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At least 1,189 records · Page 66

Advanced general aviation comparative engine/airframe integration study

The NASA Advanced Aviation Comparative Engine/Airframe Integration Study was initiated to help determine which of four promising concepts for new general aviation engines for the 1990's should be considered for further research funding. The engine concepts included rotary, diesel, spark ignition, and turboprop powerplants; a conventional state-of-the-art piston engine was used as a baseline for the comparison. Computer simulations of the performance of single and twin engine pressurized aircraft designs were used to determine how the various characteristics of each engine interacted in the design process. Comparisons were made of how each engine performed relative to the others when integrated into an airframe and required to fly a transportation mission.

Huggins, G. L.↗

Advanced general aviation engine/airframe integration study

A comparison of the in-airframe performance and efficiency of the advanced engine concepts is presented. The results indicate that the proposed advanced engines can significantly improve the performance and economy of general aviation airplanes. The engine found to be most promising is the highly advanced version of a rotary combustion (Wankel) engine. The low weight and fuel consumption of this engine, as well as its small size, make it suited for aircraft use.

Zmroczek, L. A.↗

Generic functional requirements for a NASA general-purpose data base management system

Generic functional requirements for a general-purpose, multi-mission data base management system (DBMS) for application to remotely sensed scientific data bases are detailed. The motivation for utilizing DBMS technology in this environment is explained. The major requirements include: (1) a DBMS for scientific observational data; (2) a multi-mission capability; (3) user-friendly; (4) extensive and integrated information about data; (5) robust languages for defining data structures and formats; (6) scientific data types and structures; (7) flexible physical access mechanisms; (8) ways of representing spatial relationships; (9) a high level nonprocedural interactive query and data manipulation language; (10) data base maintenance utilities; (11) high rate input/output and large data volume storage; and adaptability to a distributed data base and/or data base machine configuration. Detailed functions are specified in a top-down hierarchic fashion. Implementation, performance, and support requirements are also given.

Lohman, G. M.↗

Blockage and flow studies of a generalized test apparatus including various wing configurations in the Langley 7-inch Mach 7 Pilot Tunnel

A 1/12th scale model of the Curved Surface Test Apparatus (CSTA), which will be used to study aerothermal loads and evaluate Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) on a fuselage-type configuration in the Langley 8-Foot High Temperature Structures Tunnel (8 ft HTST), was tested in the Langley 7-Inch Mach 7 Pilot Tunnel. The purpose of the tests was to study the overall flow characteristics and define an envelope for testing the CSTA in the 8 ft HTST. Wings were tested on the scaled CSTA model to select a wing configuration with the most favorable characteristics for conducting TPS evaluations for curved and intersecting surfaces. The results indicate that the CSTA and selected wing configuration can be tested at angles of attack up to 15.5 and 10.5 degrees, respectively. The base pressure for both models was at the expected low level for most test conditions. Results generally indicate that the CSTA and wing configuration will provide a useful test bed for aerothermal pads and thermal structural concept evaluation over a broad range of flow conditions in the 8 ft HTST.

Albertson, C. W.↗

General multiyear aggregation technology: Methodology and software documentation

A general methodology is presented for estimating a stratum's at-harvest crop acreage proportion for a given crop year (target year) from the crop's estimated acreage proportion for sample segments from within the stratum. Sample segments from crop years other than the target year are (usually) required for use in conjunction with those from the target year. In addition, the stratum's (identifiable) crop acreage proportion may be estimated for times other than at-harvest in some situations. A by-product of the procedure is a methodology for estimating the change in the stratum's at-harvest crop acreage proportion from crop year to crop year. An implementation of the proposed procedure as a statistical analysis system routine using the system's matrix language module, PROC MATRIX, is described and documented. Three examples illustrating use of the methodology and algorithm are provided.

