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At least 541 records · Page 30

The Advanced Modeling, Simulation and Analysis Capability Roadmap Vision for Engineering

This paper summarizes a subset of the Advanced Modeling Simulation and Analysis (AMSA) Capability Roadmap that was developed for NASA in 2005. The AMSA Capability Roadmap Team was chartered to "To identify what is needed to enhance NASA's capabilities to produce leading-edge exploration and science missions by improving engineering system development, operations, and science understanding through broad application of advanced modeling, simulation and analysis techniques." The AMSA roadmap stressed the need for integration, not just within the science, engineering and operations domains themselves, but also across these domains. Here we discuss the roadmap element pertaining to integration within the engineering domain, with a particular focus on implications for future observatory missions. The AMSA products supporting the system engineering function are mission information, bounds on information quality, and system validation guidance. The Engineering roadmap element contains 5 sub-elements: (1) Large-Scale Systems Models, (2) Anomalous Behavior Models, (3) advanced Uncertainty Models, (4) Virtual Testing Models, and (5) space-based Robotics Manufacture and Servicing Models.

Zang, Thomas↗

Hypersonic Separated Flows About "Tick" Configurations With Sensitivity to Model Design

This paper presents computational results obtained by applying the direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method for hypersonic nonequilibrium flow about "tick-shaped" model configurations. These test models produces a complex flow where the nonequilibrium and rarefied aspects of the flow are initially enhanced as the flow passes over an expansion surface, and then the flow encounters a compression surface that can induce flow separation. The resulting flow is such that meaningful numerical simulations must have the capability to account for a significant range of rarefaction effects; hence the application of the DSMC method in the current study as the flow spans several flow regimes, including transitional, slip, and continuum. The current focus is to examine the sensitivity of both the model surface response (heating, friction and pressure) and flowfield structure to assumptions regarding surface boundary conditions and more extensively the impact of model design as influenced by leading edge configuration as well as the geometrical features of the expansion and compression surfaces. Numerical results indicate a strong sensitivity to both the extent of the leading edge sharpness and the magnitude of the leading edge bevel angle. Also, the length of the expansion surface for a fixed compression surface has a significant impact on the extent of separated flow.

Moss, J. N.↗

Overview of NASA MSFC and UAH Space Weather Modeling and Data Efforts

Marshall Space Flight Center, along with its industry and academia neighbors, has a long history of space environment model development and testing. Space weather efforts include research, testing, model development, environment definition, anomaly investigation, and operational support. This presentation will highlight a few of the current space weather activities being performed at Marshall and through collaborative efforts with University of Alabama in Huntsville scientists.

Parker, Linda Neergaard↗

Energy Efficient Engine acoustic supporting technology report

The acoustic development of the Energy Efficient Engine combined testing and analysis using scale model rigs and an integrated Core/Low Spool demonstration engine. The scale model tests show that a cut-on blade/vane ratio fan with a large spacing (S/C = 2.3) is as quiet as a cut-off blade/vane ratio with a tighter spacing (S/C = 1.27). Scale model mixer tests show that separate flow nozzles are the noisiest, conic nozzles the quietest, with forced mixers in between. Based on projections of ICLS data the Energy Efficient Engine (E3) has FAR 36 margins of 3.7 EPNdB at approach, 4.5 EPNdB at full power takeoff, and 7.2 EPNdB at sideline conditions.

Lavin, S. P.↗

Hall Thruster Thermal Modeling and Test Data Correlation

The life of Hall Effect thrusters are primarily limited by plasma erosion and thermal related failures. NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) in cooperation with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) have recently completed development of a Hall thruster with specific emphasis to mitigate these limitations. Extending the operational life of Hall thursters makes them more suitable for some of NASA's longer duration interplanetary missions. This paper documents the thermal model development, refinement and correlation of results with thruster test data. Correlation was achieved by minimizing uncertainties in model input and recognizing the relevant parameters for effective model tuning. Throughout the thruster design phase the model was used to evaluate design options and systematically reduce component temperatures. Hall thrusters are inherently complex assemblies of high temperature components relying on internal conduction and external radiation for heat dispersion and rejection. System solutions are necessary in most cases to fully assess the benefits and/or consequences of any potential design change. Thermal model correlation is critical since thruster operational parameters can push some components/materials beyond their temperature limits. This thruster incorporates a state-of-the-art magnetic shielding system to reduce plasma erosion and to a lesser extend power/heat deposition. Additionally a comprehensive thermal design strategy was employed to reduce temperatures of critical thruster components (primarily the magnet coils and the discharge channel). Long term wear testing is currently underway to assess the effectiveness of these systems and consequently thruster longevity.

