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At least 829 records · Page 46

Open Cherry Picker simulation results

The Open Cherry Picker (OCP) is a manned platform, mounted at the end of the Remote Manipulator System (RMS), which is used to enhance extravehicular activities. The objective of the simulation program described was to reduce the existing complexity of those OCP design features that are mandatory for initial Space Shuttle applications. The OCP development test article consists of a torque box, a rotating foot restraint, a rotating stanchion that houses handholds, and a tool storage section with an interface with payload modules. If the size or complexity of the payload increases, payload handling devices may be added at a later data. The simulations have shown that the crew can control the RMS from the Aft Flight Deck of the Shuttle, using voice commands from the EVA crewman. No need for a stabilizer was evident, and RMS dynamics due to crew-induced workloads were found to be minor.

Nathan, C. A.↗

Satellite retrieval and servicing operations with proximity operations modules

The concept of manned and unmanned proximity modules (POM) to assist the Orbiter in retrieval, servicing, and emergency operations of orbiting payloads is discussed. An unmanned POM, capable of examining or capturing and returning to the Orbiter large satellites which are station-keeping at distances up to one kilometer from the Orbiter, is presented and its design features defined. Also presented is the concept of a manned POM which is capable of capturing and maneuvering smaller payloads in or about the Orbiter payload bay. The manned POM also serves as a free flying work station used to support satellite servicing and provide a back-up to Orbiter situations when the remote manipulator is inoperative.

Adornato, R. J.↗

Study of advanced rotary combustion engines for commuter aircraft

Performance, weight, size, and maintenance data for advanced rotary aircraft engines suitable for comparative commuter aircraft system evaluation studies of alternate engine candidates are provided. These are turbocharged, turbocompounded, direct injected, stratified charge rotary engines. Hypothetical engines were defined (an RC4-74 at 895 kW and an RC6-87 at 1490 kW) based on the technologies and design approaches used in the highly advanced engine of a study of advanced general aviation rotary engines. The data covers the size range of shaft power from 597 kW (800 hp) to 1865 kW (2500 hp) and is in the form of drawings, tables, curves and written text. These include data on internal geometry and configuration, installation information, turbocharging and turbocompounding arrangements, design features and technologies, engine cooling, fuels, scaling for weight size BSFC and heat rejection for varying horsepower, engine operating and performance data, and TBO and maintenance requirements. The basic combustion system was developed and demonstrated; however the projected power densities and performance efficiencies require increases in engine internal pressures, thermal loading, and rotative speed.

Berkowitz, M.↗

Design of the Galileo remote science pointing actuators

This paper describes the two actuators developed for pointing the remote science instruments from the spinning Galileo spacecraft. Details of the key elements are presented together with their design features and developmental difficulties. Four techniques used for power and signal transfer across the actuators' rotating joints are also discussed.

Osborn, F. W.↗

Historical development of worldwide supersonic aircraft

Some major milestones in the progression of airplane speeds from subsonic to supersonic are traced. Historical background is included on work done prior to the Twentieth Century, but the major emphasis is on the Twentieth Century developments after the man carrying airplane became a practical reality. The techniques of increasing airplane speed revolve around means of increasing the propulsive force and means of reducing the airframe resistance (drag). With the changes in speed, the attendant changes in flow patterns due to the compressibility of air introduce some aerodynamic problems. In addition, geometric changes introduced to combat the effects of compressibility also promote aerodynamic problems. Some of the solutions to these problems are illustrated, and many design features that evolved are discussed.

Spearman, M. L.↗

Free-stream noise and transition measurements on a cone in a Mach 3.5 pilot low-disturbance tunnel

A small scale Mach 3.5 wind tunnel incorporating certain novel design features and intended for boundary-layer-transition research has been tested. The free stream noise intensities and spectral distributions were determined throughout the test section for several values of unit Reynolds number and for nozzle boundary layer bleed on and off. The boundary layer transition location on a slender cone and the response of this to changes in the noise environment were determined. Root mean square free stream noise levels ranged from less than one tenth up to values approaching those for conventional nozzles, with the lowest values prevailing at upstream locations within the nozzle. For low noise conditions, cone transition Reynolds numbers were in the range of those for free flight; whereas for high noise conditions, they were in the range of those in conventional tunnels.

