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At least 145 records · Page 8

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NASA NTRS1991

Wind tunnel investigation of aerodynamic and tail buffet characteristics of leading-edge extension modifications to the F/A-18

The impact of leading-edge extension (LEX) modifications on aerodynamic and vertical tail buffet characteristics of a 16-percent scale F/A-18 model has been investigated in the NASA Langley 30-foot by 60-foot tunnel. Modifications under consideration include variations in LEX chord and span, addition of upper surface fences, and removal of the LEX. Both buffeting and high-angle-of-attack aerodynamics are found to be strongly dependent upon the LEX geometry, which directly influences the strength, position, and breakdown characteristics of the vortex flow field. Concepts aimed at influencing the development of vortical flow field are considered to have much greater potential in design application than those geared toward altering already established flow fields. It is recommended that configuration effects on structural and aerodynamic characteristics be evaluated in parallel, so that trade-off studies can be conducted to ensure adequate structural fatigue life and desired high-angle-of-attack stability and control characteristics in the design of future high performance aircraft.

Shah, Gautam H.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Modification Of A Communication Switch In A Helicopter

Report describes preliminary study of modification of electronic circuitry connected to communication-channel-selecting switches in AH-1 Cobra helicopter. Switches in question are foot switch and cyclic thumb-wheel switch mounted on joystick flight control. Modification enables pilots and other crewmembers to select radio channels or intercommunication with less diversion of attention from flight control and other critical tasks. Intended to enhance safety and performance in critical situations.

Haworth, Loran↗

NASA NTRS1992

Effects of surficial modification processes on thermal infrared signatures in the arid southwestern United States

Thermal infrared spectra from both laboratory and remote sensing instruments were used to distinguish different age lava flows with varying amounts of surficial modification at Cima and Lunar Crater volcanic fields. The modification processes affecting the lava flows cause spectral differences that can be seen in remotely sensed emittance spectra from the thermal infrared multispectral scanner. Important influences on the thermal infrared spectra include aeolian mantling, vegetation, lave flow roughness, and rock varnish. Laboratory thermal infrared reflectance spectra of the subaerially exposed surfaces of 1-15 cm basalt fragments at Cima volcanic field show a feature attributable to rock varnish on the younger flows (0.14-0.75 m.y.) that is lacking on the older flows (greater than 0.8 m.y.). This suggests that rock varnish is thinner on the older flows at Cima volcanic field. Scanning electron microscope images and thin sections of the different age flows at Cima volcanic field support the conclusion that rock varnish is thinner and may be eroding on the older flow surfaces.

Weitz, Catherine M.↗

NASA NTRS1992

The effects of inlet flow modification on cavitating inducer performance

This paper explores the effect of inlet flow modification on the cavitating and noncavitating performance of two cavitating inducers, one of simple helical design and the other a model of the low-pressure LOX pump in the Space Shuttle Main Engine. The modifications were generated by sections of honeycomb, both uniform and nonuniform. Significant improvement in the performance over a wide range of flow coefficients resulted from the use of either honeycomb section. Measurements of the axial and swirl velocity profiles of the flows entering the inducers were made in order to try to understand the nature of the inlet flow and the manner in which it is modified by the honeycomb sections.

Del Valle, J.↗

NASA NTRS1992

An experimental examination of the effects of incoming boundary layer modifications on the dynamics of a turbulent compression corner interaction

This experimental study examines the effects of modifications to the incoming turbulent boundary layer on the highly separated shock wave/boundary layer interaction generated by an unswept compression corner. Particular focus is placed on the motion of the unsteady separation shock wave. The flowfield was generated by a 28 deg ramp in a Mach 5 flow with a freestream Reynolds number of 50 x 10 exp 6/m. The incoming turbulent boundary layer transitioned naturally and developed under near-adiabatic wall conditions. Modification of the flow entering the interaction was effected through either a single plate boundary layer manipulator (BLM) or riblets. The BLM reduced the length of separation by 35-45 percent and reduced the streamwise extent of the separation shock motion by 36-74 percent. Examination of the flowfield downstream of the BLM showed this result to be due to the inviscid preturning of the flow by the BLM, and not by changes to the boundary layer dynamics. The riblets had no measurable effect on the compression corner interaction.

