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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
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2000

Microgravity Disturbance Characterization of the Quench Module Insert (QMI) Phase Change Device (PCD)

The Materials Science Research Facility (MSRF) is a multi-user, multi-purpose facility for materials science research. One experiment within the MSRF will be the Quench Module Insert (QMI), a high-temperature furnace with unique capabilities for processing different classes of materials. The primary functions of the QMI furnace are to melt, directionally solidify, and quench metallic samples, providing data to aid in understanding the effects of the microgravity environment on the characteristics of these processed metals. The QMI houses sealed individual sample ampoules containing material to be processed. Quenching of the samples in the QMI furnace is accomplished by releasing low-melting-point metallic shoes into contact with the outside of the sample ampoule, dissipating heat and cooling the sample inside. The impact from this method of quench will induce sample vibrations which could be large enough to adversely affect sample quality. Utilizing breadboard hardware, the sample quench sequence, releasing the shoes, was conducted. Data was collected from accelerometers located on the breadboard sample cartridge, indicating the maximum acceleration achieved by the sample. The primary objective of the test described in this presentation was to determine the acceleration imparted on the sample by the shoe contact. From this information, the science community can better assess whether this method of quench will allow them to obtain the data they need.

Gattis, Christy↗
NASA NTRS1986

Science Research Facilities - Versatility for Space Station

The Space Station Science Lab Module (SLM) and its interfaces are designed to minimize complexity and maximize user accommodations. The facilities provided encompass life sciences research, the control of external payloads, the servicing of customer equipment, and general scientific investigations. The SLM will have the unprecedented ability to diagnose, service, and replace equipment while in orbit. In addition, the SLM will have significant operational advantages over previous spacecraft in terms of available volume, power, and crew interaction possibilities.

Giannovario, J. A.↗
NASA NTRS1971

The George C. Marshall Space Flight Center's 14 by 14 Inch Trisonic Wind Tunnel Technical Handbook

This report is a description of the 14 x l4-Inch Trisonic Wind Tunnel facility at the Marshall Space Flight Center and is published as a handbook for the potential user of the facility who is not otherwise familiar with its operation. The following items are presented to illustrate the capabilities and operation of the tunnel: (1) facility description, (2) performance and operational characteristics, (3) model design, (4) instrumentation and data recording equipment, (5) data processing and presentation, and (6) preliminary test information required.

Simon, Erwin↗
NASA NTRS2005

Fluids and Combustion Facility: Combustion Integrated Rack Modal Model Correlation

The Fluids and Combustion Facility (FCF) is a modular, multi-user, two-rack facility dedicated to combustion and fluids science in the US Laboratory Destiny on the International Space Station. FCF is a permanent facility that is capable of accommodating up to ten combustion and fluid science investigations per year. FCF research in combustion and fluid science supports NASA's Exploration of Space Initiative for on-orbit fire suppression, fire safety, and space system fluids management. The Combustion Integrated Rack (CIR) is one of two racks in the FCF. The CIR major structural elements include the International Standard Payload Rack (ISPR), Experiment Assembly (optics bench and combustion chamber), Air Thermal Control Unit (ATCU), Rack Door, and Lower Structure Assembly (Input/Output Processor and Electrical Power Control Unit). The load path through the rack structure is outlined. The CIR modal survey was conducted to validate the load path predicted by the CIR finite element model (FEM). The modal survey is done by experimentally measuring the CIR frequencies and mode shapes. The CIR model was test correlated by updating the model to represent the test mode shapes. The correlated CIR model delivery is required by NASA JSC at Launch-10.5 months. The test correlated CIR flight FEM is analytically integrated into the Shuttle for a coupled loads analysis of the launch configuration. The analysis frequency range of interest is 0-50 Hz. A coupled loads analysis is the analytical integration of the Shuttle with its cargo element, the Mini Payload Logistics Module (MPLM), in the Shuttle cargo bay. For each Shuttle launch configuration, a verification coupled loads analysis is performed to determine the loads in the cargo bay as part of the structural certification process.

McNelis, Mark E.↗
NASA NTRS2003

The Low Temperature Microgravity Physics Facility: Progress and Status

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is developing the Low Temperature Microgravity Physics Facility (LTMPF). The LTMPF is a multiple user and multiple flight facility that will provide a long duration low temperature environment for performing state of the art experiments at the International Space Station (ISS). During each mission, two distinct primary experiments will be accommodated. Secondary experiments utilizing the hardware built for the primary experiments will also be accommodated during each mission. Over the past year, much progress has occurred on the LTMPF as the flight hardware has started to be built. Also, many changes have occurred. Last summer, the initial flight of the LTMPF was delayed until early 2008 by a 2-year slip in the delivery of the Japanese Experiment Module (KIBO) Exposed Facility of the ISS, where the LTMPF will be attached when it flies. Finally, the experiments that will fly as part of the first mission have been changed so that one Gravitational and Relativistic experiment and one Low Temperature Condensed Matter experiment will fly on each flight of the LTMPF. Therefore, the experiments that will fly on the initial mission of the LTMPF will be DYNAMX and the Superconducting Microwave Oscillator Experiment (SUMO).

