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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 73 records · Page 4
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1976

Solar heating and cooling technical data and systems analysis

The accomplishments of a project to study solar heating and air conditioning are outlined. Presentation materials (data packages, slides, charts, and visual aids) were developed. Bibliographies and source materials on materials and coatings, solar water heaters, systems analysis computer models, solar collectors and solar projects were developed. Detailed MIRADS computer formats for primary data parameters were developed and updated. The following data were included: climatic, architectural, topography, heating and cooling equipment, thermal loads, and economics. Data sources in each of these areas were identified as well as solar radiation data stations and instruments.

Christensen, D. L.↗
NASA NTRS1979

The acquisition, storage, and dissemination of LANDSAT and other LACIE support data

Activities performed at the LACIE physical data library are described. These include the researching, acquisition, indexing, maintenance, distribution, tracking, and control of LACIE operational data and documents. Much of the data available can be incorporated into an Earth resources data base. Elements of the data collection that can support future remote sensing programs include: (1) the LANDSAT full-frame image files; (2) the microfilm file of aerial and space photographic and multispectral maps and charts that encompasses a large portion of the Earth's surface; (3) the map/chart collection that includes various scale maps and charts for a good portion of the U.S. and the LACIE area in foreign countries; (4) computer-compatible tapes of good quality LANDSAT scenes; (5) basic remote sensing data, project data, reference material, and associated publications; (6) visual aids to support presentation on remote sensing projects; and (7) research acquisition and handling procedures for managing data.

Abbotts, L. F.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Magnus effects at high angles of attack and critical Reynolds numbers

The Magnus force and moment experienced by a yawed, spinning cylinder were studied experimentally in low speed and subsonic flows at high angles of attack and critical Reynolds numbers. Flow-field visualization aided in describing a flow model that divides the Magnus phenomenon into a subcritical region, where reverse Magnus loads are experienced, and a supercritical region where these loads are not encountered. The roles of the spin rate, angle of attack, and crossflow Reynolds number in determining the boundaries of the subcritical region and the variations of the Magnus loads were studied.

Seginer, A.↗
NASA NTRS1984

LANDSAT 4 band 6 data evaluation

Previously experienced data collection problems were successfully resolved. A limited effort, directed at improved methods of display of TM Band 6 data, has concentrated on implementation of intensity hue and saturation displays using the Band 6 data to control hue. These displays tend to give the appearance of high resolution thermal data and make whole scene thermal interpretation easier by color coding thermal data in a manner that aids visual interpretation. More quantitative efforts were directed at utilizing the reflected bands to define land cover classes and then modifying the thermal displays using long wave optical properties associated with cover type.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1986

Measurements of a single lateral jet injected into swirling crossflow

Experiments have been conducted to document the time-mean and turbulent flowfield of a deflected turbulent jet in a confined swirling crossflow. The jet-to-crossflow velocity ratio of 4 was investigated with swirler vane angles of 45 and 70 degrees. A six-orientation single hot-wire technique was used to measure the velocities and turbulence properties of the flow. In addition, a five-hole pitot probe technique was used to measure the time-mean velocities or verification purposes. The results are presented in the form of r-x plots to aid visualization of the fully three-dimensional flowfield. The swirl in the crossflow intensified the local velocity at the location of the injected jet, which effectively reduced the jet-to-crossflow velocity ratio. This caused the trajectory of the injected jet to follow the path of the local flow direction of the crossflow, and reduce its penetration into the crossflow. The time-mean velocity measurements using the hot-wire corresponded to pitot-probe data obtained in identical flow conditions. Turbulence stress data show the same trends as previous swirl flow data without lateral injection. The lateral jet was found to deflect the axis of the precessing vortex core.

Ong, L. H.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Space Shuttle night landing

The tracking and guidance requirements of the Indian National Satellite during its transition from the low-earth orbit to geosynchronous orbit dictated a night launch and subsequent night landing. The development of an Orbiter-independent external lighting system (ELS) that would work in conjunction with the Orbiter navigation, guidance, and control systems used for day approach and landing is described. The ELS includes the night landing visual aids; the heading alignment circle precision approach path indicator lights, as an aid for the outer glide slope; the runway floodlight, to accommodate for the transition area between preflare and intercepting inner glide slope (IGS) system; the ball/bar reference IGS system; and heads-up displays. The aspects of the lakebed dust problems are discussed. Diagrams illustrating the approach trajectory, final night-lighting configurations, and the approach and land symbology are included.

