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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 631 records · Page 35
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1976

Dual-action gas thrust bearing for improving load capacity

The principle of utilizing hydrodynamic effects in diverging films to improve the load carrying capacity in gas thrust bearings is discussed. A new concept of a dual action bearing based on that principle is described and analyzed. The potential of the new bearing is demonstrated both analytically for an infinitely long slider and by numerical solution for a flat sector shaped thrust bearing. It is shown that the dual action bearing can extend substantially the range of load carrying capacity in gas lubricated thrust bearings and can improve their efficiency.

Etsion, I.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Effect of aircraft technology improvements on intercity energy use

An examination of the growth or decline in energy consumption in short haul, high density intercity transportation is made in relation to changes in aeronautical technology. Improvements or changes in the technology of competitive modes are also included. Certain improvements in air traffic control procedures were included to determine their effectiveness in saving energy along with a fuel efficient turboprop short haul aircraft concept.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1976

A study to improve the mechanical properties of silicon carbide ribbon fibers

Preliminary deposition studies of SiC ribbon on a carbon ribbon substrate showed that the dominant strength limiting flaws were at the substrate surface. Procedures for making the carbon ribbon substrate from polyimide film were improved, providing lengths up to 450 meters (1,500 ft.) of flat carbon ribbon substrate 1,900 microns (75 mils) wide by 25 microns (1 mil) thick. The flaws on the carbon ribbon were smaller and less frequent than on carbon ribbon used earlier. SiC ribbon made using the improved substrate, including a layer of pyrolytic graphite to reduce further the severity of substrate surface flaws, showed strength levels up to the 2,068 MPa (300 Ksi) target of the program, with average strength levels over 1,700 MPa (250 Ksi) with coefficient of variation as low as 10% for some runs.

Debolt, H. E.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Propulsive-lift concepts for improved low-speed performance of supersonic cruise arrow-wing configurations

Low-aspect-ratio highly swept arrow-wing supersonic aircraft possess high levels of aerodynamic efficiency at supersonic cruising speeds, however, their inherently poor low-speed lift characteristics require design constraints that compromise supersonic performance. The data discussed in this paper were obtained in wind tunnel tests with supersonic crusing configurations, in which propulsive-lift concepts were used to improve low-speed performance. The data show that the increased low-speed lift provided by propulsive-lift permits reduction of both wing size and installed thrust. This yields a batter engine/airframe match for improved supersonic cruise efficiency and range, while still providing acceptable take-off field lengths.

Coe, P. L., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Improvements in navigation resulting from the use of dual spacecraft radiometric data

If two spacecraft lying along similar geocentric lines-of-sight are simultaneously tracked by two nearby ground stations (dual spacecraft two-station tracking), navigational capabilities may be substantially improved. A thorough accuracy analysis study of dual spacecraft tracking using simulated tracking data based on the trajectories of Viking and Mariner Jupiter-Saturn '77(MJS '77) missions has been carried out. Results of the study reveal the following advantages: (1) cancellation of platform parameter and transmission media modelling errors in short arc solutions, (2) accurate encounter guidance for the trailing spacecraft, (3) reduction of total tracking time requirements, and (4) rapid determination of the orbit following a maneuver on either spacecraft. It is shown that dual spacecraft data types can improve navigational capabilities by a factor of 5 to 10, under the conditions of small angular separation (not exceeding 3 degrees) of the two spacecraft and well determined trajectory of the reference spacecraft. The research to carry out and the data to obtain before the new technique can be used in interplanetary navigation are pointed out.

Chao, C. C.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Improved radiant-heat oven

Greatly improved oven materially increases lamp life by using a new reflector arrangement. Entire unit uses less power, yet heats test articles to higher temperatures with lower cooling requirements than previous ovens. Improved design offers significant savings in costs and energy.

Beckerle, L. D.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Classification accuracy improvement

Improvements made in processing system designed for MIDAS (prototype multivariate interactive digital analysis system) effects higher accuracy in classification of pixels, resulting in significantly-reduced processing time. Improved system realizes cost reduction factor of 20 or more.

Kistler, R.↗
NASA NTRS1976

LS-44: An improved deep space network station location set for Viking navigation

Improved estimates for the spin axis and longitude components of the Deep Space Network station locations were obtained from post-flight processing of radio metric data received from various Mariner planetary missions. The use of an upgraded set of ionospheric calibrations and the incorporation of near-Venus and near-Mercury radio metric data from the Mariner 10 spacecraft are the principal contributing effects to the improvement. These new estimates, designated Location Set (LS) 44, have supported Viking navigation activities in the vicinity of Mars. As such, the station locations were determined relative to the planetary positions inherent in JPL Development Ephemeris (DE) 84, which was used throughout the Viking mission. The article also presents and discusses a version of LS 44 based upon the latest planetary ephemeris, DE 96.

Koble, H. M.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Improved ultrasonic standard reference blocks

A program to improve the quality, reproducibility and reliability of nondestructive testing through the development of improved ASTM-type ultrasonic reference standards is described. Reference blocks of aluminum, steel, and titanium alloys are to be considered. Equipment representing the state-of-the-art in laboratory and field ultrasonic equipment was obtained and evaluated. RF and spectral data on ten sets of ultrasonic reference blocks have been taken as part of a task to quantify the variability in response from nominally identical blocks. Techniques for residual stress, preferred orientation, and micro-structural measurements were refined and are applied to a reference block rejected by the manufacturer during fabrication in order to evaluate the effect of metallurgical condition on block response. New fabrication techniques for reference blocks are discussed and ASTM activities are summarized.

