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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 1,045 records · Page 58
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2004

Silicon Carbide Diodes Performance Characterization at High Temperatures

NASA Glenn Research center's Electrical Systems Development branch is working to demonstrate and test the advantages of Silicon Carbide (SiC) devices in actual power electronics applications. The first step in this pursuit is to obtain commercially available SiC Schottky diodes and to individually test them under both static and dynamic conditions, and then compare them with current state of the art silicon Schottky and ultra fast p-n diodes of similar voltage and current ratings. This presentation covers the results of electrical tests performed at NASA Glenn. Steady state forward and reverse current-volt (I-V) curves were generated for each device to compare performance and to measure their forward voltage drop at rated current, as well as the reverse leakage current at rated voltage. In addition, the devices were individually connected as freewheeling diodes in a Buck (step down) DC to DC converter to test their reverse recovery characteristics and compare their transient performance in a typical converter application. Both static and transient characterization tests were performed at temperatures ranging from 25 C to 300 C, in order to test and demonstrate the advantages of SiC over Silicon at high temperatures.

Lebron-Velilla, Ramon C.↗
NASA NTRS2016

Three Generations of Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) Spacecraft

The current Tracking and Data Relay Satellite configuration consists of nine in-orbit satellites (four first generation, three second generation and two third generation satellites) globally distributed in geosynchronous orbit to provide near continuous data relay service to missions like Hubble Space Telescope and the International Space Station. The 1st generation spacecraft were designed by TRW/Northrop Grumman with their launches of the five spacecraft ranging from 1983 through 1995. The 2nd and 3rd generation spacecraft were designed by Boeing with their launches ranging 2000 - 2002 and 2013 - 2017 respectively. TDRS-3 is now 27 years on orbit, continues to be a capable asset for the TDRS constellation. Lack of need for inclination control combined with large fuel reserves and redundancy on critical elements provides spacecraft that operate well past design life, all of which contributes to expanded TDRS constellation support capabilities. All spacecraft generations have issues. Significant issues will be summarized with the focus on the Boeing related problems. Degradations and failures are continually assessed and provide the foundation for yearly updates to spacecraft reliability models, constellation service projections and deorbit plans (in order to meet NASAs mandate of limiting orbital debris). Even when accounting for degradations and failures, the life expectancy for the Boeing delivered 2nd generation TDRS-8, 9 10 TDRS are anticipated to be 25+ years.

TDRS↗
NASA NTRS1994

A Survey of Current Russion RTG Capabilities

Supplying radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTG) to American space missions became very complex. The process is marred by many obstacles: high cost, lack of new developments, difficult launch approval and NEPA compliance. At the same time there are many ambitious space missions for which an RTG would indisputably be the lightest, smallest and most robust power source. An American delegation investigated status of RTG production in Russia to decide if our product line could be supplemented by the Russian designs.

radioisotope thermoelectric generators RTG Russian↗
NASA NTRS1971

Design of a three-phase, 15-kilovolt-ampere static inverter for motor-starting a Brayton space power system

The design of a three-phase, 400-Hz, 15-kVA static inverter for motor-starting the 2- to 15-kWe Brayton electrical space power system is described. The inverter operates from a nominal 56-V dc source to provide a 28-V, rms, quasi-square-wave output. The inverter is capable of supplying a 200-A peak current. Integrated circuitry is used to generate the three-phase, 400-Hz reference signals. Performance data for a drive stage that improves switching speed and provides efficient operation over a range of output current and drive supply voltage are presented. A transformerless, transistor output stage is used.

