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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 37 records · Page 2
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1987

Discrimination and supervised classification of volcanic flows of the Puna-Altiplano, Central Andes Mountains using Landsat TM data

Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) images of portions of the Central Andean Puna-Altiplano volcanic belt have been tested for the feasibility of discriminating individual volcanic flows using supervised classifications. This technique distinguishes volcanic rock classes as well as individual phases (i.e., relative age groups) within each class. The spectral signature of a volcanic rock class appears to depend on original texture and composition and on the degree of erosion, weathering, and chemical alteration. Basalts and basaltic andesite stand out as a clearly distinguishable class. The age dependent degree of weathering of these generally dark volcanic rocks can be correlated with reflectance: older rocks have a higher reflectance. On the basis of this relationship, basaltaic lava flows can be separated into several subclasses. These individual subclasses would correspond to mappable geologic units on the ground at a reconnaissance scale. The supervised classification maps are therefore useful for establishing a general stratigraphic framework for later detailed surface mapping of volcanic sequences.

Mcbride, J. H.↗
NASA NTRS2016

Spatial and Temporal Trends in Precambrian Nitrogen Cycling: A Mesoproterozoic Offshore Nitrate Minimum

Fixed nitrogen is an essential nutrient for eukaryotes. As N2 fixation and assimilation of nitrate are catalyzed by metalloenzymes, it has been hypothesized that in Mesoproterozoic oceans nitrate was limited in offshore environments by low trace metal concentrations and high rates of denitrification in anoxic and episodically euxinic deep water masses, restricting eukaryotes to near-shore environments and limiting their evolutionary innovation. To date this hypothesis has only been tested in the Belt Supergroup (∼1.4 Ga), with results that support an onshore-offshore nitrate gradient as a potential control on eukaryote ecology. Here we present bulk nitrogen and organic carbon isotopic data from non-isochronous cross-basinal facies across the Bangemall (∼1.5 Ga) and the Roper (∼1.4–1.5 Ga) basins to better understand the extent and variability of onshore-offshore nitrogen isotope gradients in the Mesoproterozoic. Both basins show an average ∼1-2‰ enrichment in δ-15N(sub bulk) from deep to shallow facies, with a maximum range from ~1‰ offshore to +7.5‰ onshore. Unlike the Belt basin, the Bangemall and Roper basins show some offshore δ-15N(sub bulk) values that are enriched beyond the isotopic range associated with biological N2 fixation alone. This suggests a mixture of aerobic and anaerobic metabolisms offshore. In shallow waters, where δ-15N(sub bulk) enrichment peaks, an aerobic nitrogen cycle was evidently operating. Even though isotopic signatures of aerobic nitrogen cycling are seen in all parts of the Bangemall and Roper basins, our data are consistent with a lateral gradient in nitrate availability within the photic zone, with higher concentrations in near-shore environments than offshore. The variability in δ-15N(sub bulk) values in each depositional environment and the consistently low δ-15N(sub bulk) values from Mesoproterozoic units compared to the Paleoproterozoic and Neoproterozoic suggest that nitrate concentrations in the global ocean were likely low. This trend is now seen in all three Mesoproterozoic basins so far examined, and contrasts with the Paleoproterozoic and Neoproterozoic where nearly all δ-15N(sub bulk) data plot above the N2 fixation window. Thus, we propose that the Mesoproterozoic ocean was characterized by a nitrate minimum, with the lowest concentrations in offshore environments. This inference is consistent with a Mesoproterozoic O2 decline following a temporary Paleoproterozoic O2 peak, and it further supports the idea that nitrate limitation offshore may have contributed to the restriction of photosynthetic eukaryotes to near-shore environments, delaying their rise to ecological dominance until the Neoproterozoic Era.

Mesoproterozoic↗
NASA NTRS1991

Dynamic models for ridge belt formation on Venus

The hypothesis is tested that the lithospheric shortening expressed by the ridge belts is the result of convective downwelling beneath the lowland planitia. Dynamical models are developed for the interaction of mantle convection with the crust and the models are compared to the characteristics of the ridge belts in Lavinia Planitia. The models support the hypothesis that convective stresses can produce the broad topographic depression of lowlands on Venus and can lead to the formation of ridge belts on either side of the topographic low.

