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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 1,477 records · Page 82

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NASA NTRS1981

The small community solar thermal power experiment. Parabolic dish technology for industrial process heat application

Aspects of incorporating a thermal energy transport system (ETS) into a field of parabolic dish collectors for industrial process heat (IPH) applications were investigated. Specific objectives are to: (1) verify the mathematical optimization of pipe diameters and insulation thicknesses calculated by a computer code; (2) verify the cost model for pipe network costs using conventional pipe network construction; (3) develop a design and the associated production costs for incorporating risers and downcomers on a low cost concentrator (LCC); (4) investigate the cost reduction of using unconventional pipe construction technology. The pipe network design and costs for a particular IPH application, specifically solar thermally enhanced oil recovery (STEOR) are analyzed. The application involves the hybrid operation of a solar powered steam generator in conjunction with a steam generator using fossil fuels to generate STEOR steam for wells. It is concluded that the STEOR application provides a baseline pipe network geometry used for optimization studies of pipe diameter and insulation thickness, and for development of comparative cost data, and operating parameters for the design of riser/downcomer modifications to the low cost concentrator.

Polzien, R. E.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Market assessment of photovoltaic power systems for agricultural applications worldwide

Agricultural sector PV market assessments conducted in the Phillippines, Nigeria, Mexico, Morocco, and Colombia are extrapolated worldwide. The types of applications evaluated are those requiring less than 15 kW of power and operate in a stand alone mode. The major conclusions were as follows: PV will be competitive in applications requiring 2 to 3 kW of power prior to 1983; by 1986 PV system competitiveness will extend to applications requiring 4 to 6 kW of power, due to capital constraints, the private sector market may be restricted to applications requiring less than about 2 kW of power; the ultimate purchase of larger systems will be governments, either through direct purchase or loans from development banks. Though fragmented, a significant agriculture sector market for PV exists; however, the market for PV in telecommunications, signalling, rural services, and TV will be larger. Major market related factors influencing the potential for U.S. PV Sales are: lack of awareness; high first costs; shortage of long term capital; competition from German, French and Japanese companies who have government support; and low fuel prices in capital surplus countries. Strategies that may aid in overcoming some of these problems are: setting up of a trade association aimed at overcoming problems due to lack of awareness, innovative financing schemes such as lease arrangements, and designing products to match current user needs as opposed to attempting to change consumer behavior.

Cabraal, A.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Reversible loss of gravitropic sensitivity in maize roots after tip application of calcium chelators

The application of calcium chelating agents (EDTA or EGTA) to the tips of maize roots caused a loss of gravitropic sensitivity. When the chelator was replaced with calcium chloride, gravitropic sensitivity was restored. Asymmetric application of calcium chloride near the tip of a vertical root caused curvature toward the calcium source. When the calcium was applied to the upper surface of the tip of a root oriented horizontally, the root curved upward even though control roots exhibited strong downward curvature. Application of calcium chloride to the tips of decapped roots, which are known to be gravitropically insensitive, did not restore gravitropic sensitivity. However, asymmetric application of calcium chloride near the tips of decapped roots caused curvature toward the calcium source. Calcium may play a key role in linking gravity detection to gravitropic curvature in roots.

Lee, J. S.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Application and enhancements of MOVIE.BYU

MOVIE.BYU (MOVIE.BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY) is a system of programs for the display and manipulation of data representing mathematical, architectural, and topological models in which the geometry may be described in terms of panel (n-sided polygons) and solid elements or contour lines. The MOVIE.BYU system has been used in a series of applications of LaRC. One application has been the display, creation, and manipulation of finite element models in aeronautic/aerospace research. These models have been displayed on both vector and color raster devices, and the user has the option to modify color and shading parameters on these color raster devices. Another application involves the display of scalar functions (temperature, pressure, etc.) over the surface of a given model. This capability gives the researcher added flexibility in the analysis of the model and its accompanying data. Limited animation (frame-by-frame creation) has been another application of MOVIE.BYU in the modeling of kinematic processes in antenna structures.

Gates, R. L.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Analysis of estimation algorithms for CDTI and CAS applications

Estimation algorithms for Cockpit Display of Traffic Information (CDTI) and Collision Avoidance System (CAS) applications were analyzed and/or developed. The algorithms are based on actual or projected operational and performance characteristics of an Enhanced TCAS II traffic sensor developed by Bendix and the Federal Aviation Administration. Three algorithm areas are examined and discussed. These are horizontal x and y, range and altitude estimation algorithms. Raw estimation errors are quantified using Monte Carlo simulations developed for each application; the raw errors are then used to infer impacts on the CDTI and CAS applications. Applications of smoothing algorithms to CDTI problems are also discussed briefly. Technical conclusions are summarized based on the analysis of simulation results.

Goka, T.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Technology and Economics, Inc. Technology Application Team

Technology + Economics, Inc. (T+E), under contract to the NASA Headquarters Technology Transfer Division, operates a Technology Applications Team (TATeam) to assist in the transfer of NASA-developed aerospace technology. T+E's specific areas of interest are selected urban needs at the local, county, and state levels. T+E contacts users and user agencies at the local, state, and county levels to assist in identifying significant urban needs amenable to potential applications of aerospace technology. Once viable urban needs have been identified in this manner, or through independent research, T+E searches the NASA technology database for technology and/or expertise applicable to the problem. Activities currently under way concerning potential aerospace applications are discussed.

