acceleration data were obtained over a range of landing attitudes, gross weights, and initial sinking speeds. Brief tests were made with an alternate nose-wheel location. An all-skid configuration also was briefly evaluated for hard-surface and water landings. The landing gear employing yielding struts for impact-energy absorption during hard-surface landings resulted in accelerations of approximately 5 1/2 g near the nose gear over a range of landing parameters. Replacing the nose wheel and tire with a skid did not significantly change the accelerations. Landings in smooth water with rigid struts and adequate planing area at the nose skid resulted in a maximum landing acceleration of approximately 4g.

Blanchard, Ulysse J.

Neuronal RNA granules: a link between RNA localization and stimulation-dependent translation

RNA granules are a macromolecular structure observed in neurons, where they serve as motile units that translocate mRNAs. Isolated RNA granules are highly enriched in Staufen protein and ultrastructurally contain densely packed clusters of ribosomes. With depolarization, many mRNAs, including those involved in plasticity, rapidly shift from the RNA granule fraction to polysomes. Depolarization reorganizes granules and induces a less compact organization of their ribosomes. RNA granules are not translationally competent, as indicated by the failure to incorporate radioactive amino acids and the absence of eIF4E, 4G, and tRNAs. We concluded that RNA granules are a local storage compartment for mRNAs under translational arrest but are poised for release to actively translated pools. Local release of mRNAs and ribosomes from granules may serve as a macromolecular mechanism linking RNA localization to translation and synaptic plasticity.

NASA Discipline Neuroscience

Ditching Tests with a 1/16-Size Model of the Navy XP2V-1 Airplane at the Langley Tank No. 2 Monorail

Tests were made with a 1/16 size dynamically similar model of the Navy XP2V-1 airplane to study its performance when ditched. The model was ditched in calm water at the Langley tank no. 2 monorail. Various landing attitudes, speeds, and conditions of damage were simulated. The performance of the node1 was determined and recorded from visual observations, by recording time histories of the longitudinal decelerations, and by taking motion pictures of the ditchings From the results of the tests with the model the following conclusions were drawn: 1. The airplane should be ditched at the normal landing attitude. The flaps should be fully extended to obtain the lowest possible landing speed; 2. Extensive damage will occur in a ditching and the airplane probably will dive violently after a run of about 2 fuselage lengths. Maximum longitudinal decelerations up to about 4g will be encountered; and 3. If a trapezoidal hydroflap 4 feet by 2 feet by 1 foot is attached to the airplane at station 192.4, diving will be prevented and the airplane will probably porpoise in a run of about 4 fuselage lengths with a maximum longitudinal deceleration of less than 3.5g.

Fisher, Lloyd J.

Ditching Investigation of a 1/12-Scale Model of the Douglas F4D-1 Airplane, TED No. NACA DE 384

A ditching investigation was made of a l/l2-scale dynamically similar model of the Douglas F4D-1 airplane to study its behavior when ditched. The model was landed in calm water at the Langley tank no. 2 monorail. Various landing attitudes, speeds, and configurations were investigated. The behavior of the model was determined from visual observations, acceleration records, and motion-picture records of the ditchings. Data are presented in tables, sequence photographs, time-history acceleration curves, and attitude curves. From the results of the investigation, it was concluded that the airplane should be ditched at the lowest speed and highest attitude consistent with adequate control (near 22 deg) with landing gear retracted. In a calm-water ditching under these conditions the airplane will probably nose in slightly, then make a fairly smooth run. The fuselage bottom will sustain appreciable damage so that rapid flooding and short flotation time are likely. Maximum longitudinal deceleration will be about 4g and maximum normal acceleration will be about 6g in a landing run of about 420 feet, In a calm-water ditching under similar conditions with the landing gear extended, the airplane will probably dive. Maximum longitudinal decelerations will be about 5-1/2g and maximum normal accelerations will be about 3-1/2g in a landing run of about 170 feet.

Windham, John O.