Hall thruster↗

Present status of the MIT/NASA Langley 6-inch MSBS

The latest improvements are described which were made to the MIT/NASA Langley 6 Inch Magnetic Suspension and Balance System and its operational capabilities. Since its relocation from MIT in 1984, the system has suffered from reliability problems with original equipment. System performance is ultimately limited by noise and antiquated power supplies. Although a limited amount of funding and man hours has been expended, some significant improvements were made to the system. The design and implementation of a new electro-magnetic position sensor has significantly reduced system noise and drift. The system was shown fully operational for the first time since its arrival at NASA Langley. An ogive cylinder test model was suspended while running the wind tunnel at its maximum of approx. Mach 0.5. Other aerodynamic models were suspended with wind on. Also, the simulation of low speed cavity store separation using an ogive cylinder test model is described. Methods used for flow visualization for this test are also discussed. The system is ideally suited for this type of low speed testing.

Schott, Timothy↗

Flight Test Results for Uniquely Tailored Propulsion-Airframe Aeroacoustic Chevrons: Shockcell Noise

Azimuthally varying chevrons (AVC) which have been uniquely tailored to account for the asymmetric propulsion-airframe aeroacoustic interactions have recently shown significant reductions in jet-related community noise at low-speed take-off conditions in scale model tests of coaxial nozzles with high bypass ratio. There were indications that such AVCs may also provide shockcell noise reductions at high cruise speeds. This paper describes the flight test results when one such AVC concept, namely, the T-fan chevrons with enhanced mixing near the pylon, was tested at full-scale on a modern large twin-jet aircraft (777-300ER) with focus on shockcell noise at mid-cruise conditions. Shockcell noise is part of the interior cabin noise at cruise conditions and its reduction is useful from the viewpoint of passenger comfort. Noise reduction at the source, in the exhaust jet, especially, at low frequencies, is beneficial from the perspective of reduced fuselage sidewall acoustic lining. Results are shown in terms of unsteady pressure spectra both on the exterior surface of the fuselage at several axial stations and also microphone arrays placed inside the fuselage aft of the engine. The benefits of T-fan chevrons, with and without conventional chevrons on the core nozzle, are shown for several engine operating conditions at cruise involving supersonic fan stream and subsonic or supersonic core stream. The T-fan AVC alone provides up to 5 dB low-frequency noise reduction on the fuselage exterior skin and up to 2 dB reduction inside the cabin. Addition of core chevrons appears to increase the higher frequency noise. This flight test result with the previous model test observation that the T-fan AVCs have hardly any cruise thrust coefficient loss (< 0.05%) make them viable candidates for reducing interior cabin noise in high bypass ratio engines.

Mengle, Vinod G.↗

Gateway bi-propellant refueling development testing and model validation activities

The Gateway is an upcoming long term lunar exploration program to be completed by NASA in partnership with ESA and other US and international partners. The system design of the Gateway contains both a high performance Xenon based Solar Electric Propulsion system, as well as a bi-propellant attitude control system. Both propulsion systems are designed for on-orbit refueling to enable long life performance of the Gateway. The ESPRIT-RM is a module which will expand the pressurized volume of Gateway, while also providing refueling capability for both the Xenon and Bipropellant propulsion systems, therefore extending the Gateway life on orbit. As part of the Gateway bi-propellant refueling system development, a simplified fluidic breadboard system was created to evaluate system performance and response using simulant fluids. The test plan includes verification activities with simulant (water, HFE-7100) to verify joined subsystem behavior in the critical operations, including propellant transfer demonstration between modules, transient tests and venting tests. Integrated testing occurred at TASUK in collaboration with NASA to support joint verification activities to de-risk the major functions of the ESPRIT BTS and the overall CONOPS of the refueling of the Gateway chemical propulsion system. Initially collected test data from the system testing is presented, as well as initial model validation, and correlated to collected high frequency test data and system response is shown. Initially collected data has shown the architected system performance is closing initial design assumptions, but much forward work remains to characterize and develop the system.

