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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 415 records · Page 23

All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

NASA NTRS1977

Containerless processing of beryllium

Melting and solidification of a beryllium alloy containing 1.5% BeO by weight in the weightless environment of space has produced cast beryllium with a relatively uniform dispersion of BeO throughout. Examination of the cast material shows that it is coarse grained, although the BeO is not heavily agglomerated in the flight specimen. Ground based comparison experiments show extreme agglomeration and segregation of BeO, resulting in large zones which are practically free of the oxide. Several postulated hypotheses for the failure to grain refine the beryllium are formulated. These are: (1) spherodization of the BeO particles during specimen preparation and during the molten phase of the experiment; (2) loss of nucleation potency through aging in the molten phase; and (3) inability of BeO to act as a grain refiner for beryllium. Further investigation with non spherodized particles and shorter dwell times molten may delineate which of these hypotheses are valid. The results of this flight experiment indicate that the weightless environment of space is an important asset in conducting research to find grain refiners for beryllium and other metals for which cast dispersions of grain refining agents cannot be prepared terrestrially due to gravitationally driven settling and agglomeration.

Wouch, G.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Aircraft cybernetics

The use of computers for aircraft control, flight simulation, and inertial navigation is explored. The man-machine relation problem in aviation is addressed. Simple and self-adapting autopilots are described and the assets and liabilities of digital navigation techniques are assessed.

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NASA NTRS1977

The use of nonhuman primates in space

Space related biomedical research involving nonhuman primates is reviewed. The scientific assets of various species and the instruments used for monitoring physiological processes during long duration experimentations are described.

Richard C. Simmonds↗

NASA NTRS1977

The capuchin monkey as a flight candidate

The highly evolved nervous system and associated complex behavioral capabilities of the nonhuman primates make them good candidates for certain studies in the space environment since deleterious changes in these more complex aspects of a biological status can only be demonstrated by species which share such highly evolved features with man. Important assets which urge the selection of the capuchin monkey for space experiments include his small size, high intelligence, relative disease resistance, nutritional requirements, and lower volume life support systems. The species is particularly suited for experiments on the nervous system or on process under neural control because of the similarity of capuchin and human blood chemistry profiles and endocrine systems involved in the maintenance of homeostasis and vasomotor tone.

Winget, C. M.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Consideration of other primate species as flight animals

The different types of primates which might be used as flight animals are surveyed, and the pros and cons of using them are discussed. Various factors suggest that the most desirable animals for space studies are the rhesus, pig-tailed, Java, and squirrel monkeys. The capuchin monkey has assets for certain types of space experimentation.

Geoffrey H. Bourne↗

NASA NTRS1978

Computational transonic flow about realistic aircraft configurations

A numerical method has been developed to compute transonic flows about realistic wing-fuselage configurations. The finite difference scheme employs an improved small disturbance flow equation. A unique grid embedding technique, which was heretofore applied to airfoils and wings, has been extended to include the treatment of both body and wing-body shapes. The resulting high-density mesh is shown to be a valuable asset in resolving details of the three-dimensional flow. A mathematical modeling system is used to process arbitrary fuselage geometries for body boundary conditions. Correlations with experimental data for simple isolated bodies, an isolated fuselage, and wing-fuselage combinations are included.

Boppe, C. W.↗

NASA NTRS1978

Satellite Power Systems (SPS) concept definition study. Volume 7: SPS program plan and economic analysis

The economic and programmatic requirements for a recommended SPS solar photovoltaic baseline concept were analyzed. Costs are determined for the DDT&E; initial capital investment (covers initial procurement and emplacement of each SPS plant and equipment); replacement capital investment (capital asset replacement over the SPS operating life); operations and maintenance (expendables, minor maintenance, repair crews); and taxes/insurance.

