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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 1,441 records · Page 80
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1976

Data management system DIU test system

An operational and functional description is given of the data management system. Descriptions are included for the test control unit, analog stimulus panel, discrete stimulus panel, and the precision source. The mechanical configuration is defined and illustrated to provide card and component location for modification or repair. The unit level interfaces are mirror images of the DIU interfaces and are described in the Final Technical Report for NASA-MSFC contract NAS8-29155.

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NASA NTRS1975

Metal with a memory provides useful tool for Skylab astronauts

Extendible booms used to convey film cassettes weighing 56.7 kg (125 lb) between the Airlock Module and the Apollo Telescope Mount are described along with the dispensing mechanism. Problems encountered with the mechanism during the test program are discussed. These problems were mainly associated with operation in cold temperature, lubrication, and the motor/gearhead assembly. Another set of problems which arose during crew training in the MSFC water tank is also discussed.

Smith, G. A.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Payload/orbiter contamination control requirement study: Computer interface

The MSFC computer facilities, and future plans for them are described relative to characteristics of the various computers as to availability and suitability for processing the contamination program. A listing of the CDC 6000 series and UNIVAC 1108 characteristics is presented so that programming requirements can be compared directly and differences noted.

Bareiss, L. E.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Assessment of analytical and experimental techniques utilized in conducting plume technology tests 575 and 593

Since exhaust plumes affect vehicle base environment (pressure and heat loads) and the orbiter vehicle aerodynamic control surface effectiveness, an intensive program involving detailed analytical and experimental investigations of the exhaust plume/vehicle interaction was undertaken as a pertinent part of the overall space shuttle development program. The program, called the Plume Technology program, has as its objective the determination of the criteria for simulating rocket engine (in particular, space shuttle propulsion system) plume-induced aerodynamic effects in a wind tunnel environment. The comprehensive experimental program was conducted using test facilities at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center and Ames Research Center. A post-test examination of some of the experimental results obtained from NASA-MSFC's 14 x 14-inch trisonic wind tunnel is presented. A description is given of the test facility, simulant gas supply system, nozzle hardware, test procedure and test matrix. Analysis of exhaust plume flow fields and comparison of analytical and experimental exhaust plume data are presented.

Baker, L. R.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Space processing of chalcogenide glass

The manner in which the weightless, containerless nature of in-space processing can be successfully utilized to improve the quality of infrared transmitting chalcogenide glasses was investigated. The following conclusions were reached: (1) Laboratory experiments have established the techniques, processes and equipment necessary for the production of high purity chalcogenide glasses. (2) Processing techniques have been successfully adopted for Ge28Sb12Se60 glass in a 1-g environment. (3) The Ge28Sb12Se60 glasses that have been processed have optical transmission around 63% (5 mm thick). (4) Laboratory experiments have established that the use of precursor materials in powdered form increases the oxygen contamination of the processed glass. This indicates that high purity precursor materials in bar or pellet form should be used. (5) Modifications were made on the MSFC acoustic levitator in an attempt to improve levitation stability during long-time experiments. Room temperature experiments on As2S3 glasses and high temperature experiments on polystyrene were conducted.

Ali, M. A.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Evaluation of a method to shield a welding electron beam from magnetic interference

It is known that electron beams are easily deflected by magnetic and electrostatic fields. Therefore, to prevent weld defects, stray electromagnetic fields are avoided in electron beam welding chambers if at all possible. The successful results of tests conducted at MSFC to evaluate a simple magnetic shield made from steel tubing are reported. Tests indicate that this shield was up to 85 percent effective in reducing magnetic effects on the electron beam of a welding machine. In addition, residual magnetic fields within the shield were so nearly uniform that the net effect on the beam alignment was negligible. It is concluded that the shield, with the addition of a tungsten liner, could be used in production welding.