Mcclure, W. B.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Parameterized study of the ionospheric modification associated with sun-aligned polar cap arcs

The local ionospheric modification that is due to a generalized steady state solar aligned (SA) arc structure is addressed. For a representative set of SA arc parameters which includes both convection and precipitation, emphasis is placed on the modification by SA polar cap arcs upon the F region electron density and the height integrated conductivity. At low fluxes and low characteristic energies, SA polar cap arcs have the most pronounced relative effect at F region altitudes in darkness for winter solar minimum conditions. The absolute enhancement in summer solar minimum and winter solar maximum is equivalent to that of winter solar minimum, but the higher ambient densities make the relative enhancement less. The TEC enhancement associated with an SA arc may be used to indicate the degree of plasma cross flow across the arc.

Crain, D. J.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Topex Microwave Radiometer thermal control - Post-system-test modifications and on-orbit performance

The Topex Microwave Radiometer has had an excellent thermal performance since launch. The instrument, however, went through a hardware modification right before launch to correct for a thermal design inadequacy that was uncovered during the spacecraft thermal vacuum test. This paper reports on how the initially obscure problem was tracked down, and how the thermal models were revised, validated, and utilized to investigate the solution options and guide the hardware modification decisions. Details related to test data interpretation, analytical uncertainties, and model-prediction vs. test-data correlation, are documented. Instrument/spacecraft interface issues, where the problem originated and where in general pitfalls abound, are dealt with specifically. Finally, on-orbit thermal performance data are presented, which exhibit good agreement with flight predictions, and lessons learned are discussed.

Lin, Edward I.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Two leading-edge droop modifications for tailoring stall characteristics of a general aviation trainer configuration

The high-angle-of-attack testing intended to develop leading-edge modifications for tailoring the stall characteristics of model is described. Two different leading-edge modifications are considered: a small profile leading-edge droop on the outboard 24 percent of the wing and a large profile leading-edge droop on the outboard 50 percent of the wing. Results indicate that the longitudinal stability for the unmodified and both modified configurations was good for low angle of attack, but the modified configurations exhibited neutral longitudinal stability just prior to stall. The unmodified and both modified configurations demonstrated good lateral stability characteristics for low angles of attack, but all configurations were directionally unstable for high angles of attack.

Ross, Holly M.↗

NASA NTRS1945

Analysis and modification of theory for impact of seaplanes on water

An analysis of available theory on seaplane impact and a proposed modification thereto are presented. In previous methods the overall momentum of the float and virtual mass has been assumed to remain constant during the impact but the present analysis shows that this assumption is rigorously correct only when the resultant velocity of the float is normal to the keel. The proposed modification chiefly involves consideration of the fact that forward velocity of the seaplane float causes momentum to be passed into the hydrodynamic downwash (an action that is the entire consideration in the case of the planing float) and consideration of the fact that, for an impact with trim, the rate of penetration is determined not only by the velocity component normal to the keel but also by the velocity component parallel to the keel, which tends to reduce the penetration. Experimental data for planing, oblique impact, and vertical drop are used to show that the accuracy of the proposed theory is good.

Mayo, Wilbur L↗

NASA NTRS1950

Flight Investigation of the Effect of Various Vertical-Tail Modifications on the Directional Stability and Control Characteristics of a Propeller-Driven Fighter Airplane

A flight investigation was made to determine the effect of various vertical-tail modifications and of some combinations of these modifications on the directional stability and control characteristics of a propeller-driven fighter airplane. Six different vertical-tail configurations were investigated to determine the lateral-directional oscillation characteristics, the sideslip characteristics, the yaw due to ailerons in rudder-fixed rolls from turns and pull-outs, the trim changes due to speed changes, and the tim changes due to power changes. Results of the tests showed that increasing the aspect ratio of the vertical tail by 40 percent while increasing the area by only 12 percent approximately doubled the directional stability of the airplane. The pilots considered the directional characteristics of the airplane unsatisfactory with original vertical tail but satisfactory with the enlarged vertical tail. The ventral and dorsal fins tested had little effect on the directional stability of the airplane but were effective in eliminating rudder-force reversals in high-engine-power sideslips.

