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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 721 records · Page 40

Design and performance of the University of Michigan 6.6-inch hypersonic wind tunnel

The tunnel described has several design features intended to maintain laminar flow in the boundary layer of its nozzle. Measurements show that transition to turbulence in the nozzle wall boundary layer begins at the throat and is sensitive to surface roughness, heat transfer rate, and longitudinal radius of curvature. The observed dependence of transition on heat transfer rate is the reverse of that predicted by stability theory for infinitesimal disturbances. Tests include boundary layer surveys of a contoured nozzle and a conical nozzle with four interchangeable throats.

Amick, J. L.↗

An observation on tone cut-off in static test data from jet engine fans

The far-field acoustic data for eight full-scale fans tested at a NASA-Lewis outdoor facility were analyzed for the effect of a cut-off design feature where the number of rotor and stator blades are proportioned so that the blade-passage tone will not propagate. Inlet flow distortions, prevalent during static testing, interact with the rotor to generate tones that generally mask this cut-off phenomenon. Distortion tone properties previously evaluated are used to analyze the tones propagating from the aft fan duct. The analyzed data clearly differentiated the fans that are and are not cut-off.

Heidmann, M. F.↗

Simulator evaluation of a perspective clipped-pole display and a thrust-vector controller for VTOL zero-zero landings

Five pilots participated in a simulator study to evaluate design features of a perspective clipped pole display and a side arm thrust vector controller for potential applications to VTOL zero visibility landings. Analyses of objective measures by a t test for related means showed significant learning effects, but did not show significant performance differences among display conditions. A mean longitudinal touchdown velocity of less than 4 knots, a mean vertical touchdown velocity of less than 1.22m/sec, and a mean longitudinal position error of approximately 15.24 m were attained during the final 10 trials of the experiment. The conclusion that adequate airspeed and altitude cues could be obtained from the glideslope and runway poles is supported by the absence of significant performance differences among display conditions.

Murphy, M. R.↗

SNAP 19 Viking RTG flight configuration and integration testing

The Viking-75 mission environments and lander interface requirements which influence the design of the RTG (radioisotope thermoelectric generator), as well as RTG-related constraints are discussed. The baseline RTG design evolved from these considerations is presented with particular emphasis on the design features which make the Viking RTG unique. These features include a gas management system employing a separate gas reservoir to maintain the RTG hot junction and heat source temperatures within a desired range throughout the various mission phases, as well as a specially profiled housing/radiator assembly which facilitates both ground cooling of the RTGs prior to launch and thermal control of the lander after landing. Also presented is the expected RTG electrical performance when subjected to the various mission environments/requirements, such as 'power-up' operations in Mars orbit just prior to the entry, and thermal cycling on the Martian surface after landing.

Brittain, W. M.↗

Status of the JT8D refan noise reduction program

The present work describes measures being taken to suppress jet noise in the JT8D engine and reports on some preliminary acoustic tests to evaluate noise characteristics of the engine. To reduce noise generation without sacrificing other essential engine performance or durability characteristics, the two stage fan will be replaced by a larger-diameter single stage fan. Refanned engines have an increased bypass ratio that contributes to the reduction of jet exhaust noise. Advanced acoustical design features will be incorporated in the larger, single-stage fan, and acoustic treatment will be incorporated in both the engine and the nacelle. First tests have shown that engine component noise levels are about as predicted and the acoustic treatment sections tested to date are providing predicted levels of attenuation. Further work is required to demonstrate engine performance goals and compatibility with 727 and DC-9 installations.

Kester, J. D.↗

Shuttle and Spacelab - The promise for advanced technology

Plans are being developed at NASA's Langley Research Center to use the United States Shuttle and European Spacelab to routinely extend ground-based research programs into space. Operational modes and design features of systems capitalizing on the advantages of a laboratory environment in space flight will be highlighted through examples of proposed experiments.

Hook, W. R.↗

Quiet clean short-haul experimental engine /QCSEE/ design rationale

The principal design features of the NASA QCSEE Under-The-Wing and Over-The-Wing powered lift propulsion systems are given. In the UTW engine, these include noise reduction features, a variable pitch low pressure ratio fan, a fan drive reduction gear, an advanced core and low pressure turbine with a low pollution combustor, a digital control, and advanced composite construction for the inlet, fan frame, fan exhaust duct, and variable area fan exhaust nozzle. The OTW engine is similar but has higher fan pressure and a fixed pitch fan. Both engines are scheduled to be fabricated and tested starting in 1976.

Adamson, A. P.↗

An aneroid pressure sensor for constant-level balloons

The pressure sensor for the Tropical Wind Energy conversion and Reference Level Experiment (TWERLE) is described. Key design features of the sensor are: capacitive coupling, reference at midrange, up-down counting, passive oven, storage at flight pressure and prelaunch calibration. Sensor specifications are given which are based on the production results of 440 units. Drift, as estimated from simulated life tests, is 1 mb per 6 months. The overall weight of the sensor, including thermal package, is 180 g.

Levanon, N.↗

Photorefractive page composer

Optical information-storage device is small, easy to operate, and has low optical losses. Device utilizes optical system in which storage medium, a plate of photosensitive material, changes its refractive index upon exposure to light. Major design feature is that page-composer plate does not require complete erasure between scans.