Simons, Mark↗
NASA NTRS1985

Abrasion behavior of aluminum and composite skin coupons, stiffened skins and stiffened panels representative of transport airplane structures

A three-phase investigation was conducted to compare the friction and wear response of aluminum and graphite-epoxy composite materials when subjected to loading conditions similar to those experienced by the skin panels on the underside of a transport airplane during an emergency belly landing on a runway surface. The first phase involved a laboratory test which used a standard belt sander to provide the sliding abrasive surface. Small skin-coupon test specimens were abraded over a range of pressures and velocities to determine the effects of these variables on the coefficient of friction and wear rate. The second phase involved abrading I-beam stiffened skins on actual runway surface over the same range of pressures and velocities used in the first phase. In the third phase, large stiffened panels which most closely resembled transport fuelage skin construction were abraded on a runway surface. This report presents results from each phase of the investigation and shows comparisons between the friction and wear behavior of the aluminum and graphite-epoxy composite materials.

Jackson, K. E.↗
NASA NTRS1988

An assessment of ground effects determined by static and dynamic testing techniques

A new testing technique was developed wherein the rate of descent can be included as a parameter in ground effects investigations. This technique simulates the rate of descent by horizontal motion of a model over an inclined ground board in the Langley Vortex Research Facility (VRF) During initial evaluations of the technique, dynamic ground effects data were obtained over the inclined ground board, steady state ground effects data were obtained over a flat portion of the ground board, and the results were compared to conventional static wind tunnel ground effect data both with and without a moving belt ground plane simulation. Initial testing and analysis led to the following conclusions: the moving belt ground plane had little effect on static ground effects for the configurations tested unless thrust reversers were employed; in general, rate-of-descent reduced ground effects to the point that for reversed thrust cases an expected loss of lift due to ground effects was eliminated at approach conditions; and, in general, the steady state results from the VRF matched static results obtained from the wind tunnel once the flow field stabilized over the flat portion of the ground board.

Paulson, John W., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1994

A cheaper, faster, better way to detect water of hydration on Solar System bodies

The 3.0-micrometers water of hydration absorption feature observed in the IR photometry of many low-albedo and some medium-albedo asteroids strongly correlates with the 0.7-micrometers Fe(+2) to Fe(+3) oxidized iron absorption feature observed in narrowband spectrophotometry of these asteroids. Using this relationship, an empirical algorithm for predicting the presence of water of hydration in the surface material of a Solar System body using photometry obtained through the Eight-Color Asteroid Survey nu (0.550 micrometers), w (0.701 micrometers), and x (0.853 micrometers) filters was developed and applied to the ECAS photometry of asteroids and outer planet satellites. The percentage of objects in low-albedo, outer main-belt asteroid classes that test positively for water of hydration increases from P to B to C to G class and correlates linearly with the increasing mean albedos of those objects testing positively. The medium-albedo M-class asteroids do not test positively in large number using this algorithm. Aqueously altered asteroids dominate the Solar System population between heliocentric distances of 2.6 to 3.5 AU, bracketing the Solar System region where the aqueous alteration mechanism operated most strongly. One jovian satellite, J VI Himalia, and one saturnian satellite. Phoebe, tested positively for water of hydration, supporting the hypothesis that these may be captured C-class asteroids from a postaccretional dispersion. The proposed testing technique could be applied to an Earth-based survey of asteroids or a space-probe study of an asteroid's surface characteristic in order to identify a potential water source.

Vilas, Faith↗
NASA NTRS1992

Friction evaluation of concrete paver blocks for airport pavement applications

The development and use of concrete paver blocks is reviewed and some general specifications for application of this type of pavement surface at airport facilities are given. Two different shapes of interlocking concrete paver blocks installed in the track surface at NASA Langley's Aircraft Landing Dynamics Facility (ALDF) are described. Preliminary cornering performance results from testing of 40 x 14 radial-belted and bias-ply aircraft tires are reviewed. These tire tests are part of a larger, ongoing joint NASA/FAA/Industry Surface Traction and Radial Tire (START) Program involving several different tire sizes. Both dry and wet surface conditions were evaluated on the two concrete paver block test surfaces and a conventional, nongrooved Portland cement concrete surface. Future test plans involving evaluation of other concrete paver block designs at the ALDF are indicated.

Yager, Thomas J.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Tectonics of Lakshmi Planum, Venus - Tests for Magellan

The origin of Lakshmi Planum and its surrounding mountain belts remains an important unresolved element in the global tectonic framework of Venus. From the perspective of gravity signature and potential driving forces, the mantle upwelling model is the simplest, and its principal failure, that it cannot produce radial shortening on the uplift periphery, may be resolved if the lithosphere is laterally heterogeneous. The preferred model consists of a hot mantle plume rising beneath a preexisting block of tessera. The lithosphere is weakened at this hotter and presumably thicker crust, and the outward near-surface flow is attenuated at the peripheral discontinuity in lithospheric strength. Crustal thickening and mountain belt formation occur there. Several criteria are proposed to test this 'tessera-plume' model together with its competitors at the higher resolution in both imaging and gravity afforded by the Magellan mission.