Ballard, T.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Spray applicator for spraying coatings and other fluids in space

A self contained spray application is developed for one handed operation in a zero gravity vacuum environment by a free flying astronaut not attached to any spacecraft. This spray applicator eliminates contamination of the operator by back spray. This applicator includes a rigid accumulator containment of a fluid within a flexible bladder the fluid being urged out of the accumulator under pressure through a spray gun. The spray gun includes a spring loaded lockable trigger which controls a valve. When in an open position, the fluid passes through the valve into the ambient environment in the form of a spray. A spray shield is provided which directs the flow of the spray from the applicator by trapping errant particles of spray yet allowing the passage of escaping gases through its material.

Kuminecz, J. F.↗

NASA NTRS1986

The suitability of various spacecraft for future space applications missions

The Space Applications Advisory Committee (SAAC) of NASA's Advisory Council was asked by the Associate Administrator for Space Science and Applications to consider the most suitable future means for accomplishing space application missions. To comply with this request, SAAC formed a Task Force whose report is contained in this document. In their considerations, the Task Force looked into the suitability of likely future spacecraft options for supporting various types of application mission payloads. These options encompass a permanent manned space station, the Space Shuttle operating in a sortie mode, unmanned platforms that integrate a wide variety of instruments or other devices, and smaller free fliers that accommodate at most a few functions. The Task Force also recognized that the various elements could be combined to form a larger space infrastructure. This report summarizes the results obtained by the Task Force. It describes the approach utilized, the findings and their analysis, and the conclusions.

Mathews, C. W.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Applications of tethers in space: A review of workshop recommendations

Well-organized and structured efforts of considerable magnitude involving NASA, industry, and academia have explored and defined the engineering and technological requirements of the use of tethers in space and have discovered their broad range of operational and economic benefits. The results of these efforts have produced a family of extremely promising candidate applications. The extensive efforts now in progress are gaining momentum and a series of flight demonstrations are being planned and can be expected to take place in a few years. This report provides an analysis and a review of NASA's second major workshop on Applications of Tethers in Space held in October 15 to 17, 1985, in Venice, Italy. It provides a summary of an up-to-date assessment and recommendations by the NASA Tether Applications in Space Program Planning Group, consisting of representatives of seven NASA Centers and responsible for tether applications program planning implementation as recommended by the workshop panels.

Vontiesenhausen, G.↗

NASA NTRS1985

A new look at arbitrary motion unsteady aerodynamics and its application to rotary-wing aeroelasticity

Research on arbitrary motion unsteady aerodynamics, emphasizing applications to rotary wing aeroelastic problems, is reviewed. Generalization of Greenberg's theory and its application to hingeless rotor aeroelastic stability; a technique for formulating finite state approximations to unsteady aerodynamic theories, suitable for fixed and rotary-wing applications, and its application to generalize Loewy's theory; comparison of fixed wing and rotary wing indicial response functions; influence of arbitrary motion aerodynamics, as represented by dynamic inflow on a helicopter in ground resonance; and comparison of dynamic inflow with arbitrary motion unsteady airfoil aerodynamics are covered.

Friedmann, P. P.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Practical applications of Landsat data

Some practical applications of Landsat MSS and TM data are discussed, including renewable resource inventory and monitoring; water resources inventory and assessment; and urban land use analysis. Consideration is also given to the geological applications of Landsat MSS and TM data. These applications include: mapping major geological units; rock-type recognition; mapping volcanic surface deposits; and mapping linears. The TM and MSS spectral bands corresponding to the data applications are listed in a table.

Conner, P. K.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Advances in satellite sea surface temperature measurement and oceanographic applications

Satellite techniques for measurement of sea surface temperature (SST) are reviewed briefly, and a discussion of satellite SST applications and recent research in oceanography is provided. These applications include the areas of climate, mesoscale oceanography, and fisheries. Examples given focus mainly on the Pacific and California Current regions. Satellite SST data are currently used operationally for fisheries applications and, in conjunction with in situ data, are providing new insights into mesoscale oceanographic phenomena. Requirements for sensor precision and calibration accuracy are more stringent in air-sea interaction studies and climate research, thus satellite data have gained only qualified acceptance for these applications. Improvements in future satellite instruments, more comprehensive in situ sensor deployments, and better data management procedures should eventually satisfy most oceanography and climate SST requirements.

Njoku, E. G.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Technology status of tantalum alloys for space nuclear power applications

Tantalum alloys have a variety of properties which make them attractive candidates for application in nuclear power systems required to operate in space at elevated temperatures (1200 to 1600 K) for extended time periods. Most of the technology development on this class of alloys which is pertinent to space system application occurred during the 1960 to 1972 time period under NASA sponsorship. The most extensive data bases resulting from this earlier work were obtained on the alloys T-111 (Ta-8W-2Hf) and ASTAR 811C (Ta-8W-1Re-0.7Hf-0.025C). Emphasis in this paper is directed at the following technical factors: producibility, creep strength, weldability and compatibility. These factors are considered to be the most important elements in the selection of alloys for this application. Review of the available information indicates that alloys of this type are appropriate for application in many systems, particularly those utilizing alkali metals as the working fluid.

