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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 127 records · Page 7
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2016

Design and Development of a 200-kW Turbo-Electric Distributed Propulsion Testbed

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC) (Edwards, California) is developing a Hybrid-Electric Integrated Systems Testbed (HEIST) Testbed as part of the HEIST Project, to study power management and transition complexities, modular architectures, and flight control laws for turbo-electric distributed propulsion technologies using representative hardware and piloted simulations. Capabilities are being developed to assess the flight readiness of hybrid electric and distributed electric vehicle architectures. Additionally, NASA will leverage experience gained and assets developed from HEIST to assist in flight-test proposal development, flight-test vehicle design, and evaluation of hybrid electric and distributed electric concept vehicles for flight safety. The HEIST test equipment will include three trailers supporting a distributed electric propulsion wing, a battery system and turbogenerator, dynamometers, and supporting power and communication infrastructure, all connected to the AFRC Core simulation. Plans call for 18 high performance electric motors that will be powered by batteries and the turbogenerator, and commanded by a piloted simulation. Flight control algorithms will be developed on the turbo-electric distributed propulsion system.

distributed↗
NASA NTRS1981

Applications of digital image acquisition in anthropometry

A description is given of a video kinesimeter, a device for the automatic real-time collection of kinematic and dynamic data. Based on the detection of a single bright spot by three TV cameras, the system provides automatic real-time recording of three-dimensional position and force data. It comprises three cameras, two incandescent lights, a voltage comparator circuit, a central control unit, and a mass storage device. The control unit determines the signal threshold for each camera before testing, sequences the lights, synchronizes and analyzes the scan voltages from the three cameras, digitizes force from a dynamometer, and codes the data for transmission to a floppy disk for recording. Two of the three cameras face each other along the 'X' axis; the third camera, which faces the center of the line between the first two, defines the 'Y' axis. An image from the 'Y' camera and either 'X' camera is necessary for determining the three-dimensional coordinates of the point.

Woolford, B.↗
NASA NTRS1929

Force measurements on airplanes

The most essential phenomena of aircraft should be classified according to their origin and then measured. Information can thus be obtained in a quicker, cheaper, and more reliable way than otherwise would be possible.

HUB DYNAMOMETERS, ETC↗
NASA NTRS1942

Electrical equipment for the experimental study of the dynamics of fluids

This report contains the description of electric anemometers and their application to the study of turbulent fluid flows, of electric tanks for the realization of the analogies between electrology and aerodynamics and their application to the study of varied technical problems, and lastly of the electric condenser type dynamometer and its application to the prediction of the aerodynamic forces on wing and airplane models in wind-tunnel tests and in controlled and spontaneous rotations.

Ferrari, Carlo↗
NASA NTRS2009

Isokinetic Strength and Endurance Tests used Pre- and Post-Spaceflight: Test-Retest Reliability

To assess changes in muscular strength and endurance after microgravity exposure, NASA measures isokinetic strength and endurance across multiple sessions before and after long-duration space flight. Accurate interpretation of pre- and post-flight measures depends upon the reliability of each measure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the test-retest reliability of the NASA International Space Station (ISS) isokinetic protocol. Twenty-four healthy subjects (12 M/12 F, 32.0 +/- 5.6 years) volunteered to participate. Isokinetic knee, ankle, and trunk flexion and extension strength as well as endurance of the knee flexors and extensors were measured using a Cybex NORM isokinetic dynamometer. The first weekly session was considered a familiarization session. Data were collected and analyzed for weeks 2-4. Repeated measures analysis of variance (alpha=0.05) was used to identify weekly differences in isokinetic measures. Test-retest reliability was evaluated by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) (3,1). No significant differences were found between weeks in any of the strength measures and the reliability of the strength measures were all considered excellent (ICC greater than 0.9), except for concentric ankle dorsi-flexion (ICC=0.67). Although a significant difference was noted in weekly endurance measures of knee extension (p less than 0.01), the reliability of endurance measure by week were considered excellent for knee flexion (ICC=0.97) and knee extension (ICC=0.96). Except for concentric ankle dorsi-flexion, the isokinetic strength and endurance measures are highly reliable when following the NASA ISS protocol. This protocol should allow accurate interpretation isokinetic data even with a small number of crew members.

