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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 703 records · Page 39

A generic archive protocol and an implementation

Archiving vast amounts of data has become a major part of every scientific space mission today. The Generic Archive/Retrieval Services Protocol (GRASP) addresses the question of how to archive the data collected in an environment where the underlying hardware archives may be rapidly changing. GRASP is a device independent specification defining a set of functions for storing and retrieving data from an archive, as well as other support functions. GRASP is divided into two levels: the Transfer Interface and the Action Interface. The Transfer Interface is computer/archive independent code while the Action Interface contains code which is dedicated to each archive/computer addressed. Implementations of the GRASP specification are currently available for DECstations running Ultrix, Sparcstations running SunOS, and microVAX/VAXstation 3100's. The underlying archive is assumed to function as a standard Unix or VMS file system. The code, written in C, is a single suite of files. Preprocessing commands define the machine unique code sections in the device interface. The implementation was written, to the greatest extent possible, using only ANSI standard C functions.

Jordan, J. M.↗

SolarAPP+ Performance Review: Final Technical Report

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and its project partners have developed the novel Solar Automated Permit Processing plus (SolarAPP+) software platform that provides a flexible, web-based PV-permitting tool for residential systems that can be integrated with existing and complementary software platforms. The main objective of this research is to analyze the implementation of SolarAPP+. Analysis was conducted by identifying the benefits, tradeoffs, and overall performance of SolarAPP+, including achieving its goals of delivering automated, code compliant systems, influencing permitting cycle times, and improving application submittals and/or inspection performance. The NREL team published the results of this analysis in annual SolarAPP+ Performance Review technical reports.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗

A B-ISDN-compatible modem/codec

Coded modulation techniques for development of a broadband integrated services digital network (B-ISDN)-compatible modem/codec are investigated. The selected baseband processor system must support transmission of 155.52 Mbit/s of data over an INTELSAT 72-MHz transponder. Performance objectives and fundamental system parameters, including channel symbol rate, code rate, and the modulation scheme are determined. From several candidate codes, a concatenated coding system consisting of a coded octal phase shift keying modulation as the inner code and a high rate Reed-Solomon as the outer code is selected and its bit error rate performance is analyzed by computer simulation. The hardware implementation of the decoder for the selected code is also described.

Hemmati, F.↗

TFaNS Tone Fan Noise Design/Prediction System: System Description, CUP3D Technical Documentation and Manual for Code Developers - Volume 1

TFaNS is the Tone Fan Noise Design/Prediction System developed by Pratt & Whitney under contract to NASA Lewis (presently NASA Glenn). The purpose of this system is to predict tone noise emanating from a fan stage including the effects of reflection and transmission by the rotor and stator and by the duct inlet and nozzle. These effects have been added to an existing annular duct/isolated stator noise prediction capability. TFaNS consists of: The codes that compute the acoustic properties (reflection and transmission coefficients) of the various elements and write them to files. Cup3D: Fan Noise Coupling Code that reads these files, solves the coupling problem, and outputs the desired noise predictions. AWAKEN: CFD/Measured Wake Postprocessor which reformats CFD wake predictions and/or measured wake data so it can be used by the system. This volume of the report provides technical background for TFaNS including the organization of the system and CUP3D technical documentation. This document also provides information for code developers who must write Acoustic Property Files in the CUP3D format. This report is divided into three volumes: Volume I: System Description, CUP3D Technical Documentation, and Manual for Code Developers; Volume II: User's Manual, TFaNS Vers. 1.4; Volume III: Evaluation of System Codes.

Topol, David A.↗

Fan and Open-Rotor Noise

This presentation is a technical progress report and near term outlook for work on fan (in-duct) and open-rotor (high speed propeller) noise funded by NASA's Fundamental Aeronautics Program, Subsonic Fixed Wing (SFW) Project and the Integrated Systems Research Program, Environmentally Responsible Aircraft Project. Sections of the presentation cover: the system level metrics are outlined for the SFW timeframes (2015, 2020 1 2025); the Ultra-High Bypass ratio technology development roadmap; a feasibility study for a low technology readiness level fan test rig; the development plan for a turbomachinery oriented computational aero-acoustics code; and systems analysis work on open-rotor modeling.

