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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 1,009 records · Page 56

Hardware design of a spherical mini-rover

In this hardware project the students designed the prototype of a novel mini-rover for the exploration of a planetary surface. In an actual application, a large number of such miniature roving devices would be released from a landing craft. Each rover would be equipped with a Cd 109 radio-isotope source (a gamma ray emitter) irradiating the planetary surface below the rover, and an x-ray fluorescence detector for a quantitative assay of high atomic weight elements in the planet's surface. (Similar, miniaturized, hand-held devices have recently been developed for use in gold mines). The device developed by the students was limited to demonstrating the mechanical and electrical drive. The geometric external shape is a sphere; hence there is no danger of the rover being turned on its back and stopped. Propulsion is by means of an interior mass, eccentric to the sphere and driven by an electric motor. In an inter-disciplinary effort in mechanical and electrical engineering, the students designed the mechanical parts, built the transistorized circuit board, and tested the device.

Tarlton, John↗

Optimizing Power Density and Efficiency of a Double-Halbach Array Permanent-Magnet Ironless Axial-Flux Motor

NASA Glenn Research Center is investigating hybrid electric and turboelectric propulsion concepts for future aircraft to reduce fuel burn, emissions, and noise. Systems studies show that the weight and efficiency of the electric system components need to be improved for this concept to be feasible. This effort aims to identify design parameters that affect power density and efficiency for a double-Halbach array permanent-magnet ironless axial flux motor configuration. These parameters include both geometrical and higher-order parameters, including pole count, rotor speed, current density, and geometries of the magnets, windings, and air gap.

hybrid propulsion↗

Optimizing Power Density and Efficiency of a Double-Halbach Array Permanent-Magnet Ironless Axial-Flux Motor

NASA Glenn Research Center is investigating hybrid electric and turboelectric propulsion concepts for future aircraft to reduce fuel burn, emissions, and noise. Systems studies show that the weight and efficiency of the electric system components need to be improved for this concept to be feasible. This effort aims to identify design parameters that affect power density and efficiency for a double-Halbach array permanent-magnet ironless axial flux motor configuration. These parameters include both geometrical and higher-order parameters, including pole count, rotor speed, current density, and geometries of the magnets, windings, and air gap.

electric propulsion↗

Performance verification and system parameter identification of spacecraft tape recorder control servo

Design adequacy of the lead-lag compensator of the frequency loop, accuracy checking of the analytical expression for the electrical motor transfer function, and performance evaluation of the speed control servo of the digital tape recorder used on-board the 1976 Viking Mars Orbiters and Voyager 1977 Jupiter-Saturn flyby spacecraft are analyzed. The transfer functions of the most important parts of a simplified frequency loop used for test simulation are described and ten simulation cases are reported. The first four of these cases illustrate the method of selecting the most suitable transfer function for the hysteresis synchronous motor, while the rest verify and determine the servo performance parameters and alternative servo compensation schemes. It is concluded that the linear methods provide a starting point for the final verification/refinement of servo design by nonlinear time response simulation and that the variation of the parameters of the static/dynamic Coulomb friction is as expected in a long-life space mission environment.

Mukhopadhyay, A. K.↗

Design Implications of Rotordynamics and Mass Balancing on a 1.4 MW Partially Superconducting Machine

To ensure that rotating machines operate without excessive bearing loads, vibration, and dynamic stresses, their design must consider rotordynamic response and provisions for mass balancing of rotors, even when their rotational speeds are modest. This paper presents a rotordynamics design study for a 1.4 MW, partially superconducting electric machine proposed for electrified aircraft propulsion – NASA’s High Efficiency Megawatt Motor (HEMM). The study includes the selection of mass balancing grade and mount and bearing stiffnesses to yield satisfactory critical speeds, deflection, and unbalance force, and predictions of the expected mass unbalance caused by the superconducting rotor coils. The impact of the machine’s number of rotor poles on expected mass unbalance is also quantified. Design decisions and lessons learned are discussed.

hybrid electric aircraft↗

Design Implications of Rotordynamics and Mass Balancing on a 1.4 MW Partially Superconducting Machine

