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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

Top-Mounted Propulsion Test Plans (TMP17)

NASA recently completed a study of propulsion cycles and nozzle types applicable to a 70-passenger, M1.6 supersonic airliner, paying especial attention to the noise produced during landing and take-off. The results of the study were validated in a model-scale test at NASA Glenn last summer. The findings of that study and test, along with other studies, have resulted in a new strategy for achieving the Commercial Supersonic Technologys goals for noise and performance. Key to that strategy is moving the propulsion to the top-side of the vehicle and modifying the nozzle and inlet to maximally shield the propulsion noise while maintaining efficient operation. Installed exhaust configurations have been designed to minimize the exhaust noise using new acoustic design tools. A test planned for the fall of 2017 will validate both the new design tools and the low-noise concept using a new translating phased array. During the test, questions regarding modifications of convected waves in the jet near-field that are key to new understandings of aft jet noise will be addressed. Also, to better tie rig results to real-world measurements, a model-scale version of a nozzle that was flight tested by Glenn Research Center in 2001 will be tested.

Jet noise↗

Vanguard/PLACE experiment system design and test plan

The design, development, and testing of the NASA-GFSC Position Location and Aircraft Communications Equipment (PLACE) at C band frequency are discussed. The equipment was installed on the USNS Vanguard. The tests involved a sea test to evalute the position-location, 2-way voice, and 2-way data communications capability of PLACE and a trilateration test to position-fix the ATS-5 satellite using the PLACE system.

Taylor, R. E.↗

Design and Preliminary Testing Plan of Electronegative Ion Thruster

Electronegative ion thrusters are a new iteration of existing gridded ion thruster technology differentiated by their ability to produce and accelerate both positive and negative ions. The primary motivations for electronegative ion thruster development include the elimination of lifetime-limiting cathodes from a thruster system and the ability to generate appreciable thrust through the acceleration of both positive or negative-charged ions. Proof-of-concept testing of the PEGASES (Plasma Propulsion with Electronegative GASES) thruster demonstrated the production of positively and negatively-charged ions (argon and sulfur hexafluoride, respectively) in an RF discharge and the subsequent acceleration of each charge species through the application of a time-varying electric field to a pair of metallic grids similar to those found in gridded ion thrusters. Leveraging the knowledge gained through experiments with the PEGASES I and II prototypes, the MINT (Marshall's Ion-ioN Thruster) is being developed to provide a platform for additional electronegative thruster proof-of-concept validation testing including direct thrust measurements. The design criteria used in designing the MINT are outlined and the planned tests that will be used to characterize the performance of the prototype are described.

Schloeder, Natalie R.↗

Development of a pyrolysis waste recovery model with designs, test plans, and applications for space-based habitats

Extensive literature searches revealed the numerous advantages of using pyrolysis as a means of recovering usable resources from inedible plant biomass, paper, plastics, other polymers, and human waste. A possible design of a pyrolysis reactor with test plans and applications for use on a space-based habitat are proposed. The proposed system will accommodate the wastes generated by a four-person crew while requiring solar energy as the only power source. Waste materials will be collected and stored during the 15-day lunar darkness periods. Resource recovery will occur during the daylight periods. Usable gases such as methane and hydrogen and a solid char will be produced while reducing the mass and volume of the waste to almost infinitely small levels. The system will be operated economically, safely, and in a non-polluting manner.

Roberson, Bobby J.↗

Task 4 supporting technology. Part 2: Detailed test plan for thermal seals. Thermal seals evaluation, improvement and test. CAN8-1, Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV), advanced technology demonstrator: X-33. Leading edge and seals thermal protection system technology demonstration

The objective is to develop the advanced thermal seals to a technology readiness level (TRL) of 6 to support the rapid turnaround time and low maintenance requirements of the X-33 and the future reusable launch vehicle (RLV). This program is divided into three subtasks: (1) orbiter thermal seals operation history review; (2) material, process, and design improvement; and (3) fabrication and evaluation of the advanced thermal seals.

