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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 145 records · Page 8

Microwave scanning beam landing system compatibility and performance: Engineering analyses 75-1 and 75-2

The microwave scanning beam landing system (MSBLS) is the primary position sensor of the Orbiter's navigation subsystem during the autoland phase of the flight. Portions of the system are discussed with special emphasis placed on potential problem areas as referenced to the Orbiter's mission. Topics discussed include system compatability, system accuracy, and expected RF signal levels. A block and flow diagram of MSBLS system operation is included with a list of special tests required to determine system performance.

Source record↗

Hardware simulation of KU-band spacecraft receiver and bit synchronizer, phase 2, volume 1

The acquisition behavior of the PN subsystem of an automatically acquiring spacecraft receiver was studied. A symbol synchronizer subsystem was constructed and integrated into the composite simulation of the receiver. The overall performance of the receiver when subjected to anomalies such as signal fades was evaluated. Potential problems associated with PN/carrier sweep interactions were investigated.

Lindsey, W. C.↗

Radio and EUV observations of a coronal hole

Current ideas and modeling assumptions concerning the structure of the transition region and corona are summarized. Observations of a specific coronal hole are reported which were made with the EUV spectroheliometer aboard Skylab and with high-resolution radio telescopes in Australia and West Germany. Theoretical EUV line intensities and radio brightness temperatures are calculated, and an attempt is made to analyze the observations on the basis of standard one-dimensional plane-parallel hydrostatic-equilibrium models for the transition region and corona. It is found that any given standard model predicts either higher radio brightnesses or lower EUV line intensities than are observed. Several potential problem areas are examined in order to resolve this conflict. It is concluded that a model involving departures from hydrostatic equilibrium, varying conductive flux, mass outflow, as well as effects of thermal diffusion and nonequilibrium ionization should be investigated in more detail.

Dulk, G. A.↗

Alternative fuels

Potential problems related to the use of alternative aviation turbine fuels are discussed and both ongoing and required research into these fuels is described. This discussion is limited to aviation turbine fuels composed of liquid hydrocarbons. The advantages and disadvantages of the various solutions to the problems are summarized. The first solution is to continue to develop the necessary technology at the refinery to produce specification jet fuels regardless of the crude source. The second solution is to minimize energy consumption at the refinery and keep fuel costs down by relaxing specifications.

Grobman, J. S.↗

Analysis of data systems requirements for global crop production forecasting in the 1985 time frame

Data systems concepts that would be needed to implement the objective of the global crop production forecasting in an orderly transition from experimental to operational status in the 1985 time frame were examined. Information needs of users were converted into data system requirements, and the influence of these requirements on the formulation of a conceptual data system was analyzed. Any potential problem areas in meeting these data system requirements were identified in an iterative process.

Downs, S. W.↗

Evaluation of the SSRCT engine with a hydrazine as a fuel, phase 1

The performance parameters for the space shuttle reaction control thruster (SSRCT) when the fuel is changed from monomethylhydrazine to hydrazine were predicted. Potential problems are higher chamber wall temperature during steady state operation and explosive events during pulse mode operation. Solutions to the problems are suggested. To conduct the analysis, a more realistic film cooling model was devised which considers that hydrazine based fuels are reactive when used as a film coolant on the walls of the combustion chamber. Hydrazine based fuels can decompose exothermally as a monopropellant and also enter into bipropellant reactions with any excess oxidizer in the combustion chamber. It is concluded that the conversion of the thruster from MMH to hydrazine fuel is feasible but that a number of changes would be required to achieve the same safety margins as the monomethylhydrazine-fueled thruster.

Minton, S. J.↗

Carbon fiber study

A coordinated Federal Government action plan for dealing with the potential problems arising from the increasing use of graphite fiber reinforced composite materials in both military and civilian applications is presented. The required dissemination of declassified information and an outline of government actions to minimize the social and economic consequences of proliferated composite materials applications were included.

Source record↗

Effects of inlet airframe integration on the inlet of an upper surface blowing four-engine STOL aircraft

Inlet and nacelle static pressures were measured on a 0.55-scale model of the Quiet Short-Haul Research Airplane (QSRA) in the Ames Research Center's 40- by 80-Foot Wind Tunnel. This model is powered by four JT-15D engines located above the wing with closely spaced adjacent inlets. A fifth JT-15D engine in the fuselage provides boundary-layer control air. Each inlet was instrumented with four to eight rows of axial pressure taps located between X/R approximately plus or minus 1. The tests simulated a broad range of aircraft operating conditions, including engine-out, with lift coefficients from 0.8 to 10.0. Results indicate that the inlets perform well under most operating conditions with little interaction between inlets when the aircraft is moving. Potential problem areas identified are high sideslip angle during approach and an interaction effect between adjacent inlets with high mass flows in static conditions.

Shovlin, M. D.↗

Results of piloted simulator studies of fighter aircraft at high angles of attack

The experience gained at the NASA Langley Research Center during the application of simulator techniques to high angle of attack flight conditions for several current fighters is discussed. The discussion includes (1) the simulator hardware, (2) requirements for static and dynamic aerodynamic data inputs, (3) evaluation procedures, (4) correlation with flight, and (5) the effects of dynamic stability parameters. Results obtained with the simulator technique have correlated well with flight test experience, resulting in early identification of potential problems, identification of critical flight conditions, and solutions to various deficiencies in stability and control characteristics. Dynamic stability parameters, results indicate that certain parameters can have a large influence on the flying qualities and tactical effectiveness of fighters at high angles of attack.

