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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
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1993

Towards autonomous fuzzy control

The efficient implementation of on-line adaptation in real time is an important research problem in fuzzy control. The goal is to develop autonomous self-organizing controllers employing system-independent control meta-knowledge which enables them to adjust their control policies depending on the systems they control and the environments in which they operate. An autonomous fuzzy controller would continuously observe system behavior while implementing its control actions and would use the outcomes of these actions to refine its control policy. It could be designed to lie dormant when its control actions give rise to adequate performance characteristics but could rapidly and autonomously initiate real-time adaptation whenever its performance degrades. Such an autonomous fuzzy controller would have immense practical value. It could accommodate individual variations in system characteristics and also compensate for degradations in system characteristics caused by wear and tear. It could also potentially deal with black-box systems and control scenarios. On-going research in autonomous fuzzy control is reported. The ultimate research objective is to develop robust and relatively inexpensive autonomous fuzzy control hardware suitable for use in real time environments.

Shenoi, Sujeet↗
NASA NTRS1980

Fabrication of AlGaAs/GaAs cascade solar cell by LPE

Stacking two or more photovoltaic junctions in electrical and optical series results in higher conversion efficiency since each junction can be tailored to respond more efficiently to a smaller range of photon energies. An efficiency of about 30 percent was predicted for a two junction cascade cell having the optimum bandgap values. A number of III-V materials systems were considered for use in fabricating cascade solar cells. The Al-Ga-As system is attractive from a developmental standpoint since it employs a proven materials system that is closely lattice matched throughout its compositional range. This system employs a GaAs low bandgap cell and 1.9 eV AlGaAs high bandgap cell connected by an AlGaAs tunnel junction. Although this cell does not possess the optimum bandgap values, an efficiency of 25 percent was predicted at 300 K under AMO, 1 sun illumination.

Bedair, S. M.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Implementation of thermal residual stresses in the analysis of fiber bridged matrix crack growth in titanium matrix composites

In this research, thermal residual stresses were incorporated in an analysis of fiber-bridged matrix cracks in unidirectional and cross-ply titanium matrix composites (TMC) containing center holes or center notches. Two TMC were investigated, namely, SCS-6/Timelal-21S laminates. Experimentally, matrix crack initiation and growth were monitored during tension-tension fatigue tests conducted at room temperature and at an elevated temperature of 200 C. Analytically, thermal residual stresses were included in a fiber bridging (FB) model. The local R-ratio and stress-intensity factor in the matrix due to thermal and mechanical loadings were calculated and used to evaluate the matrix crack growth behavior in the two materials studied. The frictional shear stress term, tau, assumed in this model was used as a curve-fitting parameter to matrix crack growth data. The scatter band in the values of tau used to fit the matrix crack growth data was significantly reduced when thermal residual stresses were included in the fiber bridging analysis. For a given material system, lay-up and temperature, a single value of tau was sufficient to analyze the crack growth data. It was revealed in this study that thermal residual stresses are an important factor overlooked in the original FB models.

Bakuckas, John G., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Catalytic combustion of actual low and medium heating value gases

Catalytic combustion of both low and medium heating value gases using actual coal derived gases obtained from operating gasifiers was demonstrated. A fixed bed gasifier with a complete product gas cleanup system was operated in an air blown mode to produce low heating value gas. A fluidized bed gasifier with a water quench product gas cleanup system was operated in both an air enriched and an oxygen blown mode to produce low and medium, heating value gas. Noble metal catalytic reactors were evaluated in 12 cm flow diameter test rigs on both low and medium heating value gases. Combustion efficiencies greater than 99.5% were obtained with all coal derived gaseous fuels. The NOx emissions ranged from 0.2 to 4 g NO2 kg fuel.

Bulzan, D. L.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Operational awareness in future space transportation system concepts and technology selections

An analysis of operations for a two-stage, fully reusable future space transportation system has been performed, and the results are discussed. The value of conducting an analysis of operations in the conceptual design phase to produce a highly productive system was demonstrated by obtaining estimated reductions in resources and ground turnaround time and comparing them with estimated mature Shuttle program requirements. Cooperative efforts by users, future vehicle designers, and operations analysts during the conceptual design phase are shown to produce an efficient vehicle design with broad market potential. The synergistic effects of vehicle design configuration, subsystems, and procedures can enhance productivity of the transportation system as measured by flexibility, availability, and viability. Advanced technologies and subsystems beneficial to such a system are identified.

