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At least 55 records · Page 3

X-HAB: Vertical Habitability Layout and Fabrication Studies - Voronoi Algorithmic Space Transport (VAST)

The final presentation of the California Polytechnic State University's Vertical Habitability Layout and Fabrication Studies, a vertical habitat. The goals of the project are: - Design the interior of a vertical habitat, with a well-documented link back to the process of design (continuing the work completed the first quarter, with parametrically-derived volumes, internal layout, etc.). - A full-size low-fidelity 3-D spatial (mockup of the vertical habitat.

Michael Fox

Performance Support Tools for Space Medical Operations

The early Constellation space missions are expected to have medical capabilities very similar to those currently on the Space Shuttle and International Space Station (ISS). For Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) missions to ISS, medical equipment will be located on ISS, and carried into CEV in the event of an emergency. Flight Surgeons (FS) on the ground in Mission Control will be expected to direct the Crew Medical Officer (CMO) during medical situations. If there is a loss of signal and the crew is unable to communicate with the ground, a CMO would be expected to carry out medical procedures without the aid of a FS. In these situations, performance support tools can be used to reduce errors and time to perform emergency medical tasks. Human factors personnel at Johnson Space Center have recently investigated medical performance support tools for CMOs on-orbit, and FSs on the ground. This area of research involved the feasibility of Just-in-time (JIT) training techniques and concepts for real-time medical procedures. In Phase 1, preliminary feasibility data was gathered for two types of prototype display technologies: a hand-held PDA, and a Head Mounted Display (HMD). The PDA and HMD were compared while performing a simulated medical procedure using ISS flight-like medical equipment. Based on the outcome of Phase 1, including data on user preferences, further testing was completed using the PDA only. Phase 2 explored a wrist-mounted PDA, and compared it to a paper cue card. For each phase, time to complete procedures, errors, and user satisfaction were captured. Information needed by the FS during ISS mission support, especially for an emergency situation (e.g. fire onboard ISS), may be located in many different places around the FS s console. A performance support tool prototype is being developed to address this issue by bringing all of the relevant information together in one place. The tool is designed to include procedures and other information needed by a FS during an emergency, as well as procedures and information to be used after the emergency is resolved. Several walkthroughs of the prototype with FSs have been completed within a mockup of an ISS FS console. Feedback on the current tool design as well as recommendations for existing ISS FS displays were captured.

Byrne, Vicky E.

Analysis and simulation of the MAST (COFS-1 flight hardware)

In-house analysis work in support of the Control of Flexible Structures (COFS) program is being performed at the NASA Langley Research Center. The work involves evaluation of the proposed design configuration, controller design as well as actuator dynamic modeling, and MAST/actuator dynamic simulation of excitation and damping. A complete finite element model of the MAST has been developed. This finite element model has been incorporated into an optimization procedure which minimizes total mass while maintaining modal coupling. Results show an increase in the total mass due to additional constraints (namely, the diagonal frequency constraint) imposed on the baseline design. A valid actuator dynamic model is presented and a complete test sequence of the proposed flight experiment is demonstrated. The actuator dynamic model is successfully used for damping and the stroke limitations for first mode excitation are demonstrated. Plans are to incorporate additional design variables and constraints into the optimization procedure (such as actuator location) and explore alternative formulations of the objective function. A different actuator dynamic model to include hardware limitations will be investigated.

Horta, Lucas G.

NASA-JSC antenna near-field measurement system

Work was completed on the near-field range control software. The capabilities of the data processing software were expanded with the addition of probe compensation. In addition, the user can process the measured data from the same computer terminal used for range control. The design of the laser metrology system was completed. It provides precise measruement of probe location during near-field measurements as well as position data for control of the translation beam and probe cart. A near-field range measurement system was designed, fabricated, and tested.

Cooke, W. P.

Development of the Planar Inlet Design and Analysis Process (PINDAP)

The aerodynamic development of an engine inlet requires a comprehensive program of both wind tunnel testing and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. To save time and resources, much "testing" is done using CFD before any design ever enters a wind tunnel. The focus of my project this summer is on CFD analysis tool development. In particular, I am working to further develop the capabilities of the Planar Inlet Design and Analysis Process (PINDAP). "PINDAP" is a collection of computational tools that allow for efficient and accurate design and analysis of the aerodynamics about and through inlets that can make use of a planar (two-dimensional or axisymmetric) geometric and flow assumption. PINDAP utilizes the WIND CFD flow solver, which is capable of simulating the turbulent, compressible flow field. My project this summer is a continuation of work that I performed for two previous summers. Two years ago, I used basic features of the PINDAP to design a Mach 5 hypersonic scramjet engine inlet and to demonstrate the feasibility of the PINDAP. The following summer, I worked to develop its geometry and grid generation capabilities to include subsonic and supersonic inlets, complete bodies and cowls, conic leading and trailing edges, as well as airfoils. These additions allowed for much more design flexibility when using the program.

