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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 973 records · Page 54

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NASA NTRS2017

Coil-On-Plug Ignition for Oxygen/Methane Liquid Rocket Engines in Thermal-Vacuum Environments

A coil-on-plug ignition system has been developed and tested for Liquid Oxygen (LOX)/liquid methane (LCH4) rocket engines operating in thermal vacuum conditions. The igniters were developed and tested as part of the Integrated Cryogenic Propulsion Test Article (ICPTA), previously tested as part of the Project Morpheus test vehicle. The ICPTA uses an integrated, pressure-fed, cryogenic LOX/LCH4 propulsion system including a reaction control system (RCS) and a main engine. The ICPTA was tested at NASA Glenn Research Center's Plum Brook Station in the Spacecraft Propulsion Research Facility (B-2) under vacuum and thermal vacuum conditions. A coil-on-plug ignition system has been developed to successfully demonstrate ignition reliability at these conditions while preventing corona discharge issues. The ICPTA uses spark plug ignition for both the main engine igniter and the RCS. The coil-on-plug configuration eliminates the conventional high-voltage spark plug cable by combining the coil and the spark plug into a single component. Prior to ICPTA testing at Plum Brook, component-level reaction control engine (RCE) and main engine igniter testing was conducted at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC), which demonstrated successful hot-fire ignition using the coil-on-plug from sea-level ambient conditions down to 10(exp -2) torr. Integrated vehicle hot-fire testing at JSC demonstrated electrical and command/data system performance. Lastly, hot-fire testing at Plum Brook demonstrated successful ignitions at simulated altitude conditions at 30 torr and cold thermal-vacuum conditions at 6 torr. The test campaign successfully proved that coil-on-plug technology will enable integrated LOX/LCH4 propulsion systems in future spacecraft.

Melcher, John C.↗

NASA NTRS2022

An Earth System Digital Twin for Flood Prediction and Analysis

An Earth System Digital Twin (ESDT) is a dynamic, interactive, digital replica of the state and temporal evolution of Earth systems. It integrates multiple models along with observation data, and connecting them with analysis, AI, and visualization tools. Together, these enable users to explore the current state of the Earth system, predict future conditions, and run hypothetical scenarios to understand how the system would evolve under various assumptions. The NASA’s Advanced Information Systems Technology (AIST)’s Integrated Digital Earth Analysis System (IDEAS) project is to establish an extensible architectural solution to develop digital twins of our physical environment for Earth Science. IDEAS delivers a formal system architecture with mechanisms for the outputs of one model to feed into others; for driving models with observation data; and for harmonizing observation data and model outputs for analysis. To validate and demonstrate the IDEAS architecture, this project collaborates with the Space Climate Observatory (SCO)’s FloodDAM project and the Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales (CNES) to focus on floods detection, prediction and their impacts.

Kettig, Peter↗

NASA NTRS1993

A 128 x 128 CMOS Active Pixel Image Sensor for Highly Integrated Imaging Systems

A new CMOS-based image sensor that is intrinsically compatible with on-chip CMOS circuitry is reported. The new CMOS active pixel image sensor achieves low noise, high sensitivity, X-Y addressability, and has simple timing requirements. The image sensor was fabricated using a 2 micrometer p-well CMOS process, and consists of a 128 x 128 array of 40 micrometer x 40 micrometer pixels. The CMOS image sensor technology enables highly integrated smart image sensors, and makes the design, incorporation and fabrication of such sensors widely accessible to the integrated circuit community.

Mendis, Sunetra K.↗

NASA NTRS1994

Ultra Low Power Imaging Systems Using CMOS Image Sensor Technology

The need for miniaturization in advanced science sensor systems has led to the development of a new image sensor technology, the active pixel image sensor (APS). The development of CMOS APS technology allows the integration of timing and control electronics, imaging detector arrays, signal chains and analog-to-digital conversion on a single integrated circuit. The impact on the imaging system is to reduce power by approximately 1000x over existing systems - from tens of watts to tens of milliwatts.

imaging↗

NASA NTRS1985

Fuel containment and damage tolerance in large composite primary aircraft structures. Phase 2: Testing

