Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Environmental, Requirements”

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 919 records · Page 51

Environmental qualification testing of terrestrial solar cell modules

The placement of solar cell modules in various climates and locations throughout the world results in different degrees and combinations of environmental stresses. Coupled with a design lifetime goal of 20 years, early detection and correction of module design deficiencies can result in significantly better long-term economics. This paper describes an environmental test research program for developing qualification requirements and procedures for flat-plate solar cell modules. A multiple iterative approach for establishing and evaluating test requirements is discussed as well as the rationale for the selection of levels and durations for the current qualification tests. The status of study efforts involving optical surface soiling, encapsulation delamination, and voltage bias-humidity testing is reviewed.

Hoffman, A. R.↗

A Preliminary Research Plan for Development of a Photosynthetic Link in a Closed Ecological Life Support System

The use of higher plants in a closed ecological life support system for long duration space missions involving large numbers of people is considered. The approach to planning and developing both the habitat for a long term space mission and closed ecological life support systems are discussed with emphasis on environmental compatibility and integrated systems design. The requirements of photosynthetic processes are summarized and evaluated in terms of their availability within a closed ecological life support environment. Specific references are recommended as a data base for future research on this topic.

Morgan, P. W.↗

Evaluation of thermal energy storage for the proposed Twin Cities District Heating system

The technical and economic feasibility of incorporating thermal energy storage components into the proposed Twin Cities District heating project was evaluated. The technical status of the project is reviewed and conceptual designs of district heating systems with and without thermal energy storage were compared in terms of estimated capital requirements, fuel consumption, delivered energy cost, and environmental aspects. The thermal energy storage system is based on cogeneration and the storage of heat in aquifers.

Meyer, C. F.↗

Television optics for the Voyager mission to Jupiter and Saturn

This paper is concerned with the optical portion of the Voyager spacecraft imaging science subsystem (ISS). After a brief description of the Voyager mission and its photographic aspects, the functional requirements for the television optics are outlined. Environmental considerations that constrained the design are summarized. One section of the paper is devoted to radiation testing and its impact on the design of the wide-angle optics. The main portion of this report, however, is devoted to a description of the Voyager television optics. Finally, Voyager imagery results that are current with the preparation of this paper are presented.

Snyder, L.↗

Turbine blade and vane heat flux sensor development, phase 1

Heat flux sensors available for installation in the hot section airfoils of advanced aircraft gas turbine engines were developed. Two heat flux sensors were designed, fabricated, calibrated, and tested. Measurement techniques are compared in an atmospheric pressure combustor rig test. Sensors, embedded thermocouple and the Gordon gauge, were fabricated that met the geometric and fabricability requirements and could withstand the hot section environmental conditions. Calibration data indicate that these sensors yielded repeatable results and have the potential to meet the accuracy goal of measuring local heat flux to within 5%. Thermal cycle tests and thermal soak tests indicated that the sensors are capable of surviving extended periods of exposure to the environment conditions in the turbine. Problems in calibration of the sensors caused by severe non-one dimensional heat flow were encountered. Modifications to the calibration techniques are needed to minimize this problem and proof testing of the sensors in an engine is needed to verify the designs.

Atkinson, W. H.↗

A practical scheduling algorithm for Shuttle-based astronomy missions

In the Astro mission series (initial flight planned for March, 1986), the Shuttle will be used as a dedicated stellar astronomy observatory. A modified Spacelab pallet is to be used for the Astro payload, which will consist of three ultraviolet (UV) telescopes and a wide field camera mounted together on a single gimbal mount called the Inertial Pointing System (IPS). Three flights of 7-10 days duration are to be made with the same payload at intervals of 8-9 months. Previous experience has shown that changes in design requirements are inevitable, and the evolution of operational concepts will effect changes in scheduling algorithm software. For these reasons, the design goals of the Astron algorithm and its family of auxiliary software modules have been related to functional modularity, constraint flexibility, user friendliness, and 'light' input requirements. Attention is given to hardware characteristics, environmental constraints, the basic criteria function, 'Cinderella' logic, counters and constraints, and scheduling trends.

Guffin, O. T.↗

Intelligent systems and robotics for an evolutionary Space Station

The Space Station will be a multipurpose space facility to acquire and exploit unique knowledge with a planned lifetime of greater than 20 years. It will include laboratories for science and manufacturing, provide a platform for earth and interplanetary observations, conduct satellite servicing, and serve as a transportation node for potential manned geosynchronous, lunar, and Mars missions. Environmental safety considerations and limited manpower resources require the extensive use of intelligent systems and flexible robotics on the Space Station. Design accommodations must be planned in advance to allow incorporation of these advancing technologies on the evolutionary Space Station.

