Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Leg”

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 937 records · Page 52

Exploratory investigation of the aerodynamic characteristics of a biwing vehicle at Mach 20.3

Longitudinal and lateral-directional characteristics of a simple biwing configuration were determined over an angle-of-attack range from -3 deg to 50 deg. The body was comprised of a cylindrical section with an ogival forebody having an overall fineness ratio of 6.67. The delta wings had a 38.3 deg sweep angle and were geometrically similar in planform. The upper wing was located slightly forward relative to the lower wing. The model was tested in upright and inverted orientations including component buildups. This investigation was conducted in the 22-inch aerodynamics leg of the Langley Hypersonic Helium Tunnel Facility.

Bernot, P. T.↗

High Sensitivity, High Angular Resolution Far-infrared Photometry from the KAO

Most of the luminosity of embedded sources is reemitted in the far-infrared continuum. Measurements in the far-infrared are essential to understand the energetics of the interstellar medium, and of star formation regions in particular. Measurements from the KAO, are made in diffraction limited beams that sample a spatial scale considerably smaller than that given by IRAS. The KAO instrument technology has matured to the point that the single scan limiting flux of IRAS at 100 micro can be reached in a diffraction limited beam in a single typical KAO observing leg. The far-infrared photometer system and selections of recent observations are presented.

Lester, D.↗

Instrumental background in balloon-borne gamma-ray spectrometers and techniques for its reduction

Instrumental background in balloon-borne gamma-ray spectrometers is presented. The calculations are based on newly available interaction cross sections and new analytic techniques, and are the most detailed and accurate published to date. Results compare well with measurements made in the 20 keV to 10 MeV energy range by the Goddard Low Energy Gamma-ray Spectrometer (LEGS). The principal components of the continuum background in spectrometers with GE detectors and thick active shields are: (1) elastic neutron scattering of atmospheric neutrons on the Ge nuclei; (2) aperture flux of atmospheric and cosmic gamma rays; (3) beta decays of unstable nuclides produced by nuclear interactions of atmospheric protons and neutrons with Ge nuclei; and (4) shield leakage of atmospheric gamma rays. The improved understanding of these components leads to several recommended techniques for reducing the background.

Gehrels, N.↗

A Brief Description of the Two Primate Experiments to Be Carried Out on SL-4

Two primate experiments to be carried on Spacelab 4 are discussed. One of these investigates thermoregulation of primates during altered gravity. In previous ground-based tests, primate heat distribution was shown to change during centrifugation (a way of subjecting subjects to higher-than-Earth gravity), the inner body cooling off and the skin temperature rising. The adaptive and homeostatic mechanisms triggered by spaceflight are studied. Ways in which to correct any undesirable shifts in the homeostatic capabilities of the thermoregulatory control system are addressed. The other experiment involving primates addressess the changes in fluid distribution and electrolyte content of blood that occur in spaceflight. During previous space missions, fluid shifts from the legs to the chest and head have been noted. Ground-based studies have shown decreases in blood potassium levels and increases in potassium excretion.

Elsea, L.↗

High voltage isolation transformer

A high voltage isolation transformer is provided with primary and secondary coils separated by discrete electrostatic shields from the surfaces of insulating spools on which the coils are wound. The electrostatic shields are formed by coatings of a compound with a low electrical conductivity which completely encase the coils and adhere to the surfaces of the insulating spools adjacent to the coils. Coatings of the compound also line axial bores of the spools, thereby forming electrostatic shields separating the spools from legs of a ferromagnetic core extending through the bores. The transformer is able to isolate a high constant potential applied to one of its coils, without the occurrence of sparking or corona, by coupling the coatings, lining the axial bores to the ferromagnetic core and by coupling one terminal of each coil to the respective coating encasing the coil.

Clatterbuck, C. H.↗

Conceptual design of a fixed-pitch wind turbine generator system rated at 400 kilowatts

The design and cost aspects of a fixed pitch, 400 kW Wind Turbine Generator (WTG) concept are presented. Improvements in reliability and cost reductions were achieved with fixed pitch operation and by incorporating recent advances in WTG technology. The specifications for this WTG concept were as follows: (1) A fixed pitch, continuous wooden rotor was to be provided by the Gougeon Bros. Co. (2) An 8 leg hyperboloid tower that showed promise as a low cost structure was to be used. (3) Only commercially available components and parts that could be easily fabricated were to be considered. (4) Design features deemed desirable based on recent NASA research efforts were to be incorporated. Detailed costs and weight estimates were prepared for the second machine and a wind farm of 12 WTG's. The calculated cost of energy for the fixed pitch, twelve unit windfarm is 11.5 cents/kW hr not including the cost of land and access roads. The study shows feasibility of fixed pitch, intermediate power WTG operation.