Gruber, Christopher R.

Mechanical Prototyping and Manufacturing Internship

The internship was located at the Johnson Space Center (JSC) Innovation Design Center (IDC), which is a facility where the JSC workforce can meet and conduct hands-on innovative design, fabrication, evaluation, and testing of ideas and concepts relevant to NASA's mission. The tasks of the internship included mechanical prototyping design and manufacturing projects in service of research and development as well as assisting the users of the IDC in completing their manufacturing projects. The first project was to manufacture hatch mechanisms for a team in the Systems Engineering and Project Advancement Program (SETMAP) hexacopter competition. These mechanisms were intended to improve the performance of the servomotors and offer an access point that would also seal to prevent cross-contamination. I also assisted other teams as they were constructing and modifying their hexacopters. The success of this competition demonstrated a proof of concept for aerial reconnaissance and sample return to be potentially used in future NASA missions. I also worked with Dr. Kumar Krishen to prototype an improved thermos and a novel, portable solar array. Computer-aided design (CAD) software was used to model the parts for both of these projects. Then, 3D printing as well as conventional techniques were used to produce the parts. These prototypes were then subjected to trials to determine the success of the designs. The solar array is intended to work in a cluster that is easy to set up and take down and doesn't require powered servomechanisms. It could be used terrestrially in areas not serviced by power grids. Both projects improve planetary exploration capabilities to future astronauts. Other projects included manufacturing custom rail brackets for EG-2, assisting engineers working on underwater instrument and tool cases for the NEEMO project, and helping to create mock-up parts for Space Center Houston. The use of the IDC enabled efficient completion of these projects at significantly reduced cost. I acquired and improved manufacturing and prototyping skills during my tour including learning about a CAD (Computer-Aided Design) program called Creo (Creo Parametric; design software), gaining valuable conventional machining experience with lathes, CNC (Computer Numerical Control) milling machines and various other tools, and improving my engineering project communication and collaboration skills. The internship also allowed me to better understand operations at NASA. I plan to work in the aerospace industry or do academic research benefitting space science and exploration, and this internship experience will enable me to have insight into manufacturing processes for research and development.

Grenfell, Peter

Newberry SHR Demonstration Project – Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Enhanced Geothermal (EGS) Pilot Demonstration (Abstract)

This project will create an Engineered Geothermal System (EGS) comprising two or more wells drilled to a depth of 4.25 km into superhot rock (SHR) with a temperature of 425 °C at Newberry Volcano in Central Oregon. An EGS is a manufactured heat exchanger in which water is injected in a deep injection well, or injector, to extract heat from the hot rock at depth and steam is returned to the surface in a production well, or producer, to generate electricity. In this project, the SHR EGS will be made using new methods and technologies to stimulate and connect hydraulic and natural fractures to enable multiple flow pathways between wells, allowing for optimal heat mining from the reservoir rock. The new technologies are designed to operate at rock temperatures much higher than those encountered in traditional geothermal. Following EGS completion, water will be injected into the injector well and steam extracted from the producer well in a long-term connectivity flow test demonstrating SHR reservoir evolution with time and use. Success will be measured by demonstrating the efficacy of new technologies and by producing economic quantities of steam (>40 MWth).

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY

Shuttle/Agena study. Volume 2, part 2: Agena tug configurations, Shuttle/Agena interface, performance, safety, cost

An evaluation of the compatibility of the space shuttle and Agena rocket vehicle was conducted. The Agena space tug configuration design is described in terms of the total vehicle system as well as the individual subsystems and major assemblies and components. The complete interface between the Agena space tug and the space shuttle orbiter is defined for in-flight and ground operations. The derivation and design of an evolutionary stage is also presented. This vehicle conforms to the same guidelines and interface requirements as the Agena space tug. Performance data developed for both vehicles for each of the three study baseline missions are included.