Erickson, Jon D.↗

Digital avionics susceptibility to high energy radio frequency fields

Generally, noncritical avionic systems for transport category aircraft have been designed to meet radio frequency (RF) susceptibility requirements set forth in RTCA DO 160B, environmental conditions and test procedures for airborne equipment. Section 20 of this document controls the electromagnetic interference (EMI) hardening for avionics equipment to levels of 1 and 2 V/m. Currently, US equipment manufacturers are designing flight-critical fly-by-wire avionics to a much higher level. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has requested that the RTCA SC-135 high-energy radio frequency (HERF) working group develop appropriate testing procedures for section 20 of RTCA DO 160B for radiated and conducted susceptibility at the box and systems level. The FAA has also requested the SAE AE4R committee to address installed systems testing, airframe shielding effects and RF environment monitoring. Emitters of interest include radar (ground, ship, and aircraft) commercial broadcast and TV station, mobile communication, and other transmitters that could possibly affect commercial aircraft.

Larsen, William E.↗

Stabilized fiber-optic frequency distribution system

A technique for stabilizing reference frequencies transmitted over fiber-optic cable in a frequency distribution system is discussed. The distribution system utilizes fiber-optic cable as the transmission medium to distribute precise reference signals from a frequency standard to remote users. The stability goal of the distribution system is to transmit a 100-MHz signal over a 22-km fiber-optic cable and maintain a stability of 1 part in 10(17) for 1000-second averaging times. Active stabilization of the link is required to reduce phase variations produced by environmental effects, and is achieved by transmitting the reference signal from the frequency standard to the remote unit and then reflecting back to the reference unit over the same optical fiber. By comparing the phase of the transmitted and reflected signals at the reference unit, phase variations of the remote signal can be measured. An error voltage derived from the phase difference between the two signals is used to add correction phase.

Primas, L. E.↗

Boundary-layer receptivity and laminar-flow airfoil design

Boundary-layer receptivity examines the way in which external disturbances generate instability waves in boundary layers. Receptivity theory is complementary to stability theory, which studies the evolution of disturbances that are already present in the boundary layer. A transition prediction method which combines receptivity with linear stability theory would directly account for the influence of free-stream disturbances and also consider the characteristics of the boundary layer upstream of the neutral stability point. The current e sup N transition prediction methods require empirical correlations for the influence of environmental disturbances, and totally ignore the boundary layer characteristics upstream of the neutral stability point. The regions where boundary-layer receptivity occurs can be separated into two classes, one near the leading edges and the other at the downstream points where the boundary layer undergoes rapid streamwise adjustments. Analyses were developed for both types of regions, and parametric studies which examine the relative importance of different mechanisms were carried out. The work presented here has focused on the low Mach number case. Extensions to high subsonic and supersonic conditions are presently underway.

Kerschen, Edward J.↗

Liquid Rocket Booster (LRB) for the Space Transportation System (STS) systems study, volume 2

The Liquid Rocket Booster (LRB) Systems Definition Handbook presents the analyses and design data developed during the study. The Systems Definition Handbook (SDH) contains three major parts: the LRB vehicles definition; the Pressure-Fed Booster Test Bed (PFBTB) study results; and the ALS/LRB study results. Included in this volume are the results of all trade studies; final configurations with supporting rationale and analyses; technology assessments; long lead requirements for facilities, materials, components, and subsystems; operational requirements and scenarios; and safety, reliability, and environmental analyses.

Source record↗

Space Station Freedom CHeCS overview

The current status, progress, and future plans for development of the Crew Health Care System (CHeCS) for the International Space Station Freedom are presented. Essential operational biomedical support requirements for the astronauts, including medical care, environmental habitat monitoring, and countermeasures for the potentially maladaptive physiological effects of space flight will be provided by the CHeCS. Three integral parts will make up the system: a health maintenance facility, an environmental health system, and the exercise countermeasures facility. Details of each of the major systems and their subsystems are presented.