Baker, T. C.↗

Input/output models for general aviation piston-prop aircraft fuel economy

A fuel efficient cruise performance model for general aviation piston engine airplane was tested. The following equations were made: (1) for the standard atmosphere; (2) airframe-propeller-atmosphere cruise performance; and (3) naturally aspirated engine cruise performance. Adjustments are made to the compact cruise performance model as follows: corrected quantities, corrected performance plots, algebraic equations, maximize R with or without constraints, and appears suitable for airborne microprocessor implementation. The following hardwares are recommended: ignition timing regulator, fuel-air mass ration controller, microprocessor, sensors and displays.

Sweet, L. M.↗

Documentation for the machine-readable version of the general catalogue of trigonometric stellar parallaxes and supplement

The machine-readable version of the General Catalog of Trigonometric Stellar parallaxes as distributed by the Astronomical Data Center is described. It is intended to enable users to read and process the data without problems and guesswork. The source reference should be consulted for details concerning the compilation of the main catalogue and supplement, the probable errors, and the weighting system used to combine determinations from different observatories.

Warren, W. H., Jr.↗

A generalized memory test algorithm

A general algorithm for testing digital computer memory is presented. The test checks that (1) every bit can be cleared and set in each memory work, and (2) bits are not erroneously cleared and/or set elsewhere in memory at the same time. The algorithm can be applied to any size memory block and any size memory word. It is concise and efficient, requiring the very few cycles through memory. For example, a test of 16-bit-word-size memory requries only 384 cycles through memory. Approximately 15 seconds were required to test a 32K block of such memory, using a microcomputer having a cycle time of 133 nanoseconds.

Milner, E. J.↗

Automated procedure for developing hybrid computer simulations of turbofan engines. Part 1: General description

A systematic, computer-aided, self-documenting methodology for developing hybrid computer simulations of turbofan engines is presented. The methodology that is pesented makes use of a host program that can run on a large digital computer and a machine-dependent target (hybrid) program. The host program performs all the calculations and data manipulations that are needed to transform user-supplied engine design information to a form suitable for the hybrid computer. The host program also trims the self-contained engine model to match specified design-point information. Part I contains a general discussion of the methodology, describes a test case, and presents comparisons between hybrid simulation and specified engine performance data. Part II, a companion document, contains documentation, in the form of computer printouts, for the test case.

Szuch, J. R.↗

Engine dynamic analysis with general nonlinear finite element codes. Part 2: Bearing element implementation overall numerical characteristics and benchmaking

Finite element codes are used in modelling rotor-bearing-stator structure common to the turbine industry. Engine dynamic simulation is used by developing strategies which enable the use of available finite element codes. benchmarking the elements developed are benchmarked by incorporation into a general purpose code (ADINA); the numerical characteristics of finite element type rotor-bearing-stator simulations are evaluated through the use of various types of explicit/implicit numerical integration operators. Improving the overall numerical efficiency of the procedure is improved.

Padovan, J.↗

Results from tests of three prototype general aviation seats

Three types of energy absorbing general aviation seats were dynamically tested and evaluated for crash load attenuation. On the basis of the static and dynamic test results, it was recommended that the tubular frame seats be redesigned to initiate stroking at approximately 12 G's rather than the 20 to 25 G range. Lower density foam was recommended for the foam wedge passenger seat.

Williams, M. S.↗

A Loran-C prototype navigation receiver for general aviation

Investigations have been conducted regarding the techniques required for Loran-C navigation with application to the general-aviation pilot. The goal has been to produce prototype equipment for flight evaluation which will provide enroute navigation in both latitude-longitude and rho-theta coordinates and to evaluate the nonprecision approach capabilities of such equipment. In connection with the considered project, a prototype Loran-C receiver has been flight-tested using a variety of flight paths, with and without simultaneous ground radar position data collection. Attention is given to a receiver overview, an antenna preamplifier/coupler, the Loran-C receiver RF processor, the tracking loop hardware, tracking loop programming, video output, the laboratory and flight evaluation, and work currently in progress.