Verber, C. M.↗

EV space suit gloves (passive)

A pair of pressure and thermal insulating overgloves to be used with an Extravehicular (EV) suit assembly was designed, developed, fabricated, and tested. The design features extensive use of Nomex felt materials in lieu of the multiple layer insulation formerly used with the Apollo thermal glove. The glove theoretically satisfies all of the thermal requirements. The presence of the thermal glove does not degrade pressure glove tactility by more than the acceptable 10% value. On the other hand, the thermal glove generally degrades pressure glove mobility by more than the acceptable 10% value, primarily in the area of the fingers. Life cycling tests were completed with minimal problems. The thermal glove/pressure glove ensemble was also tested for comfort; the test subjects found no problems with the thermal glove although they did report difficulties with pressure points on the pressure glove which were independent of the thermal glove.

Fletcher, E. G.↗

Summary of drag clean-up tests in NASA Langley full-scale tunnel

This summary of drag results presents tabulations on fighter aircraft and light twin general aviation aircraft wind tunnel tests. The figures show that the friction drag for light twins is larger than that for the fighters because of the greater wetted area and the smaller wing area used for reference. Full scale tunnel tests developed the following design features contributing to excessive drag: cooling flow system, engine exhaust stacks, landing gears, control surface gaps, and wing irregularities and leakages.

Mckinney, M. O.↗

A revolutionary and operational tethered aerostat system illustrating new LTA technology

An operational tethered aerostat system, which demonstrates utility of LTA systems, is described. It was made possible by development of a reliable tethered aerostat that is used to support broadcast equipment at an altitude of 10,000 feet. Two elements of the TCOM system, the aerostat and mooring station, are particularly relevant to the LTA Workshop. They demonstrate the feasibility of using LTA vehicles in real, operational, all-weather applications and, in addition, illustrate an advance in the overall technology base of LTA. The aerostat and the mooring station, including their technical design features and demonstrated performance characteristics, are described.

Menke, J. A.↗

Preliminary design study. Shuttle modular scanning spectroradiometer

Fundamental concepts on which to base a detailed design for a Shuttle Modular Scanning Spectroradiometer were developed, and a preliminary design is presented. The recommended design features modularity and flexibility. It includes a 75-cm f/1.7-telescope assembly in an all-reflective Schmidt configuration, a solid state scan system (pushbroom) with high resolution over a 15 deg field of view, and ten detector channels covering the spectral range from 0.45 to 12.5 micrometers. It uses charge transfer device techniques to accommodate a large number of detector elements for earth observation measurements. Methods for in-flight radiometric calibration, for image motion compensation, and for data processing are described. Recommendations for ground support equipment are included, and interfaces with the shuttle orbiter vehicle are illustrated.

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Mars surface sample return tradeoff studies

Results of tradeoff studies concerning the Mars Surface Sample Return (MSSR) mission are presented. Factors considered include: Mars mission opportunities in the 1980-1990 time frame; design features of the hardware systems used to return the sample; minimization of probability of back contamination; direct entry of the returning sample capsule at earth vs. orbital capture of the capsule for recovery by the shuttle; and possibility of increasing the landed weight at Mars to support MSSR mission modes involving heavier systems.

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Technical description of space ultra reliable modular computer (SUMC), model 2 B

The design features of the SUMC-2B computer, also called the IBM-HTC are described. It is general purpose digital computer implemented with flexible hardware elements and microprograming to enable low cost customizing to a wide range of applications. It executes the S/360 standard instruction set to maintain problem state compability. Memory technology, extended instruction sets, and I/O channel variations are among the available options.

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Energy and Economic Trade Offs for Advanced Technology Subsonic Aircraft

Changes in future aircraft technology which conserve energy are studied, along with the effect of these changes on economic performance. Among the new technologies considered are laminar-flow control, composite materials with and without laminar-flow control, and advanced airfoils. Aircraft design features studied include high-aspect-ratio wings, thickness ratio, and range. Engine technology is held constant at the JT9D level. It is concluded that wing aspect ratios of future aircraft are likely to significantly increase as a result of new technology and the push of higher fuel prices. Composite materials may raise aspect radio to about 11 to 12 and practical laminar flow-control systems may further increase aspect ratio to 14 or more. Advanced technology provides significant reductions in aircraft take-off gross weight, energy consumption, and direct operating cost.

Maddalon, D. V.↗

Two-stage, low noise advanced technology fan. Volume 2: Aerodynamic data

Aerodynamic data from static tests of a two-stage advanced technology fan designed to minimize noise are presented. Fan design conditions include delivery of 209.1kg/sec/sq m (42.85 lbm/sec/sq ft) specific corrected flow at an overall pressure ratio of 1.9 and an adiabatic efficiency of 85.3 percent. The 0.836m (2.74ft) diameter first stage rotor has a hub/tip ratio of 0.4 and 365.8m/sec (1200ft/sec) design tip speed. In addition to the moderate tip speed and pressure rise per stage, other noise control design features involve widely spaced blade rows and proper selection of blade-vane ratios. Aerodynamic data are presented for tests with unifrom and with hub and tip radially distorted inlet flow. Aerodynamic data are also presented for tests of this fan with acoustic treatments, including acoustically treated casing walls, a flowpath exit acoustic ring, and a translating centerbody sonic inlet device. A complete tabulation of the overall performance data, the blade element data, and the power spectral density information relating to turbulence levels generated by the sonic inlet obtained during these tests is included. For vol. 1, see N74-33789.

Harley, K. G.↗