Wall, W. A.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Solar heating and cooling technical data and systems analysis

The acquisition and processing of selected parametric data for inclusion in a computerized Data Base using the Marshall Information Retrieval and Data System (MIRADS) developed by NASA-MSFC is discussed. This data base provides extensive technical and socioeconomic information related to solar energy heating and cooling on a national scale. A broadly based research approach was used to assist in the support of program management and the application of a cost-effective program for solar energy development and demonstration.

Christensen, D. L.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Evaluation of a high power inverter for potential space applications

The ADM-006 inverter discussed utilizes a unique method of using power switching circuits to produce three-phase low harmonic content voltages without any significant filtering. This method is referred to as the power center approach to inverter design and is explained briefly. The results are presented of tests performed by MSFC to evaluate inverter performance, especially when required to provide power to nonlinear loads such as half or full wave rectified loads with capacitive filtering. Test preocedures and results are described. These tests show that the power center inverter essentially met or exceeded all of claims excluding voltage regulation (3.9 percent versus specified 3.3 percent) and would be a good candidate for high power inverter applications such as may be found on Space Station, Spacelab, etc.

Guynes, B. V.↗
NASA NTRS1975

LST refurbishment and support

The Large Space Telescope (LST) is a Space Shuttle payload with relatively high reliability, but it will require maintenance support in order to meet the operational life requirement of 15 years. It was determined that it would be efficient and economical to support LST by having four limited inflight maintenance (IFM) missions and three ground refurbishments. The IFM missions would include replacement of the four items with a limited operating life. The LST program would provide for a ground refurbishment every four years at a central payload depot. It was recommended that the depot should be located at MSFC and be manned by a permanent party which would be augmented on a temporary basis during LST refurbishments by engineering personnel from the LST contractors. Required spare parts would be acquired incrementally for the depot based on maximum refurbishment of repairable items.

Henschke, J.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Status of Marshall Space Flight Center solar house

The Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) solar facility is described herein, and test results obtained from late May 1974 to September 1974 are discussed. This facility was assembled to provide operational experience in the utilization of solar energy for heating and cooling buildings. The major subsystems are the solar collector, the energy storage tank, the simulated living space, the air conditioning and heating subsystems, and the controls. These subsystems are described with emphasis placed on major results and conclusions. A cursory evaluation of the system for cooling is given from energy and power consumption viewpoints. This data evaluation indicates the current system is capable of supplying 50 per cent of the thermal energy required to drive the air conditioner. A preliminary evaluation of winter data indicates that more than 90 per cent of the heating required can be provided by the solar system.

Humphries, W. R.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Space-based power conversion and power relay systems: Preliminary analysis of alternate systems

The results are presented of nine months of technical study of non-photovoltaic options for the generation of electricity for terrestrial use by satellite power stations (SPS). A concept for the augmentation of ground-based solar power plants by orbital sunlight reflectors was also studied. Three SPS types having a solar energy source and two which used nuclear reactors were investigated. Data derived for each included: (1) configuration definition, including mass statement; (2) information for use in environmental impact assessment; (3) energy balance (ratio of energy produced to that required to achieve operation), and (4) development and other cost estimates. Cost estimates were dependent upon the total program (development, placement and operation of a number of satellites) which was postulated. This postulation was based upon an analysis of national power capacity trends and guidelines received from MSFC.

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NASA NTRS1976

Studies of the exhaust products from solid propellant rocket motors

This study was undertaken to determine the feasibility of conducting environmental chamber tests on the physical processes which occur when a solid rocket motor exhaust mixes with the ambient atmosphere. Of particular interest was the interaction between hydrogen chloride, aluminum oxide, and water vapor. The program consisted of three phases: (1) building a small rocket motor and using it to provide the exhaust species in a controlled environment; (2) evaluating instruments used to detect and measure HCl concentrations and if possible determining whether the HCl existed in the gaseous state or as an acid aerosol; (3) monitoring a series of 6.4-percent scale space shuttle motor tests and comparing the results to the environmental chamber studies. Eighteen firings were conducted in an environmental chamber with the initial ambient relative humidity set at values from 29 to 100 percent. Two additional firings were made in a large shed, and four were made on an open concrete apron. Six test firings at MSFC were monitored, and the ground level concentrations are reported. Evidence is presented which shows that the larger Al2O3 (5 to 50 micrometers) particles from the rocket motor can act as condensation nuclei. Under appropriate ambient conditions where there is sufficient water vapor this results in the formation of an acid aerosol. Droplets of this acid were detected both in the environmental chamber and in the scaled shuttle engine tests.