Hanley, G.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Development of drive mechanisms for communicaton satellites

A distinguished pedigree is an important asset in the development of Aerospace mechanisms. Four drives recently developed for communication satellites are outgrowths of a previously-proven drive configuration. Pedigree by itself, however is not enough to generate success. Inevitably, design changes which are thought to be minor, are generally introduced to fine tune the pedigreed hardware to meet particular requirements of a specific new application. Such design changes are often viewed too casually and are not thoroughly tested in the early development stages of the program. Two areas of design change are described on the solar array drive applied to the Japanese Broadcast Satellite which led to subsequent problems during the development phase of the program. The methods applied to establish the cause and the solution of these problems are described as well as the testing approach adapted to prevent similar occurrences on the current Communication Satellite Program, The Defense System Communications Satellite III.

Schneider, A. C.↗

NASA NTRS1978

STDN in the TDRSS and Shuttle Era

NASA presently maintains a worldwide system of ground tracking stations to provide communication support (tracking, telemetry and command) to all authorized user spacecraft missions. The set of ground stations supporting earth orbiting missions, and their supporting communication links (called NASCOM) to various NASA centers, is designated as the Spaceflight Tracking and Data Network (STDN). Major users of the STDN in the 1980's include LANDSAT-D, SEASAT-B and the Shuttle, all of which are capable of generating data at rates that cannot be handled by the present STDN ground stations. The expanded capabilities of the STDN in the 1980's to provide support to these missions and other users is addressed. The newest asset of the STDN, the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) is described, as are the remaining STDN ground stations (called the GSTDN). The Shuttle communications support is not only for the Shuttle itself, but also for the Spacelab, attached payloads (within the Shuttle bay), and detached payloads being either deployed or retrieved by Shuttle. The specific communications support being provided by STDN (both by TDRSS and by the GSTDN) to the Shuttle is also described.

Schwartz, J. J.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Digital enhancement of X-rays for NDT

Report is "cookbook" for digital processing of industrial X-rays. Computer techniques, previously used primarily in laboratory and developmental research, have been outlined and codified into step by step procedures for enhancing X-ray images. Those involved in nondestructive testing should find report valuable asset, particularly is visual inspection is method currently used to process X-ray images.

Butterfield, R. L.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Optical sensors for aeronautics and space

A review of some NASA and DOD programs to develop optical sensors with fiberoptics for instrumentation and control is presented. Fiberoptic systems offer some distinct advantages. Noise immunity is one important asset. Fiberoptic systems do not conduct electricity and therefore can be used in and near areas that contain explosive or flammable materials. One objective of these programs is to produce more reliable sensors and to improve the safety and operating economy of future aircraft and space vehicles.

Baumbick, R. J.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Applications of advanced electric/electronic technology to conventional aircraft

The desirability of seven advanced technologies as applied to three commercial aircraft of 1985 to 1995 was investigated. Digital fly by wire, multiplexing, ring laser gyro, integrated avionics, all electric airplane, electric load management, and fiber optics were considered for 500 passenger, 50 passenger, and 30 passenger aircraft. The major figure of merit used was Net Value of Technology based on procurement and operating cost over the life of the aircraft. An existing computer program, ASSET, was used to resize the aircraft and evalute fuel usage and maintenance costs for each candidate configuration. Conclusions were that, for the 500 passenger aircraft, all candidates had a worthwhile payoff with the all electric airplane having a large payoff.

Heimbold, R. L.↗

NASA NTRS1981

NASA remote sensing programs: Overview

In the Earth remote sensing area, NASA's three functions are to understand the basic mechanics and behavior of the Earth, evaluate what resources are available (in the way of minerals, and hydrocarbons on a general scale), and to arrange a scheme for managing our national assets. The capabilities offered by LANDSAT D and technology improvements needed are discussed. The French SPOT system, its orbits, possibilities for stereo imagery, and levels of preprocessing and processing with several degrees of radiometric and geometric corrections are examined. Progress in the AgRISTARS project is mentioned as well as future R & D programs in the use of fluorescence, microwave measurements, and synthetic aperture radar. Other areas of endeaver include studying man environment interactions and Earth radiation budgets, and the establishment of data systems programs.

