Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “cable”

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 91 records · Page 5

Cable-Dispensing Cart

A versatile cable-dispensing cart can support as many as a few dozen reels of cable, wire, and/or rope. The cart can be adjusted to accommodate reels of various diameters and widths, and can be expanded, contracted, or otherwise reconfigured by use of easily installable and removable parts that can be carried onboard. Among these parts are dispensing rods and a cable guide that enables dispensing of cables without affecting the direction of pull. Individual reels can be mounted on or removed from the cart without affecting the other reels: this feature facilitates the replacement or reuse of partially depleted reels, thereby helping to reduce waste. Multiple cables, wires, or ropes can be dispensed simultaneously. For maneuverability, the cart is mounted on three wheels. Once it has been positioned, the cart is supported by rubber mounts for stability and for prevention of sliding or rolling during dispensing operations. The stability and safety of the cart are enhanced by a low-center-of-gravity design. The cart can readily be disassembled into smaller units for storage or shipping, then reassembled in the desired configuration at a job site.

Bredberg, Alan S.↗

Space-Environment Effects on Optical Cables

Results obtained from the Long-Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) JPL fiber optics experiment, which remained in low-earth orbit for 5 3/4 years, are discussed to illustrate the effects of the adverse space environment on fiber optic cables. The results of tests performed on the ten fiber optic cable samples, flown on the LDEF, are then compared to data obtained from similar laboratory tests performed on currently available fiber optic cables. The effects of radiation exposure, temperature cycling, polymer aging, and micrometeoroid impacts on fiber optic cables applied in space are discussed.

optical↗

Survey, analysis and evaluation test on high voltage/current pulse transmission cables

A survey, analysis, and testing of available cable connector configurations were carried out in connection with transmission of high voltage/current to an exploding wire bridge. Transmission was desired at high efficiency with maximum cable flexibility, at minimum weight and size of the cable connector, with maximum cable length while maintaining applicable voltage/current pulse characteristics, and with due consideration to environmental parameters.

Dann, J. E.↗

Cabling design for phased arrays

The ribbon-cabling system used for the AEGIS phased array which provides minimum cable bulk, complete EMI shielding, rugged mechanical design, repeatable electrical characteristics, and ease of assembly and maintenance is described. The ribbon cables are 0.040-inch thick, and in widths up to 2 1/2 inches. Their terminations are molded connectors that can be grouped in a three-tier arrangement, with cable branching accomplished by a matrix-welding technique.

Kruger, I. D.↗

Development of and dynamic studies concerning a cable boom system prototype

The conception of a cable boom system for a scientific spin stabilized satellite led to a flat cable stowed on a drum with a flexlead without conversion to avoid slip rings and to facilitate automatic restowage from any state of deployment. Some dynamic features of the extended cable boom and especially the comparison between round and flat cables were investigated in a phenomenological study using a test rig capable of inducing lateral, torsional and thermal cycling disturbances separately or in any combination.

Bring, G.↗

Some cable suspension systems and their effects on the flexural frequencies of slender aerospace structures

The effects of several cable suspension configurations on the first free-free flexural frequency of uniform beams have been determined by experiment and analysis. The results of this study confirm that in general the larger the test vehicle the larger is the flexural frequency measurement error attributable to a given cable suspension configuration. For horizontally oriented beams representing modern aerospace vehicles of average size and flexibility, the restraining effects of all but the shortest support cables were minor. The restraining effects of support cables of moderate length attached near the base of vertically oriented vehicles were overshadowed by the effects of beam compression due to gravity.

Herr, R. W.↗

A movable-mass attitude stabilization system for cable-connected artificial-g space stations

The development of an active, momentum-exchange system to be used for attitude stabilization of a class of cable-connected artificial-g space stations is studied. A system which employs a single movable control mass is examined for the control of a space station which has the physical appearance of two cylinders connected axially by cables. The dynamic model for the space station includes its aggregate rigid body rotation and relative torsional rotation between the bodies. A zero torsional stiffness design (one cable) and a maximum torsional stiffness design (eight cables) are examined in various stages of deployment, for selected spin velocities ranging from 4 rpm upwards. A linear, time-invariant, feed-back control system is employed, with gains calculated via a root-specification procedure. The movable mass controller provides critical wobble-damping capability for the crew quarters for all configurations and spin velocity.

Childs, D. W.↗

Cable-fault locator

Inexpensive system automatically indicates location of short-circuited section of power cable. Monitor does not require that cable be disconnected from its power source or that test signals be applied. Instead, ground-current sensors are installed in manholes or at other selected locations along cable run. When fault occurs, sensors transmit information about fault location to control center. Repair crew can be sent to location and cable can be returned to service with minimum of downtime.