Boyce, Joey B.↗

Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES I-M) METSAT project

The primary objective of the METSAT project is to provide a satellite system that meets the National Environmental Satellite Data and Information Service (NESDIS) requirements as specified by NOAA. For the GOES I-M spacecraft, these requirements include an imager and sounder system, a data collection system, and a search and rescue system. The Space Transportation System and GOES I-M development philosophy and the satellite transfer orbit philosophy are explained. The spacecraft will be launched from the Kennedy Space Center using Atlas G/Centaur D-1A expendable launch vehicles. The coverage required for launch and the support of transfer and drift orbits will consist of the 26-m antenna as prime and the TBD antenna as backup for 11 days at all complexes. There will be contingency support 15 days for on-station spacecraft checkout. After the initial 30 to 45 days, the Deep Space Network (DSN) is committed for emergency support. Contingency and emergency support will be provided by Goldstone only. Information is given in tabular form for DSN support, frequency assignments, telemetry, command, and tracking support responsibility.

Blaney, K.↗

High-temperature durability considerations for HSCT combustor

The novel combustor designs for the High Speed Civil Transport will require high temperature materials with long term environmental stability. Higher liner temperatures than in conventional combustors and the need for reduced weight necessitates the use of advanced ceramic matrix composites. The combustor environment is defined at the current state of design, the major degradation routes are discussed for each candidate ceramic material, and where possible, the maximum use temperatures are defined for these candidate ceramics.

Jacobson, Nathan S.↗

NASA Specialized Center for Research and Training (NSCORT) in space environmental health

Activities of the Center for Space Environmental Health (CSEH), one of several NSCORTs supported by NASA in order to advance knowledge in environmental health in space habitats, are reviewed. Research in environmental health will define the standards or requirements needed to protect human health. This information will affect mission plans and the design of space habitats. This reseach will study unique contaminant stresses and lead to risk models for human health and performance.

Clarkson, Thomas W.↗

Critical issues for space life sciences

Human exploration of space requires the interaction of three general systems: environmental health and life support systems, countermeasure systems, and medical care systems. These systems address atmospheric pressure, uncertainties associated with space radiation, the potential for exposure to toxic materials in the closed environment, spacecraft habitability, human physiology, and microgrvaity. While these interdependent systems serve the same overall goal -- the protection of the human crewmember from the hostile space environment -- each has specific essential roles. Individually and in combination the three systems should be responsive to a strategy of risk reduction, so that the scientific possibilities of exploration missions may be maximized.

Nicogossian, Arnauld E.↗

Effect of +Gz Acceleration on the Oxygen Uptake-Excercise Load Relationship during Lower Extremity Ergometer Excercise

Long term spaceflight and habitation of a space station and/or the moon require that astronauts be provided with sufficient environmental and physiological support so that they can not only function in microgravity but be returned to earth safely. As the duration of habitation in microgravity increase the effects of the concomitant deconditioning of body systems becomes a concern for added exercise in space and for reentry to Earth gravity. Many countermeasures have been proposed to maintain proper functioning of the body, but none have proved sufficient, especially when the cost of crew time spent in these activities is considered. The issue of appropriate countermeasures remains unresolved. Spaceflight deconditioning decreases tolerance to +Gz acceleration, head to foot, the direction which is experienced during reentry; the result is that the crew member is more prone to becoming pre-syncopal or syncopal, thus exacerbating the orthostatic intolerance. All ground-based research using microgravity analogues has produced this same lowered G tolerance. When intermittent exposure to +1 to +4 Gz acceleration training was used, some alleviation of orthosatic intolerance and negative physiological effects of deconditioning occurred. Exercise alone was not as effective; but the added G force was. The physiological responses to acceleration added to exercise training have not been clearly shown. We will test the hypothesis that there will be no difference in the exercise oxygen uptake-exercise load relationship with added +Gz acceleration. We wi also compare oxygen uptake during graded exercise-acceleration loads in the human-powered short arm centrifuge with those from normal supine exercise loads. The human-powered short arm centrifuge was built by NASA engineers at Ames Research Center.

Jackson, Catherine G. R.↗

Considerations Affecting Satellite and Space Probe Research with Emphasis on the "Scout" as a Launch Vehicle

This report reviews a number of the factors which influence space flight experiments. Included are discussions of payload considerations, payload design and packaging, environmental tests, launch facilities, tracking and telemetry requirements, data acquisition, processing and analysis procedures, communication of information, and project management. Particular emphasis is placed on the "Scout" as a launching vehicle. The document includes a description of the geometry of the "Scout" as well as its flight capabilities and limitations. Although oriented toward the "Scout" vehicle and its payload capabilities, the information presented is sufficiently general to be equally applicable to most space vehicle systems.

Posner, Jack↗