Ditching Tests of Two Models of the Army B-36 Airplane

The ditching characteristics of the Army B-36 airplane were determined by testing 1/20- and 1/30-scale dynamic models in calm water in Langley tank no. 2 and at the outdoor catapult. The scope of the tests consisted of ditching the models at various conditions of simulated damage, landing attitudes, and speeds, with various flap settings using several degrees of restraint of the flap hinges. The ditching behavior was evaluated from recordings of deceleration, length of run, and motions of the models. The results showed that the airplane should be ditched at an attitude of about 9 deg with flaps full down. The probable ditching behavior will be a smooth run with a maximum longitudinal deceleration of 3g to 4g and a landing run of 4 to 5 fuselage lengths. Structural failure of the underside of the fuselage will not seriously affect the behavior of the airplane.

Fisher, Lloyd J.

Ditching Tests of a 1/18-Scale Model of the Lockheed Constellation Airplane

Tests were made of a 1/18-scale dynamically similar model of the Lockheed Constellation airplane to investigate its ditching characteristics and proper ditching technique. Scale-strength bottoms were used to reproduce probable damage to the fuselage. The model was landed in calm water at the Langley tank no. 2 monorail. Various landing attitudes, speeds, and fuselage configuration were simulated. The behavior of the model was determined from visual observations, by recording the longitudinal decelerations, and by taking motion pictures of the ditchings. Data are presented in tabular form, sequence photographs, and time-history deceleration curves. It was concluded that the airplane should be ditched at a medium nose-high landing attitude with the landing flaps full down. The airplane will probably make a deep run with heavy spray and may even dive slightly. The fuselage will be damaged and leak substantially but in calm water probably will not flood rapidly. Maximum longitudinal decelerations in a calm-water ditching will be about 4g.

Fisher, Lloyd J.

Ditching Investigation of a 1/14-Scale Model of the Northrop C-125 Airplane

An investigation of a 1/14-scale dynamically similar model of the Northrop C-125 airplane was made to determine the ditching characteristics and proper ditching technique for the airplane. Various conditions of damage, landing attitude, flap setting, and speed were investigated. The behavior of the model was determined from visual observations, motion-picture records, and time-history deceleration records. The results of the investigation are presented in table form, photographs, and curves. It was concluded that the airplane should be ditched at a nose-high landing attitude (near 8 deg) with flaps full down. The fixed landing gear will cause the airplane to dive. The fuselage will be damaged and will probably flood rapidly. Longitudinal decelerations will be about 4g and the length of landing run will be about two fuselage lengths. If the main landing gear could be jettisonable or retractable the ditching characteristics would be greatly improved.

Fisher, Lloyd J.

Ditching Investigation of a 1/20-Scale Model of the Boeing Stratocruiser Airplane (C-97)

An investigation of a 1/20-scale dynamically similar model of the Boeing Stratocruiser airplane (C-97) was made to determine the ditching characteristics and proper technique for ditching the airplane. Scale-strength bottoms were used to determine probable damage to the fuselage and the effect of damage on behavior. The behavior of the model was determined from visual observations, motion-picture records, and time-history deceleration records. Data are presented in a table, photographs, and curves. It was concluded that the airplane should be ditched at a medium nose-high landing attitude (near 6 deg) with landing flaps full down. The airplane will probably make a smooth run of medium depth with light spray and may even trim up slightly in the water. The fuselage will probably be damaged and the lower compartment filled with water. In calm water, the maximum longitudinal deceleration will be about 4g and the landing run will be about four fuselage lengths.

Fisher, Lloyd J.