Raney, W. P.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Industry involvement in IPAD through the Industry Technical Advisory Board

In 1976 NASA awarded The Boeing Company a contract to develop IPAD (Integrated Programs for Aerospace-Vehicle Design). This contract included a requirement for Boeing to form an Industrial Technical Advisory Board (ITAB), with members representing major aerospace and computer companies. The purpose of this board was to guide the development of IPAD. The specific goal of IPAD is to increase United States aerospace industry productivity through the application of computers to manage engineering data. This goal clearly is attainable; in fact, IPAD's influence can reach beyond the aerospace industry to many businesses where product development is based on the design-building process. An enhanced IPAD, therefore, is a national asset of significance. The role of ITAB in guiding the development of this system is described.

Swanson, W. E.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Experimental land observing data system feasibility study

An end-to-end data system to support a Shuttle-based Multispectral Linear Array (MLA) mission in the mid-1980's was defined. The experimental Land Observing System (ELOS) is discussed. A ground system that exploits extensive assets from the LANDSAT-D Program to effectively meet the objectives of the ELOS Mission was defined. The goal of 10 meter pixel precision, the variety of data acquisition capabilities, and the use of Shuttle are key to the mission requirements, Ground mission management functions are met through the use of GSFC's Multi-Satellite Operations Control Center (MSOCC). The MLA Image Generation Facility (MIGF) combines major hardware elements from the Applications Development Data System (ADDS) facility and LANDSAT Assessment System (LAS) with a special purpose MLA interface unit. LANDSAT-D image processing techniques, adapted to MLA characteristics, form the basis for the use of existing software and the definition of new software required.

Buckley, J. L.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Space Phase III - The commercial era dawns

After the 'Phase I' of space activities, the period bounded by Sputnik and Apollo, 'Phase II', has been entered, a phase in which concerns over the use and the protection of space assets which support national security predominate. However, it is only when the commercial motive becomes prominent that human activity in new regions truly prospers and enters periods of exponential growth. It is believed that there are increasing signs that such a period, called 'Space Phase III', may be coming soon. A description is presented of developments and results upon which this conclusion is based. Since 1980, there have been three developments of great importance for the future of space activities. Six highly successful flights have demonstrated that the Space Shuttle concept works. A series of Soviet missions are related to the emergence of a capability to construct and service modular space stations. Successful tests of the European Ariane 1 indicate an end to U.S. monopoly with respect to the provision of launch services to the Western World.

Allnutt, R. F.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Space station needs, attributes and architectural options. Part 1: Summary

Candidate missions for the space station were subjected to an evaluation/filtering process which included the application of budgetary constraints and performance of benefits analysis. Results show that the initial space station should be manned, placed in a 28.5 deg orbit, and provide capabilities which include a space test facility, satellite service, a transport harbor, and an observatory. A space industrial park may be added once further development effort validates the cost and expanding commercial market for space-processed material. Using the space station as a national space test facility can enhance national security, as well as commercial and scientific interests alike. The potential accrued gross mission model benefit derived from these capabilities is $5.9B without the industrial park, and $9.3B with it. Other benefits include the lowering of acquisition costs for NASA and DoD space assets and a basis for broadening international participation.

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NASA NTRS1983

Space station needs attributes and architectural options study costing working group briefing

Individuals in the United States who understand the promise of materials processing in space and who also are senior technical personnel associated with commercial firms that process materials: (1) endorsed the concept of a space station as a desirable national asset; (2) stated that a commercial MPS research program is mandatory to extend commericalization of space for materials processing; and (3) described in general terms a national research laboratory and free flying facilities that are needed. Participants agreed that industry R&D is motivated largely by market pull rather than by technology push, that initial interest is low-g materials research; and that to farther, commercial market assurance (a salable product) is a must.

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