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At least 1,243 records · Page 69

Aerodynamics of the upper surface blow flap

The results of some preliminary wind-tunnel investigations made to provide fundamental aerodynamic information on the upper surface blown jet-flap concept incorporating high-bypass-ratio turbofan engines are summarized. The results of the investigation have shown the concept to have aerodynamic performance generally similar to that of other externally blown high-lift systems. A few of the more critical problems associated with this concept have been identified and preliminary solutions to some of these problems have been found. These results have proven to be sufficiently encouraging to warrant continuation of fundamental research efforts on the concept.

Phelps, A. E., III↗

Dynamics and control of detumbling a disabled spacecraft during rescue operations

Results of a two-year research effort on dynamics and control of detumbling a disabled spacecraft during rescue operations are summarized. Answers to several basic questions about associated techniques and hardware requirements were obtained. Specifically, efforts have included development of operational procedures, conceptual design of remotely controlled modules, feasibility of internal moving mass for stabilization, and optimal techniques for minimum-time detumbling. Results have been documented in several reports and publications.

Kaplan, M. H.↗

Fundamental advancements of the future.

General aviation encompasses all aviation except air carrier and military. This includes a broad spectrum of aircraft types ranging from amateur-built aircraft to jet transports, and includes missions such as transportation of people and freight, firefighting, power line patrol, agricultural, racing, and police patrol. The time span from discovery to broad utilization is such that for the next decade the majority of the innovations that will show up in the general aviation fleet will be derived from today's research efforts. A second area that has high potential is the modification of technology developments for military and transport aircraft to the needs of general aviation requirements of cost, complexity, and reliability.

Winblade, R. L.↗

Unsteady aerodynamic loads on slender cones at free-stream Mach numbers from 0 to 22.

Results of an experimental study to determine the flow-induced unsteady aerodynamic loads on slender cones at very high Mach numbers. Experiments on 8-deg half-angle-cone/flat-base configurations were conducted at free-stream Mach numbers of 6 and 15 and Reynolds numbers corresponding to shuttle reentry conditions. The flow facilities used were the H-3 Hypersonic Facility (Mach 6) and the Longshot Free Piston Tunnel (Mach 15) of the Von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics in Rhode-St.-Genese, Belgium. With these test results and pertinent results from other research efforts, data were available at free-stream Mach numbers of 0.67, 2.5, 3, 4, 6, 15, and 22, so that empirical expressions could be developed for the Mach number dependence (1) of the overall fluctuating pressure under an attached turbulence boundary layer and (2) of the overall fluctuating base pressure.

Heller, H. H.↗

Data for first NASA Atmospheric Variability Experiment (AVE 1). Part 1: Data tabulation

A tablulation is given of rawinsonde data for NASA's first Atmospheric Variability Experiment (AVE 1) conducted during the period February 19-22, 1964. Methods of data handling and processing, and estimates of error magnitudes are also given. Data taken on the AVE 1 project in 1964 enabled an analysis of a large sector of the eastern United States on a fine resolution time scale. This experiment was run in February 1964, and data were collected as a wave developed in the East Gulf on a frontal system which extended through the eastern part of the United States. The primary objective of AVE 1 was to investigate the variability of parameters in space and over time intervals of three hours, and to integrate the results into NASA programs which require this type of information. The results presented are those from one approach, and represent only a portion of the total research effort that can be accomplished.

Scoggins, J. R.↗

Wind power research at Oregon State University

There have been two primary thrusts of the research effort to date, along with several supplementary ones. One primary area has been an investigation of the wind fields along coastal areas of the Pacific Northwest, not only at the shoreline but also for a number of miles inland and offshore as well. Estimates have been made of the influence of the wind turbulence as measured at coastal sites in modifying the predicted dependence of power generated on the cube of the wind speed. Wind flow patterns in the Columbia River valley have also been studied. The second primary thrust has been to substantially modify and improve an existing wind tunnel to permit the build up of a boundary layer in which various model studies will be conducted. One of the secondary studies involved estimating the cost of building an aerogenerator.

Hewson, E. W.↗

Design, fabrication, test and delivery of a K-band antenna breadboard model

The results of a research effort to develop a Ku-Band single channel monopulse antenna with significant improvements in efficiency and bandwidth are reported. A single aperture, multimode horn, utilized in a near field Cassegrainian configuration, was the technique selected for achieving the desired efficiency and bandwidth performance. In order to provide wide polarization flexibility, a wire grid, space filter polarizer was developed. A solid state switching network with appropriate driving electronics provides the receive channel sum and difference signal interface with an existing Apollo type tracking electronics subsystem. A full scale breadboard model of the antenna was fabricated and tested. Performance of the model was well within the requirements and goals of the contract.

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The remote sensing of aquatic macrophytes Part 1: Color-infrared aerial photography as a tool for identification and mapping of littoral vegetation. Part 2: Aerial photography as a quantitative tool for the investigation of aquatic ecosystems

Research was initiated to use aerial photography as an investigative tool in studies that are part of an intensive aquatic ecosystem research effort at Lake Wingra, Madison, Wisconsin. It is anticipated that photographic techniques would supply information about the growth and distribution of littoral macrophytes with efficiency and accuracy greater than conventional methods.