To ensure that rotating machines operate without excessive bearing loads, vibration, and dynamic stresses, their design must consider rotordynamic response and provisions for mass balancing of rotors, even when their rotational speeds are modest. This paper presents a rotordynamics design study for a 1.4 MW, partially superconducting electric machine proposed for electrified aircraft propulsion – NASA’s High Efficiency Megawatt Motor (HEMM). The study includes the selection of mass balancing grade and mount and bearing stiffnesses to yield satisfactory critical speeds, deflection, and unbalance force, and predictions of the expected mass unbalance caused by the superconducting rotor coils. The impact of the machine’s number of rotor poles on expected mass unbalance is also quantified. Design decisions and lessons learned are discussed.

hybrid electric aircraft↗

An Initial Electric Motor Rotor Vibration Model

Ongoing integration of outrunner brushless electric motors into drones and Advanced Air Mobility aircraft presents a need for accurate acoustic predictions derived from prediction of the motor rotor vibrations. In outrunner motors, the external rotor vibrates and drives the acoustic field. At resonant frequencies of the rotor, the rotor displacements will be the largest. The vibrations can lead to acoustic tones that are relevant to the overall acoustic design of these types of vehicles. This study performs a finite element analysis to assess the modes in two electric motor rotors. This model is then refined into a simple parameterized geometry that can make the same predictions for motors of the same class. A parametric sweep and least-squares-curve fit to the finite element analysis data results in a series of simple curves that can predict the mode shapes and frequencies that are likely to appear in this class of motors without the need for any simulation. The simulations are validated by comparison to acoustic and experimental modal-analysis data.

Electric Motor Noise↗

An Initial Electric Motor Rotor Vibration Model

Ongoing integration of outrunner brushless electric motors into drones and Advanced Air Mobility aircraft presents a need for accurate acoustic predictions derived from prediction of the motor rotor vibrations. In outrunner motors, the external rotor vibrates and drives the acoustic field. At resonant frequencies of the rotor, the rotor displacements will be the largest. The vibrations can lead to acoustic tones that are relevant to the overall acoustic design of these types of vehicles. This study performs a finite element analysis to assess the modes in two electric motor rotors. This model is then refined into a simple parameterized geometry that can make the same predictions for motors of the same class. A parametric sweep and least-squares-curve fit to the finite element analysis data results in a series of simple curves that can predict the mode shapes and frequencies that are likely to appear in this class of motors without the need for any simulation. The simulations are validated by comparison to acoustic and experimental modal-analysis data.

Electric Motor Noise↗

Shutter mechanism for spacecraft spectrophotometer

A shutter mechanism is described for the backscatter ultraviolet spectrophotometer experiment on the Nimbus D satellite. The purpose of the experiment is to determine spatial distribution of atmospheric ozone from measurements of ultraviolet radiation backscattered by the earth's atmosphere. The system consists of two independent, rotary cylinder shutters, controlled by a dual star Geneva mechanism, and driven by a single stepper motor. A single driver controls a combination of two independently driven Geneva stars. Design considerations involved the use of low friction, nonmetallic materials.

August Weilbach↗

Mariner Mars 1971 data storage subsystem

A digital tape recorder was used on the Mariner Mars 1971 spacecraft to record television and scientific data. Data were recorded at 132 kilobits/sec and were reproduced at one of five available rates (16.2, 8.1, 4.05, 2.05, or 1.0125 kilobits/sec) selected by ground command to be congruous with the spacecraft-to-earth communications link performance. The transport mechanism contained 167 m of 1.2 cm magnetic recording tape. A single motor was used to drive the peripheral drive transport. During development of the design, stick slip problems were encountered. A design life of 2400 tape passes was achieved during the mission.

Grumm, R.↗

Engineering analysis and test results of the pre-stage planetary gear trains for wrist rotation and pitch assembly and azimuth and elevation assembly of the extendable stiff arm manipulator kit assembly

In order to improve the performance capability of the Extendable Stiff Arm Manipulator (ESAM) it was necessary to increase the overall gear ratio by a factor of approximately four. This is accomplished with minimum effect to existing hardware by the interposition of a planetary gear transmission between the respective drive motors and the harmonic drive transmissions. The engineering analysis in support of this design approach and the subsequent no-load test results are reported.

