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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

Thermoradiative Arrays: A New Technology for Conversion of Heat into Electrical Power

The thermoradiative cell is a recently developed solid-state device for generating electrical power from heat energy. Thermoradiative arrays could be used as the conversion technology for production of electrical power from thermal sources such as nuclear reactors or radioisotope heat sources in space. The technology has the potential for efficient conversion compared to existing technologies used for space, but as yet is in a low state of development, with considerable work to be done. A roadmap of key research needs is given.

heat into electrical power↗

New Technologies From NASA's FireSense Technology Program

NASA Wildland Fire Initiative - NASA’s Wildland Fire Initiative, is a NASA-wide effort focused on delivering NASA’s unique science and technological capabilities to operational agencies, striving towards measurable improvements in US wildland fire management. - The initiative involves the Science Mission Directorate (SMD), Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD), the Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD), including the Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) program. - NASA works with interagency partners such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service (USFS), the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the National Interagency Fire Center, and commercial partners.

FireSense↗

Progress report - Advanced cryogenic OTV engine technology

New technologies for space-based, reusable, throttleable, cryogenic orbit transfer propulsion are being evaluated. A variable-thrust (200 to 3000 lbF), 2000 psi chamber pressure, LO2/LH2 engine has been selected to demonstrate the 20-hour, 500-restart life goal, and a specific impulse in excess of 480 lbF-sec/lbM. The results of recent vehicle-engine integration analyses and the progress in design, fabrication, and testing are provided. Emphasis is placed on the following technology areas being investigated in support of the advanced engine design: LOX hydrostatic bearings; burn-resistant materials for high-pressure GOX turbines and valves; high surface-low flux annular combustion chambers for the dual propellant expander cycle; improved cooling approaches for high-pressure combustion chambers, new concepts in integrated controls; and engine health diagnostics.

Schoenman, L.↗

Future Civil Aircraft and Technologies

New aircraft technologies are presented that have the potential to expand the air transportation system and reduce congestion through new operating capabilities while also providing greater levels of safety and environmental compatibility. These new capabilities will result from current and planned civil aeronautics technology at the NASA Ames, Lewis, and Langley Research Centers and will cover the complete spectrum of current aircraft and new vehicle concepts including rotorcraft (helicopters and tilt rotors), vertical and short takeoff and landing (V/STOL), and short takeoff and landing (STOL) aircraft, subsonic transports, high-speed transports, and hypersonic/transatmospheric vehicles. New technologies will improve efficiency, affordability, safety, and environmental compatibility of current aircraft and will enable the development of new transportation system. The new capabilities of vehicles could lead to substantial market opportunities and economic growth and could improve the competitive position of the U.S. aerospace industry.

Albers, J.↗

Modular, Cost-Effective, Extensible Avionics Architecture for Secure, Mobile Communications

Current onboard communication architectures are based upon an all-in-one communications management unit. This unit and associated radio systems has regularly been designed as a one-off, proprietary system. As such, it lacks flexibility and cannot adapt easily to new technology, new communication protocols, and new communication links. This paper describes the current avionics communication architecture and provides a historical perspective of the evolution of this system. A new onboard architecture is proposed that allows full use of commercial-off-the-shelf technologies to be integrated in a modular approach thereby enabling a flexible, cost-effective and fully deployable design that can take advantage of ongoing advances in the computer, cryptography, and telecommunications industries.

Ivancic, William D.↗

Modular, Cost-Effective, Extensible Avionics Architecture for Secure, Mobile Communications

Current onboard communication architectures are based upon an all-in-one communications management unit. This unit and associated radio systems has regularly been designed as a one-off, proprietary system. As such, it lacks flexibility and cannot adapt easily to new technology, new communication protocols, and new communication links. This paper describes the current avionics communication architecture and provides a historical perspective of the evolution of this system. A new onboard architecture is proposed that allows full use of commercial-off-the-shelf technologies to be integrated in a modular approach thereby enabling a flexible, cost-effective and fully deployable design that can take advantage of ongoing advances in the computer, cryptography, and telecommunications industries.

