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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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NASA NTRS1987

V/STOL and STOL ground effects and testing techniques

The ground effects associated with V/STOL operation were examined and an effort was made to develop the equipment and testing techniques needed for that understanding. Primary emphasis was on future experimental programs in the 40 x 80 and the 80 x 120 foot test sections and in the outdoor static test stand associated with these facilities. The commonly used experimental techniques are reviewed and data obtained by various techniques are compared with each other and with available estimating methods. These reviews and comparisons provide insight into the limitations of past studies and the testing techniques used and identify areas where additional work is needed. The understanding of the flow mechanics involved in hovering and in transition in and out of ground effect is discussed. The basic flow fields associated with hovering, transition and STOL operation of jet powered V/STOL aircraft are depicted.

Kuhn, R. E.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Study of noise and inflow distortion sources in the NASA QF-1B fan using measured blade and vane pressures

Pressure transducers were installed on the blades and vanes of QF-1B, a transonic-tip-speed fan from the NASA Quiet Fan Program which was tested on the outdoor quiet fan test facility at NASA-Lewis. Signals from the transducers and from far field microphones were analyzed to determine sources of nonuniform inflow and noise. The nonuniform inflow was mostly unsteady with roughly equal contributions from atmospheric turbulence and rig interference. The rig interference was largest at the bottom and appeared to be generated by the support structure which was located behind the inlet lip under the fan. Interaction of this inflow distortion was the dominant source of noise at 1, 2, and 3 times blade passing frequency (BPF) at 60, 70, and 80 percent of design speed. At 90 percent speed, noise at BPF was dominated by the steady rotor field. A broadband spectrum peak centered at about 2.2 times BPF was identified as rotor/stator interaction stemming from a high frequency rotor exit flow component. The remaining broadband energy from 0.3 to 3.5 times BPF was attributed to the better known type of rotor/stator interaction associated with rotor wake turbulence.

Hanson, D. B.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Comparison of full-scale engine and subscale model performance of a mixed flow exhaust system for an energy efficient engine (E3) propulsion system

A full scale engine test of the NASA/General Electric Company (GE) Energy Efficient Engine (E3) was conducted to demonstrate the E3 engine concept and evaluate its performance. The test program, performed at the GE outdoor engine test facilities in Peebles, OH, included a detailed evaluation of the total pressure and temperature profiles at the exit of the mixed flow exhaust system to determine its mixing effectiveness. Subscale model tests of the same mixed flow exhaust system had been previously conducted at FluiDyne Engineering Corporation in Minneapolis, Minnesota as part of the GE E3 mixer aerodynamic technology development program. The scale model and full scale engine nozzle exit survey data and the calculated mixing effectiveness are compared and discussed. Results indicate the full scale engine mixing effectiveness to be five percent higher than the scale model as a result of a geometric difference and higher turbulence levels in the engne exhaust flowfield.

Kuchar, A. P.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Jet noise results from static, wind tunnel, and flight tests of conical and mechanical suppressor nozzles

Results of jet noise suppression tests conducted on a Rolls-Royce Viper 601 turbojet engine are reported. Seven exhaust nozzle configurations are tested, including two conical nozzles, two suppressor mixers, and three treated ejector configurations with different ejector inlets. Tests are conducted at the NASA Ames outdoor static test facility and the 40- by 80-ft wind tunnel facility at minimum tunnel flow velocity and normal flow velocities of 230 and 290 ft/sec. Near-field multiple sideline noise levels are projected to the far fields to compare far-field fixed microphone outdoor static noise levels, and wind tunnel near-field noise data are projected to the far field and flight distances to compare with noise levels recorded from an Hs-125 aircraft. Near-field outdoor noise data duplicate the far-field data recorded from fixed microphones within 2 PNdB, and the Douglas mechanical jet noise suppressor/treated ejector exhaust system achieves a noise reduction of 12 EPNdB relative to a conic reference nozzle at equal thrust in flight.