Pintz, A.↗

Eddy current jet engine disk-crack monitor

A disk-crack monitor is described that is suitable for use on the ground or in flight. The system consists of an engine-mounted eddy current sensor, a series capacitance in each leg of the sensor circuit, and a capacitance-conductance bridge followed by an oscilloscope capable of advanced signal processing. It was applied to the detection of service-induced cracks in the first-stage turbine wheel of a helicopter engine. A 3.5 mm long radial fatigue crack plus smaller cracks, all located in the blade root region of the wheel, were detected during engine test stand operation at ground idle speed and temperature. The calculation of the value of series capacitance is also presented.

Barranger, J. P.↗

Analytical modeling of circuit aerodynamics in the new NASA Lewis Altitude Wind Tunnel

Rehabilitation and extention of the capability of the altitude wind tunnel (AWT) was analyzed. The analytical modelling program involves the use of advanced axisymmetric and three dimensional viscous analyses to compute the flow through the various AWT components. Results for the analytical modelling of the high speed leg aerodynamics are presented; these include: an evaluation of the flow quality at the entrance to the test section, an investigation of the effects of test section bleed for different model blockages, and an examination of three dimensional effects in the diffuser due to reentry flow and due to the change in cross sectional shape of the exhaust scoop.

Towne, C. E.↗

Plasma lactic dehydrogenase activities in men during bed rest with exercise training

Peak oxygen uptake and the activity of lactic dehydrogenase (LDH-T) and its five isoenzymes were measured by spectrophotometer in seven men before, during, and after bed rest and exercise training. Exercise training consisted of isometric leg exercises of 250 kcal/hr for a period of one hour per day. It is found that LDH-T was reduced by 0.05 percent in all three regimens by day 10 of bed rest, and that the decrease occurred at different rates. The earliest reduction in LDH-T activity in the no-exercise regimen was associated with a decrease in peak oxygen uptake of 12.3 percent. It is concluded that isometric (aerobic) muscular strength training appear to maintain skeletal muscle integrity better during bed rest than isotonic exercise training. Reduced hydrostatic pressure during bed rest, however, ultimately counteracts the effects of both moderate isometric and isotonic exercise training, and may result in decreased LDH-T activity.

Greenleaf, J. E.↗

Exercise thermoregulation in men after 6 hours of immersion

The present investigation is concerned with thermoregulation at rest and during exercise after water-immersion deconditioning, giving particular attention to the effects of fluid shifts and negative water balance on sweat rate and rectal temperature. Six healthy males 20-35 years old were used in the experiments. Rectal and mean skin temperature, skin heat conductance, heart rate, and total body sweat rate were measured during 70 min of supine leg exercise at 50 percent of peak O2 uptake. The data were taken after a 6-h control period in air and after immersion to the neck in water (34.5 C) for 6 h after overnight food and fluid restriction. Attention is given to end exercise heart rates and data during exercise. The obtained results suggest that, compared with control responses, the equilibrium level of core temperature during submaximal exercise is regulated at a higher level after immersion.

Greenleaf, J. E.↗

Effects of thermal stress and exercise on blood volume in humans

The available experimental data base on the effects of exercise, posture and the environment (heat) on the blood volume, composition and concentration in humans is surveyed in depth to synthesize supportable conclusions. A large disparity is noted in the effective controls which were initiated in previous experimental conditions, resulting in contradictory findings regarding, e.g., hemoconcentrations and hemodilution in response to exercise. Comparisons between the results of exercise and of supine, seated and upright subjects has underscored the importance of gravity in hemoconcentration, particularly in the legs, and the generation of aldotestosterone. Hemoconcentration has been confirmed to increase with exercise in a seated or supine position. Exercise in a heated environment transfers cardiac output from core areas and reduces filtration efficiencies. Also, plasma volume increases, an action which cannot yet be associated with crystalloidal or colloidal influences on the osmotic behavior of cell walls.

