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At least 937 records · Page 52

The NASA JSC Hypervelocity Impact Technology (HVIT) Office

The Hypervelocity Impact Technology (HVIT) office at the Johnson Space Center (JSC) is dedicated to support NASA flight programs in meeting their meteoroid and orbital debris (MMOD) protection requirements both efficiently and effectively, with a minimum of shielding mass, volume, and cost. This paper provides an overview of HVIT capabilities in providing hypervelocity tests, analyses, MMOD risk assessments and shielding expertise. HVIT personnel work closely with NASA Program personnel to develop program-specific MMOD protection requirements which are achievable based on initial risk assessments. Then HVIT proceeds with hypervelocity impact testing and hydrocode assessments to update and verify ballistic limit equations used in the MMOD risk assessment. The final MMOD risk assessment prior to flight will show compliance with MMOD requirements. This final assessment will also incorporate changes in the MMOD environment from meteoroid showers and orbital debris breakups. After the mission is flown, post-flight inspections are performed by HVIT to document and trend MMOD damage to returned spacecraft surfaces and hardware. A majority of the hypervelocity impact tests are performed at the NASA WSTF Remote Hypervelocity Test Laboratory (RHTL), although other hypervelocity facilities that provide complementary test capabilities are called on when necessary to fill data gaps. HVIT accomplishments in NASA mission support are described. In addition, current HVIT activities to aid on-going NASA crewed missions and science missions are presented.

Hypervelocity↗

The effects of solution treatment on the mechanical properties of age-hardened A-286 bar stock at elevated and cryogenic temperature

The mechanical properties are presented of solution treated and age hardened A-286 corrosion resistant steel bar stock. Material solution treated at 899 C or 982 C, each followed by an age hardening treatment of 718 C, was evaluated. Test specimens manufactured from 1.50 inch (3.81 cm) diameter bar stock were tested at temperatures from +649 C to -253 C. The test data indicated excellent tensile, yield, elongation and reduction-in-area properties at all testing temperatures for both solution treated and aged materials. Cryogenic temperature notched tensile, impact, and shear tests indicated excellent notch strength, ductility, and shear values. There was very little difference in the mechanical properties of the two solution treated and aged materials. The only exception was that the 962 C solution treated and aged material had superior stress rupture properties at 649 C.

Montano, J. W.↗

Graphite-epoxy panel compression strength reduction due to local impact

A review of results from on-going research to investigate the effects of low-velocity impact on the compressive strength of graphite-epoxy structures is presented. Extensive tests have been conducted on sandwich beams, laminated plates and stiffened panels. Conditions for failures were investigated by impact tests on statically loaded test specimens. The effects of compression load intensity were such that lightly loaded graphite structures (such as aircraft secondary structure) were insensitive to impact damage. In more heavily loaded structures, (such as wing panels), however, appreciable reductions in compressive strength occurred. The implications of the tests for structural design are discussed by comparing panel masses for designs where ultimate strains have been reduced due to impact considerations with the masses of designs with higher ultimate strains. Finally, preliminary test data is presented to show the possibility of improvements in damage tolerance achievable by using an alternate matrix material.

Card, M. P.↗

Axial focusing of impact energy in the Earth's interior: Proof-of-principle tests of a new hypothesis

A causal link between major impact events and global processes would probably require a significant change in the thermal state of the Earth's interior, presumably brought about by coupling of impact energy. One possible mechanism for such energy coupling from the surface to the deep interior would be through focusing due to axial symmetry. Antipodal focusing of surface and body waves from earthquakes is a well-known phenomenon which has previously been exploited by seismologists in studies of the Earth's deep interior. Antipodal focusing from impacts on the Moon, Mercury, and icy satellites has also been invoked by planetary scientists to explain unusual surface features opposite some of the large impact structures on these bodies. For example, 'disrupted' terrains have been observed antipodal to the Caloris impact basis on Mercury and Imbrium Basin on the Moon. Very recently there have been speculations that antipodal focusing of impact energy within the mantle may lead to flood basalt and hotspot activity, but there has not yet been an attempt at a rigorous model. A new hypothesis was proposed and preliminary proof-of-principle tests for the coupling of energy from major impacts to the mantle by axial focusing of seismic waves was performed. Because of the axial symmetry of the explosive source, the phases and amplitudes are dependent only on ray parameter (or takeoff angle) and are independent of azimuthal angle. For a symmetric and homogeneous Earth, all the seismic energy radiated by the impact at a given takeoff angle will be refocused (minus attenuation) on the axis of symmetry, regardless of the number of reflections and refractions it has experienced. Mantle material near the axis of symmetry will experience more strain cycles with much greater amplitude than elsewhere and will therefore experience more irreversible heating. The situation is very different than for a giant earthquake, which in addition to having less energy, has an asymmetric focal mechanism and a larger area. Two independent proof-of-principle approaches were used. The first makes use of seismic simulations, which are being performed with a realistic Earth model to determine the degree of focusing along the axis and to estimate the volume of material, if any, that experiences significant irreversible heating. The second involves two-dimensional hydrodynamic code simulations to determine the stress history, internal energy, and temperature rise as a function of radius along the axis.