Larson, Melora↗
NASA NTRS1975

Digital image processing

The Federal Systems Division of IBM has developed an image processing facility to experimentally process, view, and record digital image data. This facility has been used to support LANDSAT digital image processing investigations and advanced image processing research and development. A brief description of the facility is presented, some techniques that have been developed to correct the image data are discussed, and some results obtained by users of the facility are described.

Bernstein, R.↗
NASA NTRS2009

Integration of Weather Data into Airspace and Traffic Operations Simulation (ATOS) for Trajectory- Based Operations Research

Explicit integration of aviation weather forecasts with the National Airspace System (NAS) structure is needed to improve the development and execution of operationally effective weather impact mitigation plans and has become increasingly important due to NAS congestion and associated increases in delay. This article considers several contemporary weather-air traffic management (ATM) integration applications: the use of probabilistic forecasts of visibility at San Francisco, the Route Availability Planning Tool to facilitate departures from the New York airports during thunderstorms, the estimation of en route capacity in convective weather, and the application of mixed-integer optimization techniques to air traffic management when the en route and terminal capacities are varying with time because of convective weather impacts. Our operational experience at San Francisco and New York coupled with very promising initial results of traffic flow optimizations suggests that weather-ATM integrated systems warrant significant research and development investment. However, they will need to be refined through rapid prototyping at facilities with supportive operational users We have discussed key elements of an emerging aviation weather research area: the explicit integration of aviation weather forecasts with NAS structure to improve the effectiveness and timeliness of weather impact mitigation plans. Our insights are based on operational experiences with Lincoln Laboratory-developed integrated weather sensing and processing systems, and derivative early prototypes of explicit ATM decision support tools such as the RAPT in New York City. The technical components of this effort involve improving meteorological forecast skill, tailoring the forecast outputs to the problem of estimating airspace impacts, developing models to quantify airspace impacts, and prototyping automated tools that assist in the development of objective broad-area ATM strategies, given probabilistic weather forecasts. Lincoln Laboratory studies and prototype demonstrations in this area are helping to define the weather-assimilated decision-making system that is envisioned as a key capability for the multi-agency Next Generation Air Transportation System [1]. The Laboratory's work in this area has involved continuing, operations-based evolution of both weather forecasts and models for weather impacts on the NAS. Our experience has been that the development of usable ATM technologies that address weather impacts must proceed via rapid prototyping at facilities whose users are highly motivated to participate in system evolution.

Peters, Mark↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Analyzing Launch Operations using the Spaceport Throughput Analysis Resource (STAR)

NASA’s Kennedy Space Center (KSC) and Cape CanaveralSpace Force Station (CCSFS) are the world’s preeminent multi-user spaceport, providing facilities and launch capabilities to the agency, NASA’s commercial partners, and other government agencies. KSC works to ensure an environment in which NASA’s programs and other users can safely and effectively carry out their operations. Approximately 100 launches are expected to take place in 2024. KSC needs to meet the needs of customers who request launches based on their own schedules, but who may not be aware of KSC-wide resource limitations and external constraints on launch operations. KSC-wide resources include telecommunications, range tracking, commodities such as Helium and Nitrogen, and special equipment needed to support launches. External constraints include seasonal launch operations. Since space vehicles are complex and launch operations are uncertain, unexpected events can also cause delays in operations. The Spaceport Throughput AnalysisResource (STAR) assesses whether a specific set of pro-posed launches and associated activities can be performed given the resources KSC currently has available, and external constraints imposed on KSC operations. STAR integrates short-horizon scheduling and simulation of launches using a monte-carlo approach driven by configurable probabilities of different classes of event outcomes, including de-lays and worst-case use of resources. The resulting analyses inform stakeholders of key constraints preventing customers from being able to perform their missions as desired, and give insight into how to improve spaceport throughput. The rest of the paper is organized as follows. In 2 we de-scribe the problem STAR is intended to solve. In Section3 we formally describe the scheduling problem ingredients. In Section 4 we describe how manifests are simulated. InSection 5 we describe the constraints problem that is solved when rescheduling. In Section 6 we describe what information is recorded during manifest simulation in order to evaluate delays. In Section 7 we describe the specific problem solved for KSC. In Section 8 we describe the challenges of knowledge engineering for STAR.