Cason, R. L.↗

Apparatus including a plurality of spaced transformers for locating short circuits in cables

A cable fault locator is described for sensing faults such as short circuits in power cables. The apparatus includes a plurality of current transformers strategically located along a cable. Trigger circuits are connected to each of the current transformers for placing a resistor in series with a resistive element responsive to an abnormally high current flowing through that portion of the cable. By measuring the voltage drop across the resistive element, the location of the fault can be determined.

Cason, R. L.↗

Cable-splice detector

Detector has possible uses in aerial cable-car systems, equipment handling in mines, boreholes, and undersea operations, and other applications where moving steel cable must be measured, monitored, or controlled. Detector consists of Hall-effect magnetic sensor located close to cable. Magnetic markings on cable are converted to electrical signals. Signals are filtered, amplified, and can actuate alarm.

Lee, R. D.↗

Handtool assists in bundling cables

Simple tool makes it possible to bundle electrical cables in channel or "tray" without requiring cables be lifted out. Procedure for bundling is faster and less awkward than lifting method. Used with commercially-available plastic ribbons that tie cables together, tool guides ribbon along tray wall, through bracket at bottom of tray, and up opposite wall. One end of ribbon locks in other end, securing cable bundle.

Stringer, E. J.↗

Integrated Structural and Cable Connector

Ball-and-socket coupling includes fiber-optic cable. Three steps couple two parts of fiber-optic cable: ball is inserted into socket; cone is released in, and cable moves toward plug. Sleeve is pulled to end of its travel and cable and plug are mated. Device is a quick-connect/disconnect coupling that has application in hazardous environments, such as space, undersea and nuclear installations.

Totah, R. S.↗

Cable-Twisting Machine

New cable-twisting machine is smaller and faster than many production units. Is useful mainly in production of short-run special cables. Already-twisted cable can be fed along axis of machine. Faster operation than typical industrial cable-twisting machines possible by using smaller spools of wire.

Kurnett, S.↗

Preliminary experimental test results using 35 GHz offset fed reflector simulating surface pillows and aperture cables

The effects caused by reflector surface pillows and aperture cables on RF performance were determined. The test uses models that were designed to be replicas of a quad aperture at the proper F/D = 1.50 as provided in the LSST point design. Separate pillow models were machined from solid aluminum sections that simulated the surface contour pillows but on an exaggerated basis. The worse case pillow heights lamda/20 and lamda/5 were machined onto the precision reflector. In addition to the pillow effects, the scattering effects of aperture (Hoop/Column cables) cables were determined. Therefore, simulated quartz and graphite cables were tested with the smooth, lamda/20, and lamda/5 reflector models.

Campbell, T. G.↗

Improved Connector Shell for Cable Shields

Cable connector shell improves electrostatic and electromagnetic shielding by electrically connecting cable braid around entire circumference. Connector cable braid is slipped over ferrule and sleeve is slipped over braid, clamping it tightly to shell. Connector shell completely shields cable conductors.

Prisk, A. L.↗

A polytetrafluorethylene insulated cable for high temperature oxygen aerospace applications

For electrical cables to function and survive in the severe high temperature oxygen environment that will be experienced in the external tanks of the space shuttle, extreme cleanliness and material purity is required. A flexible light weight cable has been developed for use in pure oxygen at worst case temperatures of -190 to +260 degrees Centigrade and pressures as high as 44 pounds per square inch absolute. A comprehensive series of tests were performed on cables manufactured to the best commercial practices in order to establish the basic guidelines for control of build configuration as well as each material used in construction of the cable.

Sheppard, A. T.↗

Temperature stability of transit time delay for a single-mode fibre in a loose tube cable

The effect of temperature on the transit-time delay of a loose-tube-type single-mode optical-fiber cable is investigated experimentally. A 1058-m length of cable was placed loosely coiled in an oven and used to connect a 820-nm single-mode laser diode to a high-speed avalanche-photodiode detector feeding a vector voltmeter; the signal was provided by a high-stability frequency-synthesized generator. Measurements were made every 2 C from -50 to 60 C and compared to those obtained with a 200-m lacquered bare fiber. The phase change of both fibers varied with temperature at a positive slope of 6-7 ppm/C. This value is significantly better than those reported for other cable types, suggesting the application of loose-fiber cables to long-haul gigabit digital transmissions or precision time-base distribution for VLBI.

Bergman, L. A.↗

Universal Cable Brackets

Concept allows routing easily changed. No custom hardware required in concept. Instead, standard brackets cut to length and installed at selected locations along cable route. If cable route is changed, brackets simply moved to new locations. Concept for "universal" cable brackets make it easy to route electrical cable around and through virtually any structure.

Vanvalkenburgh, C.↗