Eide, D. G.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Electron impact excitation of H2 - Rydberg band systems and the benchmark dissociative cross section for H Lyman-alpha

The cross sections sigma R 1 (2p) for excitation of H Ly-alpha emission produced by electron impact on H2 is reexamined. A more accurate estimate for sigma R 1 (2p) is obtained based on Born approximation estimates of the H2 Rydberg system cross sections using measured relative excitation functions. The obtained value is (8.18 + or -1.2) x 10 to the -18th sq cm at 100 eV, a factor of 0.69 below the value universally applied to cross section measurements over the past decade. Cross sections for the H2 Rydberg systems fixed in magnitude by the Born approximation have also been obtained using experimentally determined excitation functions. Accurate analytic expressions for these cross sections allow the direct calculation of rate coefficients.

Shemansky, D. E.↗
NASA NTRS1985

A convergent series expansion for hyperbolic systems of conservation laws

The discontinuities piecewise analytic initial value problem for a wide class of conservation laws is considered which includes the full three-dimensional Euler equations. The initial interaction at an arbitrary curved surface is resolved in time by a convergent series. Among other features the solution exhibits shock, contact, and expansion waves as well as sound waves propagating on characteristic surfaces. The expansion waves correspond to he one-dimensional rarefactions but have a more complicated structure. The sound waves are generated in place of zero strength shocks, and they are caused by mismatches in derivatives.

Harabetian, E.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Review of vortex flow flight projects on the F-106B

NASA-Langley's F-106B research aircraft is being used in vortex flow-research flight experiments in order to determine the effects of Re number and Mach number on the lee-side vortex system generated at angles-of-attack up to maneuver condition, as well as to evaluate the aerodynamic characteristics of a sharp leading-edge vortex flap system. The wing vortex system is visualized at a fixed position by means of the vapor-screen technique. Comparisons are made between a measured value and two theoretical estimates of a pertinent vortex system property, core location.

Lamar, J. E.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Assessment of pilot workload with the introduction of an airborne threat-alert system

Simulated line operations were used to assess the value of the TCAS on the pilot's ability to avoid a collision and to determine the effects of various display configurations and information contents on the flight-crew performance and workload. The crew flew a Phase II Link/Boeing 727 simulator in a simulated ATC environment. Four levels of collision avoidance information were evaluated using the following TCAS display formats: no TCAS information, TCAS information with no traffic display information, TCAS information with threat-activated traffic display information, and TCAS information with a full-time traffic display of threat information. It was found that the use of a threat-activated TCAS display significantly reduced the first officers' workload was significantly reduced by the threat-activated TCAS display, as were the workloads of the captain and the second officer.

Battiste, Vernol↗
NASA NTRS2001

The Effect of Doppler Frequency Shift, Frequency Offset of the Local Oscillators, and Phase Noise on the Performance of Coherent OFDM Receivers

This paper first shows that the Doppler frequency shift affects the frequencies of the RF carrier, subcarriers, envelope, and symbol timing by the same percentage in an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) signal or any other modulated signals. Then the SNR degradation of an OFDM system due to Doppler frequency shift, frequency offset of the local oscillators and phase noise is analyzed. Expressions are given and values for 4-, 16-, 64-, and 256-QAM OFDM systems are calculated and plotted. The calculations show that the Doppler shift of the D3 project is about 305 kHz, and the degradation due to it is about 0.01 to 0.04 dB, which is negligible. The degradation due to frequency offset and phase noise of local oscillators will be the main source of degradation. To keep the SNR degradation under 0.1 dB, the relative frequency offset due to local oscillators must be below 0.01 for the 16 QAM-OFDM. This translates to an offset of 1.55 MHz (0.01 x 155 MHz) or a stability of 77.5 ppm (0.01 x 155 MHz/20 GHz) for the DI project. To keep the SNR degradation under 0.1 dB, the relative linewidth (0) due to phase noise of the local oscillators must be below 0.0004 for the 16 QAM-OFDM. This translates to a linewidth of 0.062 MHz (0.0004 x 155 MHz) of the 20 GHz RIF carrier. For a degradation of 1 dB, beta = 0.04, and the linewidth can be relaxed to 6.2 MHz.