Miller, Christopher J.↗

Imaging Analysis of the Hard X-Ray Telescope ProtoEXIST2 and New Techniques for High-Resolution Coded-Aperture Telescopes

Wide-field (greater than or approximately equal to 100 degrees squared) hard X-ray coded-aperture telescopes with high angular resolution (greater than or approximately equal to 2 minutes) will enable a wide range of time domain astrophysics. For instance, transient sources such as gamma-ray bursts can be precisely localized without the assistance of secondary focusing X-ray telescopes to enable rapid followup studies. On the other hand, high angular resolution in coded-aperture imaging introduces a new challenge in handling the systematic uncertainty: the average photon count per pixel is often too small to establish a proper background pattern or model the systematic uncertainty in a timescale where the model remains invariant. We introduce two new techniques to improve detection sensitivity, which are designed for, but not limited to, a high-resolution coded-aperture system: a self-background modeling scheme which utilizes continuous scan or dithering operations, and a Poisson-statistics based probabilistic approach to evaluate the significance of source detection without subtraction in handling the background. We illustrate these new imaging analysis techniques in high resolution coded-aperture telescope using the data acquired by the wide-field hard X-ray telescope ProtoEXIST2 during a high-altitude balloon flight in fall 2012. We review the imaging sensitivity of ProtoEXIST2 during the flight, and demonstrate the performance of the new techniques using our balloon flight data in comparison with a simulated ideal Poisson background.

balloons - instrumentation: detectors - techniques↗

Distributed intelligent control and status networking

Over the past two years, the Network Control Systems Branch (Code 532) has been investigating control and status networking technologies. These emerging technologies use distributed processing over a network to accomplish a particular custom task. These networks consist of small intelligent 'nodes' that perform simple tasks. Containing simple, inexpensive hardware and software, these nodes can be easily developed and maintained. Once networked, the nodes can perform a complex operation without a central host. This type of system provides an alternative to more complex control and status systems which require a central computer. This paper will provide some background and discuss some applications of this technology. It will also demonstrate the suitability of one particular technology for the Space Network (SN) and discuss the prototyping activities of Code 532 utilizing this technology.

Fortin, Andre↗

AD-1 oblique wing aircraft program

A NASA program for evaluation of the handling and flying characteristics of the AD-1 oblique wing aircraft is discussed. The vehicle was flown to compare wind tunnel predictions with aerodynamic data, explore the control system requirements, and obtain a preliminary assessment of the aeroelastic effects. The fiberglass sandwich skin aircraft is designed for 8 g positive and 4 g negative loading at 175 knots, while the wing pivot can withstand 25 g loading. Flight monitoring was accomplished with a 41 channel pulse code modulation system for telemetry and by averaging of pilot ratings. Maneuvering tests are outlined, noting that pilot ratings indicated acceptable handling at up to 50 deg sweep. It is concluded that acceptable flying qualities can be achieved with a 60 deg sweep, and that aeroelastic tailoring can be used to satisfy cruise design technology.

Mcmurtry, T. C.↗

Orbital flight simulation utility software unit specifications

The HP PASCAL source code contained in pages 6 through 104 was developed for the Mission Planning and Analysis Division (MPAD) and takes the place of detailed flow charts defining the specifications for a Utility Software Unit designed to support orbital flight simulators such as MANHANDLE and GREAS (General Research and Engineering Analysis Simulator). Besides providing basic input/output, mathematical, vector, matrix, quaternion, and statistical routines for such simulators, one of the primary functions of the Utility Software Unit is to isolate all system-dependent code in one well-defined compartment, thereby facilitating transportation of the simulations from one computer to another. Directives to the PASCAL compilers of the HP-9000 Series 200 PASCAL 3.0 operating system and the HP-9000 Series 500 HP-UX 5.0 operations systems are also provided.