Brandenstein, D. C.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Guidelines for improving illustrated technical talks

The steps in planning, preparing, and presenting a high-quality illustrated technical talk are presented. Related factors such as audience consideration, defining objectives, storyboarding, developing a written text, rehearsal, final editing, and delivery are covered. Suggestions are made for improving clarity, for achieving proper emphasis, and for easily assimilating information. Detailed considerations for reducing the complexity of visual aids are provided.

Pinelli, T. E.↗
NASA NTRS1988

An evaluation of interactive displays for trajectory planning and proximity operations

Rendezvous, docking, and other Space Station proximity operations will be routine in nature in years to come. However, the specific parameters describing each maneuver, such as initial range and position, will vary from mission to mission so a means for depicting and interacting with graphic representations of proposed mission plans is necessary. Orbital operations are inherently non-intuitive due to non-linearities in the equations of motion of orbiting vehicles. Consequently, relative motion between two spacecraft cannot always be easily visualized. For these reasons, real time interactive visual aids and planning tools will be helpful, if not necessary, for future missions both in pre-flight training and on-orbit. Two such displays, Navie and eivaN, are currently available for examination and human factors testing. Since the docking tasks were fundamentally different with each device and because Navie imposed more constraints on the users than eivaN did, the orbital mechanics effects had a more pronounced effect on the Navie results.

Brody, Adam R.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Proceedings of the LDEF Materials Data Analysis Workshop

The 5-year, 10-month flight of the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) greatly enhanced the potential value of most LDEF materials, compared to the original 1-year flight plan. NASA recognized this potential by forming the LDEF Space Environmental Effects on Materials Special Investigation Group in early 1989 to address the expanded opportunities available in the LDEF structure and on experimental trays, so that the value of all LDEF materials to current and future space missions would be assessed and documented. The LDEF Materials Data Analysis Workshop served as one step toward the realization of that responsibility and ran concurrently with activities surrounding the successful return of the spacecraft to the NASA Kennedy Space Center. A compilation of visual aids utilized by speakers at the workshop is presented. Session 1 summarized current information on analysis responsibilities and plans and was aimed at updating the workshop attendees: the LDEF Advisory Committee, Principle Investigators, Special Investigation Group Members, and others involved in LDEF analyses or management. Sessions 2 and 3 addressed materials data analysis methodology, specimen preparation, shipment and archival, and initial plans for the LDEF Materials Data Base. A complementary objective of the workshop was to stimulate interest and awareness of opportunities to vastly expand the overall data base by considering the entire spacecraft as a materials experiment.

Stein, Bland A.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Results from teleoperated free-flying spacecraft simulations in the Martin Marietta space operations simulator lab

To augment the capabilities of the Space Transportation System, NASA has funded studies and developed programs aimed at developing reusable, remotely piloted spacecraft and satellite servicing systems capable of delivering, retrieving, and servicing payloads at altitudes and inclinations beyond the reach of the present Shuttle Orbiters. Since the mid 1970's, researchers at the Martin Marietta Astronautics Group Space Operations Simulation (SOS) Laboratory have been engaged in investigations of remotely piloted and supervised autonomous spacecraft operations. These investigations were based on high fidelity, real-time simulations and have covered a wide range of human factors issues related to controllability. Among these are: (1) mission conditions, including thruster plume impingements and signal time delays; (2) vehicle performance variables, including control authority, control harmony, minimum impulse, and cross coupling of accelerations; (3) maneuvering task requirements such as target distance and dynamics; (4) control parameters including various control modes and rate/displacement deadbands; and (5) display parameters involving camera placement and function, visual aids, and presentation of operational feedback from the spacecraft. This presentation includes a brief description of the capabilities of the SOS Lab to simulate real-time free-flyer operations using live video, advanced technology ground and on-orbit workstations, and sophisticated computer models of on-orbit spacecraft behavior. Sample results from human factors studies in the five categories cited above are provided.

Hartley, Craig S.↗
NASA NTRS1991

MacPASCO - A Macintosh-based, interactive graphic preprocessor for structural analysis and sizing

MacPASCO, an interactive, graphic preprocessor for panel design is described. MacPASCO creates input for PASCO, an existing computer code for structural analysis and optimization of longitudinal stiffened composite panels. By using a graphical user interface, MacPASCO simplifies the specification of panel geometry and reduces user input errors, thus making the modeling and analysis of panel designs more efficient. The user draws the initial structural geometry on the computer screen, then uses a combination of graphic and text inputs to: refine the structural geometry, specify information required for analysis such as panel load conditions, and define design variables and constraints for minimum-mass optimization. Composite panel design is an ideal application because the graphical user interface can: serve as a visual aid, eliminate the tedious aspects of text-based input, and eliminate many sources of input errors.