Hogenson, P. A.↗

Design and Test Plans for a Non-Nuclear Fission Power System Technology Demonstration Unit

A joint National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Department of Energy (DOE) team is developing concepts and technologies for affordable nuclear Fission Power Systems (FPSs) to support future exploration missions. A key deliverable is the Technology Demonstration Unit (TDU). The TDU will assemble the major elements of a notional FPS with a non-nuclear reactor simulator (Rx Sim) and demonstrate system-level performance in thermal vacuum. The Rx Sim includes an electrical resistance heat source and a liquid metal heat transport loop that simulates the reactor thermal interface and expected dynamic response. A power conversion unit (PCU) generates electric power utilizing the liquid metal heat source and rejects waste heat to a heat rejection system (HRS). The HRS includes a pumped water heat removal loop coupled to radiator panels suspended in the thermal-vacuum facility. The basic test plan is to subject the system to realistic operating conditions and gather data to evaluate performance sensitivity, control stability, and response characteristics. Upon completion of the testing, the technology is expected to satisfy the requirements for Technology Readiness Level 6 (System Demonstration in an Operational and Relevant Environment) based on the use of high-fidelity hardware and prototypic software tested under realistic conditions and correlated with analytical predictions.

Mason, Lee↗

Urban Air Mobility Community Noise Test Planning

The term “Advanced Air Mobility” has been adopted by NASA to describe safe, sustainable, affordable, and accessible aviation for transformational local and intraregional missions. By this definition, Advanced Air Mobility includes both “rural” and “urban” applications including cargo and passenger transport missions, and other aerial missions (e.g., infrastructure inspection). There will be a range of aircraft types performing such missions, including small and medium Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), electric Conventional Takeoff and Landing (eCTOL) aircraft, and electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Urban Air Mobility (UAM) is a challenging use case for transporting cargo and passengers in an urban environment and is a new opportunity for aviation that could revolutionize the transportation system. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Noise Division of the Federal Aviation Administration Office of Environment and Energy have initiated discussions for planning UAM community noise test(s) at the end of this decade. This presentation discusses the test goals, candidate test objectives, and some of activities needed in preparation for the test(s). It also draws distinctions between the type of study envisioned (observational vs. staged), and between it and recent and planned studies on large fixed-wing transports and commercial supersonic transports.

urban air mobility↗

Goodrich Electro-Optical Systems AMSD Progress Update and Test Plans

The goal of the Advanced Mirror System Demonstrator (AMSD) program is to develop and demonstrate technology for low mass primary mirror systems that can be produced at low cost and with short manufacturing times. In addition, specific performance objectives must be demonstrated at ambient and cryogenic temperatures. The Goodrich approach for AMSD is based on a thin facesheet supported through an array of figure-control actuators by a passive, stiff reaction structure. The facesheet is fused silica figured to the desired sphere by a novel process referred to as Stressed Mirror Polishing and light-weighted by water jet milling. The mirror facesheet and the reaction structure are CTE-matched For cryogenic operation. Progress update on the design, the fabrication and the test plans, both ambient and cryogenic, will be presented.

Garcia, Enrique↗

Analysis and Optimization of Test Plans for Advanced Exploration Systems Reliability and Supportability

Future crewed exploration missions beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO) will operate farther from Earth and be logistically isolated for longer than any previous human spaceflight mission. Under these conditions, supportability and reliability willbestronger drivers of mission mass and risk than they have been in the past. Items with high failure rates, or uncertain failure rates, can result in high spares mass requirements and/or high risk on deep space missions. Testing is a critical element of system development which provides the opportunity to identify and resolve design issues, defects, or other failure modes before they cause problems during a mission. Reliability growth programs can reduce failure rates by identifying and remove failure modes via design changes, and long-duration life testing can provide valuable data to reduce failure rate estimate uncertainty and verify (to some level of confidence) that components are as reliable as expected. Testing activities take time and resources, however, and must be incorporated into program plans in order to be fully effective. This paper presents an integrated reliability test plan analysis and optimization methodology, which has been used to inform Advanced Exploration Systems (AES) Life Support Systems (LSS) ground test planning for future missions. The methodology determines the optimal number of test units to purchase and allocation of test time –split between reliability growth and uncertainty reduction testing –across a given set of items in order to minimize spares mass for a given mission under constraints on total test cost and schedule. Model outputs also include expected spares mass after testing and the expected number of modifications or refurbishments during testing, both of which can inform program planning. Discussion of the model, conclusions, and future work are also presented.