Christopher Daniel Radke↗

Testing and Model Correlation of Sublimator Driven Coldplate Coupons

The Sublimator Driven Coldplate (SDC) is a unique piece of thermal control hardware that has several advantages over a traditional thermal control scheme. The principal advantage is the possible elimination of a pumped fluid loop, potentially saving mass, power, and complexity. Because this concept relies on evaporative heat rejection techniques, it is primarily useful for short mission durations. Additionally, the concept requires a conductive path between the heat-generating component and the heat rejection device. Therefore, it is mostly a relevant solution for a vehicle with a relatively low heat rejection requirement. Coupon level tests were performed at NASA's Johnson Space Center to better understand the basic operational principles and to validate the analytical methods being used for the SDC development. This paper outlines the results of the SDC coupon tests, the subsequent thermal model correlation, and a description of the SDC Engineering Development Unit design.

Sheth, Rubik↗

Rapid Model Fabrication and Testing for Aerospace Vehicles

Advanced methods for rapid fabrication and instrumentation of hypersonic wind tunnel models are being developed and evaluated at NASA Langley Research Center. Rapid aeroheating model fabrication and measurement techniques using investment casting of ceramic test models and thermographic phosphors are reviewed. More accurate model casting techniques for fabrication of benchmark metal and ceramic test models are being developed using a combination of rapid prototype patterns and investment casting. White light optical scanning is used for coordinate measurements to evaluate the fabrication process and verify model accuracy to +/- 0.002 inches. Higher-temperature (<210C) luminescent coatings are also being developed for simultaneous pressure and temperature mapping, providing global pressure as well as global aeroheating measurements. Together these techniques will provide a more rapid and complete experimental aerodynamic and aerothermodynamic database for future aerospace vehicles.

Buck, Gregory M.↗

Influence of atmospherically induced random wave fronts on diffraction imagery - A computer simulation model for testing image reconstruction algorithms

This paper is devoted to the development of a two-dimensional computer-simulation model that is based on the rigid constraints of optical diffraction theory with careful attention paid to the generation of sample realizations of Gaussian-distributed, spatially random, isotropic wave fronts that have zero-mean and prescribed-covariance functions. Given a sample realization of the wave front, the corresponding centered point-spread function and optical-transfer function are evaluated. A detailed study is made of the statistics of random wave-front tilt, point-spread function, modulus squared of transfer function, and phase of transfer function.

Barakat, Richard↗

Towing tests of models as an aid in the design of seaplanes

This report concerns the making and evaluation of a towing test of a seaplane float system. Some of the topics considered are: 1) the influence of the wing cell and power plant on the take-off performance; 2) the determination of the resistance curve for the take-off free to trim; 3) the resistance curves with elevator control (at fixed trims); 4) take-off time and take-off run.

Schroder, P↗

Direct Feed High-Level Waste APPS Model Glass Testing (DFHLW APPS) Matrix

This report summarizes the data collected during the batching and melting of the Direct Feed High-Level Waste APPS Model Glass Matrix (DFHLW APPS) to serve as a quality-assured validation of the Aspen Process Performance Simulation (APPS) formulation method. Of 15 glasses tested, 12 satisfied all target property constraints. Two glasses, APPS-05 and -06, formed nepheline on canister centerline cooling heat-treatment and failed the Product Consistency Test response limits. Glass APPS-07-2 formed unacceptably high concentrations of crystals (primarily Na3Nd(PO4)2) when heat treated at 950 °C. All other glasses were found to be satisfactory. The measured property values were compared to predicted values from a set of current models. In many cases the current models were found to be inadequate for design of DFHLW glasses. These models are being adjusted to correct for mispredictions. Other models, e.g., density, toxicity characteristic leaching procedure, and sulfur solubility, are adequate for formulation of DFHLW glasses.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

