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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 433 records · Page 24

A corrosion control manual for rail rapid transit

In 1979, during the planning stage of the Metropolitan Dade County Transit System, the need was expressed for a corrosion control manual oriented to urban rapid transit system use. This manual responds to that need. The objective of the manual is to aid rail rapid transit agencies by providing practical solutions to selected corrosion problems. The scope of the manual encompasses corrosion problems of the facilities of rapid transit systems: structures and tracks, platforms and stations, power and signals, and cars. It also discusses stray electric current corrosion. Both design and maintenance solutions are provided for each problem. Also included are descriptions of the types of corrosion and their causes, descriptions of rapid transit properties, a list of corrosion control committees and NASA, DOD, and ASTM specifications and design criteria to which reference is made in the manual. A bibliography of papers and excerpts of reports and a glossary of frequency used terms are provided.

Gilbert, L. O.↗

Cycle life test and failure model of nickel-hydrogen cells

Six ampere hour individual pressure vessel nickel hydrogen cells were charge/discharge cycled to failure. Failure as used here is defined to occur when the end of discharge voltage degraded to 0.9 volts. They were cycled under a low earth orbit cycle regime to a deep depth of discharge (80 percent of rated ampere hour capacity). Both cell designs were fabricated by the same manufacturer and represent current state of the art. A failure model was advanced which suggests both cell designs have inadequate volume tolerance characteristics. The limited existing data base at a deep depth of discharge (DOD) was expanded. Two cells of each design were cycled. One COMSAT cell failed at cycle 1712 and the other failed at cycle 1875. For the Air Force/Hughes cells, one cell failed at cycle 2250 and the other failed at cycle 2638. All cells, of both designs, failed due to low end of discharge voltage (0.9 volts). No cell failed due to electrical shorts. After cell failure, three different reconditioning tests (deep discharge, physical reorientation, and open circuit voltage stand) were conducted on all cells of each design. A fourth reconditioning test (electrolyte addition) was conducted on one cell of each design. In addition post cycle cell teardown and failure analysis were performed on the one cell of each design which did not have electrolyte added after failure.

Smithrick, J. J.↗

Ni-H2 batteries for communications satellites

Ni-H2 batteries are just now being put into service. All of the remaining INTELSAT V satellites (approximately 10), starting with the next to be launched in early 1983, will use Ni-H2 batteries. In addition, the next generation of INTELSAT VI satellites, and probably INTELSAT VII and VIII, will use Ni-H2 batteries. This means that international telecommunications satellites will use Ni-H2 batteries through the 1990's. It is projected that the lifetime of these batteries will be greater than 10 years at deep depth-of-discharge (DOD), and that the battery subsystem will no longer limit satellite lifetime or communications capability during eclipse periods. This paper discusses the advantages of the Ni-H2 battery, as compared with the Ni-Cd battery, for telecommunications satellites.

Dunlop, J. D.↗

NASA programs - Current status and a look at the future

Ongoing and planned NASA activities are reviewed as of March 1982. The successful flights of the Shuttle are mentioned, noting progress toward an operational system. The Galileo Jupiter Probe, a mission being undertaken jointly by the U.S. and West German governments, is scheduled for launch in 1985. Althoug the American counterpart has been cancelled, the U.S. will launch the European Solar Polar Mission with the Shuttle, placing a satellite in an orbit around the sun in a plane out of the ecliptic. Work also continues on the Space Telescope. DoD payloads cover one-third of the total Shuttle launches until 1986. The construction of the Vandenberg Space Facility and the sharing of aeronautics research by the two agencies are outlined. Finally, the capabilities of the STS to launch, retrieve, and repair satellites in orbit are described. The evolution and exploitation of the Shuttle capabilities will eventually lead, it is predicted, to a permanently manned orbital station.

Barnes, R. J. H.↗

Benefits and costs of low thrust propulsion systems

The results of costs/benefits analyses of three chemical propulsion systems that are candidates for transferring high density, low volume STS payloads from LEO to GEO are reported. Separate algorithms were developed for benefits and costs of primary propulsion systems (PPS) as functions of the required thrust levels. The life cycle costs of each system were computed based on the developmental, production, and deployment costs. A weighted criteria rating approach was taken for the benefits, with each benefit assigned a value commensurate to its relative worth to the overall system. Support costs were included in the costs modeling. Reference missions from NASA, commercial, and DoD catalog payloads were examined. The program was concluded reliable and flexible for evaluating benefits and costs of launch and orbit transfer for any catalog mission, with the most beneficial PPS being a dedicated low thrust configuration using the RL-10 system.

Robertson, R. I.↗

Advanced LOX/H2 engine technologies for future OTVs

It is pointed out that NASA and DOD missions of the near future include, by current estimates, approximately 50 highly energetic missions to geosynchronous orbit. Advanced concepts make use of the Space Shuttle to transport the assembled orbital transfer vehicle (OTV) to low earth orbit (LEO) or to bring components and propellants from which to assemble the OTV in LEO. An advanced expander cycle engine based upon the RS-44 engine design has been planned for ultimate use with advanced space-based OTVs. Its design features complement the characteristics of manned space-based aeroassist vehicles which will provide the most cost-effective means for payload transfer between LEO and GEO orbits. A test-bed program is planned for early demonstration of the advanced expander cycle engine operation.