Johnson, Harold I↗

NASA NTRS1943

Flight Tests of Various Tail Modifications on the Brewster XSBA-1 Airplane II : Measurements of Flying Qualities with Tail Configuration Number Two

Several tail modifications of the Brewster XSBA-1 scout-bomber were investigated and results compared. Modifications consisted of variation of the chord of the elevator and rudder while the total area of the surfaces is kept constant and variations of the total area of the vertical tail surface. Configuration number 2 reduced trim changes by 50 percent and reduced average elevator control force gradient from 30 to 27 pounds/g. Stick travel required to stall in maneuver was 4.6 inches.

STABILITY & CONTROL - BREWSTER SBA-1↗

NASA NTRS1993

Elevation and igneous crater modification on Venus: Implications for magmatic volatile content

Although most impact craters on Venus preserve nearly pristine crater rim and ejecta features, a small number of craters have been identified showing clear evidence of either igneous intrusion emplacement (floor-fracturing) beneath the crater floor or of volcanically embayed exterior ejecta deposits. Since the volcanically embayed craters consistently occur at higher elevations than the identified floor-fractured craters, this report proposes that igneous crater modification on Venus is elevation dependent. This report describes how regional variations in magmatic neutral buoyancy could produce such elevation dependent crater modification and considers the implications for typical magmatic volatile contents on Venus.

Wichman, R. W.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Large floor-fractured craters and isostatic crater modification: Implications for lithospheric thickness on Venus

Several of the largest craters on Venus, including Mead, Meitner and Isabella, exhibit well-developed floor fracture patterns combining a central set of radial features with a peripheral set of concentric fractures. This pattern strongly resembles the fracture patterns observed in the largest floor-fractured craters on the Moon (e.g. Humboldt, Gauss, Petavius). Although most lunar floor-fractured craters apparently reflect crater modification by igneous intrusions and volcanism, we propose that the fractures in these larger craters represent domical flexure events in response to post-impact isostatic uplift. Since the extent of uplift and surface failure in this model depends on both the size of the basin cavity and the local lithospheric thickness, this interpretation also provides a means for constraining lithospheric thicknesses on Venus. Based on the apparent onset diameter of isostatic crater modification, we derive lithospheric thickness estimates for the Moon of approximately 80 - 100 km, and for Venus of approximately 50 - 70 km.

Wichman, R. W.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Measurement and modification of the EEG and related behavior

Electrophysiological changes in the sensorimotor pathways were found to accompany the effect of rhythmic EEG patterns in the sensorimotor cortex. Additionally, several striking behavioral changes were seen, including in particular an enhancement of sleep and an elevation of seizure threshold to epileptogenic agents. This raised the possibility that human seizure disorders might be influenced therapeutically by similar training. Our objective in human EEG feedback training became not only the facilitation of normal rhythmic patterns, but also the suppression of abnormal activity, thus requiring complex contingencies directed to the normalization of the sensorimotor EEG. To achieve this, a multicomponent frequency analysis was developed to extract and separate normal and abnormal elements of the EEG signal. Each of these elements was transduced to a specific component of a visual display system, and these were combined through logic circuits to present the subject with a symbolic display. Variable criteria provided for the gradual shaping of EEG elements towards the desired normal pattern. Some 50-70% of patients with poorly controlled seizure disorders experienced therapeutic benefits from this approach in our laboratory, and subsequently in many others. A more recent application of this approach to the modification of human brain function in our lab has been directed to the dichotomous problems of task overload and underload in the contemporary aviation environment. At least 70% of all aviation accidents have been attributed to the impact of these kinds of problems on crew performance. The use of EEG in this context has required many technical innovations and the application of the latest advances in EEG signal analysis. Our first goal has been the identification of relevant EEG characteristics. Additionally, we have developed a portable recording and analysis system for application in this context. Findings from laboratory and in-flight studies suggest that we will be able to detect appropriate changes in brain function, and feed this information to on-board computers for modification of mission requirements and/or crew status.

