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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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At least 937 records · Page 52

Renewable Energy, Photovoltaic Systems Near Airfields. Electromagnetic Interference

Recent increases in photovoltaic (PV) systems on Department of the Navy (DON) land and potential siting near airfields prompted Commander, Naval Installations Command to fund the Naval Facilities Engineering Command to evaluate the impact of electromagnetic interference (EMI) from PV systems on airfield electronic equipment. Naval Facilities Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center tasked Department of Energy National Renewable Energy laboratory (NREL) to conduct the assessment. PV systems often include high-speed switching semiconductor circuits to convert the voltage produced by the PV arrays to the voltage needed by the end user. Switching circuits inherently produce electromagnetic radiation at harmonics of the switching frequency. In this report, existing literature is summarized and tests to measure emissions and mitigation methods are discussed. The literature shows that the emissions from typical PV systems are low strength and unlikely to cause interference to most airfield electronic systems. With diligent procurement and siting of PV systems, including specifications for FCC Part 15 Class A compliant equipment and a 250-foot setback from communication equipment, NREL anticipates little to no EMI impact on nearby communications or telemetry equipment.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Quick Guide for SNS-NSE Reduction Software DrSpine (Data Reduction for Spin Echo)

This is a general guide to quick access the most common commands for DrSpine (Data Reduction for Spin Echo) data reduction software of the SNS-NSE spectrometer. Over the length of the manuscript the symbol “ $ “ represents the OS shell prompt, i.e., the beginning of a command line in a shell terminal, while the symbol “-->” represents the beginning of a command line in the DrSpine reduction software, after the activation of the reduction environment.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Nuclear Testing and the Joint Task Force System

During the 1940s, 50s, and early 60s, the United States conducted eight nuclear test operations in the far reaches of the Pacific Ocean. These operations were possible only because of a military command and control organization, the joint task force. Commanded by the Army Navy, and Air Force on a rotating basis, each of the seven JTFs provided the means by which the thousands of ships, planes, material, and personnel were moved over thousands of miles of ocean. The first task force, JTF-1, was created to test the destructive effects of the Fat Man bomb on Naval vessels at Bikini Atoll in the summer of 1946. Commanded by Vice Admiral William “Spike” Blandy, JTF-1 was a purely military operation supported by the MED. Never meant to be a permanent organization, JTF-1 was dissolved soon after completing its mission.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗

Athena-I CUBIT Journal Files

The Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP)1 transport code version 6 (also known as MCNP6) has the capability for tracking particles on unstructured mesh (UM) geometry models embedded into con structive solid geometry (CSG) cells. This feature has been developed for performing calculations of complex geometry models because manually creating CSG models is a time-consuming and error prone process as the complexities of geometries increase. The UM capability was originally designed to work with UM models created with the Abaqus software and ASCII input files that it generates. The MCNP code version 6.0 and later can process UM models formatted as Abaqus input files. Starting with version 6.3, MCNP can also process HDF5 mesh input files. External codes must be used to generate Abaqus input files for MCNP UM calculations. CUBIT, the Sandia National Laboratory automated mesh generation toolkit, can generate a UM model formatted as an Abaqus input file. However, the Abaqus input files exported from CUBIT cannot be used for MCNP simulations because it lacks the proper syntax. A Python script was developed to convert an Abaqus file created by CUBIT to an Abaqus file format that MCNP can process. Creating UM models for complex geometries is not an easy task. The process of creating UM models in CUBIT for MCNP simulations is detailed in. CUBIT provides several user interface options including a graphical user interface (GUI) and a command line interface. A GUI provides an easy way to use CUBIT without learning the CUBIT command syntax. When using CUBIT with either interface option, command lines are written into an ASCII file known as a journal file; this journal file can be edited and archived so that it can be played back in CUBIT to automatically generate a UM model. This report describes the CUBIT journal files of the UM models developed for Athena-I. The Athena platform, an energy-tuning assembly, was developed to spectrally shape the National Ignition Facility (NIF) deuterium-tritium fusion neutron source to a thermonuclear (fusion) plus prompt fission neutron spectrum with capability to act as a short-pulse neutron source. MCNP6 was used for the Athena experiment design analysis.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Developing a GUI for the Robotic Test Stand