Technical issues associated with fuel containment and damage tolerance of composite wing structures for transport aircraft were investigated. Material evaluation tests were conducted on two toughened resin composites: Celion/HX1504 and Celion/5245. These consisted of impact, tension, compression, edge delamination, and double cantilever beam tests. Another test series was conducted on graphite/epoxy box beams simulating a wing cover to spar cap joint configuration of a pressurized fuel tank. These tests evaluated the effectiveness of sealing methods with various fastener types and spacings under fatigue loading and with pressurized fuel. Another test series evaluated the ability of the selected coatings, film, and materials to prevent fuel leakage through 32-ply AS4/2220-1 laminates at various impact energy levels. To verify the structural integrity of the technology demonstration article structural details, tests were conducted on blade stiffened panels and sections. Compression tests were performed on undamaged and impacted stiffened AS4/2220-1 panels and smaller element tests to evaluate stiffener pull-off, side load and failsafe properties. Compression tests were also performed on panels subjected to Zone 2 lightning strikes. All of these data were integrated into a demonstration article representing a moderately loaded area of a transport wing. This test combined lightning strike, pressurized fuel, impact, impact repair, fatigue and residual strength.

Sandifer, J. P.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Approach and landing aerodynamic technologies for advanced STOL fighter configurations

Providing next-generation fighter aircraft with STOL capability will require effective high-lift systems, methods of providing adequate longitudinal trim and control, and thrust reversers compatible with advanced configurations. Recent wind-tunnel tests in the NASA Langley 4 x 7-m tunnel have provided the opportunity to investigate some promising technologies for providing this STOL capability. These tests include investigations of the high-lift contribution of spanwise blowing on a trailing-edge flap system, the trim capability of a blown high-lift canard, and the deceleration contribution of a thrust reverser for ground-roll reduction. This paper reviews the results of each investigation and examines the integration of these technologies on a common advanced-fighter configuration to determine their compatibility and the resulting overall performance of the configurations.

Banks, D. W.↗

NASA NTRS2002

Successes of Small Business Innovation Research at NASA Glenn Research Center

This booklet of success stories highlights the NASA Glenn Research Center's accomplishments and successes by the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs. These success stories are the results of selecting projects that support NASA missions and also have high commercialization potential. Each success story describes the innovation accomplished, commercialization of the technology, and further applications and usages. This booklet emphasizes the integration and incorporation of technologies into NASA missions and other government projects. The company name and the NASA contact person are identified to encourage further usage and application of the SBIR developed technologies and also to promote further commercialization of these products.

Kim, Walter S.↗

NASA NTRS2004

NASA's Aeronautics Vision

Six long-term technology focus areas are: 1. Environmentally Friendly, Clean Burning Engines. Focus: Develop innovative technologies to enable intelligent turbine engines that significantly reduce harmful emissions while maintaining high performance and increasing reliability. 2. New Aircraft Energy Sources and Management. Focus: Discover new energy sources and intelligent management techniques directed towards zero emissions and enable new vehicle concepts for public mobility and new science missions. 3. Quiet Aircraft for Community Friendly Service. Focus: Develop and integrate noise reduction technology to enable unrestricted air transportation service to all communities. 4. Aerodynamic Performance for Fuel Efficiency. Focus: Improve aerodynamic efficiency,structures and materials technologies, and design tools and methodologies to reduce fuel burn and minimize environmental impact and enable new vehicle concepts and capabilities for public mobility and new science missions. 5. Aircraft Weight Reduction and Community Access. Focus: Develop ultralight smart materials and structures, aerodynamic concepts, and lightweight subsystems to increase vehicle efficiency, leading to high altitude long endurance vehicles, planetary aircraft, advanced vertical and short takeoff and landing vehicles and beyond. 6. Smart Aircraft and Autonomous Control. Focus: Enable aircraft to fly with reduced or no human intervention, to optimize flight over multiple regimes, and to provide maintenance on demand towards the goal of a feeling, seeing, sensing, sentient air vehicle.