Sterman, M. B.↗

NASA NTRS1995

Thruster momentum transfer studies and magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) thruster use in materials/surface modification

This research project involves the systematic study of the MPD thruster for dual uses. Though it was designed as a thruster for space vehicles, the characteristics of the plasma make it an excellent candidate for industrial applications. This project will seek to characterize the system for use in materials processing and characterization. Crystals grown at Fisk University for use with solid state detectors will be studied. Surface modification on ZnCdTe, CdTe, and ZnTe will be studied using AFM, XPS and SAES. In addition to the surface modification studies, design work on a momentum transfer measurement device has been completed. The design and limitations of the device will be presented.

Thompson, E.↗

NASA NTRS1996

Texture Modification of the Shuttle Landing Facility Runway at the NASA Kennedy Space Center

This paper describes the test procedures and the selection criteria used in selecting the best runway surface texture modification at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) to reduce Orbiter tire wear. The new runway surface may ultimately result in an increase of allowable crosswinds for launch and landing operations. The modification allows launch and landing operations in 20-kt crosswinds if desired. This 5-kt increase over the previous 15-kt limit drastically increases landing safety and the ability to make on-time launches to support missions where space station rendezvous is planned.

Daugherty, Robert H.↗

NASA NTRS1996

Experimental Modification of Rat Pituitary Prolactin Cell Function During and After Spaceflight

Experimental modification of rat pituitary prolactin cell function during and after spaceflight. This study was done to evaluate the effects of microgravity on prolactin (PRL) cells of the male rat pituitary gland. We used the identical passive closed-vial cell culture system that was described for the culture of growth hormone cells (W C. Hymer, R. E. Grindeland, T. Salada, P. Nye, E. Grossman, and R Lane). After an 8-day spaceflight, all flight media (containing released PRL), as well as extracts (containing intracellular PRL), contained significantly lower amounts of immunoreactive PRL than their corresponding ground control samples. On the other hand, these same samples, when assessed for their biological activities by two different in vitro lymphocyte assays, yielded disparate results that may reflect posttranslational modifications to the hormone molecule. Other data showed that: (1) the apparent molecular weights of released PRL molecules were not altered by microgravity; but (2) the region from which the PRL cells came (dorsal or ventral) made a significant difference in the amount and activity of PRL released from the flight cells. Because there is much current interest in the role that PRL may play in the regulation of the immune system and because changes in both cellular and humoral immunity accompany spaceflight, this study could help define future microgravity research in this area.

Hymer, W. C.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Effects of Horizontal-Control Planform and Wing-Leading-Edge Modification on Low-Speed Longitudinal Aerodynamic Characteristics of a Canard Airplane Configuration

An investigation at low subsonic speeds has been conducted in the Langley 300-MPH 7- by 10-foot tunnel. The basic wing had a trapezoidal planform, an aspect ratio of 3.0., a taper ratio of 0.143, and an unswept 80-percent-chord line. Modifications to the basic wing included deflectable full-span and partial-span leading-edge chord-extensions. A trapezoidal horizontal control similar in planform to the basic wing and a 60 deg sweptback delta horizontal control were tested in conjunction with the wing. The total planform area of each horizontal control was 16 percent of the total basic-wing area. Modifications to these horizontal controls included addition of a full-span chord-extension to the trapezoidal planform and a fence to the delta planform.

Spencer, Bernard, Jr.↗