Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “entry”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 739 records · Page 41

Real-gas simulation for the Shuttle Orbiter and planetary entry configurations including flight results

By testing configurations in a gas (like CF4) which can produce high normal-shock density ratios, such as those encountered during hypersonic entry, certain aspects of real-gas effects can be simulated. Results from force-moment, shock-shape and oil flow visualization tests are presented for both the Shuttle Orbiter and a 45 deg sphere-cone in CF4 and air at M = 6, and comparisons are made with flight results. Pitching-moment coefficients measured on a Shuttle Orbiter model in CF4 showed a nose-up increment, compared with air results, that was almost identical to the difference between preflight predictions and flight in the high hypersonic regime. The drag coefficient measured in CF4 on the 45 deg sphere-cone, which is the same configuration used on the forebody of the Pioneer Venus entry vehicles, showed excellent agreement with flight data at M = 6.

Calloway, R. L.↗

A color graphics presentation of the Space Shuttle Orbiter windward surface entry temperature distribution

The windward surface temperature response measured during the fifth entry of the Space Shuttle Columbia is presented as solid filled color contour plots. These plots show the data from 92 instruments, at selected points in time, in a manner which makes the temperature extremes and gradients immediately obvious. Several physical phenomena, such as separated flow caused by the deflected body flap, local heating at the elevon-elevon gap, an overview of the propagation of boundary-layer transition over the Orbiter windward surface, and the thermal response of eight catalytically coated tiles, can be observed or inferred from the displayed temperatures. In addition, the maximums from each instrument have been contoured and are presented with a companion plot showing the percentage of surface area covered by each contour level. Also, the flight data are presented using the colors which correspond to the surface emittance as a function of temperature. To show the temperature transients, a computer-generated movie has been produced showing the temperature contours from 100 s to 1500 s after entry interface.

Martin, F. W., Jr.↗

Definition of an entry research vehicle

Within the last year, there has been a growing interest in technology which would support the development of vehicles which can maneuver in the atmosphere while returning from orbit and vehicles which can fly in the atmosphere at hypersonic speeds for sustained periods of time. This rebirth of interest in hypersonics is partly a result of a developing awareness of the potential benefits which can be derived from vehicles with capability to operate between the limits of existing aircraft and spacecraft. Examples of the types of maneuvers which are projected for this new class of vehicles are presented. Challenges provided by the considered maneuvers are summarized, taking into account a synergetic or atmospheric plane change. The plane change maneuver will require a Thermal Protection System (TPS). Attention is given to the definition of a Shuttle launched entry research vehicle experiment. Details regarding the synergetic plane change are considered along with the maneuvering entry, vehicle heating, and experiments and instrumentation.

Freeman, D. C.↗

Uniform engine testing program phase 7: NASA Lewis Research Center second entry

The propulsion and Energetics Panel, Working Group 15, of the Advisory Group for Aerospace Research and Development (AGARD) is sponsoring a Uniform Engine Testing Program (UETP). In this program, two jet engines were tested under identical conditions in certain NATO altitude and ground-level facilities as a means of correlating these facilities. With this second entry, NASA documented engine deterioration that may have occurred since inception of the UETP. Additionally, NASA investigated anomalies discovered during review of data from the five facilities which had participated in the program between the two NASA entries.

Biesiadny, T. J.↗

Engineering graphics data entry for space station data base

The entry of graphical engineering data into the Space Station Data Base was examined. Discussed were: representation of graphics objects; representation of connectivity data; graphics capture hardware; graphics display hardware; site-wide distribution of graphics, and consolidation of tools and hardware. A fundamental assumption was that existing equipment such as IBM based graphics capture software and VAX networked facilities would be exploited. Defensible conclusions reached after study and simulations of use of these systems at the engineering level are: (1) existing IBM based graphics capture software is an adequate and economical means of entry of schematic and block diagram data for present and anticipated electronic systems for Space Station; (2) connectivity data from the aforementioned system may be incorporated into the envisioned Space Station Data Base with modest effort; (3) graphics and connectivity data captured on the IBM based system may be exported to the VAX network in a simple and direct fashion; (4) graphics data may be displayed site-wide on VT-125 terminals and lookalikes; (5) graphics hard-copy may be produced site-wide on various dot-matrix printers; and (6) the system may provide integrated engineering services at both the engineering and engineering management level.