Mckinnon, R. A.↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Flight Test Configuration of the Sensor Payload and the Ground Nodes in Distributed Sensing Frameworks

The realization of the Urban Air Mobility (UAM) vision, entailing the deployment of high-density autonomous flights over urban areas, necessitates methodologies transcending contemporary airborne sensing techniques. An instrumental innovation in this realm is the advent of distributed sensing. In this paradigm, environmental sensors function as active agents, engaging in the triad of sensing, processing, and communication either amongst themselves, with ground stations, or both. This concerted effort creates a dynamic and responsive "smart space," facilitating real-time autonomous control. NASA Ames Research Center is actively engaged in a series of comprehensive indoor and outdoor flight tests to garner requisite data and insights essential for the actualization of this ambitious vision. This paper delineates the holistic configuration of the flight payload and the distributed ground nodes pivotal to the NASA flight test campaign. Furthermore, it expounds upon the intricacies of the sensor node communication framework. The narrative extends to provide a detailed overview of the strategic placement of distributed sensors and a comprehensive account of the varied indoor and outdoor flight tests orchestrated in pursuit of UAM objectives.

urban air mobility↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Flight Test Configuration of the Sensor Payload and the Ground Nodes in Distributed Sensing Frameworks

urban air mobility↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

A Microphone Phased Array for Launch Acoustics Application

A new, portable, phased array of microphones is built at NASA Ames Research Center specifically for the harsh environment encountered in launch pads of rocket vehicles. It uses 70 rugged, piezo-electric, dynamic pressure sensors optimally distributed on a 10.5ft diameter open frame dome structure. The open frame is light yet robust to sustain the high wind load of typical seaside launch pads, and the blast and acoustic loads from the launch. A 200-ft long cable bundle carries the microphone signals to a weather-protected electronic cabinet containing the data acquisition system, computers, and other equipment. The array is equipped with an infra-red camera and a visible wavelength camera for imaging the launch site. The beamformed noise maps will be superimposed on the video footages collected by the cameras for correct identification of the noise sources. The array is tested with very loud noise sources to determine the beamforming ability. Multiple mathematical models, such as the conventional beamforming, orthogonal-functional beamforming, spectral element method etc. are used to determine the minimum spatial resolution of the sound sources that can be measured at different frequencies. Additionally, the array hardware is being tested for different environmental conditions and electro-magnetic compliance. The goal is to use the array for NASA’s Artemis/SLS vehicle that will be launched from a newly built Mobile Launch platform and a modified launch pad. Data from a couple of validation tests will be presented in this paper. The first test involves an outdoor setup where the array was placed on a crane at several different heights and distances from a pair of very loud noise sources. The second test from the static firing of the RS25 engines in an outdoor test stand.

Acoustics↗

NASA NTRS1980

Comparison of indoor-outdoor thermal performance for the Sunpak evacuated tube liquid collector

Performance data for current Sunpak production collectors is presented. The effects of an improved manifold are seen from the test results. The test results show excellent correlation between the solar simulator derived test results and outdoor test results. Also, because of different incident angle modifiers, the all-day efficiency of this collector with a diffuse reflector is comparable to the performance with the standard shaped specular reflector.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS1983

Polymers in solar energy utilization

A laser photoacoustic technique (LPAT) has been verified for performing accelerated life testing of outdoor photooxidation of polymeric materials used in solar energy applications. Samples of the material under test are placed in a chamber with a sensitive microphone, then exposed to chopped laser radiation. The sample absorbs the light and converts it to heat by a nonradiative deexcitation process, thereby reducing pressure fluctuations within the cell. The acoustic signal detected by the microphone is directly proportional to the amount of light absorbed by the specimen. Tests were performed with samples of ethylene/methylacrylate copolymer (EMA) reprecipitated from hot cyclohexane, compressed, and molded into thin (25-50 microns) films. The films were exposed outdoors and sampled by LPAT weekly. The linearity of the light absorbed with respect to the acoustic signal was verified.Correlations were established between the photoacoustic behavior of the materials aged outdoors and the same kinds of samples cooled and heated in a controlled environment reactor. The reactor tests were validated for predicting outdoor exosures up to 55 days.

