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At least 613 records · Page 34

SSME HPOTP post-test diagnostic system enhancement project

An assessment of engine and component health is routinely made after each test or flight firing of a space shuttle main engine (SSME). Currently, this health assessment is done by teams of engineers who manually review sensor data, performance data, and engine and component operating histories. Based on review of information from these various sources, an evaluation is made as to the health of each component of the SSME and the preparedness of the engine for another test or flight. The objective of this project is to further develop a computer program which automates the analysis of test data from the SSME high-pressure oxidizer turbopump (HPOTP) in order to detect and diagnose anomalies. This program fits into a larger system, the SSME Post-Test Diagnostic System (PTDS), which will eventually be extended to assess the health and status of most SSME components on the basis of test data analysis. The HPOTP module is an expert system, which uses 'rules-of-thumb' obtained from interviews with experts from NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) to detect and diagnose anomalies. Analyses of the raw test data are first performed using pattern recognition techniques which result in features such as spikes, shifts, peaks, and drifts being detected and written to a database. The HPOTP module then looks for combination of these features which are indicative of known anomalies, using the rules gathered from the turbomachinery experts. Results of this analysis are then displayed via a graphical user interface which provides ranked lists of anomalies and observations by engine component, along with supporting data plots for each.

Bickmore, Timothy W.↗

Aerodynamics of a tilt-nacelle V/STOL propulsion system

Tests were performed in the Ames 40 by 80 Foot Wind Tunnel on a large-scale, tilt-nacelle V/STOL propulsion system to determine its aerodynamic characteristics. Unpowered nacelle aerodynamics and power induced effects over an angle of attack range from 0 to 105 deg are presented. It is shown that: (1) the characteristics of the unpowered nacelle can be estimated with annular airfoil data, (2) the power-induced effects on the nacelle aerodynamics are significant, and (3) pitching moment can be correlated with lift and thrust.

Betzina, M. D.↗

Systems integration test laboratory - Application and experiences

The experiences gained from the development of the X-29 aircraft's digital flight control system is discussed. The master test plan, validation testing, verification testing, and flight hardware testing of the system are briefly reviewed, and the test facilities are described. Simulator verification and results are summarized.

Rimer, Melvyn↗

Aerospike Engine Post-Test Diagnostic System Delivered to Rocketdyne

The NASA Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field, in cooperation with Rocketdyne, has designed, developed, and implemented an automated Post-Test Diagnostic System (PTDS) for the X-33 linear aerospike engine. The PTDS was developed to reduce analysis time and to increase the accuracy and repeatability of rocket engine ground test fire and flight data analysis. This diagnostic system provides a fast, consistent, first-pass data analysis, thereby aiding engineers who are responsible for detecting and diagnosing engine anomalies from sensor data. It uses analytical methods modeled after the analysis strategies used by engineers. Glenn delivered the first version of PTDS in September of 1998 to support testing of the engine s power pack assembly. The system was used to analyze all 17 power pack tests and assisted Rocketdyne engineers in troubleshooting both data acquisition and test article anomalies. The engine version of PTDS, which was delivered in June of 1999, will support all single-engine, dual-engine, and flight firings of the aerospike engine.

Meyer, Claudia M.↗

A plan for application system verification tests: The value of improved meteorological information, volume 1

The framework within which the Applications Systems Verification Tests (ASVTs) are performed and the economic consequences of improved meteorological information demonstrated is described. This framework considers the impact of improved information on decision processes, the data needs to demonstrate the economic impact of the improved information, the data availability, the methodology for determining and analyzing the collected data and demonstrating the economic impact of the improved information, and the possible methods of data collection. Three ASVTs are considered and program outlines and plans are developed for performing experiments to demonstrate the economic consequences of improved meteorological information. The ASVTs are concerned with the citrus crop in Florida, the cotton crop in Mississippi and a group of diverse crops in Oregon. The program outlines and plans include schedules, manpower estimates and funding requirements.

Source record↗

Autonomous Flight Safety System Road Test

On February 3, 2005, Kennedy Space Center (KSC) conducted the first Autonomous Flight Safety System (AFSS) test on a moving vehicle -- a van driven around the KSC industrial area. A subset of the Phase III design was used consisting of a single computer, GPS receiver, and UPS antenna. The description and results of this road test are described in this report.AFSS is a joint KSC and Wallops Flight Facility project that is in its third phase of development. AFSS is an independent subsystem intended for use with Expendable Launch Vehicles that uses tracking data from redundant onboard sensors to autonomously make flight termination decisions using software-based rules implemented on redundant flight processors. The goals of this project are to increase capabilities by allowing launches from locations that do not have or cannot afford extensive ground-based range safety assets, to decrease range costs, and to decrease reaction time for special situations.

