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At least 505 records · Page 28

Overall fluctuating pressure levels on prospective space shuttle launch configurations at Mach numbers from 0.8 to 2.2

Overall fluctuating pressure levels of seven space shuttle launch configurations are presented. The model was a 4-percent-scale space shuttle vehicle, tested in both a 11- by 11-foot transonic wind tunnel and a 9- by 7-foot supersonic wind tunnel. Mach numbers varied from 0.8 to 2.2, and the angle of attack range was from -8 deg to 8 deg at angles of sideslip of -5 deg, and 5 deg. The model configurations included both series-burn and parallel-burn configurations, two canopy configurations, two positions of the orbiter nose relative to the HO tank nose and two HO tank nose-cone angles (15 deg and 20 deg). The fluctuating pressure levels are presented in three forms.

Dods, J. B., Jr.↗

Aero-acoustic design and test of a multiple splitter exhaust noise suppressor for a 0.914m diameter lift fan

A lift fan exhaust suppression system to meet future VTOL aircraft noise goals was designed and tested. The test vehicle was a 1.3 pressure ratio, 36 inch (91.44 cm) diameter lift fan with two chord rotor to stator spacing. A two splitter fan exhaust suppression system thirty inches (76.2 cm) long achieved 10 PNdB exhaust suppression in the aft quadrant compared to a design value of 20 PNdB. It was found that a broadband noise floor limited the realizable suppression. An analytical investigation of broadband noise generated by flow over the treatment surfaces provided very good agreement with the measured suppression levels and noise floor sound power levels. A fan thrust decrement of 22% was measured for the fully suppressed configuration of which 11.1% was attributed to the exhaust suppression hardware.

Stimpert, D. L.↗

Some cable suspension systems and their effects on the flexural frequencies of slender aerospace structures

The effects of several cable suspension configurations on the first free-free flexural frequency of uniform beams have been determined by experiment and analysis. The results of this study confirm that in general the larger the test vehicle the larger is the flexural frequency measurement error attributable to a given cable suspension configuration. For horizontally oriented beams representing modern aerospace vehicles of average size and flexibility, the restraining effects of all but the shortest support cables were minor. The restraining effects of support cables of moderate length attached near the base of vertically oriented vehicles were overshadowed by the effects of beam compression due to gravity.

Herr, R. W.↗

Flight tests of Viking parachute system in three Mach number regimes. 2: Parachute test results

Tests of the Viking 16.15-meter nominal-diameter disk-gap-band parachute were conducted at Mach number and dynamic pressure conditions which bracketed the range postulated for the Viking '75 mission to Mars. Parachutes were deployed at supersonic, transonic, and subsonic speeds behind a simulated Viking entry capsule. All parachutes successfully deployed, inflated, and exhibited sufficient drag and stability for mission requirements. Basic parachute data including loads, drag coefficients, pull-off angles, and canopy area ratios are presented. Trajectory reconstruction and onboard camera data methods were combined to yield continuous histories of both parachute and test-vehicle angular motions which are presented for the period from parachute deployment through steady inflation.

Bendura, R. J.↗

Summary of nozzle-exhaust plume flowfield analyses related to space shuttle applications

Exhaust plume shape simulation is studied, with the major effort directed toward computer program development and analytical support of various plume related problems associated with the space shuttle. Program development centered on (1) two-phase nozzle-exhaust plume flows, (2) plume impingement, and (3) support of exhaust plume simulation studies. Several studies were also conducted to provide full-scale data for defining exhaust plume simulation criteria. Model nozzles used in launch vehicle test were analyzed and compared to experimental calibration data.

Penny, M. M.↗

Preliminary results of geothermal desalting operations at the East Mesa test site Imperial Valley, California

The Bureau of Reclamation has erected at its Geothermal Resource Development site two experimental test vehicles for the purpose of desalting hot fluids of geothermal origin. Both plants have as a feed source geothermal well Mesa 6-1 drilled to a total depth of 8,030 feet and having a bottom hole temperature of 400 F. Formation fluid collected at the surface contained 24,800 mg/1 total dissolved solids. The dissolved solids consist mainly of sodium chloride. A multistage distillation (3-stage) plant has been operated intermittently for one year with no operational problems. Functioning at steady-state conditions with a liquid feed rate of 70 g/m and a temperature of 221 F, the final brine blowdown temperature was 169 F. Product water was produced at a rate of about 2 g/m; average total dissolved solids content of the product was 170 mg/1. A product quality of 27.5 mg/1 at a pH of 9.5 was produced from the first stage.

Suemoto, S. H.↗

Shadowgraphs of air flow over prospective space shuttle configurations at Mach numbers from 0.8 to 1.4

Shadowgraphs of five space shuttle launch configurations are presented. The model was a 4 percent-scale space shuttle vehicle, tested in the 11- by 11-foot Transonic Wind Tunnel at Ames Research Center. The Mach number was varied from 0.8 to 1.4 with three angles of sideslip (0 deg, 5 deg and -5 deg) that were used in conjunction with three angles of attack (4 deg, -4 deg, and 0 deg). The model configurations included both series-burn and parallel-burn configurations, two canopy configurations, two positions of the orbiter nose relative to the HO tank nose, and two HO tank nose-cones angles (15 deg and 20 deg). The data consist entirely of shadowgraph photographs.