Grimm, Robert E.↗
NASA NTRS1930

Determination of the Maximum Control Forces and Attainable Quickness in the Operation of Airplane Controls

This report is intended to furnish bases for load assumptions in the designing of airplane controls. The maximum control forces and quickness of operation are determined. The maximum forces for a strong pilot with normal arrangement of the controls is taken as 1.25 times the mean value obtained from tests with twelve persons. Tests with a number of persons were expected to show the maximum forces that a man of average strength can exert on the control stick in operating the elevator and ailerons and also on the rudder bar. The effect of fatigue, of duration and of the nature (static or dynamic) of the force, as also the condition of the test subject (with or without belt) were also considered.

Hertel, Heinrich↗
NASA NTRS1993

Cross-stiffened continuous fiber structures

Under NASA's Novel Composites for Wing and Fuselage Applications (NCWFA) program, Contract NAS1-18784, Grumman is evaluating the structural efficiency of graphite/epoxy cross-stiffened panel elements fabricated using innovative textile preforms and cost effective Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) and Resin Film Infusion (RFI) processes. Two three-dimensional woven preform assembly concepts have been defined for application to a representative window belt design typically found in a commercial transport airframe. The 3D woven architecture for each of these concepts is different; one is vertically woven in the plane of the window belt geometry and the other is loom woven in a compressed state similar to an unfolded eggcrate. The feasibility of both designs has been demonstrated in the fabrication of small test element assemblies. These elements and the final window belt assemblies will be structurally tested, and results compared.

Ewen, John R.↗
NASA NTRS2016

Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) (Orion) Occupant Protection

The purpose of this study was to determine the similarity between the response of the THUMS model and the Hybrid III Anthropometric Test Device (ATD) given existing Wright-Patterson (WP) sled tests. There were four tests selected for this comparison with frontal, spinal, rear, and lateral loading. The THUMS was placed in a sled configuration that replicated the WP configuration and the recorded seat acceleration for each test was applied to model seat. Once the modeling simulations were complete, they were compared to the WP results using two methods. The first was a visual inspection of the sled test videos compared to the THUMS d3plot files. This comparison resulted in an assessment of the overall kinematics of the two results. The other comparison was a comparison of the plotted data recorded for both tests. The metrics selected for comparison were seat acceleration, belt forces, head acceleration and chest acceleration. These metrics were recorded in all WP tests and were outputs of the THUMS model. Once the comparison of the THUMS to the WP tests was complete, the THUMS model output was also examined for possible injuries in these scenarios. These outputs included metrics for injury risk to the head, neck, thorax, lumbar spine and lower extremities. The metrics to evaluate head response were peak head acceleration, HIC15, and HIC36. For the neck, N (sub ij) was calculated. The thorax response was evaluated with peak chest acceleration, the Combined Thoracic Index (CTI), sternal deflection, chest deflection, and chest acceleration- 3 ms clip. The lumbar spine response was evaluated with lumbar spine force. Finally the lower extremity response was evaluated by femur and tibia force. The results of the simulation comparisons indicate the THUMS model had a similar response to the Hybrid III dummy given the same input. The primary difference seen between the two was a more flexible response of the THUMS compared to the Hybrid III. This flexibility was most pronounced in the neck flexion, shoulder deflection and chest deflection. Due to the flexibility of the THUMS, the resulting head and chest accelerations tended to lag the Hybrid III acceleration trace and have a lower peak value. The results of the injury metric comparison identified possible injury trends between simulations. Risk of head injury was highest for the lateral simulations. The risk of chest injury was highest for the rear impact. However, neck injury risk was approximately the same for all simulations. The injury metric value for lumbar spine force was highest for the spinal impact. The leg forces were highest for the rear and lateral impacts. The results of this comparison indicate the THUMS model performs in a similar manner as the Hybrid III ATD. The differences in the responses of model and the ATD are primarily due to the flexibility of the THUMS. This flexibility of the THUMS would be a more human like response. Based on the similarity between the two models, the THUMS should be used in further testing to assess risk of injury to the occupant.