Simpson, James C.↗

Integration of Automation Systems Flight Test Overview

This short presentation outlines an upcoming flight test to be performed as part of the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) project. Referred to as the Integration of Automated Systems (IAS) flight test series, the objectives are to evaluate NASA research concepts and technologies for complex operations through integrated automation and candidate operational concepts and scenarios. The primary objective is to test mature AAM technologies in a relevant environment. The two primary systems under test are the Flight Path Management (FPM) and Hazard Perception and Avoidance (HPA) technology. This presentation focuses on the HPA technology developed by the FAA known as the Airborne Collision Avoidance System X for Rotorcraft (ACAS Xr) since the audience consists of committee members currently working on developing the minimum requirements for this system. The second half of the presentation explains the primary objectives and describes the scenarios expected to be tested in flight.

automation↗

On the road performance tests of electric test vehicle for correlation with road load simulator

A dynamometer (road load simulator) is used to test and evaluate electric vehicle propulsion systems. To improve correlation between system tests on the road load simulator and on the road, similar performance tests are conducted using the same vehicle. The results of track tests on the electric propulsion system test vehicle are described. The tests include range at constant speeds and over SAE J227a driving cycles, maximum accelerations, maximum gradability, and tire rolling resistance determination. Road power requirements and energy consumption were also determined from coast down tests.

Dustin, M. O.↗

Noise generated by a flight weight, air flow control valve in a vertical takeoff and landing aircraft thrust vectoring system

Tests were conducted in the NASA Lewis Research Center's Powered Lift Facility to experimentally evaluate the noise generated by a flight weight, 12 in. butterfly valve installed in a proposed vertical takeoff and landing thrust vectoring system. Fluctuating pressure measurements were made in the circular duct upstream and downstream of the valve. This data report presents the results of these tests. The maximum overall sound pressure level is generated in the duct downstream of the valve and reached a value of 180 dB at a valve pressure ratio of 2.8. At the higher valve pressure ratios the spectra downstream of the valve is broad banded with its maximum at 1000 Hz.

Huff, Ronald G.↗

An overview of the applications systems verification test on snowcover mapping

The capability of the LANDSAT and NOAA satellites to accurately measure snowcovered area on various size watersheds was demonstrated. Recent research has shown a highly significant statistical relationship between satellite-derived snowcovered area at the beginning of the snowmelt period and seasonal runoff. The decision was made to test the results of several satellite snowcovered area studies in an Applications Systems Verification Test (ASVT) Program where quasi-operational evaluations of total technical capability are performed. The objective of these ASVT's is to provide all the information necessary for a potential user to make effective decisions concerning the implementation of the new remote sensing technology in an operational applications system.

Rango, A.↗

HIDEC F-15 adaptive engine control system flight test results

NASA-Ames' Highly Integrated Digital Electronic Control (HIDEC) flight test program aims to develop fully integrated airframe, propulsion, and flight control systems. The HIDEC F-15 adaptive engine control system flight test program has demonstrated that significant performance improvements are obtainable through the retention of stall-free engine operation throughout the aircraft flight and maneuver envelopes. The greatest thrust increase was projected for the medium-to-high altitude flight regime at subsonic speed which is of such importance to air combat. Adaptive engine control systems such as the HIDEC F-15's can be used to upgrade the performance of existing aircraft without resort to expensive reengining programs.

Smolka, James W.↗

Orbiter S-band FM system console test procedure

The S-band frequency modulated system console is described and step by step test procedure for verifying proper construction of the console prior to installation of flight equipment was given.

Doland, G. D.↗

Design and fabrication of titanium multi-wall Thermal Protection System (TPS) test panels

A titanium multiwall thermal protection system panel was designed. The panel is a nine sheet sandwich structure consisting of an upper and lower face sheet; four dimpled sheets, three septum sheets, and clips for attachment to a vehicle structure. An acceptable fabrication process was developed, and the panel design was verified through mechanical and thermal testing of component specimens. A design was completed which takes into consideration fabrication techniques, thermal properties, mechanical properties, and materials availability.

Blair, W.↗

Evaluation of anomalies observed on film from S-190A flight system calibration test

Due to a persistent problem of scratched film from testing of the Skylab S-190A system, a series of tests were designed to identify the cause of the film scratching. The procedures followed in this test for pretest handling and packaging of the film, the makeup of the rolls for processing, and the results of the processed film evaluation are reported.

Bourque, P. F.↗

The Roman Space Telescope Optical System: Status, Test, and Verification

The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope (“Roman”) was prioritized by the 2010 Decadal Survey in Astronomy & Astrophysics and is NASA’s next flagship observatory. Launching no earlier than 2026, Roman will explore the nature of dark energy, as well as expand the census of exoplanets in our galaxy via microlensing. Roman will also demonstrate key technology needed to image and spectrally characterize extra-solar planets. Roman’s large field of view, agile survey capabilities, and excellent stability enable these scientific objectives, yet present unique challenges for the design, test, and verification of its optical system. The Roman optical system comprises an optical telescope assembly (OTA) and two instruments: the primary science wide-field instrument (WFI) and a technology demonstration coronagraph instrument (CGI), and the instrument carrier (IC), which meters the OTA to each instrument. This paper presents a status of the optical system hardware as it begins integration and test (I&T), as well as describes key optical test, alignment, and verification activities as part of the I&T program.

space telescope↗

Design of ground test suspension systems for verification of flexible space structures

A simple model demonstrates the frequency-increasing effects of a simple cable suspension on flexible test article/suspension systems. Two passive suspension designs, namely a negative spring mechanism and a rolling cart mechanism, are presented to alleviate the undesirable frequency-increasing effects. Analysis methods are provided for systems in which the augmentations are applied to both discrete and continuous representations of test articles. The damping analyses are based on friction equivalent viscous damping. Numerical examples are given for comparing the two augmentations with respect to minimizing frequency and damping increases.

Cooley, V. M.↗