Planning Scheduling Analysis↗
NASA NTRS1976

The solar physics Shuttle/Spacelab program and its relationship to studies of the flare build-up

The main phase of solar physics (including flare-buildup) research on Shuttle/Spacelab during the 1980s centers around the use of facility instruments for multiple-user, multiple flight operations. Three main facilities are being considered: a meter-class optical telescope for visible and near-UV wavelengths, an EUV/XUV/soft X-ray facility, and a hard X-ray imaging facility (including a full-sun 5-600 keV spectrometer, a nuclear gamma ray spectrometer, and an X-ray polarimeter for the 5-100 keV range). Smaller instruments designed for specific observations and other classes of instruments such as solar monitors that are not on the facility level are also being considered.

Neupert, W. M.↗
NASA NTRS2002

The low temperature microgravity physics facility

The Low Temperature Microgravity Physics Facility currently in the design phase is a multiple user and multiple flight facility intended to provide a long duration low temperature environment onboard the International Space Station.

microgravity physics facility↗
NASA NTRS2002

The Low Temperature Microgravity Physics Facility

The Low Temperature Microgravity Physics Facility currently in the design phase is a multiple user and multiple flight facility intended to provide a long duration low temperature environment onboard the International Space Station.

microgravity physics facility↗
NASA NTRS1973

An analytical investigation of acquisition techniques and system integration studies for a radar aircraft guidance research facility, phase 2

A review of user requirements and updated instrumentation plans are presented for the aircraft tracking and guidance facility at NASA Wallops Station. User demand has increased as a result of new flight research programs; however, basic requirements remain the same as originally reported. Instrumentation plans remain essentially the same but with plans for up- and down-link telemetry more firm. With slippages in the laser acquisition schedule, added importance is placed on the FPS-16 radar as the primary tracking device until the laser is available. Limited simulation studies of a particular Kalman-type filter are also presented. These studies simulated the use of the filter in a helicopter guidance loop in a real-time mode. Disadvantages and limitations of this mode of operation are pointed out. Laser eyesafety calculations show that laser tracking of aircraft is readily feasible from the eyesafety viewpoint.

Thompson, W. S.↗
NASA NTRS2003

The Fluids Integrated Rack and Light Microscopy Module Integrated Capabilities

The Fluids Integrated Rack (FIR), a facility class payload, and the Light Microscopy Module (LMM), a subrack payload, are scheduled to be launched in 2005. The LMM integrated into the FIR will provide a unique platform for conducting fluids and biological experiments on ISS. The FIR is a modular, multi-user scientific research facility that will fly in the U.S. laboratory module, Destiny, of the International Space Station (ISS). The first payload in the FIR will be the Light Microscopy Module (LMM). The LMM is planned as a remotely controllable, automated, on-orbit microscope subrack facility, allowing flexible scheduling and control of fluids and biology experiments within the FIR. Key diagnostic capabilities for meeting science requirements include video microscopy to observe microscopic phenomena and dynamic interactions, interferometry to make thin film measurements with nanometer resolution, laser tweezers for particle manipulation, confocal microscopy to provide enhanced three-dimensional visualization of structures, and spectrophotometry to measure photonic properties of materials. The LMM also provides experiment sample containment for frangibles and fluids. This paper will provide a description of the current FIR and LMM designs, planned capabilities and key features. In addition a brief description of the initial five experiments planned for LMM/FIR will be provided.

Motil, Susan M.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Numerical Aerodynamic Simulation Program

Report describes developments that occurred at National Aerodynamics Simulation (NAS) facility at Ames Research Center during years 1987 and 1988. Begins with description of NAS processing network, which is large network of computers. Followed by summary of early achievements of program and advanced features of network, including installation of supercomputers, installation of standard operating system and communication software on all processors, accessibility to users at remote facilities across United States, and emphasis on development of graphics workstations to display results of numerical simulation.

Bailey, F. R.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Low cost data distribution

The paper examines some of the technology developments which are needed to bridge the gap between research and development and the operational data distribution needs of the user community. In the short term (1978-1985), the data distribution technology activities will be concerned with the distribution needs of the user spacecraft, the central ground facility, the regional data center, and the user terminals. In the long term (1985-2000), the data distribution activities will place emphasis on those technology areas which are required for the user community to interact directly with a spacecraft to obtain processed data. User applications by government and private organizations are discussed, as are future low-cost distribution scenarios.

Catoe, C. E.↗