Liang, R. H.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Reliability and engineering of thin-film photovoltaic modules

Objectives were to: examine thin-film cell attributes that influence module performance and reliability, explore the lessons and applicability of crystalline-silicon module technology to thin-film modules, review the current status of thin-film module technologies, and identify problem areas and needed research. A major need is to separate the effects and resons for reversible degradatin from nonreversible degradation. Amorphous-silicon (a-Si) reliability investigations are focusing on exploratory research investigations, accelerated Arrhenius-type testing of a-Si cells, real-time outdoor exposure testing of a-Si cells, cell failure analysis, and failure mechanism research. Studies included the reduction in strength of glass by high temperature depositions on glass and laser scribing, encapsulation materials development needs, and the testing of modules. The new materials and processes in thin-film modules will require a delinquent reliability effort, including: establishment of mechanism-specific reliability goals; quantification of mechanism parameter dependencies; prediction of expected long-term degradation; identification of cost-effective solutions; and testing and failure analysis of trial solutions.

Royal, E. L.↗

NASA NTRS1978

Endurance testing of first generation /Block I/ commercial solar cell modules

NASA-LeRC has conducted outdoor endurance tests on modules commercially produced as part of the 46-kW purchase of first generation (Block I) modules by the JPL Low Cost Silicon Solar Array Project. Block I modules from four manufacturers were installed at commercial testing sites in Florida, Puerto Rico, and Arizona and at noncommercial sites in Cleveland, Ohio. The conditions endured by these modules included hot and dry, hot and humid, tropical rain forest, sea-air, urban industrial and urban clean; exposures were for periods up to one year. Test results are presented and discussed.

Anagnostou, E.↗

NASA NTRS1940

Static Thrust and Power Characteristics of Six Full-Scale Propellers

Static thrust and power measurements were made of six full-scale propellers. The propellers were mounted in front of a liquid-cooled-engine nacelle and were tested at 15 different blade angles in the range from -7 1/2 degrees to 35 degrees at 0.75r. The test rig was located outdoors and the tests were made under conditions of approximately zero wind velocity.

Hartman, Erwin P↗

NASA NTRS1979

End-to-end testing

The principle objective of the kinds of demonstration tests that are discussed is to try to verify whether or not carbon fibers that are released by burning composite parts in an aircraft-fuel fires can produce failures in electrical equipment. A secondary objective discussed is to experimentally validate the analytical models for some of the key elements in the risk analysis. The approach to this demonstration testing is twofold: limited end-to-end test are to be conducted in a shock tube; and planning for some large outdoor burn tests is being done.

Pride, R. A.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Results from flight noise tests on a Viper turbojet fitted with ejector/suppressor nozzle systems

Noise tests have been performed on a range of advanced exhaust suppressors fitted to a Viper turbojet engine with the objective of evaluating systems potentially suitable for subsonic and supersonic aircraft. A key item in the suppressor systems was an acoustically lined ejector, and tests were made with and without this ejector. Flight tests were made using an HS-125 aircraft in England and were followed by outdoor static tests at NASA Ames Research Center. In addition, acoustic and propulsion measurements were made at static, and in simulated flight conditions, with the engine installed in the Ames 40- by 80-ft wind tunnel. The paper deals mainly with the flight test results. These show that the use of a lined ejector considerably increases the attenuation obtainable using a suppressor nozzle alone and largely confirm predictions made on the basis of previous model and static tests. The maximum measured attenuation adjusted to an altitude of 500 ft was 14 EPNdB at an ideal jet velocity of 2400 ft/sec using the suppressor/ejector design intended for supersonic application. Initial propulsion performance results from the Ames wind tunnel confirm previous smaller scale propulsion results from a Douglas facility.

Brooks, J. R.↗

NASA NTRS2011

Development of the Probing In-Situ with Neutron and Gamma Rays (PING) Instrument for Planetary Science Applications

The Probing In situ with Neutrons and Gamma rays (PING) instrument is a promising planetary science application of the active neutron-gamma ray technology that has been used successfully in oil field well logging and mineral exploration on Earth for decades. Similar techniques can be very powerful for non-invasive in situ measurements of the subsurface elemental composition on other planets. The objective of our active neutron-gamma ray technology program at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (NASA/GSFC) is to bring instruments using this technology to the point where they can be flown on a variety of surface lander or rover missions to the Moon, Mars, Venus, asteroids, comets and the satellites of the outer planets. PING combines a 14 MeV deuterium-tritium pulsed neutron generator with a gamma ray spectrometer and two neutron detectors to produce a landed instrument that can determine the elemental composition of a planet down to 30 - 50 cm below the planet's surface. The penetrating nature of.5 - 10 MeV gamma rays and 14 MeV neutrons allows such sub-surface composition measurements to be made without the need to drill into or otherwise disturb the planetary surface, thus greatly simplifying the lander design. We are currently testing a PING prototype at a unique outdoor neutron instrumentation test facility at NASA/GSFC that provides two large (1.8 m x 1.8 m x.9 m) granite and basalt test formations placed outdoors in an empty field. Since an independent trace elemental analysis has been performed on both the Columbia River basalt and Concord Gray granite materials, these samples present two known standards with which to compare PING's experimentally measured elemental composition results. We will present experimental results from PING measurements of both the granite and basalt test formations and show how and why the optimum PING instrument operating parameters differ for studying the two materials.