Beckwith, I. E.↗

Large-area sheet task advanced dendritic web growth development

Modeling in the development of low stress configurations for wide web growth is presented. Parametric sensitivity to identify design features which can be used for dynamic trimming of the furnace element was studied. Temperature measurements of experimental growth behavior led to modification in the growth system to improve lateral temperature distributions.

Duncan, C. S.↗

Spectroscopic imaging of the thermosphere from the Space Shuttle

The design features, performance characteristics, and intended missions for the Imaging Spectrometric Observatory scheduled to fly on the first Spacelab Shuttle mission in 1983 are described. The instrument comprises an array of five imaging spectrometers covering the spectral range 300-1200 A. The spectrometers operate simultaneously, using CCDs as collector elements. Resolution on the first flight will be limited to 3 A, with coverage to containing the dynamic range from nocturnal signals to the bright earth. A minicomputer in the Spacelab will permit crewmember interaction with the measurements, while data will be telemetered in real-time to a ground station. Initial mission objectives include observations of dayglow, nightglow, and twilightglow over the full wavelength range capability.

Torr, M. R.↗

Mission peculiar equipment /MPE/ for Spacelab Mission 1 payload

A variety of payload integrator-furnished, Mission Peculiar Equipment (MPE) has been incorporated by the Spacelab Mission 1 payload complement in order to satisfy each payload developer's interface and service requirements. Attention is given to the design features of secondary structures, the NASA Experiment Power Branching Distributor and ESA Junction Box, module cabling and vent lines, and passive thermal protection. A major task to be fulfilled during payload integration is the satisfaction of all instrument and facility servicing requirements without mutual interference.

Sims, J. H.↗

Galileo Atmospheric Entry Probe System - Design, development, and test

The overall development of the Galileo Atmospheric Entry Probe System is described. The Probe will be carried to Jupiter by the Galileo Orbiter and released on an entry trajectory 150 days before entry. A complement of seven science instruments will measure the near-Jupiter radiation field and the characteristics of the Jovian atmosphere from a distance of about 5 Jupiter radii above the 1-bar level down to levels in the 10-20-bar range. Probe data are to be transmitted to earth via the Orbiter. System requirements are discussed. Probe design features and those features of the development test program peculiar to entry probes are described.

Givens, J. J.↗

Solc filter engineering

A Solc (1965) filter configuration is presented which is both tunable and spectrally variable, since it possesses an adjustable bandwidth, and which although less efficient than a Lyot filter is attractive because of its spectral versatility. The lossless design, using only an entrance and exit polarizer, improves throughput generally and especially in the IR, where polarizers are less convenient than dichroic sheet polarizers. Attention is given to the transmission profiles of Solc filters with different numbers of elements and split elements, as well as their mechanical design features.

Rosenberg, W. J.↗

Developments in the design, analysis, and fabrication of advanced technology transmission elements

Over the last decade, the presently reported proprietary development program for the reduction of helicopter drive system weight and cost and the enhancement of reliability and survivability has produced high speed roller bearings, resin-matrix composite rotor shafts and transmission housings, gear/bearing/shaft system integrations, photoelastic investigation methods for gear tooth strength, and the automatic generation of complex FEM models for gear/shaft systems. After describing the design features and performance capabilities of the hardware developed, attention is given to the prospective benefits to be derived from application of these technologies, with emphasis on the relationship between helicopter drive system performance and cost.