Laughlin, Mitzi S.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Operating Wind Turbine as Synchronous Generator: Modeling and Power-Hardware-in-the-Loop Demonstration

Grid-forming (GFM) control of Type 3 and Type 4 wind turbine generators (WTGs) has attracted substantial attention in power systems research; however, the limited overcurrent capability of power electronics converters continues to deteriorate the grid strength of the evolving power systems. Synchronous wind, also referred to as a Type 5 WTG, offers a unique GFM solution to address grid integration and grid strength issues by keeping the grid largely synchronous at very high integration levels of renewable generation. A Type 5 WTG interfaces with the electric grid via a synchronous generator driven by a variable speed hydraulic torque converter; hence, the wind rotor operates in variable-speed mode for maximum power generation, and the generator shaft remains synchronous to the grid. This paper develops and tests a high-fidelity model of a Type 5 WTG in a power-hardware-in-the-loop testing environment, and it presents its operation characteristics under different grid contingencies. The power-hardware-in-the-loop demonstration shows that a Type 5 WTG inherently behaves as a GFM unit and can obtain similar performance in terms of power response, wind rotor dynamics, and stability enhancement compared to a Type 3 WTG in GFM control mode. Furthermore, the paper provides further insight into how Type 5 WTGs can support the smooth transition to power systems with high integration levels of inverter-based resources.

17 - WIND ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS2021

Random vibration, exported vibration, and passive isolation testing of the Ricor K508N cryocooler

The Ricor K508N is a rotary Stirling Cryocooler whose predecessor, the K508, has extensive flight heritage. The K508N has significant potential as a low-cost option for CubeSat infrared electro-optical payload applications. This paper will explore the work done by the ATA project on the exported vibration characterization of a set of standard K508N cryocoolers (35 atm) and the implementation and performance comparison of several passive vibration isolation and damping technologies to help mitigate the jitter effect of COTS cryocoolers. Kistler Force dynamometers and accelerometers were used to measure the K508N’s body and cold tip Multicomponent Exported Forces and Torques (EFT). Wire rope and Pyrolytic Graphite Sheet thermal straps are used as vibration isolation technologies. The K508N also underwent sine sweep resonant and peak profile testing as well as random vibration testing to GEVS launch loads in a NanoRacks soft stow configuration.

Mok, M↗
NASA NTRS2010

Two-Speed Gearbox Dynamic Simulation Predictions and Test Validation

Dynamic simulations and experimental validation tests were performed on a two-stage, two-speed gearbox as part of the drive system research activities of the NASA Fundamental Aeronautics Subsonics Rotary Wing Project. The gearbox was driven by two electromagnetic motors and had two electromagnetic, multi-disk clutches to control output speed. A dynamic model of the system was created which included a direct current electric motor with proportional-integral-derivative (PID) speed control, a two-speed gearbox with dual electromagnetically actuated clutches, and an eddy current dynamometer. A six degree-of-freedom model of the gearbox accounted for the system torsional dynamics and included gear, clutch, shaft, and load inertias as well as shaft flexibilities and a dry clutch stick-slip friction model. Experimental validation tests were performed on the gearbox in the NASA Glenn gear noise test facility. Gearbox output speed and torque as well as drive motor speed and current were compared to those from the analytical predictions. The experiments correlate very well with the predictions, thus validating the dynamic simulation methodologies.

Lewicki, David G.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Structural and thermal interface characteristics of Stirling cycle cryocoolers for space applications

Integration of a Stirling cycle cryocooler into a flight system will require careful attention to the thermal, structural, and electrical interfaces between the cryocooler, the instrument and the spacecraft. These issues are currently under investigation by National Aeronautics and Space Administration/Goddard Space Flight Center personnel in laboratory tests of representative longlife cryocoolers. An 80 K cryocooler has been instrumented as a testbed for vibration control systems characterization. Initial vibration data using a new six-DOF force dynamometer is presented in this report.

