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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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The Atmospheric Cloud Physics Laboratory (ACPL) task flow is shown. Current progress is identified. The requirements generated in task 1 have been used to formulate an initial ACPL baseline design concept. ACPL design/functional features are illustrated. A timetable is presented of the routines for ACPL integration with the spacelab system.
This paper presents a discussion of the closed-cycle MHD results obtained in a recent study of various advanced energy-conversion power systems. The direct coal-fired MHD topping-steam bottoming cycle was established as the current choice for central station power generation. Emphasis is placed on the background assumptions and the conclusions that can be drawn from the closed-cycle MHD analysis. It is concluded that closed-cycle MHD has efficiencies comparable to that of open-cycle MHD. Its cost will possibly be slightly higher than that of the open-cycle MHD system. Also, with reasonable fuel escalation assumptions, both systems can produce lower-cost electricity than conventional steam power plants. Suggestions for further work in closed-cycle MHD components and systems are made.
This paper presents a discussion of the closed cycle MHD results obtained in a recent study of various advanced energy conversion (ECAS) power systems. The study was part of the first phase of this ECAS study. Since this was the first opportunity to evaluate the coal fired closed cycle MHD system, a number of iterations were required to partially optimize the system. The present paper deals with the latter part of the study in which the direct coal fired, MHD topping-steam bottoming cycle was established as the current choice for central station power generation. The emphasis of the paper is on the background assumptions and the conclusions that can be drawn from the closed cycle MHD analysis. The author concludes that closed cycle MHD has efficiencies comparable to that of open cycle MHD and that both systems are considerably more efficient than the other system studies in Phase 1 of the GE ECAS. Its cost will possibly be slightly higher than that of the open cycle MHD system. Also, with reasonable fuel escalation assumptions, both systems can produce lower cost electricity than conventional steam power plants. Suggestions for further work in closed cycle MHD components and systems is made.
The generation of gravitational radiation in several currently viable metric theories of gravitation (Brans-Dicke, Rosen, Ni, and Lightman-Lee) is analyzed, and it is shown that these theories predict the emission of dipole gravitational radiation from systems containing gravitationally bound objects. In the binary system PSR 1913 + 16, this radiation results in a secular change in the orbital period of the system with a nominal magnitude of 3 parts in 100,000 per year. The size of the effect is proportional to the reduced mass of the system, to the square of the difference in (self-gravitational energy)/(mass) between the two components of the system, and to a parameter, xi, whose value varies from theory to theory. In general relativity xi equals 0, in Rosen's (1973) theory xi equals -20/3, and in Ni's (1973) theory xi equals -400/3. The current upper limit on such a secular period change is one part in 1 million per year. It is shown that further observations of the binary system that tighten this limit and that establish the masses of the components and the identity of the companion may provide a crucial test of otherwise viable alternatives to general relativity.
A 2000 MWe MHD/steam plant for central station applications has been designed and costed as part of the Energy Conversion Alternatives Study (ECAS). This plant is fueled by Illinois No. 6 coal, rejects heat through mechanical draft wet cooling towers, and includes coal processing equipment, seed reprocessing, electrical inversion of the MHD generator output and emission controls to current EPA standards. It yields an estimated overall efficiency of 0.483 (7066 Btu/kWe-hr), a capital cost of $718 per kWe (1975 dollars), and a cost of electricity at 65% capacity factor of 32 mills per kWe-hr. If the assumed life and reliability could be achieved with these performance parameters, the MHD system should prove attractive.
The current status of first and second generation PMR polyimides are reviewed. Synthesis, processing, and applications were considered, using prepreg materials based on processable, high temperature resistant polyimides.
In the NASA developed PMR (polymerization of monomer reactants) the reinforcing fibers are impregnated with a solution containing a mixture of monomers dissolved in a low boiling point alkyl alcohol solvent, with the monomers reacting in situ at elevated temperatures to form a thermo-oxidatively stable polyimide matrix. The current status of first and second generation PMR polyimides is reviewed, considering synthesis and properties, processing, and applications. It is concluded that the PMR approach offers various significant advantages, especially superior high temperature properties and processing versatility, to fabricators and users of polyimide/fiber composites.
Eight solar sensing cells comprise inexpensive monitoring instrument. Four cells always track Sun while other four face sky and clouds. On overcast day, cloud-irradiance sensors generate as much short-circuit current as Sun sensor cells. As clouds disappear, output of cloud sensors decreases. Ratio of two sensor type outputs determines fractional cloud cover.