Drago, R. J.↗

Stacbeam - An efficient, low-mass, sequentially deployable structure

Design features of the stacking triangular articulated compact beam (Stacbeam) as a candidate truss structure for GEOS spacecraft solar power arrays are explored. Solar arrays of increasing size require folding, noninterfering structures, minimal thermal effects, slow and controlled deployment, and a high aspect ratio. The Stacbeam consists of a triangular batten frame perpendicular to the beam axis, three longerons attached at the corners of the batten frame and mounted parallel to the beam axis, and three diagonals to provide shear and torsional stiffness. Locking hinges are installed at the midpoint and ends of each longeron and at the midpoint and ends of each diagonal. The material is graphite/epoxy composite with a 120 GPa modulus and a 1500 kg/sq m density. Successful vertical deployment on the ground has been effected with a prototype deployer, together with horizontal cantilever in a fully deployed configuration.

Adams, L. R.↗

Cost effective development of a Shuttle-based astronomical instrument control system

The high level language FORTH is used for the electronic control of the Space Shuttle-based Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope, in a flight computer system which minimizes costs. The greater part of the breadboard version of the flight computer is assembled from commercially available components, reducing novel circuit design features and permitting simultaneous development of both hardware and software. The commercial boards are then refabricated on aluminum core heat conducting stock, using high reliability parts to produce the flight versions of the system. The system's ground support equipment employs a MINC-25 minicomputer which performs such functions as flight computer software development, PROM programming, test and integration support, and flight operations support. The implementation of these concepts in flight computer telescope controls is described.

Parise, R. A.↗

An ultraviolet spectrograph using an echelle grating with cross-disperser for the measurement of stratospheric constituents

The present investigation is concerned with the development of a high resolution echelle-cross disperser grating spectrograph for application in groundbased, balloon, and Shuttle studies of the middle atmosphere and thermosphere. All the design features discussed pertain specifically to the balloon instrument. Attention is given to examples of scientific objectives for the middle atmosphere, aspects of instrument description, imaging requirements, the spectral multiplexing capability, broad wavelength coverage, sensitivity, dynamic range, scattered light, the optical configuration of the instrument, the detector system, the data system, and the results of laboratory tests and theoretical evaluations.

Torr, D. G.↗

Advanced LOX/H2 engine technologies for future OTVs

It is pointed out that NASA and DOD missions of the near future include, by current estimates, approximately 50 highly energetic missions to geosynchronous orbit. Advanced concepts make use of the Space Shuttle to transport the assembled orbital transfer vehicle (OTV) to low earth orbit (LEO) or to bring components and propellants from which to assemble the OTV in LEO. An advanced expander cycle engine based upon the RS-44 engine design has been planned for ultimate use with advanced space-based OTVs. Its design features complement the characteristics of manned space-based aeroassist vehicles which will provide the most cost-effective means for payload transfer between LEO and GEO orbits. A test-bed program is planned for early demonstration of the advanced expander cycle engine operation.

Martinez, A.↗

Space Telescope pointing control

The Space Telescope Pointing Control System is used to slew the optical axis of the telescope from one target star region of the celestial sphere to the next, and to maintain precision pointing on the target star. A digital computer is employed in the processing of attitude and rate sensor data, in order to generate torque commands for the reaction wheels. The System comprises four major elements: a command generator, the electronic control system, attitude update processing, and momentum management. Emphasis is given to control-related flexibility effects of the Space Telescope's solar cell array and vehicle, and the acquisition methodology and development testing employed, in addition to Pointing Control System design features.

Dougherty, H.↗

Integrated control system concept for high-speed aircraft

The synthesis and evaluation of flight control system architectures for future aircraft are discussed in terms of design features and the requirements for fighter aircraft. Advanced fighter configurations may feature canards, flaperons, two-dimensional vectoring nozzles, a mixing compression inlet, and an advanced turbojet engine. Survey and evaluation technology will also progress to include distributed microprocessors, VLSI and VHSIC microcircuitry, optical circuits, analytic redundancy, etc. Bottom-p and top-down architectures have been investigated to fulfill the reliability, maintainability, cost, and performance goals. A centralized architecture has been devised with line-removable units to facilitate maintainability and reduce weight. Descriptions are provided of the performance parameters and applications of optical elements, photoelastic pressure sensors, rare earth sensors, computing elements, and information transfer system.

Carlin, C. M.↗