Wilson, S. W.↗

Solving Problems With SINDA/FLUINT

SINDA/FLUINT, the NASA standard software system for thermohydraulic analysis, provides computational simulation of interacting thermal and fluid effects in designs modeled as heat transfer and fluid flow networks. The product saves time and money by making the user's design process faster and easier, and allowing the user to gain a better understanding of complex systems. The code is completely extensible, allowing the user to choose the features, accuracy and approximation levels, and outputs. Users can also add their own customizations as needed to handle unique design tasks or to automate repetitive tasks. Applications for SINDA/FLUINT include the pharmaceutical, petrochemical, biomedical, electronics, and energy industries. The system has been used to simulate nuclear reactors, windshield wipers, and human windpipes. In the automotive industry, it simulates the transient liquid/vapor flows within air conditioning systems.

Source record↗

Systems Engineering and Integration (SE and I)

The issue of technology advancement and future space transportation vehicles is addressed. The challenge is to develop systems which can be evolved and improved in small incremental steps where each increment reduces present cost, improves, reliability, or does neither but sets the stage for a second incremental upgrade that does. Future requirements are interface standards for commercial off the shelf products to aid in the development of integrated facilities; enhanced automated code generation system slightly coupled to specification and design documentation; modeling tools that support data flow analysis; and shared project data bases consisting of technical characteristics cast information, measurement parameters, and reusable software programs. Topics addressed include: advanced avionics development strategy; risk analysis and management; tool quality management; low cost avionics; cost estimation and benefits; computer aided software engineering; computer systems and software safety; system testability; and advanced avionics laboratories - and rapid prototyping. This presentation is represented by viewgraphs only.

Chevers, ED↗

Development of the Flight Test Telemetry System for Clipper Graham: A New Way to do Business

Since the beginning of NASA, there has been one way to do business. To procedure flight hardware you did things a certain way, to monitor contracts you did things a certain way and to support tests you did things a certain way. When the Delta Clipper Experimental (DC-X) space flight test vehicle was being upgraded (to the DC-XA, later called the Clipper Graham), the opportunity to change the way NASA did business presented itself The development of a flight test telemetry system (FTTS) for the Clipper Graham presented the perfect opportunity to change the way NASA did business. This paper will discuss the differences from the old way to the new way of doing business during the development of the FTTS from the conceptual stage thru the flight stages. The major focus will be the pulse code modulation system of the FTTS. Topics that will be discussed are working with procurement, working with contractors and subcontractors, supporting ground and flight testing and lessons learned.

Blue, Lisa↗

The power induced effects module: A FORTRAN code which estimates lift increments due to power induced effects for V/STOL flight

A user friendly FORTRAN code that can be used for preliminary design of V/STOL aircraft is described. The program estimates lift increments, due to power induced effects, encountered by aircraft in V/STOL flight. These lift increments are calculated using empirical relations developed from wind tunnel tests and are due to suckdown, fountain, ground vortex, jet wake, and the reaction control system. The code can be used as a preliminary design tool along with NASA Ames' Aircraft Synthesis design code or as a stand-alone program for V/STOL aircraft designers. The Power Induced Effects (PIE) module was validated using experimental data and data computed from lift increment routines. Results are presented for many flat plate models along with the McDonnell Aircraft Company's MFVT (mixed flow vectored thrust) V/STOL preliminary design and a 15 percent scale model of the YAV-8B Harrier V/STOL aircraft. Trends and magnitudes of lift increments versus aircraft height above the ground were predicted well by the PIE module. The code also provided good predictions of the magnitudes of lift increments versus aircraft forward velocity. More experimental results are needed to determine how well the code predicts lift increments as they vary with jet deflection angle and angle of attack. The FORTRAN code is provided in the appendix.