Because the demand for comprehensive impact analysis of space technologies will increase with the use of space shuttles, the academic social sciences/humanities community was surveyed in order to determine their interests in space utilization, to develop a list of current and planned courses, and to generate a preliminary matrix of relevant social sciences. The academic scope/focus of a proposed social science space-related journal was identified including the disciplines which should be represented in the editorial board/reviewer system. The time and funding necessary to develop a self-sustaining journal were assessed. Cost income, general organizational structure, marking/distribution and funding sources were analyzed. Recommendations based on the survey are included.
Fiber reinforced PMR polyimides are finding increased acceptance as engineering materials for high performance structural applications. Prepreg materials based on this novel class of highly processable, high temperature resistant polyimides are commercially available and the PMR concept is used by other investigators. The current status of first and second generation PMR polyimides were reviewed. Emphasis is given to the chemistry, processing and applications of the first generation material known as PMR-15.
The research focused on developing an algorithm applying optimum sensitivity analysis for multilevel optimization. The research efforts have been devoted to assisting NASA Langley's Interdisciplinary Research Office (IRO) in the development of a mature methodology for a multilevel approach to the design of complex (large and multidisciplinary) engineering systems. An effort was undertaken to identify promising multilevel optimization algorithms. In the current reporting period, the computer program generating baseline single level solutions was completed and tested out.
A summary of modeling the electrical system aspects of a coil and metal target configuration resembling a practical electro-impulse deicing (EIDI) installation, and a simple circuit for providing energy to the coil, was presented. The model was developed in sufficient theoretical detail to allow the generation of computer algorithms for the current in the coil, the magnetic induction on both surfaces of the target, the force between the coil and target, and the impulse delivered to the target. These algorithms were applied to a specific prototype EIDI test system for which the current, magnetic fields near the target surfaces, and impulse were previously measured.
It is pointed out that the energy needs of spacecraft over the last 25 years have been met by photovoltaic arrays with batteries, primary fuel cells, and radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTG). However, it might be difficult to satisfy energy requirements for the next generation of space missions with the currently used energy sources. Applications studies have emphasized the need for a lighter, cheaper, and more compact high-energy source than the scaling up of current technologies would permit. These requirements could be satisfied by a nuclear reactor power system. The joint NASA/DOD/DOE SP-100 program is to explore and evaluate this option. Critical elements of the technology are also to be developed, taking into account space reactor systems of the 100 kW class. The present paper is concerned with some of the civil mission categories and concepts which are enabled or significantly enhanced by the performance characteristics of a nuclear reactor energy system.
A quantitative comparison is carried out between theoretical predictions and observations of the intensity of galactic cosmic rays near the interplanetary current sheet. Model calculations are compared with a statistical analysis of observations of galactic cosmic rays at the earth and the simultaneous position of the current sheet. Since the observations were made over a period of several years, the inclination of the current sheet varied considerably, and comparison with any one model calculation referring to a given inclination would not be appropriate. An ensemble of different current sheet inclinations are used to generate expected values with the model in order to make the analysis of the computations approximate the method used to analyze the data. Agreement is found between theory and observation at energies of the order of a few GeV.
Magnetically-collimated electron gun generates electron pulses with peak instantaneous currents of approximately microA with pulse widths of approximately 0.35 ns.
Microwave signals switched or modulated optically. Planar diode with transparent cathode made in BaAs, Si, and InSb versions. Depending on specific configuration and material, such diode used for optical modulation of microwave signal or as infrared detector. Transparent cathode fabricated on GaAs diode so diode illuminates to generate and control short-circuit current.
This paper describes an ongoing study of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA's) first generation of engineers - the generation which accomplished the United States' first major achievements in manned space exploration. Combining statistical analysis with personal interviews, the study explores questions such as the origins, motivations, and career histories of NASA's first generation of engineers; that generation's role in NASA's current leadership; the relationships of science, engineering, and management in NASA's institutional culture; and changes experienced within NASA during and after the Apollo program.
An approach to analyzing CFD knowledge-based systems is proposed which is based, in part, on the concept of knowledge-level analysis. Consideration is given to the expert cooling fan design system, the PAN AIR knowledge system, grid adaptation, and expert zonal grid generation. These AI/CFD systems demonstrate that current AI technology can be successfully applied to well-formulated problems that are solved by means of classification or selection of preenumerated solutions.