Lacovara, R. C.↗

Utilization of Global Reference Atmosphere Model (GRAM) for shuttle entry

At high latitudes, dispersions in values of density for the middle atmosphere from the Global Reference Atmosphere Model (GRAM) are observed to be large, particularly in the winter. Trajectories have been run from 28.5 deg to 98 deg. The critical part of the atmosphere for reentry is 250,000 to 270,000 ft. 250,000 ft is the altitude where the shuttle trajectory levels out. For ascending passes the critical region occurs near the equator. For descending entries the critical region is in northern latitudes. The computed trajectory is input to the GRAM, which computes means and deviations of atmospheric parameters at each point along the trajectory. There is little latitude dispersion for the ascending passes; the strongest source of deviations is seasonal; however, very wide seasonal and latitudinal deviations are exhibited for the descending passes at all orbital inclinations. For shuttle operations the problem is control to maintain the correct entry corridor and avoid either aerodynamic skipping or excessive heat loads.

Joosten, Kent↗

An Adaptive Numeric Predictor-corrector Guidance Algorithm for Atmospheric Entry Vehicles

An adaptive numeric predictor-corrector guidance is developed for atmospheric entry vehicles which utilize lift to achieve maximum footprint capability. Applicability of the guidance design to vehicles with a wide range of performance capabilities is desired so as to reduce the need for algorithm redesign with each new vehicle. Adaptability is desired to minimize mission-specific analysis and planning. The guidance algorithm motivation and design are presented. Performance is assessed for application of the algorithm to the NASA Entry Research Vehicle (ERV). The dispersions the guidance must be designed to handle are presented. The achievable operational footprint for expected worst-case dispersions is presented. The algorithm performs excellently for the expected dispersions and captures most of the achievable footprint.

Spratlin, Kenneth Milton↗

The proposal entry processor: Telescience applications for Hubble Space Telescope science operations

The Proposal Entry Processor (PEP) System supports the submission, entry, technical evaluation review, selection and implementation of Hubble Space Telescope (HST) observing proposals. The PEP system is described concentrating on features which illustrate principles of telescience as applied to the HST. These principles are applicable to other observatories, both space and ground based. The PEP proposal forms allow a scientist to specify scientific objectives without becoming needlessly involved in implementation details. The Remote Proposal Submission System (RPSS) allows proposers to submit proposals electronically via Telenet, SPAN, and other networks. The RPSS performs syntax and sematic checks on proposals. The PEP uses a fourth generation database system to store proposal information and to allow general queries and reports. The Transformation subsystem uses an expert system written in OPS5 to cast a scientific description of an observing program into parameters used by the planning and scheduling system. The TACOS system is a natural language database which supports the proposal selection process. Technical evaluations for resource usage and duplicate science are performed using rulebased systems.

Jackson, Robert↗

A model for multiple throat structures in the polar cap flow entry region

A two-dimensional ionospheric convection model has been developed to produce convection patterns for southward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) and a positive or negative IMF y component. The model consists of a movable, shear convection reversal boundary with a gap in it where flux enters the polar cap. The sign of IMF B(y) determines the dayside gap geometry. This simple model is used to simulate measured ionospheric flows from the DE 2 satellite. Roughly 35 percent of DE 2 passes that cross the dayside between 0800 and 1400 hours MLT cannot be modeled with a single narrow flow entry region. By comparing model calculations and the measured ion flows, it is shown that the dayside flow entry region to the polar cap typically spans several hours in local time. The electric field can concentrate along portions of the polar cap entrance and weaken between the concentrated regions, thus forming multiple 'throats'.

Moses, J. J.↗

Avionics architecture studies for the entry research vehicle

This report is the culmination of a year-long investigation of the avionics architecture for NASA's Entry Research Vehicle (ERV). The Entry Research Vehicle is conceived to be an unmanned, autonomous spacecraft to be deployed from the Shuttle. It will perform various aerodynamic and propulsive maneuvers in orbit and land at Edwards AFB after a 5 to 10 hour mission. The design and analysis of the vehicle's avionics architecture are detailed here. The architecture consists of a central triply redundant ultra-reliable fault tolerant processor attached to three replicated and distributed MIL-STD-1553 buses for input and output. The reliability analysis is detailed here. The architecture was found to be sufficiently reliable for the ERV mission plan.

Dzwonczyk, M. J.↗

Atmospheric entry heating - A criterion to distinguish between asteroidal and cometary sources of interplanetary dust

Interplanetary dust samples obtained in the earth stratosphere by NASA sampling aircraft have been analyzed to ascertain the duration of their exposure as small particles in space, and the peak temperature they attained during atmospheric entry and deceleration. A three-dimensional orbital evolution model is then developed from these data which involves asteroidal and cometary sources for the dust as well as the influence of Poynting-Robertson drag. Particles from comets with perihelia greater than 1.2 AU typically undergo 600-800 C heating, while those from comets with smaller perihelia are heated to temperatures in excess of 800 C. Atmospheric-entry velocities inferred are consistent with the major fraction of stratospheric cosmic dust being derived from parent bodies in the main asteroid belt.