Eitzen, D. G.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Radar Performance Improvement

The AN/APQ-153 fire control radar modified to provide angle tracking was evaluated for improved performance. The frequency agile modifications are discussed along with the range-rate improvement modifications, and the radar to computer interface. A parametric design and comparison of noncoherent and coherent radar systems are presented. It is shown that the shuttle rendezvous range and range-rate requirements can be made by a Ku-Band noncoherent pulse radar.

Little, G. R.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Economic Benefits of Improved Information on Worldwide Crop Production: An Optimal Decision Model of Production and Distribution with Application to Wheat, Corn, and Soybeans

An optimal decision model of crop production, trade, and storage was developed for use in estimating the economic consequences of improved forecasts and estimates of worldwide crop production. The model extends earlier distribution benefits models to include production effects as well. Application to improved information systems meeting the goals set in the large area crop inventory experiment (LACIE) indicates annual benefits to the United States of $200 to $250 million for wheat, $50 to $100 million for corn, and $6 to $11 million for soybeans, using conservative assumptions on expected LANDSAT system performance.

Andrews, J.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Investigations for the improvement of space shuttle main engine electron beam welding equipment

Progress made in the testing, evaluation, and correction of MSFC's 7.5 kW electron beam welder in support of space shuttle main engine component welding is summarized. The objective of this project was to locate and correct the deficiencies in the welder. Some 17 areas were deficient in the 7.5 kW ERI welding system and the associated corrective action was taken to improve its operational performance. An overall improvement of 20 times the original reliability was obtained at full rated capacity after the modifications were made.

Smock, R. A.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Investigation of Inlet Concepts for Maneuver Improvement at Transonic Speeds

A 15 percent scale lightweight fighter type inlet forebody was tested in the Ames 14 foot transonic wind tunnel at Mach numbers of 0.7, 0.9, and 1.04. The inlet was a two dimensional horizontal ramp system designed for a Mach number of 2.2. Four inlet devices designed to prevent or delay cowl-lip boundary layer separation or to improve the inlet internal flow characteristics at high angles of attack were investigated. The devices used to control cowl-lip separation consisted of cowl leading edge flaps, slotted flaps, and tangential blowing. To improve the internal flow characteristics, discrete jet nozzle flows were directed downstream and parallel to the duct surface in the subsonic diffuser to energize the wall boundary layer. The discrete jets used in the subsonic diffuser were also tested in combination with each of the cowl leading edge devices. Test measurements included engine-face total pressure recovery, steady state distortion, dynamic distortion, duct boundary layer profiles, and duct-surface static pressures.

Latham, E.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Benefits of an improved wheat crop information system

The ECON work and the results of the independent reviews are summarized. Attempts are made to put this information into layman's terms and to present the benefits that can realistically be expected from a LANDSAT-type remote sensing system. Further the mechanisms by which these benefits can be expected to accrue are presented. The benefits are given including the nature of expected information improvements, how and why they can lead to benefits to society, and the estimated magnitude of the expected benefits. A brief description is presented of the ECON models, how they work, their results, and a summary of the pertinent aspects of each review. The ECON analyses show that substantial benefits will accrue from implementation of an improved wheat crop information system based on remote sensing.

Kinne, I. L.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Development of a triaxially formed fabric for use in an improved restraint layer in the shuttle space suit

A series of materials for use as an improved restraint layer in the shuttle space suit was developed. The feasibility of weaving triaxial fabrics in tight, low porosity configurations with yarns of appropriate sizes and materials was demonstrated along with the stability and isotropy of triaxial fabrics. The triaxial fabric constructions, BP44P and BP40M, can be reproduced on a production basis. Both fabric constructions afford excellent strength-to-weight ratio and exhibit improved tear strength and shear resistance over biaxial fabrics.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1976

A distribution benefits model for improved information on worldwide crop production. Volume 1: Model structure and application to wheat

The improved model is suitable for the study of benefits of worldwide information on a variety of crops. Application to the previously studied case of worldwide wheat production shows that about $108 million per year of distribution benefits to the United States would be achieved by a satellite-based wheat information system meeting the goals of LACIE. The model also indicates that improved information alone will not change world stock levels unless production itself is stabilized. The United States benefits mentioned above are associated with the reduction of price fluctuations within the year and the more effective use of international trade to balance supply and demand. Price fluctuations from year to year would be reduced only if production variability were itself reduced.

Andrews, J.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Electronic and mechanical improvement of the receiving terminal of a free-space microwave power transmission system

Significant advancements were made in a number of areas: improved efficiency of basic receiving element at low power density levels, improved resolution and confidence in efficiency measurements mathematical modelling and computer simulation of the receiving element and the design, construction, and testing of an environmentally protected two-plane construction suitable for low cost, highly automated construction of large receiving arrays.

Brown, W. C.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Image improvement and three-dimensional reconstruction using holographic image processing

Holographic computing principles make possible image improvement and synthesis in many cases of current scientific and engineering interest. Examples are given for the improvement of resolution in electron microscopy and 3-D reconstruction in electron microscopy and X-ray crystallography, following an analysis of optical versus digital computing in such applications.

Stroke, G. W.↗