Lucas, S. H.↗
NASA NTRS1992

LDEF Materials Workshop 1991, part 1

The workshop comprised a series of technical sessions on materials themes, followed by theme panel meetings. Themes included materials, environmental parameters, and data bases; contamination; thermal control and protective coatings and surface treatments; polymers and films; polymer matrix composites; metals, ceramics, and optical materials; lubricants adhesives, seals, fasteners, solar cells, and batteries. This report contains most of the papers presented at the technical sessions. It also contains theme panel reports and visual aids. This document continues the LDEF Space Environmental Effects on Materials Special Investigation Group (MSIG) pursuit of its charter to investigate the effects of LEO exposure on materials which where not originally planned to be test specimens and to integrate this information with data generated by principal investigators into an LDEF materials data base.

Stein, Bland A.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Findings of a review of spacecraft fire safety needs

Discussions from a workshop to guide UCLA and NASA investigators on the state of knowledge and perceived needs in spacecraft fire safety and its risk management are reviewed, for an introduction to an analytical and experimental project in this field. The report summarizes the workshop discussions and includes the visual aids used in the presentations. Probabilistic Safety Assessment (PSA) methods, which are currently not used, would be of great value to the designs and operation of future human-crew spacecraft. Key points in the discussions were the importance of understanding and testing smoldering as a likely fire scenario in space and the need for smoke damage modeling, since many fire-risk models ignore this mechanism and consider only heat damage.

Apostolakis, G. E.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Employing lighting techniques during on-orbit operations

As a result of past space missions and evaluations, many procedures have been established and shown to be prudent applications for use in present and future space environment scenarios. However, recent procedures to employ the use of robotics to assist crewmembers in performing tasks which require viewing remote and obstructed locations have led to a need to pursue alternative methods to assist in these operations. One of those techniques which is under development entails incorporating the use of suitable lighting aids/techniques with a closed circuit television (CCTV) camera/monitor system to supervise the robotics operations. The capability to provide adequate lighting during grappling, deploying, docking and berthing operations under all on-orbit illumination conditions is essential to a successful mission. Using automated devices such as the Remote Manipulator System (RMS) to dock and berth a vehicle during payload retrieval, under nighttime, earthshine, solar, or artificial illumination conditions can become a cumbersome task without first incorporating lighting techniques that provide the proper target illumination, orientation, and alignment cues. Studies indicate that the use of visual aids such as the CCTV with a pretested and properly oriented lighting system can decrease the time necessary to accomplish grappling tasks. Evaluations have been and continue to be performed to assess the various on-orbit conditions in order to predict and determine the appropriate lighting techniques and viewing angles necessary to assist crewmembers in payload operations.

Wheelwright, Charles D.↗
NASA NTRS1990

The impact of visual noise on spatial orientation

The effect of noise in the visual environment on spatial orientation was investigated experimentally using postural stability as an objective measure. Noise in the displays was produced by randomly shifting the phase lag of the three-dimensional motion function for each individual point within the display. Greater postural sway was induced by displays containing no noise in the global optical flow pattern than displays containing noise, suggesting that spatial orientation is strongly dependent on global optic flow information in the visual field. To avoid pilot disorientation in some flight maneuvers, it is recommended that visual aids specifying global optic flow information be included in aircraft for flight environments with deficient global optic flow information.

Dyre, Brian P.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Interactive displays for trajectory planning and proximity operations

Rendezvous, docking, and other Space Station proximity operations (PROX OPS) will be conducted routinely in space. Real-time interactive visual aids and planning tools will be helpful, if not necessary, for future missions both in preflight training and on orbit. Two such displays, eivaN and Navie, are currently available for examination and human factors testing. A study was conducted in which data were collected from eight test subjects. Solution times for both devices decreased rapidly with experience. Neither fuel usage nor the number of waypoints (burns) decreased with experience. With Navie, medians of solution time and fuel consumption totaled over all subjects peaked at one of two starting points above the V-bar with monotonically decreasing values in both directions. This pattern did not appear with eivaN values. Since the docking tasks were fundamentally different with each device, and because Navie imposed more constraints on the users than eivaN did, the orbital mechanics effects had a more pronounced effect on the Navie results than on the eivaN data.

Brody, Adam R.↗