Gustafson, T. D.↗

Optimal controller design for high performance aircraft undergoing large disturbance angles

An examination of two aircraft controller structures applicable to on-line implementation was conducted. The two controllers, a linear regulator model follower and an inner-product model follower, were applied to the lateral dynamics of the F8-C aircraft. For the purposes of this research effort, the lateral dynamics of the F8-C aircraft were considered. The controller designs were evaluated for four flight conditions. Additionally, effects of pilot input, rapid variation of flight condition and control surface rate and magnitude deflection limits were considered.

Rhoten, R. P.↗

Nutation control during precession of a spin-stabilized spacecraft

Precession maneuver control laws for single-spin spacecraft are investigated so that nutation is concurrently controlled. Analysis has led to the development of two types of control laws employing precession modulation for concurrent nutation control. Results were verified through digital simulation of a Synchronous Meteorological Satellite (SMS) configuration. An addition research effort was undertaken to investigate the cause and elimination of nutation anomalies in dual-spin spacecraft. A literature search was conducted and a dual-spin configuration was simulated to verify that nutational anomalies are not predicted by the existing nonlinear model. No conclusions were drawn as to the cause of the observed nutational anomalies in dual-spin spacecraft.

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Holographic recording materials development

Developments in the area of organic cis-trans isomerization systems for holographic memory applications are reported. The chemical research effort consisted of photochemical studies leading to the selection of a stilbene derivative and a polymer matrix system which have greatly improved refractive index differences between the cis and trans isomers as well as demonstrated efficiency of the photoisomerization process. In work on lithium niobate effects of sample stoichiometry and of read and write beam polarizations on recording efficiency were investigated. LiNbO3 was used for a study of angular sensitivity and of capability for simultaneous recording of extended objects without interference. The current status of LiNbO3 as a holographic recording material is summarized.

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ASSESS program: Shuttle Spacelab simulation using a Lear jet aircraft (mission no. 2)

The second shuttle Spacelab simulation mission of the ASSESS program was conducted at Ames Research Center by the Airborne Science Office (ASO) using a Lear jet aircraft based at a site remote from normal flight operations. Two experimenters and the copilot were confined to quarters on the site during the mission, departing only to do in-flight research in infrared astronomy. A total of seven flights were made in a period of 4 days. Results show that experimenters with relatively little flight experience can plan and carry out a successful research effort under isolated and physically rigorous conditions, much as would more experienced scientists. Perhaps the margin of success is not as great, but the primary goal of sustained acquisition of significant data over a 5-day period can be achieved.

Reller, J. O., Jr.↗

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration interdisciplinary studies in space technology at the University of Kansas

A broad range of research projects contained in a cooperative space technology program at the University of Kansas are reported as they relate to the following three areas of interdisciplinary interest: (1) remote sensing of earth resources; (2) stability and control of light and general aviation aircraft; and (3) the vibrational response characteristics of aeronautical and space vehicles. Details of specific research efforts are given under their appropriate departments, among which are aerospace engineering, chemical and petroleum engineering, environmental health, water resources, the remote sensing laboratory, and geoscience applications studies.

Barr, B. G.↗

Dry heat effects on survival of indigenous soil particle microflora and particle viability studies of Kennedy Space Center soil

Research efforts were concentrated on attempts to obtain data concerning the dry heat resistance of particle microflora in Kennedy Space Center soil samples. The in situ dry heat resistance profiles at selected temperatures for the aggregate microflora on soil particles of certain size ranges were determined. Viability profiles of older soil samples were compared with more recently stored soil samples. The effect of increased particle numbers on viability profiles after dry heat treatment was investigated. These soil particle viability data for various temperatures and times provide information on the soil microflora response to heat treatment and are useful in making selections for spacecraft sterilization cycles.

Ruschmeyer, O. R.↗

Geothermal reservoir simulation

The prediction of long-term geothermal reservoir performance and the environmental impact of exploiting this resource are two important problems associated with the utilization of geothermal energy for power production. Our research effort addresses these problems through numerical simulation. Computer codes based on the solution of partial-differential equations using finite-element techniques are being prepared to simulate multiphase energy transport, energy transport in fractured porous reservoirs, well bore phenomena, and subsidence.

Mercer, J. W., Jr.↗

Hypersonic engine airplane integration

A summary of the research activities is presented along with the design and analysis of an integrated scramjet engine which utilizes heat conduction flames. The scramjet engine model described was tested at a freestream Mach number of 4.0 by personnel at the General Applied Science Laboratory. The research effort was primarily concerned with the interpretation and analysis of the experimental data. The mixing tests were conducted with cold ambient air, while the combustion tests were conducted with hot vitiated air. The purpose of the cold mixing tests was to determine the degree of mixedness of the fuel at the ignitor station so as to certify if the fuel injection conditions and fuel injectors locations were properly selected to give a uniform fuel concentration profile at the ignitor station. A second objective was to assess the influence of the fuel injection on the inlet flow. Several fuel injection configurations were tested.

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