Ivancic, William D.↗

Technological advances for studying human behavior

Technological advances for studying human behavior are noted in viewgraph form. It is asserted that performance-aiding systems are proliferating without a fundamental understanding of how they would interact with the humans who must control them. Two views of automation research, the hardware view and the human-centered view, are listed. Other viewgraphs give information on vital elements for human-centered research, a continuum of the research process, available technologies, new technologies for persistent problems, a sample research infrastructure, the need for metrics, and examples of data-link technology.

Roske-Hofstrand, Renate J.↗

Eighth Goddard Conference on Mass Storage Systems and Technologies in Cooperation with the Seventeenth IEEE Symposium on Mass Storage Systems

This document contains copies of those technical papers received in time for publication prior to the Eighth Goddard Conference on Mass Storage Systems and Technologies which is being held in cooperation with the Seventeenth IEEE Symposium on Mass Storage Systems at the University of Maryland University College Inn and Conference Center March 27-30, 2000. As one of an ongoing series, this Conference continues to provide a forum for discussion of issues relevant to the management of large volumes of data. The Conference encourages all interested organizations to discuss long term mass storage requirements and experiences in fielding solutions. Emphasis is on current and future practical solutions addressing issues in data management, storage systems and media, data acquisition, long term retention of data, and data distribution. This year's discussion topics include architecture, future of current technology, new technology with a special emphasis on holographic storage, performance, standards, site reports, vendor solutions. Tutorials will be available on stability of optical media, disk subsystem performance evaluation, I/O and storage tuning, functionality and performance evaluation of file systems for storage area networks.

Kobler, Benjamin↗

A Method for Designing Conforming Folding Propellers

As the aviation vehicle design environment expands due to the in flux of new technologies, new methods of conceptual design and modeling are required in order to meet the customer's needs. In the case of distributed electric propulsion (DEP), the use of high-lift propellers upstream of the wing leading edge augments lift at low speeds enabling smaller wings with sufficient takeoff and landing performance. During cruise, however, these devices would normally contribute significant drag if left in a fixed or windmilling arrangement. Therefore, a design that stows the propeller blades is desirable. In this paper, we present a method for designing folding-blade configurations that conform to the nacelle surface when stowed. These folded designs maintain performance nearly identical to their straight, non-folding blade counterparts.

Litherland, Brandon L.↗

JPL Technology Readiness Assessment Guideline

New capabilities in spaceflight missions are enabled by new technologies. Transitioning new technology to spaceflight elements is difficult and introduces risk, but finding the right balance between benefit and risk leads to scientific advancements and novel space missions. A clear understanding of the risks of new technology can create an environment where innovation is nurtured rather than avoided. The Technology Readiness Level (TRL) was developed as a metric for the maturity of new technology, but, in the past, assessing the TRL was often done informally and inconsistently. This frequently led to discrepancies between the TRL as perceived by the technologist and that perceived by a project. JPL has developed a guideline for their projects to provide a basis for a consistent Technology Readiness Assessment (TRA). Highlights of this guideline are presented here. It is anticipated that the implementation of this guideline will enable the hand-off from technologists to project engineers leading to greater acceptance of technologies by flight projects. On completion of a satisfactory TRA, an agreement can be made between the parties on the maturation plan required for successful infusion of the technology into a flight mission.

Frerking, Margaret A.↗

NASA’s Optical Communications Programs

The way we communicate in space and how we stay connected on Earth is experiencing a change: while we traditionally use radio frequency communication methods from satellites to ground stations, there is a growing interest in laser communication connections back to Earth, but also in the space environment. Meanwhile, the need for higher data rates also push for a shift in the use of frequency bands, with new bands such as high-power KA, KU, Q and V being developed.These changes require new technologies and new issues need to be addressed. Bringing together satellite operators, satellite manufacturers, and component suppliers, this panel will discuss the following questions and topics: (1)New technology requirements for different communication bands: from antennas to optimized ground systems; (2) New technology challenges when implementing new communication systems: from smaller spaces, to 'noise on the line' and radiation issues; (4) How can we leverage safely what is already out there?; (5) How to ensure communication system resiliency and security?

Edwards, Bernard L.↗