Frye, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS2016

Limb-Nadir Matching Using Non-Coincident NO2 Observations: Proof of Concept and the OMI-minus-OSIRIS Prototype Product

A variant of the limb-nadir matching technique for deriving tropospheric NO2 columns is presented in which the stratospheric component of the NO2 slant column density (SCD) measured by the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) is removed using non-coincident profiles from the Optical Spectrograph and InfraRed Imaging System (OSIRIS). In order to correct their mismatch in local time and the diurnal variation of stratospheric NO2, OSIRIS profiles, which were measured just after sunrise, were mapped to the local time of OMI observations using a photochemical boxmodel. Following the profile time adjustment, OSIRIS NO2 stratospheric vertical column densities (VCDs) were calculated. For profiles that did not reach down to the tropopause, VCDs were adjusted using the photochemical model. Using air mass factors from the OMI Standard Product (SP), a new tropospheric NO2 VCD product - referred to as OMI-minus-OSIRIS (OmO) - was generated through limb-nadir matching. To accomplish this, the OMI total SCDs were scaled using correction factors derived from the next-generation SCDs that improve upon the spectral fitting used for the current operational products. One year, 2008, of OmO was generated for 60 deg S to 60 deg N and a cursory evaluation was performed. The OmO product was found to capture the main features of tropospheric NO2, including a background value of about 0.3 x 10(exp 15) molecules per sq cm over the tropical Pacific and values comparable to the OMI operational products over anthropogenic source areas. While additional study is required, these results suggest that a limb-nadir matching approach is feasible for the removal of stratospheric NO2 measured by a polar orbiter from a nadir-viewing instrument in a geostationary orbit such as Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution (TEMPO) or Sentinel-4.

Photochemical Boxmodel↗
NASA NTRS2017

Understanding Breaks in Flare X-Ray Spectra: Evaluation of a Cospatial Collisional Return-Current Model

Hard X-ray (HXR) spectral breaks are explained in terms of a one-dimensional model with a cospatial return current. We study 19 flares observed by the Ramaty High Energy Solar Spectroscopic Imager with strong spectral breaks at energies around a few deka-keV, which cannot be explained by isotropic albedo or non-uniform ionization alone. We identify these breaks at the HXR peak time, but we obtain 8 s cadence spectra of the entire impulsive phase. Electrons with an initially power-law distribution and a sharp low-energy cutoff lose energy through return-current losses until they reach the thick target, where they lose their remaining energy through collisions. Our main results are as follows. (1) The return-current collisional thick-target model provides acceptable fits for spectra with strong breaks. (2) Limits on the plasma resistivity are derived from the fitted potential drop and deduced electron-beam flux density, assuming the return current is a drift current in the ambient plasma. These resistivities are typically 2-3 orders of magnitude higher than the Spitzer resistivity at the fitted temperature, and provide a test for the adequacy of classical resistivity and the stability of the return current. (3) Using the upper limit of the low-energy cutoff, the return current is always stable to the generation of ion-acoustic and electrostatic ion-cyclotron instabilities when the electron temperature is nine times lower than the ion temperature. (4) In most cases, the return current is most likely primarily carried by runaway electrons from the tail of the thermal distribution rather than by the bulk drifting thermal electrons. For these cases, anomalous resistivity is not required.

Alaoui, Meriem↗
NASA NTRS1973

Introduction to Voigt's wind power plant

The design and operation of a 100 kilowatt wind driven generator are reported. Its high speed three-bladed turbine operates at a height of 50 meters. Blades are rigidly connected to the hub and turbine revolutions change linearly with wind velocity, maintaining a constant speed ratio of blade tip velocity to wind velocity over the full predetermined wind range. Three generators installed in the gondola generate either dc or ac current. Based on local wind conditions, the device has a maximum output of 720 kilowatts at a wind velocity of 16 meters per second. Total electrical capacity is 750 kilowatts, and power output per year is 2,135,000 kilowatt/hours.

Tompkin, J.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Fill-in binary loop pulse-torque quantizer

Fill-in binary (FIB) loop provides constant heating of torque generator, an advantage of binary current switching. At the same time, it avoids mode-related dead zone and data delay of binary, an advantage of ternary quantization.