Harrison, M. H.↗

Upper limits to the annihilation radiation luminosity of Centaurus A

A high resolution observation of the active nucleus galaxy Centaurus A (NGC 5128) was made by the GSFC low energy gamma-ray spectrometer (LEGS) during a balloon flight on 1981 November 19. The measured spectrum between 70 and 500 keV is well represented by a power law of the form 1.05 x 10 (-4) (E/100 keV) (-1.59) ph/sq cm/s with no breaks or line features observed. The 98 percent confidence (2 sigma) flux upper limit for a narrow (3 keV) 511-keV positron annihilation line is 9.9 x 10 (-4) ph/sq cm/s. Using this upper limit, the ratio of the narrow-line annihilation radiation luminosity to the integral or = 511 keV luminosity is estimated to be 0.09 (2 sigma upper limit). This is compared with the measured value for our Galactic center in the Fall of 1979 of 0.10 to 0.13, indicating a difference in the emission regions in the nuclei of the two galaxies.

Gehrels, N.↗

The microwave structure of hot coronal loops

The thermal cyclotron emission from model dipole magnetic loops is computed. It is shown that a simple, isothermal dipole loop can show a great deal of spatial and polarization structure at microwave frequencies. This structure is sensitive to the observation frequency and angle of observation. Two qualitatively distinct microwave loop structures can be distinguished: (1) 'thin loop,' observed as a string of independent microwave peaks, corresponding to different harmonics of the local electron gyrofrequency; and (2) 'thick loop,' the harmonics are merged, so that a more continuous microwave structure is observed. It is shown that the presence of an external plasma can result in a change in the observed mode of polarization along one leg of a loop, without a change in the sign of the line-of-sight magnetic field. Models such as these, along with high-resolution microwave and related observations, can provide an excellent diagnostic of the magnetic and plasma properties of coronal loops.

Holman, G. D.↗

Recording Interferograms Holographically

Images of experiments stored for later analysis Classical interferometer modified for holography by removing entrance semireflecting mirror and inserting holographic recording in one of legs. Collimated laser beam projected through hologram and directed to remaining semitransparent mirror. Combines with reference beam from same laser to form virtual image of original experiment. Developed for experiments on crystal growth during space flights. Images recorded rapidly under constraints of experiments and later examined on ground.

Comeens, E. R.↗

Two-Arm-Manipulator Controller

Shoulder harness allows wearer to control simultaneously and independently two remote manipulator arms and end effectors. Each manipulator arm would have 7 degrees of freedom. Two arm mechanisms of controller moved by operator's arms and hands. Remote manipulator, located elsewhere, responds to operator's arm and hand movements. Adjustable shoulder straps, waist belt, and leg straps hold harness securely on wearer. Mechanisms and harness allow operator to reach almost normally at control station.

Coryell, S.↗

Antenna Quadripod With Reduced Blockage

Design study for subreflector support of 64-m-diameter paraboloidal microwave antenna described in 19-page report. Objective of study to upgrade existing antenna quadripod, subject to mechanical and electromagnetic design requirements and optimization criteria. Principal effort directed toward reducing signal blockage by quadripod legs while minimizing structural weight.

Cucchissi, J. J.↗

Plant growth chamber M design

Crop production is just one of the many processes involved in establishing long term survival of man in space. The benefits of integrating higher plants into the overall plan was recognized early by NASA through the Closed Ecological Life Support System (CELSS) program. The first step is to design, construct, and operate a sealed (gas, liquid, and solid) plant growth chamber. A 3.6 m diameter by 6.7 m high closed cylinder (previously used as a hypobaric vessel during the Mercury program) is being modified for this purpose. The chamber is mounted on legs with the central axis vertical. Entrance to the chamber is through an airlock. This chamber will be devoted entirely to higher plant experimentation. Any waste treatment, food processing or product storage studies will be carried on outside of this chamber. Its primary purpose is to provide input and output data on solids, liquids, and gases for single crop species and multiple species production using different nutrient delivery systems.

Prince, R. P.↗

Laboratory glassware rack for seismic safety

A rack for laboratory bottles and jars for chemicals and medicines has been designed to provide the maximum strength and security to the glassware in the event of a significant earthquake. The rack preferably is rectangular and may be made of a variety of chemically resistant materials including polypropylene, polycarbonate, and stainless steel. It comprises a first plurality of parallel vertical walls, and a second plurality of parallel vertical walls, perpendicular to the first. These intersecting vertical walls comprise a self-supporting structure without a bottom which sits on four legs. The top surface of the rack is formed by the top edges of all the vertical walls, which are not parallel but are skewed in three dimensions. These top edges form a grid matrix having a number of intersections of the vertical walls which define a number of rectangular compartments having varying widths and lengths and varying heights.

Cohen, M. M.↗