Dods, J. B., Jr.↗

Definition of Throw-Away Detectors (TADs) and VLF antenna for the AMPS laboratory

A Throw Away Detector (TAD)/subsatellite to be used as an experiment platform for the test flights to map the EMI from the shuttle and during the AMPS science flights is defined. A range of instrument platforms of varying capabilities is examined with emphasis on the EMI test vehicle. The operational support requirements of TAD/subsatellites are determined. The throw away detector is envisioned as a simple instrument package for supporting specific experiments.

Koons, H. C.↗

IPCS implications for future supersonic transport aircraft

The Integrated Propulsion Control System (IPCS) demonstrates control of an entire supersonic propulsion module - inlet, engine afterburner, and nozzle - with an HDC 601 digital computer. The program encompasses the design, build, qualification, and flight testing of control modes, software, and hardware. The flight test vehicle is an F-111E airplane. The L.H. inlet and engine will be operated under control of a digital computer mounted in the weapons bay. A general description and the current status of the IPCS program are given.

Billig, L. O.↗

Fan noise reduction at subsonic and supersonic tip speeds with high Mach number inlets

Results are presented for an experimental study of two fixed geometry inlets and one translating centerbody type inlet tested in an anechoic-chamber transonic-compressor facility. The test vehicle was a 12-inch tip diameter single-stage transonic compressor with 19 rotor blades and 30 stator blades located approximately two chord lengths downstream of the rotor. It is shown that the translating centerbody type of inlet is superior to the collapsing cowl type for noise reduction at high subsonic Mach numbers, both acoustically and aerodynamically. The feasibility of using a high inlet Mach number depends largely on the maximum area ratio requirement (normally at landing). The high inlet Mach numbers are more effective in reducing high-frequency noise than low frequencies and more effective in reducing the blade passage frequency than the overall noise level.

Lumsdaine, E.↗

Solar breeder: Energy payback time for silicon photovoltaic systems

The energy expenditures of the prevailing manufacturing technology of terrestrial photovoltaic cells and panels were evaluated, including silicon reduction, silicon refinement, crystal growth, cell processing and panel building. Energy expenditures include direct energy, indirect energy, and energy in the form of equipment and overhead expenses. Payback times were development using a conventional solar cell as a test vehicle which allows for the comparison of its energy generating capability with the energies expended during the production process. It was found that the energy payback time for a typical solar panel produced by the prevailing technology is 6.4 years. Furthermore, this value drops to 3.8 years under more favorable conditions. Moreover, since the major energy use reductions in terrestrial manufacturing have occurred in cell processing, this payback time directly illustrates the areas where major future energy reductions can be made -- silicon refinement, crystal growth, and panel building.

Lindmayer, J.↗

Longitudinal handling qualities during approach and landing of a powered lift STOL aircraft

Longitudinal handling qualities evaluations were conducted on the Ames Research Center Flight Simulator for Advanced Aircraft (FSAA) for the approach and landing tasks of a powered lift STOL research aircraft. The test vehicle was a C-8A aircraft modified with a new wing incorporating internal blowing over an augmentor flap. The investigation included: (1) use of various flight path and airspeed control techniques for the basic vehicle; (2) assessment of stability and command augmentation schemes for pitch attitude and airspeed control; (3) determination of the influence of longitudinal and vertical force coupling for the power control; (4) determination of the influence of pitch axis coupling with the thrust vector control; and (5) evaluations of the contribution of stability and command augmentation to recovery from a single engine failure. Results are presented in the form of pilot ratings and commentary substantiated by landing approach time histories.

Franklin, J. A.↗

Making aerospace technology work for the automotive industry, introduction

NASA derived technology already in use in the automotive industry include: (1) developments in electronics design, computer systems, and quality control methods for line testing of cars and trucks; (2) a combustion analysis computer program for automotive engine research and development; (3) an infrared scanner and television display for analyzing tire design and performance, and for studying the effects of heat on the service life of V-belts, shock mounts, brakes, and rubber bearings; (4) exhaust gas analyzers for trouble shooting and emissions certification; (5) a device for reducing noise from trucks; and (6) a low cost test vehicle for measuring highway skid resistance. Services offered by NASA to facilitate access to its technology are described.

Olson, W. T.↗

Index for aerodynamic data from the Bumblebee program

The Bumblebee program, was designed to provide a supersonic guided missile. The aerodynamics program included a fundamental research effort in supersonic aerodynamics as well as a design task in developing both test vehicles and prototypes of tactical missiles. An index of aerodynamic missile data developed in this program is presented.

Cronvich, L. L.↗

F-15 inlet/engine test techniques and distortion methodologies studies. Volume 1: Technical discussion

Peak distortion data taken from a subscale inlet model were studied to determine if the data can be used to predict peak distortion levels for a full scale flight test vehicle, and to provide a better understanding of the time variant total pressure distortion and the attendant effects of Reynolds number/scale and frequency content. The data base used to accomplish this goal covered a range from Mach 0.4 to 2.5 and an angle of attack range from -10 degrees to +12 degrees. Data are presented which show that: (1) increasing the Reynolds number increases total pressure recovery, decreases peak distortion, and decreases turbulence, (2) increasing the filter cutoff frequency increases both peak distortion and turbulence, and (3) the effect of engine presence on total pressure recovery, peak distortion, and turbulence is small but favorable.

Stevens, C. H.↗