Boyle, R.↗
DOE OSTI2026

Correlation of Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) force myography sensor output with elbow joint torque

Accurate assessment of skeletal muscle forces and net joint torque is essential for preventing fatigue-related injuries, optimizing physical training, and monitoring disease progression in neuromuscular conditions. However, existing joint torque evaluation techniques are hindered by limited portability and high operational costs, confining their use to controlled laboratory or clinical settings. Despite substantial advances in wearable joint torque estimation systems, ongoing challenges such as power constraints, bulky wired setups, and susceptibility to environmental or motion artifacts underscore the urgent need for truly batteryless, wireless solutions deployable in real-world settings. This paper proposes a novel surface acoustic wave (SAW)-based force myography (FMG) system for noninvasive measurement of joint torque, validated against a gold-standard electromechanical dynamometer. The approach uses a single SAW sensor embedded in an armband to detect volumetric biceps brachii changes, with a second-order polynomial mapping sensor output and elbow angle to torque. Seven participants were tested in both isometric (15°–90°) and isokinetic (10°/s and 20°/s) supinated elbow flexion tasks. Under isometric conditions, subject-specific calibration achieved a normalized root-mean-square error (NRMSE) of 13.6% ± 6.0% and R 2 = 0.834 ± 0.180, while a group-level model yielded 14.4% ± 6.8% and 0.808 ± 0.208, respectively. For isokinetic trials, the group model produced an NRMSE of 24.1% ± 6.6% at 10°/s and 24.9% ± 08.9% at 20°/s, highlighting the feasibility of using a single-sensor SAW-FMG setup across different speeds. Because SAW devices support wireless, battery-free operation, the proposed system offers a pathway to portable, real-time monitoring for sports medicine, rehabilitation, and clinical diagnostics.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS2007

Comparison of the US and Russian Cycle Ergometers

The purpose of this study was to compare the U.S. and Russian cycle ergometers focusing on the mechanical differences of the devices and the physiological differences observed while using the devices. Methods: First, the mechanical loads provided by the U.S. Cycle Ergometer with Vibration Isolation System (CEVIS) and the Russian Veloergometer were measured using a calibration dynamometer. Results were compared and conversion equations were modeled to determine the actual load provided by each device. Second, ten male subjects (32.9 +/- 6.5 yrs, 180.6 +/- 4.4 cm; 81.9 +/- 6.9 kg) experienced with both cycling and exercise testing completed a standardized submaximal exercise test protocol on CEVIS and Veloergometer. The exercise protocol involved 8 sub-maximal workloads each lasting 3 minutes for a total of 24 minutes per session, or until the end of the stage when the subject reached 85% of peak oxygen consumption or age-predicted maximum heart rate (220 - age). The workload started at 50 Watts (W), increased to 100 W, and then increased 25 W every 3 minutes until reaching a peak workload of 250 W. Physiological variables were then compared at each workload by repeated measures ANOVA or paired t-tests (p<0.05). Results: While both CEVIS and Veloergometer produced significantly lower workloads than the displayed workload, CEVIS produced even lower loads than Veloergometer (p<0.05) at each indicated workload. Despite this fact, the only physiological variables that showed a significant difference between the ergometers were VE (125 - 250W), VO2 (175 and 250 W), and VCO2 (175 W). All other physiological data were not statistically different between CEVIS and Veloergometer. Conclusion: Although workloads were different between ergometers, relatively few physiological differences were observed. Therefore, CEVIS workloads of 87.5 - 262.5 W can be rounded to the nearest 25 W increment and performed on the Veloergometer.