Lilley, R. W.↗

Emergency in-flight egress for general aviation aircraft

A NASA program for development of an inflight egress system for the left (pilot) door of general aviation aircraft is described. The pyrotechnic release door was felt to be necessary because of pilot difficulty in reaching the right door when subjected to spin/stall centrifugal effects. A flexible, linear shaped charged of hexanitrostibene II and a lanyard actuated detonator are discussed, along with mock-up tests and instrumentation. The egress system was designed for minimum structural impact, mimimum pilot initiation procedures, low weight, and no egress interference, and to provide sufficient force to blow off the door, have low required maintenance, and high reliability. Results of 68 tests are reviewed, noting the inclusion of a screen to keep glass fragments from spraying the cabin. Certification was achieved, and uses in the F-111 and B-1 aircraft are noted.

Bement, L. J.↗

Equivalence of the generalized Lie-Hori method and the method of averaging

In this investigation, a comparison is made of two methods for developing perturbation theories for non-canonical dynamical systems. The methods compared are the generalized Lie-Hori method and the method of averaging. In the comparison presented here, the equivalence of the methods up to the second order in the small parameter is shown. However, the approach used can be extended to demonstrate the equivalence for higher orders. To illustrate the equivalence both Duffing's equation and the van der Pol equation are solved using each method.

Ahmed, A.↗

A general purpose computer-to-computer interface Xerox Sigma computer-to-DEC PDP 11 computer

The Sigma/PDP 11 Interface is a general-purpose system for interconnecting a Xerox Sigma series computer and a DEC PDP 11 series computer. Although the unit is designed to operate in a real-time environment, it can be used in nonreal-time modes as well. Several features, designed to facilitate using the system in varied applications are included in the unit; for example, the features can be used to isolate software or hardware faults. This paper contains descriptions of the hardware and software operations of the interface and examples of real-time applications in the research environment at Ames Research Center.

Fetter, J. L.↗

Magnetohydrodynamic equilibrium. II - General integrals of the equations with one ignorable coordinate

The steady equations of hydromagnetics for the isentropic or nonisentropic flow of an inviscid magnetofluid of high electrical conductivity, with one ignorable coordinate in a general orthogonal system, are treated. Several integrals of the equations are established thereafter reducing them to a scalar, quasi-linear, second order, partial differential equation for the magnetic potential. Simple solutions of this final equation are presented. The result, together with a similar treatment of helically symmetric hydromagnetic flows presented in a subsequent paper, allows a unified and systematic approach to the solution of problems involving steady hydromagnetic fields with a topological invariance in various curvilinear coordinates.

Tsinganos, K. C.↗

Tests of general relativity using Starprobe radio metric tracking data

The potential of a proposed spacecraft mission, called Starprobe, for testing general relativity and providing information on the interior structure and dynamics of the sun is investigated. Parametric, gravitational perturbation terms are derived which represent relativistic effects and effects due to spatial and temporal variations in the solar potential at a given radial distance. A covariance analysis based on Kalman filtering theory predicts the accuracies with which the free parameters in the perturbation terms can be estimated with radio metric tracking data through the process of trajectory reconstruction. It is concluded that Starprobe can contribute significant information on both the nature of gravitation and the structure and dynamics of the solar interior.

Mease, K. D.↗

A January angular momentum balance in the OSU two-level atmospheric general circulation model

The present investigation is concerned with an analysis of the atmospheric angular momentum balance, based on the simulation data of the Oregon State University two-level atmospheric general circulation model (AGCM). An attempt is also made to gain an understanding of the involved processes. Preliminary results on the angular momentum and mass balance in the AGCM are shown. The basic equations are examined, and questions of turbulent momentum transfer are investigated. The methods of analysis are discussed, taking into account time-averaged balance equations, time and longitude-averaged balance equations, mean meridional circulation, the mean meridional balance of relative angular momentum, and standing and transient components of motion.

Kim, J.-W.↗