Boslough, M. B.↗

Study of Aircraft Structural Response and Occupant Loading During a Ditching Event Utilizing LS-DYNA Simulation

In this study, the capability of finite element model (FEM) analysis to assess aircraft structural response and occupant injury risk during aircraft water ditching conditions was evaluated. A FEM of the Fokker F28 aircraft, previously validated against full-scale crash test data, was simulated in a realistic water impact environment utilizing recorded conditions from the ditching of US Airways Flight 1549 into the Hudson River. The FEM of the F28 aircraft, was developed from a NASTRAN loads model provided by the vehicle manufacturer, calibrated using component fuselage drop-tests, and validated through test-analysis comparisons from a full-scale crash test of the F28 onto soil. Simulation results are presented in several categories: vehicle kinematics, structural accelerations, damage, occupant responses, and injury risk predictions. Results were consistent with the general outcomes of Flight 1549, indicating that the developed vehicle FEM, validated against land impact test data, may provide an effective tool for evaluating water ditching events.

Jacob Putnam↗

Validation of the 5th and 95th Percentile Hybrid III Anthropomorphic Test Device Finite Element Model

NASA spacecraft design requirements for occupant protection are a combination of the Brinkley criteria and injury metrics extracted from anthropomorphic test devices (ATD's). For the ATD injury metrics, the requirements specify the use of the 5th percentile female Hybrid III and the 95th percentile male Hybrid III. Furthermore, each of these ATD's is required to be fitted with an articulating pelvis and a straight spine. The articulating pelvis is necessary for the ATD to fit into spacecraft seats, while the straight spine is required as injury metrics for vertical accelerations are better defined for this configuration. The requirements require that physical testing be performed with both ATD's to demonstrate compliance. Before compliance testing can be conducted, extensive modeling and simulation are required to determine appropriate test conditions, simulate conditions not feasible for testing, and assess design features to better ensure compliance testing is successful. While finite element (FE) models are currently available for many of the physical ATD's, currently there are no complete models for either the 5th percentile female or the 95th percentile male Hybrid III with a straight spine and articulating pelvis. The purpose of this work is to assess the accuracy of the existing Livermore Software Technology Corporation's FE models of the 5th and 95th percentile ATD's. To perform this assessment, a series of tests will be performed at Wright Patterson Air Force Research Lab using their horizontal impact accelerator sled test facility. The ATD's will be placed in the Orion seat with a modified-advanced-crew-escape-system (MACES) pressure suit and helmet, and driven with loadings similar to what is expected for the actual Orion vehicle during landing, launch abort, and chute deployment. Test data will be compared to analytical predictions and modelling uncertainty factors will be determined for each injury metric. Additionally, the test data will be used to further improve the FE model, particularly in the areas of the ATD neck components, harness, and suit and helmet effects.

Lawrence, C.↗

Evaluation of a device for in-flight determination of size and distribution of hailstones

A recording instrument (distrometer) for surveying the hail environment aloft was calibrated with single simulated hailstones launched from the hailstone impact simulator. The hailstone manufacture and characteristics, impact simulator, experimental test program, and resulting data are described. Hailstones 1.3, 2.5, 3.8, and 5.1 cm in diameter were impacted on the distrometer at velocities ranging from 20 to 380 m/s. An evaluation of the distrometer based on data from these tests is presented.

Alfaro-Bou, E.↗

Hypervelocity Impact of Composite Overwrap Pressure Vessels

There is a limited amount of hypervelocity impact (HVI) data on pressurized composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPV). In recent years, NASA has performed HVI tests to characterize impact conditions resulting in either leak or burst of the COPVs representative of spacecraft hardware. This paper reports on the results of 40 tests that have been conducted on several types of COPV configurations, pressurized by inert gas to near the vessels rated maximum expected operating pressure (MEOP). These tests were used to better understand COPV response under HVI conditions and develop ballistic limit equations (BLE) related to these tests.