Norcross, Jason↗
NASA NTRS1997

Resistance exercise prevents plantar flexor deconditioning during bed rest

Because resistance exercise (REX) and unloading induce opposing neuromuscular adaptations, we tested the efficacy of REX against the effects of 14 d of bed rest unloading (BRU) on the plantar flexor muscle group. Sixteen men were randomly assigned to no exercise (NOE, N = 8) or REX (N = 8). REX performed 5 sets x 6-10 repetitions to failure of constant resistance concentric/eccentric plantar flexion every other day during BRU. One-repetition maximum (1RM) strength was tested on the training device. The angle-specific torque-velocity relationship across 5 velocities (0, 0.52, 1.05, 1.75, and 2.97 rad.s-1) and the full range-of-motion power-velocity relationship were assessed on a dynamometer. Torque-position analyses identified strength changes at shortened, neutral, and stretched muscle lengths. Concentric and eccentric contractile work were measured across ten repetitions at 1.05 rad.s-1. Maximal neural activation was measured by surface electromyography (EMG). 1RM decreased 9% in NOE and improved 11% in REX (P < 0.05). Concentric (0.52 and 1.05 rad.s-1), eccentric (0.52 and 2.97 rad.s-1), and isometric angle-specific torques decreased (P < 0.05) in NOE, averaging 18%, 17%, and 13%, respectively. Power dropped (P < 0.05) in NOE at three eccentric (21%) and two concentric (14%) velocities. REX protected angle-specific torque and average power at all velocities. Concentric and eccentric strength decreased at stretched (16%) and neutral (17%) muscle lengths (P < 0.05) in NOE while REX maintained or improved strength at all joint positions. Concentric (15%) and eccentric (11%) contractile work fell in NOE (P < 0.05) but not in REX. Maximal plantar flexor EMG did not change in either group. In summary, constant resistance concentric/eccentric REX completely prevented plantar flexor performance deconditioning induced by BRU. The reported benefits of REX should prove useful in prescribing exercise for astronauts in microgravity and for patients susceptible to functional decline during bed- or chair-bound hospital stays.

NASA Discipline Musculoskeletal↗
NASA NTRS2006

WISE 2005: LBNP Exercise and Flywheel Resistive Exercise as an Effective Countermeasure Combination

Long-term exposure to microgravity can cause a severe musculoskeletal loss and cardiovascular deconditioning in astronauts. In this report, the effectiveness of combined supine treadmill exercise in a lower body negative pressure chamber (LBNPex) and flywheel resistive exercise (Rex) countermeasures was determined to prevent bone loss, reduced aerobic upright exercise capacity and reduced muscle strength. We hypothesized that exercise subjects (EX) would show less decrease in bone mineral density (BMD), peak oxygen consumption (VO2pk) and knee extensor strength (KES) than control subjects (CON). Sixteen healthy female subjects (34 plus or minus 4yrs, 164 plus or minus 6.5cm, 58 plus or minus 5kg; mean plus or minus SD) participated in a 60-d 6 degree head-down tilt bed rest (BR) study after providing written informed consent. Subjects were assigned to one of two groups: a non- exercising CON group or an EX group performing LBNPex 2-4 d/wk and Rex every 3rd-d. VO2pk was measured with a maximal, graded, upright treadmill test performed pre-BR and on 3-d after BR. BMD was assessed pre-BR and 3-d after BR by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry total body DEXA scan (DEXA; HOLOGIC QDR 4500 Elite ). A Cybex dynamometer was employed to measure the isokinetic KES before and 5-d after BR. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA were performed with time as the repeated factor. Statistical significance was set at p less than 0.05. CON experienced a significant decrease in BMD in the trochanter (PRE: 0.670 0.045; POST: 0.646 0.352 g(raised dot) per square centimeter) and in the whole hip (PRE: 0.894 0.059; POST: 0.858 0.057 g(raised dot) per square centimeter). BMD also decreased significantly in EX in the trochanter (PRE: 0.753 plus or minus 0.0617; POST: 0.741 plus or minus 0.061 g(raised dot) per square centimeter) and whole hip (PRE: 0.954 plus or minus 0.067; POST: 0.935 plus or minus 0.069 g(raised dot) per square centimeter). BMD losses were significantly less in EX than in CON subjects. VO2pk was significantly decreased in the CON after BR (PRE: 38.0 plus or minus 4.8; POST: 29.9 plus or minus 4.2 ml(raised dot) per kilogram per minute), but not in the EX (PRE: 39.0 plus or minus 2.0; POST: 37.8 plus or minus 1.9 ml(raised dot) per kilogram per minute). KES was significantly reduced by 30% in CON (PRE: 113 plus or minus 12; POST: 78 plus or minus 8 N-m), but was not different in EX (PRE: 126 plus or minus 25; POST: 115 plus or minus 25 N-m). The combination LBNPex and Rex during 60-d BR protects against cardiovascular and musculoskeletal deconditioning and may be an efficacious countermeasure for prolonged space flight.

