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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 1,279 records · Page 71
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1974

Thermoelectric Outer Planets Spacecraft (TOPS) electronic packaging and cabling development summary report

Electronic packaging and cabling activities performed in support of the Thermoelectric Outer Planets Spacecraft (TOPS) Advanced Systems Technology (AST) project are detailed. It describes new electronic compartment, electronic assembly, and module concepts, and a new high-density, planar interconnection technique called discrete multilayer (DML). Development and qualification of high density cabling techniques, using small gage wire and microminiature connectors, are also reported.

Dawe, R. H.↗
NASA NTRS1975

A distributed data base management system

Major system design features of a distributed data management system for the NASA Deep Space Network (DSN) designed for continuous two-way deep space communications are described. The reasons for which the distributed data base utilizing third-generation minicomputers is selected as the optimum approach for the DSN are threefold: (1) with a distributed master data base, valid data is available in real-time to support DSN management activities at each location; (2) data base integrity is the responsibility of local management; and (3) the data acquisition/distribution and processing power of a third-generation computer enables the computer to function successfully as a data handler or as an on-line process controller. The concept of the distributed data base is discussed along with the software, data base integrity, and hardware used. The data analysis/update constraint is examined.

Bryan, A. I.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Program planning, chapter 5, part D

Recommendations for future activities necessary to support satellite microwave sensing are reported. Areas covered include component development, data processing, calibration, design and fabrication of multifrequency systems, and experimental test programs to establish interactions of electromagnetic waves and sensed parameters.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1976

Utilization of the AEDC three-dimensional potential flow computer program

A potential flow computer program which has been in use for several years, was discussed. This program has been used primarily as a tool for flow-field analysis in support of test activities in transonic wind tunnels. Analyses have been made over a Mach number range from 0 to 0.9 for a variety of configurations from aircraft to wind tunnels, with excellent agreement between calculated flow fields and measured wind tunnel data. Analytical and experimental data for seven different flow analysis problems are presented in this paper.

Palko, R. L.↗
NASA NTRS1976

LS-44: An improved deep space network station location set for Viking navigation

Improved estimates for the spin axis and longitude components of the Deep Space Network station locations were obtained from post-flight processing of radio metric data received from various Mariner planetary missions. The use of an upgraded set of ionospheric calibrations and the incorporation of near-Venus and near-Mercury radio metric data from the Mariner 10 spacecraft are the principal contributing effects to the improvement. These new estimates, designated Location Set (LS) 44, have supported Viking navigation activities in the vicinity of Mars. As such, the station locations were determined relative to the planetary positions inherent in JPL Development Ephemeris (DE) 84, which was used throughout the Viking mission. The article also presents and discusses a version of LS 44 based upon the latest planetary ephemeris, DE 96.

Koble, H. M.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Instrumentation and data acquisition systems

A comprehensive and integrated measurement system was identified and a design and development effort initiated to meet the criteria imposed by the National Transonic Facility operating environment. Specific measurement areas receiving concentrated attention include: data acquisition, force measurement, pressure instrumentation, flow visualization techniques, model attitude and model deformation measurement, and temperature measurement. The NTF instrument complex will be centered around four 32-bit, 1-microsecond-cycle-time central processing units connected in a multipoint-distributed network configuration. The principal activities to be supported by these computers are: (1) data base management and processing; (2) research measurement data acquisition and display; (3) tunnel and model control; and (4) process monitoring and communication control. The distributed network approach was chosen to modularize the functional software into definable and implementable parts by the various groups involved in the design and to permit use of similar hardware configurations to improve reliability and maintainability.

Guarino, J. F.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Spacelab environmental control system

This paper describes the NASA/MSFC thermal control activities performed in support of the European design and development of the Spacelab environmental control system (ECS) and the integration of the ECS with experiments and with the Shuttle Orbiter. Thermal interfaces with the Orbiter are reviewed, including payload bay temperature profiles for the long module and pallet Spacelab configuration for the on-orbit mission phase. Thermal designs and predicted thermal performance are also reviewed for the module air cooling systems and specific experiment interfaces, such as the experiment dedicated heat exchanger and rack cooling.

Mitchell, K. L.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Designing structures for large space systems

A questionnaire was compiled to identify technology deficiencies and point to research and development activities required in support of the large space structures program. Problem areas identified in setting criteria for such structures include improved flightworthiness, satisfying cost constraints, assessing new loads and environments, improved mission performance and life, and preservation of the ecology.

Christensen, R. H.↗
NASA NTRS1979

A cesium TELEC experiment at Lewis Research Center

The thermoelectronic laser energy converter (TELEC), was studied as a method of converting a 10.6 mm CO2 laser beam into electric power. The calculated characteristics of a TELEC seem to be well matched to the requirements of a spacecraft laser energy conversion system. The TELEC is a high power density plasma device which absorbs an intense laser beam by inverse bremsstrahlung with the plasma electrons. In the TELEC process, electromagnetic radiation is absorbed directly in the plasma electrons producing a high electron temperature. The energetic electrons diffuse out of the plasma striking two electrodes which are in contact with the plasma at the boundaries. These two electrodes have different areas: the larger one is designated as the collector, the smaller one is designated as the emitter. The smaller electrode functions as an electron emitter to provide continuity of the current. Waste heat is rejected from the collector electrode. An experiment was carried out with a high power laser using a cesium vapor TELEC cell with 30 cm active length. Laser supported plasma was produced in the TELEC device during a number of laser runs over a period of several days. Electric power from the TELEC was observed with currents in the range of several amperes and output potentials of less than 1 volt. The magnitudes of these electric outputs were smaller than anticipated but consistent with the power levels of the laser during this experiment.