Tenney, Darrel R.↗

NASA NTRS2012

Loss of Control Prevention and Recovery: Onboard Guidance, Control, and Systems Technologies

Loss of control (LOC) is one of the largest contributors to fatal aircraft accidents worldwide. LOC accidents are complex in that they can result from numerous causal and contributing factors acting alone or (more often) in combination. These LOC hazards include vehicle impairment conditions, external disturbances; vehicle upset conditions, and inappropriate crew actions or responses. Hence, there is no single intervention strategy to prevent these accidents. NASA previously defined a comprehensive research and technology development approach for reducing LOC accidents and an associated integrated system concept. Onboard technologies for improved situation awareness, guidance, and control for LOC prevention and recovery are needed as part of this approach. Such systems should include: LOC hazards effects detection and mitigation; upset detection, prevention and recovery; and mitigation of combined hazards. NASA is conducting research in each of these areas. This paper provides an overview of this research, including the near-term LOC focus and associated analysis, as well as preliminary flight system architecture.

Belcastro, Christine M.↗

NASA NTRS2018

Ubiquitous Surveillance Notional Architecture for System-Wide DAA Capabilities in the NAS

There is an increasing demand for access to the national airspace system (NAS) by new entrants such as unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) and space vehicles. The need is driving the research into the development of a ubiquitous surveillance framework. A framework where all means of aircraft position tracking systems, both cooperative and noncooperative, would be correlated and made available to all NAS users. The architecture of an envisioned surveillance system was the focus of a recent Volpe National Transportation Systems Center research activity. In this work, the term ''Framework'' is used to characterize an operational environment that forms the context for future UAS operations. Within this framework, the use of all existing and future surveillance technologies is envisioned. Included would be all airspace locations; including coverage for airspace not under surveillance today. While these surveillance means and methods of air traffic control may currently constrain new entrant operations, they also provide the opportunity for the plethora of enabling technological capabilities with associated policies and procedures that can result in the safe, orderly and efficient operation. The focus of this paper is to survey and identify surveillance technologies to support the integration of new entrants in the NAS, and how those technologies can be aggregated.

Surveillance↗

NASA NTRS2007

Integration and Testing Challenges of Small, Multiple Satellite Missions: Experiences From The Space Technology 5 Project

This brief presentation describes the mechanical and electrical integration activities and environmental testing challenges of the Space Technology 5 (ST5) Project. Lessons learned during this process are highlighted, including performing mechanical activities serially to gain efficiency through repetition and performing electrical activities based on the level of subsystem expertise available.

Sauerwein, Timothy A.↗

NASA NTRS2013

Display Provides Pilots with Real-Time Sonic-Boom Information

Supersonic aircraft generate shock waves that move outward and extend to the ground. As a cone of pressurized air spreads across the landscape along the flight path, it creates a continuous sonic boom along the flight track. Several factors can influence sonic booms: weight, size, and shape of the aircraft; its altitude and flight path; and weather and atmospheric conditions. This technology allows pilots to control the impact of sonic booms. A software system displays the location and intensity of shock waves caused by supersonic aircraft. This technology can be integrated into cockpits or flight control rooms to help pilots minimize sonic boom impact in populated areas. The system processes vehicle and flight parameters as well as data regarding current atmospheric conditions. The display provides real-time information regarding sonic boom location and intensity, enabling pilots to make the necessary flight adjustments to control the timing and location of sonic booms. This technology can be used on current-generation supersonic aircraft, which generate loud sonic booms, as well as future- generation, low-boom aircraft, anticipated to be quiet enough for populated areas.

Haering, Ed↗

NASA NTRS2004

Innovative Imagery System for Enhanced Habitability Onboard ISS: Desired Features and Possible Hardware Applications

With the advent of the ISS and the experience of Russian, European, and US crewmembers on Mir, the importance of the psychological element in long duration missions is increasingly recognized. An integrated imagery system or Magic Window System could enhance the habitability, performance, and productivity for long term stays in space. Because this is type of system is a new concept for space, functional and technical requirements need to be determined. As part of a three-year project, the functional and technical requirements for an Imagery System onboard the International Space Station (ISS) have been explored. Valuable information was gathered from a survey completed by participants that had been in analog environments (remote/isolated) such as Antarctica, Aquarius, ISS crewmember debriefs, and crew support meetings to identify key functions desired for an integrated Magic Window System. Exercise and medical care activities were identified as areas that could benefit from such a system. It was determined that for exercise, it was worth exploring the concept of displaying a dynamic screen that changes as the crewmember's speed changes while showing physiological measures in a combined display. In terms of enhancing the interfaces for medical care activities, the Magic Window System could show video clips along side procedures for just-in-time training scenarios through a heads-up display. In addition, the portability, usability, and reliability were stressed as important considerations for an integrated system of technologies or Magic Window System. In addition, a review of state-of-the-art screens and other existing technologies such as tablet PCs and Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) was conducted and contributed to defining technical requirements and feasibility of systems. Some heuristic evaluations of large displays and PDAs were conducted. Finally, feasibility for implementation onboard ISS has been considered. Currently, specific headset units are undergoing usability testing. The outcome of these activities will be valuable to determine the best candidates for an integrated system that could accommodate different needs depending on task.