Testing↗

Analysis and Optimization of Test Plans for Advanced Exploration Systems Reliability and Supportability

Future crewed exploration missions beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO) will operate farther from Earth and be logistically isolated for longer than any previous human spaceflight mission. Under these conditions, supportability and reliability willbestronger drivers of mission mass and risk than they have been in the past. Items with high failure rates, or uncertain failure rates, can result in high spares mass requirements and/or high risk on deep space missions. Testing is a critical element of system development which provides the opportunity to identify and resolve design issues, defects, or other failure modes before they cause problems during a mission. Reliability growth programs can reduce failure rates by identifying and remove failure modes via design changes, and long-duration life testing can provide valuable data to reduce failure rate estimate uncertainty and verify (to some level of confidence) that components are as reliable as expected. Testing activities take time and resources, however, and must be incorporated into program plans in order to be fully effective. This paper presents an integrated reliability test plan analysis and optimization methodology, which has been used to inform Advanced Exploration Systems (AES) Life Support Systems (LSS) ground test planning for future missions. The methodology determines the optimal number of test units to purchase and allocation of test time –split between reliability growth and uncertainty reduction testing –across a given set of items in order to minimize spares mass for a given mission under constraints on total test cost and schedule. Model outputs also include expected spares mass after testing and the expected number of modifications or refurbishments during testing, both of which can inform program planning. Discussion of the model, conclusions, and future work are also presented.

Testing↗

Test plan. Task 5, subtask 5.2: Early on-orbit TPSdebris impact tests

The limitation of damage to, and survival of, the cryogenic tankage during the on-orbit stay despite potential impact of orbital debris, may be a significant discriminator in the RHCTS trade studies described in the TA-1 trade study plan (ref. RHCTS-TSP-1) dated July 29, 1994. The objective of this early phase of an overall debris impact test program is to provide the data to support assessment of the relative suitability of integral and non integral tanks.

Greenberg, H. S.↗

Manned remote work station development article. Volume 3: Development test plan. Appendix A: Manufacturing requirements/schedule

The tests and procedures for the manned remote work station (MRWS) open cherry picker (OCP) development test article (DTA) are described to validate systems requirements and performance specifications. A development test program is outlined to evaluate key design issues and man/machine interfaces when the MRWS OCP is used in a shuttle support role of satellite servicing and in orbit construction of large structures.

Source record↗

Firefighters' communication transceiver test plan

The requirements for the operational testing of the firefighters communication transceiver were identified. The major concerns centered around the integrity and reliability of the firefighter/microphone interface. The major concern about the radio hardware was that it be intrinsically safe in hazardous atmospheres and that the system not interfere with the fit or facial seal of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). The greatest concern for operational testing purposes as the reliability and clarity of the line of communication between the firefighter and those on the fireground with whom he must maintain contact. A desire to test any units developed in both training exercises and in real responses to hazardous material incidents was expressed. It is felt that a VOX-microphone built into the SCBA facemask gives the best performance. A voice-pickup product device which combines a bone conduction microphone and a speaker into a single ear mounted unit is examined.

Wallace, R. J.↗

ROSA and Solar Cell Module Combined Environments Test Plan

Roll-out solar array (ROSA) technology is an emerging component of the future of spacecraft photovoltaic power subsystems. Qualification and risk reduction testing are necessary to demonstrate design worthiness for spaceflight implementation of the array and solar cell modules. Maxar Space LLC and NASA have undertaken a rigorous combined environment (CE) test campaign for a ROSA design expected to be a part of the Power and Propulsion Element (PPE) for the NASA Gateway which will be an outpost orbiting the Moon. The CE tests consist of several simulated space environment exposures associated with the planned mission: UV radiation, electron/proton radiation, xenon ion plume exposures, and vacuum thermal cycling and electrostatic discharge (ESD). These tests are conducted on small coupons consisting of the planned ROSA flight elements, and all tests are performed at the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center. This paper discusses the test plan, requirements for each environment, and the functional testing performed. Of note is a new approach for the induced primary arc used in the ESD testing, which better simulates the plasma expansion during the ESD event. Progress on executing the test plan is presented.

Space Environments Effects Testing↗