Meuche, S.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Fabrication and test of experimental automotive friction materials

Three classes of experimental ingredients having good high temperature stability were substituted, singly and in combination, for corresponding ingredients in a standard friction material. The effects of substitution were evaluated by physical and chemical analysis, and principally by determination of friction and wear properties as a function of temperature on a sample drag dynamometer. The major finding was the demonstration of the potential of potassium titanate fiber for the improvement of a friction material of the secondary lining type. For example, the maintenance of a mean friction coefficient of 0.35 between 232 and 343 C (450 and 650 F) was achieved in the presence of the titanate fiber, as opposed to a value of 0.30 in its absence. Wear improvement of the order of 30 to 40% also becomes possible by proper adjustment of resin content and potassium titanate fiber-to-asbestos ratio.

Halberstadt, M. L.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Rotordynamic forces on centrifugal pump impellers

The asymmetric flow around an impeller in a volute exerts a force upon the impeller. To study the rotordynamic force on an impeller which is vibrating around its machine axis of rotation, the impeller, mounted on a dynamometer, is made to whirl in a circular orbit within the volute. The measured force is expressed as the sum of a steady radial force and an unsteady force due to the eccentric motion of the impeller. These forces were measured in separate tests on a centrifugal pump with radically increased shroud clearance, a two-dimensional impeller, and an impeller with an inducer, the impeller of the HPOTP (High Pressure Oxygen Turbopump) of the SSME (Space Shuttle Main Engine). In each case, a destabilizing force was observed over a region of positive whirl.

Franz, R.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Behavior of aircraft antiskid braking systems on dry and wet runway surfaces. A slip-velocity-controlled, pressure-bias-modulated system

The braking and cornering response of a slip velocity controlled, pressure bias modulated aircraft antiskid braking system is investigated. The investigation, conducted on dry and wet runway surfaces, utilized one main gear wheel, brake, and tire assembly of a McDonnell Douglas DC 9 series 10 airplane. The landing gear strut was replaced by a dynamometer. The parameters, which were varied, included the carriage speed, tire loading, yaw angle, tire tread condition, brake system operating pressure, and runway wetness conditions. The effects of each of these parameters on the behavior of the skid control system is presented. Comparisons between data obtained with the skid control system and data obtained from single cycle braking tests without antiskid protection are examined.

Stubbs, S. M.↗
DOE OSTI2026

Modeling and Power-Hardware-in-the-Loop Validation of Synchronous Machine Governor

This paper introduces the development of a high-fidelity gas turbine governor model using a programmable logic controller for power-hardware-in-the-loop (PHIL) validation. The governor model is integrated with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's (NREL) PHIL test bed, featuring a 2-MVA synchronous machine and a 2.5-MW variable-speed drive, to emulate NG-driven HRSGs and CTs under various operational scenarios. The primary objective of this research is to study the grid-connected and islanding operations of conventional generation sources, with representative startup sequences including turbine purge, ignition, speed ramp-up, synchronization, and breaker closure. Preliminary results of the generator governor model on NREL PHIL platform, particularly using the 2.5-MW dynamometer system, offered significant insights into the modeling techniques, hardware integration, scaling, and real-world simulation dynamics.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
NASA NTRS1988

Small engine components test facility turbine testing cell

NASA Lewis Research Center has designed and constructed a new state-of-the-art test facility. This facility, called the Small Engine Components Test Facility (SECTF), is used to test gas turbines and compressors at conditions similar to actual engine conditions. The SECTF is comprised of two separate facilities - a turbine test cell and a compressor test cell. The paper will describe the turbine test cell. The capabilities of the facility make it unique - no other facility of its kind is capable of combining its pressure, speed, and temperature ranges. Turbine inlet air ranges up to 9 atm (125 psig). The turbine exhaust pressure ranges from 0.15 atm (2 psia) to atmospheric pressure. Turbine inlet air temperatures range from ambient to 700 K (1260 deg R). The controllable speed of the turbine rotor ranges from 4000 to 60,000 rpm and the maximum power absorbed by the facility dynamometer is 1250 hp. The data acquisition system scans up to 2000 channels/sec. This paper will discuss in detail the capabilities of the facility, overall facility design, instrumentation used in the facility, and the data acquisition system. Actual research data is not discussed.

Nowlin, Brent C.↗