Whitmore, Mihriban↗

NASA NTRS2019

NASA Thermal Recovery Energy Efficient System (TREES) for Aircraft Exergy Optimization

Future air vehicles will increasingly incorporate electrical powertrains that require very tight integration of power, propulsion, thermal, and airframe technologies. These complex and highly integrated sub-systems present a new exergy utilization and thermo-economics challenge due to the significant and highly distributed low-grade waste heat being produced. One system-wide solution is proposed that utilizes acoustic thermal energy conversion technologies to simultaneously provide thermal management and waste energy recycling for the entire vehicle. This system level solution serves to optimize aircraft exergy utilization.

Dyson, Rodger↗

NASA NTRS1999

Utilizing Advanced Vibration Isolation Technology to Enable Microgravity Science Operations

Microgravity scientific research is performed in space to determine the effects of gravity upon experiments. Until recently, experiments had to accept the environment aboard various carriers: reduced-gravity aircraft, sub-orbital payloads, Space Shuttle, and Mir. If the environment is unacceptable, then most scientists would rather not expend the resources without the assurance of true microgravity conditions. This is currently the case on the International Space Station, because the ambient acceleration environment will exceed desirable levels. For this reason, the g-LIMIT (Glovebox Integrated Microgravity Isolation Technology) system is currently being developed to provide a quiescent acceleration environment for scientific operations. This sub-rack isolation system will provide a generic interface for a variety of experiments for the Microgravity Science Glovebox. This paper describes the motivation for developing of the g-LIMIT system, presents the design concept and details some of the advanced technologies utilized in the g-LIMIT flight design.

Alhorn, Dean Carl↗

NASA NTRS2002

Advanced Material Developments with Laser Engineered Net Shaping

The Laser Engineered Net Shaping (LENS(Trademark)) process is a new technology to fabricate three-dimensional metallic components directly from CAD solid models. It directly fabricates metal hardware by injecting the metal powder of choice into the focal point of a 700W Nd:Yag laser as it traces the perimeter and fills of a part. The Rapid Prototype Laboratory at Marshall Space Flight Center is currently operating a OPTOMEC 750 LENS machine in evaluation experiments involving integration of this technology into various manufacturing processes associated with aerospace applications. This paper will cover our research finding about properties of samples created from Inconel 718 & SS316 using this process versus the same materials in cast & wrought conditions.

Williams, Glenn A.↗

NASA NTRS2023

Chapter 10: IceCube: Submillimeter-Wave Technology Development for Future Science on a CubeSat

This paper provides an overview of the IceCube project, including its payload and CubeSat development and performance in spaceflight. Like other CubeSat missions, IceCube has a goal to miniaturize remote-sensing sensors and to increase the reliability of small satellites. Using small, modular and standardized spacecraft along with miniaturized sensor units, we hope to advance Earth and planetary sciences by forming a space sensor constellation or sending scout-units from a mothership for targeted science investigations. IceCube is a pathfinder at NASA that infuses and integrates small spacecraft technologies to merge it with its larger mission goals. Effective government commercial partnerships have played a key role in meeting the fast-track, lowcost requirements. Early lessons learned from IceCube will benefit the CubeSat community as well as the science investigations that plan to use nano/microsatellites.

Cubesats↗

NASA NTRS1975

Fire safety: A case study of technology transfer

Two basic ways in which NASA-generated technology is being used by the fire safety community are described. First, improved products and systems that embody NASA technical advances are entering the marketplace. Second, NASA test data and technical information related to fire safety are being used by persons concerned with reducing the hazards of fire through improved design information and standards. The development of commercial fire safety products and systems typically requires adaptation and integration of aerospace technologies that may not have been originated for NASA fire safety applications.

Heins, C. F.↗