Davis, Bruce A.↗

Impact Properties of Metal Fan Containment Materials Being Evaluated for the High-Speed Civil Transport (HSCT)

Under the Enabling Propulsion Materials (EPM) program - a partnership between NASA, Pratt & Whitney, and GE Aircraft Engines - the Materials and Structures Divisions of the NASA Lewis Research Center are involved in developing a fan-containment system for the High-Speed Civil Transport (HSCT). The program calls for a baseline system to be designed by the end of 1995, with subsequent testing of innovative concepts. Five metal candidate materials are currently being evaluated for the baseline system in the Structures Division's Ballistic Impact Facility. This facility was developed to provide the EPM program with cost-efficient and timely impact test data. At the facility, material specimens are impacted at speeds up to 350 m/sec by projectiles of various sizes and shapes to assess the specimens' ability to absorb energy and withstand impact. The tests can be conducted at either room or elevated temperatures. Posttest metallographic analysis is conducted to improve understanding of the failure modes. A dynamic finite element program is used to simulate the events and both guide the testing as well as aid in designing the fan-containment system.

Source record↗

Project FIRES. Volume 4: Prototype Protective Ensemble Qualification Test Report, Phase 1B

The qualification testing of a prototype firefighter's protective ensemble is documented. Included are descriptions of the design requirements, the testing methods, and the test apparatus. The tests include measurements of individual subsystem characteristics in areas relating to both physical testing, such as heat, flame, impact penetration and human factors testing, such as dexterity, grip, and mobility. Also, measurements related to both physical and human factors testing of the complete ensemble, such as water protection, metabolic expenditures, and compatibility are considered.

Abeles, F. J.↗

A summary of tests on Invar welded with 308L and 8N12 welding rods

The cost and difficulty in obtaining Invarod, the recommended welding rod to weld Invar, nessitated the investigation of substituting more readily available rods that would meet the cryogenic design criteria for the National Transonic Facility (NTF). Two weld rods, 308L and 8N12, were chosen as promising candidates. Four welded specimen plates were made; two plates for each type of weld rod. One plate from each of the 308L and 8N12 weldings was thermally cycled 50 times between 366 K and 89 K while the two remaining plates were not thermally cycled. Specimens were machined from all four plates for three types of tests: tensile, charpy impact, and guided-bend. The methods in making the specimen plates, conduction of the tests, test results, and conclusions leading to the selection of a weld rod are presented.

Cox, J. W.↗

Stennis Space Center Environmental Geographic Information System

As NASA's lead center for rocket propulsion testing, the John C. Stennis Space Center (SSC) monitors and assesses the off-site impacts of such testing through its Environmental Office (SSC-EO) using acoustical models and ancillary data. The SSC-EO has developed a geographical database, called the SSC Environmental Geographic Information System (SSC-EGIS), that covers an eight-county area bordering the NASA facility. Through the SSC-EGIS, the Enivronmental Office inventories, assesses, and manages the nearly 139,000 acres that comprise Stennis Space Center and its surrounding acoustical buffer zone. The SSC-EGIS contains in-house data as well as a wide range of data obtained from outside sources, including private agencies and local, county, state, and U.S. government agencies. The database comprises cadastral/geodetic, hydrology, infrastructure, geo-political, physical geography, and socio-economic vector and raster layers. The imagery contained in the database is varied, including low-resolution imagery, such as Landsat TM and SPOT; high-resolution imagery, such as IKONOS and AVIRIS; and aerial photographs. The SSC-EGIS has been an integral part of several major projects and the model upon which similar EGIS's will be developed for other NASA facilities. The Corps of Engineers utilized the SSC-EGIS in a plan to establish wetland mitigation sites within the SSC buffer zone. Mississippi State University employed the SSC-EGIS in a preliminary study to evaluate public access points within the buffer zone. The SSC-EO has also expressly used the SSC-EGIS to assess noise pollution modeling, land management/wetland mitigation assessment, environmental hazards mapping, and protected areas mapping for archaeological sites and for threatened and endangered species habitats. The SSC-EO has several active and planned projects that will also make use of the SSC-EGIS during this and the coming fiscal year.