Flynn, G. J.↗

Prediction of aerodynamic heating and pressures on Shuttle Entry Air Data System (SEADS) nose cap and comparison with STS-61C flight data

Results are presented from predictions of aerothermodynamic heating rates, temperatures, and pressures on the surface of the Shuttle Entry Air Data System (SEADS) nosecap during Orbiter reentry. These results are compared with data obtained by the first actual flight of the SEADS system aboard STS-61C. The data also used to predict heating rates and surface temperatures for a hypothetical Transatlantic Abort Landing entry trajectory, whose analysis involved ascertaining the increases in heating rate as the airstream flowed across regions of the lower surface catalycity carbon/carbon composite to the higher surface catalycity columbium pressure ports.

Ting, Paul C.↗

Aerobraking characteristics for several potential manned Mars entry vehicles

While a reduction in weight is always desirable for any space vehicle, it is crucial for vehicles to be used in the proposed Manned Mars Mission (MMM). One such way to reduce a spacecraft's weight is through aeroassist braking which is an alternative to retro-rockets, the traditional method of slowing a craft approaching from a high energy orbit. In this paper aeroassist braking was examined for two blunt vehicle configurations and one streamlined configuration. For each vehicle type, a range of lift-to-drag ratios was examined and the entry angle windows, bank profiles, and trajectory parameters were recorded here. In addition, the sensitivities of velocity and acceleration with respect to the entry angle and bank angles were included. Also, the effect of using different atmosphere models was tested by incorporating several models into the simulation program.

Tartabini, Paul V.↗

Integrated launch and emergency entry vehicle concept

This paper describes the design of an integrated launch and emergency entry vehicle (EEV) that can satisfy the need for an advanced manned vehicle, a heavy-lift launch vehicle, and the Space Station. It is pointed out that, because only one small entry vehicle would need to be developed, the development costs should be relatively low. The EEV would have reasonable operating costs because its expendable tank would be smaller than that of the Space Shuttle and all expensive parts would be reusable. Schematic diagrams are included.

Martin, James A.↗

Computation of thermo-chemical nonequilibrium Martian atmospheric entry flows

The aerothermodynamics of a Martian atmospheric entry trajectory are studied. A chemical kinetics model for the CO2-N2 mixture found in the Martian atmosphere is implemented in a two-dimensional computational fluid dynamics method. The gas mixture is allowed to be in thermo-chemical nonequilibrium and to be composed of eight species characterized by two temperatures. The CO2 reaction model is validated by comparing computations to experimental results. Results for typical Martian entry conditions are presented and limitations of the current thermophysical model are discussed.

Candler, Graham V.↗

Earth atmospheric entry studies for manned Mars missions

Decelerations, heating rates, and total heat loads encountered when returning from Mars to earth at entry speeds of 12 km/sec to 16 km/sec are studied. For entry at 14 km/sec, it is found that a lift/drag ratio (L/D) of 0.5 is required to provide a guidance corridor margin near 1 deg for the specified deceleration limit of 5 g. For a blunted, raked cone with an L/D = 0.5, the peak heating rate near the aft end of the forebody varies from 0.14 to 0.23 kW/sq cm for laminar flow. If ablation triggers boundary layer transition, the peak heating can rise to 0.5 or up to 0.72 kW/sq cm. All heating rates are sufficiently high to make ablative heat shields necessary.

Tauber, M. E.↗

Research and development for Onboard Navigation (ONAV) ground based expert/trainer system: ONAV entry expert system code

A complete listing is given of the expert system rules for the Entry phase of the Onboard Navigation (ONAV) Ground Based Expert Trainer System for aircraft/space shuttle navigation. These source listings appear in the same format as utilized and required by the C Language Integrated Production System (CLIPS) expert system shell which is the basis for the ONAV entry system. A schematic overview is given of how the rules are organized. These groups result from a partitioning of the rules according to the overall function which a given set of rules performs. This partitioning was established and maintained according to that established in the knowledge specification document. In addition, four other groups of rules are specified. The four groups (control flow, operator inputs, output management, and data tables) perform functions that affect all the other functional rule groups. As the name implies, control flow ensures that the rule groups are executed in the order required for proper operation; operator input rules control the introduction into the CLIPS fact base of various kinds of data required by the expert system; output management rules control the updating of the ONAV expert system user display screen during execution of the system; and data tables are static information utilized by many different rule sets gathered in one convenient place.

Bochsler, Daniel C.↗