Currie-Gregg, Nancy J.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Flexure of the continental lithosphere beneath Apennine and Carpathian foredeep basins

The preservation of foredeep basins after an associated mountain belt has been greatly reduced by erosion suggests that an additional load must act on the subducted slab's lithosphere independently of topography. This hypothesis is presently tested for the case of young orogenic belts, through the construction of transects through the Apennine and outer Carpathian thrust belts of the Mediterranean region. A simple elastic model is used to show that the topographic loads present along the transects are not sufficient to cause the observed plate deflection, suggesting that an additional load or downward force is acting on the plate to generate the plate deflection observed. It is proposed that this extra load is due either to the negative buoyancy contrast between the subducted slab and the asthenosphere, or to the crustal structure's modification by backarc rifling in the hinterland.

Royden, L.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Dynamics of the Trans-Neptune Region: Apsidal Waves in the Kuiper Belt

The role of apsidal density waves propagating in a primordial trans-Neptune disk (i.e., Kuiper belt) is investigated. It is shown that Neptune launches apsidal waves at its secular resonance near 40 AU that propagate radially outward, deeper into the particle disk. The wavelength of apsidal waves is considerably longer than waves that might be launched at Lindblad resonances, because the pattern speed, g(sub s), resulting from the apsis precession of Neptune is much slower than its mean motion, Omega(sub s). If the early Kuiper belt had a sufficient surface density, sigma, the disk's wave response to Neptune's secular perturbation would have spread the disturbing torque radially over a collective scale lambda(sub *) approx. = r(2(mu)(sub d)Omega/ absolute value of r dg/dr)(sup 1/2), where mu(sub d)equivalent pi(sigma)r(exp 2)/(1 solar mass) and Omega(r) and g(r) are respectively the mean motion and precession frequency of the disk particles. This results in considerably smaller eccentricities at resonance than had the disk particles been treated as noninteracting test particles. Consequently, particles are less apt to be excited into planet-crossing orbits, implying that the erosion timescales reported by earlier test-particle simulations of the Kuiper belt may be underestimated. It is also shown that the torque the disk exerts upon the planet (due to its gravitational attraction for the disk's spiral wave pattern) damps the planet's eccentricity and further inhibits the planet's ability to erode the disk. Key words: celestial mechanics, stellar dynamics - comets: general minor planets, asteroids

Ward, William R.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Good Enough for the X-38, but Made for Commercial Aircraft

Aircraft Belts, Inc. (ABI), of Kemah, Texas, was looking for a way to ensure the safety of its customers by developing a thorough test system for aviation restraint systems. Previous safety restraint test methods did not properly measure the load distribution placed on the restraints, leaving an unknown factor in meeting safety standards. ABI needed to improve its testing methods and update its test equipment. Through a partnership with NASA's Johnson Space Center Technical Outreach Program, the need was met. With the assistance of NASA engineers, ABI developed a hydraulic test system that provides the consumer with in-depth data about the load placed on the restraint system throughout the duration of the test. The old systems were only able to detect if the belts could sustain the applied force and could not target the problem of providing load data. In comparison, the new system modeled after the one used by NASA, can collect data that tells exactly what went wrong with belts that break and why. Depending on the test requirements of various restraint components, the system can exert a subjected force ranging from merely a few pounds to thousands. The test force can be applied to an entire safety restraint system or to its individual parts, including, stitching, webbing, and hardware.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1976

Dosimetry during space missions

Comparative radiation hazards due to various sources of radiation in several prominent manned space missions are surveyed, along with techniques for coping with the hazards. Cosmic radiation of solar and galactic origin, and Van Allen belt radiation, are the major hazards outside the earth's geomagnetic shield, and were a major problem in the Apollo missions. The Skylab missions, while within the geomagnetic field, were subject to extensive exposure to the trapped radiation belts (Van Allen belts), while the Soyuz-Apollo test project involved orbiting at a lower altitude, with lower exposure. No solar particle bursts affected Apollo missions, and the Solar Particle Alert Network devised to help cope with the problem is described. Dosimetry practices and devices are described. Radiation experience and dose readings logged with the various missions are reported.

Bailey, J. V.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Initial results from the joint NASA-Lewis/U.S. Army icing flight research tests

The U.S. Army/NASA joint testing of the various aspects of in-flight and ground-based icing simulation facilities and instrumentation is reviewed. The NASA DN-6 icing research aircraft, the U.S. Army JU-21A aircraft, the portable spray rig, helicopter icing spray system, and icing research tunnel are examined. Natural and artificial icing tests, turbulence measurements, and calibration and icing research tunnel tests are described and test results are reported.

Belte, Daumants↗