Hoffman, E. E.↗

NASA NTRS1985

A new look at arbitrary motion unsteady aerodynamics and its application to rotary-wing aeroelasticity

This paper presents in a unified manner recent research on arbitrary motion unsteady aerodynamics with an emphasis on applications to a number of rotary wing aeroelastic problems. The term arbitrary motion is used to denote growing or decaying oscillations with a certain frequency. The specific topics treated in this paper are: (1) generalization of Greenberg's theory and its application to hingeless rotor aeroelastic stability; (2) description of a new technique for formulating finite state approximations to unsteady aerodynamic theories, which are suitable for both fixed-wing and rotary-wing applications, and its application to generalize Loewy's theory; (3) comparison of fixed wing and rotary-wing indicial response functions; (4) influence of a arbitrary motion aerodynamics, as represented by dynamic inflow on a helicopter in ground resonance and (5) comparison of dynamic inflow with arbitrary motion unsteady airfoil aerodynamics. From the discussion of these topics a number of useful conclusions on the fundamental nature of arbitrary motion aerodynamics and its role in rotary-wing aeroelasticity are obtained.

Friedmann, P. P.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Application of optimization techniques to vehicle design: A review

The work that has been done in the last decade or so in the application of optimization techniques to vehicle design is discussed. Much of the work reviewed deals with the design of body or suspension (chassis) components for reduced weight. Also reviewed are studies dealing with system optimization problems for improved functional performance, such as ride or handling. In reviewing the work on the use of optimization techniques, one notes the transition from the rare mention of the methods in the 70's to an increased effort in the early 80's. Efficient and convenient optimization and analysis tools still need to be developed so that they can be regularly applied in the early design stage of the vehicle development cycle to be most effective. Based on the reported applications, an attempt is made to assess the potential for automotive application of optimization techniques. The major issue involved remains the creation of quantifiable means of analysis to be used in vehicle design. The conventional process of vehicle design still contains much experience-based input because it has not yet proven possible to quantify all important constraints. This restraint on the part of the analysis will continue to be a major limiting factor in application of optimization to vehicle design.

Prasad, B.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Intersatellite Link (ISL) application to commercial communications satellites. Volume 2: Technical final report

Intersatellite Link (ISL) applications can improve and expand communication satellite services in a number of ways. As the demand for orbital slots within prime regions of the geostationary arc increases, attention is being focused on ISLs as a method to utilize this resource more efficiently and circumvent saturation. Various GEO-to-GEO applications were determined that provide potential benefits over existing communication systems. A set of criteria was developed to assess the potential applications. Intersatellite link models, network system architectures, and payload configurations were developed. For each of the chosen ISL applications, ISL versus non-ISL satellite systems architectures were derived. Both microwave and optical ISL implementation approaches were evaluated for payload sizing and cost analysis. The technological availability for ISL implementations was assessed. Critical subsystems technology areas were identified, and an estamate of the schedule and cost to advance the technology to the requiered state of readiness was made.

Young, S. Lee↗

NASA NTRS1986

Naval applications of a TAE-derived executive

Global Imaging introduced an interactive image processing system in 1985, featuring the Global Applications Executive (GAE) which is a modified Transportable Applications Executive (TAE) environment. The executive plus a large variety of image processing functions, known commercially as the System 9000, are designed to operate on the Hewlett-Packard as its standard desktop computer (NSDTC), the System 9000 has found easy acceptance for Naval image processing applications. The Department of Oceanography at the Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland, has installed an NSDTC with an image processing upgrade. This interactive digital image processing workstation is used by the midshipmen and staff for training and research in remote sensing oceanography. The turn-key system provides the capability to process imagery from commonly used Earth observation spacecraft, in conjunction with in situ data sets. The Acoustic Group at the Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C. has acquired its first System 9000 to interactively process ocean acoustic data gathered by shipboard sensors. Finally, the Naval Oceanographic Facility in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi has acquired a System 9000 to provide a second generation Tactical Environmental Support System (TESS 2) prototype with image processing capabilities. This will permit merging of conventional data with polar orbiting spacecraft imagery. A brief description of these applications and the TAE-derived system is presented.

Guberek, Michael↗

NASA NTRS1987

Joining of ceramics for high temperature applications

Summarized is a literature survey of the methods for joining ceramics to ceramics or ceramics to metals for high temperature applications. Also mechanical properties and potential applications of the joints are considered. The joining of ceramics is usually carried out by brazing or diffusion bonding. Especially the latter has been found useful, increasing the application of bonded ceramics. The possibility of using electron beam and laser beam welding for joining ceramics has also recently been investigated. The bonding of ceramics has found numerous applications typical for high operating temperatures, i.e., sensors and thermocouples.

Vilpas, Martti↗