Martinez, A.↗

The law applicable to the use of space for commercial activities

The general principles of space law that have an impact on commercial space activities are discussed. The Outer Space Treaty guaranteed the right of private enterprise in space, with jurisdiction over the participating parties residing in the country of origin. The liability for damages caused to a third party is also assigned to the country of origin. Government consent is necessary in the U.S. before a private firm is permitted to launch an object into space, with the relevant statute sections being part of the Arms Export Control Act; launches are legally treated as exports. FAA regulations define the safe area and flight conditions that must be satisfied for a private launch, although NASA, in the 1958 act which formed the agency, potentialy has the power to regulate space launch activities. The DoD must be notified of any launches in order to notify the U.S.S.R., filings must be made with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, and fees must be paid to the IRS. It is presently U.S. government policy to encourage and facilitate private sector development of commercial launch services.

Hosenball, S. N.↗

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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Assessment of Alternative Aircraft Fuels

The purpose of this symposium is to provide representatives from industry, government, and academia concerned with the availability and quality of future aviation turbine fuels with recent technical results and a status review of DOD and NASA sponsored fuels research projects. The symposium has included presentations on the potential crude sources, refining methods, and characteristics of future fuels; the effects of changing fuel characteristics on the performance and durability of jet aircraft components and systems; and the prospects for evolving suitable technology to produce and use future fuels.

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Space station needs, attributes and architectural options study. Briefing material, mid-term review

User mission requirements and their relationship to the current space transportation system are examined as a means of assuring the infusion of corporate ideas and knowledge in the space station program. Specific tasks include developing strategies to develop user consistency; determine DOD implication and requirements; and foster industry involvement in the space station. Mission alternatives; accrued benefits; program options; system attributes and characteristics; and a recommended plan for space station evolution are covered.

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On-orbit cryogenic fluid transfer

A number of future NASA and DOD missions have been identified that will require, or could benefit from resupply of cryogenic liquids in orbit. The most promising approach for accomplishing cryogenic fluid transfer in the weightlessness environment of space is to use the thermodynamic filling technique. This approach involves initially reducing the receiver tank temperature by using several charge hold vent cycles followed by filling the tank without venting. Martin Marietta Denver Aerospace, under contract to the NASA Lewis Research Center, is currently developing analytical models to describe the on orbit cryogenic fluid transfer process. A detailed design of a shuttle attached experimental facility, which will provide the data necessary to verify the analytical models, is also being performed.

Aydelott, J. C.↗

A study of space station needs, attributes and architectural options. Midterm briefing, executive summary

The approach used to develop a broad interest in the space station within the commercial and DoD communities is outlined. Areas of maximum benefit from a space station were identified and the associated economic benefits were quantified. Results show that the space station can provide major performance benefits for 82 man-operated missions, 18 man-tended free flyer missions, and 46 OTV missions. The man-operated OVT-based benefits are $800 M per year. The cost of shuttle flights of all STS users can be reduced by $7 M per flight. The economic benefits quantified to date exceed 1.3 B per year. Combined NASA/DoD utilization of an initial space station provided economic and technical benefits. Preliminary studies of operational missions indicate a possible need for separate stations.

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Space station: Cost and benefits

Costs for developing, producing, operating, and supporting the initial space station, a 4 to 8 man space station, and a 4 to 24 man space station are estimated and compared. These costs include contractor hardware; space station assembly and logistics flight costs; and payload support elements. Transportation system options examined include orbiter modules; standard and extended duration STS fights; reusable spacebased perigee kick motor OTV; and upper stages. Space station service charges assessed include crew hours; energy requirements; payload support module storage; pressurized port usage; and OTV service facility. Graphs show costs for science missions, space processing research, small communication satellites; large GEO transportation; OVT launch costs; DOD payload costs, and user costs.

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Development of standardized specifications for screening space level integrated circuits and semiconductors

Standardized methods are established for screening of JAN B microcircuits and JANTXV semiconductor components for space mission or other critical applications when JAN S devices are not available. General specifications are provided which outline the DPA (destructive physical analysis), environmental, electrical, and data requirements for screening of various component technologies. This standard was developed for Air Force Space Division, and is available for use by other DOD agencies, NASA, and space systems contractors for establishing common screening methods for electronic components.

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The NASA welding assessment program

The potential cost and performance advantages of welding was understood but ignored by solar panel manufacturers in the U.S. Although NASA, DOD and COMSAT have supported welding development efforts, soldering remains the only U.S. space qualified method for interconnecting solar cells. The reason is that no U.S. satellite prime contractor found it necessary, due to mission requirements, to abandon the space proven soldering process. It appears that the proposed NASA space station program will provide an array requirement, a 10 year operation in a low Earth orbital environment, that mandates welding. The status of welding technology in the U.S. is assessed.

Scott-Monck, J.↗

ADA and multi-microprocessor real-time simulation

The selection of a high-order programming language for a real-time distributed network simulation is described. The additional problem of implementing a language on a possibly changing network is addressed. The recently designed language ADA (trademarked by DoD) was chosen since it provides the best model of the underlying application to be simulated.

Feyock, S.↗

Overview of NASA space station activities

The architecture, functions, and human activities on-board a space station are discussed. A manned presence is regarded as essential for innovative actions and successful exploitation of weightless conditions. The station itself could be a cluster of modules for habitation, power, operations, docking, experimentation, and storage. Additionally, the station could provide an interface for free-flying platforms and teleoperated satellite services, as well as a base for establishing space-based manufacturing facilities. NASA has projected timelines that include initial development funding in 1987, full capabilities before the year 2000, and initial costs for minimum capabilities of $7.5-9 billion. Architecture, mission requirements, trade-offs, and concepts are currently being defined as a prelude to systems development. Attention is being given to participation by both the DoD and other governments, and to defining the capabilities of the station, including habitability, closed-loop life-support system, the scope of science application and data transfer, and the power requirements.

Tilton, E. L., III↗