Sandlin, Doral R.↗

Coded acoustic wave sensors and system using time diversity

An apparatus and method for distinguishing between sensors that are to be wirelessly detected is provided. An interrogator device uses different, distinct time delays in the sensing signals when interrogating the sensors. The sensors are provided with different distinct pedestal delays. Sensors that have the same pedestal delay as the delay selected by the interrogator are detected by the interrogator whereas other sensors with different pedestal delays are not sensed. Multiple sensors with a given pedestal delay are provided with different codes so as to be distinguished from one another by the interrogator. The interrogator uses a signal that is transmitted to the sensor and returned by the sensor for combination and integration with the reference signal that has been processed by a function. The sensor may be a surface acoustic wave device having a differential impulse response with a power spectral density consisting of lobes. The power spectral density of the differential response is used to determine the value of the sensed parameter or parameters.

Solie, Leland P.↗

Two-phase flow measurements and observations in a cooling panel of the reactor cavity cooling system

The analysis of the flow behavior within a cooling panel of a scaled water-cooled reactor cavity cooling system has been performed supported by high-resolution measurements of the void fraction at the risers’ outlet. The results have shown a stable, symmetric distribution of the flow through the risers during subcooled boiling conditions, characterized by small, slow bubbles with average void fraction lower than 0.3 for all risers. As the temperature increased to saturation, flow distribution appeared strongly asymmetrical and unstable, with peaks of void fraction as high as 0.9. Large, faster bubbles were observed during these peaks, immediately followed by flow of subcooled liquid water. Flow stagnation and inversion has also been observed. The high resolution void fraction results, complemented by the measurements of the coolant flow rate and temperatures, not only have further described the behavior of the system under hypothetical accident conditions, but represent a unique set of data to support the validation of system-level codes, and more advanced computational tools.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Cognitive information processing

Cognitive information processing studies of digital and PCM picture and signal transmission systems, and methods for tactile display reading and magnetic tape to Braille conversion

DIGITAL TRANSDUCER↗

Pele: An Exascale-Ready Suite of Combustion Codes

High fidelity simulations of realistic combustion devices are extremely demanding computationally because of the requirements to capture complex fuel chemical decomposition, its intricate interactions with turbulent, often multiphase, flows, and the wide separation of space and time scales between the thin flame and the device boundaries. Software required to carry out such computations tends to be extremely complex, particularly when designed to exploit hardware accelerators, and can be difficult to port and maintain. We present Pele, a performance portable suite of tools for the simulation of combustion systems, including codes to evolve reactive multiphase configurations in the low Mach number and compressible flow regimes, along with a set of inter-compatible post processing and in situ analysis tools. The Pele suite of tools is built on top of the AMReX framework for block-structured adaptive mesh refinement, which provides efficient data structures and algorithms that enable the development of a wide variety of efficient mesh and particle based PDE integration schemes. A hierarchical MPI+X parallelism scheme supports CPU-only and accelerated architectures, where X can be OpenMP, CUDA, and HIP based approaches for intra-node computational work distribution. The algorithms and data structures underlying the Pele simulation and analysis tools are highly scalable and performant across a wide variety of high-performance computing platforms, including DOEs newest exascale-class machines, Frontier and Aurora. The simulation and analysis tools are fully documented and freely distributed as open source via GitHub. We present key algorithmic and software challenges, solution strategies, performance and resulting set of capabilities.

AMReX↗

Utilization of recently developed codes for high power Brayton and Rankine cycle power systems

Two recently developed FORTRAN computer codes for high power Brayton and Rankine thermodynamic cycle analysis for space power applications are presented. The codes were written in support of an effort to develop a series of subsystem models for multimegawatt Nuclear Electric Propulsion, but their use is not limited just to nuclear heat sources or to electric propulsion. Code development background, a description of the codes, some sample input/output from one of the codes, and state future plans/implications for the use of these codes by NASA's Lewis Research Center are provided.

Doherty, Michael P.↗