Britt, E. J.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Development of CO2 laser Doppler instrumentation for detection of clear air turbulence, volume 1

Modification, construction, test and operation of an advanced airborne carbon dioxide laser Doppler system for detecting clear air turbulence are described. The second generation CAT program and those auxiliary activities required to support and verify such a first-of-a-kind system are detailed: aircraft interface; ground and flight verification tests; data analysis; and laboratory examinations.

Harris, C. E.↗
NASA NTRS1981

The Manned Space Platform as an evolutionary means to achieve a permanent manned orbital operations facility

An evolutionary approach to permanently manned on-orbit facilities is discussed, and it is noted that the Science and Applications Manned Space Platform, which is the first step in this evolution, can be based primarily on existing and currently planned hardware. It is shown how by upgrading the systems capabilities of the Spacelab modules, the platform can be reconfigured to provide a permanent manned research and operations facility. The facility can grow in size and capability to accommodate increases in user requirements, more experiment modules, and larger crews and to provide additional power and heat rejection. It is noted that the Growth-Permanently Manned Facility can be used for science activities and/or to support various operations functions such as space construction, servicing and maintaining space systems, and vehicle assembly.

Schwartz, J. M.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Reliability validation of systems for life-critical applications

A framework is proposed which addresses traditional reliability validation approaches consisting of life testing techniques which are inapplicable for digital flight control systems. A specific validation methodology is identified based on logical proofs, analytical modeling, and experimental testing. Research activities required to support continued development of validation technology are identified, and the validation procedure is driven by the reliability model obtained from the system description. The analytical reliability model is shown to be a proper abstraction of the system under consideration, and a proof of correctness of system design and system scheduler performance is proposed.

Trivedi, K. S.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Materials processing in space bibliography

Literature dealing with flight experiments utilizing a low gravity environment to elucidate and control various processes or with ground based activities that provide supporting research is listed. Included are Government reports, contractor reports, conference proceedings, and journal articles. Subdivisions of the bibliography include the five categories: crystal growth; metals, alloys, and composites, fluids and transport; glasses and ceramics; and Ultrahigh Vacuum and Containerless Processing Technologies, in addition to a list of patents and a compilation of anonymously authored collections and reports and a cross reference index.

Pentecost, E.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Recommended satellite imagery capabilities for disaster management

This study explores the role that satellite imaging systems might play in obtaining information needed in the management of natural and manmade disasters. Information requirements which might conceivably be met by satellite were identified for over twenty disasters. These requirements covered pre-disaster mitigation and preparedness activities, disaster response activities, and post-disaster recovery activities. The essential imaging satellite characteristics needed to meet most of the information requirements are 30 meter (or finer) spatial resolution, frequency of observations of one week or less, data delivery times of one day or less, and stereo, synoptic all-weather coverage of large areas in the visible, near infrared, thermal infrared and microwave bands. Of the current and planned satellite systems investigated for possible application to disaster management, Landsat-D and SPOT appear to have the greatest potential during disaster mitigation and preparedness activities, but all satellites studied have serious deficiencies during response and recovery activities. Several strawman concepts are presented for a satellite system optimized to support all disaster management activities.

Richards, P. B.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Status of thermoelectronic laser energy conversion, TELEC

A concept known as a thermo-electronic laser energy converter (TELEC), was studied as a method of converting a 10.6 micron CO2 laser beam into electric power. The calculated characteristics of a TELEC seem to be well matched to the requirements of a spacecraft laser energy conversion system. The TELEC is a high power density plasma device which absorbs an intense laser beam by inverse bremsstrahlung with the plasma electrons. In the TELEC process, electromagnetic radiation is absorbed directly in the plasma electrons producing a high electron temperature. The energetic electrons diffuse out of the plasma striking two electrodes which are in contact with the plasma at the boundaries. These two electrodes have different areas: the larger one is designated as the collector, the smaller one is designated as the emitter. The smaller electrode functions as an electron emitter provide continuity of the current. Waste heat is rejected from the collector electrode. An experiment was carried out with a high power laser using a cesium vapor TELEC cell with 30 cm active length. Laser supported plasma were produced in the TELEC device during a number of laser runs over a period of several days. Electric power from the TELEC was observed with currents in the range of several amperes and output potentials of less than 1 volt.

Britt, E. J.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Materials processing in space bibliography, 1983, revised

Flight experiments utilizing a low gravity environment to elucidate and control various processes, or ground based activities that provide supporting research are compiled. Six major categories: crystal growth; solidification of metals, alloys, and composites; fluids, transports, and chemical processes; glasses and ceramics; ultrahigh vacuum and containerless processing technologies; and combustion are included. A list of patents and appendices providing a compilation of anonymously authored collections and reports and a cross reference index are included.

Pentecost, E.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Large Horizontal-Axis Wind Turbines

The proceedings of a workshop held in Cleveland, July 28-30, 1981 are described. The workshop emphasized recent experience in building and testing large propeller-type wind turbines, expanding upon the proceedings of three previous DOE/NASA workshops at which design and analysis topics were considered. A total of 41 papers were presented on the following subjects: current and advanced large wind turbine systems, rotor blade design and manufacture, electric utility activities, research and supporting technology, meteorological characteristics for design and operation, and wind resources assessments for siting.

Thresher, R. W.↗