The introduction of this poster explains the technology behind DUNE’s far and near detectors and how passing neutrinos generate electrons that drift into a wire grid. I then explain how 3 ASICs manage signals received from electron interception. Next, the poster states how COLDATA chips are undergoing quality control by a Robotic Test Stand using a state machine. I further explained how earlier tests were done via a command line script and the necessity to implement a user-friendly Graphical User Interface with new features a command line can’t implement. For the implementation section, tools and methods for implementation are listed such as Python, tkinter, and GitHub as well as how multithreading and queue implementation was necessary for GUI functionality. Then, I elaborated on the GUIs new features. Finally, I explain how the GUI will be distributed across multiple institutions and future changes planned for the GUI. Photos of the RTS, far detector cave, diagram of anode assembly plane, COLDATA chips, set up tab, result tab, and legacy command line interface are shown.

Gutierrez Villanueva, Jaziel [DuPage Coll.]↗

Improved phase-shift-keyed detector

Improved phase-shift-keyed detector contains an active filter circuit which uses an operational amplifier and resistor-capacitor network. The detector is used in the Saturn space vehicle and Apollo telescope mount command systems to translate an analog signal from the command receiver into digital information for the command decoder.

Chandler, J.↗

Apollo experience reports: Window contamination

The problem of window contamination in the Apollo command module is reviewed. All five command module windows were contaminated while in earth orbit on the first three manned Apollo flights. The contamination sources were identified and eliminated. Preflight testing of lunar module windows showed that no serious contamination should occur, and this conclusion was verified in subsequent manned flights. The command module window designs and materials are described, the window contamination sources are identified, and the inflight and chemical analyses of the contamination are outlined. The corrective actions that were taken are reviewed. For the lunar module, the window design and materials and the preflight and fight evaluations are described. Window design recommendations are made.

Leger, L. J.↗

Performance of the CSM RCS during the AS 506/CSM 107/LM 5 mission (Apollo 11)

The Apollo 11 service module and the command module (CM) reaction control system performed satisfactorily throughout the mission. Two anomalies which occurred were an inadvertent isolation valve closure during command and service module/Saturn S4B/lunar module separation and a failure of a CM thruster to respond to automatic commands. The isolation valves were later opened by the crew and remained open during the remainder of the mission. The cause of the closure was determined to be the shock loads generated during separation. The CM engine malfunction was caused by a faulty terminal board connector. All system parameters were normal during the mission, and all mission requirements were satisfied.

Lingle, W. N.↗

Apollo 16 Mission Anomaly Report No. 1: Oxidizer Deservicing Tank Failure

The command module reaction control system is emptied of all remaining propellant using ground support equipment designed to provide an acid/base neutralization of the propellant in both the liquid and gaseous phases so that it may be disposed of safely. During the deactivation operation of the oxidizer from the Apollo 16 command module on 7 May 1972, the scrubber tank of the decontamination unit exploded, destroying the ground support equipment unit and damaging the building that housed the operation. Only minor injuries were received by the personnel in the area and the command module was not damaged. Test results show that the failure was caused by an insufficient quantity of neutralizer for the quantity of oxidizer. This insufficiency lead to exothermic nitration-type reactions which produced large quantities of gas at a very high rate and failed the decontamination tank.

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Aircraft control system

An aircraft control system is described which is particularly suited to rotary wing aircraft. Longitudinal acceleration and course rate commands are derived from a manual control stick to control translational velocity of the aircraft along a flight path. In the collective channel the manual controls provide vertical velocity commands. In the yaw channel the manual controls provide sideslip or heading rate commands at high or low airspeeds, respectively. The control system permits pilots to fly along prescribed flight paths in a precise manner with relatively low work load.

Rempfer, P. S.↗

Tracking and data relay satellite system configuration and tradeoff study. Volume 1: TDRS system summary, part 1

A Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) concept for service of low and medium data rate user spacecraft has been defined. The TDRS system uses two geosynchronous dual spin satellites compatible with Delta 2914 to provide command, tracking, and telemetry service between multiple low earth orbiting users and a centrally located ground station. The low data rate user service capability via each TDRS is as follows: (1) forward link at UHF: voice to one user, commands to 20 users (sequential), range and range rate service, and (2) return link at VHF: voice from one user, data from 20 users (simultaneous), range and range rate return signals. The medium data rate user service via each TDRS is as follows: (1) forward link at S band: voice or command and tracking signals to one user, and (2) return link at S band: voice, data and tracking signals from one user "order wire" for high priority service requests (implemented with an earth coverage antenna).