Morris, R. N.↗

IUSThrust Vector Control (TVC) servo system

The IUS TVC SERVO SYSTEM which consists of four electrically redundant electromechanical actuators, four potentiometer assemblies, and two controllers to provide movable nozzle control on both IUS solid rocket motors is developed. An overview of the more severe IUS TVC servo system design requirements, the system and component designs, and test data acquired on a preliminary development unit is presented. Attention is focused on the unique methods of sensing movable nozzle position and providing for redundant position locks.

Conner, G. E.↗

Solar Hot Water for a Motor Inn -- Las Vegas, Nevada

Solar hot-water installation at motor inn in Las Vegas, Nevada is described in report containing descriptions of design, philosophy, operation of system and problems and solutions. Provides drawings of solar roof plan, operator's instructions, manufacturers' brochures and copy of acceptance report.

Source record↗

Development status of the PDC-1 Parabolic Dish Concentrator

The status of development of the 12 m diameter parabolic dish concentrator which is planned for use with the Small Community Solar Thermal Power System. The PDC-1 unit features the use of plastic reflector film bonded to structural plastic gores supported by front-bracing steel ribs. An elevation-over-azimuth mount arrangement is employed, with a conventional wheel-and-track arrangement; outboard trunnions permit the dish to be stored in the face down position, with the added advantage of easy access to the power conversion assembly. The control system is comprised of a central computer (LSI 1123), a manual control panel, a concentrator control unit, two motor controllers, a Sun sensor, and two angular position resolvers. The system is designed for the simultaneous control of several concentrators. The optical testing of reflective panels is described.

Thostesen, T.↗

Garrett solar Brayton engine/generator status

The solar advanced gas turbine (SAGT-1) is being developed by the Garrett Turbine Engine Company, for use in a Brayton cycle power conversion module. The engine is derived from the advanced gas turbine (AGT101) now being developd by Garrett and Ford Motor Company for automotive use. The SAGT Program is presently funded for the design, fabrication and test of one engine at Garrett's Phoenix facility. The engine when mated with a solar receiver is called a power conversion module (PCU). The PCU is scheduled to be tested on JPL's test bed concentrator under a follow on phase of the program. Approximately 20 kw of electrical power will be generated.

Anson, B.↗

Some design characteristics of the AMPTE turn and orbit change maneuvers

The maneuvers carried out by the Active Magnetospheric Particle Tracer Explorers (AMPTE) including the Charge Composition Explorer (CCE) and the Ion Release Module (IRM) spacecraft are analyzed. Analytic and graphical methods are developed in order to carry out sensitivity analyses that helped design the nominal maneuvers, by taking into account errors in burn initiating time, motor performance, and spin axis pointing. A tradeoff analysis between errors in timing and Delta V magnitude is shown for the IRM orbit transfer, and a technique that allows for the determination of the attitude of spinner spacecraft by way of the observed Doppler shift resulting from an unbalanced turn is investigated.

Kechichian, J. A.↗

A conceptual framework for intelligent real-time information processing

By combining artificial intelligence concepts with the human information processing model of Rasmussen, a conceptual framework was developed for real time artificial intelligence systems which provides a foundation for system organization, control and validation. The approach is based on the description of system processing terms of an abstraction hierarchy of states of knowledge. The states of knowledge are organized along one dimension which corresponds to the extent to which the concepts are expressed in terms of the system inouts or in terms of the system response. Thus organized, the useful states form a generally triangular shape with the sensors and effectors forming the lower two vertices and the full evaluated set of courses of action the apex. Within the triangle boundaries are numerous processing paths which shortcut the detailed processing, by connecting incomplete levels of analysis to partially defined responses. Shortcuts at different levels of abstraction include reflexes, sensory motor control, rule based behavior, and satisficing. This approach was used in the design of a real time tactical decision aiding system, and in defining an intelligent aiding system for transport pilots.

Schudy, Robert↗