Source record

Improvements of ModalMax High-Fidelity Piezoelectric Audio Device

ModalMax audio speakers have been enhanced by innovative means of tailoring the vibration response of thin piezoelectric plates to produce a high-fidelity audio response. The ModalMax audio speakers are 1 mm in thickness. The device completely supplants the need to have a separate driver and speaker cone. ModalMax speakers can perform the same applications of cone speakers, but unlike cone speakers, ModalMax speakers can function in harsh environments such as high humidity or extreme wetness. New design features allow the speakers to be completely submersed in salt water, making them well suited for maritime applications. The sound produced from the ModalMax audio speakers has sound spatial resolution that is readily discernable for headset users.

Woodard, Stanley E.

Fifteen Years of Operation at NASA's National Transonic Facility with the World's Largest Adjustable Speed Drive

In September 1995, a project was initiated to replace the existing drive line at NASA's most unique transonic wind tunnel, the National Transonic Facility (NTF), with a single 101 MW synchronous motor driven by a Load Commutated Inverter (LCI). This Adjustable Speed Drive (ASD) system also included a custom four-winding transformer, harmonic filter, exciter, switch gear, control system, and feeder cable. The complete system requirements and design details have previously been presented and published [1], as well as the commissioning and acceptance test results [2]. The NTF was returned to service in December 1997 with the new drive system powering the fan. Today, this installation still represents the world s largest horizontal single motor/drive combination. This paper describes some significant events that occurred with the drive system during the first 15 years of service. These noteworthy issues are analyzed and root causes presented. Improvements that have substantially increased the long term viability of the system are given.

Sydnor, George H.

Refining Lucy Mission Delta-V During Spacecraft Design Using Trajectory Optimization Within High-Fidelity Monte Carlo Maneuver Analysis

Recent advances linking medium-fidelity trajectory optimization and high-fidelity trajectory propagation/maneuver design software with Monte Carlo maneuver analysis and parallel processing enabled realistic statistical delta-V estimation well before launch. Completing this high-confidence, refined statistical maneuver analysis early enabled release of excess delta-V margin for increased dry mass margin for the Lucy Jupiter Trojan flyby mission. By 3.3 years before launch, 16 of 34 TCMs had 1000 re-optimized trajectory design samples, yielding tens of m/s lower 99%-probability delta-V versus targeting maneuvers to one optimal trajectory. One year later, 1000 re-optimized samples of all deterministic maneuvers and subsequent flybys further lowered estimated delta-V.

Trojan

The X-38 V-201 Fin Fold Actuation Mechanism

The X-38 Vehicle 201 (V-201) is a space flight prototype lifting body vehicle that was designed to launch to orbit in the Space Shuttle orbiter payload bay. Although the project was cancelled in May 2003, many of the systems were nearly complete. This paper will describe the fin folding actuation mechanism flight subsystems and development units as well as lessons learned in the design, assembly, development testing, and qualification testing. The two vertical tail fins must be stowed (folded inboard) to allow the orbiter payload bay doors to close. The fin folding actuation mechanism is a remotely or extravehicular activity (EVA) actuated single fault tolerant system consisting of seven subsystems capable of repeatedly deploying or stowing the fins.

Lupo, Christian

Propfan Test Assessment (PTA): Flight test report

The Propfan Test Assessment (PTA) aircraft was flown to obtain glade stress and noise data for a 2.74m (9 ft.) diameter single rotation propfan. Tests were performed at Mach numbers to 0.85 and altitudes to 12,192m (40,000 ft.). The propfan was well-behaved structurally over the entire flight envelope, demonstrating that the blade design technology was completely adequate. Noise data were characterized by strong signals at blade passage frequency and up to 10 harmonics. Cabin noise was not so high as to preclude attainment of comfortable levels with suitable wall treatment. Community noise was not excessive.

Little, B. H.

Lunar Surface Access Module Pump-Fed Engine Turbopump Technology

The need for a high specific impulse LOX/LH2 pump-fed lunar lander engine has been established by NASA for the new Exploration architecture. Preliminary studies indicate that a 4 engine cluster in the thrust range of 9,000-lbf each is a likely configuration for the main propulsion of the manned lunar lander vehicle. The main Lunar Surface Access Module engines will likely be responsible for mid-course correction burns, lunar orbit insertion burns, a deorbit burn, and the powered descent to the lunar surface. This multi-task engine philosophy imposes a wide throttling requirement on the engines in the range of 10:1. Marshall Space Flight Center has initiated an internal effort to mature the technologies needed for full scale development of such a LOX/LH2 pump-fed engine. In particular, a fuel turbopump is being designed and fabricated at MSFC to address the issues that a small high speed turbopump of this class will face. These issues include adequate throttling performance of the pump and turbine over a very wide operating range. The small scale of the hardware presents issues including performance scaling, and manufacturing issues like that will challenge the traditional methods we have used to fabricate and assemble larger scale turbopumps. The small high speed turbopump being developed at MSFC will operate at speeds greater than 100,000-rpm. These speeds create issues that include structural dynamics and high cycle fatigue as well as rotordynamic stability. The fuel turbopump development at MSFC will address these issues, and plans are in work for component level testing as well as operation in a test bed engine environment. The fuel turbopump design is nearing completion and described herein.