Xiong, Fuqin↗
NASA NTRS2007

Robust Multilayer Insulation for Cryogenic Systems

New requirements for thermal insulation include robust Multilayer insulation (MU) systems that work for a range of environments from high vacuum to no vacuum. Improved MLI systems must be simple to install and maintain while meeting the life-cycle cost and thermal performance objectives. Performance of actual MLI systems has been previously shown to be much worse than ideal MLI. Spacecraft that must contain cryogens for both lunar service (high vacuum) and ground launch operations (no vacuum) are planned. Future cryogenic spacecraft for the soft vacuum environment of Mars are also envisioned. Industry products using robust MLI can benefit from improved cost-efficiency and system safety. Novel materials have been developed to operate as excellent thermal insulators at vacuum levels that are much less stringent than the absolute high vacuum requirement of current MLI systems. One such robust system, Layered Composite Insulation (LCI), has been developed by the Cryogenics Test Laboratory at NASA Kennedy Space Center. The experimental testing and development of LCI is the focus of this paper. LCI thermal performance under cryogenic conditions is shown to be six times better than MLI at soft vacuum and similar to MLI at high vacuum. The experimental apparent thermal conductivity (k-value) and heat flux data for LCI systems are compared with other MLI systems.

Fesmire, J. E.↗
NASA NTRS2015

In-Situ Three-Dimensional Shape Rendering from Strain Values Obtained Through Optical Fiber Sensors

A method and system for rendering the shape of a multi-core optical fiber or multi-fiber bundle in three-dimensional space in real time based on measured fiber strain data. Three optical fiber cores arc arranged in parallel at 120.degree. intervals about a central axis. A series of longitudinally co-located strain sensor triplets, typically fiber Bragg gratings, are positioned along the length of each fiber at known intervals. A tunable laser interrogates the sensors to detect strain on the fiber cores. Software determines the strain magnitude (.DELTA.L/L) for each fiber at a given triplet, but then applies beam theory to calculate curvature, beading angle and torsion of the fiber bundle, and from there it determines the shape of the fiber in s Cartesian coordinate system by solving a series of ordinary differential equations expanded from the Frenet-Serrat equations. This approach eliminates the need for computationally time-intensive curve-tilting and allows the three-dimensional shape of the optical fiber assembly to be displayed in real-time.

Chan, Hon Man↗
NASA NTRS2018

Energy Storage for Lunar Surface Exploration

This paper presents the updated results of a previous NASA study funded under the Advanced Exploration Systems (AES) Modular Power Systems (AMPS) project. This work focuses on generating high-level system sizing relationships for two lunar surface locations that serve as bounding conditions for most other locations. Four critical parameters are considered to provide sizing data: specific energy, energy density, specific power, and power density. Given the energy storage requirements or customer power demand for a lunar mission location, the data presented in this paper provides a method to determine the critical parameter values of a Regenerative Fuel Cell (RFC) system in order to perform high-level mission architecture trades.

surface power systems↗
NASA NTRS2013

Relationships between the Raindrop Size Distribution and Properties of the Environment and Clouds Inferred from TRMM

Variability in the raindrop sized distribution (DSD) has long been recognized as a source of uncertainty in relationships between radar reflectivity Z and rain rate R. In this study, we analyze DSD retrievals from two years of data gathered by the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite and processed with a combined radar-radiometer retrieval algorithm over the global oceans equatorward of 35◦. Numerous variables describing properties of each reflectivity profile, large-scale organization, and the background environment are examined for relationships to the reflectivity-normalized median drop diameter, epsilonDSD. In general, we find that higher freezing levels and relative humidities are associated with smaller epsilonDSD. Within a given environment, the mesoscale organization of precipitation and the vertical profile of reflectivity are associated with DSD characteristics. In the tropics, the smallest epsilonDSD values are found in large but shallow convective systems, where warm rain formation processes are thought to be predominant, whereas larger sizes are found in the stratiform regions of organized deep convection. In the extratropics, the largest epsilonDSD values are found in the scattered convection that occurs when cold, dry continental air moves over the much warmer ocean after the passage of a cold front. The geographical distribution of the retrieved DSDs is consistent with many of the observed regional Z−R relationships found in the literature as well as discrepancies between the TRMM radar-only and radiometer-only precipitation products. In particular, mid-latitude and tropical regions near land tend to have larger drops for a given reflectivity, whereas the smallest drops are found in the eastern Pacific Intertropical Convergence Zone.

raindrop size distribution↗
NASA NTRS2014

Investigation of Bio-Regenerative Life Support and Trash-To-Gas Experiment on a 4 Month Mars Simulation Mission