Parsons, A.↗

NASA NTRS2012

The Probing In-Situ With Neutron and Gamma Rays (PING) Instrument for Planetary Composition Measurements

The Probing In situ with Neutrons and Gamma rays (PING) instrument (formerly named PNG-GRAND) [I] experiment is an innovative application of the active neutron-gamma ray technology successfully used in oil field well logging and mineral exploration on Earth over many decades. The objective of our active neutron-gamma ray technology program at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (NASA/GSFC) is to bring PING to the point where it can be flown on a variety of surface lander or rover missions to the Moon, Mars, Venus, asteroids, comets and the satellites of the outer planets and measure their bulk surface and subsurface elemental composition without the need to drill into the surface. Gamma-Ray Spectrometers (GRS) have been incorporated into numerous orbital planetary science missions. While orbital measurements can map a planet, they have low spatial and elemental sensitivity due to the low surface gamma ray emission rates reSUlting from using cosmic rays as an excitation source, PING overcomes this limitation in situ by incorporating a powerful neutron excitation source that permits significantly higher elemental sensitivity elemental composition measurements. PING combines a 14 MeV deuterium-tritium Pulsed Neutron Generator (PNG) with a gamma ray spectrometer and two neutron detectors to produce a landed instrument that can determine the elemental composition of a planet down to 30 - 50 cm below the planet's surface, The penetrating nature of .5 - 10 MeV gamma rays and 14 MeV neutrons allows such sub-surface composition measurements to be made without the need to drill into or otherwise disturb the planetary surface, thus greatly simplifying the lander design, We are cun'ently testing a PING prototype at a unique outdoor neutron instrumentation test facility at NASA/GSFC that provides two large (1.8 m x 1.8 m x ,9 m) granite and basalt test formations placed outdoors in an empty field, Since an independent trace elemental analysis has been performed on both these Columbia River basalt and Concord Gray granite materials, these large samples present two known standards with which to compare PING's experimentally measured elemental composition results, We will present both gamma ray and neutron experimental results from PING measurements of the granite and basalt test formations in various layering configurations and compare the results to the known composition.

Parsons, A.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Acoustical Tests Of A Scale-Model Helicopter Rotor

Data obtained in simulated hovering flight in open environment. Report discusses measurements of sound generated in outdoor hoovering tests of 1/6-scale, four bladed helicopter rotor. Information of delineation between accoustic near field and far field and on effect of simple boundary-layer-tripping device. Also covers rotor accoustics at low thrust and at high thrust.

Kitaplioglu, Cahit↗

NASA NTRS1977

The effect of forward speed on J85 engine noise from suppressor nozzles as measured in the NASA-Ames 40- by 80-foot wind tunnel

An investigation to determine the effect of forward speed on the exhaust noise from a conical ejector nozzle and three suppressor nozzles mounted behind a J85 engine was performed in a 40- by 80-foot wind tunnel. The nozzles were tested at three engine power settings and at wind tunnel forward speeds up to 91 m/sec (300 ft/sec). In addition, outdoor static tests were conducted to determine (1) the differences between near field and far field measurements, (2) the effect of an airframe on the far field directivity of each nozzle, and (3) the relative suppression of each nozzle with respect to the baseline conical ejector nozzle. It was found that corrections to near field data are necessary to extrapolate to far field data and that the presence of the airframe changed the far field directivity as measured statically. The results show that the effect of forward speed was to reduce the noise from each nozzle more in the area of peak noise, but the change in forward quadrant noise was small or negligible. A comparison of wind tunnel data with available flight test data shows good agreement.

Atencio, A., Jr.↗