Thornton, Randall J.

Integrating nonlinear aerodynamic and structural analysis for a complete fighter configuration

The coupling of a nonlinear aerodynamics program with a structural analysis program to include the effects of static aeroelasticity in early preliminary design studies is described. A nonlinear, full potential aerodynamics method with capability to model geometric details of a complete aircraft in supersonic flow is used. The deflections of the lifting surfaces are calculated using an equivalent plate structural representation which can readily accommodate the changes in stiffness and geometric properties required during the preliminary design process. An iterative solution procedure is used to obtain consistent aerodynamic loads and structural deflections at the specified flight conditions. The volume of data transmitted between programs is minimized. The procedure is applied to a complete aircraft and the numerical results illustrate the aeroelastic effects on pressure distribution as well as total forces and moments. During this design study, the thickness distribution of the wing cover skins was initially sized based on rigid loads and subsequently resized under aeroelastic loads. Comparisons are made between these nonlinear aeroelastic results and results obtained from linear aerodynamic methods applied to a rigid shape during conceptual design studies.

Tatum, Kenneth E.

Development of Multi-Edge Slant Target for Unlocalized MTF Measurement of Airborne Imaging System Payloads

Calibration of imaging instruments is a critical step in effectively characterizing imaging data. A comprehensive characterization of an imaging system provides valuable insight into the overall uncertainties in the results derived from the raw data collected. The Scientifically Calibrated In-Flight Imagery (SCIFLI) team (based at NASA Langley Research Center) has designed, built, tested, and successfully flown the optical payload known as the SCIFLI Airborne Multispectral Imager (SAMI). SAMI is a multispectral imaging payload, complete with sensor configurations for the Ultraviolet-Visible spectrum as well as Near- Infrared, Shortwave Infrared, and Midwave Infrared bands and is fitted with various optical hardware designed to turn, split, and focus light beams to the respective in-band sensors. Radiometric calibrations are performed for SAMI such that the accuracy and uncertainty of thermal and spectral measurements are effectively characterized. However, SAMI does not regularly undergo spatial characterizations to evaluate the performance of the imager at high spatial frequencies. This is essential, as understanding the spatial sensor response of discrete sensors is just as important as the spectral sensor response. The payload currently utilizes a calibration cart for lab testing. Equipped with a modular setup and several radiation sources, it is perfect for performing high-quality radiometric calibrations. This work focuses on using the calibration cart to perform spatial calibrations. A custom designed calibration target is being used to evaluate the optical performance of SAMI. Specifically, the target is designed to measure the Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) of the imager in discrete locations around the focal plane. The results of this characterization will provide insight into the spatial resolution capabilities of the SAMI payload in practice. Future work includes using the results of the study to correct optical imperfections in imagery taken with SAMI.

SAMI

Thirty-centimeter-diameter ion milling source

A 30-cm beam diameter ion source has been designed and fabricated for micromachining and sputtering applications. An argon ion current density of 1 mA/cu cm at 500 eV ion energy was selected as a design operating condition. The completed ion source met the design criteria at this operating condition with a uniform and well-collimated beam having an average variation in current density of + or - 5% over the center of 20 cm of the beam. This ion source has a multipole magnetic field that employs permanent magnets between permeable pole pieces. Langmuir probe surveys of the source plasma support the design concepts of a multipole field and a circumferential cathode to enhance plasma uniformity.

Robinson, R. S.

Energy efficient engine high-pressure turbine component rig performance test report

A rig test of the cooled high-pressure turbine component for the Energy Efficient Engine was successfully completed. The principal objective of this test was to substantiate the turbine design point performance as well as determine off-design performance with the interaction of the secondary flow system. The measured efficiency of the cooled turbine component was 88.5 percent, which surpassed the rig design goal of 86.5 percent. The secondary flow system in the turbine performed according to the design intent. Characterization studies showed that secondary flow system performance is insensitive to flow and pressure variations. Overall, this test has demonstrated that a highly-loaded, transonic, single-stage turbine can achieve a high level of operating efficiency.

Leach, K. P.