Chambers, J. R.↗

Global disaster satellite communications system for disaster assessment and relief coordination

The global communication requirements for disaster assistance and examines operationally feasible satellite system concepts and the associated system parameters are analyzed. Some potential problems associated with the current method of providing disaster assistance and a scenario for disaster assistance relying on satellite communications are described. Historical statistics are used with the scenario to assess service requirements. Both present and planned commercially available systems are considered. The associated global disaster communication yearly service costs are estimated.

Leroy, B. E.↗

NASA PERT time II

Program Evaulation and Review Technique (PERT) is disciplined management technique involving computer processing. NASA PERT Time 11 gives project manager insight into current and future project development and forewarns of potential problems. Program utilizes modular technique. Module is "fragnet"; once aspects of project are described in terms of fragnets, control network is automatically generated. Program is written in FORTRAN IV and OS Assembler for batch execution and has been implemented on IBM 370.

Bainbridge, R. C.↗

Photovoltaic power system reliability considerations

An example of how modern engineering and safety techniques can be used to assure the reliable and safe operation of photovoltaic power systems is presented. This particular application is for a solar cell power system demonstration project designed to provide electric power requirements for remote villages. The techniques utilized involve a definition of the power system natural and operating environment, use of design criteria and analysis techniques, an awareness of potential problems via the inherent reliability and FMEA methods, and use of fail-safe and planned spare parts engineering philosophy.

Lalli, V. R.↗

Fire test method for graphite fiber reinforced plastics

A potential problem in the use of graphite fiber reinforced resin matrix composites is the dispersal of graphite fibers during accidential fires. Airborne, electrically conductive fibers originating from the burning composites could enter and cause shorting in electrical equipment located in surrounding areas. A test method for assessing the burning characteristics of graphite fiber reinforced composites and the effectiveness of the composites in retaining the graphite fibers has been developed. The method utilizes a modified rate of heat release apparatus. The equipment and the testing procedure are described. The application of the test method to the assessment of composite materials is illustrated for two resin matrix/graphite composite systems.

Bowles, K. J.↗

The pointable multispectral linear array system and the large format camera for early 1980 shuttle payloads

Design options are described for the multispectral linear arrays which will provide data and facilities beyond those obtained by LANDSAT 1, 2, 3, and D (the thematic mapper) are considered. The features, uses, and risks of a 10M fine resolution pointable imager, a 15M/30M dual resolution pointable imager, a 30M selectable spectral resolution pointing imager, a 30M electronically pointable multi-temporal sampler, and a 40M/80M mixed resolution imager are described. A large format camera scheduled for 1981 shuttle launch which can obtain high spatial ground resolution (approximately 10M), a relative position accuracy of plus or minus 14M, and a relative heightening accuracy, by virtue of stereographic coverage, of between 7 and 28M depending on the base-to-height ratio used. A potential problem of the system is that it will orbit in the shuttle.

Slater, P. N.↗

Evaluation of KU-band SPA and EA-1 software, task no. 2

The software for selected space shuttle components are examined for potential problem areas and possible suboptimal coding techniques. Errors discovered in the procedure termination routine are discussed. The technique used to store status flags is found not to be as efficient as possible, from both the standpoints of memory usage and processing time. Self-test routines are examined with the intent of providing a more detailed description of multiplexer/demultiplexer and display and control outputs. An example of a reconfiguration is presented with a block diagram to indicate the critical paths. A cross-reference table of status flags is given to aid in tracing the functional activity of software modules.

Dobbs, J.↗

Field verification of lateral-torsional coupling effects on rotor instabilities in centrifugal compressors

Lateral and torsional vibration data obtained on a centrifugal compressor train which had shaft instabilities and gear failures is examined. The field data verifies that the stability of centrifugal compressors can be adversely affected by coincidence of torsional natural frequencies with lateral instability frequencies. The data also indicates that excitation energy from gear boxes can reduce stability margins if energy is transmitted either laterally or torsionally to the compressors. The lateral and torsional coupling mechanisms of shaft systems is discussed. The coupling mechanisms in a large industrial compressor train are documented and the potential effect on rotor stability is demonstrated. Guidelines are set forth to eliminate these potential problems by minimizing the interaction of torsional and lateral responses and their effect on rotor stability.

Wachel, J. C.↗

Fire test method for graphite fiber reinforced plastics

A potential problem in the use of graphite fiber reinforced resin matrix composites is the dispersal of graphite fibers during accidental fires. Airborne, electrically conductive fibers originating from the burning composites could enter and cause shorting in electrical equipment located in surrounding areas. A test method for assessing the burning characteristics of graphite fiber reinforced composites and the effectiveness of the composites in retaining the graphite fibers has been developed. The method utilizes a modified Ohio State University Rate of Heat Release apparatus. The equipment and the testing procedure are described. The application of the test method to the assessment of composite materials is illustrated for two resin matrix/graphite composite systems.

Bowles, K. J.↗

Improved fiber retention by the use of fillers in graphite fiber/resin matrix composites

A potential problem in the use of graphite fiber reinforced resin matrix composites is the dispersal of graphite fiber during accidental fires. Airborne electrically conductive fibers originating from burning composites could enter and cause shorting in electrical equipment located in surrounding areas. A variety of matrix fillers have been tested for their ability to prevent loss of fiber from graphite fiber/PMR polyimide and graphite fiber/epoxy composites in a fire. The fillers tested included powders of boron, boron carbide (B4C), lime glass, lead glass, and aluminum. Of these fillers, boron was the most effective and prevented any loss of graphite fiber during burning. Mechanical properties of composites containing boron filler were measured and compared to those of composite containing no filler.

Gluyas, R. E.↗