A wind tunnel investigation of the wake near the trailing edge of a deflected externally blown flap

The model tested was a general research model of a swept-wing, jet-powered STOL transport with externally blown flaps. The model was tested with four engine simulators mounted on pylons under the wing. Tests were conducted in the V/STOL tunnel over an angle of attack range of 0 deg to 16 deg and a thrust coefficient range from 0 to approximately 4 at a Reynolds number of 0.461 x 1 million based on the wing reference chord. The results of this investigation are presented primarily as plots of the individual velocity vectors obtained from the wake survey. These data are used to extend an earlier analysis to isolate the effects of the engine thrust on the behavior of the flow at the flap trailing edge. Results of a comparison with a jet-flap theory are also shown.

Johnson, W. G., Jr.↗

Design, Modeling, and Testing of a Novel Inductor for Electric Vehicles: Iron Nitride Soft Magnetic Composites

New technology for electric vehicles (EVs) must meet the requirements of higher energy usage, lower costs, and more sustainable source materials. One promising material for EV power system components is iron nitride (IN) soft magnetic composites (SMCs) because of their competitive magnetic properties and high abundance of the source materials. As part of an ongoing program at Sandia National Laboratories, this project focused on using computer modeling to optimize the prototyping process for an iron nitride SMC toroidal inductor to reach a target inductance of 600 μH. Four inductors with different combinations of wiring (26 AWG and 20 AWG) and vol% loading of iron nitride (65 vol% and 50 vol%) were fabricated at Cal Poly and characterized using an LCR meter. These inductors were also modeled using COMSOL Multiphysics™ with the Magnetic Fields module. The inductance data from the experiment and the model show that the 65 vol% IN prototypes and models agree with about 8% difference, while the 50 vol% IN samples show about a 9% difference between the prototype and the model. These results suggest that the model can predict inductance with both accuracy and precision with low confidence for the given sample size of four. An additional parameter of AC resistance is studied but the AC resistance results from the inductors and from the model generally do not agree closely, suggesting that the current model used in the project does not fully capture the mechanisms behind AC resistance of the inductor. With the focus of the project on inductance, the percent difference results of less than 9% across the four inductors that were tested increases confidence in the model’s predictive capabilities for inductance only. Using the inductance results from both the model and experiment, the final suggested inductor design is a 65 vol% core with 150 windings of 20 AWG wire that is 8 cm across and 1.5 cm tall to reach the inductance goal of 600 μH based on analysis using the optimized COMSOLTM model.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

Validation of a Mesoscale Fiber Kinking Model Through Test and Analysis of Double Edge Notch Compression Specimens

Tests and analyses were conducted on a series of geometrically-scaled double edge notch compression specimens to validate the capability of the fiber-kinking model in the NASA continuum damage mechanics code for progressive damage analysis, CompDam. The tests and analyses focused on the fiber-kinking damage mechanism, which is of critical importance for predicting accurately longitudinal compression failure in carbon fiber reinforced polymer laminates. The fiber-kinking model in CompDam was augmented with a new capability to represent a hardening response once a kink band has fully formed, enabling prediction of band broadening. Correlation of the test and analysis results showed agreement in stiffness and strength with less than 10% error. The analysis predicts the same sequence of events leading to ultimate failure that was found in the test. The overall excellent correlation in terms of stiffness, strength, and failure process validates the capability of the model for predicting longitudinal compression failure in notched laminates with cross-ply layups.

Bergan, Andrew C.↗

Mar's Science Laboratory : Qualification Model Dirty Testing (QMDT) Support

The Martian missions of Spirit, Opportunity, and many others have sparked high interest in Mars which has led to Curiosity to answer questions that we have sought after for years. Has life ever existed on Mars? Through the collection and analyzation of samples, it will help to answer questions about the possibilities of life that may have existed on Mars, and we will gain valuable data about the planet Mars.

Qualification Model Dirty Testing (QMDT)↗