Lovely, Janette↗

Acceleration Measurements During Landings of a 1/5.5-Size Dynamic Model of the Columbia XJL-1 Amphibian in Smooth Water and in Waves: Langley Tank Model 208M, TED No. NACA 2336

A 1/5.5-size powered dynamic model of the Columbia XJL-1 amphibian was landed in Langley tank no. 1 in smooth water and in oncoming waves of heights from 2.1 feet to 6.4 feet (full-size) and lengths from 50 feet to 264 feet (full-size). The motions and the vertical accelerations of the model were continuously recorded. The greatest vertical acceleration measured during the smooth-water landings was 3.1g. During landings in rough water the greatest vertical acceleration measured was 15.4g, for a landing in 6.4-foot by 165-foot waves. The impact accelerations increased with increase in wave height and, in general, decreased with increase in wave length. During the landings in waves the model bounced into the air at stalled attitudes at speeds below flying speed. The model trimmed up to the mechanical trim stop (20 deg) during landings in waves of heights greater than 2.0 feet. Solid water came over the bow and damaged the propeller during one landing in 6.4-foot waves. The vertical acceleration coefficients at first impact from the tank tests of a 1/5.5-size model were in fair agreement with data obtained at the Langley impact basin during tests of a 1/2-size model of the hull.

Clement, Eugene P.↗

Reliability of a Test Battery Designed for Quickly and Safely Assessing Diverse Indices of Neuromuscular Function

Spaceflight affects nearly every physiological system. Spaceflight-induced alterations in physiological function translate to decrements in functional performance. Purpose: To develop a test battery for quickly and safely assessing diverse indices of neuromuscular performance. I. Quickly: Battery of tests can be completed in approx.30-40 min. II. Safely: a) No eccentric muscle actions or impact forces. b) Tests present little challenge to postural stability. III. Diverse indices: a) Strength: Excellent reliability (ICC = 0.99) b) Central activation: Very good reliability (ICC = 0.87) c) Power: Excellent reliability (ICC = 0.99) d) Endurance: Total work has excellent reliability (ICC = 0.99) e) Force steadiness: Poor reliability (ICC = 0.20 - 0.60) National

Spiering, Barry A.↗

Flight Test Methodology for NASA Advanced Inlet Liner on 737MAX-7 Test Bed (Quiet Technology Demonstrator 3)

This paper describes the acoustic flight test results of an advanced nacelle inlet acoustic liner concept designed by NASA Langley, in a campaign called Quiet Technology Demonstrator 3 (QTD3). NASA has been developing multiple acoustic liner concepts to benefit acoustics with multiple-degrees of freedom (MDOF) honeycomb cavities, and lower the excrescence drag. Acoustic and drag performance were assessed at a lab-scale, flow duct level in 2016. Limitations of the lab-scale rig left open-ended questions regarding the in-flight acoustic performance. This led to a joint project to acquire acoustic flyover data with this new liner technology built into full scale inlet hardware containing the NASA MDOF Low Drag Liner. Boeing saw an opportunity to collect the acoustic flyover data on the 737 MAX-7 between certification tests at no impact to the overall program schedule, and successfully executed within the allotted time. The flight test methodology and the test configurations are detailed and the acoustic analysis is summarized in this paper. After the tone and broadband deltas associated with the inlet hardware were separated and evaluated, the result was a significant decrease in cumulative EPNL (Effective Perceived Noise Level).

Wong, Jackie W.↗

Hypervelocity impact damage assessment for Space Station

To inhibit damage and limit the probability of penetration of the Space Station pressure wall by micrometeoroids and orbital debris, a shield placed away from the wall is used to form a double wall. To determine shield effectiveness and assess impact damage, existing test data were reviewed and additional testing was performed for Space Station double wall designs. Empirical spallation and penetration functions derived from the data show that shield thickness and impact angle affect the damage to the wall. Thick shields reduce wall damage for low angle impacts but increase damage for oblique impacts. Multilayer insulation between the shield and wall reduces impact damage to the wall. A relationship between impact velocity and spall damage to the wall is demonstrated. Preliminary test results on Li-Al shield material indicate possible improved effectiveness over Al shields.

Coronado, Alex R.↗

Verification and Validation of the RAGE Hydrocode in Preparation for Investigation of Impacts into a Volatile-rich Target

Before a hydrocode is used to investigate a question of scientific interest, it should be tested against analogous laboratory experiments and problems with analytical solutions. The Radiation Adaptive Grid Eulerian (RAGE) hydrocode[1], developed by Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) and Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC)[2,3] has been subjected to many tests during its development.[4,5] We extend and review this work, emphasizing tests relevant to impact cratering into volatile-rich targets.

Plesko, C. S.↗