Source record↗

Analysis of a flare-director concept for an externally blown flap STOL aircraft

A flare-director concept involving a thrust-required flare-guidance equation was developed and tested on a moving-base simulator. The equation gives a signal to command thrust as a linear function of the errors between the variables thrust, altitude, and altitude rate and corresponding values on a desired reference flare trajectory. During the simulator landing tests this signal drove either the horizontal command bar of the aircraft's flight director or a thrust-command dot on a head-up virtual-image display of a flare director. It was also used as the input to a simple autoflare system. An externally blown flap STOL (short take-off and landing) aircraft (with considerable stability and control augmentation) was modeled for the landing tests. The pilots considered the flare director a valuable guide for executing a proper flare-thrust program under instrument-landing conditions, but were reluctant to make any use of the head-up display when they were performing the landings visually.

Middleton, D. B.↗

Apollo experience report: Guidance and control systems: Automated control system for unmanned mission AS-201

The Apollo command module heat shield and Apollo command and service module/Saturn launch vehicle structural integrity were evaluated in an unmanned test flight. An automated control system was developed to provide the mission event sequencing, the real-time ground control interface, and the backup attitude reference system for the unmanned flight. The required mission events, the design logic, the redundancy concept, and the ground-support-equipment concept are described and some development problem areas are discussed. The mission event time line and the real-time ground command list are included to provide an outline of the control system capabilities and requirements. The mission was accomplished with the automated control system, which functioned without flight anomalies.

Holloway, G. F.↗

Switch selector processing

The proper program execution of the switch selector commands that provide sequencing signals to the launch vehicle hardware was verified. Correct execution of each step necessary to activate a switch selector command and maintenance of the minimum timing requirements between steps are verified through analysis of a series of 6D/LVDC intermediate timing cases. Nominal and perturbed switch selector feedback conditions are simulated to verify correct processing of all realistic and timing combinations. A command which is in progress can be properly terminated by issuance of a forced reset. This is verified by forcing the conditions which require a forced reset and observing that the proper termination is completed.

Source record↗

Manual control displays for a four-dimensional landing approach

Six instrument rated pilots flew a STOL fixed base simulator to study the effectiveness of three displays for a four dimensional approach. The three examined displays were a digital readout of forward position error, a digital speed command, and an analog display showing forward position error and error prediction. A flight director was used in all conditions. All test runs were for a typical four dimensional approach in moderate turbulence that included a change in commanded ground speed, a change in flight path angle, and two standard rate sixty degree turns. Use of the digital forward position error display resulted in large overshoot in the forward position error. Some type of lead (rate or prediction information) was shown to be needed. The best overall performance was obtained using the speed command display. It was demonstrated that curved approaches can be flown with relative ease.

Silverthorn, J. T.↗

Information retrieval and display system

Versatile command-driven data management system offers users, through simplified command language, a means of storing and searching data files, sorting data files into specified orders, performing simple or complex computations, effecting file updates, and printing or displaying output data. Commands are simple to use and flexible enough to meet most data management requirements.

Groover, J. L.↗

LANDSAT-1 and LANDSAT-2 flight evaluation report

The LANDSAT-1 spacecraft was launched from the Western Test Range on 23 July 1972, at 18:08:06.508Z. The launch and orbital injection phase of the space flight was nominal and deployment of the spacecraft followed predictions. Orbital operations of the spacecraft and payload subsystems were satisfactory through Orbit 147, after which an internal short circuit disabled one of the Wideband Video Tape Recorders (WBVTR-2). Operations resumed until Orbit 196, when the Return Beam Vidicon failed to respond when commanded off. The RBV was commanded off via alternate commands. LANDSAT-1 continued to perform its imaging mission with the Multispectral Scanner and the remaining Wideband Video Tape Recorder providing image data.

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Digital flight control design for a tandem-rotor helicopter

Methods and results in the continuing development of a digital flight control system (DFCS) for the CH-47B helicopter are examined. The helicopter is the research vehicle for the NASA VTOL Approach and Landing Technology (VALT) Program. It is equipped with comprehensive equipment for the investigation of navigation, guidance, and control requirements for future VTOL aircraft. Two control modes (attitude-command and velocity-command) are implemented, and each mode provides 'Type 1' response to guidance commands. DFCS design is based upon optimal estimation and control methods, which are found to provide flexible and efficient means for defining practical digital control systems.

Stengel, R. F.↗