Dawbarn, R.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Analytical study of electrical disconnect system for use on manned and unmanned missions

The program to survey existing electrical connector availability, and establish an optimum connector design for maintainable spacecraft substation interfaces is reported. Functional and operational requirements are given along with the results of the documentation survey, which disclosed that the MSFC series connectors have the preferred features of current connector technology. Optimum design concepts for EVA tasks, modules serviced by manipulators, and for manipulators independent of other servicing units are presented. It is concluded that separate connector designs are required for spacecraft replaceable modules, and for crewman EVA.

Rosener, A. A.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Investigations for the improvement of space shuttle main engine electron beam welding equipment

Progress made in the testing, evaluation, and correction of MSFC's 7.5 kW electron beam welder in support of space shuttle main engine component welding is summarized. The objective of this project was to locate and correct the deficiencies in the welder. Some 17 areas were deficient in the 7.5 kW ERI welding system and the associated corrective action was taken to improve its operational performance. An overall improvement of 20 times the original reliability was obtained at full rated capacity after the modifications were made.

Smock, R. A.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Rocket exhaust effluent modeling for tropospheric air quality and environmental assessments

The various techniques for diffusion predictions to support air quality predictions and environmental assessments for aerospace applications are discussed in terms of limitations imposed by atmospheric data. This affords an introduction to the rationale behind the selection of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)/Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) Rocket Exhaust Effluent Diffusion (REED) program. The models utilized in the NASA/MSFC REED program are explained. This program is then evaluated in terms of some results from a joint MSFC/Langley Research Center/Kennedy Space Center Titan Exhaust Effluent Prediction and Monitoring Program.

Stephens, J. B.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Earth orbital teleoperator manipulator system evaluation program

The operator's ability to perform five manipulator tip movements while using monoptic and stereoptic video systems was assessed. Test data obtained were compared with previous results to determine the impact of camera placement and stereoptic viewing on manipulator system performance. The tests were performed using the NASA MSFC extendible stiff arm Manipulator and an analog joystick controller. Two basic manipulator tasks were utilized. The minimum position change test required the operator to move the manipulator arm to touch a target contract. The dexterity test required removal and replacement of pegs.

Brye, R. G.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Solid rocket booster performance evaluation model. Volume 2: Users manual

This users manual for the solid rocket booster performance evaluation model (SRB-II) contains descriptions of the model, the program options, the required program inputs, the program output format and the program error messages. SRB-II is written in FORTRAN and is operational on both the IBM 370/155 and the MSFC UNIVAC 1108 computers.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1976

Small space station electrical power system design concepts

A small manned facility, i.e., a small space station, placed in earth orbit by the Shuttle transportation system would be a viable, cost effective addition to the basic Shuttle system to provide many opportunities for R&D programs, particularly in the area of earth applications. The small space station would have many similarities with Skylab. This paper presents design concepts for an electrical power system (EPS) for the small space station based on Skylab experience, in-house work at Marshall Space Flight Center, SEPS (Solar Electric Propulsion Stage) solar array development studies, and other studies sponsored by MSFC. The proposed EPS would be a solar array/secondary battery system. Design concepts expressed are based on maximizing system efficiency and five year operational reliability. Cost, weight, volume, and complexity considerations are inherent in the concepts presented. A small space station EPS based on these concepts would be highly efficient, reliable, and relatively inexpensive.

Jones, G. M.↗