Lory, C. B.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Transonic-supersonic high Reynolds number stability and control characteristics of a 0.015-scale (remotely controlled elevon) model 44-0 of the space shuttle orbiter tested in the VSD high speed wind tunnel (LA67)

A detailed aerodynamic data base which can be used to substantiate the aerodynamic design data book for the current shuttle orbiter configuration was generated. Special attention was directed to definition of non-linear aerodynamic characteristics by taking data at small increments in the angle of attack, angle of sideslip, Mach number, and elevon position. Six-component aerodynamic force and moment and elevon position data were recorded over an angle-of-attack range from -2 deg to as high as 32 deg at angles of sideslip of 0 deg, 1 deg, and +2 deg. The test Mach numbers were 0.60, 0.80, 0.90, 1.2, 1.5, 2.0, 3.0, and 4.6. The effects of Reynolds number were investigated and covered a range from 5.0 to 16.0 million per foot.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1975

Dust injection into the Martian atmosphere

The sequence of events culminating in a global Martian dust storm is reviewed in the light of current theories on dust storm generation. Based upon experimental results, a mechanism for the initiation of global dust storms on Mars is proposed. According to this mechanism, the diurnal variation of surface temperature results in desorption of adsorbed CO2, which under certain conditions can inject large amounts of fine (1-10 microns) dust into the atmosphere.

Johnson, D. W.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Automatic load sharing in inverter modules

Active feedback loads transistor equally with little power loss. Circuit is suitable for balancing modular inverters in spacecraft, computer power supplies, solar-electric power generators, and electric vehicles. Current-balancing circuit senses differences between collector current for power transistor and average value of load currents for all power transistors. Principle is effective not only in fixed duty-cycle inverters but also in converters operating at variable duty cycles.

Nagano, S.↗
NASA NTRS1977

The promise of eutectics for aircraft turbines

The current status of the first generation eutectics, gamma/gamma transition - delta and NiTaC-13, is described in detail. Several second generation systems, such as gamma/gamma transition - alpha and NiTaC 3-116A, gamma - beta, and COTAC 74 are also reviewed with particular emphasis on their critical physical and mechanical properties, future research directions, and potential applications. Results of recent cost-benefit analyses of eutectic turbine blades are discussed.

Gray, H. R.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Meteorological sensors and related technology for the eighties

The sensors currently projected for the new generation of meteorological satellites which will be in operation during the First Global Atmospheric Research Program GARP Global Experiment (FGGE) are described. The closely related subject of on-board data processing is treated briefly as well as efforts by the countries/agencies responsible for these satellites to make useful products available to developing countries at low cost.

Heacock, E. L.↗
NASA NTRS1979

The effect of throttling on forward radiated fan noise

A study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of operating line throttling on inlet-arc noise from high speed fans. Experimental measurements on a 1/4-scale fan stage tested in an anechoic chamber, with and without inlet turbulence control devices, were utilized to assess the effect of constant speed throttling on the forward arc radiated noise characteristics. Different effects were observed in different speed ranges with different types of inflow turbulence control. These effects were correlated with some of the current theories on fan noise generation mechanisms, and partial success was achieved in attempting to relate the various theoretical models to the observed trends. The results of this study have an important bearing on estimating the noise characteristics of new fan designs from scaling the measured characteristics of previously tested fans.

Gliebe, P. R.↗
NASA NTRS1979

A device model for the tandem junction solar cell

A conceptual device model has been developed to explain operation of the tandem junction cell (TJC) when back contacts only are used. Operation and parameters of the cell are explained by transistor action. Experimental observations are presented which confirm that current is collected for carrier generation in the front uncontacted n(plus) region. The model should be useful as a guideline to optimize the TJC by application of transistor design principles.

Matzen, W. T.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Second generation detector for low order global solar oscillations

The first observations of long period low order global solar oscillations grew out of diameter measurements made over an extended period of time. As a result of these investigations, a detailed understanding of the surface properties of the oscillations evolved, allowing development of a second generation detector. This new detector, currently under development directly utilizes various surface properties of the oscillations and does not, therefore, directly involve diameter measurements. The specifications of the detector, its supporting telescope and the observing program are reviewed.

Forbes, F. F.↗