Future crewed missions to other planets or deep space locations will require regenerative Life Support Systems (LSS) as well as recycling processes for mission waste. Constant resupply of many commodity materials will not be a sustainable option for deep space missions, nor will storing trash on board a vehicle or at a lunar or Martian outpost. The habitable volume will decline as the volume of waste increases. A complete regenerative environmentally controlled life support system (ECLSS) on an extra-terrestrial outpost will likely include physico-chemical and biological technologies, such as bioreactors and greenhouse modules. Physico-chemical LSS do not enable food production and bio-regenerative LSS are not stable enough to be used alone in space. Mission waste that cannot be recycled into the bio-regenerative ECLSS can include excess food, food packaging, clothing, tape, urine and fecal waste. This waste will be sent to a system for converting the trash into the high value products. Two crew members on a 120 day Mars analog simulation, in collaboration with Kennedy Space Centers (KSC) Trash to Gas (TtG) project investigated a semi-closed loop system that treated non-edible biomass and other logistical waste for volume reduction and conversion into useful commodities. The purposes of this study are to show the how plant growth affects the amount of resources required by the habitat and how spent plant material can be recycled. Real-time data was sent to the reactor at KSC in Florida for replicating the analog mission waste for laboratory operation. This paper discusses the 120 day mission plant growth activity, logistical and plant waste management, power and water consumption effects of the plant and logistical waste, and potential energy conversion techniques using KSCs TtG reactor technology.

trash to gas↗
NASA NTRS1995

Prototype development and test results of a continuous ambient air monitoring system for hydrazine at the 10 ppb level

A Hydrazine Vapor Area Monitor (HVAM) system is currently being field tested as a detector for the presence of hydrazine in ambient air. The MDA/Polymetron Hydrazine Analyzer has been incorporated within the HVAM system as the core detector. This analyzer is a three-electrode liquid analyzer typically used in boiler feed water applications. The HVAM system incorporates a dual-phase sample collection/transport method which simultaneously pulls ambient air samples containing hydrazine and a very dilute sulfuric acid solution (0.0001 M) down a length of 1/4 inch outside diameter (OD) tubing from a remote site to the analyzer. The hydrazine-laden dilute acid stream is separated from the air and the pH is adjusted by addition of a dilute caustic solution to a pH greater than 10.2 prior to analysis. Both the dilute acid and caustic used by the HVAM are continuously generated during system operation on an "as needed" basis by mixing a metered amount of concentrated acid/base with dilution water. All of the waste water generated by the analyzer is purified for reuse by Barnstead ion-exchange cartridges so that the entire system minimizes the generation of waste materials. The pumping of all liquid streams and mixing of the caustic solution and dilution water with the incoming sample are done by a single pump motor fitted with the appropriate mix of peristaltic pump heads. The signal to noise (S/N) ratio of the analyzer has been enhanced by adding a stirrer in the MDA liquid cell to provide mixing normally generated by the high liquid flow rate designed by the manufacturer. An onboard microprocessor continuously monitors liquid levels, sample vacuum, and liquid leak sensors, as well as handles communications and other system functions (such as shut down should system malfunctions or errors occur). The overall system response of the HVAM can be automatically checked at regular intervals by measuring the analyzer response to a metered amount of calibration standard injected into the dilute acid stream. The HVAM system provides two measurement ranges (threshold limit value (TLV): 10 to 1000 parts per billion (ppb)/LEAK: 100 ppb to 10 parts per million (ppm)). The LEAK range is created by dilution of the sulfuric acid/hydrazine liquid sample with pure water. This dual range capability permits the analyzer to quantify ambient air samples whose hydrazine concentrations range from 10 ppb to as high as 10 ppm. The laboratory and field prototypes have demonstrated total system response times on the order of 10 to 12 minutes for samples ranging from 10 to 900 ppb in the lLV mode and is greater than 2 minutes for samples ranging from 100 to 1300 ppb in the LEAK mode. Service intervals of over 3 months have been demonstrated for continuous 24 hour/day, 7 day/week usage. The HVAM is made up of a purged cabinet that contains power supplies, RS422 signal transmission capabilities, a UPS, an on-site warning system, and a Line Replaceable Unit (LRU). The LRU includes all of the liquid flow system, the analyzer, the control/data system microprocessor and assorted flow and liquid-level sensors. The LRU is mounted on a track slide system so it can be serviced inplace or totally removed and quickly exchanged with another calibrated unit, thus minimizing analyzer downtime. Once an LRU is removed from an analyzer enclosure, it can be brought to a laboratory facility for complete calibration and periodic maintenance.

Meneghelli, Barry↗