Investigation of the Hydrodynamic Characteristics of the Panto-Base Chase C-123 Airplane

An investigation of a 1/14-scale dynamically similar model of a panto-base version of the Chase C-123 airplane was conducted to evaluate the hydrodynamic characteristics of the airplane. The resistance, longitudinal stability, and spray patterns during take-off and general behavior in calm- and rough-water landings were determined. Brief calm-water tests were made to compare the initial vertical impact accelerations of the model with and without hydro-skis. Take-off stability was satisfactory for calm-water operation. A ratio of gross load to maximum resistance of 3,6 was obtained. Heavy spray reached the propellers only during ski emergence. The landing behavior in calm water and in waves 3 feet by 150 feet (full scale) was satisfactory for a normal range of trim angles. Initial impacts in calmwater landings resulted in vertical accelerations of about 2 1/2 with the hydro-skis installed and about 4g with the hydro-skis removed,

Thompson, William C.

The Effects of Fiber Surface Modification and Thermal Aging on Composite Toughness And its Measurement

A detailed experimental study was conducted to establish the structure-property relationships between elevated temperature aging and (I) fiber-matrix bonding, (2) Mode II interlaminar fracture toughness, and (3) failure modes of carbon fiber/PMR-15 composites. The fiber-matrix adhesion was varied by using carbon fibers with different surface treatments. Short beam shear tests were used to quantify the interfacial shear strength afforded by the use of the different fiber surface treatments. The results of the short beam shear tests definitely showed that, for aging times up to 1000 hr, the aging process caused no observable changes in the bulk of the three composite materials that---would degrade the shear properties of the material. Comparisons between the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) measured by the short beam shear tests and the GII c test results, as measured by the ENF test, indicated that the differences in the surface treatments significantly affected the fracture properties while the effect of the aging process was probably limited to changes at the starter crack tip. The fracture properties changed due to a shift in the fracture from an interfacial failure to a failure within the matrix when the fiber was changed from AU-4 to AS-4 or AS-4G. There appears to be an effect of the fiber/matrix bonding on the thermo-oxidative stability of the composites that were tested. The low bonding afforded by the AU-4 fiber resulted in weight losses about twice those experienced by the AS-4 reinforced composites, the ones with the best TOS.

Bowles, Kenneth J.

Small Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Flight Testing of Enabling Vehicle Technologies for the UAS Traffic Management Project

Small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) have been studied and results indicate that there is a large array of highly-beneficial applications. These applications are too numerous to list, but include search and rescue, fire spotting, precision agriculture, etc. to name a few. Typically sUAS vehicles weigh less than 55 pounds and will be performing flight operations in the presence of manned aircraft and other sUAS. Certain sUAS applications, such as package delivery, will include operations in the close proximity of the general public. The full benefit from sUAS is contingent upon the resolution of several technological areas to enable free and widespread use of these vehicles. Technological areas in question include, but are not limited to: autonomous sense and avoid and deconfliction of sUAS from other sUAS and manned aircraft, communications and interfaces between the vehicle and human operators, and high-reliability autonomous systems. The NASA UAS Traffic Management (UTM) project is endeavoring to develop a traffic management system and concept of operations for these types of vehicles. An extensive sUAS flight test effort was performed to partially address vehicle-related technological areas and to shape an understanding of future developmental and test efforts for vehicles intended to use the UTM traffic management system. The flight testing described herein had the following objectives: 1) Install and test Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) systems developed for the automotive industry for potential sense and avoid sUAS applications; 2) Evaluate the use of cellular 4G systems to provide vehicle control; 3) Obtain high-resolution video imagery in support of image-based optical detection sense and avoid systems; 4) Acquire data in fixed-wing flight to support validation and maturation of an autonomous range containment system known as Safeguard in fixed-wing flight. A total of 53 flights were performed over 12 operational days at Beaver Dam Airpark in Elberon, VA. This work was sponsored by the UTM project that is part of the Aviation Operations and Safety Program (AOSP) at NASA.

Glaab, Louis J.

Approaches to Difficult Aerospace Telecommunications Links

With the proliferation of local wireless and 4G cellular networks, it is often presumed that reliable and fast wireless links are commonplace. However, there are still systems that must leverage very constrained, lagged, and lossy communication links. This discussion explores aerospace systems that utilize these problematic links, the challenges of using modern protocols over these links, and how potential solutions can negatively impact the performance of the entire system.

IP